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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-11 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: April 11, 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: RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. 2011 MAY P 1: 22 Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Patty deGaravilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Elizabeth Conway, Human Resources Administrator Jared Beaulieu, Student Representative Joanne King Matt Casey, Reading Patch Barbara Jones, Reading Chronicle 1. Call to Order Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) The Chair reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. Reports (1) 1. Student Mr. Beaulieu reported on the following events: MIICA Choral Event - RMHS Mixed Chorus won a bronze medal The upcoming ArtsFest and Blue Ribbon Conference A recent free concert open for all that wished to participat. 2. Liaison Mrs. Gibbs reported on the recent Birch Meadow technology sharing day. She said it was wonderful to see students engaged and using technology in all different ways. Mrs. Janowski reported that the Winter Guard recently hosted a New England competition and did extremely well. She also shared that long time Reading educator Ernie Spence passed away. April 11, 2011 Mr. Caruso congratulated Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Janowski on their reelection to the board. 3. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty shared that NEASC has asked for a postponement of the high school accreditation process which we have accepted. He also shared that the 5d' annual Artsfest would begin Tuesday evening and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Also included in his report is the 2011-12 school year calendar has been revised to include the early release days. Mrs. Janowski asked the Superintendent to consider making Dec. 23`d a half day for students. 4. Director of Pupil Service Assistant Superintendent Mrs. de Garavilla provided an overview for the upcoming Blue Ribbon Conference. She handed out copies of the program and highlighted several events. 6. Human Resources Administrator Mrs. Conway reviewed the last quarter's personnel changes. B. Continued Business FYI 2 Budget Update Dr. Doherty reminded the committee that the School Committee approved budget has been reduced by $103,000. He hopes to have information regarding the Local Aid Resolution b, receive to be able to restore the $103,000 to the budget. Superintendent's Evaluation Process Mr. Caruso indicated that he has asked Mrs. Gibbs to manage the evaluation process. The committee reviewed the current document and was asked to submit any ideas or changes to Mrs. Gibbs. It is the goal to have the Superintendent's evaluation completed and presented at the June 20d' meeting. B. New Business Approval of Field Trips Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud to approve the Coolidge Middle School Science Olympiad field trip to the University of Wisconsin in MU 2011 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April S, 2011. The motion carried 6-0 April 11, 2011 Last Day of School Dr. Doherty explained that the Commissioner has made it very clear that he would not be issuing waivers for school closing due to weather therefore the Wood End School would need to make up the two days they were closed due to snow on the roof. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to set June 22, 2011 as the official last day of school for all schools except Wood End. The last day of school for Wood End would be June 23, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. Town Meeting- Article 21 - Sidewalks Superintendent Doherty reviewed the information sent to him and the School Committee from Mr. Van Magness. He also indicated that the condition of the sidewalks is not a determining factor in deciding whether of not to cancel school. Mr. Caruso recommended that the School Committee take no position on this article. School Committee Norms There was discussion regarding the draft norms. These norms should be used as a guide for a self-assessment tool. Mrs. Janowski agrees with the idea but is not comfortable with the term "Norms". She indicated that it is important to establish measurable goals and would be willing to gather information from other communities. Mr. Caruso felt a financial component should be added. Mrs. Gibbs asked to address the Office Hours. In the 18 months that the School Committee has held office hours there has only been a handful of visitors. Mr. Caruso suggested perhaps changing the hours to 6:30 - 7:15. This would allow time for School Committee members to arrive. Mr. Croft felt the term "office hours" was foreboding. Mr. Robinson felt the office hours should be better advertised. The School Committee agreed that this should be discussed at an upcoming retreat. Mr. Caruso requested retreat dates. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the open session minutes dated March 28, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. April 11, 2011 • Bids and Donations Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept donation of materials to supplement the elementary science kits. The motion carried 6-0. Calendar Mr. Caruso asked for any agenda items that the members would like to see on a future agenda. Chair Caruso reminded the School Committee of the upcoming Town Meeting. Mrs. Janowski asked about the traffic issues at drop off at the intersection of Oakland Road and Birch Meadow Drive. Dr. Doherty has informed the Safety Officer and School Resource Officer of the concerns. Mr. Croft would like to have a discussion regarding issues addressed in the film "Race to Nowhere". IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bamaining_with the Reading Teachers Union, 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 8:35 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. 6 ~4P. - 14 luL h n . Doh ~ty, Ed.D perintendent of Schools