HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-22 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts TOW CLERK
READING, M A SS.
Regular Meeting of the School Committee
Open Session 2003 Noy I I P 12-' 29
Date: September 22, 2008
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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
Steven Vittorioso, Reading Advocate Reporter
Police Chief James Cormier
Emergency Preparedness Grant Project Director Frank Orlando
Selectman James Bonazoli
Finance Committee Member George Hines
Finance Committee Member Hal Torman
Finance Committee Member Barry Berman
Director of Facilities Joe Huggins
Assistant Director of Facilities Don Johnson
Facilities and Energy Services Manager D.J. Cacciapuotti
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:28 p.m. He welcomed the guests that
attended the meeting. He also reviewed the agenda.
II. Recommended Procedure
A. Public Input (P
Bill Brown commented that the first night football game was actually in 1931, not last Friday
evening. However, last Friday evening was the first night high school football game.
B. Reports I
1. Student
Jesse Downing reported on his trip to the Massachusetts State House with Mr. Schettini
and RMHS History Teacher D.J. Deeb on September 17tH
2. Liaison
• Mr. Robinson reported on the Finance Committee Meeting that he attended on
September 10th. He also talked about a meeting he had last week with students,
` faculty, and business representatives. He also commented on the school tours that
he has been going on with Mr. Schettini. He also commented on the plaque that the
Boosters presented last Friday evening at the first night football game.
September 22, 2008
• Mr. Michaud talked about the Finance Committee meeting that he attended on
September 10th. He also talked about his positive school tour experiences.
• Mrs. Webb discussed the report by Steve Tringale who presented on the GIC health
care at the Board of Selectman's Meeting. She also discussed an upcoming
discussion on school finance and readiness sponsored by MASC.
• Mr. Caruso discussed the Samantha's Harvest Golf Tournament that was held last
week. He also discussed a meeting that was held earlier in the evening of the Public
Relations Subcommittee.
3. Superintendent's Report
• Superintendent Schettini discussed his trip to the State House with faculty and
students. He also discussed the meeting he attending featuring business partner
PTC where students will be designing a plane. He also discussed the annual
Superintendent and Police Chief breakfast that he attended with Chief Cormier.
4. Sub-Committee
C. Continued Business
1. Approval of Capital Plan
• Joe Huggins and Mary DeLai answered any questions about the Capital Plan
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the
2009-2018 Capital Plan as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September
16, 2008. Motion carries 6-0.
2. Performance Contracting Overview
• Director of Human Resource and Finance Mary DeLai gave a presentation on
performance contracting.
D. New Business
1. School Safety Grant
• Frank Orlando, Rich Abate, and James Cormier gave an update of the Federal
Emergency Preparedness Grant and its impact on the schools.
2. AYP Presentation
• Assistant Superintendent John Doherty and Director of Pupil Services Colleen
Dolan gave a presentation on Adequate Yearly Progress
E. Routine Matters
1. Bills and Payroll (A)
2. Approval of Minutes
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve
the open session minutes of September 8, 2008. Motion approved 6-0-0.
September 22, 2008
3. Bids and Donations
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept a
donation from the Reading Technology Fund to support the purchase instructional
technology as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 22, 2008.
4. Calendar
F. Information
III. Adjournment
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to adiourn. Motion
carries 6-0-0.
IV. Future Business
Meeting adjourned :30 p.m.
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools