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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-27 School Committee Minutesv Reading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts RIEOEIVED TOWN CLERK( 1EADINGI, MASS. Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: August 27, 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 Visitors: 2001 SEP 2q A II: 58 Staff Members Present Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools Mary DeLai-Director of Human Resource and Finances Colleen Dolan-Director of Pupil Services John Doherty-Assistant Superintendent of Schools 1. 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 IIA. Bills and Payroll Signed as required '1111. Citizen's Input Mr. William Brown presented a gift to the school department for the Veteran's Memorial Wall. The gift is a series of medallions that are placed on the veteran's graves. III. Building Project Update Mr. Torn Kostindan, co-owner of TLT, gave an update of the exterior work that will be completed for the opening of school on Thursday. A memo from Superintendent Schettini was distributed to the committee describing the work that needed to be done by the opening of school. Mr. Scott Dunlap from Ai-3 gave an update of the building project. He referred to the building report which was distributed to the school committee. The replacement panels for the Memorial Wall are scheduled to be put into place on Wednesday. IIC. Gifts Four gifts were.presented by Superintendent Schettini to the Committee. One gift was from the RISE Pre-School Parent Organization for $570. The second gift was from the Joshua Eaton Clock Tower Preservation Committee for $30,000 and was presented by Jody Avtges, Edward Lanziolotta, Russ Graham, and Nancy Graham. The third gift was a set of medallions presented by Mr. William C. Brown. The fourth gift was a donation of office furniture from SJH and Company valued at The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso to accept donation of $570 from the RISE Parent Teacher Network as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated August 20, 2007. Motion passed 5-0. Mr. McFadden was not present during the vote. The committee voted on a motion by Mrs. Webb, seconded by Mr. Robinson, to accept the gift of Mr. William C. Brown for the Memorial Wall. Motion passed 5-0. Mr. McFadden was not present during the vote. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to accept donation of $30,000 from the Joshua Eaton Clock Tower Preservation Committee as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated August 20, 2007. Motion passed 6-0. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to accept donation of office equipment and supplies valued at $3,900 from the SJH and Company as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated August 20, 2007. Motion passed 6-0. III. Report: Superintendent Superintendent Schettini, Ms. DeLai, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Doherty gave an update on what has been happening in the schools over the last two months while school has not been in session. Superintendent Schettini reported that the Reading Collation Against Substance Abuse has received a $500,000 SAMSA grant to begin to address substance abuse in the community. In addition, the school department received a $100,000 emergency preparedness grant to develop safety plans and provide training to implement those plans. Ms. DeLai gave an update of all of the facility and maintenance items that were addressed this summer in both the schools and town buildings. - Mr. John Doherty gave an update of the Reading Enrichment Academy, the professional development activities, and the technology purchases that have been occurring over the summer. Ms. Colleen Dolan gave an update of what has been happening in special education, nursing services, and professional development for both paraprofessionals and teachers. Ms. DeLai gave an update of the implementation of the MUNIS financial software package. Superintendent Schettini discussed the three day administrative retreat and what was accomplished at the retreat. He also discussed what he will be discussing with all staff at the opening day meeting on August 281h IV. Report: School Committee Ms. Webb reported on that MASC will be hosting a roundtable discussion on negotiations on September 6t . Reading may be the host site for the roundtable discussion. V. Sale of Food and Beverage in the Field House Mr. Chuck Schena, Executive Director of the Reading Boosters Club, and Ms. Roberta Crosby addressed the School Committee on the issue of the right to be the sole purveyor of food and beverage in the field house and football field. The committee requested copies of any information that would help with the decision. Mr. McFadden will work with the Boosters to gather any information. This item will be placed on a future school committee agenda. VI. Liaison and Sub-Committee Positions Mr. Schettini presented a list of the sub-committee and liaison responsibilities for FY08. The committee voted on a motion from Mr. Michaud, second by Ms. Webb to accept the Liaison and Sub-Committee responsibilities as indicated on the revised chart dated August 27, 2007. Motion passed 6-0. VII. Award of Contract. Ms. DeLai gave the committee an update of the bid process with the cleaning services contract for Coolidge Middle School and Reading Memorial High School. The committee voted on a motion from Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into agreement with the Cleaning Services Group of Danvers, MA to provide the cleaning services at Reading Memorial High School and the Coolidge Middle School as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated August 20, 2007. Motion passed 6-0. VIII. Other The committee discussed the fee structure for all day kindergarten. It will be placed on a future school committee agenda. A Minutes The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mrs. Webb to approve the open session minutes of July 3, 2007 with corrections as noted. Motion passes 5-0-_1. Mr. Caruso abstained. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso to approve the open session minutes of August 4, 2007 with corrections as noted. Motion passes _5-0-1. Mr. McFadden abstained. X. Motion The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to adjourn. Superintendent of Schools