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.
- 📋 Summary
- 📑 Agenda Overview
- 🗣️ Public Comment
- 🌟 Community Spotlight
- 🗳 Discussion & Vote – Consent Agenda
- 🏢 Administrator / Manager Report
- 🔗 Liaison Reports – Highlights
- 🗳 Discussion – Youth Health Survey Results
- 🏅 Recognition
- 🏗 Killam School Building Project Update
- 🧠 Administrator Report – Executive Functioning Review
- 🗳 Discussion & Vote – Approval of Last Day of School
- 🗳 Discussion & Vote – Appointment of Vice Chair
- 🗳 Discussion – Policy GBD: School Committee Visits
- 🔑 Key Summary
📅 April 16, 2026 Reading School Committee Meeting
🕒 Meeting Start: 00:08:36
⏰ Meeting End: 02:18:50
💻 Format: Hybrid
👤 Chair: Shawn Brandt
👥 Attendees: Shawn Brandt, Carla Nazzaro, Lara Durgavich, Erin Gaffen (joined mid-meeting), Sarah McLaughlin (remote), Thomas Wise, Geoff Coram
👤 Administration & Staff: Thomas Milaschewski (Superintendent), Olivia Lejeune (Executive Assistant)
📋 Summary
The April 16, 2026 Reading School Committee meeting included student and staff recognition, approval of routine business, administrative and liaison reports, and two in-depth instructional presentations. The Committee recognized the Reading Memorial High School Winter Guard for a state championship and honored outgoing Vice Chair Carla Nazzaro for her service and leadership.
Key business actions included approval of the consent agenda with a recusal, unanimous approval of June 22, 2026 as the last day of school due to snow days, and appointment of Lara Durgavich as interim Vice Chair. Major informational items included presentation of the 2025 Youth Health Survey and a comprehensive PreK–12 executive functioning review outlining district-wide findings and next steps. The meeting concluded with a policy discussion referred to the Policy Subcommittee.
📑 Agenda Overview
| ⏰ Start Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:08:36 | Call to Order & Roll Call |
| 00:09:13 | Agenda Review |
| 00:09:59 | Public Comment |
| 00:10:13 | Focus on Excellence – Winter Guard |
| 00:17:16 | Consent Agenda |
| 00:18:26 | Administrator Report |
| 00:24:51 | Liaison Reports |
| 00:26:52 | Youth Health Survey |
| 01:07:37 | Elections & Recognition Remarks |
| 01:21:56 | Killam School Building Project Update |
| 01:26:12 | Executive Functioning Review |
| 02:07:53 | Approval of Last Day of School |
| 02:09:52 | Appointment of Vice Chair |
| 02:12:21 | Policy GBD Discussion |
| 02:18:36 | Adjournment |
🗣️ Public Comment
⏰ 00:09:59 – 00:10:12
👤 Presenter(s): None
No in-person or remote public comment.
🌟 Community Spotlight
⏰ 00:10:13 – 00:16:53
👤 Presenter(s): Thomas Milaschewski; Reading Memorial High School Winter Guard Students
The Reading Memorial High School Winter Guard was recognized as the 2026 NESBA State Champions. Students and coaches were commended for dedication, teamwork, leadership, and the program’s successful return following a hiatus. Students shared reflections on growth, collaboration, and coaching support.
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Consent Agenda
⏰ 00:17:16 – 00:18:24
👤 Presenter(s): Shawn Brandt
Overview:
Approval of routine reports, minutes, and operational items.
Key Discussion Points:
- One member requested recusal due to volunteer involvement and absence.
- Committee proceeded with a full consent agenda vote.
Vote:
✅ Approved
Vote Count: 4–0
Recusal: One member recused.
🏢 Administrator / Manager Report
⏰ 00:18:26 – 00:24:30
👤 Presenter(s): Thomas Milaschewski
🎉 Community Events
- ArtsFest showcased student musicians and artwork, with recognition of staff and students.
🏗 Programs & Initiatives
- Embark program updates and kindergarten transition to Wood End.
- District inclusion practices recognized by the 321 Foundation.
- Ongoing professional learning, including book studies such as The Anxious Generation.
📊 Student Opportunity Act Update
- Progress report submitted to DESE.
- Improvements noted in chronic absenteeism, literacy outcomes, and MCAS gap reduction.
- Middle-of-year DIBELS data showed gains across student groups.
🔗 Liaison Reports – Highlights
⏰ 00:24:51 – 00:26:50
👤 Presenter(s): School Committee Members
- ArtsFest community engagement and appreciation for arts educators.
- METCO Advocacy Day highlighted transportation funding concerns.
- Select Board leadership updates and municipal appointments.
- RCTV Executive Director appointment update.
🗳 Discussion – Youth Health Survey Results
⏰ 00:26:52 – 01:07:35
👤 Presenter(s): Erica Oliver (Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support); Jessica Callanan; School Committee Members
Overview:
Presentation of the 2025 Youth Health Survey for grades 9–11, including methodology and longitudinal trends.
Key Themes:
- Increased protective factors such as trusted adults and peer connections.
- Declines in vaping, marijuana use, bullying, and several mental health risk indicators.
- Continued concerns related to binge drinking, sleep, energy drinks, and online risks.
- Data used to inform curriculum, interventions, staffing, and grant planning.
No vote was taken.
🏅 Recognition
⏰ 01:07:37 – 01:21:56
👤 Presenter(s): Shawn Brandt; School Committee Members
- Congratulations to newly elected and re-elected School Committee members.
- Formal recognition of Vice Chair Carla Nazzaro for six years of service, leadership on the Killam School Building Committee, mentorship, and lasting contributions to the district.
🏗 Killam School Building Project Update
⏰ 01:21:56 – 01:26:12
👤 Presenter(s): Carla Nazzaro
Key Updates:
- Groundbreaking completed; construction activity becoming visible.
- Abutters meeting held to discuss site impacts and fencing.
- Sub-bids expected in early May; general contractor bids due May 19.
- Vote on contractor anticipated shortly after bids.
- Furniture coordination and finish selections underway.
- Exploration of Inflation Reduction Act rebates for geothermal and solar systems.
🧠 Administrator Report – Executive Functioning Review
⏰ 01:26:12 – 02:07:53
👤 Presenter(s): Thomas Milaschewski; Ally Sarno; Danielle Bettton Court; Steph Liss; Alison Ray; Jackie Flucy
Overview:
A district-wide PreK–12 review of executive functioning (EF) in response to staff concerns and prior recommendations.
Key Findings:
- 96% of teachers identified EF as a consistent student challenge.
- Attentional control emerged as the primary concern.
- Nearly half of students with IEPs have EF-related goals.
- Stronger EF supports observed in earlier grades.
Actions & Next Steps:
- Development of a district-wide EF framework.
- Expansion of Tier 1 EF and SEL instruction.
- Alignment of general and special education practices.
- Professional development and new student-facing EF curriculum.
- Community engagement initiatives, including a summer “Let Grow” challenge.
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Approval of Last Day of School
⏰ 02:07:53 – 02:09:52
👤 Presenter(s): Thomas Milaschewski
Overview:
Adjustment of the school calendar due to four snow days.
Vote:
✅ Approved
Vote Count: 6–0–0
Decision: June 22, 2026 designated as the last day of school.
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Appointment of Vice Chair
⏰ 02:09:52 – 02:12:21
👤 Presenter(s): Shawn Brandt
Overview:
Appointment of an interim Vice Chair through the June reorganization.
Vote:
✅ Approved – Lara Durgavich
Vote Count: 6–0–0
🗳 Discussion – Policy GBD: School Committee Visits
⏰ 02:12:21 – 02:18:36
👤 Presenter(s): Shawn Brandt; Thomas Wise; Thomas Milaschewski
Overview:
Discussion of School Committee member visits to schools and volunteer participation.
Key Points:
- Policy intent is to avoid unannounced inspections while allowing appropriate access.
- Consensus that volunteer activities are appropriate.
- Policy language requires clarification.
Outcome:
🔄 Referred to Policy Subcommittee for further review.
🔑 Key Summary
- Reading Memorial High School Winter Guard was recognized as 2026 NESBA State Champions.
- Consent agenda approved with one recusal.
- Youth Health Survey showed improved protective factors and declining risk behaviors.
- Comprehensive executive functioning review outlined district-wide instructional next steps.
- June 22, 2026 was unanimously approved as the last day of school.
- Lara Durgavich was unanimously appointed interim Vice Chair.
- Carla Nazzaro was formally recognized for six years of service and leadership.
