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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-24 School Committee MinutesJ 4e= Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session August 24, 2006" Call to Order Chair Webb called the regular session to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Town Hall Room. Present were Ms. Webb, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Dahl. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Assistant Superintendent Doherty and Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai. Bills and Payrolls Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature. Citizen's Input There was none. Gifts There were none. Calendar Ms. Webb reviewed the updated school committee calendar Liaison Reports Superintendent Schettini reported on the following: • Opening of school at the high school on Monday, August 29th • The New Teacher Orientation Program which was held three days this week. • The meeting at Andover on Monday, August 21 st • The meeting about Smart Growth on September 28th Mr. Michaud updated the committee about the meeting held last week by the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse in which the bylaws were approved and the initial slate of officers were elected (Peter Hechenbleikner, President, Pat Schettini, Treasurer, Jim Cormier, Secretary). A nominating committee was also selected to nominate candidates to complete the Board of Directors. Regular Session -2- August 24, 2006 Mr. Michaud updated the committee about the Monday, August 21St meeting in Andover that he and Superintendent Schettini attended with local communities and state and local representatives to discuss informally about legislative issues. Mr. Michaud updated the committee about the progress of the RMHS Memorial Committee headed by Superintendent Schettini. Anyone that has a quote on freedom, democracy, and liberty that would be appropriate for the Memorial areas, let Mr. Schettini know within the next few weeks. Mr. Michaud discussed the RMHS building project tour that he went on last week. Mr. Michaud discussed a meeting that he and Mr. Schettini went to last night that was conducted by SPED Watch, a group from Pepperell, Massachusetts. New Business Approval of Parker Field Trip Doug Lyons addressed the committee on a field trip that the Parker Middle School 7th grade students will be taking to the Mark Twain house and Museum in Hartford, CT. Mr. Caruso moved to approve the Parker Middle School field trip to the Mark Twain's House and Museum in Hartford, Ct. as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated AuLyust 22, 2006. Mr. Michaud seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Approval of RMHS Field Trip RMHS Principal Joe Finigan discussed the RMHS Field Trip to Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Mr. Caruso moved to approve the Reading Memorial High School field trip to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated August 22, 2006. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Old Business Building Project Update Mr. Scott Dunlap from A13 addressed the committee about the current status of the discussed included the completion of the track and its surroundings, the drainage Regular Session -3- August 24, 2006 conditions under the bridge, the field house flooring and installation, the timeline on the fine and performing arts center, and a contingency update. There was a general consensus among the school committee that the Superintendent pursue investing the option of a state sponsored low interest loan (2%) to fund any additional money that maybe added to the RMHS building project. Mr. Caruso moved to direct the general contractor to install the field house floor. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dahl. The motion carried 5-0. Second Reading and Approval of Reading Public Schools Policies A & G Mr. Caruso moved to accept the second reading of the Section A of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual and move to approve the Section A of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Caruso moved to accept the second reading of the Section G of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual and move to approve the Section G of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. During the discussion, Mr. Dahl commented on Policy GBD, particularly the section on "Visit to Schools." It was suggested that File GBD be removed from the motion to be revised, specifically, the paragraph labeled, Visits to Schools. Mr. Caruso made an amendment to the motion to accept the second reading of the Section G, with the exception of Policy GBD, of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual and move to approve Section G of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual, with the exception of Policy GBD. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. During the discussion, Mr. Dahl commented on Policy GBEB, particularly #5 on the Diligence in providing students with appropriate, prompt, regular, and ongoing assessments of their conduct and learning. Mr. Schettini suggested that a set of administrative guidelines be established that set specific timelines for the prompt return of ongoing assessments. There was consensus among the committee for Mr. Schettini to move forward with the guidelines. The motion carried 5-0. Substance Abuse Initiative Update Regular Session -4- August 24, 2006 Mr. Schettini updated the committee on the Substance Abuse Initiative which was further described in the School Committee packer. He announced that Richard Abate will be the School Resource Officer this year and he will begin on Monday. Approval of Minutes Mr. Dahl moved to approve the May 15, 2006 minutes. Mr. McFadden seconded. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Dahl moved to approve the May 26, 2006 minutes. Mr. McFadden seconded. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Dahl moved to approve the May 15, 2006 minutes. Mr. McFadden seconded. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Dahl moved to approve the June 19, 2006 minutes. Mr. Michaud seconded. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Dahl moved to approve the July 31st, 2006 minutes. Mr. Caruso seconded. Mr. Michaud requested that amendment be made to the July 31St minutes for comments that he made but were not accurately reported. An amendment was made. Approved 5-0 with amendment. Adjourn Mr. Michaud moved to adiourn. Mr. Dahl seconded. The vote was 5-0. Ms. Webb, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Caruso, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Michaud. Meetingp a jo at 9:25 p.m. 6 ,P` P Resper mitted, pat k A.Schettini, Jr. Superintendent of Schools