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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-09 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: May 9, 2011 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Chuck Robinson Arrived at 8 p.m. Karen Janowski Chris Caruso Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Hal Croft Visitors: James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen 1. Call to Order HCEIVED TOWN CLERK REf1DING, M 1SS. 2011 JUN 2 8 P 1: 2 l Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Patty deGaravilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Matt Casey, Reading Patch Barbara Jones, Reading Chronicle Joanne Senders, Reading Advocate Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. Public Hearing- on School Choice Superintendent Doherty outlined school choice and recommended against Reading Public Schools from participating in the School Choice Program due to general district enrollment. There was no public input. Mr. Michaud moved seconded by Mrs Gibbs pursuant to the provisions of G L c 76 & 12B that the School Committee of Reading, following a public hearing hereby withdraw from its obligation to enroll non-resident students in Reading Public Schools during the 2011-2012 school year for the following reason: General District Enrollment. The motion carried 5-0. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) The Chair reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. Gary Nihan as Town Meeting member spoke regarding the Fitness Center and the high quality of it compared to other towns; concern with staffing it and maintaining it, need to know proper use and maintenance of equipment; has a welcoming environment for students and staff, supervision - weight room previously used by athletes, if we have kept good care of that, we should do the same for the fitness center, user fee doesn't seem high compared to other towns, May 9, 2011 with a $35 annual fee with 600 students paying it we would have enough to cover it. He also indicated that you can't assume that coaches will supervise. Reports (1) Student 2. Liaison Mrs. Janowski stated that Shonda Shilling will be presenting on autism on May 17th Chair Caruso shared that there were visitors during the office hours this evening. Mrs. Gibbs reported on the recent School Day Games in Malden. This is part of the Special Olympics. She attended and said it was a fantastic time for all of our participants. There was a great sense of school and town pride. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported that 39 of our students participated in the Special Olympics. Tara Herlihy, teacher at Barrows has organized this event for the past three years. He also shared that our middle school jazz band under the direction of Joe Mulligan won a gold medal in a recent competition. Dr. Doherty went on to update the School Committee on the status of the Kevin McCarthy 9/11 memorial at the high school. He stated that Mark Dwyer would attend an upcoming meeting to share his thoughts. 4. Assistant Superintendent 5. Director of Finance and Operations B. Continued Business FY12 Budget Update out of order) Ms. DeLai updated the School Committee on a recent discussion regarding the transportation. She has met with the owner of the bus company and is working with him for creative solutions to funding the Wood End bus. Ms. DeLai went on to outline the Substitute Teacher Services proposal. Reading Public Schools would like to enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement with the Wakefield Public Schools to collaborate on substitute teachers. The districts would use a web based too, Aesop, to created and maintain a pool of substitute teachers. Ms. DeLai reviewed the cost savings for the district. She also indicated that there will be an addition of needed support hours as well as compensation for the Human Resources Administrator for the added responsibility. She indicated that Reading would have separate pools of substitutes from which to draw. The substitute teachers can sign up to work in both districts and the pay rates would be separate by town. May 9, 2011 Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to authorize the Superintendent to execute the Intermunicipal Agreement with the Wakefield Public Schools for purposes of collaborating on certain aspects of absence management and substitute placement systems and services for the period of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 as outlined in the Director of Finance and Operations Memorandum dated May 5, 2011 contingent upon similar approval and authorization by the Reading Board of Selectmen. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Robinson arrived. Naming of Facilities - Reconsider Motion Mr. Caruso read the following statement: In the spring of 2010, the school committee created a building and facilities naming policy. This policy outlines the process and timeline the committee follows for considering nominations for naming. The fall of 2010 was the first time this policy was implemented and we learned a lot. We received feedback from the naming sub-committee, as well as residents and non-residents, on improvements to the process that we will incorporate back into the policy. One comment that was heard multiple times was that many people were not aware the process had started. In the fall, we will do a better job of "getting the word out" that nominations are being accepted. At the School Committee's February meeting, the committee voted to refrain from naming the football field at that time. The members who voted for or against the motion each had their own valid reasons for their vote. It must be stated that no one on this committee stated that Mr. John Hollingsworth is not worthy of being honored for his contributions during his tenure at RMHS. After the committee received numerous communications from residents and non-residents regarding this vote, the decision was made to discuss the issue again after town meeting concluded. Tonight, the committee will first have a discussion on whether or not to override our policy which states we will evaluate naming nominations in the fall. If the committee decides to override this policy, then I will accept a motion to name the football field, the John Hollingsworth Football field. We will not discuss alternate names for the field or naming the stadium as a whole, the practice fields, or any other buildings or landmarks. That will be done in the fall as our policy states. Further more, we have already had the opportunity to hear from many passionate advocates for naming the field. While the committee will certainly answer any questions posed by audience members, I would not expect the need for further statements in support of naming the field. With that said, I'll open the floor to committee members for discussion. Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to override the School Committee Polices Namini of Facilities to reconsider the vote on the naming of the football field. Mrs. Gibbs felt that the policy needs to be revamped, taking the input from the Naming Sub- Committee and incorporating their suggestions. She also felt that the established guidelines should be adhered to and the naming be reconsidered in the fall. She requested that the School Committee include the sub-committee recommendations as a future agenda item. May 9, 2011 Mrs. Janowski sees no reason to delay the decision. Mr. Michaud agreed with Mrs. Janowski and is in support of the naming and revote. Mr. Bonazoli, Selectman and Naming Sub-Committee member indicated that he felt the current policy was very good. He also said that the town side is using it as a guide in developing a similar policy. He said that the sub-committee discussed whether or not the nominees should be deceased or away from the position for six years. The sub-committee then felt that it would be fitting that the nominee should be able to enjoy the honor. He went on to state that he truly believes that the School Committee can move on with great confidence that the district mission is being followed. Mr. Croft stated that he supported the field being named in honor of Mr. Hollingsworth but would like to address the stadium naming as a whole at a future date. Mr. Michaud asked for a point of order. He felt Mr. Croft was straying from the subject at hand. Mr. Caruso allowed Mr. Croft to finish feeling he had opened the door to discussion on the stadium naming. Mr. Fred Conover, RMHS Class of `77, asked some clarifying questions on the policy. Mr. Caruso asked for the vote on the previous motion. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to name the RMHS football field "the John Hollingsworth Field", thus accepting the original nomination brought to us last fall and supporting the recommendation presented to us by our Naming Sub-Committee. The motion carried 6-0. The Chair called a brief recess at 8:55 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:57 p.m. FY 11 Budget Update Ms. DeLai reminded the committee that she would be asking for the transfer of funds to help offset deficits. Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to authorize the transfer of $54,000 from the Regular Day Cost Center to the Other Programs Cost Center. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to authorize the transfer of $150,000 from the Regular Day Cost Center to the Special Education Cost Center. The motion carried 6-0. B. New Business Friends and Family Day Chair Caruso asked for input regarding Friends and Family Day. The committee offered suggestions regarding possible presentations on energy conservation and maintenance of our facilities. Mr. Michaud volunteered to oversee the presentation. May 9, 2011 Mrs. Janowski was hoping to showcase student work. Superintendent's Evaluation Process Chair Caruso thanked Mrs. Gibbs for volunteering to oversee the evaluation process. Mrs. Gibbs reviewed the evaluation timeline. III. Routine Matters ® Bills and Payroll (A) ® Approval of Minutes Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes dated April 26, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. • Bids and Donations Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by, Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation of $95.20 from the Wood End PTO to be used to purchase laminate for the Young Authors Day books as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 5, 2011 The motion carried 6-0 Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski to accept the donation of $1,000 from the Reading Boosters Club to be used to offset the cost of 8 rubber tipped javelins for the high school track teams as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 5, 2011 The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by, Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation of $3,975 from the Friends of Reading Wrestling to be used to pay the three coaching assistant stipends as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 5, 2011 The motion carried 6-0 Calendar Chair Caruso reminded the School Committee the next meeting May 23`d and Wednesday evening is the National Honor Society induction. IV. Information Dr. Doherty mentioned the upcoming production of Chess at RMHS this weekend. V. Future Business Mrs. Gibbs formally requested that review of the naming policy be on a future agenda. Mrs. Janowski requested discussion on the "Race to Nowhere" Mr. Michaud asked if there was a design review committee for the Kevin McCarthy 9/11 Memorial and if so requested that a representative from the School Committee be appointed. May 9, 2011 VI. Adjournment Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining 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. Meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. w ~ n a, hn F. Doherty, Ed.D perintendent of Schools VJl VVl LUli UJ. Jr LJi OLJLJ f JO INC-tl !-HQE- Ci Lt UO Northshore Education Consortium TOWN CLERK 112 Sohier,Road READING, MASS. Beverly, MA 03915 2011 MAY -q A 13~ To: Town Hall: Boxford, Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Newbury, North Reading, Peabody, Reading, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wenham Fr: Colleen Dolan, Executive Director Re: Please Post Date: May 6, 2011 Meeting Notice: Board of Directors (agenda attached) Date / Time: May 11, 2011 8:00 AM Place: Northshore Education Consortium, 112 Sohier Road, Beverly, MA The subjects listed on this agenda are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. u..u uur cull uJ. _j r 1 7 r OLJL7 t uD I`ICI., r'til7t G.3! GD NORTHSHORE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM RECEIVED 112 Sohier Road TOWN CLERK Beverly MA 01915 READING, MASS. AGENDA - BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING - 5.11.11 The matters listed below are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair 2011 MA Tray bAdi c: Z1ed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed a,n,d other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted, by law. A. 8:00 A.M. CALL TO ORDER Board Room, #317 (3rd Floor) Recommended .Action: To move to executive session to hear two Grievances. Roll call vote is required. B. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC C. 8:30 A.M. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING(S) Recommended Action: To accept the minutes of meeting (attached,) + 3.16.11 - regular meeting D. ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 1. 8:30 Chief Financial Officer's Report - Elaine McCormack Recommended Action: To receive and file the monthly financial reports as presented. Recommended Action: To approve the Certificate of Authority for FY12 (attached) To be distributed at meeting: FY 11 to date, current aging report, current revolving accounts. 2. 8:35 Executive Director's Report - Colleen Dolan. NEC News o From the Programs News from the Development Office o Celebrate Our Future Event o Playspace Build, 5.14 - 5.15 o Walk and Roll - 6.4.11 Family Center - o Space for, workshops: 3:30 - 5:30 PM, 10/5/11,11/16/11,1/25/12,3/7/12, 5/2/12 Board of Directors: Recognition and thank you to those celebrating new beginnings: o Robert Hassett: Lynnfield o Joseph Connelly. Gloucester, o Dr. William. Cameron: Salem o Dr. Milton Burnett: Peabody o per. Paul Dulac: Marblehead 1 VJI VV1 LV11 VJ. J( 1Jf VLJLJf JV IYLI., i~~n~ a,'-it vu 3. 8:45 Subcommittee Reports + Personnel Committee - Dr, Creed.en o Executive Director's evaluation budget Committee Mr. Farmer o Summary of meetings 3.16.11, 4.8.11 o Recommended Action: To accept the minutes of meetings 3.16.11, 4.8.11 (attached) o FY 12 Budget - Recommended Action: To approve Draft #3 of FY 12 budget (attached) + Facilities Committee- Mr. Hassett 4. Round. Robin E. 9:30 OLD BUSINESS 1. Job Fair feedback 2. Articles of Agreement Recommended Action: First Reading of the Articles of Agreement as amended Excerpt from Articles of Agreement, Section IX, Method for Amending the Agreement: The agreement may be amended from time to time as the need may be, pursuant to the following procedure: A. ,A, proposal for amendment of the Consortium agreement may be initiated, by any member school committee or district, any member of the Board or by the Executive Director. B_ The proposed amendment shall be presented in writing to the Secretary of the Board no less than ten (10) days prior to a meeting of the Board at which it shall. first be read. C. Within ten (10) days following the first-reading of any proposed amendment, the Secretary shall cause copies thereof to be sent via certified mail to all members of the Boar, together with notices as to the time and place of the second reading and vote thereon. D. The proposed amendment shall be read a second time at the regular meeting next subsequent to its first reading, at which time it may be approved by a vote of two-thirds (213) of the Board members present and voting. E. Following the second reading and approval of any proposed amendment as set out in paragraph 4, it will be submitted to the Commissioner of Education, upon approval by whom it shall become effective. F. Following approval by the Commissioner of Education the Board shall notify each member school committee of the amendment to -the existing agreement. 3. By-Laws Recommended, Action: To accept the By-Laws as amended + Excerpt from, By Laws, Section 1029: Adoption and Amendment: The By-Laws of the Board of Directors may be amended, repealed, or adopted in their entirety by a two-thirds vote of the membership at any one meeting, or a 2 U:JI CJb1' LCJll CJ 7: Z) f 17 f t5L.3L7 (DO Ntlu I-HkIL VJOO Ub majority vote of the Board at two consecutive Board of Directors meetings. All amendments, repeals, or adoptions will be provided to the Board of Directors prior to any meeting where action is scheduled to take place. F. 9:40 NEW BUSINESS 1. FY 12 Board assignments Recommended Action: To approve Dr. Lockwood as Chair for FY 2012. For FY 2013 the Chair assignment will return to the alphabetical system, back to Marblehead, with Masconomet and Peabody being skipped the years they would be alphabetically next in line. FYI -ppzoved motion from 6.10: A motion was made by Mr. Farmer seconded by Dr. Cameron. to appoint Dr. Burnett, Peabody Public Schools as Chair .for, FY 2011. The Chair assignment would return to the alphabetical system for FY12, back to Marblehead, with Peabody being skipped the year it would be alphabetically next in line. G. 9:40 OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS 1. Appointments Recommended Action: To accept the appointments as presented. Northshore Academy Upper School,: Tammy Whitfield, Interim RN T Effective April 23, 2011 Kevin O'Grady School. Geraldine Paskowski, Interim Paraprofessional - Effective April 4, 2011 FL OTHER BUSINESS 1. Proposed calendar 20x1- 2012 2. Need for June meeting? 1. ADJOURNMENT 3 q:Jf U 0 1 LC711 U 7. :J / 17 f OLJL7 t JO IICA, I nun - - Xorthshore Education, Consortium 112 Sohier Road Beverly, MA. 0.1915 To: Town Hall: Boxford, Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Newbury, North Reading, Peabody, Reading, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wenham Fr: Colleen Dolan, Executive Director ~ Re: Please Post Date: May 6, 2011 Meeting Notice: Executive Session re. Grievance Date/ Time: May 11, 2011 8:00 AM Place: Northshore Education Consortium, 112 Sohier Road, Beverly, MIA The subjects listed on this agenda are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law