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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-21 School Committee Minutesf%E i V D Reading Public Schools TOWN C, E R K Reading, Massachusetts RE A D IN G, a S. Regular Session --al 4U lhtyp 4P Call to Order Chair Webb called the meeting to order at 7:35 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., Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent John Doherty, Barrows Principal Karen Callan, Wood End Principal Richard Davidson, Birch Meadow Principal Tom Daniels, Killam Principal Paul Guerrette, Joshua Eaton Principal Patty de Garavilla, Barrows Special Education Teacher Cathy Giles, Melissa Russell from the Reading Advocate and Steven Hagan from the Reading Chronicle. Several Budget parents and members of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council were present. Mrs. Webb read the Reading Public School's mission statement. Public Hearing on School Choice Superintendent Schettini gave an overview of the School Choice law and recommended that for the 2007- 08 year, Reading not become a school choice district. Mrs. Gibbs moved, pursuant to the provisions of G.L.c. 76 & 12B, that the School Committee of Reading, following a public hearing, hereby withdraw from its obligation to enroll non-resident students in Reading Public Schools during the 2007-2008 school year for the following reason: General District Enrollment. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion carries 6-0 Mrs Gibbs, Ms Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson. Routine Matters Bills and Payrolls Bills and payrolls were circulating. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Gifts Superintendent Schettini discussed gifts from the Young Women's League and New England Bio Lab which will address issues of the STEM fields. Mrs. Gibbs moved to accept the donations to the Parker Middle School and the elementarv science curriculum from the Young Women's League of Reading and the donation to the Killam School from New England BioLabs as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandums dated May 18 2007 Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion carries 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb. Mr. McFadden. Mr. Caruso. Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson. Reports of Chairman, Liaisons, and Superintendent Superintendent Schettini reported a few items: • The Outstanding Fine Arts Festival that occurred last weekend. • The Spring Fling that occurred on May 11`h. • Very positive Senior Events that have occurred over the last few weeks. Vice Chair Gibbs talked about the excellent Senior Awards Breakfast that occurred a few weeks ago. She congratulated RMHS Baseball Coach Peter Moscariello_and the_RMHS_Baseball Team for their efforts working with the Challenge Baseball team. Regular Session 2 May 21, 2007 Mr. McFadden complimented Mr. Huggins and the Maintenance/Custodial Department for showing off the RMHS facility this past weekend. Chair Webb reported on the following: • The Coolidge Science Olympiad Team who placed I O b in the country at the National Science Olympiad at Wichita State University this past weekend. She complimented the work ethic and perseverance of the students and coaches on the team. Mrs. Webb complimented Coach Paul Guidetti, Coach John McCarthy, and Coach Karawan Kouki for their leadership throughout the year. Mr. Robinson commented that he would like the board to discuss adding an anonymous teacher survey as a component to the Superintendent's evaluation. FY07 Budget Update Director of Human Resource and Finance Mary DeLai gave an update of the FY07 Budget. A memo was distributed to the board for review. There was discussion surrounding the deficit in the Town Building Maintenance budget, caused by a malfunctioned air conditioning system at the Town Library. Calendar Personnel Superintendent Schettini introduced Mrs. Cathy Giles. as the new principal of the Killam Elementary School, effective July 1, 2007. The School Committee welcomed Mrs. Giles to the Killam School Community. It was announced that there will be a "Meet and Greet" evening at Killam. on May 22°d from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The board complimented the job that Mr. Guerrette has done over the years and that he will be missed. Superintendent Schettini introduced Susan Villani from MASCD who awarded Mrs. Giles with the Outstanding and Exemplary Mentor of New Teachers Award. Ms. Villani read an excerpt from Karen Callan, her current principal, and the protege that Cathy is currently mentoring, Liz Christo. New Business RMHS Field Trip Mr. Gary D'Entremont discussed the field trip to England that will occur in April, 2008. Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the Reading Memorial High School field trip to England in April, 2008 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 18, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carries 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. McFadden Mr. Caruso Mr. Michaud and Mr. Rnhincnn_ China Connection Sharon Burke, the RMHS Library Media Specialist, discussed the Pathways to China program, which is a new program that is being proposed at Reading Memorial High School. Superintendent Schettini commented that this is another example of expanding learning. Mrs. Gibbs moved to support the Pathways to China program as presented and to request that the Superintendent return at a later date for approval of the field trip to China portion of the program once the details of the trip have been finalized. Seconded by Mr. Robinson. Motion carried 5-1. Mr. McFadden voted in opposition to the motion. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson. Mr. McFadden voted against. There was a brief recess at 8:50 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:04 p.m. Regular Session 3 May 21 2007 Special Education Report Superintendent Schettini In-District Program Coordinator Jacqui Orphans gave a power point presentation of the Special Education Peer Review and Focus Groups that was done this past year. The power point was distributed to the Committee and the audience. Superintendent Schettini thanked Deb Gilberg who facilitated all of the focus groups. Special Education PAC Superintendent Schettini introduced PAC President Jean Cappuccio and Public Relations Coordinator Linda Machado who gave their presentation describing the Special Education PAC to the committee. Superintendent Schettini thanked the PAC for their presentation and their support throughout this school year. Enrollment Update Superintendent Schettini gave a presentation on Student Enrollment and Personnel Staffing. Both the committee and several community members spoke about the class sizes and course offerings in some schools and how to address budget situations in future years. Adjourn Mrs. Gibbs moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of non-union personnel contracts negotiations, and approval of minutes and not to return to regular session. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Roll call vote passed 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb. Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso. Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson. Meeting a 'ourned 1:40 p.m. Respe t ed, Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools RECE IVED TOW CLERK READING. P~~,SS. Reading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts 2001 OCT 25 P 12. 09 Executive Session May 21 2007 Call to Order Chair Webb called the meeting to order at 11:40 p.m. in the Superintendent's Office. Present were Ms. Webb, Ms. Gibbs, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Robinson and Superintendent Patrick Schettini. Contract Negotiations There was conversation regarding non-union personnel negotiations. Adjourn Mrs. Gibbs moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. McFadden Roll call vote was passed 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Ms Webb, Mr. Robinson, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Caruso. Meeting adjourned at 12:15 a.m. Approved 9/24/07 Released 10/24/07 1