Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-02 School Committee Minutesj E NE D Reading Public Schools `L C Reading, Massachusetts 1 D VI CLERK REMDIING, Hl"6S. Regular Meeting of the School Co e Open Session Mil ~b P 12: 09 Date: January 2, 2008 Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: School Committee Conference Room School Committee Memhers Present Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Chris Caruso Chuck Robinson Carl McFadden Elaine Webb Staff Memhers Present Pat Schettini, Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of HR & Finance Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Visitors: Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle Reporter Steven Vittorioso, Reporter for the Reading Advocate Brian Castelluccio, Student Liaison for School Committee Tom Zaya, High School Health/Wellness Department Head Sarah Hamer, Elementary Physical Education Curriculum Chair. L Call to Order School Committee Chair, Ms. Lisa Gibbs called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. and read the mission statement of the Reading Public Schools. Mr. McFadden arrived at 8:45 p.m. IIA. Bills and Payroll Signed as required. IIB. Citizen's Input Mrs. Gael Phillips-Spence made a request that the School Committee support additional funding for teaching staff at. Reading Memorial High School, and particularly staffing for Performing Arts at the High School and to allow for more elective offerings. Mr. John Russo inquired as to how books are selected for inclusion on the Reading List at the High School. Superintendent Schettini noted that a presentation on that subject could be made at a future curriculum meeting. Gary and Linda Phillips addressed the Committee regarding the Superintendent's recent recommendation to the Committee regarding their recent complaint regarding instructional materials at the High School and the Committee's vote on that recommendation and requested re-consideration of that vote. IIC. Gifts Mr. Greg Sahagian, a member of Samantha's Harvest Board of Directors, presented a check for from Samantha's Harvest to provide funding for inclusion training for staff of Reading Public Schools. Mr. Michaud moved to accent donation of $1000 from Samantha's Harvest to RISE Preschool Program outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated December 20, 2007; seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carries 4-0-1 with Mrs. Gibbs abstaining. IID. Reports: Chairperson and School Committee Members • Mr. Castelluccio provided the Committee with an update of Reading Memorial High School including upcoming mid term exams, a congratulations to the RMHS Drama club for its presentation of Beauty and the Beast and performers at the annual Winter Concert, and noted that the heating system at the High School is working much better and how - great the signage at the High School looks. • Mr. Michaud presented an overview of the efforts and projects currently underway by the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse. • Superintendent Schettini discussed the School Department's practices and expectations around starting times and delayed openings and the priority placed by the School Department on the safety of children as they travel to and from school. HE Calendar III. New Business • World Cafe Presentation Mrs. Deborah Gilburg provided the Committee with an update on the upcoming World Cafe event to be held at Reading Memorial High School Field House on February 27, 2008 from 7-10 p.m. Mrs. Gilburg asked for the Committee's feedback on what questions the Committee feels would be important to be asked at this event. Mr. Michaud moved that the School Committee support the World Cafe to be held on Februarv 27, 2008; seconded by Mr. Caruso Motion carries 5-0. 0 MCAS Presentation Mr. Schettini introduced and gave an overview of how MCAS data is used by the Administration to inform our improvement model. Mr. Doherty gave an overview of the various assessments that are given in our district including MCAS and the Fitness Assessment and how these compare with other assessment tools used in the district. Mr. Doherty discussed what proficiency looks like. He then provided the details on all MCAS results for the 2006-07 academic year and highlighted several areas of concern that are being addressed this year through a variety of subject specific efforts. Mr. Doherty addressed components of the District Improvement Plan that address MCAS and improving performance. He also addressed specific actions that are underway both district wide and at individual grade levels. Mr. Doherty then introduced Mr. Zaya and Ms. Hamer who presented to the Committee current Reading Public Schools Health and Wellness initiatives and the results of the 2006-07 Fitness Assessments. Renewal of Legal Services Contract Mr. Schettini gave an overview of the current contract terms, the renewal process, and the process for termination of such a contract. Mr. Schettini noted that the service provided by Attorney Stonberg over the last three years has been excellent. Mr. Michaud moved to authorize the Superintendent to renew the Legal Services Contract with Naomi Stonberg, Esg outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated December 20, 2007; seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carries 5-0. • Award of Contracts Mr. Michaud moved to authorize the Superintendent to enter into a-2reement with Snow Carpentry of Melrose, MA to provide General Carpentry Services as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated December 20, 2007; seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carries 5- 0. Mr. Michaud moved to authorize the Superintendent to enter into agreement with ENE Systems of Canton, MA to provide Invensys Enemy Management Control System Repair and Maintenance Services as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated December 20, 2007; seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carries 5-0 Mr. Michaud moved to authorize the Superintendent to enter into agreement with Burnell Controls of Danvers, MA to provide Honeywell-Tridium Energy Management Control System Repair and Maintenance Services as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated December 20, 2007; seconded by Mr. Caruso Motion carries 5-0. Mr. Michaud moved to authorize the Superintendent to enter into agreement with Specialized Roofing of Billerica, MA to provide Roofing Repair and Maintenance Services as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated December 20, 2007; seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carries 5-0. V. Personnel No items this evening. VI. FY09 Budget Superintendent Schettini presented an overview of the FY09 Superintendent's Recommended Budget. This presentation included a review of the budget development process, a comparison of per pupil expenditures in Reading to other Middlesex League communities and to the state average, the District's mission statement, and school committee policy on the annual budget, the components of the budget for both the baseline and recommended budgets. IX. Adjournment The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso to adjourn. Motion a roved 6-0. ;Meetin a 7%ed /0:40 p.m. Patrick A. Sche ini Jr. J.D. > > Superintendent of Schools