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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-25 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: February 25, 2008 Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: School Committee Conference Room School Committee Members Present Staff Members Present Lisa Gibbs Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools Elaine Webb John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Karen Janowski Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Chris Caruso Chuck Robinson Brian Castelluccio (Student Representative) Visitors: Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle Reporter Steven Vittorioso, Reporter for the Reading Advocate 1. Call to Order School Committee Chair, Ms. Lisa Gibbs called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. and read the mission statement of the Reading Public Schools. Mrs. Gibbs indicated that Mr. Michaud was sick and would not be attending this evening. She also reviewed the agenda for the evening. IIA. Bills and Payroll Bills and payrolls were signed this evening. IIB. Citizen's Input No citizen's input for this evening. IIC. Gifts Superintendent Schettini reported on a gift that was received from the Reading Symphony Orchestra. The committee voted on a motion from Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to accept the donation of $1,750 ($350/school) from the Reading Symphony Orchestra to each of the elementary school's PTO to be used for their enrichment programs as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 25, 2008 Motion passes 5-0 IID. Reports: Chairperson and School Committee Members Mr. Robinson reported on the Finance Committee meeting that he, Mr. Michaud, and Ms. DeLai attended last week. He also reported on the meeting that he had with Representative Bradley Jones. Mrs. Webb reported on the METCO funding for the State's FY09 budget. She handed out drafts of the letter that could be sent to Representative Jones, Senator Tisei, and Governor Patrick supporting the METCO funding. She is requesting the Committee to review the feedback. She also reported on a meeting that she attended with Congressman John Tierney. She gave an update on the MCAS Readiness and Assessment Subcommittee. Finally, Mrs. Webb also reported that the METCO th Lobby Day is on March 11 February 25, 2008 Mr. Brian Castelluccio reported on items being discussed at Student Council including energy usage, a possible new high school schedule, and the use of the library media center. He also reported that there will be several students attending the World Cafe on Wednesday evening. He also publicized the RMHS drama production, Playing for Time. Mrs. Gibbs reported on the Reading World Cafe event which will be held on Wednesday evening. IIE. Reports: Superintendent Superintendent Schettini reported on several items: • Reported on the meeting with Congressman John Tierney that he attended with Mrs. Webb. They both voiced the concern of the Medicaid funding for the district. • He reported on three meetings that he will be attending with state senators and representatives this week through his associations and consortiums. • A policy brief on 21St Century Skills that he distributed to the School Committee for comment. • The American Association of School Administrators Conference that he and Mr. Doherty attended in Tampa, Florida. IIF. Calendar III. Field Trips Superintendent Schettini reported on a proposed field trip by the Reading Memorial High School baseball team. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Robinson, to approve the Reading Memorial High School Baseball Team's field trip to Cooperstown, New York during April vacation as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 25, 2008. Motion passes 5-0- IV. School Committee Goals Superintendent Schettini gave an introduction of the goals that were designed at a school committee retreat in August. The purpose of this agenda item is to do a midyear review of the school committee goals. Mrs. Gibbs read the School Committee Goals for this school year. The following are some of the School Committee comments: • Using the subcommittees is an excellent way to share leadership among all of the members. • How to use the Board and Board Administrator brochures more effectively at School Committee Meetings. • How to increase knowledge and awareness of each school committee member. • The increase in professional development that the school committee has participated in over this past year. • How all school committee members are invested and a part of the goals. • Reviewing the evaluation process time frame for the Superintendent's evaluation. • How to improve public relations with the community. o Expand the use of the School Committee Website to add the School Committee Policy Handbook, District Improvement Plan, and Technology Plan. • The School Committee has to be a part of the ongoing learning process. February 25, 2008 • The process used to mentor new school committee members. • The role of a student representative to the School Committee. V. Personnel No items this evening. IX. Approval of Minutes No minutes this evening. IX. Adjournment The committee voted on a motion by Mrs. Webb, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to adjourn. Motion approved 5-0. Meeting adjourned at :49 p.m. Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools