HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-12 School Committee MinutesULLLt,
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Reading School Committee
Reading, Massachusetts
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Regular Session September 12, 2005
Call to Order
Chair Spadafora called the regular session School Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Coolidge Middle School Multi-Purpose Room. Present were Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden,
Mr. Spadafora, Ms. Webb and Mr. Carpenter. Also present were Superintendent
Schettini, Assistant Superintendent Doherty and Director of Human Resources and
Finance Mary DeLai.
Mr. Spadafora requested a moment of silence for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Mr. Spadafora stated that tonight is a special night. They would be introducing and
welcoming all the new teachers. Each principal introduced the new teachers in their
building. The School Committee members welcomed the new teachers.
Mr. Spadafora called a recess for fifteen minutes.
Mr. Spadafora called the meeting back to order.
Adjourn
Mr. Dahl moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of collective
bargaining, school security and contract negotiation to return to regular session
Ms. Webb seconded the motion. The roll call vote was 5-0. Mr. Dahl Mr.
McFadden, Mr. Spadafora, Ms Webb and - - Carpenter
Mr. Spadafora called the regular session back to order at 10:25 p.m. Present were Mr.
Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora, Ms. Webb and Mr. Carpenter. Also present were
Superintendent Schettini, Assistant Superintendent Doherty and Director of Human
Resources and Finance Mary DeLai.
Routine Matters
Bills and Payrolls
Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature.
Citizen's Input
There was none.
Regular Session -2- September 12, 2005
Gifts
There were two donations to be used for supplies at the RISE Pre School from Mr. &
Mrs. Finn and Mr. & Mrs. Kinteris. No vote is required. Superintendent Schettini wished
to thank them publicly.
Mr. McFadden asked if banners could be displayed on the fences during football games.
He was told that it was not a problem during games.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. McFadden moved to accept the minutes of May 16, 2005 Mr. Carpenter
seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mr. Dahl Mr. McFadden Mr. S adafora
Ms. Webb and Mr. Carpenter
Mr. McFadden moved to accept the minutes of June 20, 2005 Mr. Dahl seconded
the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mr. Dahl Mr. McFadden Mr. S adafora Ms. Webb
and Mr. Carpenter
Mr. McFadden moved to accept the minutes of July 18, 2005 Mr. Carpenter
seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mr. Dahl Mr. McFadden Mr. S adafora
Ms. Webb and Mr. Carpenter
Mr. McFadden moved to accept the minutes of August 22, 2005 Mr. Dahl seconded
the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mr. Dahl Mr. McFadden Mr. S adafora Ms. Webb
and Mr. Carpenter
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Schettini stated that the opening of school was stellar. There are two field
trips to report on.
Dr. Ryan gave an overview of the annual field trip to New York Metropolitan Opera.
Ms. Webb moved to approve the field trip to New York as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated August 30, 2005 Mr. McFadden seconded
the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mr. Dahl Mr. McFadden Mr. S adafora Ms. Webb
and Mr. Carpenter
Dr. Ryan gave an overview of a proposed field trip to Central Europe, stating it was the
same Tour Company used in the past. The emphasis of the trip would be on Poland.
Regular Session -3- September 12, 2005
Ms. Webb moved to approve the field trip to Poland as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated August 25, 2005 Mr. McFadden seconded
the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora, Ms Webb
and Mr. Carpenter
School Committee Liaison Report
Mr. Carpenter stated RCTV had a meeting on Augustl3, 2005. He stated they were
further along on policy procedures and Capital Plan. They are in need of more people
who want to make videos and show them on access television.
Mr. McFadden stated he has been attending the meetings concerning health insurance.
Two meetings ago there they met with a consultant. 99% of doctors take Blue Cross
Blue Shield HMO. There is $300 difference per month between an HMO and a PPO.
They will try to encourage people to switch to HMO's.
Chair Spadafora thanked the members for their reports
Superintendent Schettini gave the Board an update on federal legislation No Child Left
Behind (NCLB). He explained that the yearly NCLB goals, for each school and district,
are to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) on MCAS tests in math and
English/language arts as a school and district as a whole, as well as for each subgroup
(race, free/reduced lunch, Spec. Ed.) to meet the same goals. By 2014 every student in
the Nation must be at minimum proficiency. The only sub group pertinent to Reading
was Special Education. Reading did not attain AYP at Parker for two years or two
rotations. Since Parker receives Title 1 funding this resulted in certain actions the school
and district are required to take.
Mr. Schettini outlined the action and explained the plan in place to address the issue at
Parker.
Mr. Spadafora thanked Superintendent Schettim for his diligence on this matter.
Adjourn
Mr. McFadden moved to adjourn Ms Webb seconded the motion The vote was 5-
0. Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora, Ms Webb and Mr. Carpenter
Superintendent of Schools