HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-16 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools R' C E { VE D
Reading, Massachusetts TOWN CLERK
I,EifiW IIN G, MASS.
Regular Meeting of the School Committee
Open Session 00 JUIL 5 P 2, 315
Date: June 16, 2008
Time: 8:45 p.m.
Place: School Committee Conference Room
School Committee Members Present
Lisa Gibbs
Elaine Webb
Karen Janowski
Chris Caruso
Chuck Robinson
David Michaud
Jesse Downing, Student Representative
Visitors
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
Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle Reporter
Steven Vittorioso, Reporter for the Reading Advocate
Mary Anne Lynn, RMHS Science Teacher
Mary Christine Dion, RMHS Spanish Teacher
Joe Finigan, RMHS Principal
Scott Dunlap, AU
Call to Order
Chairperson Robinson called the open session meeting to order at 8:45 p.m. He made some brief comments
about the communication of the mission statement, meeting etiquette, communication of the agenda,
announcement about the Reading Friends and Family Day on Saturday, Comcast meeting, the Special Town
Meeting, and subcommittee assignment information.
II Recommended Procedure
A. Public Input
No public input this evening.
B. Reports
1. Student
• Jesse Downing talked about the temperature control situation at RMHS
2. Liaison
Mrs. Gibbs talked about the following:
• Her attendance at the Fellowship Ceremony last week that honored
Superintendent Schettini
• Welcome activities for the new Birch Meadow Principal, Eric Sprung
`t
Mr. Robinson congratulated the Superintendent for completing the Fellowship.
June 16, 2008
Mrs. Webb reported on the Coolidge Science Olympiad Team at the National Science
Olympiad Competition from May 28-30.
3. Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Schettini reported on the following:
• The temperature control situation at RMHS
• The students who participated and won the Anti-Tobacco Contest
• The two RMHS students who won the Boston University College of Engineering
Design Competition
• The RMHS Graduation Ceremony that occurred on June 1st
4. Sub-Committee
There were no Sub-Committee Reports this evening.
C. Continued Business
1. Building Project Update
Scott Dunlap of AI3 gave an update of the Building Project. He discussed the following:
• The HVAC work that is continuing
• The Field Lighting installation
• The reinstallation of the track and completion date of track
• The track debris removal process
• The hydroseeding process in the front of the high school
D. New Business
1. Approval of Field Trip
RMHS student Ned Coltman, Mary Anne Lynn, and Mary Dion discussed the Honduras
trip that is being proposed for April, 2009.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the
proposed Reading Memorial High School field trip to Honduras in February 2009 outlined in
the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 10, 2008. Motion carries 6-0.
Superintendent Schettini presented a proposal for an RMHS trip to Italy in April, 2009.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the
proposed Reading Memorial High School field trip to Italy in April 2009 outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated June 10, 2008. Motion carries 6-0.
2. Superintendent's Evaluation
Mrs. Webb, the chair of the Superintendent's Evaluation Committee, gave a report of the
Superintendent's Evaluation and the process that was used. The report and the committee
gave several positive comments about the work that Superintendent Schettini does for the
district. Superintendent Schettini commended the work of the administration, teachers,
staff, and community for being committed to the mission.
June 16, 2008
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to approve the
Superintendent's evaluation for the school year 2007-2008 as presented at the June 16, 2008
School Committee meeting. Motion carries 6-0
Negotiation Agreements
Chairperson Robinson announced that the Reading School Committee has reached
tentative agreements with several bargaining units. He also discussed the cable television
agreements with Comcast.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Webb that the School
Committee needs and supports the provisions of Expanded Basic Cable TV service to all of the
school buildings in Reading as an essential educational and safety tool for the employees and
students of the Reading Public School System. Motion carries 6-0.
7 Mrs. Janowski that the School
(RCTV) by Comcast, matching similar funding by Verizon, for capital and operating purposes
Motion carries 6-0.
4. Donations
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept donation
to the RISE Preschool from the Mr. & Mrs. David LeConti to be used to support the
occupational and physical therapy services as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum
dated June 16, 2008. Motion carries 6-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to accept
donation the Birch Meadow PTO to support the purchase SMART boards as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated June 16, 2008. Motion carries 6-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to accept
donation the Barrows PTO to support the purchase SMART boards as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated June 16, 2008. Motion carries 6-0.
The committee voted on a motion by, seconded by, to accept donation the Joshua Eaton PTO to
support the purchase SMART boards as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated
June 16, 2008. Motion carries 6-0.
E. Routine Matters
1. Bills and Payroll
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve
the open session minutes of May 19, 2008. Motion approved 6-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve
the open session minutes of June 2, 2008. Motion approved 6-0.
June 16, 2008
III. Adjournment
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to adiourn.
Motion carries 6-0.
M ing djoumed at 10:00 p.m.
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools