HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-22 School Committee Minutes - RetreatReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts _
Retreat
Vie: November 22, 2010 _
20,
xme: 7:00 p.m. (Retreat) f
Place: Coolidge Middle School Library Conference Room
School Committee Members Present
Lisa Gibbs
Karen Janowski
Chuck Robinson
Hal Croft
David Michaud
Chris Caruso
1. Call to Order
Staff Members Present
John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent
Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent
Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations
Kim Oliveira, Director of Pupil Services
Jack Aherne
Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Dr. Doherty indicated that discussion on the School Improvement Plans and goals would be postponed until
the December 13ffi meeting.
FY 10 and FY 11 Overview and FY 12 Budget Process
Ms. DeLai and Dr. Doherty provided an overview of the budget information that was being presented at the
Community Forums. They reviewed the cost centers, what expenses are included in the budget and what
expenses are not included in the budget. They reviewed the FY12 assumptions and challenges as the
administration develops the FYI 2 budget. They do not expect any additional revenue sources from the state.
She reviewed the fixed costs for the district and the contractual obligations that will be taken into account as
the budget is developed.
Mr. Caruso called a 5 minute recess at 8:07 p.m.
Mr. Caruso called the meeting back to order at 8:11 p.m.
School Committee Norms and Beliefs
Article Discussion
The School Committee broke into 2 groups to discuss the article "Secrets of High-Functioning School
Boards"
After the small group discussion the School Committee shared ideas from the article.
@ More frequent retreats (quarterly)
0 More casual atmosphere - open-ended agenda
® Meetings are the School Committees and they should set the agenda
0 Opportunity to add items to agenda
® Need to set goals - this would drive the agenda
a Agenda freedom
® Connect with the community
0 Student achievement drives all that the School Committee does
November 22, 20 10
Review of Draft Norms and Beliefs
Dr. Doherty briefly explained the development of norms for the meetings. He shared three categories that the
norms could fall into: How we govern; How we communicate; and How we improve.
A more in-depth discussion would take place at a future meeting.
14'7[r. Michaud moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski to adjourn. The vote was 6-0.
The meeting ended at 9:15 p.m.
r~
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred
during the meeting.
E o F. ohe 4/, Ed.D.
perintendent of Schools