Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-10 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee s Open Session 31 P 12: 10 Date: January 10, 2011 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Chuck Robinson Karen Janowski Chris Caruso Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Hal Croft Visitors: Ellie Freedman, RMHS principal Marie Pink, CMS Assistant Principal RPS Budget Parents Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Patty deGaravilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance and Operations Kim Oliveira, Director of Pupil Services Elizabeth Conway, Human Resources Administrator Matt Casey, Reading Patch Art Katz, Reading Advocate Barry Berman, Fincom member Marsie West, Fincom member Mark Dockser, Fincom member Hal Torman, Fincom member I. Call to Order Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The Chair reviewed the agenda and announced that the meeting was being recorded. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Reports (1) 1. Student 2. Liaison Mrs. Janowski informed the School Committee that the Human Relations Advisory Committee is looking for new members and is on hiatus. Mr. Michaud reminded the committee of the upcoming Coolidge Drama Presentation of Annie. January 10, 2011 Mr. Robinson shared that Reading Memorial High School received the Ames Award which is for the highest winning percentage in athletics. 3. Superintendent's Report No report this evening 4. Director of Finance and Operations Ms. DeLai updated the School Committee on the status of the Green Repair Grant. She said that the documentation has been submitted and being reviewed. We can move ahead with OPM and designer selection. 5. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. de Garavilla updated the School Committee on the Korean exchange students. The students arrived last week and seemed to have settled into the routine. Students have been places in the 5 elementary schools and the 2 middle schools. 6. Director of Pupil Services Mrs. Oliveira announced that we will be partnered with CAST, who has received a grant, to do some development work in literacy for 1St and 2nd grade students with autism. B. Continued Business C. New Business FYI 2 Budget Overview Chair Caruso welcomed the budget parents and asked them to introduce themselves. Budget parents in attendance were: Kelly Bedingfield, Gary DeRusha, Michele Catalano, Amy Van Magness, Sarah Fennelly, Chris Kelley, Kate Maffa Krailo, Barbara Aucella, Chris Boran and Michelle Hopkinson. Dr. Doherty presented an overview of the FY12 budget development process and calendar. He went on to share the three possible scenarios and included the challenges the administration faced in developing the budget. Dr. Doherty pointed out that his goal is to preserve the integrity, stability, quality, and culture of our school district. Ms. DeLai reviewed the status of state and town funding and discussed methods to bridge the gaps. She reminded the committee that the AARA funding is coming to an end and indicated that the Education Jobs funding is a one time funding source which will be used for staffmg. She reviewed the impact of the cuts and reductions made for the current budget and review possible cuts and reductions that may be needed in the FY12 budget. FY12 Administration Cost Center Dr. Doherty reviewed the make up and functions of this cost center. He indicated that the Central Office staff has provided support for not only the central office administrators. The responsibilities have included support for the METCO, Health Services, Athletics and high January 10, 2011 school. This is due to the loss of clerical support because of budget cuts. The scope of MUNIS, EPIMS and E-Schools has also increased at the district level as well. The Superintendent pointed out that the role of the Assistant Superintendent will also change with the proposed elimination of the Instructional Specialist. The district is in the midst of a literacy initiative. This position will also be responsible for implementing the anti-bullying, common core of learning and student exchange programs. He indicated that the integrity of central office is vital to the success of the district. Mr. Croft indicated that the word should be spread regarding the roles of the central office administrators and how important they are. Mr. Caruso asked that the School Committee consider eliminating the MASC membership. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs Gibbs to approve the open session minutes dated December 20, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. • Bids and Donations Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to accept anonymous donation in the amount of $10,000 to the Coolidge Middle School to be used to support the continuation of the after-school academic support program as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated Januar6, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud to accept anonymous donation in the amount of $975 to the Coolidge Middle School to be used to purchase new furniture for the Main Office and Lobby area as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated January 6, 2011 The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs Gibbs to accept the donation of $10,000 from The Academy at Harvard Square to be used to support the Korean exchange program and future professional development as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated January 6, 2011 The motion carried 6-0. Mr. _Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to accept the donation of $267.65 from the RMHS PTO to be used to support the Field Seminar program and After School Library staffing as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated Januarv 6.2011. The motion carried 6-0. Calendar IV. Information Mr. Caruso reminded the committee that the next meeting will be on January 13tH V. Adjournment January 10, 2011 VI. Executive Session Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to enter into Executive Session to discuss safety and security issues and not to reconvene to open session. The roll call vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mrs. Janowski, Mr. Robinson Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Croft. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. rN V KAI Jo F. Doherty, Ed.D S ' rintendent oaf Schools