HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-28 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts
Date: January 28, 2008
Open Session Minutes
TOWN CLEFS
READING, Mss.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: School Committee Conference Room
School Committee Members Present
Lisa Gibbs
Elaine Webb
Carl McFadden
David Michaud
Chris Caruso
Chuck Robinson
Brian Castelluccio
2009 FEB 2b P 12= 09
Staff Members Present
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools
Mary DeLai-Director of Human Resource and Finances
John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services
Visitors: Steven Vittorioso, Reporter for the Reading Advocate
Joe Finigan, RMHS Principal
Mike Scarpitto, RMHS Assistant Principal
Linda Darisse, Parker Principal
Doug Lyons, Parker Assistant Principal
Craig Martin, Coolidge Principal
Marie Pink, Coolidge Assistant Principal
Cathy Giles, Killam Principal
i
Karen Callan, Barrows, Principal
Richard Davidson, Wood End Principal
Patty deGaravilla, Joshua Eaton Principal
Tom Daniels, Birch Meadow Principal
Finance Committee Member George Hines
Selectboard Member Steven Goldy
Reading Public School Teacher Representatives
Linda Snow Dockser
Steven Chuha, Reading Realtor
1. Call to Order
School Committee Chair, Mrs. Lisa Gibbs called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and read the
mission statement of the Reading Public Schools. Chairperson Gibbs reviewed the agenda.
IIA. Bills and Payroll
Signed as required.
IIB. Citizen's Input
No citizen's input.
IIC. Gifts
No gifts.
IID. Reports: Chairperson and School Committee Members
Ms. Webb reminded members of the upcoming RMHS Drama Production of the Grey Zone.
Mr. McFadden commented on the outstanding work of the RMHS National History Day
participants. He also commented on the earlier presentation at 6:30 p.m. recognizing the Reading
Pop Warner cheerleaders and their recent accomplishments in National Competition.
Mrs. Gibbs spoke about the wonderful Coolidge Drama Club production of Romeo & Juliet and the
community celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
IIF. Calendar
Mrs. Gibbs reviewed the calendar. Upcoming meetings include January 30th and February 1 Itn
III. District Improvement Processes
Superintendent Schettini provided an overview of the District's use of School Improvement
Processes in its journey towards excellence and an introduction to the presentation to be offered this
evening.
Assistant Superintendent Doherty then presented in detail on the Blue Ribbon School Improvement
Process and how the district utilizes it and other school improvement models, processes, and
standards. Mr. Doherty also addressed the Blueprint for Excellence Conferences that district
representatives have attended over the past few years including both the cost and the benefits of
attendance, and the extensive number of ideas and improvements that have resulted from the
district's participation.
Mr. Steven Chuha, Mrs. Carla Pennacchio, and Mrs. Linda Snow Dockser spoke about the impact of
the School Improvement Process on the Reading community.
Principal Joe Finigan, Assistant Principal Mike Scarpitto, Mr. Mark Linehan, and Ms. Stephanie
Lecesse discussed their participation in the Conference and how it has impacted them and others at
Reading Memorial High School.
Principal Craig Martin, Mr. Charlie McCarthy, Principal Linda Darisse, and Assistant Principal
Doug Lyons reflected on how the Blue Ribbon model and the conference have affected the Middle
Schools in the district.
The impact of The Blue Ribbon process and conference on the Elementary Schools was discussed by
Reading teachers Kristin DiGiovanni, Karen Macari, Joanne King, Karen Feeney, and Instructional
Specialist Debra Kwiatek.
Principals Patty deGaravilla, Richard Davidson, Tom Daniels, Cathy Giles, and Karen Callan
discussed their perspectives on the Blue Ribbon School Improvement Process and its impact on the
elementary schools in the district.
V. Personnel
No items this evening.
VI. Approval of Minutes
No minutes for approval this evening.
VII. Adjournment
The committee voted on a motion by Ms. Webb, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to adjourn. Motion
approved 6-0.
Meeting adjourned at :41 p.m.
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools