HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-03 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts ' `E
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Regular Meeting of the School Committee ~ Ulu, ri S s.
Open Session `111 JAN 23 A 11-- 31
Date: November 3, 2008
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session)
Place: Superintendent's Conference Room
School Committee Members Present
Lisa Gibbs
David Michaud
Karen Janowski
Chris Caruso
Chuck Robinson
Elaine Webb
Staff Members Present
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools
John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services
Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resource and Finances
Visitors: Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle Reporter
Bill Endslow, RMHS Fine Arts Department Chair
Joe Finigan, RMHS Principal
Kristin Morello, Director of Food Services
James Dwyer, Democratic Candidate for State Representative
Kristen DiGiovanni, Barrows Teacher, NSCD Leadership Cohort Student
Karen Feeney, Joshua Eaton Teacher, NSCD Leadership Cohort Student
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. He welcomed the guests that
attended the meeting. He also reviewed the agenda.
H. Recommended Procedure
A. Public Input (I)
B. Reports
1. Student
• Jesse Downing, the student representative, talked about the following:
1. The Student Council meeting attended by Superintendent Schettini
2. Fall National Honor Society Inductions
3. Attendance at the Expanding Boundaries class taught by Mr. Doherty
2. Liaison
• Chuck Robinson reported on the following:
1. The Rachel's Challenge presentation held at the.high school last week.
Elaine Webb talked about the following:
1. Rachel's Challenge
2. An open classroom series she attended at Northeastern where Paul Reville
spoke
• Lisa Gibbs reported on the following:
1. The first PAC meeting she attended as School Committee liaison.
November 3, 2008
3. Superintendent's Report
• Superintendent Schettini reported on the following:
1. A meeting he attended with area superintendents and the 21st Century Skills
Task Force.
2. Meeting he attended last week in Lynnfield where DESE Commissioner
Chester spoke.
3. The meetings he attended today as a member of the DESE School and District
Accountability and Assistance Advisory Committee.
4. Sub-Committee
1. Mr. Michaud reported on the recent meeting of the Naming Sub-Committee.
C. Continued Business
1. Mr. Endslow and Mr. Finigan recapped the Rachel's Challenge presentation and the next
steps in the Project Challenge initiative.
2. The School Committee continued the discussion on office hours. It was agreed that Mr.
Caruso would amend the guidelines and present at the Nov. 24th meeting.
3. Ms. DeLai updated the committee on the FY09 budget.
D. New Business
1. Food Services Update
• Director of Food Services Kristin Morello updated the committee on the happenings
in the Food Services Department.
- 2. Town Meeting Preparation
• Superintendent Schettini stated that he will unveil the district vision during his
State of the schools address.
• Warrant Article 9 - Performance Contracting was discussed.
E. Routine Matters
1. Bills and Payroll (A)
2. Approval of Minutes
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to approve the open
session minutes of October 20, 2008. Motion carries 6-0-0
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to approve the
Financial Forum minutes of October 15, 2008. Motion carries 6-0-0
3. Bids and Donations
Mr. Rob Gibbs, along with his children, Douglas, Alec and Samantha, presented the Reading Public
Schools with a donation from Samantha's Harvest to be used for inclusion training for regular and
special educators throughout the district.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Ms Webb, to to accept a donation
from Samantha's Harvest to be used to support programs for the Reading Public Schools as
outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated October 30, 2008 The vote was 5 - 0 -1
Mrs. Gibbs abstained.
November 3, 2008
4. Calendar
F. Information
III. Adjournment
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to adjourn Motion
carries 6-0-0.
IV. Future Business
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred
during th e t' g.
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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