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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-26 School Committee Minutesa F, C LIVE D O"N, IN CLERK E_ t DING, PASS. Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts 2004 OCT 21 P 12. 3q Regular Session July 26, 2004 CALL TO ORDER Chair McFadden called the regular session to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora. Also present was Superintendent Schettini. BILLS AND PAYROLLS Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signatures. GIFTS There were no gifts to report. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Chair McFadden announced that the MASC was soliciting nominations for special award categories. Mr. Spadafora moved to nominate Russell Graham for MASC Outstanding Community Leader Award and to request the Superintendent to complete the application by September 3, 2004 Mrs Gibbs seconded the motion The vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora. The Committee commended and thanked Mr. Graham for his service to Reading. Chair McFadden called a two-minute recess at 7:45 p.m. Chair McFadden called the meeting back to order at 7:47 p.m. Superintendent Schettini stated the Conservation Commission would tour the Wood End School tomorrow evening at 6:30. All are Committee Members are welcome. Mr. Schettini stated the Town of Reading received $74, 237 from Medicaid as reimbursement for Special Education services provided by the Reading Public Schools during the 2003-2004 school year. Regular Session -2- July 26, 2004 LIASION REPORT Mr. Dahl stated that he, Mr. McFadden and Superintendent Schettini attended a Reading Municipal Light meeting to discuss the cost of electrical services. They would like to recommend to RMLD a new class of service just for schools. The ratepayers would not be subsidizing the schools and the schools would not be subsidizing the ratepayers. Mr. Dahl stated there were two spots available on the Audit Committee. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Schettini gave an overview of school enrollment. He gave an example of how spot redistricting could reduce enrollment at the Killam School. He stated that he did not recommend spot redistricting. He is confident that students will receive a quality education without it. Ms. Webb asked about Educational Assistants. Mr. Schettini stated there were no specifics yet. They will make the best use of Educational Assistants. He stated that Killam is not the only school with enrollment issues. There was discussion concerning the enrollment at Killam and the use of educational - assistants in the classrooms. Mr. Burke asked about the number of Special Education Assistants versus Educational Assistants. Mr. Schettini told him those numbers were not available at this time and the Principals work with a total number of hours to put together a plan to best address the issues. Not all of the issues are enrollment issues. Mr. Burke asked for a matrix of aide hours. Mr. Schettini told him he could not supply that information because of confidentiality issues. Mary Grimmer asked how do you solve this problem. Historically, they always moved the kindergarten to a different location and it solved the problem. Now they will not be moving the kindergarten. Mr. Mark McKie stated that the students did not have a great third grade because of high enrollment not because of the teachers. He stated they should get a classroom back. Three out of the four fourth grade classrooms will get an aide in the fall. Mrs. O'Donnell stated she is concerned with the aides in the classrooms. If the aides have to be shared with other students she feels her son will not get what he needs. Chair McFadden suggested that she make an appointment with the principal to discuss her child's needs in private. Regular Session -3- July 26, 2004 Mr. Dahl stated they would not be taking the classroom back from the special education students. Mrs. Donna Beaulieu commended the third and fourth grade teachers. She stated it was not the best year for students. She stated she wanted the help of the School Committee and she was strongly disappointed and wants this issue addressed before school starts. Mrs. Niloo Hennings stated that the third grade aides did not have time to help other students. Her son received no help from the aides in third grade. Mrs. Lorraine Willworth stated her son does not need an aide but she would like an aide in every classroom or a modular classroom. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Vaccaro stated the field house takes care of all physical education needs of the students so that we will not be reimbursed for another new facility. He feels we need an additional gym in the RMHS Building Project. He is looking for direction and guidance on this matter. There was discussion about a new gym. Superintendent Schettini suggested that Mr. Vaccaro develop a business plan. There was discussion concerning adding an additional pay category for licensed tradespersons on the maintenance pay schedule. Mr. Spadafora moved to add additional pay category for licensed tradespersons onto the maintenance pay schedule as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated July 20, 2004. Mrs. Gibbs seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Carpenter moved to accept the minutes of May 3, 2004. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion the vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora Mr. Spadafora moved to accept the minutes of July 8, 2004. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion the vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora Regular Session -4- July 26, 2004 ADJOURN Mr. Snadafora moved to adiourn. Mrs. Gibbs seconded the motion. The vote was 6- 0. Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Spadafora Patrick I SChettini, Jr. Superintendent of Schools