NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, January 7, 2004

6:00 PM Executive Session for a Level III Grievance

Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (1) and (2)

7:00 PM Worksession

North Kingstown High School Auditorium 150 Fairway Drive, North Kingstown

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM at the Central Administration Building. Don DeFedele made a motion to move to executive session for the purpose of discussing a Level III Grievance. The motion was seconded by Pat Watkins. The vote was unanimous.

The meeting was moved to open session at 7:00 PM and transferred to the High School.

I. Pledge of Allegiance

II. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm

Roll Call Present: Chairperson Don DeFedele; Vice Chairperson Dr. Denise Coppa; Carol Hueston, Barry

Martasian, Bill Mudge, Kevin Mulvey, Pat Watkins, Cathy Kaiser, Jamestown School Committee Representative

Administration Present: James M. Halley, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools; William J. Daly, Director of Human Resources; Joseph F. Quinn, Jr., Director of Administrative Services, Maureen Buck, Controller

III. Presentation High School Colors Presentation: North Kingstown High School Senior Class

Officers

v High School Principal, Gerry Foley introduced the student council and restated the perspective of the High School in that they intentionally remember the alumni by utilizing the color brown throughout the new High School.

· Senior, Andrew Jarbeau, listed ways that the color brown was used in the school including the bleachers in the gyms, the athletic signs, and several new murals.

· Mrs. Leslie Buckley stated that the School Committee had requested the school community, parents and students to accept quite a few changes over the years including redistricting. The high school students have been asking for a change, and have been receiving a response to this request in “bits and pieces”. The students are asking to graduate in the color of their class. The colors of the past are honored elsewhere in the school; and will be and have been honored in the graduation ceremony. Mrs. Buckley asked that the School Committee please consider the students’ request.

· Student Elizabeth McGovern stated that she understands the need to honor tradition, but would like to remind the School Committee that it is the students’ graduation.

· Student Advisor, and teacher, Sarah Boyd, stated that the students put a great deal of effort and time into this topic, and every attempt will be made to see that traditions will be honored.

· Don DeFedele questioned where to go from here. Does the school department write a policy? If not, his biggest fear is that in the future the old colors will not be honored.

· Sarah Boyd responded that currently the school is following the directive of the School Committee which voted on the SIT recommendations at their February 28, 2001 meeting allowing the athletic teams to change their colors to black, white and Vegas gold, but suggested that the graduation gowns remain brown for boys and white for girls.

· Kevin Mulvey stated that whatever resolution is determined; a policy was needed that clearly lays out the position. He added that he would like Dr. Halley’s opinion on the subject.

· Dr. Halley replied that he was not sure that there is a need for a policy. “School colors are a tradition and, in general, such traditions don’t change as drastically as they did in this case. I don’t feel that this is a School Committee issue, but it has been brought to the School Committee because of a controversy.” Dr. Halley stated that he felt that the high school was the best place for this decision.

· Kevin Mulvey continued by stating that traditions change, and that if mandated a tradition then becomes a requirement.

· Bill Mudge entered into the discussion by affirming his agreement with a majority of what had been said about needing a policy. He questioned what was to stop a future superintendent from changing the high school colors again without input from the school, the community or the School Committee. He stated that this situation was caused by decisions being made unilaterally by this superintendent of schools and he is unhappy that the students are involved.

· Barry Martasian questioned of those who were doing the research if they had gotten a “feel” from the alumni.

· Sarah Boyd responded that Leslie Buckley was a member of the Boosters club and she had told Ms. Boyd that they are in support of the students. Other graduates who teach at the high school are also supportive of what the students want.

· Mrs. Buckley informed the School Committee that when she is canvassing the town for donations for the Booster Club the subject of school colors has never been brought up as an issue by any donor.

· Barry Martasian stated that as this topic has come up too often to the School Committee and should be resolved. He would appreciate a policy that puts the decision in the hands of the High School and stipulates honoring the colors of brown and white which have been the school colors since the 1930’s.

· Don DeFedele asked Mr. Martasian if he felt that the High School, in the absence of a specific policy, should have the right to change the school colors.

· Mr. Martasian agreed.

· Carol Hueston said that her position was that the subject is not about colors or tradition but that a bargain was made that was broken and she feels that a poor example is being set for the students.

· Denise Coppa stated that it could be too costly to leave the decision to change school colors up to the High School without a policy. The school may then decide to change their colors frequently.

· Pat Watkins held that there was a middle ground; that the decision belongs in the hands of the High School but with guidance, and the class of 2004 needs to know what plans to make. Ms Watkins felt that the students met the obligation that the School Committee set them, and therefore motioned to move this item to the Business Meeting of January 21, 2004. Denise Coppa seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

· Leslie Buckley mentioned that when she was on the SIT committee, it was noted that the students would be carrying the new colors to the new High School and in 2002 the students would be graduating in the new colors.

· Bill Mudge asked Dr. Halley if he authorized the color change of the uniforms.

· Dr. Halley replied “No”.

· Pat Watkins stated that she would like to make a “Point of Order” and held that it no longer matters who authorized the change as it happened several years ago.

· Bill Mudge disagreed and stated that there is a lot behind it and that it is important to know how these things come about so that they don’t reoccur.

· Don DeFedele upheld the point of order and asked that Mr. Mudge keep his comments related to the item on the agenda.

· Student Kimberly Beauman stated that the Student Council is supposed to represent the majority voice of the student body. This is what they desire.

· Bill Mudge questioned Ms. Beauman how she would feel if students 10 years from now wanted to wear pink and brown to graduation. She replied that it would be their graduation and their decision.

IV. Open Forum

· Muriel Cammara felt that the School Committee is in violation of the Open Meetings laws in the following ways:

1. As the School Committee does not complete the entire agenda at the meetings, Mrs. Cammara stated that the agendas need to be shorter.

2. The School Committee agenda ad is no longer reaching the largest number of citizens. The School Committee has an obligation to publicize in the newspaper with the largest circulation.

3. Mrs. Cammara could not locate the School Committee meeting notice in the Providence Journal as she could on previous occasions, and would like to know why this practice has been discontinued.

4. Why did the School Committee stop advertising in both local papers? Who made the decision?

· Joseph Thompson stated that he had been on the selection committee to hire the superintendent and he has had a personal reaction to letters in the newspapers asking for Dr. Halley’s dismissal. Mr. Thompson had a few observations that he would like to make:

1. To the suggestions that Dr. Halley be on the roofs supervising the repair work, Mr. Thompson remarked that he was happy that Dr. Halley was instead at his desk managing the school department.

2. When Mr. Thompson read that a mother of a kindergarten student was dismayed that Dr. Halley had school and transportation officials handle the search for her child who had gotten on the wrong bus, he stated he was okay with Dr. Halley’s decision to delegate to those whose job it was to find the child.

3. Mr. Thompson also stated that he had heard a rumor that during the contractural phase of the roofing project, Mr. Mudge had been the person who had caused the project to be delayed.

· Mike Galluccio stated that the soft ball fields at the High School are still in deplorable condition. There are dangerous manhole covers sticking out, and the fields don’t appear to be used.

· Joe Quinn responded that the district’s insurance company approved the design of the fields, but by spring the manhole covers are scheduled to be taken care of.

A ten minute break was taken at 8:44 pm. The meeting resumed at 8:54 pm.

V. Routine Items

A. Correspondence and Good News

· Barry Martasian referred to challenges faced because of NCLB

· Pat Watkins mentioned an invitation to the RI Risk Trust Mgmt Business Meeting and dinner at the Crowne Plaza, January 22 at 4:30; also a letter from a parent commending Sarah Boyd and the students for the work they’ve done regarding the school colors issue; district wide spelling bee, January 28 at 7:00 pm at Hamilton Elementary School; and lastly that she attended the award ceremony for Eagle Scout Eric Goulet who was a former student at NKHS.

· Bill Mudge has documents he would like listed in minutes as appendices (the School Committee did not act upon any of these items at this meeting):

Þ Appendix A: Louis Cahoon’s written statements regarding the roofing project

Þ Appendix B: Letter dated January 1, 2004 from Mr. Mudge to North Kingstown School Department’s attorney Peter Olsen

Þ Appendix C: Letter dated December 29, 2003 from Mr. Mudge to James A. DiPrete, Chairman, RI Board of Regents

Þ Appendix D: December 18, 2003 Decision of Commissioner of Education re: Accessibility to the North Kingstown High School Band Room

· Kevin Mulvey interjected a “Point of Order” and questioned why these items should be allowed as appendices because the other School Committee members had neither seen the items, nor had there been any discussion about them.

· Don DeFedele stated that according to the Open Meetings Law, Mr. Mudge had the right to submit any documents he wished as appendices.

· Dr. Halley mentioned that SORICO had received the RI Foundation Grant for KeyWork Development; recent letter to the Department of Labor has not been responded to as of yet regarding the request for information as to which OSHA regulation was violated.

· Joe Quinn stated that the 2002-03 budget audit was completed and there were no discrepancies noted. There will be a management letter coming out next week.

B. Calendars – Dr. Halley and Mr. DeFedele went over the calendar for the next two weeks with the School Committee

C. Personnel Items – none

D. Financial Reports – none

E. Bids and Awards

1. High School Choir Robes - 45 Replacements were specified per the School Committee’s approval. The January 5, 2004 bid results are:

Þ Academic Choir Apparel $5,085.00

Þ Shenandoah Robe Co. $5,103.00

Þ Thomas Creative Apparel $5,148.00

Þ Davis Robe Co. $5,704.50

Þ E. R. Moore $7,688.25

· It is recommended that the lowest qualified bid of $5,085.00 (minus $1,000.00 student fundraiser) be awarded to Academic Choir Apparel for the specified 45 choir robes. These robes can be provided within 30 days of receipt of a purchase order.

· Joe Quinn stated that in putting the item out to bid he was able to decrease the cost of the robes, and in working with the choir director they have chosen robes of the same quality and for less cost as those that they showed to the School Committee at the last meeting.

· Kevin Mulvey asked about the length of the warranty for the recommended robes as he recalled the robes that were shown at the last meeting had a warranty of 20 years. Mr. Quinn replied that the Academic Choir Apparel offered a warranty of 15 years.

· Mr. Mulvey suggested moving this item to the Business Meeting of January 21, 2004 for a vote if the lowest qualified bid offered the same quality and durability.

· Kathy Brown stated that she recalled the robes shown at the last meeting not only had a 20 year warranty, but also cost approximately $1,000.00 more. She questioned if with this savings one was losing durability.

· Don DeFedele asked the School Committee if there was a consensus to move the item forward to the Business Meeting of January 21^st. All were in agreement.

2. Forest Park Bathroom Partitions – Replacement of worn, rusted and broken bathroom partitions: It is recommended that the lowest qualified bid of $8,880.00 be awarded to Chamberlin of RI to provide and install 15 toilet compartments with doors as specified. The material will have a 15 year warranty and the installation a one year warranty. The work will be done during the February winter break.

· Kevin Mulvey/Pat Watkins moved to forward this to the January 21^st Business Meeting. Vote: 7/0

3. Band Instruments – this item has been withdrawn

4. Door Locking Hardware – To be furnished and installed at Wickford Middle School and Fishing Cove Elementary School. Intended to improve security at both schools by replacing worn or broken hardware; it is recommended that $10,800.00 be awarded to Columbus Door. Co to furnish and install specified hardware. Columbus Door Co. is the lowest qualified bidder and has previously performed work for the NKSD in a satisfactory manner.

· Kevin Mulvey/Pat Watkins moved to forward this to the January 21^st Business Meeting. Vote 7/0

VI. New Business

A. NKHS Program of Studies – Mr. John Lalli, Assistant Principal at the High School, responded to questions put forth by the School Committee:

· Denise Coppa requested rewording in paragraph entitled “Senior Year Minimum Requirements” regarding the requirement for seniors to earn a minimum of 5 credits in their senior year or they will not be able to graduate. Mr. Lalli agreed to change the wording to include the School Committee endorsement.

· Bill Mudge asked Mr. Lalli why students who are involved in athletic programs are obliged to take physical education. Mr. Lalli responded that it was a state requirement.

· Mr. Mudge also felt that the Program of Studies could be put on the NKSD website. Mr. Lalli stated that this is being looked into.

· Denise Coppa responded to Mr. Mudge’s question regarding physical education for athletes by stating that the physical education departments had worked out a very diligent curriculum which was not equivalent to the sports program.

· Barry Martasian asked Mr. Lalli if student aides received credit for this program. Mr. Lalli responded in the affirmative, stating that student aides receive ¼ credits.

· Mr. Martasian went on to complement Mr. Lalli and the High School and stated that the Program of Studies outlined “very creative and impressive courses” which were offered to the students.

· Pat Watkins motioned to move this item to the January 21^st Business Meeting. Barry Martasian seconded this motion and the vote taken was unanimous.

B. Minutes of Meeting Discussion – Moved to February Worksession

VII. Unfinished Business

A. NSBA Policy #EBC: Responding to an Emergency or a Crisis Situation

· Denise Coppa stated that this is a second reading of this policy.

· Pat Watkins requested that after public comment about the policy she would like to request that it be approved to be moved to the Consent Agenda of the January 21^st Business Meeting. Denise Coppa seconded the motion.

· Bill Mudge wanted to know when the Administration’s regulations based on this new policy would be coming before the School Committee. He questioned what procedure was to be followed if there was an emergency at the present time.

· Dr. Halley responded that current procedures still prevail. Students will go home in case of an emergency unless it is determined that the school day will continue. In that case, they will be transferred to another school until the problem is rectified and classes can resume.

· Kathy Brown stated that the word “plan” should be in the title as the policy itself seems more like a strategy.

· Vote to move the item to the January 21, 2004 Business Meeting Consent Agenda: 7/0.

B. NEA/NK Contract – Nothing in writing as of yet. To be carried on agenda until signed.

C. School Modernization Implementation – No discussion

D. 2004-05 School Budget – Amended budget policy, NSBA #DBC, Annual Budget Formulation, Development and Implementation is presented this evening. Dr. Coppa introduced Ray Spear who has been working with the Policy Subcommittee on updating several policies.

· Bill Mudge complained that the Budget Subcommittee had no opportunity to discuss the new policy. He stated that it “watered down” the previous policy, and that it conflicted with state law. Mr. Mudge feels that the amended policy still needs a great deal of work.

· Don DeFedele held that which ever subcommittee the new budget policy came out of, it would be voted on and approved by the entire School Committee.

· Mr. Mudge felt that this policy amendment was a circumvention of the Budget Subcommittee.

· Mr. Spear explained that the amended policy is a combination of the salient features from 4 older policies in the policy manual. These policies have been attached to the amended policy for the convenience of the School Committee. Mr. Spear also stated that the school department has the practice of a standards based budget which makes the old policies irrelevant.

· Bill Mudge maintained that Mr. Spear needed to take into consideration state law 16.2 and Medicaid Revenue Title 19, which Mr. Mudge feels was not done in the amendment process.

· Barry Martasian stated he was embarrassed by the tone of the questioning of Mr. Spear and he apologized to Mr. Spear for the misbehavior of School Committee members during the meeting.

· Consensus to place this item on the January 21^st Business Meeting.

E. 2003-04 School Budget – none

F. 2003-04 School Department Goals and Objectives – Next KeyWorks meeting scheduled for January 14, 2004.

VII. Comments

· Pat Watkins thanked Ray Spear for the work he did with the Policy Subcommittee on the two policies presented this evening.

· Carol Hueston questioned the positioning of Mr. Mudge’s submittal of documents during Correspondence and Good News. She feels that his documents are not exactly something that can be termed “correspondence”. Mrs. Hueston does not question Mr. Mudge’s right to submit the documents, just when he is submitting them during the meeting.

· Kevin Mulvey also thanked Ray Spear for his help with the Policy Subcommittee. Mr. Mulvey is a member of that subcommittee.

· Don DeFedele stated that the School Committee is not in any violation of the Open Meeting Law in how the agenda is published. He asked Mr. Mudge if he had received responses to his letters to Mr. Gofton of the Office of Municipal Affairs, or to the Board of Regents. Mr. Mudge stated that he had not; however, that there was a meeting of the Board of Regents on January 8^th.

· Kathy Brown questioned why the Roof Investigation was removed from this evening’s agenda.

· Mr. DeFedele stated that he removed the issue because he could see that the agenda was full, and he felt that the community would be better served by the School Committee concentrating on the issues that were of constructive value. He then asked if any of the other School Committee members would like the issue revisited.

· Mr. Mudge assented.

· Denise Coppa stated that at the present there was no reason, she was satisfied with the information she has received.

· The other School Committee members concurred.

· Kathy Brown asked if a full report on the elementary school roof projects would be forthcoming.

· Don DeFedele stated that once the roofing contract was complete, he expected that Mr. Quinn would bring any concerns to the School Committee.

IX. Adjourn Motion to adjourn to executive session was made by Kevin Mulvey and seconded by Denise Coppa at 10:34 pm, clock counter undetermined. The committee voted to approve 7/0. Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (1) and (2) for Personnel Issues*, Negotiation and Home Schooling Requests;*at the election of the employee, the personnel matter may be heard in public.

Please note that executive sessions are closed to the public. Individuals requesting interpreter services for the hearing impaired must contact the School Department at 268-6402, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting date. Copies of all backup materials for this agenda are available at the School Department Central Office or at each school building. For further information, please call Konnie Mazur at 268-6402.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________

Konnie M. Mazur

School Committee Secretary