Listen to this articleReading, MA — This past Monday, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Sarah Hardy updated the School Committee regarding the district’s summertime math programs. The first program was a four-week geometry course for rising freshmen and sophomores designed to allow them to accelerate toward upper-level math courses during their remaining years at Reading Memorial High School (RMHS).
Fifteen students completed the course, which Hardy explained is considered an honors class. Students reported that they appreciated the small-group atmosphere of the class as well as the energetic and positive teacher. Hardy even noted with surprise that many of the students wished for additional homework. The students who completed the class are enrolled in honors Algebra II for the school year.
Middle school students were provided with optional modules that are designed to reduce summertime regression of skills. Hardy reported that 73 rising seventh and 40 rising eighth graders completed at least one module, with 38 seventh graders completing all the modules. Only four eighth graders completed all the modules, though five rising eighth graders took summer math placement tests, allowing them to accelerate to Algebra I for the coming year. Superintendent of Schools Thomas Milaschewski was quick to remind the committee that the middle school modules were not designed to provide for the acceleration of students but rather to help close the gap for struggling students.
Thirteen METCO students also participated in a bridge math tutoring program, which was developed through a grant from the METCO organization. Three Killam Elementary School students and four Parker Middle School students also participated in summertime tutoring programs.
Looking ahead, Hardy shared that the math lab at RMHS will be back this school year, and further intervention and enrichment programs at the middle school level will be investigated. Additional pathways for advanced students will be explored, and the progress of students involved in the summer programs will be monitored throughout the year as well.
Milaschewski updated the committee on the searches for a new Director of Finance and Operations and a new METCO Director. Former Director of Finance and Operations Derek Pinto accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent of Finance in the Lowell Public Schools, and former METCO Director Kurtis Martin has become an operations director in the Boston Public Schools. Milaschewski thanked both for their efforts in Reading, noting that Martin, in particular, has “left an important legacy in this community.”
A search committee will begin interviewing candidates for the Director of Finance position this week. School Committee member Shawn Brandt will represent the School Committee in these interviews. Milaschewski did note that given the time of year, the search committee might determine that hiring an interim director for the year might be the best option, hoping for a stronger candidate pool in the spring.
“It is likely the direction we are leaning,” Milaschewski stated.
School Committee chair Thomas Wise advised the School Committee that if the search committee did put forth a candidate for the full position, a special meeting of the School Committee might be called for the purpose of making the appointment.
Milaschewski also advised the School Committee that the METCO Director position was going to be filled with two co-directors for the school year, Cindy Marte from Birch Meadow Elementary School and Jerika Santiago from the middle schools. Again, using this model for the year will allow for a more complete search in the spring, though Milaschewski noted that the co-director model might be considered for the future if it is deemed successful. He also shared that the district is able to utilize this model with internal personnel because Martin hired such a strong team of leaders during his three-year tenure in Reading.
The School Committee adjourned at 8:30 pm.
