REDDING BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2018
ATTENDANCE:
Board of Education: Irwin, Parkin, Hoeing, Whaley, Reilly, Pilato, Hoffman (7:33)
Administration: Members of the Public: Approximately 8 public staff members; representative from The Redding Pilot
CALL TO ORDER:
Dr. Irwin called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion: move that Redding Board of Education approve the minutes of the March 6, 2018 Regular Meeting. Hoeing, Reilly. Unanimous (6-0)
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
BOARD MEMBER COMMENT: None
Mr. Hoffman arrived at 7:33 p.m.
ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS:
Mrs. Hammond reported on a very positive experience for a large number of RES Odyssey of the Mind teams. She thanked the PTA for organizing the International Festival, which she enjoyed. With respect to professional development, Mrs. Hammond reported on the emphasis being placed on restorative practice with a plan to build it out schoolwide.
Mrs. Martin comment on the new Wingman program and training for 6th and 7th grade students.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: RIGOR/RELEVANCE FRAMEWORK
Dr. McMorran gave a presentation titled “Education for 2032” highlighting research regarding how students best learn and the impacts of a changing economy on fundamental questions of what kind of world we are educating students to enter and whether our current system is appropriately designed to meet that end.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: PROGRESS REPORT: JRMS MATHEMATICS
Mrs. Martin provided an update on steps being taken to address concerns regarding achievement in math at JRMS, particularly low test scores compared to peers. Discussion regarding utility of data, structure of the middle school schedule, and philosophy regarding preparation for high stakes testing followed.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: PLANNING JOINT MEETINGS WITH EASTON
Mr. Parkin briefed the Board regarding the recommendations of the Structure and Ways of Working Committee, which has recommended the Easton and Redding Boards pursue additional opportunities to meet on the same night to reduce administrator strain and redundancy. Dr. McMorran’s Education for 2032 was used as an example of a presentation that needn’t be given three times but for the tri-board structure. The consensus was to pilot the approach in June with consent of Easton.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: REDDING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GARDEN EXPANSION
Mrs. Hammond reported on efforts to revitalize and expand the garden at RES this spring. There will be ample opportunities to volunteer.
Mrs. Hammond and Mrs. Martin were dismissed from the meeting by the Chair.
ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS:
Mrs. Torre provided an update on the special education identification process and noted that increase in rates is typical as more students are identified through the year; she noted that preschool has a healthy waiting list for next year.
Mr. Reiss provided an update on current fiscal year spending and projections for unspent funds; he also explained a lengthy list of small transfers and noted that the health insurance fund is projected to require the transfer of unspent funds from other lines to remain solvent through year end. An additional month’s work of employer contributions was pulled early to maintain liquidity.
Mrs. Torre and Mr. Reiss were dismissed from the meeting by the Chair.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Parkin reported on the work of the Structure and Ways of Working Committee as well as the joint ER9 Transportation Committee.
Mr. Hoffman reported on the work of the Facilities Committee.
Mrs. Pilato reported on the work of the Communications Committee.
Mrs. Hoeing reported on the work of the join ER9 Policy Committee.
Dr. Irwin noted that the Curriculum Committee would meet soon after Dr. Pierson Ugol returns from maternity leave.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mike D’Agostino, Glenn Hill Rd: Commented that special education rates have now eclipsed 16%, which is higher than they have been; he also raised concerns that changes to the direction of education come with risks and questioned whether we should be seeking to pattern ourselves on what other countries do or otherwise be out front in making philosophical changes to our approach to education.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENT:
Mrs. Pilato commented that she appreciated Mrs. Martin saying that what she tried with respect to block scheduling ultimately failed. She believes we should foster new ideas and accept failure as part of the process.
NEGOTIATION WITH ADMINSTRATORS FOR 2018-19 CONTRACTS
Motion: move to enter executive session for the purpose of discussion the negotiation of administrator contracts for 2018-19 and invite Dr. McMorran to attend. Parkin, Hoffman Unanimous.
The Board recessed to executive session at 10:40 p.m. Dr. McMorran was present for the entirety of the session.
The Board exited executive session at 11:31 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Whaley, Hoeing. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 11:32 p.m.
Submitted by Chris Parkin, Redding Board of Education Secretary