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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-26 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts R RECE I VED 00 CLER ISS. Regular Session Zoo' `JNMficA61WJ, Call to Order Chair Webb called the regular session to order at 7:35 p.m. at the Coolidge Middle School Multipurpose Room. Present were Ms. Webb, Ms. Gibbs, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Dahl, Superintendent Patrick Schettini, Jr., Assistant Superintendent John Doherty, Fin Com Representative Chuck Robinson, RMHS Principal Joseph Finigan, Chronicle Reporter Doug Wood Boyle, Reading Advocate reporter, Dr. Christine Redford, Math Instructional Specialist and Kara Gleason, Coordinator of the Teaching American History Grant. Presentation There was a presentation of a chair to recognize Mr. Dahl's last meeting and his years of service to the town as well as the School Committee. Ms. Webb thanked Mr. Dahl for his leadership and willingness to share from his experiences. Mr. Dahl was involved in all the school building projects dating back to the Parker Middle School when he was a member of Fincom. Mr. Michaud recognized Mr. Dahl for his stability and willingness to help out. He set the standard of how boards should be run. Mr. McFadden stated he was a great asset and will be sorely missed. Mrs. Gibbs thanked Mr. Dahl for his leadership. Superintendent Schettini stated that we owe Mr. Dahl our gratitude for all he has done and will continue to do. Mr. Russ Graham noted that no one has served Reading better than Pete. Superintendent Schettini and Chair Webb presented Mr. Dahl with his chair. There was a short recess at 7:55 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 p.m. Chair Webb read the mission of the Reading Public Schools. Bills and Payrolls Bills and payrolls were circulated to all members of the committee. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Regular Session 3 March 26, 2007 Mr. McFadden asked about contract length. Superintendent Schettini said he needs to work it out. Mr. McFadden also asked how we will measure success. Mr. Schettini stated that the responsibility would be expanded and positions within the department reorganized, developing changes in our programs for the needs of our students. New Business Superintendent Schettini noted an article he received from eSchool News online, "Parents, teachers, kids speak up on ed tech". It stresses the importance of technology and the need to focus on the integration of technology and real world problem solving. He then introduced John Doherty who will update the committee on Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Technology. Mr. Doherty stated we were here to update and celebrate. He publicly recognized and thanked Dr. Christine Redford and Kara Gleason for their efforts. Mr. Doherty reviewed the District Improvement Plan and how it aligned with the Blue Ribbon School Process as well as the NEASC Accreditation Process and Braking Ranks. All schools are at different stages of the process He reviewed the tool assesses nine categories and the goal to have a consistent common language grades K - 12. Mr. Doherty reviewed the curriculum improvements - curriculum mapping, vertical teams, new programs for this year and next and power standards. Mr. McFadden asked about vertical teams and how often they met. Mr. Doherty stated that the met once a month and it is an opportunity for teachers from all levels to meet and discuss their subject. Dr. Redford reviewed the math curriculum. Over the years the curriculum has been tweaked. Trying to get away from teaching directly to the MCAS but have found a weakness in the open response section of the MCAS. Changes have been made in the assessment aspect as well as adding a literacy and vocabulary connection. Mr. Doherty next reviewed Instructional Improvements. Over the past three years we have hired a high number of new teachers. The Teacher Induction Program continues to be very important. Other professional development opportunities also exist in all different subject areas and are well attended by our professional staff. Gleason to discuss the Teaching American History Grant. She outlined the details and stated that Reading is overseeing the grant and is thrilled to be able to hold workshops in our new facility. There are 60 full and part time participants from the four communities involved (Reading, North Reading, Danvers and Lowell). Regular Session 4 March 26, 2007 Ms. Gleason described the 3 years of the grant and reviewed Year 1 Workshops and Institutes. Mr. Doherty thanked Ms. Gleason. Mr. Doherty then gave a brief overview of future instructional initiatives and moved on to Assessment. He reviewed the assessment improvements being implemented in math, reading and writing and future assessment initiatives that he hopes to have in place. Mr. Doherty discussed the improvements in technology, professional development opportunities and ways the district hopes to improve technology in our schools. Mr. Joe Finigan was introduced to discuss initiatives taken in the high school curriculum. Mr. Finigan wanted to thank the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for all their support over the past three years. He went on to discuss changes in the high school curriculum and fixture directions. The adage being followed at RMHS is "Be all that you can be." Mr. Doherty reviewed future grants, expanded learning opportunities, new or improved initiatives, middle school accelerated mathematics and the April 3rd District-Wide In- service Day. Mr. Michaud asked what initiatives are needed to get us where we want to be. Mr. Doherty said it is important to give the teachers time to develop formative assessments. Mr. McFadden apologized for no TV coverage for such an important presentation. He asked how we get veteran teachers excited about new curriculum. Mr. Finigan stated that the administration likes to vary what they teach. Superintendent Schettini offered that grants and changes in curriculum effect change and create excitement, a sense of urgency. It is all part of the journey from "Good to Great". All this is happening while our high school is under construction. He wanted to publicly thank Joe Finigan for his leadership through this time of change. Mrs. Gibbs asked what we are doing to capture the middle of the road students. She asked if teachers rotated to teach different levels to assist in capturing the middle of the road students. Mr. Finigan said that one of the grants we hope to received, Smaller Learning Communities grant, will focus on the Level 2 student. Mr. Caruso asked about Scantron. Mr. Doherty stated that we contract out for the service. He also asked about online courses and our ability to get "late bloomers" back to an accelerated tract. Mr. Doherty said that there are "bump up" courses over the summer for the middle school levels. Mr. Finigan added that doubling up math to catch up is another way but it is all about access and availability. The Virtual High School program is one way to achieve this. Regular Session 5 March 26, 2007 There was more discussion regarding changes in the math curriculum. Ms. Webb said she had heard great things about the Teaching American History grant and wanted to know how it aligned with History Alive. Ms. Gleason indicated that History Alive aligns beautifully. Mr. Dahl asked how we motivate the middle of the road student. Mr. Finigan said we need to examine the teacher/student relationship and if needed find a teacher that a particular student can connect with. Dr. Redford also added that weekly assessments are helpful in keeping these students focused. Mr. Dahl asked about changing the starting time for high school students and added his kudos to the staff and administration for their work and dedication. Superintendent Schettini stated that the issue has to be looked at over time and is more than a Reading issue. He also added that the excitement level in the district is ~ unbelievable. Mr. Caruso observed that April 3rd will be a busy day around RMHS. Superintendent Schettini reviewed the plans for the day and parking arrangements. Mr. Michaud moved to allow a question from the audience. Mr. Caruso seconded. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Dahl, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. McFadden Karen Janowski stated that some upeerclass students are upset about losing the Humanities program and is in favor of a later start for high school students. She asked how students find out about VHS. Mr. Finigan said there are a number of slots available although the administration is still working out the details. Policy Manual Second reading of School Committee Policies B, C, E, H, I, J, K & L Ms. Webb thanked Mr. Michaud for reviewing the policy sections and sending his suggestions to the Superintendent. Mrs. Gibbs read the section titles to Sections B, C, E, I, J, K, and L. Mrs. Gibbs moved to accept the second reading of the Section B, C, E, H, I, J, K, and L of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual. Seconded by Mr. McFadden. Motion carries 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Dahl and Mr. Michaud. Regular Session 6 March 26, 2007 Ms. Webb stated that in consulting with Mike Gilbert of the MASC we had significant gaps in prior policies. Mr. Dahl referred to policy BCA, School Committee member ethics and asked to have the phrase "education and safety" be added to the third paragraph, item 1. Mr. Dahl moved to amend policy BCA to insert the phrase "education and safety of children" in the third paragraph #1. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. Mr. Michaud accepted as a friendly motion. The vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Dahl and Mr. Michaud. Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve Section B, C, E, H, I, J, E, and L of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual with modifications. Seconded by Mr. Michaud. Motion carries 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Dahl and Mr. Michaud. New Business The decision was made to postpone the discussion on the Superintendent's evaluation until the next meeting. Approval of Minutes Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve minutes dated March 12, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion passed 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Dahl and Mr. Michaud. Adjourn Mrs. Gibbs moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion passed 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Dahl and Mr. Michaud. Meeting acjj t 10:50 p.m. itted, PatAck'A!Schettini, Jr. Superintendent of Schools