HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-13 School Committee MinutesL VE D
PN CLERK
Reading School Committee
Reading, Massachusetts t P
1 1) 135 .A i 1 P 12: 3 Ll
Regular Session January 13, 2005
Call to Order
Vice Chair Spadafora called the regular session to order in the Superintendent's
Conference Room at 7:35 p.m. Present were 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 Richard McDonald, Robert LaLecheur and Student Representative Michael
O'Brien.
Bills and Payrolls
Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature.
Citizen's Input
Mrs. Phillips gave input on art and music rooms in the elementary schools and spoke of
an incorrect quote in the Advocate.
Gifts
There were no gifts.
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Schettini reported that the State Treasurer presented the school
department with a check in the amount of $6,000,000 for 75% of the 66% reimbursement
in a formal presentation.
Mr. Dahl stated that it was a great example of everyone working together and getting the
job done. He thanked everyone involved.
Mrs. Webb stated she attended a School Council meeting at Coolidge Middle School.
She was pleased to report there are a lot of great things going on over there.
Mr. Carpenter stated the last RCTV meeting did not have a quorum so there is no report.
Mrs. Webb asked why the School Committee meetings are not live anymore on cable
television. She was told that the "I loop" is the problem in this section of time. The
Cable Company cannot guarantee the quality of the broadcast so they tape the broadcast
and then edit _it for_quality_._ They cannot broadcast from Parker at all. The Selectmen can--
be broadcast live.
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Regular Session -2-
January 13, 2005
Mr. Dahl stated there are complaints on the quality of the broadcast when it is live.
Mr. Schettini stated that the January 18,2005 meeting with the Selectmen was postponed.
Mr. Schettini stated we have a new playground at Wood End.
Mrs. Webb thanked Phillip Callahan for a recent tour of the Barrows Project.
Associate Superintendent Richards gave a presentation on the Reading Dashboard.
Old Business
Vice Chair Spadafora welcomed Mr. LaLecheur and Mr. McDonald from the FinCom.
Vice Chair Spadafora stated Superintendent Schettini would give an overview of the
priorities of FY06 Budget and then take questions from the School Committee members
and then questions from the audience.
Superintendent Schettini reviewed the budget drivers. He reviewed a list of possible
budget reductions to get to the recommended budget. He reviewed regular day.
There was discussion regarding the positions needed for the Wood End School for the
fall.
Mr. Dahl asked if the substitute teacher program was successful. Superintendent Schettini
stated that it was. Superintendent Schettini that he is working with OPTS to do allergy
free classroom training for substitute teachers.
Mr. Matthews stated that he hoped the Network Administrator position is not cut. He felt
we are understaffed regarding Technology.
There was a question regarding vision services. Superintendent Schettini responded that
the vision services line is built around need.
Mr. Dahl thanked the Superintendent for a great presentation.
Adjourn
Mr. Dahl moved to adiourn. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion The vote was 5-0.
X4-. Aires r-- - - - - - - -
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.
'E Superintendent of Schools