Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-24 School Committee Minutes_IVED " IN 'i~ CFZK L }`iDIr P r'~SS. Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts ZC05 V11,0, 2 A • O6 Regular Session January 24, 2005 Call to Order Chair McFadden called the regular session to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:35 p.m. Present were Mr. McFadden, Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl and Mr. Spadafora. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Associate Superintendent Richards, Human Resources and Finance Director Mary DeLai, FinCom members Mr. McDonald, Mr. Robinson and Student Representative Michael O'Brien. Bills and Payrolls Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature. Citizen's Input Mrs. Phillips gave input on Reading being the only community having a half-day on Wednesdays and she expressed her concern about teacher absenteeism. Gifts Mr. and Mrs. McFadden have donated a significant amount of office furniture to the schools. Superintendent Schettini stated he could not thank Mr. McFadden enough. He recommended that the School Committee accept the furniture. Ms Webb moved to accept the furniture donation made by Mr. and Mrs. McFadden in the amount of $29,200 Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0-1 Mrs Gibbs, Ms Webb, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl and Mr. Spadafora voting for with Mr. McFadden abstaining. Superintendent's Report The Superintendent stated that today was a snow day with a ninety-minute delay for the opening of school tomorrow. He stated the Department of Public Works and the Reading Public School Custodial staff with the plowing and removal of snow around the schools. Ms. Webb acknowledged the colorful artwork in the Conference Room. Mr. McFadden stated that the girl's gymnastics team did very well at their second meet set a state record. Congratulations to the team. Regular Session -2- January 24, 2005 Superintendent Schettini stated that Phillip Vaccaro, Athletic Director, has received the President's Award of Merit from the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors Executive Board. A congratulatory letter has been sent. Superintendent Schettini explained that Reading belongs to two Special Education Collaboratives. The North Shore Education Collaborative and the SEEM Collaborative. According to the by-laws of the North Shore Education Collaborative the Superintendent has to be appointed to Board of Directors by the School Committee each year. Ms Webb moved to appoint Patrick A. Schettini, Jr. as the Reading School Department representative on the North Shore Education Consortium's Board of Directors Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion The vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora and Mr. McFadden. Superintendent Schettini stated there would be a School Committee meeting on Thursday, January 27th and a Building Project Update on February 7, 2005. Old Business Mr. Dahl asked how the snow is effecting the culvert. He was told that the snow creates a natural barrier, keeping the ground from freezing. Mr. McFadden stated that the Superintendent gave a thorough budget presentation last Thursday. Mr. Ken Tucci asked about class size. He asked how three additional teachers would impact class size. Superintendent Schettini stated that once the redistricting is settled the number of additional teachers may be three or it may be five. Class size is still a priority. Ms. Webb stated that adding three teachers would improve three situations and adding four teachers would improve four situations and so on. Mrs. Dorothy Casalaro stated that class size at the middle school level and at the high school level is important as well. We need reasonable class sizes at those levels. Mrs. Gibbs stated that we hear your concerns about redistricting and your concerns about middle school and the high school. You have our promise. We will do our best. Mrs. Linda Phillips asked how many unanticipated placements were budgeted in FY05. She was told two public and two private. Regular Session -3- January 24, 2005 Chair McFadden stated that he was closing the public hearing. He thanked the budget parents for their input and time. Minutes Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of January 12, 2004. Ms. Webb seconded the motion. The vote was 4-1-1. Ms. Webb, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora and Mr. McFadden voting for with Mr. Carpenter abstaining and Mrs. Gibbs voting against. Adjourn Ms. Webb move to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teachers' Association, Secretaries and Clerks, Custodial Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employees, Education Assistants and Nurses not to return to regular session. Mr. Spadafora 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 bm ittc Respect ~ys Patrick A. Sch rttini, Superi ntenden ols