NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, January 23, 2002

7:00 PM Business Meeting

Central Administration Building 100 Fairway Drive

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Minutes of the Special Session for a Parent Appeal regarding Home Schooling

I. Call To Order The parent appeal was called to order at 6:20 PM.

Roll Call Present: Chairperson Lynne Haft, Vice Chairperson Karin L. Forbes, Denise Coppa, Dr. Janice DeFrances, Carol H. Hueston, and Patricia E. Watkins

Absent: Michael R. Northup

Administration Present: James M. Halley, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

The parents of a home-schooled student requested that their child be allowed to participate in physical education and band at school. The hearing was held in open session at the parents’ request.

Motion by Dr. DeFrances, seconded by Denise Coppa- The School Committee grants the student in this appeal permission to participate in Physical Education and Band at school with the conditions that the student meets full registration requirements, and that space is available. This decision has been made on a “case by case situation” basis. A separate request must be made each year. A roll call vote yielded unanimous approval of the motion.

The North Kingstown School Department’s policy on home schooling will be addressed in the near future.

The hearing ended at 7:10 PM.

Business Meeting Minutes

I. Pledge of Allegiance

II. Call To Order The business meeting was called to order at 7:17 PM.

Roll Call Present: Chairperson Lynne Haft, Vice Chairperson Karin L. Forbes, Denise Coppa, Dr. Janice DeFrances, Carol H. Hueston, Michael R. Northup, and Patricia E. Watkins

Absent: Cathy Kaiser, Jamestown School Committee

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

Absent: Daniel J. McGregor, Ph.D., Director of Pupil Personnel Services,

III. Open Forum Clock counter (cc) 5121

¨ Suzanne Renfro of the West Bay Family YMCA is appreciative for the opportunity to serve this community now and in the future. Lynne Haft thanked Ms. Renfro for a great program.

IV. Presentations

A. Forest Park School’s videotape of student support for Amos House cc 5223

Fourth graders at Forest Park Elementary School sold little bear pins, made cookies and collected canned goods. Dereck Harris, Colleen Harris, and Dalton Spader sold candy canes on Christmas Lane and raised $417.50. All of this good work was to benefit the Amos House. Everyone was treated to the story The Quiltmaker’s Gift read by two students, and a Channel 6 videotape of an interview with Dereck Harris. Peg McEwen was also praised for her assistance in the effort. The school committee appreciates the parents, teachers, and hard-working students for presenting their accomplishments at the meeting.

B. School Nurse-Teacher Presentation cc 10256

As part of the Student Services Improvement Plan in the area of nursing, the goal is to minimize time out of class to improve student achievement. In relating to the District Mission Statement, there has been an attempt to formulate a clear policy with regard to absenteeism and tardiness in all schools to reflect the high standards that will improve student achievement through a decrease in absenteeism/tardiness and a decrease in the frequency and duration of time in the school clinic. A school nurse-teacher position description was provided. The broad scope of practice for the school nurse-teacher includes three major areas: health services, health education and healthy and safe environment. Linda Twardowski and Colleen Schnack have established a baseline of information that includes a time study of their activities performed at Fishing Cove, Stony Lane, Wickford Middle School and the high school. The nurse-teachers intend to continue to collect data to describe the types of things that they do.

C. NKHS Program of Studies- 2002-03 with new course proposals by Dr. Mort cc 12941

Dr. Kathy Mort presented the proposed 2002-03 Program of Studies for the high school. A listing of changes, guidelines for selecting courses, and a description of course levels was provided. Dr. Mort answered questions and spoke about changes made in preparation for the NEASC Accreditation. A motion to approve the 2002-03 NKHS Program of Studies was made by Pat Watkins/Dr. DeFrances (7/0).

Mr. Foley introduced Patti DiCenso who is currently in a Principal Internship Program at the high school.

V. Routine Items

A. Correspondence cc 20730

¨ Denise Coppa received a request for school committee assistance with funding for an internship program, and a telephone call from a parent regarding an athletic issue.

¨ Pat Watkins received an e-mail regarding a journalism project, information on food safety, an e-mail from Senator Sheehan regarding the Legislator’s meeting, and congratulations to all the North Kingstown High School students who made All-States.

¨ Dr. Halley received an independent accountant’s report on applying agreed-upon procedures from Cayer, Prescott, Clune, and Chatellier, and a Grant Status Report from Dr. Gamble.

B. Calendar cc 21160- Dr. Halley reviewed the calendar for the next two weeks with the school committee.

C. Budget Calendar cc 21800- The budget calendar reflects 2002-03 Budget preparation events. This calendar incorporates required Town Charter deadlines. The key required dates are February 25 when the School Committee’s Budget has to be submitted to the Town Manager and May 1 when the Town Council must adopt a final budget. Budget Hearings/Worksessions are scheduled for January 30 and February 6 at the Central Administration Building at 7:00 PM. School Committee Budget Adoption will on the agenda at the February 13 School Committee Meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA cc 21827

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Pat Watkins and seconded by Carol Hueston (7/0).

Approved items that were exempted or amended within the consent agenda are marked with ** as indicated immediately following the item.

Withdrawn or Tabled Items from the consent agenda are marked with *** as indicated immediately following the item.

D. Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings

1. December 19, 2001 School Committee Business Meeting*

E. Financial Reports*

2. Financial Narrative from the Director of Administrative Services

3. NKSD Revenue Comparison Report as of 12/31/01

4. NKSD Year to Date Expenditure Report as of 12/31/01

F. Quarterly Security Report- 10/1/01-12/31/01*

G. Bids and Awards

1. Quidnessett Elementary School Roof Replacement***- This item was withdrawn from the consent agenda at the request of administration.

2. DMS #4 Oil Burner Replacement*

Background: There are two #4 oil burners at Davisville Middle School. One burner has failed. The other burner is still operational and has kept the school sufficiently warm. There is a need to replace a burner as quickly as possible. It will take two weeks to get the parts and another two weeks to schedule installation.

Recommendations: It is recommended that Industrial Burner Service be awarded $19,750.00 as the lowest qualified bid to replace a #4 oil burner at Davisville Middle School.

H. Personnel Items

1. Appointment, Certificated Staff:*

a) Linda Vitone, Enrichment Coordinator, Step 10 + a Masters + 30 credits with an annual salary of $59,239, effective January 14, 2002.

b) Cynthia Warburton, .3 FTE Itinerant ESL Teacher, Step 4, pro-rated for 107 days in the 2001/2002 school year with a total salary of $6,316.67, effective January 7, 2002

c) Aaron Guckian, 1.0 FTE Music Teacher at Quidnessett Elementary School, Step 1 + a Bachelors + 15 credits, pro-rated for 102 days in the 2001/2002 school year with a total salary of $17,304.30, effective January 14, 2002.

d) Ellen McKenna, .4 FTE Reading Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Step 10 + Bachelors + 30 credits, pro-rated for 105 days in the 2001/2002 school year with a total salary of $12,888.75, effective January 9, 2002.

e) Laurie Croteau, 1.0 FTE Dance/Drama Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School, pro-rated for 99 days in the 2001/2002 school year, Step 1 with a total salary of $16,304.31, effective January 17, 2002.

2. Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff:

a) Elmer Salisbury, Custodian at Stony Lane Elementary School, 4 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 20 hours per week, Step 1 @ $10.90 per hour, effective January 7, 2002.*

b) Barbara Greene, Food Service Worker at Forest Park Elementary School, 2 hours per day, 5 days a week for 10 hours per week, Step 1 @ $7.55 per hour, effective

January 14, 2002.*

c) Donna Beneduce, Special Education Paraprofessional at Wickford Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 2 @ $9.59 per hour, effective January 11, 2002.*

d) Misty Long, Mini Bus Driver for the North Kingstown School Department, $65.13 per day, 5 days a week, effective January 28, 2002.*

e) Lucille Iannucci, Mini Bus Driver for the North Kingstown School Department, $65.13 per day, 5 days a week, effective January 28, 2002.***- Withdrawn from the consent agenda at the request of administration.

f) Georgia Ray, Bus Paraprofessional for the North Kingstown School Department, Step 1 @ $9.09 per hour, effective January 28, 2002.*

g) David Wright, Computer Technician for the North Kingstown School Department, with an annual salary of $25,000, effective January 28, 2002.*

3. Increase In Hours, Non-Certificated Staff:*

a) Jennifer Ferencko, School Paraprofessional at the North Kingstown High School from 5.2 to 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, effective January 14, 2002.

4. Appointment, 2001/2002 Advisors:*

Davisville Middle School

Shannon Vescera Drama $507

5. Request for Unpaid Parental Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff:*

a) Michele Ouhrabka, 1.0 FTE Music Teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, from December 24, 2001 through March 18, 2002.

6. Request for Unpaid Educational Leave of Absence, Non-Certificated Staff:*

a) Jane Robbins, Specialized Paraprofessional at Quidnessett Elementary School, 6 hours per day for a total of 30 hours per week, from January 28, 2002 through January 28, 2003.

7. Retirement, Non-Certificated Staff:*

a) Walter Kettelle, Transportation Supervisor, effective December 29, 2001.

8. Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff:*

a) Catherine Baker, Food Service Worker/Driver for the North Kingstown School Department, 5.5 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 27.5 hours per week, effective

January 11, 2002.

b) Georgia Ray, Mini Bus Driver for the North Kingstown School Department, effective January 25, 2002.

9. Resignation, Certificated Staff:*

a) Lisa Durgin, .4 FTE Reading Teacher at Davisville Middle School, effective December 21, 2001.

b) Catherine Bodner, 1.0 FTE Dance/Drama Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School, effective January 18, 2002.

c) Jean Sangster, Assistant Principal at the North Kingstown High School, effective November 30, 2001.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

VI. New Business

A. COPS Program Memorandum of Understanding between the North Kingstown Police Department and the North Kingstown School Department cc 22206-This item will be continued on the 2/13/02 worksession agenda.

B. School Committee Norms for Adoption- Norms for the school committee were adopted by Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa (7/0).

School Committee Norms

1. Respect for each other’s opinions.

2. Non-judgmental actions (words or gestures)

3. Keep confidentiality.

4. Don’t personalize issues. Responsibility to ask, don’t assume.

5. Direct/Stop process when appropriate according to policy.

6. No side conversations. One person speaks at a time. Actively listen.

7. Recuse yourself when appropriate. For example, conflict of interest.

8. Abide by the group decisions (whether present or not).

9. Be prepared for the meeting.

10. Ask questions in advance when possible.

11. Be kind to each other.

C. Substitute Pay Proposal cc 22514- Approved on a motion by Pat Watkins/Karin Forbes (7/0).

Substitute Pay

(Effective 2001-02 School Year)

1. 1-30 days $70.00

2. 31-134 days $80.00

3. 135+ Step 1

4. Retired Teachers $100.00

5. Long Term Sub $100.00

30 days consecutive

same class-retroactive

D. Superintendent’s 2002-03 School Budget cc 22930

The Superintendent’s Proposed School Budget for 2002-03 was presented to the school committee with the following cover letter.

Please find attached the proposed School Budget for 2002-2003. This budget assumes a 4.6% increase in operational expenses over the current year. It represents a continuation of the budget development system begun five years ago. This increase is substantially less than the optimum amount needed to continue to improve our schools.

Much of the increase in the budget is a result of external circumstances such as negotiated salaries; step increases, increased special education and a five and one half percent increase in health benefits costs. Over the past five years, the district has implemented a number of new educational and administrative programs to improve the effectiveness of the quality of the educational services to our students and to increase the capacity of our physical and support services to the educational program. At the same time the district has limited increases in spending and personnel.

This budget continues to apply standards based on numbers of students in the area of personnel and resource allocation. You will find a listing of the standards included in the budget. Since the standards are based ultimately on the number of students and the needs of those students, the process has resulted in increased emphasis on meeting the educational needs of each and every student and providing for equitable distribution of resources in terms of students. District enrollment is expected to decrease by about fifty students. This decrease is reflected in a reduction of two teachers – one at the kindergarten and one at the elementary level. Application of the staffing standards at both the elementary and the secondary level have resulted in some redistribution of staff in order to maintain appropriate class sizes. Details of these adjustments are included in the attached enrollment reports. As this process is applied to more areas it will provide for greater decision making and flexibility at the school level.

In terms of content, this budget continues to maintain the funding of program goals. Resources continue to be allocated into the areas of curriculum development, instructional development, and instructional technology. In support of curriculum development, $250,000 has been allocated for implementation of new materials. In continued support of instructional development, $65,000 has been allocated to provide staff development in support of improvement of instruction and to implement the new curriculum. $55,000 has been provided for continued implementation of the SmART (SPECTRA) program across the district. Enrichment resources have been allocated to increase staffing for this program. $95,000 of Article 31 monies continue to be allocated directly to the schools to provide staff development for improved student achievement. In support of instructional technology monies have been budgeted for high speed Internet access for each school as well as Internet accounts for each teacher and $300,000 has been included to purchase computer hardware and software. Technology staffing has been increased over the past year to meet the demands of operating this extensive system. The objective is to continue to address the curriculum, instructional and technological goals of the school committee and district in order to “Challenge Student Excellence.”

There has been minor program expansion in this budget. Three and one half janitorial spaces have been added to the high school to accommodate increased square footage, maintenance of and outside usage of the facility. These manpower spaces will reduce the need for overtime expenses. Junior varsity programs in lacrosse have been added. We have not addressed the need for bleachers and lights at the district’s athletic facilities. We have not increased our commitment to technology replacement. We have reduced our furniture replacement program. We have reduced our transportation replacement program. We have not addressed the demand to offer a full day kindergarten program. We have not addressed the need to increase our maintenance and repair program.

Difficult decisions have been made in establishing priorities within the School Department’s budget and allocating the resources that are available in a manner that has the greatest impact on improving the educational performance of the district’s students. I hope that we can continue in a direction that meets the needs of students at the same time as we consider the impact of school expenses on the taxpayers of the North Kingstown community.

The $44.4 million budget incorporates the goals and objectives developed by the School Committee for 2002-03. Copies of the proposed budget are available in the Central Administration Building.

E. Position papers for approval cc 24228

1. State Financial Support of Education- Approved on a motion by Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa (7/0). This position paper is attached to the minutes.

2. Full Day Kindergarten and Increase in Eligibility Age- Approved on a motion by Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa (7/0). This position paper is attached to the minutes.

3. Limitations on obtaining injunctions to prevent a work stoppage- Motion to table this item to the 2/13/02 worksession by Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa (7/0).

4. Use of life experience in place of education in certifying substitute teachers- Motion to table this item to the 2/13/02 worksession by Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa (7/0).

VII. Unfinished Business

A. 2001-02 School Budget cc 24410- None

B. 2001-02 School Department Goals and Objectives cc 24430- None

C. 2002-03 School Department Goals and Objectives cc 24430- None

VIII. Reports

A. Enrollment Report cc 24446- None

B. Policy Subcommittee Report cc 24506- Karin Forbes reported that the subcommittee is meeting next Wednesday and that there will be policy recommendations on the 2/13/02 worksession agenda.

C. Special Education Local Advisory Committee Report cc 24526- None

D. RIASC and other Legislative Activity cc 24532- The meeting with the legislators went well.

E. School Based Health Center Community Committee cc 24725- None

IX. Comments cc 24730

¨ Dr. DeFrances thanked Dr. Halley for facilitating the Keyworks workshop on January 17.

¨ Carol Hueston complimented the new look of the school department’s website.

¨ Denise Coppa inquired about the boiler fire at Wickford Middle School.

¨ Joe Quinn responded that on Sunday, there was a boiler box fire at 4:30 AM. Mr. Cahoone and personnel responded well. There was no real damage and they are assessing the boiler.

X. A motion to adjourn to executive session pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (1) and (2) for personnel issues* and home schooling requests was made by Mike Northup/Karin Forbes (7/0) at 9:18 PM. *At the election of the employee, the personnel matter may be heard in public. After the executive session, the school committee will return to open session; however, no further business will be conducted.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________________

Donna F. Keough

School Committee Secretary