HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-24 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts RECEIVED
IOW CLERK
Regular Meeting of the School Committee READING, MASS.
Open Session OCT 2 5 P 12. P
Date: September 24, 2007
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: School Committee 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
Joe Huggins, Director of Facilities
Visitors: Josh Heerter for the Reading Chronicle
Scott Dunlap, A13
Dave Capaldo, Design Partnership of Cambridge
Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
Other Community Members
1. Call to Order
School Committee Chair, Ms. Lisa Gibbs called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and read the
mission statement of the Reading Public Schools
IIA. Bills and Payroll
No bills this evening.
IIB. Citizen's Input
No citizen's input was given.
IIC. Gifts
No gifts were presented.
IID. Reports: Chairperson and School Committee Members
Mr. Michaud gave an update of the RCASA training that began on Wednesday, September 18th. He
also stated that there will be a community RCASA meeting on September 26th
Mrs. Gibbs reported that Elaine Webb has been appointed to Governor Deval Patrick's Reading
project subcommittee on MCAS and assessment. She also reported that Mrs. Webb has been
selected as a member of the All State MASC Division 1.
IIE. Reports: Superintendent
Superintendent Schettini reported on meetings that he had with Tufts University and Boston College
around the areas of teaching and learning.
III. Approval of Field Trips
Reading Memorial High School Foreign Language Teachers Susan Hennessey and Joanne Alvarez,
Parker Middle School Teachers Karawan Kouki, Jennifer Gray, Donna Martinson, and Pat Zona, and
Parker Assistant Principal Doug Lyons were present to answer questions about four field trips.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso to approve the
Parker Middle School field trip to Montreal and Quebec City in the province of Quebec,
Canada in April, 2008 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 18,
2007. Motion approved 6-0
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso to approve the
Parker Middle School field trip to Mark Twain's House in Hartford, CT in November 2007 as
outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 18, 2007 Motion approved
6-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the
Parker Middle School field trip to Nature's Classroom in June, 2008 as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated September 18, 2007 Motion approved 6-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the
Reading Memorial High School French exchange program field trip in April, 2008 as outlined
in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 24, 2007 Motion approved 6-0.
IV. Executive Session
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mrs Webb to enter into
executive session for the purpose of a Level 3 Grievance and approval of minutes and to return
to open session. Roll call vote approved motion 6-0.
Meeting adjourned for executive session at 7:48 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 9:05 p.m.
V. Building Project Update
Scott Dunlap from AI3 and Dave Capaldo from Design Partnership gave a building project update.
Thomas Kostinden from TLT sent a letter indicating that he could not attend.
The update included the following areas:
o Sitework
o Curb cuts underneath the elevated walkway
o HVAC
o Punch-List
o Building Security System
o Memorial Wall
o Handicap Sidewalk Access
VI. FY09 18 Capital Plan
Director of Human Resource and Finances Mary DeLai and Director of Facilities Joe Huggins
presented the FY09-18 Capital Plan for informational purposes. A vote will be taken at the October 1
school committee meeting.
VII. Information and Proposals
The next school committee meeting is Monday, October I" at 7:30 p.m.
VIII. Approval of Minutes
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mrs Webb, to approve the
open session minutes of September 10, 2007 Motion approved 6-0.
IX. Motion to Adjourn
The committee voted on a motion by Mrs Webb, seconded by Mr. Michaud to adjourn Motion
approved 6-0.
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools