Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-14 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session RECEIVED TOWN CLERK RcAD 1NG, MASS. 2011 APR - b A 11~- 2 U Date: March 14, 2011 Time: 7:00 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Killam Cafeteria School Committee Members Present Chuck Robinson Karen Janowski Chris Caruso Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Hal Croft Visitors: Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Patty deGaravilla, Assistant Superintendent Kim Oliveira, Director of Pupil Services Ellie Freedman, RMHS Principal Karen Callan, Barrows Principal Eric Sprung, Birch Meadow Principal Karen Feeney, Eaton Principal Cathy Giles, Killam Principal Richard Davidson, Wood End Principal Donna Martinson, Parker Teacher 1. Call to Order Matt Casey, Reading Patch Melissa Russell, Reading Advocate Charlie Arthur, SC Candidate Kate Maffa-Krailo, Budget Parent Jack Aherne Ellen Doucette, Brackett & Lucas Gary Brackett, Brackett & Lucas Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation and to reconvene to open session at approximate)~30 minutes. The roll call vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Janowski, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Croft, Mr. Caruso and Mr. Michaud. The meeting was called back to order at 7:44 p.m. The Chair reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Reports (1) 1. Student 2. Liaison March 14, 2011 Mrs. Gibbs attended the RMHS Drama production "Noises Off'. She said the cast and crew did an outstanding job. Mrs. Gibbs also announced that she had nominated Bill Endslow for the MA Down Syndrome Educator of the Year Award for being instrumental in including all during the district's Inclusive schools Week. He will be receiving the award this weekend. Mr. Robinson had the good fortune to attend the Parker production of "Fiddler on the Roof'. He was amazed at the talent our students have and enjoyed the show. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty shared information on the 2011-12 elementary enrollment numbers. At this point class sizes are quite favorable but he cautioned the committee that the situation may change after the state aid numbers are known. He also shared that we are able to increase the number of full day kindergarten classes from 7 to 9 for next year. The Superintendent reminded the community of the showing of "Race to Nowhere" on Tuesday evening. There will be a panel discussion after the showing. He also indicated that we would be showing the film as part of the Sharing Conference and another showing for our high school students. 4. Director of Finance and Operations 5. Assistant Superintendent B. Continued Business FY11 Budget added agenda item Superintendent Doherty requested that the School Committee vote to return $250,000 to the Town's general fund to be applied to the Killam roof project. These monies are a result of the performance contracting energy savings. The hope is to request these funds at Town Meeting to replace the roof at Killam with a higher grade of roof that has a longer warranty. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to reduce the FY2011 School Committee Budget by $250,000 to be returned to Town's General Fund. The motion carried 6-0. FYI 2 Budget - Fincom Presentation (out of order) Superintendent Doherty reminded the School Committee of the meeting on Wednesday to present the budget to the Finance Committee. He reminded the committee that the budget is $103,000 less that the one they voted. He will present an overview of the budget. He hopes information regarding the joint resolution from the State House will be available in the next few weeks and will have a better handle on the circuit breaker finding. March 14, 2011 B. New Business Killam School Presentation (out of order) Chair Caruso thanked Mrs. Giles for hosting the meeting. Mrs. Giles turned the meeting over to the representatives from the T.R.R.F.C.C. Service Squad. The students introduced themselves and described their jobs. They students were all fifth graders at Killam and included: Chris Connery, Rachael Murrin, Kevin Spear, Isabella Scozzarri, Riley Cardono, Riley Jordan, Caroline Scherber The students shared information on the creation of the Service Club at Killam. Mrs. Giles was approached by a group of students requesting that she look into changing the structure of the Student Council to allow for more student involvement. Mrs. Giles working with teachers created the Service Club. All students in grades 3 -5 are eligible to apply for a job. There is an application process and the students must be willing to commit time for the position. Jobs range from sorting and distributing office mail, emptying recycling bins around the school, watering plants, caring for WOW Center, washing common area tables, delivering supplies, reporting important school- wide events to students, filming important events/activities and being a Playground Pal. The students can apply for a job that best fits their interests. The Service Squad shared a presentation that highlighted the different jobs. The Chair thanked the students for sharing with the Committee and asked what kind of things the Tech Crew took care of in school. The students come into school at 8 a.m. and set up all the computers and prepare the equipment for the Killam News Live broadcast. They also clean the library, re-shelve books and print projects. Ms. Gibbs was curious as to what they used for work experience on their applications. One student said that she is responsible for taking care of her dog at home. Mrs. Janowski was impressed that this was a student driven change that has been embraced by the whole school. Mr. Caruso called a brief recess at 7:58 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 7:59 p.m. Town Meeting Warrant Article (out of order) Superintendent Doherty outlined the proposed warrant article for Town Meeting requesting additional funding for the Green Repair projects. The estimates for the two projects came in higher than expected. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to authorize the Superintendent to request that Article 16 be placed on the Annual Town Meeting warrant for consideration. The motion carried 6-0. March 14, 2011 Superintendent's Transition Plan (out of order) Dr. Doherty presented the fmdings of his Transition Plan. He thanked the administrators for their support during the process as well as his mentor, Jack Aherne. He discussed his rationale and purpose for developing this plan. He wants to develop a comprehensive picture of the Reading Public Schools with a foundation for future goals, objectives, activities and priorities. The process began with three essential questions: Where are we? Where do we need to go? and How will we get there? The Superintendent focused on four areas - Goals, Objectives, Research and Participants. The goals of this process include the ability to develop a deeper understanding of the community, to identify and examine key issues and to prioritize the tasks. A timeline will be developed to help achieve the established goals. Objectives of the process include the development of Professional Learning Communities, identify and prioritize key issues, develop and sustain productive relationships, develop additional methods of communication and enhance public confidence and trust. The Superintendent has created a blog as a method of communication. Dr. Doherty met with over 700 stakeholders including school committee members, district leadership and building level administrators, town side members, PTO/School Councils, Union presidents, Booster and Clergy organizations students and community organizations. He attended 19 neighborhood coffees both in Reading and Boston. The focus questions asked to these groups included: What are you most proud of in the Reading Public Schools? What do you want to preserve most in the Reading Public Schools? What has gone well in the school system? What are the strengths? What does the school system need to work on? What do you think must be maintained at all costs? What ideas do you have on how to improve the school district? What are the key issues that you think the school system must face in the next 2-3 years? Which issues are the highest priorities for this school district? Responses to these queries enabled the Superintendent to determine district strengths, areas to be strengthened, and concerns. He heard overwhelmingly that our teachers are a major strength. The reputation of the district and the focus on teaching and learning are also key elements in the success of the district. The focus groups also felt that the collaboration between the Town and Schools and parent and community support also contributed to our success. Areas that need to be strengthened included the development of School Committee norms for self-evaluation, the more efficient use of Edline, updating areas of curriculum, adding professional development opportunities for all staff and to diversify the workforce. The administrative team is currently addressing many of these areas to develop strategies to improve on some of these areas. Areas of concerns that emerged from these meetings included the importance of the district remaining competitive for teachers and administrator to be able to retain staff, half day Wednesdays, class size, addressing the needs of the increasing number of students with social March 14, 2011 emotional issues and space for expansion. Many of these concerns have a financial impact which will require creative solutions in addressing them. Superintendent Doherty went onto review his recommendations. He has developed four categories to focus on: Learning and Teaching, Performance Management, Human Resources and Resource Allocation. Dr. Doherty outlined the Learning and Teaching strategy which included providing engaging and challenging learning experiences for all students, implementing high school best practices, strengthen and expand the special education programming which includes developing plans for addressing the social emotional needs and social anxiety of our students, updating of the curriculum maps and growing the K-12 Fine and Performing Arts program in our schools. He went on to outline the goals in the performance management area which included the development of School Committee norms, review the district mission and vision, improve METCO operations, the development of a long range plan to address technology, the implementation of a regular, data-driven performance process, implementation of a standards based elementary report card and implementation of new state and federal guidelines for school nutrition. The administration will begin the process of reviewing and revising current Human Resources practices. Other goals in the Human Resources category include implementing practices that allow Reading to attract and retain new staff, identify ways to recognize and support staff, continue to create opportunities for teacher growth and continue to review the Teacher Assessment Process. The last category, Resource Allocation, is driven by the following to produce a sustainable model: the development of a 3-5 year financial improvement plan, improving the connection between funding and projected outcomes in School Improvement Plans, review every program to identify the most effective and efficient ways to use resources, support the expansion of RTEF, development of a long term plan to address space needs and the upgrading of the Killam School. The Superintendent will develop a manageable timeline that will continually be reviewed and revised with stakeholders. This plan will become the direction for the district. Mrs. Gibbs thanked the Superintendent for establishing a clear direction for our district and appreciated the hard work that has gone into the development of the Transition Plan. Mrs. Janowski was appreciative of the fact that the School Committee meetings are being held in our schools as well as in Boston for our METCO families. Mr. Michaud complimented Dr. Doherty on the fact that two clear themes come through - data and community. Chair Caruso call a brief recess at 8:51 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:53 p.m. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) March 14, 2011 • Approval of Minutes Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes dated February 28, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. • Bids and Donations Calendar IV. Information Mr. Caruso reminded the committee of the meeting with the Finance Committee on Wednesday evening and METCO Day on the Hill tomorrow. V. Adjournment Mr. Robinson moved to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining, and approval of minutes and not to reconvene to open session. The roll call vote was 5-0-1. Mr. Caruso Mrs Gibbs Mrs Janowski Mr. Robinson and Mr. Michaud. Mr. Croft abstained. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. I-- kNv J hn . Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools