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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-11 School Committee Minutes3 Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Public Hearing March 11, 2004 Elaine Webb called the Public Hearing for the naming of the new school to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were sub committee members Virginia Adams from the Reading Historical Commission, Paula Perry appointed by the Town Moderator, Elaine Webb and Robert Spadafora from the Reading School Committee. Selectman George Hines was not present. Also present were Superintendent Schettini and Associate Superintendent Richards. Mrs. Webb stated that the purpose of the meeting was to listen to input from the community for the naming of the new elementary school. She suggested that each person take three minutes, stating their name and their nomination. She would like all the suggested names to be stated once before the name is nominated again. She stated that Mr. Spadafora would go through all the names called in by telephone, mail, fax, email etc. Mr. Kenneth Hoag stated that the school should be named after William R. Hansen, a 1983 graduate of Reading Memorial High School who served on the U. S. S. Stark. Mr. Hansen was killed in the line of duty on May 17, 1987. Mr. Richard Radville nominated Russell T. Graham for the name of the new elementary school. He stated that Mr. Graham is the quintessential New England volunteer. He has been a long time member and Chair of the Finance Committee, longtime member and Chair of the Selectmen. He was a member of the board of what was then called Creative Arts, formerly and importantly Creative Arts for Kids. He has been a trustee of the YMCA. He is currently and has been a long time member and president of the Library Foundation. He has been a member and Chair, of the Reading School Building Committee. He shepherded no less than seven projects through the maze of programming, design, funding, and approval by the Town. A citizen nominated Miriam Barclay. Miriam Barclay was a tireless volunteer and historian. Miriam was the secretary of the Reading Historical Society. She died in 1990. She had no children of her own. She was true Reading educator. She would educate Reading students on the names of all the schools in Reading. Deborah DiColegero nominated Louis A. Adreani as the name of the new elementary school. He was committed to the well being of every child in Reading. He never gave up on any kid. He was a positive role model. He dedicated 43 years the Reading School System. Public Hearing -2- March 11, 2004 John P. Kachichian, a senior at Harvard University, Reading Memorial High School graduate and former School Committee student representative stated the school should be named the John Brooks Elementary School. On the eve of the American Revolution, April 18th, 1775, John Brooks warned Reading and North Parish (North Reading) residents of the impending advancement of British troops, a message that originated with Paul Revere. He reportedly yelled, Stand to your arms, stand to your arms!" The following morning, he served as Captain of the Reading Minutemen, and led troops from Dragon Corner in Reading to Meriam's Corner in Concord, where they skirmished with British troops, leaving six British dead. He was a renowned physician. He was Governor of the Commonwealth from 1816 to 1823. Sally Murphy suggested the Earnest Garfield Spence Elementary School. He was the Assistant Principal of Reading Memorial High School while she was there in the class of 1965. Ernie served Reading as an educator and administrator for thirty-five years. She had several copies of emails showing support. Martha Moore, a teacher at Reading Memorial High School suggested that Reading needed some diversity stating that the name should be named after Ruby Bridges. Ruby Bridges was the first black student to go to school as a first grader escorted by federal marshals down south. Patty Beckman, resident of Sunset Rock Lane, suggested that the school be named the Sunset Rock School because most people already refer to it as just that. John Carpenter, long time Town Meeting member and current School Committee member, active in Reading since 1984-1985 seconded the nomination for Louis Adreani. Nagel Stone of Orange Street, nominated Vermont resident Jody Williams, a Nobel Peace Prizewinner. Peter Murphy reiterated what his wife stated about Ernest Spence. Peter Shields of Randall Road nominated Henry W. "Bill" Clements as the name of the new elementary school. Mr. Clements is a resident of Landers Road and has worked with Reading youth for years. Virginia Adams nominated Horace Greeley Wadlin a School Committee member for thirty-two years from 1875 to 1907. Mr. Wadlin was a prominent architect designing fifteen homes in Reading. He was a historian and a great orator. He designed the first Town Hall in Reading and he designed the Highland School. Ms. Webb stated there were names nominated that were not people. Schools in the past were named after streets.-Three schools in the community_ were named after people, Killam, Coolidge and the Joshua Eaton School. She stated the Devidence School, Public Hearin -3- March 11, 2004 Northwoods School, Woodend School, Hope Elementary, The Hundred-Acre School, and The Forest School were suggested names received by the Committee. Ms. Webb called for a five-minute break at 8:20 p.m. Mr. Spadafora suggested the Ipswich River Elementary School. Mrs. Adams stated that there were so many thought-provoking names. Mrs. Perry stated it was very exciting to hear all the history. Ms. Webb stated that it was important that the history gets passed on to schoolchildren so that they know how the schools were named. Ms. Webb called the meeting back to order at 8:40 p.m. Ms. Webb stated the School Committee would make a decision by the April 20, 2004 School Committee meeting. Due to Town Meeting, the next School Committee meeting after that is May 10, 2004. Hopefully, there would be a list of three to five names by April 7 or April 12. Superintendent Schettini suggested that earlier is better. The sub committee will meet on April 1, 2004. Mr. Spadafora stated that the first session was a positive one. The names nominated will be published in the newspapers. Ms. Webb stated the name has to be decided for signage for the September opening. Mr. Spadafora stated they would take new suggestions at the next meeting. Ms. Webb encouraged nominations to be sent to the Superintendent's Office. ADJOURN Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Ms. Webb seconded the motion. The Naming Committee vote was 4-0. Patrick A. _Schettini Jr. Superintendent of Schools Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 During the meeting of the Naming of the New Elementary School Sub Committee the School Committee met a quorum. Ms. Webb called to order the Reading School Committee at 8:20 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Carpenter and Ms Webb. Also present were Superintendent Schettini and Associate Superintendent Richards. (Mr. Dahl and Mr. Carpenter were in the audience. The School Committee did not deliberate as a group.) ADJOURN Mr. Spadafora moved to adiourn at 8:55 p.m. Ms. Webb seconded the motion. The vote was 4-0. Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora, Ms Webb. Patrick A. ScXettini Jr. Superintendent of Schools