The superintendent’s upcoming two-year review was a central theme. The review process is guided by specific goals and performance indicators, with recent data collection efforts informing the process. The board laid out a timeline for completing review drafts. The final report, summarizing performance against set goals, is expected to be publicized by June 1st.

Dr. Milchesky outlined the dual aspects of the review, focusing on progress toward established goals and adherence to set standards. A prominent goal discussed was the enhancement of student learning and achievement, noting that the district met 80% of achievement growth targets set by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Advanced coursework participation at Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) showed a significant uptick, attributed to the introduction of more Advanced Placement courses at lower grade levels.

The board expressed interest in demographic breakdowns of enrollment figures and course participation rates, acknowledging ongoing concerns about subgroup achievement gaps. Dr. Milchesky emphasized the importance of continued focus on subgroup data.

Data utilization was another challenging goal, as the district aims to centralize student data storage for easier access and analysis. While early literacy screening processes showed promise, the lack of a comprehensive data storage solution remains a hurdle. A partnership with Ed Climber is expected to address this gap, allowing for better tracking of academic, attendance, and behavior metrics. The board discussed the importance of leveraging this data to enhance instructional leadership and support principals.

Policy amendments also featured prominently in the meeting, particularly those concerning professional staff positions and salaries. The board reviewed revisions to policy GCA, clarifying that the school committee is responsible for establishing and eliminating positions based on the superintendent’s recommendations. Job description modifications no longer require formal approval but must comply with collective bargaining agreements and relevant laws. The amended policy was unanimously adopted.

Policy GCBA concerning professional staff salary schedules was updated to align with Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) guidelines. The revised policy emphasizes retention, professional development, and leadership opportunities, specifying that salary decisions should be based on performance evaluations and regional market rates. A debate arose over the use of “shall” versus “will” in policy language, with “shall” implying a requirement. Ultimately, the policy was approved with a unanimous vote.

The employment policy for principals, GBB, sparked considerable discussion regarding contract negotiation procedures and school committee approvals. The policy was tabled for further refinement to better align with current practices and Massachusetts General Laws. A smaller group, including the chair and the superintendent, will work to clarify ambiguities before the policy is revisited.

In addition to these major topics, the board addressed several financial updates and grants. Mid-year grant adjustments were noted, with minor changes to existing grants and new funding supporting various initiatives, including a financial education program and training for a new Individualized Education Program (IEP) initiative.

Revolving account discussions highlighted adjustments in the extended day program’s revenue and expenses, with a shift towards financial stability and reduced reliance on external services. Program capacity issues were noted, though overall stability has improved compared to previous years. The board agreed on the importance of maintaining a balance between financial health and program quality.