Below is a summarized version of the School Committee meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Meeting Overview
Start Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Reading Memorial High School Library
Attendees: Carla Nazzaro, Sarah McLaughlin, Erin Gaffen (Acting Chair), Lara Durgavich and Shawn Brandt.
- Erin Gaffen (Vice-Chair Stepping in for Tom):
- 1:52 – 3:08: Opens meeting, welcomes new member Laura Durgavich, congratulates reelected Tom. Outlines agenda: public comment, consent agenda, reports, new business (school resource officers update, children’s cabinet, math pathways, last day of school vote, scholarships). No public comments received.
Student Representatives
- 3:36 – 7:09: Provide updates:
- Winter drama competition success, advancing to next round.
- Recent affinity group meeting with Barbara Best and Reading Coalition.
- College fair with 120+ colleges.
- Spring sports tryouts underway.
- School counselors planning 2025-26 courses.
- DECA’s state competition success, five students advancing to internationals.
- Artsfest success with choirs, bands, and art displays.
- Junior prom occurred recently.
- Upcoming: ALICE drill (April 16), Winchester Hospital career panel (May 2), AP exams (May 5-16), math MCAS (May 20-21), job shadowing (May 21), awards nights (May 21, June 3), science MCAS (June 5-6).
Staff & Children’s Cabinet Updates
- Dr. Sarah Hardy
- 7:37 – 9:12: Updates on executive functioning review: internal data collection underway, led by Dr. Precise and Allison Wright. Family forums held, coordinated by Jackie Palooi and Alli Sarno, yielding rich data. Staff surveys and observations ongoing.
- 41:36 – 50:19: Presents math pathways update:
- Focus on strong math instruction, ensuring rigorous options and flexible on-ramps.
- New 12th-grade course: Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications, replacing Financial Algebra for deeper rigor.
- Summer modules for middle schoolers improved: two paths for rising 8th graders (review or prep for Algebra 1).
- Summer Honors Geometry course adjusted for more algebra content and independent work weeks.
- Enhanced teacher professional development (learning labs, math coaches, guaranteed learning experiences).
- Improved parent communication for transparency.
- Answers question: summer modules include teacher support via messaging and feedback, not fully self-directed.
- Dr. Thomas Milaschewski
- 9:12 – 11:45: Congratulates Barbara Best (doctoral resident) for her contributions (children’s cabinet, community partnerships). Notes her Harvard EDLD program, upcoming dissertation defense (April 17), and last day (May 9). Thanks Harvard for funding residency, announces Ramsay Merritt as next resident.
- 37:28 – 39:33: Discusses future of children’s cabinet: Reading Rethreads (Teresa’s project) expected to sustain; Barbara’s work to continue via coalition and equity office. Plans meeting to determine leadership or hire facilitator.
- 52:34 – 54:37: Comments on math pathways: encouraged by higher 7/8 math enrollment but emphasizes tracking student success, not just early algebra placement. Notes curriculum investments paying off, mentions first freshmen in Honors Algebra 2.
- Carla:
- 11:45 – 12:31: Reports on joint forum with Killam and Recall (April 2, repeated on Zoom April 16). Vote on May 13.
- Sarah:
- 12:37 – 13:16: Thanks Friends of Reading METCO and administration for “Code Switching” documentary screening and discussions.
- SROs (Mike Davis, Brian Lewis, Matt Vatcher):
- 13:45 – 24:02: Update on school resource officer activities:
- Mike Davis: New SRO, training for certification, learning role at high school. SROs attended FBI training on bomb threats/swatting, support Reading Coalition (mental health first aid, opioid prevention).
- Brian Lewis: Assisted ALICE drills (high/middle schools, staff-only at elementary). Led ALICE professional development, uses CSTAG for threat assessment, part of crisis teams, overhauled district incident response plans with video rollout.
- Matt Vatcher: Engages community via comfort dogs (Rusty, Cooper), internet safety presentations (4th-6th grades, parents via Coolidge PTO), US Attorney’s Office collaboration, school lunch service, community helpers unit, PTO raffle rides, food drives with Rocket Leaders ($600+ donations). Attended junior prom, plans for senior prom and graduation.
- Committee Feedback: Appreciation for SRO visibility, relationship-building, and leadership transition (Mike overlapping with Brian).
- 13:45 – 24:02: Update on school resource officer activities:
- Teresa Wiggins (Children’s Cabinet):
- 25:10 – 28:51: Describes children’s cabinet (25+ stakeholders addressing youth issues). Focuses on accessing resources group, planning “Reading Rethreads” (monthly free clothing closet, volunteer-run, seeking space). Also addresses acute needs (e.g., St. Vincent DePaul food drive).
- 32:07 – 35:00: Answers questions: Rethreads timeline depends on securing space (1-4 months), aims for semi-permanent setup, once-monthly as starting point to test accessibility.
- Barbara Best (Children’s Cabinet):
- 28:51 – 32:00: Discusses school/community connectedness committee. Held youth listening sessions (167 students, 15% of RMHS) across affinity groups, identifying connection barriers (transportation, inclusion). Plans leadership cafes, mini-grants for student projects, and fall youth town hall. Thanks community and Dr. Milaschewski.
- 35:00 – 36:55: Answers question: middle schoolers need more connection opportunities (cross-school, cross-grade, empathy-building), suggests expanding mental health first aid and leadership prep.
- 40:02 – 40:38: Shares future plans: applying deep listening to systems (e.g., peer coaching at MGH), continuing relationship-building work.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Approved 5-0 (3:28).
- Last Day of School: June 16, 2025, approved 5-0 (57:02) due to 180-day requirement.
- Scholarships:
- David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship ($2,500) approved 5-0 (58:05).
- Arthur L. Spencer Scholarship ($400) approved 5-0 (58:29).
- Math Pathways: New 12th-grade course, enhanced summer modules, improved teacher training, and better parent communication approved; focus on flexibility and rigor.
- Children’s Cabinet:
- Reading Rethreads progressing, awaiting space confirmation.
- Connectedness work to continue via coalition/equity office, with plans for student-led projects and town hall.
- Future leadership to be determined (facilitator or group-led).
- SRO Update: Expanded community engagement, safety training, and crisis planning; praised for visibility and impact.
- Meeting Adjourned: Under one hour (58:44).
