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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-27 School Committee Minutesr L I D L E R K "r),NG, MASS. c; Reading School Committee 1 5 i d -3 - Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session January 27, 2005 Call to Order Chair McFadden called the regular session to order in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium at 7:40 p.m. Present were Mr. Dahl, Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Associate Superintendent Richards and Student Representative Michael O'Brien. Bills and Payrolls Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature. Citizen's Input Mrs. Phillips stated there was a smell of gas in the auditorium. The Police Officer on duty contacted the Reading Fire Department who then evacuated the entire building. After approximately ten minutes the Fire Department allowed citizens back into the auditorium. Gifts There were no gifts to report. Report of the Chair Chair McFadden gave an overview of the redistricting process and that this meeting was the seventh redistricting meeting to date. He stated the School Committee was hoping to increase the number of teachers by at least three with the grade level to be determined. Chair McFadden stated that each School Committee member would have a vote. He explained that it takes four votes in the affirmative for a motion to carry. The Chair stated the Committee would answer clarification questions only. They were hoping to move forward tonight so that the Administration could start the transition process. Superintendent Schettini read all the redistricting questions that had been presented to the School Committee. Mrs. Gibbs asked Superintendent Schettini to elaborate on question number six. 11 Superintendent Schettini explained the net effect of a reduced Rustic Lane area and a section of Rustic (1-51) with students remaining at Killam School combined with Brooks Regular Session -2- January 27, 2005 Street not in Killam have on class size in 2005-2006 would be minimal. There would be no negative impact. Mr. Spadafora moved to accept the Proposed Redistricting Plan as presented by the Administration, at the School Committee meeting on November 23, 2004 and at the public hearing on January 6, 2005 Ms Webb seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Dahl. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora. Ms. Webb moved to amend the proposed plan _by moving Carriage Lane, Gre Coach Lane and 1-51 Rustic Lane to the Killam District and Brook Street and 352- 365 Ash Street to the Eaton District Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Dahl, Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora. Mr. Carpenter stated this proposal reduces the fifth grade class size at Wood End. There would be no class size greater than twenty-six students and he would support this motion. Mr. Carpenter moved to adiust the boundary line between Wood End and Birch Meadow to include Marla Lane, Covey Hill Road and Apple Gate Lane in the Birch Meadow District. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 4-2. Mr. McFadden, and Mr. Carpenter voting for and Mr. Dahl, Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb Mr. Spadafora voting against. The motion failed to carry. There was discussion regarding sidewalks. Mr. Spadafora stated there are sidewalk issues at all of our schools. He stated that he would continue to work hard to obtain sidewalks. Superintendent Schettini stated that he had met with the Town Manger and the Town Engineer. They are all in agreement that there are sidewalk issues that need to be addressed. Ms. Webb asked about the number of students currently being bussed to the Birch Meadow School from the north side of town. Superintendent Schettini told her that there was 88 student eligible for bussing in that area for the 2003-2004 school year. There was discussion regarding "grandfathering" pertaining to redistricting. Superintendent Schettini gave an overview of grandfathering. Regular Session -3- January 27, 2005 Mr. Spadafora moved to direct the Superintendent to develop a grandfathering Alan where by fifth graders and perhaps their siblings who are scheduled to attend Joshua Eaton, Barrows, Birch Meadow, Killam and Wood End under the plan approved for the school year 2005-2006 to attend the school they attended for the school year 2004-2005 Mr. Dahl seconded the motion The vote was 6-0. Mr. Dahl, Mrs Gibbs, Ms Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora. Adjourn Mr. Spadafora moved to adiourn Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Dahl, Mrs Gibbs, Ms Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora.