HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-07 School Committee MinutesRECEIVED
Reading Public Schools TOW CLERK
READING MASS.
Reading, Massachusetts
'
Regular Session Ma ~2& ! 1 P 2` 32
Call to Order
Chair Webb called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. at the School Committee Conference
Room. Present were Ms. Webb, Ms. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, Superintendent
Patrick Schettini, Jr., Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai, Assistant
Superintendent John Doherty, and Steven Hagan from the Reading Chronicle.
Mrs. Webb discussed that RCTV was present and will be videotaping the meeting. She
introduced the members of the committee for the audience. Mrs. Webb also read the
mission statement for the Reading Public Schools.
Routine Matters
Personnel
Bills and Payrolls
There were bills and payrolls were circulating.
Citizens' Input
There was no citizens' input.
Gifts
There were no gifts presented this evening.
Reports of Chairman, Liaisons, and Superintendent
Superintendent Schettini reported a few items:
• Mr. Finigan reported in a memo that all students in the Junior and Senior classes
have passed the MCAS as part of their graduation requirement.
• Mrs. Lauren Fusco, a grade 5 teacher at the Joshua Eaton Elementary school, won
the teacher of the year award sponsored by WalMart, Inc. She received her award
today in a surprise ceremony at Joshua Eaton.
• Mr. Finigan reported that Jim DeBenedictis received the National History Day
teacher of the year.
• Reading Public Schools has been recognized by Expansion Magazine as a gold
award winner.
• June 9"' will be the rededication ceremony of Reading Memorial High School.
The event will begin at 9:00 a.m.
Regular Session 2 May 7 2007
Chair Webb reported a few items:
• Discussed the "Day on the Hill" event that she attended last week in Boston.
• Her meeting that she had with the Chairperson of the State Board of Education.
Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb talked about the great job that the RMHS Drama Club
students did in the performance of Wiley and the Hairy Man. Mrs. Gibbs also talked
about the National Honor Society Ceremony that was held at RMHS last week.
Mr. Caruso came to the meeting at 6:48 p.m.
Calendar
Mrs. Webb reviewed the school committee calendar. She asked that the dedication be
added to the calendar.
New Business
Field Trips
Superintendent Schettini talked about the annual Coolidge Grade 8 Field Trip to
Montreal. Mr. Martin talked about the field trip.
Mrs. Gibbs move to approve the annual Coolidge Middle School 8t" 2rade field trip to
Montreal in September as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 2,
2007. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion passed 5-0 Mrs Gibbs Ms Webb, Mr. Caruso,
Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson.
Superintendent's Evaluation
Mrs. Webb read the summative review of Superintendent Schettini's evaluation. Mrs.
Webb listed several outstanding accomplishments of the Reading Public Schools. She
then discussed the categories that were used for the Superintendent's evaluation and the
scores that he received in each category.
Mr. Schettini thanked the committee and emphasized that it is a team effort.
Mrs. Webb emphasized that the Superintendent's Evaluation for the 2006-07 school year
will be completed in June.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve regular School Committee minutes dated March 26,
2007 with changes. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion passed 4-0-1. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms.
Webb, Mr. Caruso and Mr. Michaud. Mr. Robinson abstained
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve reLyular School Committee minutes dated April 9,
_ 2007 with chanLyes. Secondedby Mr, Caruso. Motionpassed 5-0-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. - -
Webb, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson. ^
Regular Session 3 May 7 2007
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve regular School Committee minutes dated April 13,
2007. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion passed 5-0-0 Mrs Gibbs Ms Webb, Mr.
Caruso, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve regular School Committee minutes dated April 23,
2007 with changes. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion passed 5-0-0 Mrs Gibbs, Ms
Webb, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson.
METCO Presentation
Superintendent Schettini introduced Jesenia Castro, the Director of the Reading METCO
program. Ms. Castro gave a short presentation on the METCO program.
Mr. McFadden came to the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
MASC Training Session
Chairperson Webb introduced Mr. Glenn Koocher from the Massachusetts Association of
School Committees. He did a presentation on the Roles and Responsibilities of School
Committees.
Building Project Update
Scott Dunlap from AI3 and David Capaldo from Design Partnership gave a building
project update on the following items:
• The remaining schedule for the project. It was emphasized that the wall and
inscriptions are scheduled to be completed prior to the rededication on June 9t",
The completion of the various areas are now up to the contractor.
• The lights for the football field. It is being recommended that both the track and
the lights be put in the same bid package.
• An update on the HVAC and punch list items. .
• The RISE Playground
• The Project Budget
Adjourn
Mrs. Gibbs moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of litigation
strategies, contract negotiations, and approval of minutes and not to return to
regular session. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Roll call vote passed 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs,
Ms. Webb, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Robinson.
Meeting adjourneq at 10:00 p.m.
Resp
Superintendent of Schools