🏫 School Committee 10-2-25 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.

🏫 School Committee Meeting Summary
🗓️ Agenda Overview

🕒 2:08–3:01
Public comment · Focus on Excellence · Consent agenda · Reports · Student Advisory Committee introduction · High school counseling update · MCAS results · Competency determination policy · SEPAC Awareness Month proclamation · Superintendent goals & indicators · Forest Montessori School follow-up

🧑‍⚖️ School Committee Members Present

Shawn Brandt (Chair) · Carla Nazzaro (Vice Chair) · Tom Wise · Lara Durgavich · Erin Gaffen

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🌟 Focus on Excellence: National Merit Scholars

🕒 6:44–12:30 

• Honorees: 12 RMHS students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program
  • 11 Commended Scholars (top 3–4% nationally) 
  • 1 Semi-Finalist (top 1%) 
• Remarks: Dr. Milaschewski and Principal Jessica Callanan praised students, families, and educators 
• Outcome: Certificates awarded; group photo taken

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📋 Consent Agenda

🕒 13:17–14:17 

• Approved unanimously (5–0) with amendment to remove item 13 (pending donation for fitness center renovation)

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🧾 Superintendent’s Report

🕒 14:25–15:10 

• Recognition: RMHS football team praised for organizing a fundraiser to support a younger student affected by a house fire

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🏛️ Liaison Reports

🕒 15:16–17:01 

• Killam Building Committee:
  • MSBA funding agreement signed
  • Successful abutters meeting held
  • Design development continues (furniture, EV charging stations, building materials)
  • Public invited to view samples of building materials
• Financial Forum: Scheduled for October 8

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🧑‍🎓 Student Advisory Committee Introduction

🕒 17:08–27:12 

• Members: Jason Walsh, Sachi Salvakumar, Alex Vincent, Sebastian Orsini, Thea Cuna 
• Updates:
  • Homecoming Week (Oct 15–19)
  • Walk It Like You Rock It 5K
  • Sunday Night Lights
  • School counseling events (guidance nights, PSATs)
• Accomplishments:
  • New trash/recycling bins, water stations, and charging tables
  • Bathroom updates and inclusive signage
  • Advocacy for AP and dual enrollment expansion
  • Participation in listening sessions and upcoming Leadership Café
• Topics for 2025–26:
  • Wi-Fi infrastructure
  • Cell phone policy
  • AI usage in student handbook
  • Cross-school club collaboration

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📘 High School Counseling Update

🕒 27:12–59:02 

• Post-Secondary Plans (Class of 2025):
  • 84% to 4-year colleges
  • 5% to 2-year colleges (increase due to free community college)
  • 10% employed, gap year, or military
• College Acceptances:
  • 221 colleges across 26 states and 2 countries
  • Strong performance across all academic tiers
• AP Performance:
  • Record 83% pass rate (3+)
  • 96% pass rate in AP math
  • 116 AP Scholars (highest in 5 years)
• SAT Trends:
  • Slight decline in scores; consistent with state trends
  • Increased PSAT participation
  • Emphasis on test prep access and timing
• Dual Enrollment:
  • UMass Lowell courses offered in-house
  • Accommodations available for students with IEPs/504s
• Counseling Resources:
  • Updated website and resource guides
  • Emphasis on social-emotional balance and individualized support

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📊 MCAS 2025 District Overview

🕒 1:27:43–2:01:39 

• Highlights:
  • RPS ranks in 90th percentile statewide for ELA and math achievement
  • Consistent growth across all levels and subgroups
  • ARC curriculum shows strong impact on literacy growth and achievement
  • Increase in students exceeding expectations
• Focus Areas:
  • Addressing persistent achievement gaps (e.g., IEP, low-income, Black/African-American students)
  • Targeted support for underperforming cohorts (e.g., current 6th grade)
  • Continued improvement at Parker Middle School
  • Elementary science curriculum review underway
  • New data platform (EduClimber) to support real-time instructional decisions

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📜 Competency Determination Policy

🕒 1:16:26–1:27:36 

• Update: New DESE guidance requires inclusion of US History and clearer definitions of course completion and mastery 
• Outcome: Motion to table approval pending policy revision (IKF) and submission to DESE by Dec 31

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📣 SEPAC Awareness Month Proclamation

🕒 2:01:50–2:07:54 

• Outcome: Approved unanimously (5–0) 
• Next Steps:
  • Share proclamation with Select Board
  • Promote via newsletters and social media
  • Highlight SEPAC events and resources

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🎯 Superintendent Goals & Focus Indicators

🕒 2:08:00–2:28:33 

• Goals Approved:
  • Academic achievement and access
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Leadership development
• Focus Indicators Approved:
  • 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, 1F 
  • 2B, 2C, 2D 
  • 3A, 3D 
  • 4A, 4D 
• Discussion:
  • Importance of measurable benchmarks
  • Desire to align goals with broader district responsibilities (e.g., fiscal systems)

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🌲 Forest Montessori School Follow-Up

🕒 2:28:40–2:37:31 

• Update: Response received from director; now operating at Camp Rice Moody 
• Committee Consensus:
  • No further action unless school formally requests reconsideration
  • Concerns remain about transparency, busing costs, and readiness

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🧾 Key Takeaways

• 🎓 RMHS students excelled in AP and college admissions; counseling department praised for robust support.
• 📊 MCAS data shows strong growth and achievement, but gaps persist among subgroups and specific schools.
• 📘 SAT scores require deeper analysis; new data tools will support targeted interventions.
• 🧑‍🎓 Student Advisory Committee continues to lead initiatives improving school culture and infrastructure.
• 📜 SEPAC Awareness Month formally recognized; outreach planned.
• 🎯 Superintendent goals and indicators approved with emphasis on measurable outcomes and district-wide impact.
• 🌲 Forest Montessori School remains unresolved; committee awaits formal re-engagement.

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