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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-04 School Committee MinutesRECEIVED T6W CLERK n t IG, Mira. . Reading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts P 27 32 Regular Session June 4 2007 Call to Order Chair Webb called the regular session to order at 6:35 p.m. in the School Committee Conference Room at Reading Memorial High School. Present were Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, Superintendent Patrick Schettini, Jr., Assistant Superintendent John Doherty, Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai. Ms. Webb read the mission statement for the Reading Public Schools. Superintendent Schettini gave a clarification regarding last meeting's vote on extraordinary services pay and on setting of administrators FY08 compensation amounts. Bills and Payrolls Bills and payrolls were circulated Citizens' Input Debbie Haggerty, Wood End parent, commented on class size at elementary level and desire to put limit on class size for K-2 levels. Ms. Haggerty encouraged Committee to review research, to make commitment to limit class size at all levels K-12, and to make class size a budget priority now and in the future. Annette Douglas, Wood End parent, echoed the sentiment that low class size K-2 is paramount. She presented comparable data from Killam and Eaton and questioned the decision at Wood End. She commented on the need to count the ILP students in the totals given that the goal of the ILP students is 60% participation. Jenny Yamane, Wood End parent, provided additional commentary on the impact she believes the higher class size at first grade at Wood End would have. Gail Donovan, Wood End parent of twins, expressed concern about their only being two classrooms and the hope that next year would not be repeated. Tina Brzezenski, Wood End parent, discussed differences between her two children - one who attended private school with smaller class sizes and the other attending Wood End - Regular Session 2 June 4 2007 and her feeling that the child attending private school is doing better. She expressed her belief that class size of 24 at Grade 1 is unacceptable. Paul Devlin, Wood End parent, recognized that overall class size has improved relative to targets but perhaps falls short in the earlier grades and offers a challenge to the Committee to do better in achieving targets in the future. Superintendent Schettini stated that he and the Committee would like the opportunity to review and digest the information and report back to the Committee. Mrs. Webb stated that she would like to look at this information is important input on future goal development. Ms. Douglas asked if this issue with Wood End would be discussed again. Superintendent Schettini stated that we would continue to look at enrollment and reassess situation as enrollment circumstances change across the district. Gifts No gifts _ Reports of Chairman, Liaisons & Superintendent Superintendent Schettini introduced Donald Pierson, Dean of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, to the Committee and discussed the long standing history of Reading's partnership with UMass Lowell in the recruitment, preparation, and professional development of teachers. Dean Pierson discussed the University's process in determining the need to recognize the commitment to excellence in its partnerships with school districts and the initiative to explore opportunities for collaboration and sharing resources. He recognized Reading's school administration for being at the forefront of finding federal and state grant opportunities. He expressed great pride in the students at the Graduate School of Education and the success and accomplishments of those students with 100% pass rate on the MTELs and 97% rate of hire of their teacher candidates. Reading has hired eight excellent people over the last five years from UMass Lowell including two physics and two chemistry teachers. Advisors always seek out opportunities in Reading due to excellent mentoring they receive. Dean Pierson presented to the Superintendent and the Committee the, "School-University Partnership Award" to Superintendent of Schettini and Reading Public Schools. Superintendent Schettini introduced Mr. Bart Teal from the Blue Ribbon Schools program which _Reading -has been working with over the last -several-years. - Mr. Teal 1111111 - - - Regular Session 3 _ June 4. 2007 stated that Reading is one of the top districts that he has been working with and that the district is moving forward very quickly toward being one of the best in the country and the world. Mr. Teal discussed his recent trip to China and the connections that he is developing with the mission of promoting world peace through cultural understanding and exchange programs. Mr. Teal discussed how the Blue Ribbon Schools organization is working with Reading School district on school improvement based on national school research. Superintendent Schettini briefly addressed the survey process and how the results will inform our constant improvement mission to become a high quality district. Superintendent Schettini spoke about graduation on Sunday, June 3rd that it was a tremendous day, one of the best he's been able to attend. He also spoke of the fantastic class day, the senior "slide show," and the senior week in general. Superintendent Schettini told the Committee about the outstanding accomplishments of the Joshua Eaton Math Olympiad team. Ms. Webb discussed the Massachusetts Pilot School Conference she attended with Superintendent Schettini and Mrs. Gibbs at the invitation of Mr. Chris Anderson, Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Education. Mrs. Gibbs noted that the conference reiterated that Reading is doing a lot of the things that were discussed as being innovative and that other districts wish they could be doing. School Committee Calendar Ms. Webb reviewed the School Committee Calendar for the upcoming years and asked Committee members to email Mrs. Engelson with any conflicts. Personnel There were no personnel issues to be discussed. Old Business SUPERINTENDENT EVALUATION Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the Superintendent's 2005-2006 Evaluation process Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion passed by a vote of 6-0 Mrs Gibbs, Ms Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Caruso and Mr. Robinson Regular Session 4 June 4 2007 BUILDING PROJECT Superintendent Schettini stated that the building project has extended beyond anticipated end date requiring additional services from Project Manager and Architect. Superintendent Schettini noted that there is a hope that some of the additional fees may be charged back or reimbursed by the General Contractor. Some of the funding may come from hold back amounts; that will be resolved later. Mr. McFadden inquired about the contractual obligation of the Project Manager and Architect to perform for the entire length of the project. Superintendent Schettini noted that the contracts for Project Manager and Architect are based on length of contract established by Contractor. If that contract is extended, then their contract must be extended accordingly. Mr. Robinson asked if this will imperil our state reimbursement. Superintendent Schettini noted that he is not aware of any reason why that would be the case. Mr. Robinson asked if he knew how much of additional funding would be required. Superintendent Schettini stated that that could not be estimated at this time. Superintendent Schettini noted that the Project Manager would be responsible for making sure that the scope of additional work is reviewed and is reasonable. Mr. Robinson inquired about how the rates compared to prior rates and Superintendent Schettini stated that he believes these 2007 rates are higher. EXTENSION OF SERVICES Mrs. Gibbs moved to authorize the Superintendent to enter into extended professional services contracts with Ai-3 and Design Partnership of Cambridge, Project Manager and Architect for the high school project, in accordance with the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 4, 2007. Seconded by Mr. McFadden. Motion passed by a vote of 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Caruso and Mr. Robinson. Superintendent discussed the situation with the bid for the track repair and that no bids were received in response to the invitation to bids. TLT has requested that it be allowed to complete the track. Superintendent Schettini recommended that TLT be given the opportunity subject to the requirement that TLT fulfill the contract as specified in the newer bid specifications just released. The alternative would be to re-bid in which case the bid would be due near the end of June. Regular Session 5 June 4 2007 Ms. Webb expressed her concern with compliance with conservation requirements and Superintendent Schettini noted the need for the contractor to apply for a new Order of Conditions given the new scope of work. Mr. Michaud asked about when we would anticipate the repairs being completed if we had to rebid. Superintendent Schettini noted that the bid announcement has already been placed in the Central Register allowing for the bid schedule to be followed if TLT does not accept this agreement. Mr. McFadden issued caution about the use of a time and materials contract. Superintendent Schettini stated that he could not warrant that there were not segments of the contract that might allow for time and materials. Mr. McFadden requested that his concerns be passed along to the Project Manager and Architect. TRACK AND LIGHT REPAIR Mrs. Gibbs moved to allow TLT Construction to complete the RMHS TRACK REPAIRS as detailed in the Track Repairs and Light Pole Base Installations bid documents prepared by the Design Partnership of Cambridge and dated May 1, 2007. Such agreement is contingent upon the following: 1. TLT Construction shall forward a signed agreement to the Suberintendent of Schools no later than June 81, 2007 confirming and certifying that they will complete ALL WORK identified in the Track Repairs and Light Pole Base Installations bid documents dated May 1, 2007. Additionally, TLT Construction shall confirm that they will complete the work within the schedule identified in the bid documents, or provide an acceptable alternative schedule. 2. TLT shall complete the TRACK REPAIRS portion of the work at no additional cost to the Owner and shall not be given an extension of Contract Time for the completion of such work. 3. TLT shall provide an acceptable price for the STADIUM LIGHT POLE BASE INSTALLATIONS portion of the work, which is not included in the original Owner/Contractor agreement and is an ADDITIONAL COST. Furthermore, if a signed agreement is not received from TLT Construction by June 8th, 2007, the Committee re-affirms their prior vote to proceed with completing these TRACK REPAIRS and STADIUM LIGHT POLE BASE INTALLATIONS with another Contractor by utilizing the May 1, 2007 bid documents prepared by the Design Partnership of Cambridge. Seconded by Mr. McFadden. Motion passed by a vote of 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Caruso and Mr. Robinson. Regular Session 6 June 4 2007 New Business Ms. Webb thanked the Superintendent, staff, and Board for allowing her to serve for the last year. REORGANIZATION Superintendent Schettini asked for nominations for the Chair. Mr. Michaud nominated Mrs. Gibbs with second from Ms. Webb. Mrs. Gibbs thanked Mr. Michaud for the nomination and is honored to be nominated. She believes strongly in the mission of the RPS, contributed to its development, is student focused, with a broad sense of what it takes to educate all students given her own experiences. Superintendent called for a vote. Mrs. Gibbs was elected unanimously as the new Chairperson of the Reading School Committee. Mrs. Gibbs thanked the board for the vote of confidence. Mrs. Gibbs asked for nominations for the Vice Chair. Ms. Webb nominated Mr. Robinson seconded by Mr. McFadden. Mr. Caruso nominated Mr. Michaud seconded by Mr. McFadden. Ms. Webb asked about how each candidate would approach the district improvement plan and its role in the Committee's agenda. Mr. Robinson stated that he would like to be a part of establishing priorities for the district around such things as class size and reaching out to educate the community about funding. Mr. Michaud stated that he would focus on continuing with the mission of the district to drive our agenda and looking at policies to ensure that the two work together and continue to move our district forward. Mr. McFadden asked each how they saw their role with respect to the Committee's agenda around budget and finance and their role with Fin Comm and Selectboard. Mr. Robinson stated that it was the whole Committee's role to engage with the Fin Comm and Selectboard. The Chair and Vice Chair are the two leaders among equals. Mr. Michaud responded that there are various talents and skills and that his management style is to tap the tools and resources necessary to get the job done. His management style is one of inclusion. Regular Session 7 June 4. 2007 Mrs. Gibbs called for a vote for those candidates in support of Mr. Robinson. Those voting for were Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb and Mr. Robinson. Mrs. Gibbs called for a vote for those candidates in support of Mr. Michaud. Those supporting were Mr. Michaud, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, and Ms. Gibbs. Superintendent Schettini congratulated the Chair and Vice Chair and looks forward to working with them and their guidance. FIELD TRIP Superintendent Schettini reviewed the details of the requested Field Trip for Coolidge Middle School Grade 8 to Canobie Lake Park during after school hours. Mr. Caruso moved to approve the Coolidge Middle School Grade S field trip to Canobie Lake Park on June 21St as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum. Seconded by Mrs. Webb. Motion passed by a vote of 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Caruso and Mr. Robinson. PORTABLE CLASSROOM DEMOLITION Superintendent Schettini reviewed the capital funding process used to appropriate the funding for the removal of the portables at Birch Meadow. This is the decision regarding the awarding of the contract to the appropriate vendor. Superintendent Schettini recommended that the Committee move forward with the awarding of the contract. The portables cannot be relocated and re-used. Furthermore, in the past, apparent commitments were made to remove the portables as part of the override vote process. Mr. Caruso asked what the original budget. The Superintendent stated $25,000 and also explained that the $14,000 was for the removal only and that additional work regarding plumbing and electrical as well as grading and paving would account for the remaining $10,000. Mr. McFadden questioned whether we might need this space in the future. Superintendent Schettini noted that that could bean issue and is something the Committee does need to decide. It is a risk, but one that there should be discussion about. To put in new modular units could cost $150,000 or so per classroom. There may be future space constraints but at the same time concerns have been raised by parents and there is pressure to remove them. Mr. Caruso cited that the Birch Meadow community desires more play space, finds the portables to be an "eyesore" and would not want that space to be used for educational space. Regular Session 8 June 4. 2007 Mr. Caruso moved to authorize the Superintendent to sign the contract for the demolition of the portable classrooms at the Birch Meadow School Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion passed by a vote of 6-0 Mrs Gibbs, Ms Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Caruso and Mr. Robinson Approval of Minutes There were no minutes to be approved. Mr. McFadden requested a budget update for the June 18th meeting. Mr. McFadden also requested a breakdown of part-time employees versus full-time employees who subscribe to health insurance Executive Session Ms. Webb moved to enter into executive session for the purposes of entering contract negotiations and not to return to regular session Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Roll call vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. McFadden Mr. Michaud, Mr. Caruso and Mr. Robinson. Patfick A. Sahettini, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools RECEIVE:D TOWN CLERK Reading Public Schools READING, MASS. Reading, Massachusetts 1Qxg~t~ti~~ Swim a q June 4, 2007 Mrs. Gibbs called Executive Session to order at 8:52 p.m. Present were Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, Superintendent Schettini, Assistant Superintendent Doherty and Director of Human Resources and Finance DeLai. Superintendent Schettini gave a brief overview of the negotiated nurses' contract and the changes that were made regarding dates, representation, and revised language to Article 8 regarding work day. He also discussed the need for two contracts to allow the nurses contract to be contiguous with respect to benefits as they move forward to integration with the RTA contract cycle. Ms. Webb moved to approve the uronosed contract agreement dated Julv 1, 2005 through August 31, 2005 between the Reading Public Schools and Reading Professional Nurses and to authorize the chair to make minor clerical changes and to sign the agreement on behalf of the Reading School Committee. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Roll call vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson. Ms. Webb moved to approve the proposed contract agreement dated September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2008 between the Reading Public Schools and Reading Professional Nurses and to authorize the chair to make minor clerical changes and to sign the agreement on behalf of the Reading School Committee. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Roll call vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson. Ms. DeLai explained the details regarding a request to be presented at our next meeting regarding construction of a secure data center and the need for a transfer from school operating budget. At the request of the Police Chief, it is requested that the location of the site not be disclosed at public session. Mr. Michaud moved to adiourn from Executive Session. Seconded by Ms. Webb. Roll call vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson. Approved 9/24/07 Released 10/24/07