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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-23 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING, Mi'\SS. 2011 JUN 28 P 1= 2l Date: May 23, 2011 Time: 7:00 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: Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Patty deGaravilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Kim Oliveira, Director of Pupil Services Corey Santasky, School Resource Officer Joyce Camenker, RISE Teacher Karen Stuart, RISE Teacher Vicki Griffin, RISE Director Julie De Angelis, RCASA Matt Conway, Student Representative Ashley Testa, Student Representative Call to Order Matt Casey, Reading Patch Barbara Jones, Reading Chronicle Joanne Senders, Reading Advocate Erica McNamara, RCASA Ron Beauragard, Board of Health Jared Beaulieau, Student Representative Garrison Doodlesack, Student Representative Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. Introduction of New Student Representatives Mr. Caruso thanks Mr. Conway and Mr. Beaulieu for their service to the School Committee as student representatives and wished them luck on behalf of the rest of the Committee. Mr. Caruso asked Mr. Beaulieu and Mr. Conway to introduce the new student representatives. Mr. Conway spoke on behalf of Ashley Testa. Ms. Testa is an active member of the RMHS community and recently elected as president of the Student Council. Mr. Beaulieu spoke on behalf of Mr. Doodlesack. He is also an active member of the RMHS community. Both students will be welcome additions to the meetings. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) None May 23, 2011 Reports (1) 1. Student Mr. Beaulieu indicated that the seniors finished classes last week and finals this week. Senior activities begin Thursday with the Senior Prom. He added that the drama students traveled to New York City for the annual field trip to attend two Broadway productions. Spring sports are finishing up and the Drama Club presented Chess - The Musical last weekend. The Student Council organized "Lip Dub" a community building event. He said the turnout was fantastic and the students that participated found it to be a positive experience. Mr. Doodlesack and Ms. Testa agreed that it was a great event. 2. Liaison Mrs. Janowski attended the performance of Chess - The Musical and commended all that were involved. She also attended the discussion hosted by Understanding Disabilities that featured Shonda Shilling. Mr. Croft commended student representatives Conway and Beaulieu for their success in the classroom, in athletics and the arts. He also congratulated Maura Correa on successfully completing the "Race to Home Plate". She won her division. The race was to benefit veterans that had been injured. 3. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty updated the group on the reduction in circuit breaker reimbursement in the Senate budget. He asked the Committee to contact Senator Clark to push for the restoration of the reimbursement percentage to 60%. He also shared that in a span of one week our performing arts department held three performances, Chess - The Musical, the spring band concert and the spring choral concert. This only highlights the quality of the programs and participants. 4. Assistant Superintendent 5. Director of Finance and Operations Ms. DeLai updated the School Committee on the Wood End bus. She has had discussions with the bus company regarding the cost of running that bus. She indicated in spite of the reduction offered the cost per student will still be approximately $650. Information will be sent to the Wood End community and Ms. DeLai and Dr. Doherty will meet with anyone that is interested in using this service to discuss the status. May 23, 2011 Ms. DeLai also updated the School Committee on the status of the Memorial Wall. The panels have been removed and stored. It has been discovered that 4 of the panels are cracked. The district has consulted with a structural engineer to assess the structural properties. Ms. DeLai outlined the options for the repair of the wall. The 4 panels that are cracked could be replaced (approx. $41 K) or we could replace all 10 panels (approx. $58K). Ms. DeLai indicated that the manufacturer could not guarantee a match of materials. The Committee asked clarifying questions. B. Continued Business FYI 2 Budget Update (out of order) Mrs. Oliveira outlined the need for the proposed ELL teaching position. The district currently services 17 students in 16 different languages with two tutors. Mrs. Oliveira indicated that Mrs. Pennacchio and Mrs. Di Pillo have done a fantastic job developing a curriculum and professional development for this program. Mrs. DiPillo is retiring at the end of the year. The creation of this position will bring the district in line with state requirements. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs Gibbs to approve the creation of an English Lan2une Learner teaching position in the district starting in the 2011-12 school year as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated MU 19, 2011 Mrs. Janowski asked how one person will be able to service all students in need. Mrs. Oliveira indicated that this teacher would work with the teachers and principals to ensure the students are getting the help that they need. Mr. Michaud asked about the budgetary impact. Mrs. Oliveira indicated that it would be minimal. The motion carried 6-0. C. New Business RISE Presentation Dr. Doherty introduced Vicki Griffin, Early Childhood Coordinator and thanked her for her years of service and wished her well on her upcoming retirement. Mrs. Griffin gave a brief overview of the RISE program which was started in 1974 with one classroom and 18 students. RISE now has over 100 students and six classrooms. She introduced Joyce Camenker to discuss the Child Development and Early Childhood Education program offered as part of the high school course selection. Mrs. Camenker said that this is a full year class at the high school and the first semester is spent learning about child development and the second semester focuses on early childhood education. During the first semester the students gain an understanding of the study of child development and developmental theory. This includes learning about families and parenting, prenatal development, pregnancy and birth and to develop an understanding of the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical changes that take place from birth through age 7. The students examined each year throughout the semester to develop this understanding. May 23, 2011 The second semester was dedicated to the early childhood education aspect of the course. The students applied what they had learned the first semester into the classroom setting. They were taught how to set up an early childhood classroom and plan and implement curriculum. The nurse, Food Service Director, specialists and teachers provided information on the health and safety, nutritional and social emotional needs of young children. The students were able to interact with children from infant to 4 years old. This allowed them to develop an understanding of the behavior and discipline in young children. They learned that each child is different. Mrs. Camenker introduced the students currently in the class. The students introduced themselves: Melissa Hannaford - would like to become an Ob-Gyn Nurse Krista Sorabella - would like to become a teacher Steffanie Brian - would like to become a teacher Kaitlin Cotter - would like to become a pediatric nurse The students felt that taking this class has helped affirm the career choices they have made. The girls shared the aspects of the unit on pregnancy. The students participated in role playing activities and learned about infants in class. They were able to reinforce what they had learned in class with hands on experience with siblings of the RISE students. They were also able to develop a practical understanding of how and why babies and toddlers act the way they do by observing children at all different stages of development. They were also able to observe different approaches to parenting and recognize the fact that all children develop at different rates. During the second half of the year they were taught how to develop curriculum and lesson plans. The students made materials, planned and practiced their lessons. On Friday's they taught the classes. The students indicated that they thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the preschool students and have gained practical experience that they can use in all different settings whether it be babysitting or in the classroom. The School Committee thanked the group for taking the time to present tonight. Safety and Evacuation Drill Update Superintendent Doherty introduced School Resource Officer Santasky. Officer Santasky reviewed the yearly requirements which include 3 fire drills per school per year, as well as shelter in place, lock down and offsite evacuation drills. He updated the committee on the Safety Committee work done this year which included receiving input from building personnel and updating the emergency backpacks to include some of the requests. He is also working of safety plans for groups that use our buildings after hours. Officer Santasky indicated he is very confident and comfortable with the response plan Reading has in place. May 23, 2011 Tobacco Education Presentation Dr. Doherty introduced Erica McNamara who provided a brief overview of tonight's presentation. She introduced the Youth Crew - Avery Stroman, Ashley Testa, Garrison Doodlesack and Kate DeBenedetto. She also introduced Julie DeAngelis, Outreach Coordinator for RCASA. The students discussed the availability and easy access to other tobacco products (OTP). These products are marketed in attractive packaging and flavors that would be enticing to teens. The products that include snus, blunt wrappers and cigars, tip cigars and cigarillos are inexpensive and addictive. The Youth Crew conducted a survey and discovered that many adults did not know these products were available and many thought they were more expensive than cigarettes. The Youth Crew has made similar presentations to the PTO groups at the Parker and Coolidge Middle Schools. Ms. McNamara asked if the School Committee would support a resolution protecting young people from Reading, MA and across Massachusetts from tobacco industry tactics by supporting actions to restrict access to cheap, flavored tobacco products in our community. The Chair indicated they would. Ms. McNamara will forward the resolution. Mr. Ron Beauragard representing the Board of Health discussed tobacco control in our community. He indicated that many of these products are used with illegal drugs. Blunt wrappers are used for rolling marijuana and cigarillos and blunts are gutted and filled with marijuana. He felt it was important that a prevention message be sent loud and clear to the youth of Reading and the state outlining the dangers of these products. The School Committee thanked the group for presenting this important information Friends and Familv Dav Chair Caruso reminded the School Committee of the upcoming Friends & Family Day. He encouraged the student representatives to drop by the booth. Mrs. deGaravilla volunteered to assist Mr. Michaud with the media production. Race to Nowhere Dr. Doherty outlined the next steps in the Race to Nowhere discussion. He also said that we were unable to show the film to the students but hopes to do so in the fall. The current direction is to establish a 20-25 member committee made up of students, parents, teachers, community and youth sports members and administrators. The discussion will be focused on "what we can do as a community". The committee will bring recommendations to the administration with the goal of achieving a balance for our students. Director of Student Services Search Dr. Doherty provided a search overview and turned the meeting over to Mrs. deGaravilla who outlined the timeline for this search. Mr. Robinson moved seconded by Mrs Gibbs to approve the process for the selection of the Director of Student Services as outlined by Mrs. deGaravilla. The motion carried 6-0. May 23, 2011 Mrs. deGaravilla opened the floor to qualities and qualifications the School Committee would like to see in the Director of Student Services. Mrs. Gibbs would like to have someone that is a progressive thinker, familiar with Universal Design and provides for the whole system. Mr. Caruso would like to ensure that the momentum continues going forward. Mr. Michaud would like to see a person with good communication skills and one that is sensitive. Mr. Robinson would like to inquire about the long term goals of the candidate. Mrs. Janowski would like the candidate to be familiar with Assistive Educational Technology and is student centered. Superintendent's Evaluation Process Mrs. Gibbs reviewed the evaluation timeline. Approval of Field Trip Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the Parker Middle School field trip to Washington, D.C. in the spring of 2012 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 19, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes dated MU 2, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes dated May 9, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. • Bids and Donations _Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation of $1,294.34 from the Donald E. Garrant Foundation to be used to support a financial literacy enrichment romm at the Parker Middle School as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated Ma 19, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud to accept the donation of $400 from the You_nLy Women's League of Reading to be used to benefit the students of the Parker Middle School as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 19, 2011. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept a donation of $350 from the Bank of America to be used to purchase STEM related materials for our elementary school libraries. The motion carried 6-0. Calendar Chair Caruso reminded the School Committee the next meetings and graduation. An added meeting will be on June 27 h due to the Director of Student Services Search. May 23, 2011 Mr. Michaud reminded Mr. Croft that he switched office hours with him and would take the June meeting IV. Information V. Future Business Mrs. Janowski requested an Advisory program update. VI. Adjournment Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Readiniz 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 9:15 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting.