The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2008-09-08 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools -iE G E I V E D Reading, Massachusetts h'N r HJIN , MASS. Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session , S"' "1 2 P 12: 1 Date: September 8, 2008 Time: 7:00 p.m. (New Teacher Reception) 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Coolidge Middle School Multipurpose Room School Committee Members Present Staff Members Present Lisa Gibbs Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools David Michaud John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Karen Janowski Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Chris Caruso Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb Visitors: Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle Reporter Steven Vittorioso, Reading Advocate Reporter Richard Davidson, Principal, Wood End Elementary School Karen Callan, Principal, Barrows Elementary School Eric Sprung, Principal, Birch Meadow Elementary School Patty deGaravilla, Principal, Joshua Eaton Elementary School Cathy Giles, Principal, Killam Elementary School Doug Lyons, Principal, Parker Middle School Craig Martin, Principal, Coolidge Middle School Joe Finigan, Principal Reading Memorial High School Adam Kingry, Assistant Principal, Parker Middle School Marie Pink, Assistant Principal, Coolidge Middle School Teachers new to the Reading Public School • Nina Balfe (Killam) • Michael Bernard (Coolidge) • Alicia Borseti (Wood End) • Erin Burchill (Killam) • Michelle Chiappini (RMHS) • Aaron Clark (Parker) • Christen DelRossi (Killam) • Leshia Duffy (Wood End) • Jaimee Feinberg (Coolidge) • Danielle Fennelly (Birch Meadow) • Keith Gaillard (Killam) • Courtney George (Wood End) • April Goran (RMHS) • Margaret Guilbert (Coolidge) • Mary Hetherton (Coolidge) • Elizabeth Hurley (Barrows) • Brian James (Parker 0 Jennifer MacDonougkHigh ~Chool) September 8, 2008 • Brian McVety (RMHS) • Julie Merrill (Parker) • Mark Nacht (Birch Meadow) • Jessica Ostuni (Killam) • Jessie Proulx (Killam) • Toni Ruocco (Killam) • Stephanie Scaglione (Coolidge) • Michael Springer (RMHS) • Christopher Thomas (RMHS) • Jacqueline Ullman (Wood End) • Stacey Walsh (Killam) • James Walsh (Parker) • Dana Wendel (Coolidge) I. Call to Order Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. He spoke on behalf of the committee and welcomed all of the new teachers to the Reading Public Schools. He briefly went over the agenda. Superintendent Schettini welcomed the new teachers. Each principal introduced their new staff to the Reading School Committee and the community. H. Recommended Procedure A. Public In put fI) No public input this evening. B. Reports (1 1. Student • Jesse Downing congratulated Kelsey Finigan and Nick Frias for putting together a very successful Freshman Orientation. He also announced that the first late start for the high school will be this Wednesday. 2. Liaison • Mr. Robinson thanked the community for their support during his family's recent loss. He also indicated that school committee members will be visiting the schools over the next few weeks. 3. Superintendent's Report • Superintendent Schettini reported on the following: 1. An extremely smooth opening to the start of the school year. 2. The inception of staff ID badges at all of the schools. There will be a report on the implementation of the Emergency Preparedness Grant later this fall. 3. An AYP status report of Parker Middle School and Killam Elementary School. • Director of Human Resource and Finance Director Mary DeLai gave an update of a very successful year long MUNIS implementation. She thanked everyone for their support and commended the school secretaries for their efforts in implementing the system. September 8, 2008 C 4. Sub-Committee • Mr. Caruso gave an update of the PR subcommittee. They will report back to the fall committee at the September 22"d School Committee Meeting. • Ms. Janowski reported on the following from the Human Relations Sub-Committee: 1. October 30th-Rachel's Challenge Event 2. The Citizen's Police Academy Continued Business 1. Initial Report on Capital Plan • Ms. DeLai and Mr. Huggins gave a presentation on the School and Town Facilities Capital Plan for FY2009-FY2018. Further discussion will occur at the September 22"d School Committee Meeting. 2. The committee had a discussion about a draft article that was recommended by Superintendent Schettini for the November Town Meeting. The proposed article stated the following: ARTICLE To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of making energy and similar improvements to Town owned buildings, including the costs of consulting services, audits, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools and the Town Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the School Committee, Board of Selectmen, Superintendent of Schools, Town Manager; or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said energy and similar improvements; and to authorize the Superintendent of Schools and/or the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect thereto. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to request that an article regarding the funding of energy improvements be placed on the November 2008 Town Meeting Warrant as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 8, 2008. Motion carries 6-0 D. New Business 1. Parker Field Trip • Principal Doug Lyons and Parker Grade 7 English Teachers Laura Warren and Donna Martinson gave a short presentation on the Parker Field Trip to the Mark Twain House. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to approve the proposed Parker Middle School field trip to the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, CT. in October 2008 outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 3, 2008. Motion approved 6-0 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 August 25, 2008 Motion approved 6-0-0 September 8, 2008 3. Bids and Donations The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept donation from the Coolidge PTO to support the purchase instructional technology as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 8, 2008. Motion carries 6- 0. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud to accept the donation of mint condition used office furniture from Carl McFadden and First Call Mortme as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 3, 2008. 4. Calendar F. Information • Mrs. Webb said that Steve Tringale will be presenting to the Selectmen tomorrow evening about the GIC. • Mr. Caruso stated that the first evening football game will be held on Friday evening. 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 at 9:15 p.m. -497-77, Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools