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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-14 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts R E C E_ I V E D Regular Meeting of the School Comm TOWN CLERK Open Session G ` MASS. Date: November 14, 2007 1000 JAN - 9 A 11: 4 1 Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Elaine Webb Carl McFadden Chris Caruso Chuck Robinson Staff Members Present Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools Mary DeLai-Director of Human Resource and Finances John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Visitors: Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle Reporter Steven Vittorioso, Reporter for the Reading Advocate Joe Huggins, Director of Facilities DJ Cacciapuoti, Energy and Facilities Services Manager Roland Butzke, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. A. Call to Order School Committee Chair, Ms. Lisa Gibbs called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and read the mission statement of the Reading Public Schools. Mr. Michaud read the following statement regarding a book that is currently being reviewed. In response to ongoing dialogue among community members regarding the content of the book Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts, that allegedly contains material that some Reading residents might deem inappropriate for students entering 9th grade, this committee wishes to make the following statement. The procedures described in our policy dealing with such concerns have been enacted. Because the book is not currently part of an assignment or on an active recommended reading list for any of our students, we do not feel the need to subvert our standardpolicy. We expect that the Superintendent will bring his findings and recommendation to us at a regularly scheduled meeting in early December. We believe that our policy and the procedures it describes are sound and we ask that the public respect that policy, this board and our decision to let the process play out according to the policy. The concerns expressed by the dialogue around town over the past several weeks are serious. Our response to this matter is equally serious. We wish to express our trust in the Superintendent, his staff and the teachers of Reading. We have faith that in the end we will all do what is right for our students. Regarding other reading material recently brought to our attention. As stated, we feel that our policy and its procedures are sound We respectfully request that concerns related to any other literature or curriculum materials be expressed via the procedures described in our policy. B. RoutineMatters 1. Bills and Payroll Signed as required. 2. Citizen's Input There was no citizen's input. 3. Gifts There were no gifts presented this evening. 4. Reports of Chairman, Liaisons, & Superintendent • Mr. Robinson discussed the Joshua Eaton Veteran's Day Assembly, Beauty and the Beast Production and Killam Pillars of Character Assembly of which he attended. • Mrs. Gibbs reiterated Mr. Robinson's comments on Beauty and the Beast • Mr. McFadden gave an update on the Naming of Facilities Sub-Committee • Mrs. Webb gave an update of the MASC and MASS joint conference that she has been attending • Mr. Caruso gave an update of the Public Relations Subcommittee and the upcoming Festival of Trees • Mrs. Gibbs reported on the first night of Town Meeting and complimented Superintendent Schettini on his State of the Schools Address. • Superintendent Schettini reported on the following: i. Reading Memorial High School received the Dalton Award and the Sportsmanship Award. He congratulated the coaches, students, and administration for these recognitions. ii. The Veteran's Day Celebration that he attended on Sunday morning. iii. The Veteran's Day Assemblies that he attended at Joshua Eaton, Killam, and Wood End iv. Recognized Joe Huggins for his accomplishment in completing the Massachusetts Construction and Design certification. C. Personnel No items this evening. D. Old Business Mr. Schettini gave an update on the building project. E. New Business 1. Energy Conservation - Performance Contracting Ms. DeLai and Mr. Roland Butzke gave a presentation on Performance Contracting 2. Special Education Programs Colleen Dolan gave a presentation on the Special Education Programs in the district 3. Full Day Kindergarten Mr. Doherty gave a presentation on Reading's Full Day Kindergarten program F. Information and Proposals G. Approval of Minutes The Committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the open session minutes of November 5, 2007. Motion carries 6-0 H. Motion to Adjourn The Committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to move into Executive Sesser, not to return to regular session. The motion was approved on a roll call vote of 6-0 --Superintendent of Schools