🏫 School Committee 3-13-25 AI Recap

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 (Roll Call): Carla Nazzaro, Sarah McLaughlin (present), Erin Gaffen, Charles Robinson, and Tom Wise (Chair)
Remote Attendees: Shawn Brandt

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Agenda Overview

(2:26 – 3:50)

• Speaker: Chair, Tom Wise
• Details: Agenda outlined: public comment, focus on excellence (Lego League), consent agenda, reports, new business (scholarship, school resource officer, counseling update, ESL curriculum), policy reviews, and updates.
• Outcome: Agenda set for the meeting.

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Public Comment

(4:04 – 4:10)

• Speaker: Tom
• Details: No public comments received despite audience presence.
• Outcome: Moved to next agenda item.

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Focus on Excellence

Lego League Presentation (4:10 – 15:04)

• Speakers: Dr. Thomas Milaschewski – Superintendent (4:10), Coach Mackenzie Bilo (5:36), Students (Charlie, Will, Ben, Patrick, Gon, Brian, James, Owen, Sebie, Cormarmac) (7:39 – 14:00), Chair (14:49)
• Details: Dr. Milaschewski introduced the Lego League teams from Killam and Birch schools, thanking coaches Tiffany Lynch and Mackenzie Bilo, and the extended day team. Coach Bilo highlighted the teams’ work (coding, building, research on submersibles). Students shared experiences, noting the complexity and fun of the program. Brian and Cormarmac provided examples of overcoming challenges (e.g., coding missions).
• Outcome: Students celebrated, photos taken with the committee.

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Consent Agenda

(16:33 – 16:59)

• Speakers: Erin (motion), Tom (roll call)
• Details: Motion to approve consent agenda, seconded, no discussion.
• Outcome: Passed 6-0 (Shawn, Chuck, Sarah, Carla, Erin, Tom).

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Reports

(16:59 – 26:49)

1. Student Report (17:07 – 22:49)
   • Speaker: Jason
   • Details: Highlighted drama club success, college fair (120 colleges, 700+ attendees), spring sports, course selection, DECA competition achievements, and upcoming events (sophomore semi, junior prom).
   • Outcome: No questions, report accepted.
2. Superintendent Report (22:49 – 26:04)
   • Speaker: Dr. Hardy
   • Details: Updates on Technology Impact Committee (AI focus) and a successful DESI visit for Illustrative Math PD.
   • Outcome: Positive feedback on PD strides.
3. Assistant Superintendent Report (26:30 – 27:27)
   • Speaker: Dr. Milaschewski
   • Details: Anatomy table arrived for healthcare pathway, plans to showcase it to the community.
   • Outcome: Excitement noted, no questions.
4. Liaison Reports (27:33 – 35:04)
   • Speakers: Shawn (no report), Chuck (pickleball mention), Sarah (no report), Carla (27:50 – 34:31), Tom (34:45)
   • Details: Carla reported on Killam School Building Committee: $2.2M budget, $500K design amendment approved, under budget, six-week schedule gain. Website updates planned. Tom noted policy subcommittee progress.
   • Outcome: Killam project advancing, policy updates scheduled.

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New Business

1. David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship (35:04 – 38:01)
   • Speakers: Michelle Savio (35:34), Chair (motion), Chief Clark (38:42)
   • Details: Michelle introduced scholarship in memory of her husband David for students pursuing law enforcement careers. Motion to approve conditions.
   • Outcome: Passed 6-0 (Shawn, Erin, Carla, Sarah, Chuck, Tom).
2. New School Resource Officer Announcement (38:07 – 46:56)
   • Speakers: Chief Clark (38:42), Dr. Milaschewski (43:13), Officer Mike Davis (43:55)
   • Details: Chief Clark introduced Officer Mike Davis as new SRO starting Monday, with experience in corrections, youth services, and youth academy. Dr. Milaschewski praised his poise and passion. Davis expressed excitement, noting family educator ties. Plans for a comfort dog next year.
   • Outcome: Officer Davis welcomed, smooth transition planned.
3. High School Counseling Annual Update (47:01 – 54:27)
   • Speakers: Principal Jessica Callanan (47:45), Lynna Williams (Counseling Director)
   • Details: Principal Callanan highlighted college fair success (700+ attendees). Williams shared Class of 2024 stats: 27 states, 75% New England, 49% Massachusetts, slight decline in 4-year college attendance (cost-driven), SAT scores discussed.
   • Outcome: Positive feedback, focus on diverse post-grad options.
4. ESL Curriculum Update (1:43:00 – 2:01:31)
   • Speakers: Patrice (ESL educator), Karen (supporting)
   • Details: Reviewed 2020 WIDA standards, piloted National Geographic (3.7/4) vs. Vista (3.2/4). National Geographic chosen for engagement, multimodal features, phonics alignment. Cost: $141/student consumables, state grant-funded for 2025-26. Implementation planned for fall 2025.
   • Outcome: Motion to adopt National Geographic ESL curriculum K-12 passed 6-0 (Shawn, Chuck, Sarah, Carla, Erin, Tom).

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Policy Reviews

1. IKF – Graduation Requirements (2:01:46 – 2:16:23)
   • Speakers: Tom (chair), Jess (supporting), Shawn (amendment)
   • Details: Updated to replace MCAS with competency determination (per Nov 2024 vote), adjusted health requirement, added transfer/out-of-district considerations. Shawn’s amendment struck editorializing paragraphs.
   • Outcome: Adopted as amended, effective immediately, 6-0 (Shawn, Chuck, Sarah, Carla, Erin, Tom).
2. GBA – Equal Employment Opportunity (2:16:43 – 2:18:55)
   • Speaker: Michelle (subcommittee)
   • Details: MSC update (March 2023), clarified by Michelle, legal reviewed.
   • Outcome: Adopted 6-0 (Shawn, Chuck, Sarah, Carla, Erin, Tom).
3. GBAA – Staff Ethics/Conflict of Interest (2:19:23 – 2:22:29)
   • Speaker: Michelle
   • Details: Reformatted for readability, applied to all employees, added reporting guidance, clarified terms, outlined consequences. Legal reviewed.
   • Outcome: Adopted 6-0 (Erin, Carla, Sarah, Chuck, Shawn, Tom).
4. GBE – Staff Conduct (2:22:48 – 2:24:17)
   • Speaker: Michelle
   • Details: Added specific laws, clarified consequences for misconduct, harassment, discrimination. Legal reviewed.
   • Outcome: Adopted 6-0 (Shawn, Erin, Carla, Sarah, Chuck, Tom).
5. GBEC – Drug-Free Workplace (2:24:25 – 2:30:40)
   • Speakers: Chuck (question), Tom, Shawn
   • Details: Legal reviewed, no alcohol inclusion. Chuck raised alcohol concern; committee noted it’s covered elsewhere (safety, disability policies). Federal drug-free requirement emphasized.
   • Outcome: Adopted 6-0 (Shawn, Chuck, Sarah, Carla, Erin, Tom), alcohol discussion deferred.
6. GBGB – Staff Personal Security and Safety (First Reading) (2:30:53 – 2:34:31)
   • Speaker: Michelle
   • Details: New policy (2006 base), modernized, aligned with CBAs, emphasized EAP voluntariness. Legal reviewed. Carla suggested EAP confidentiality clarification.
   • Outcome: First reading accepted 6-0 (Chuck, Sarah, Carla, Erin, Shawn, Tom).

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Other Policy Items

Notification of Other Policy Items (2:35:18 – 2:36:05)

• Speaker: Tom
• Details: FF, GBBC, GBI qualify for single adoption; GBGE for first reading on March 27.
• Outcome: Scheduled for next meeting.

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Closing

(2:36:47 – 2:37:01)

• Speakers: Carla (motion), Erin (second)
• Details: Carla noted May 22 conflict (senior awards). Motion to adjourn.
• Outcome: Adjourned 6-0 at 9:35 PM (Shawn, Erin, Carla, Sarah, Chuck, Tom).

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Key Outcomes

1. Lego League: Celebrated student participation and success.
2. Scholarship: David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship approved.
3. SRO: Officer Mike Davis appointed, starting Monday.
4. ESL Curriculum: National Geographic adopted for K-12.
5. Policies: Five policies adopted (IKF, GBA, GBAA, GBE, GBEC), one first reading (GBGB) accepted.
6. Future Actions: Alcohol policy discussion flagged, additional policies scheduled for March 27.