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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-16 School Committee MinutesCLERK . ' S. Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts 201,125 Of ] - ~ Cl: t e Regular Session May 16, 2005 Call to Order Chair McFadden called the regular session School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m, in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb and Mr. Carpenter. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai and Student Representative, Michael O'Brien. Bills and Payrolls Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature. Citizen's Input There was no Citizen's Input. Gifts There were no gifts. Chairmen's Report Chair McFadden stated that he attended the "Aladdin" performance. He stated the performance was excellent and very professional. He offered high praise to Mr. Endslow and Ms. Killian. Superintendent Schettini stated that last Wednesday was the mock accident. All the students received a phenomenal message. Superintendent Schettini asked Student Representative, Michael O'Brien what it was like to participate. Michael O'Brien stated that the mock accident really hit home. The kids from Woburn really made an impact. Superintendent Schettini stated that appreciation letters will be sent to everyone involved. Chair McFadden thanked Michael O'Brien for his time and attendance and wished him good luck at Stonehill College. Ms. Webb attended the arts night and ice cream social at Killam and Birch Meadow. The arts night lets parents know why art is imnortint Regular Session -2- Mav 16, 2005 Mr. Dahl stated that people do not understand the RISE program. He thought we could have a RISE presentation in the future. Mr. Spadafora arrived. Chair McFadden stated that there would be a curriculum meeting next Monday at Parker Middle School. Chair McFadden stated the Superintendent's Evaluation was a 3.8 out of a possible 4.0. Superintendent Schettini has done a remarkable job. Mr. Dahl stated that Superintendent Schettini exceeds all reasonable expectations. He is an employee with a wealth of knowledge. He supports our policies. He builds budgets around School Committee policies. He makes tough decisions. He has had an excellent evaluation. He thanked Superintendent Schettini for everything he has done for the Town and the children of Reading. Mrs. Gibbs stated that it was no secret how she feels about the Superintendent. She stated that the Superintendent had what it takes to make a school system work. She thanked him for his commitment to our children and that he sets a great example. Honest would be a great word to describe him. Mr. Spadafora stated that Superintendent Schettini was a visionary grounded in fiscal restraints. He knows Reading is doing things incrementally. He has the respect of his staff. He stated he could go on and on. He thanked the Superintendent. He stated we all thank you. Mr. Carpenter thanked Superintendent Schettini for his integrity, enthusiasm and his vision. He is good at intense multitasking. It has been one heck of a year and he thanked Superintendent Schettini for sticking with us. Ms. Webb stated that the review process consists of 50-60 questions. She stated that Superintendent Schettini is very honest and focused on a vision. He has strong leadership and his high quality instruction permeates everything. It has been amazing that he keeps the focus on critical areas during redistricting and construction etc. He does not put children on hold. He does all this in a very fiscally responsible way. She thanked Superintendent Schettini for all that he does. Superintendent Schettini stated that he is humbled by all the kind words. He stated that he would rather be behind the spotlight than in it. He thanked the School Committee for the kind words and the nice working relationship. Reading means a lot to us. Superintendent Schettini stated that he tries-to keep the focus on teaching and learning, Regular Session -3- Mav 16.2005 He stated that Central Office was restructured and that Mary DeLai did a remarkable job this year. In the past it was just Dennis Richards as well as himself and they really spread themselves thin. Now the Assistant Superintendent can focus on Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Superintendent Schettini stated that he was proud to recommend John Doherty as Assistant Superintendent. He stated John Doherty was available to interview. Chair McFadden welcomed John Doherty. Mr. Spadafora stated that John Doherty clearly had the same vision for Reading as Patrick Schettini. It is a good partnership. Mr. Dahl stated that John Doherty did a great job in his ten years at Coolidge Middle School. He made Coolidge a great model of what a Middle School should be. Mr. Carpenter stated that he saw John Doherty at Coolidge give the girls self-confidence and taught them to love Science. Mr. Doherty stated that he tried to capture the sparks and move the students to the next level. Ms. Webb asked John Doherty what leadership skills will you use to make sure that once you found what you was how will you make it work? John Doherty stated that you have to build a culture of trust. You have to make them see that things will help them in the long run. Ms. Webb asked what do you see as areas of growth? John Doherty stated he was becoming more knowledgeable in a lot of areas in a short period of time. Mr. McFadden stated that he had a tremendous respect for John Doherty. He stated that he would see John Doherty at Coolidge at 5:30 a.m. and he would still be there at 10:00p.m. Superintendent Schettini stated that Craig Martin would be the Interim Principal at Coolidge Middle School and they are looking for an assistant principal. Mrs. Gibbs made a motion upon the recommendation of the Superintendent to appoint John Doherty as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools effective July 1. 2005. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Dahl Mr. McFadden Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora Regular Session -4- May 16, 2005 Approval of Minutes Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of March 28, 2005 Mrs Gibbs seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl and Ms Webb Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of April 1, 2005 Mrs Gibbs seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl and Ms Webb Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of April 25, 2005 Mrs Gibbs seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Carpenter, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl and Ms Webb Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of April 28, 2005 Mrs Gibbs seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Car, enter Mr. McFadden Mr. Spadafora, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl and Ms Webb Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of May 2, 2005 Mrs Gibbs seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora, Mrs Gibbs, Mr. Dahl and Ms Webb Superintendent Schettini asked David Capaldo from The Design Partnership of Cambridge, at the last meeting, to determine the cost for the change of surface of the D Zone. The Superintendent suggested that we work with the Town and the Conservation Commission to put in an impervious surface. The Superintendent stated he would have more information next week. Adjourn Mr. Spadafora move to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations and possible litigation not to return to regular session. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion The roll call vote was 6-0. Mrs Lisa Gibbs Ms. Elaine Webb Mr. Carl McFadden Mr. Pete Dahl Mr. John Carpenter and Mr. Robert Spadafora Superintendent of Schools ~U