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Home My WebLink About2007-01-22 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Call to Order READING, MASS. 2hair Webb called the public hearing to order at 7:31 p.m. at the Coolidge 8WkEk ol1Rul2tp I 06se Room. Present Alp were Ms. Webb, Ms. Gibbs, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Superintendent Patrick Schettini, Jr., Director of Human Resource and Finances Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent John Doherty, Fin Com Representative Chuck Robinson, Fin Com Representative Hal Torman, Fin Com Representative George Hines, Wood End Principal Richard Davidson, Birch Meadow Principal Tom Daniels, RMHS Principal Joseph Finigan, Coolidge Principal Craig Martin, Killam Principal Paul Guerrette, Parker Principal Linda Darisse, Barrows Principal Karen Callan, Special Education Program Coordinator Jacqui Orphanos, AI3 Representatives Scott Dunlap and Phil Callahan, RTA President Stan Quinlan, Chronicle Reporter Doug Wood Boyle, and Advocate Reporter Melissa Russell. Several budget parents and citizens were also present. Chair Webb read the mission of the Reading Public Schools and acknowledged the members of the Finance Committee, budget parents and building principals, who were present at the meeting. Public Hearing on FY08 Budget Superintendent Schettini did a short presentation on the FY08 Budget. He highlighted the following areas: • FY08 Budget Building Procedure • Reading Public Schools Mission • State of the Schools Address Excerpts that focus on school improvement and excellence • School Committee Policy on the Annual Budget • Budgeting Towards Excellence • Bottom lines of the four possible budgets (Reduced Service, Baseline, Level Service, Recommended) • Budget meetings • What if we were average? School Committee welcomed input from the community on the FY08 budget. Lesley Haley, President of Understanding Disabilities-thanked the school committee for their support of Understanding Disabilities. She gave a status report of the program this year. Cathy Stygles, Realtor from REMAX Top Achievers in Reading-Gave data from Realty Times Market Report which indicated that the excellence of this school district is one of the top reasons that families purchase homes in Reading. Compared to the average home prices of Wakefield, North Reading, Stoneham, and Woburn, the value of Reading homes is $10,000 greater than homes in other communities. Priscilla Hollenbeck, budget parent from Joshua Eaton-talked about a specific line item on the recommended budget referring to the need for an additional Elementary Reading Specialist. She gave data indicating support for the position. A copy of her data is attached in the minutes. Mr. Caruso made a motion to adjourn the public hearing seconded by Mr. Michaud Roll call vote 4-0. Ms Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Caruso Public hearing adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Ms. Webb called the regular school committee meeting session to order at 8:26 p.m. Bills and Payrolls Bills and payrolls were circulated to all members of the committee. Citizens' Input 'sere was no citizens' input. Regular Session 2 January 22 2007 Gifts There were no gifts presented this evening. Reports of Chairman, Liaisons, and Superintendent `aperintendent Schettini reported that the Parker Middle School Future City Engineers won the regional competition and Will now go on to the National Competition in Washington, D.C. in February. Mr. Michaud talked about the Board of Selectmen's meeting that he attended with Mrs. Webb on Saturday, January 20. There was a short discussion of the definition of an "adequate" budget versus a level service budget. Mr. Caruso mentioned that he attended the Coolidge Middle School production of "Stages" and complimented the students on their performance. He has also attended the girls and boys hockey game on Saturday evening and commended the players and fans for their sportsmanship. School Committee Calendar Ms. Webb stated that there is a school committee meeting on January 29'. Superintendent Schettini stated that other meetings may be necessary based upon additional budget information. Personnel No personnel issues were discussed. Old Business Mr. Scott Dunlap of AI3 gave a building project update. He thanked the school staff and administration for their patience during a very successful move. Ms. Webb echoed Mr. Dunlap's comments and commended the staff for their hard work and effort. Mr. Dunlap also commented on the extensive punch list and how that work is getting addressed. He reviewed the project budget with the school committee. The committee asked some clarifying questions surrounding the project. --L,ew Business There is no new business. Approval of Minutes There were no minutes to approve. Adjourn Mr. Caruso moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Gibbs Motion passed 4-0 Ms Webb, Mrs Gibbs, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Caruso. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Superintendent of Schools Memorandum To: Pat Schettini, Members of the School Committee and Budget Parents From: Priscilla Hollenbeck, Joshua Eaton Budget Parent Date: January 22, 2007 As we move towards excellence in our School District the curriculum demands we place on our children have increased tremendously. Our schools have dedicated and skilled staff in addition to excellent evaluation tools (DIBELS) to identify those regular education children who are reading below grade level or at risk to perform below grade level. Due to staffing issues however, we fall far short in providing them with the support they need. If we fail to provide the appropriate reading support early and often to our children in the Elementary schools, we will not meet our goals as a District. In fact, in the long run it is likely to cost the District more. Without early and consistent reading support many children will fall behind and may require IAP's or 504 accommodations, a cost that our District must avoid. Increased reading support at the Elementary level will also help improve the District's MCAS scores. The budget process is difficult and I am grateful for the School Committee's tireless efforts on behalf of our children. When making the final budget cuts, I ask you to please consider the information offered below and include the Elementary School Reading Specialists in the final budget recommendation. These statistics are specific to Joshua Eaton but it has been represented to me that all the Elementary schools in the Distinct face the same issues. If you have any questions, please call or email me at 781 944 7611 or cillahna comcast. net. Joshua Eaton Regular Ed Reading Statistics 1. All students in kindergarten-grade two are tested in the DIBELS three times a year. DIBELS refers to Dynamic Indicators of Early Literacy Skills. This tool alerts us to student reading progress or lack of progress, which would indicate more intensive reading support. The reading specialist in each building performs these assessments with the assistance of the reading tutors. 2006-2007 School Year Grade-Level- Students Kindergarten 69 Grade One 66 Grade Two 103 2. The number of students in regular education receiving reading support is as follows: 2006-2007 School Year Grade Level Students Kindergarten 12 Grade One 13 Grade Two 21 Grade Three 7 Grade Four 12 Grade Five 13 Total number of students receiving small group reading support is 78 as of 1/11/07. Typically the following support schedule is as follows: 2006-2007 School Year Grade Level Times per week Kindergarten 2xs/30 minutes Grade One 3xs/30 minutes Grade Two 3xs/30 minutes Grade Three 3xs/30 minutes Grade Four 2xs/30 minutes Grade Five 2xs/30 minutes 3. Typically there is a certain percentage that is dismissed from reading support and another that moves into SPED. Also we have new students entering the district and others moving out (often to another area in the district). 2005-2006 School Year Grade Level Students Serviced DISMISSED SPED OVED Kindergarten 12 3 1 Grade One 22 4 5 Grade Two 12 4 3 M Grade Three 10 3 3 Grade Four 10 0 Grade Five 13 0