School Committee Welcomes Newest Teachers To Reading

READING, Ma. - The welcome sign was out Thursday night as the Reading School Committee began the year with introductions of the district's newest teachers. The meeting was also notable for who wasn't there, Superintendent John Doherty who remains on a family medical leave.

More than 60 new teachers joined the Reading family and many were on hand from the four elementary schools, two middle schools as well as RMHS, which hosted the meeting in the Schettini Library.

Assistant Superintendent Christine Kelley, Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd, Director of Student Services Jennifer Stys, and Facilities Director Joe Huggins provided updates on summer projects that were all completed before first bell on Wednesday. Huggins said the replacement of the Turf II field should be complete by the end of October.

"We've been pretty busy around here," said Kelley.

Part of the reason for the busy summer comes from being temporarily shorthanded as the school system awaits the return of Doherty. The Superintendent has been on leave since June and his leave expires on Sept. 10. School Committee Chair Chuck Robinson sent a communication to parents on Monday with an update.