HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-28 School Committee MinutesReading School Committee
Reading, Massachusetts
ED
CL-RK
2005 tvi,AY i I P 12: 31
Regular Session February 28, 2005
Call to Order
Chair McFadden called the School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. in the
Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were Mr. Dahl, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. McFadden,
Mr. Carpenter and Ms. Webb. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Associate
Superintendent Richards, 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
Christine Derse from Covey Hill Road stated she had spent a lot of time and money so
her children could walk to school. She stated the January 27, 2005 redistricting meeting
was more for observing than responding. There was no dialog at the meeting. She gave
the Webster's Dictionary definition of grandfathering. She stated Mr. Spadafora was the
only School Committee directly involved in the redistricting. She thought the Committee
should keep neighborhoods together. She wanted the Committee to explain.
Gifts
There were no gifts.
Reports
Superintendent Schettini stated that even if school is not called off due to snow if a parent
decides it is too dangerous to go to school they may keep the child home or send the child
to school late.
He stated the Suburban Coalition was having a legislative breakfast on April 5, 2005 all
members were invited.
Ms. Webb stated she attended the Coolidge School Council Meeting. They are doing
great things. She stated there was a technology implementation at Killam to support
language arts.
Mrs. Gibbs stated the Reading Memorial High School was having a Pops Concert
--featuring the jazz ensemble. All are invited.
Regular Session -2- February 28, 2005
.1
Mr. Carpenter stated there would be a Killam PTO auction at the Hillview Country Club
on Friday, March 25th from 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 p.m.
Mr. Carpenter stated the RCTV Board met on February 9th. He stated they were trying to
get a policy manual implemented. They are looking for a School Committee Liaison to
negotiate with Verizon. They are also looking for space to rent.
Chair McFadden stated the Girl's Gymnastic team placed number two in the state. They
broke the state record and then broke their own record. Danvers then beat the record a
week later. Coach Blume did an excellent job with the students.
Chair McFadden stated that he met with the Advisory Council against the Misuse and
Abuse of Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs a week ago Thursday. He stated they would
join the School Committee at the March 14, 2005 meeting to discuss substance abuse
issues in our town.
Superintendent Schettini stated with sadness and excitement that Associate
Superintendent Richards was chosen to be the Superintendent of Schools in Falmouth.
He stated we could not be happier for Dennis and his family. He offered best wishes and
congratulations.
Linda Darisse, Principal of Parker Middle School, gave an overview of an up coming
field trip to Nature's Classroom.
Ms. Gibbs moved to approve the June 8-10, 2005 overnight field trip for the Parker
Middle School to Nature's Classroom in Charlton MA as outlined in the
Superintendent's memo dated February 24, 2005 Mr. Spadafora seconded the
motion. The vote was 6-0. Mrs. Lisa Gibbs Ms. Elaine Webb Mr. Carl McFadden
Mr. John Carpenter, Mr. Pete Dahl and Mr Robert Spadafora
Mr. Vacarro gave an overview of the proposed venues for athletes for the 2005-2006
school year. He stated he was not happy with the wrestling accommodations. There was
discussion regarding different facilities.
Mary DeLai gave a presentation of the FY06 Capital Plan. There was discussion
regarding the Capital items.
Mr. Dahl stated the Capital Plan was a good comprehensive look at maintenance.
Mary DeLai gave an overview of the school lunch program budget. She explained the
Cafeteria revolving fund.
Regular Session -3- February 28, 2005
Superintendent Schettini stated that job fairs are a good way to attract good teachers.
Mary DeLai gave an overview of job fairs, which includes on campus recruiting at many
colleges.
The discussion turned to the principalship at the Joshua Eaton School.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to waive the Reading School Committee Policy regarding
Administrative Appointments to allow the Superintendent to appoint Mrs. Patricia
de Garavilla as principal of the Eaton School effective with the 2005-2006 school
year. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion The vote was 6-0 Mrs Lisa Gibbs, Ms
Elaine Webb, Mr. Carl McFadden, Mr. John Carpenter, Mr. Pete Dahl and Mr.
Robert Spadafora
The Superintendent stated that he and Mary DeLai met with the Birch Meadow
Community. They asked or three school council members to serve on the committee. He
went on to outline the Principal Screening process.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to accept the process for the selection of the principal of the
Birch Meadow School as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated
February 24, 2005. Ms. Webb seconded the motion The vote was 6-0 Mrs Lisa
Gibbs, Ms. Elaine Webb, Mr. Carl McFadden, Mr. John Carpenter, Mr. Pete Dahl
and Mr. Robert Spadafora
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2004 School
Committee meeting. Mrs. Gibbs seconded the motion The vote was 6-0 Mrs Lisa
Gibbs, Ms. Elaine Webb, Mr. Carl McFadden, Mr. John Carpenter, Mr. Pete Dahl
and Mr. Robert Spadafora
Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of the December 20, 2004 School
Committee meeting. Mrs. Gibbs seconded the motion The vote was 6-0 Mrs Lisa
Gibbs, Ms. Elaine Webb, Mr. Carl McFadden, Mr. John Carpenter, Mr. Pete Dahl
and Mr. Robert Spadafora
Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of the January 3, 2005 School
Committee meeting. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion The vote was 6-0. Mrs
Lisa Gibbs, Ms. Elaine Webb, Mr. Carl McFadden, Mr. John Carpenter, Mr. Pete
Dahl and Mr. Robert Spadafora
Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2004 School
Committee meeting. Mr. Carnenter cecnndpd the mntinn Tho x.n+o K_n
Dahl and Mr. Robert Spadafora
Regular Session -4- February 28, 2005
Adjourn
Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion The roll call
vote was 6-0. Mrs. Lisa Gibbs, Ms. Elaine Webb, Mr. Carl McFadden, Mr. John
Carpenter, Mr. Pete Dahl and Mr. Robert Spadafora
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools