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.
Contents
🏫 School Committee Meeting Summary
🕒 0:00–9:07
🗓️ Agenda Overview
🕒 0:00–0:46
Public comment · New business: RMHS fitness center and athletic training room donation
🧑⚖️ School Committee Members Present
Shawn Brandt (Chair) · Carla Nazzaro (Vice Chair) · Tom Wise · Sarah McLaughlin · Lara Durgavich · Erin Gaffen
🎁 New Business: RMHS Fitness Center & Athletic Training Room Donation
🕒 0:50–8:44
💰 Donation Details
- Donor: Claudia Miksen-Fanaras, RMHS alum
- Amount: $200,000 (first of three donations totaling $550,000)
- Purpose: Full renovation of:
- RMHS fitness center
- RMHS athletic training room
🏋️♂️ Fitness Center Renovation
- New equipment from Matrix Fitness
- HVAC upgrades
- New flooring and turf system
- Painting, mirrors, decals, and branding
🏥 Athletic Training Room Renovation
- New medical and rehab equipment
- HVAC, flooring, painting, mirrors, decals
📅 Timeline
- Start: First week of December
- Completion: January 5, 2026
🧑🎓 Accessibility & Impact
- Designed for use by all students, not just athletes
- Input gathered from coaches, PE teachers, and wellness staff
- Expected to be a premier high school athletic facility in the region
🏷️ Naming Process
- Will follow district’s formal naming policy
🗳️ Vote Outcome
🕒 8:06–8:44
- Motion to accept $200,000 donation approved unanimously (6–0)
🧾 Key Takeaways
- 🎁 RMHS received a transformative $200K donation from alum Claudia Miksen-Fanaras.
- 🏋️♂️ Renovations will create inclusive, state-of-the-art fitness and training spaces.
- 🧑🎓 Project designed with input from staff to benefit all students.
- 📅 Completion expected by early January 2026.
- 🏷️ Naming will follow district policy; full recognition planned for future meeting.
