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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-18 School Committee Minutesf,ECf-l` E'D Reading Public Schools TO CLERK Reading, Massachusetts READ "I A S S. Regular Session 7HRIJ ' 4812P72- 32 , Call to Order Chair Gibbs called the meeting to order at 8:04 p.m. at the School Committee Conference Room. Present were Ms. Webb, Ms. Gibbs, Mr. Caruso, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, Superintendent Patrick Schettini, Jr., Assistant Superintendent John Doherty, Director of HR and Finance Mary DeLai, AD Project Manager Scott Dunlap, and Steven Hagan from the Reading Chronicle and Melissa Russell of The Advocate. Also present were members of the TAP Committee as well as several parents. Routine Matters Bills and Payrolls Bills and payrolls were circulating. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Gifts There were no gifts for this evening. Reports of Chairman, Liaisons, and Superintendent Superintendent Schettini discussed the end of year activities going on in the district. He also discussed his attendance at a conference regarding a US-UK STEM initiative. Mr. Caruso discussed his attendance at the RISE playground ribbon-cutting ceremony that was funded in part by donations from Samantha's Harvest. The ceremony was attending by School Committee members, rotary members, and RISE staff and parents. Mrs. Gibbs discussed her appreciation for the end of year activities in the district. She also discussed the incredibly successful re-dedication ceremony that was very well attended and was an extraordinary day. Mr. Schettini emphasized how proud he is to have so many of the past memorials displayed as well as the inspirational quotes on the wall. He expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the Memorial Committee. Mrs. Gibbs read the district mission. Calendar Personnel There were no personnel issues. Regular Session 2 June 18, 2007 New Business Teacher Assessment Process Mr. Schettini noted that the TAP document will have incredible impact on teaching and learning in our district for years to come. Superintendent Schettini stated that the standards are a hallmark for things to come. Mr. Schettini introduced Mr. Doherty. Mr. Doherty expressed his appreciation to the TAP Committee which included Alison Currier, Patty deGaravilla, Cathy Giles, Michelle Kurchian, Paula Graham, Craig Martin, Bill Lewis, Mary Anne Lynne, Donna Martinson, Heidi Murray, and Elena Raffa. Mr. Doherty discussed at length the following elements of the TAP document which he presented in a PowerPoint presentation. • Objectives of the Teacher Assessment Process including collaboration, providing information for continuous improvement; and a record of facts and assessments for personnel decisions • Improvements that have been made to prior versions including goal setting for teachers that are tied to standards, school improvement and district improvement plans and enhanced opportunities for ongoing communication, both verbal and written • Goal setting process of the TAP • Reading's Standards for Effective Teaching which includes six standards (planning and preparation for learning; classroom management; delivery of instruction; monitoring, assessment, and follow-up; family and community outreach; professional responsibilities. Each standard has four levels (exceeding, meeting, progressing toward, or does not meet the standard). Each standard has ten to twelve indicators. • Observations, with both informal and formal observations • Evaluation Process including frequency, components of the evaluation (self assessment, written reflection, pre-evaluation conference, and written evaluation report), and sample sources of data that can be included as part of the evaluation • Additional Assistance which is applicable to PTS teachers (previously known as the "at risk plan" in the previous TAP document) including the process for placing teachers in this category, the assignment of a support team, and the resulting observation and evaluation cycle • Future Additions to Process which includes rubrics for specialists, annual review of the TAP by the Committee, workshops focusing on specific standards, and an alternative evaluation system Regular Session 3 June 18, 2007 Comments of support for the document and its value to teaching and learning in the district were made by Mr. Craig Martin, Mrs. Patty deGaravilla, Mrs. Donna Martinson, and Mrs. Heidi Murray. Mr. Caruso moved to support the Teacher Assessment Process (TAP) document as presented at the June 18, 2007 meeting of the Reading School Committee and authorize the Chair of the Committee to sign the side letter of agreement with the Reading Teachers Association on behalf of the Committee including by reference the TAP Document into the labor agreement between the Reading School Committee and the Reading Teachers Association. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Approved 6-0. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Robinson. Mr. McFadden asked about the frequency of evaluation for PTS teachers around their fourth and/or fifth year of teaching and inquired about doing formal evaluations every year for PTS teachers. Superintendent Schettini noted that the frequency is mandated by state statute. He noted that discussions with Administrators happen frequently throughout the year to ensure that PTS teachers are receiving the supports necessary. He also noted that across the state teachers generally do not leave the profession due to observation and evaluation but due to inadequate professional development. Mr. Doherty added that goal-setting is something that is done every year and assists in guiding all teachers regardless of professional status. Mr. Robinson inquired as to how long the present document has been in use and how the TAP Committee members were selected. Mr. Doherty responded that the current document has been used for the past year, that administrators volunteered, and that teachers were selected by the RTA. Mr. Michaud congratulated the Committee and commented on how thorough a document it is, how it parallels what is used by teachers for children, and the important emphasis on communication. Mr. McFadden asked if there were non-PTS teachers on the Committee. Mr. Schettini stated that they were not and that their participation would not have been appropriate given their level of experience; PTS teachers have a demonstrated record of achieving the Reading standards for effective teaching whereas non-PTS teachers are still learning and increasing their understanding and achievement of the standards. Mrs. Martinson added that Committee members did receive input as they communicated back to their building colleagues and that they brought that feedback to the Committee. Superintendent Schettini further noted that this was an opportunity for teacher leaders to take on the leadership role and the effort was best led by these teacher leaders. Regular Session 4 June 18, 2007 Old Business RMHS Building Project Scott Dunlap from AD gave a building project update. Some of the items that he highlighted included: • The areas addressed for the June 9th rededication memorial ceremony. • Details of the day reports indicating the contractors that are working on the site each day. • Back charges associated with the project. • Punch list amounts • The bidding process on the field and the lights • Enforcement issues Questions were asked by the committee about the following areas: • The credit awarded on the wrestling room and fitness center floors. • The field house floor and the seamless nature of the floor. • The bid contract for the track and lights and how it could be split. • The schedule for the renovation of the track and installation of the lights. • The status of the contingency. • Discovery of ledge during excavation. District Improvement Plan Superintendent Schettini gave the Committee an update on the District Improvement Plan. He emphasized that the document is a living document which gives a history of the initiatives that have been used in Reading. The plan also aligns with the Blue Ribbon Standards of Excellence. Mr. Caruso move that the Reading School Committee support the District Improvement Plan dated 6/14/2007 and to further review it at a future meeting. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion carries 6-0. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Robinson. Mrs. Webb asked as a point of order to make sure that we had a full board available for the July 16th meeting to address any needs in the district improvement plan. FY07 Budget Update Superintendent Schettini and Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai distributed a budget analysis as of June 15th. Ms. DeLai gave a short overview of the analysis. There is currently a slight surplus available to deal with any last minute invoices in the fiscal year. .Cat uso moved to transfer within the FY07 Bud et i"iu uuu a u=== v cast center to the Town Buildin Maintenance cost ~e Mc Secoi: Robinson. Motion asseu u- u. 1~1= • - - - - - Mr. McFadden and Mr. Robinson. Mr. McFadden inquired about any additional 'imbursement from the cation restate ementeLai and Mr. Schettini indicated that there is one more special erecommended that paymeat expected in late June or early July. Superintendent poo lCommittee when the final 16' no decision be made on that funding until the July FY07 bills have been accounted for. Mr. McFadden would like this item added to the July 16th agenda. e e against the motion. New Business Approve SEEM Collaborative Agreement e G t effete J 14, 2007. Seconded b Mr. McFadden. Motion carr►rb u • - Webb Mrs. Gibbs Mr. McFadden and Mr. Robinson. 2006-2007 Superintendent's Evaluation Mrs. Webb read the Superintendent's Evaluation. S S Gibbs Mr. McFadden and Mr. Robinson. Mr. Schettini thanked the committee for the evaluation and gave accolades to the central office administrators, administrative council and faculty and staff for their efforts in making this an excellent school district. Regular Session 7 June 18, 2007 Mrs. Webb moved to authorize a base salary increase for Superintendent Patrick A Schettini, Jr. effective July 1, 2007 of 3.75%. The committee authorizes the chair to execute this agreement though all other terms and conditions in employment contract remain unchanged for the 2007-08 school year second by Mr. Caruso Motion carries 6-0. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Ms Webb, Mrs Gibbs, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Robinson. Mr. McFadden moves to adjourn.. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carries 6-0 Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Robinson. Meeting adjourned at 11:37 p.m. J.D. Superintendent of Schools