HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-20 School Committee MinutesReading School Committee
Reading, Massachusetts
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Regular Session March 20, 2006
Call to Order
Vice-Chair Webb called the regular session to order at 7:36 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose
Room at the Coolidge Middle School. Present were Ms. Webb, Mr. Dahl, Mrs. Gibbs,
Mr. Carpenter and Mr. McFadden. Also present were Superintendent Patrick Schettini
and Assistant Superintendent John Doherty.
Sills and Payrolls
Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature.
There was a moment of silence for Amanda Nadeau and Scott Connolly who tragically
died in a car accident over the weekend as well as prays for Andrew Jean who was
injured in the accident.
Ms. Webb expressed appreciation to the staff and administration for the support and
guidance they provided during this period.
Citizen's Input
Ms. Webb recognized members of Understanding Disabilities and thanked them for the
packet of information and materials they provided.
Gifts
There were no gifts.
Report of the Liaisons
Superintendent Schettini stated that today was a very trying day at the high school There
is counseling available at the high school, Parker and Coolidge. The district has had
many offers of assistance from inside and outside the community.
Mrs. Gibbs noted that we need to acknowledge that the staff is also grieving.
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ReLmlar Session -2- March 20, 2006
Ms. Webb stated that she, Tom Daniels and Paul Guerrette attended a conference on
"Value Added Assessments". The conference focused on ways to modify NCLB and
methods to allow school districts to focus on learning.
Mr. McFadden requested that the District Technology Plan presentation be postponed
until the next meeting.
Ms. Webb reviewed the School Committee calendar.
New Business (out of order)
Superintendent Schettini introduced Korey Barkley, RMHS Spanish teacher who gave an
overview of the proposed trip to New Orleans. She stated that 35 students came to the
initial meeting and 10 signed up for the trip. She has worked with Habitat for Humanity
before. This trip is endorsed by Joe Finigan, RMHS principal.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the field trip to New Orleans, Louisiana as outlined in
the Superintendent's memorandum dated March 20, 2006. Mr. Carpenter seconded
the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Dahl
and Mr. Carpenter.
Superintendent Schettini gave an overview of the annual trip of the FJ\4 IS baseball team
to Cooperstown, NY.
Mr. McFadden asked why they couldn't play during April vacation. School should come
first.
Superintendent Schettini responded that because of scheduling restriction the only date
available was April 28th. The team will play Friday April 28th and return to Reading on
Sunday evening.
Mr. Dahl asked if there was SAT testing that weekend. He was told there was not.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the field trip to Cooperstown, NY as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated March 20, 2006. Mr. Dahl seconded. The
vote was 5-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl, Ms. Webb, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. McFadden.
Mr. Dahl stated that baseball is the national pastime but has concerns that 20 students will
be missing a day of school.
Mr. Carpenter inquired about additional educational opportunities.
Superintendent Schettini offered to have Coach Peter Moscariello attend the next
meeting.
Regular Session -3- March 20, 2006
Mrs. Gibbs hears the concerns of the committee but feels it is an opportunity for students
who may not otherwise be able to go on such a trip.
Old Business
Bob Bell from The Design Partnership of Cambridge gave an overview of the proposed
Veteran's Memorial Wall. He discussed wanting to create a display that can be more
easily maintained yet still be a respectful Memorial. He is proposing a glass panel
monolithic wall.
There was discussion about different designs.
Vice-Chair Webb called a two minute recess at 8:20 p.m. to allow people to look at the
display boards.
Vice-Chair Webb called the meeting back to order at 8:22 p.m.
Mr. McFadden asked if the committee needs to make the decision on the verbiage
tonight. Mr. Schettini stated that they did not.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to accept the Veteran's Memorial Wall display exclusive of
Lyraphics. Mr. McFadden seconded. The vote was 5-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Dahl, Ms.
Webb, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. McFadden.
Mr. Carpenter asked about the vulnerability to vandalism and ease of cleaning. Mr. Bell
responded that the glass panels are held in with masonry and a garden hose can be used to
clean the panels. The emblems are on the inner layer of the glass and won't be damaged.
Mrs. Gibbs stated that this design seems better than the original. It can be a gathering
and focal point at the entrance of our school.
The floor was opened to questions from the audience.
Mr. John Murphy asked about maintenance of the Memorial. He was told that only the
front of the glass needs to be cleaned.
Mr. Frank Driscoll asked about the size and position of the memorial. Wants to be sure it
will be seen. Mr. Bell told him the dimensions are 29 feet high by 24 feet wide and about
8 feet from the entrance to the building.
Regular Session -4- March 20, 2006
Mr. Michaud asked about the longevity of the graphics; would it be difficult to match
colors down the road. Mr. Bell said he would get the information.
Mr. Warders, Chapter 37 DAV asked about expansion, possibly adding two more panels
for future branches.
Donna Walsh the Ladies Auxiliary president was impressed with the proposed design.
Superintendent Schettini would like to create a representative group that will work on
behalf of the veterans.
Mr. Dahl thanked Mr. Bell for a great presentation.
Ms. Webb announce that the Coolidge Spelling Bee on April 1, 2006. The School
Committee will be sponsoring a team.
District Technology Plan
There was a continuation of the discussion on the District Technology Plan. The state
requires the whole district to have an even ration of computers to students.
Superintendent Schettini stated that the Finance Committee understands the importance
of technology purchases. It has always been a capital item.
Mr. Doherty stated that an updated technology plan is required to be eligible for grants, e-
rate, etc. The plan must meet state student standards.
The district needs to get a prioritized list to the Finance Committee.
Mrs. Gibbs asked about training. Mr. Doherty responded that he had teachers trained on
the smartboards and they in turn will train other teachers.
Ms. Webb asked if our District Improvement Plan goals were sufficient.
Mr. Dahl stated that just buying technology will not help us move forward.
Mr. Doherty said we have a 3 prong approach:
1. Hardware Upgrade
2. Professional Development
3. Technical Support Staff
Regular Session -5- March 20, 2006
Approval of Minutes
There were no minutes.
Adjourn
Mrs. Gibbs moved to adiourn the meeting at 9.25 p.m. Mr. Dahl seconded the
motion. The roll call vote was 5-0. Ms. Elaine Webb, Mr. Pete Dahl, Mr. John
Superintendent of Schools