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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-26 School Committee MinutesFD Reading School Committee ri � i n Reading, Massachusetts , ? l pA Regular Session Septembe Z6 100-) A H: 57 Call to Order Vice Chair Webb called the regular session to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Memorial High School Guidance Conference Room. Present were Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Dahl and Mr. McFadden. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Assistant Superintendent Doherty and Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai. Ms. Webb introduced Craig Martin, Principal at Coolidge Middle School. He in turn introduced Patricia Mondello and Jennifer Tufts. They gave an overview of a field trip to Quebec City. Superintendent Schettini stated that he sat with Craig Martin and they reviewed the field trips and the field trip policy. Mr. Dahl stated it was nice for the students to experience a foreign country outside the classroom. Mrs. Gibbs move to approve the field trip to Montreal as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 21, 2005 Mr McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. Dahl and Mr. McFadden Mr. Martin gave an overview of the Prindle Pond field trip. He explained that it was a mix of social development and learning. Mrs. Gibbs move to approve the field trip to Prindle Pond (Nature's Classroom) as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 21, 2005 Mr McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. Dahl and Mr. McFadden Mr. Dahl stated that his three children attend the Prindle Pond field trip and it was a wonderful experience for them. Mr. Spadafora arrived. Ms. Webb asked how many students were going. She was told that 130 attended last year. Adjourn Regular Session -2- September 26. 2005 Mrs. Gibbs moved to adiourn to Executive Session for the purpose of pending litigation and negotiations to return to regular session at approximately 7.55 p.m. The roll call vote was 5 -0. Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora, Ms Webb, Mr. McFadden and Mrs. Gibbs Chair Spadafora called the regular session back to order at 7:55 P.m. Present were Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora and Mr. McFadden. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Assistant Superintendent Doherty and Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai. Bills and Payrolls Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature. Citizen's Input There was none. Superintendent Schettini stated that Mr. Jim Jordan from AD was there to give an update on the Wood End project. Mr. Jordan stated that the contractor was addressing all outstanding items on the punch list. The furniture, fixtures and equipment are not closed out yet. Mr. Jordan stated that on August 29, 2005 he toured the Barrows School with Superintendent Schettini. The Certificate of Substantial Completion was issued on July 25, 2005. Each item on the punch list has a monetary value associated with it. Mr. David Capaldo gave an update on the Reading Memorial High School Building Project. He discussed the levels of completion of the stadium fields and stated the field was ready for the first game. The Press Box was not quite complete. TLT, the Contractor and the Fire Department are excited to get to a point where it can be used. TLT is scheduled to do the landscaping from September 15- October 15, 2005. The new Science Wing is complete. The Field House bridge and lobby were suppose to be complete by November 15, 2005. Now it will be completed in January. Mr. Capaldo went on to say that there has been an increase in change orders due to some unforeseen asbestos, which was found in areas which was totally unanticipated. Mr. Dahl stated that he had received several complaints regarding the air quality at RMHS. He stated he was looking forward to next yeaf when the de- friolition will b, during the summer and not during school. Regular Session -3- September 26, 2005 Superintendent Schettini stated that filters were being placed on Univents in the classrooms. Mrs. Gibbs asked about the placement of the RISE Pre School for next year. She stated they would have fewer classrooms and probably have to have some sort of lottery. She stated that Mrs. Griffin would like plans of the space so they could plan their enrollment for next year. Mr. Capaldo told he would get a poster board size plan for the open house. Mr. Spadafora asked about safety during the construction phasing. Mr. Capaldo stated they met with all Town Officials. They changed the phasing after reviewing safety concerns that came up during the actual phasing. Ms. Webb asked about issues with student parking. Superintendent Schettini stated that all student - parking issues had been addressed. Mr. Dahl stated that the commons classroom was not a great idea. Superintendent Schettini stated they were working to relocate those classes in a cost - effective way. - Mr. Dahl stated he wished to know the status at the next meeting. There was discussion regarding the high school field. Mr. McFadden asked where we were with the track. Mr. Capaldo stated they had three options. They were down to three Manufacturers /Installers. Different manufacturers have different warranties. If you have settlement issues the warranty takes over. If the base is done according to the specifications there should be no problems. Chair Spadafora stated that Phillip Vaccaro, Director of Athletics and Hal Croft, Track Coach were present. Mr. Croft stated things were going all right. There was a discussion about drainage, surface patching and polyresin versus asphalt. Mr. Vacarro asked about the air quality in the locker room. Mr. Capaldo stated engineers analyzed it and they were waiting for results. Mr. Croft encouraged the School Committee to pay close attention to what happens with our track. The track keeps Reading students off the street. We need to take care of their well being. Superintendent Schettini stated he wanted the School Committee informed on this Regular Session -4- September 26, 2005 Track was being constructed. Mr. Capaldo stated that is done with bridges and temporary fences. Mr. Vacarro thanked the School Committee and the Reading Community. He said he was the envy of all the Athletic Directors in the state. He thanked everyone for helping him keep kids busy after school. Chair Spadafora called a few minute recess. Chair Spadafora called the meeting back to order. Old Business There was discussion of the approval of Reading Memorial High School Project Change Order Number 31 pertaining to asbestos. Mr. Capaldo stated that it its important to know that asbestos was there. The asbestos was used for waterproofing in the 1950s. It was unusual even then. There is a difference in cost between disposal of concrete and the disposal of concrete with asbestos is a substantial fee per load. - Mr. Spadafora asked where the asbestos was located. The asbestos is in the exterior walls of the original high school. It is not interfering with air quality and not creating an unsafe environment. Mr. Carpenter arrived. Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve Reading Memorial High School Project Change Order Number 31 for $78,428.96 for the removal of unforeseen asbestos coatin Ms. Webb seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mrs Gibbs, Mr. Spadafora, Ms. Webb, Mr. Dahl and Mr. McFadden There was discussion concerning the School Improvement Plan for 2005 -2006. Superintendent Schettini stated the plan has been presented to the Principals. Mr. Spadafora asked the Superintendent to read the Mission Statement from the plan. Mr. Spadafora reviewed the targets. Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the final District Improvement Plan Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0. Mr. Carpenter, Mrs Gibbs, Mr. Spadafora, Ms. Webb, Mr. Dahl and Mr. McFadden. Mrs. Gibbs stated she was proud to be a part of the process Regular Session -5- September 26, 2005 Ms. Webb stated this was a synergy of the administration. It was a way to pull all of the School Committee and School Improvement Plans so that they are all in alignment. She stated she appreciated all of the time that went into the process. Superintendent Schettini stated this was his vision for the district. Routine Matters Gifts Superintendent Schettini stated that Parker Middle School received a $5,000 donation from Blue Cross Blue Shield as part of the Jump Up and Go Project. Mrs. Gibbs moved to accept a donation from Blue Cross and Blue Shield for $5,000 to the Parker Middle School as part of the Jump Up and Go Grant Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora, Ms Webb and Mrs. Gibbs voting for with Mr. McFadden abstaining Ms Webb reported from the Wellness Advisory Committee. They had a meeting on September 13, 2005. The focus of the meeting was climate and culture. They wished to have a safe and intimidation free, drug free schools. The Advocate is doing a great job getting the information out. New Business Superintendent Schettini stated that the culvert was never part of the building project. He further stated that the Committee needs to put Article 12 on the Warrant at Town Meeting or not. Superintendent Schettini recommended placing Article 12 on the Warrant. Ms. Webb moved to support warrant article attached to the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 21, 2005 at the Fall 2005 Subsequent Town Meeting. Mrs. Gibbs seconded the motion The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora, Ms Webb, Mr. McFadden and Mrs Gibbs Mary DeLai explained that a Revolving Account was necessary at Parker Middle School in order to pay instructors for programs not including in the operating budget. She stated that the Revolving Account differs from a School Activity Fund. Ms. Webb moved to authorize the creation of a Revolving Account for Parker Middle School After School continuing education programs in accordance with MGL Chapter 71 Section 71 Section 71E and that the fund will carry over year to McFadden and Mrs. Gibbs Regular Session 6 September 26, 2005 Superintendent Schettini stated that Assistant Superintendent John Doherty is actively pursuing a Massachusetts Department of Education School Redesign Grant: Proposal to Expand Learning Time to Support Student Success. This grant would allow us to create a planning team to develop a plan to redesign the school day to expand learning opportunity. Ms. Webb moved to authorize the Chair to sin letter of suVIDort to seek the Massachusetts Department of Education School Redesign Grant: Proposal to Expand Learning Time to Support Student Success.- Mrs Gibbs seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0. Mr, Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora, Ms Webb, Mr. McFadden and Mrs. Gibbs Adjourn Mrs. Gibbs moved to adiourn. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion The vote was 6 -0. Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora, Ms Webb, Mr. McFadden and Mrs Gibbs Patrick A. S�hettini Jr. Superintendent of Schools