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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-18 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts V F Regular Meeting of the School Committee r ` . Open Session L: 12:35 Date: October 18, 2010 Time: 7:00 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont St., Boston, MA School Committee Members 'resent Staff Members Present Chuck Robinson John Doherty, Superintendent Hal Croft Mary DeLai, Director of Finance and Operations Chris Caruso Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent Lisa Gibbs Kim Oliveira, Director of Pupil Services David Michaud Karen Janowski Visitors: Jesenia Castro, METCO Director Joanne King, Wood End Teacher Matt Casey, Reading Patch Art Katz, Reading Advocate I. Call to Order Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and reviewed the agenda. H. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) The Chair opened the floor to public input. Several parents felt that it important to start the children in elementary school and would like to see the METCO students placed in different building instead of the same building. It was pointed out that it is important for the METCO parents to make an effort to attend activities in Reading. Several parents indicated that they attend school events and find it a good time to mingle and get to know other parents and teachers. Parents would like to see more academic support, especially during study hall and after school. The availability of teachers, peer tutoring and being able to work with the guidance is greater at these times. Students can take advantage of the late bus. October 18, 2010 Several parents inquired about transportation options. Ms. Castro indicated that there is'no funding for additional transportation. Reports (I) 1. Student 2. Liaison Mr. Michaud updated the committee on the work of the Ad-Hoc Building Committee. The recently presented to the Board of Selectmen and will be making a final report at Town Meeting. 3. Superintendent's Report 4. Director of Finance and Operations 5. Director of Pupil Services B. Continued Business Race to the Top Update Dr. Doherty provided an overview of the Race to the Top grant application. He reviewed the program narrative and checklist. The Superintendent explained how the plan is linked to the District Improvement Plan using SMART goals outlining the 9 performance goals set by the state. Reading Public Schools does not plan on expending any of the RTTT funds in the first year, instead establishing the groundwork to best use the funding in years 2-4. Mrs. Janowski asked about the technological proficiency level of the district teachers. Mr. Croft asked a clarifying question regarding Student Growth percentile (SPG). C. New Business METCO Presentation Ms. Jesenia Castro updated the School Committee on the METCO program. She shared starting November 3rd, our elementary METCO students have the option of attending the extended day programs at the schools. This will allow the students to participate in extracurricular activities with their peers. Ms. Castro reported that the late shuttle to Oak Grove is working well and there is good participation in activities at the high school. Another program being implemented in November is a METCO Leadership Mentoring Program. Several high school seniors will volunteer at Wood End and Birch meadow for Lunch group. The goal is to build a bridge between the high school and elementary METCO students. Ms. Castro showed a video created by RMHS senior Widly Bazelais providing an overview of her experience as a METCO student. She created this video as part of the process to be eligible for the POSSE Scholarship program. October 18, 2010 Ms. Castro finished up by sharing a list of colleges that our METCO students had been accepted to or were currently attending. The Chair thanked Ms. Castro for the information. III. Routine Matters ® Bills and Payroll (A) ® Approval of Minutes Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes dated October 4, 2010. The motion carried 5-0-1. Mrs. Janowski abstained. ® Bids and Donations _Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept donation to the Parker Middle School as part of the MathMovesU Middle School Scholarship program as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated October 13, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Calendar Chair Caruso reminded the committee of the Financial Forum on October 27, 2010. Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Janowski indicated that they would be unable to attend. Dr. Doherty indicated that the next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 1st in the high school. Janet Dee and Sharon Burke would be doing a presentation. He also indicated that the retreat may have to be rescheduled. IV. Information V. Adjournment Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0 VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. E Joh S %~V. & S Doherty, Eu.D. utendent of Schools