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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-09 School Committee MinutesRECEIVED Reading Public Schools O CLERK READING, . Reading, Massachusetts ' V,;UN 18 Ala 52 Regular Session April 9 2007 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. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, Superintendent Patrick Schettini, Jr., Director of Human Resource and Finances Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent John Doherty, RMHS Principal Joe Finigan, Future Director of Pupil Services Colleen Dolan, Coolidge Principal Craig Martin, AI3 Representative Scott Dunlap, Reading Advocate Reporter Melissa Russell and RMHS Social Studies Teacher Dr. Jeffrey Ryan. Chair Webb introduced the newest school committee member, Chuck Robinson. Personnel Superintendent Schettini introduced and welcomed the new Director of Pupil Services, Colleen Dolan to the School Committee. Ms. Dolan said a few words about how excited she is to come to Reading. She stated that working with the Parent Advisory Council, providing a smooth transition, and working on a coordinated program review would be her first priorities. Reorganization Ms. Webb relinquished the gavel to Superintendent Schettini who gave a brief overview of last year's motion to reorganize after the election, as well as, current school policy of reorganization. Mr. Schettini asked for comments or questions on last year's motion. Ms. Webb moved to return our annual Organizational Meeting to the second meeting in June, coincident with the end of the School Year and Fiscal Year Seconded by Ms. Gibbs. Ms. Webb gave some information to support the motion. • Conducting the annual organizational meeting at the end of June has the following benefits. • Allows chair & vice chair to complete responsibilities associated with the end of the school year and fiscal year; presentation of the school committee budget at town meeting, and the superintendent's review. • The timing of the change is consistent with town boards and committees that the school committee and school committee chair interact with such as the Board of Selectman, Financial Committee, and Conservation Committee. This allows the Regular Session 2 April 9 2007 chairs of these boards to complete planning activities for Town Meeting with consistent leadership. • Holding the organizational meeting in June allows new board members approximately two months experience on the board, interacting with the sitting members prior to weighing-in by vote on the leadership for the coming year. • Generally, the board has scheduled the organizational meeting at the second meeting in June, after graduation and planned a limited agenda. The new chair and vice-chair are then able to work together along with the superintendent over the summer planning the board activities for the year. This ensures that the leadership team is prepared for the high level of activity that begins in September. This is more effective than changing in the midst of meeting just prior to Town Meeting. • The decision to hold the organizational meeting in June was made approximately 10 years ago. The constancy of leadership through Town Meeting and the Superintendent's review process were seen as significant benefits. In years when the chair was vacated, the vice-chair or past-chair served as chair until the organizational meeting in June. Mr. Michaud that a notice be given at the previous meeting so that there can be some discussion prior to the motion like this being voted on. He also mentioned that we should take a look at the school committee policies on transition and how we would deal with the transition in the future. Motion carries 4-1-0. Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Robinson. Mr. Caruso voted against the motion. Ms. Webb was given back the gavel to resume the chairmanship for the remainder of the school year. Bills and Payrolls Bills and payrolls were circulated to all members of the committee. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Gifts There were no gifts presented this evening. Regular Session 3 April 9 2007 Reports of Chairman, Liaisons, and Superintendent Superintendent Schettini reported on several items: • The Night at New Orleans that was held on March 31St. Over 400 people attended the evening of music, drama, food, and fun. • The April 3rd Teacher Inservice Day, including the Dr. David Walsh session and 75 workshops that were offered by our teachers. • The incident that happened on Oakland Road last evening where a suspicious box was found. The State Police Bomb Squad was called and did not find a bomb in the box. Superintendent Schettini commended the Reading Police and Fire Department for their outstanding efforts in dealing with situation. Chairperson Webb commented on the April 3rd Inservice Day and the positive comments that she heard from staff. Chairperson Webb reminded the school committee about the "Day on the Hill" event and MASC conference. She also asked committee members to check summer schedules for possible meeting dates. She also reported that the High School Jazz Band will be playing at the Hatch Shell in Boston on May 28th Mr. McFadden reported that he spoke to Representatives Jones and Natale about local aid funding for FY08. New Business Superintendent Schettini introduced Dr. Jeffrey Ryan who spoke about two field trips. Dr. Jeffrey Ryan spoke about the RMHS Opera Field Trip Mrs. Gibbs move to approve the Reading Memorial High School field trio to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in November as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 3, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion carries 6-0. Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Caruso. Dr. Jeffrey Ryan spoke about the RMHS Trip to Europe. Mrs. Gibbs move to approve the Reading Memorial High School field trip to Europe in the summer of 2008 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 3, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion carries 6-0. Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Caruso. Schettini introduced Coolidge Principal Craig Martin and Science Teacher and Science Olympiad Coach Paul Guidetti, who gave the details of the trip to the National Science Olympiad. Regular Session 4 April 9, 2007 Move to approve the Coolidge Middle School field trip to the National Science Olympiad in Wichita, KS in May as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 3, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Robinson. Motion carries 6-0. Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Caruso. Old Business Building Project Update Scott Dunlap from AI3 gave an update on the RMHS Building Project. He spoke of the following: • The continuing demolition and excavation of the old high school site. • Mr. Dunlap reports that TLT has established that June 1 is the substantial completion date. However, Mr. Dunlap believes that a more realistic date will be closer to the opening of school in the fall. This does not include landscaping. • The lack of demolition activity for 9 days due to a review of the safety plans by the Department of Environmental Protection. The contractor needed to have a - more detailed safety plan approved by DEP prior to resuming demolition. • The termination of the HVAC contractor by the General Contractor and the hiring of a new HVAC contractor. Progress thus far with the new HVAC contractor has been good. • An update on the bid process for the track. • An update on the stadium lighting. • Phil Callahan will be transitioning out of his position as clerk of the works. AI3 is currently looking for a suitable replacement for Mr. Callahan. • An update on the RISE playground Mr. Schettini updated the committee on the gas odors at Wood End. He emphasized that at no time has neither Keyspan Gas Company nor the Fire Department has detected any gas inside the building. Superintendent's Evaluation Superintendent Schettini updated the School Committee on the absence of RCTV at recent school committee meetings. The committee expressed their disappointment that RCTV has not been at the last several school committee meetings. The committee decided to postpone the Superintendent's Evaluation until cable television is available. Last Day of School Regular Session 5 April 9, 2007 r Superintendent Schettini recommended that the last day of school determination be postponed due to the upcoming storm later in the week. School Calendar The next school committee meeting will be on April 23rd at 6:00 p.m. This will be prior to Town Meeting. Town Meeting Preparation Superintendent Schettini gave the committee a brief overview of the FY08 budget presentation for Town Meeting. Mr. McFadden moved that anv openinLy remarks on behalf of the school department budget made by a School Committee spokesperson at the annual Town Meeting be shared with the School Committee prior to the presentation. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carries 5-0-1. Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Caruso. Mr. Robinson abstained. Approval of Minutes Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve minutes dated February 6, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion passed 5-0-1. Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Caruso. Mr. Robinson abstained. Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve minutes dated March 14, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion passed 5-0-1. Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Caruso. Mr. Robinson abstained. Adjourn Mr. Caruso moved to adiourn, seconded by Mr. Robinson. Motion passed 6-0. Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso and Mr. Robinson. Meeting adjourned at 9.,34 p.m. Patrick A. Schettini, Jr. Superintendent of Schools