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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-17 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Public Hearing FY09 Budget School Committee Open Session Date: January 17, 2008 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 Staff Members Present Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools Mary DeLai-Director of Human Resource and Finances John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Visitors: Steven Vittorioso, Reporter for the Reading Advocate Joe Finigan, RMHS Principal Cathy Giles, Killam Principal Karen Callan, Barrows, Principal Craig Martin, Coolidge Principal Marie Pink, Coolidge Assistant Principal Richard Davidson, Wood End Principal Patty deGaravilla, Joshua Eaton Principal Tom Daniels, Birch Meadow Principal Jacqui Orphanos, Special Education Program Supervisor Budget Parents Finance Committee Member George Hines 1. Call to Order School Committee Chair, Ms. Lisa Gibbs called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. and read the mission statement of the Reading Public Schools. Chairperson Gibbs reviewed the agenda. Public Hearing - FY09 Budget Public Hearing was opened at 7:45 p.m. Public statements were made and questions presented by Karen Janowski on technology and special education, Priscilla Hollenbeck (Joshua Eaton budget parent) in support of the FY09 Superintendent's Recommended Budget and the additional elementary academic support, Angela Binda (Joshua Eaton school advisory council) recommending that class size be a priority in the FY09 Budget and that they be kept at levels stated in the School Committee guidelines for class size. Public hearing was closed at 8:05 a.m. IIA. Bills and Payroll Signed as required. IIB.` Citizen's Input No citizen's input. IIC. Gifts Mr. Frank Driscoll, Veteran's Officer for the Town of Reading returned to the School Committee and Reading Memorial High School a flag weight originally donated by the Class of 1904 that he had cleaned and polished. IID. Reports: Chairperson and School Committee Members Mr. Robinson reported on the past meeting of the Negotiation Subcommittee of the School Committee with the Reading Teachers Association to impact bargain School Committee Policy IJN, Return of Student Work and the resolution resulting from that meeting. Mrs. Webb reported on a conference on Data Driven Student Assessment that she recently attended at Boston University. Mr. McFadden reported on an opportunity that is available for an RMHS Student to be an intem over the summer at the White House. He also reported on a recent record set by the RMHS Boy's Track Team. Mrs. Webb reminded all of the upcoming Coolidge play, Romeo & Juliet at the RMHS Performing Arts Center. IIE. Reports: Superintendent Superintendent Schettini reported on the naming of the new Commissioner of Education, Dr. j Mitchell Dan Chester. IIF. Calendar Mrs. Gibbs reviewed the calendar. There will be meetings on January 23, 28, and 30th III. Educational Technology Presentation Mr. Schettini introduced Mr. Doherty who delivered a presentation to the Committee on Educational Technology. IV. Award of Contract Ms. DeLai gave a short presentation on the contract to provide painting services to the Reading Public Schools. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into agreement with Bobby's Painting of Medford, MA to provide Painting Services as outlined in the memorandum dated January 15, 2008. Motion carries 6-0. V. FY08 Budget Ms. DeLai gave a short presentation on the status of the current FY08 Budget year-to-date. 'VI." Financial Forum Preparation Superintendent Schettini reviewed the Budget Preparation Process once again and then reported to the Committee on the needs list and the prioritization of those staffing needs that were included in the FY09 Superintendent's Recommended Budget. VII. Building Project Mr. McFadden requested an update on the status of the block wall in front of the High School, Superintendent Schettini reported that the contractor has given an estimated date of completion of January 25, 2008. VIII. Personnel No items this evening. IX. Approval of Minutes The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the open session minutes of December 19, 2007. Motion approved 6-0. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the open session minutes of January 2, 2008. Motion approved 6-0. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the open session minutes of January 7, 2008. Motion approved 6-0. X. Adjournment The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to adjourn. Motion approved 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 10:13 p.m. r L6 Patrick A. Schet dni, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools