NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 23, 2003

6:15 PM Reception for Jane Kondon, Middle School Principal of the Year

7:00 PM Business Meeting

Central Administration Building                                                                                                                            100 Fairway Drive

“Challenging Student Excellence”

 

Minutes

 

 

           I.          Pledge of Allegiance

         II.          Call To Order                      The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM.

Roll Call Present:  Chairperson Don DeFedele, Vice Chairperson Dr. Denise Coppa, Lynne Haft, Barry Martasian, and Kevin Mulvey

                                                Absent:  Bill Mudge, and Cathy Kaiser, Jamestown School Committee Representative

                                                                               

                                                Administration Present:  James M. Halley, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools; Barbara A. Fitzsimmons, Ed.D, Curriculum Director; William J. Daly, Director of Human Resources; and Maureen Buck, Controller

                                                Absent: Daniel J. McGregor, Ph.D., Director of Pupil Personnel Services; Joseph F. Quinn, Jr., Director of Administrative Services

 

       III.          Recognition                          School Committee member, Lynne Haft, who is moving to Arizona, received the                                                                               accolades of her peers, Don DeFedele and Denise Coppa, at this her final meeting, as she

was presented with a bouquet of flowers and an apple lapel pin.  Mr. DeFedele thanked her for her input in making the transition to Chairperson so easy for him.  Dr. Coppa considered Mrs. Haft her mentor, and appreciated her grace and sophistication in her decision making.  She also stated that she enjoyed Lynne’s leadership during the years that Mrs. Haft was Chairperson.  Lynne Haft had served on the School Committee from December 1992 through May 2003.

 

       IV.          Open Forum

·         Roberta Gardiner is again concerned with making known to the committee her wishes regarding maintaining the traditions of the past generations and keeping the graduation colors brown and white.

·         Senior Class Advisor, Ms. Sarah Boyd, and several High School Seniors were present to show to the committee the cords that they are hoping the committee will allow them to wear over the black robes.  They also would like to advise the School Committee that they are planning on creating a banner that will be carried during the procession.  Ms. Boyd stated that the students are not taking this issue lightly and are serious about the ways they would like to honor the alumni.  She hopes that the School Committee will take the students’ opinions into consideration.

                                  

         V.          Routine Items

 

A.                  Correspondence and Good News

·         Barry Martasian received emails regarding redistricting

·         Pat Watkins would like to express her appreciation of Lynne Haft’s guidance.  Mrs. Watkins felt that Mrs. Haft “outlined the successes of the school district under her leadership”.

·         Lynne Haft would like to extend her congratulations to Jane Kondon; Davisville Middle School is one of two schools in the state to be named as a “Spotlight School”.  She is so proud that the district is doing so well.

·         Kevin Mulvey received the same emails regarding redistricting

·         Dr. Halley mentioned that the Boys High School Basketball received the Most Sportsmanship Award from the Board of Officials.  The boys should really be commended for their sportsmanlike play on the court.

 

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

 

 

 

 CONSENT AGENDA

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Pat Watkins and seconded by Denise Coppa (6/0).

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.

 

C.                   Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings

 

1.        March 26, 2003 Business Meeting*

2.        April 15, 2003 Worksession ** Don DeFedele would like the wording of VI. F. amended to read “that Dr. Fitzsimmons could comply with the Committee’s request to have a presentation ready in June”. 

 

D.                  Financial Reports *

 

E.                   Textbook Adoptions – none

 

F.                   Bids and Awards

 

1.        Athletic Facility Maintenance*

 

G.                   Personnel Items

 

1.     Appointment, Certificated Staff:*

 

a.        Paula Guida, 1.0 FTE Itinerant (WMS/DMS) Guidance Counselor, Step 10 plus a Master’s + 30 credits, effective August 25, 2003.

 

b.       Kathryn Huggins, 1.0 FTE Technology Education Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Step 10 plus a Bachelor’s + 30 credits, effective August 25, 2003.

 

c.        Linda Martin, .5 FTE Mentoring Coordinator plus .5 FTE Resource Teacher at   Forest Park Elementary School, Step 10 plus a Master’s + 15 credits, effective August 25, 2003.

 

2.        Appointments, Non-Certificated Staff:*

 

a.        Leann Phaneuf, Weekend Custodian at the North Kingstown High School, a total of 20 hours on Saturdays and Sundays, Step 1 @ $11.31 per hour, effective April 26, 2003.

 

3.             Advanced Degree Increment Awards (effective for ½ of the 2002/2003 school year only):*

 

a      Bonnie Brayton-Simmons, 1.0 FTE Itinerant School Nurse Teacher, Bachelor + 15 credits, total annual increment of $965.

 

b.       Barbara Montecalvo, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher, Bachelor’s + 30 credits, total annual increment of $1517.

 

c.        Lisa Sands, 1.0 Elementary Teacher, Bachelor’s + 15 credits, total annual increment of $965.

 

d.       Jennifer Poli, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher, Bachelor’s + 15 credits, total annual increment of $965.

 

e.        Adrian Poland, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher, Bachelor’s + 30 credits, total annual increment of $1517.

 

f.         Timothy Belt, 1.0 FTE Art Teacher, Master’s + 15 credits, total annual increment of $3034.

 

g.       Jolene Polidoro, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher, Master’s + 15 credits, total annual increment of $3034.

 

h.       Keven O’Neil, 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher, Bachelor’s + 30 credits, total annual increment of $1517.

 

4.        Retirements, Certificated Staff:*

 

a.        Gail Armstrong, 1.0 FTE Art Teacher at the North Kingstown

High School, effective at the end of the 2002/2003 school year.

 

b.       Nancy Lemme, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, effective at the end of the 2002/2003 school year.

 

c.        Harry V. Aharonian, Jr. 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, effective at the end of the 2002/2003 school year.

 

d.       Marilyn Cushman, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2002/2003 school year.

 

e.        Anne Huling, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Wickford Elementary School, effective June 30, 2003.

 

f.         Judith Enos, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2002/2003 school year.

 

g.       Sarah Clark, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Wickford Middle School, effective at the end of the 2002/2003 school year.

 

5.        Request for Extension of Unpaid Medical Leave of Absence, Non-Certificated Staff:*

 

a.        Cherrie Dorsey, Mini Bus Driver, from April 1, 2003 through the remainder of the 2002/2003 school year.

 

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

 

a.        Shirley Woodward, Paraprofessional at Fishing Cove School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, from March 26, 2003 through the remainder of the 2002/2003 school year.

 

7.        Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff:*

 

a.        Nancy Meader, Food Service Worker at Wickford Elementary School, 2 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 10 hours per week, effective May 9, 2003.

 

8.        Transfer, Non-Certificated Staff:*

 

a.        Donna Poirier, transferring from 2nd shift custodian at the North Kingstown High School to 2nd shift custodian at Hamilton Elementary School, Step 2 @ $11.65, effective March 24, 2003.

 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

 

 

V.  New Business

  • Denise Coppa felt that the School Committee should consider allotting a certain amount of time for each agenda item.
  • Pat Watkins stated that Jamestown and East Greenwich allot a certain amount of time for Routine Items.

 

VI.           Unfinished Business

 

A.                  Gerald Foley: Interim Report on High School Graduation – The issue before the committee was whether or not to allow the seniors to graduate in robes of black and white instead of the traditional brown and white robes as was voted by the School Committee in February of 2001.  Barry Martasian/Denise Coppa motioned to continue the tradition, but provide an exemption from the brown and white colors for the current senior class.  Don DeFedele/Lynne Haft amended this motion to extend an offer to the current junior class to develop a plan with their graduation committee, alumni, and the community and bring it forward to the School Committee no later than November 2003 if they feel they would like to permanently change the graduation robes to black and white.  The vote on this motion and amendment was 6/0.

 

B.                   SAC Appointment Term of Office – Lynne Haft/Pat Watkins motioned to change the term of office to 2 years.  Discussion:

·         Kevin Mulvey had heard opposition to this idea in that it would dissuade people who did not want to commit to a SAC for that long a term.

·         Dr. Halley reiterated that the implementation of SAC training has begun.

·         Barry Martasian was unclear as to whether or not there was a policy stating specific term limits for SAC members and stated that this should be made clear.

·         Denise Coppa and Don DeFedele both had served on SACs and stated that they found a 1 year term disruptive when one could not complete projects.

The vote taken on this motion revealed 5/0/1:  Kevin Mulvey abstained because he found the arguments for and against the change equally compelling and was unable to come to a definitive judgment.  Dr. Halley will write the adjustments to the existing policy regarding the SAC Term of Office and submit it to the Policy Subcommittee for review.

 

C.                   Middle School Enrollment Issues – no discussion

D.                  Revisit High School Program of Studies (continued to May Worksession)

E.                   Discussion:  Pre-engineering Class at High School – Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa motioned to add this program to the Course of Studies at the High School.  Denise Coppa requested that there be an evaluation of the program after the first year of its implementation.  Vote: 6/0

 

F.                   4th Grade Reading Enrichment (Presentation being prepared for you by Curriculum office and will be given at a June meeting)

 

G.                   Plan 2004 School Committee Calendar – Approved on a motion by Kevin Mulvey/Pat Watkins – 6/0 (Appendix A)

 

H.                  Policies – none

I.                     Development of a Community Survey in Relation to the Seven K-5 School Recommendation

(Appendix B)

Denise Coppa/Pat Watkins motioned to accept this item as amended.  Discussion:

·         Dr. Halley advised the committee that there would be a cover letter going out with the survey

·         Kevin Mulvey was concerned that most people would consider each item “most important” and give a value of “1”.  Approved of the ranking of the “four issues most important” item at the bottom of the survey, however.

·         Denise Coppa stressed that a return date is needed and feels that it should actually state “return immediately”.

·         Dr. Halley discussed having the school department do the printing to cut costs.

·         Kevin Mulvey was fine with having the project go forward as long as the cost remained under $3,000.

The vote taken on this item: 6/0.

 

J.                    2002-03 School Budget - Reports are that the 2002-2003 School Budget is in good shape.

K.                  2003-04 School Budget – A presentation was given to the Town Council at the April 21st Town Council meeting.

·         Kevin Mulvey stated that parents have been asking him when the budget cuts would be finalized.

·         Pat Watkins and Denise Coppa attended a meeting held by the Democratic Committee regarding the reconfiguration of the District’s elementary schools, and defended the budget while they were at the meeting.  They do, however, understand the community’s concerns.

·         Lynne Haft complimented the presentation given at the Town Council meeting, and stated that it showed what the budget provides, and what the results are that the students achieve.  She also stated that she liked the format provided by the Town Council in that the questions that audience members may have that are too detailed, or may require too detailed a response, could be emailed to School Committee or Town Council members.

·         Dr. Halley stated that he will have a Position Paper regarding Medicaid Reimbursement ready for the next Worksession (May 13, 2003) agenda.

 

L.                   2002-03 School Department Goals and Objectives – no discussion

M.                 2003-04 School Department Goals and Objectives – KeyWorks meeting scheduled for May 21, 2003 cancelled because of Reconfiguration meeting scheduled for that evening.

 

N.                  School Modernization Advisory Committee – Final stages of selecting an architect for the feasibility study; have narrowed the selection down from 10 to three.

 

O.                  Elementary K-5 Organization Advisory Committee – Reconfiguration meeting planned for May 21, 2003 in auditorium of High School.  Plan to have information back from School Committee survey.  Decision will be made on this issue at that meeting.

 

VII.         Reports

 

A.            Grant Status Report - Accepted

 

B.            Policy Subcommittee - Meeting scheduled for May 28, 2003 at 5:00 pm in the Central Administration Building.

 

A.                 RIASC and other Legislative Activity – Kevin Mulvey submitted copies of bills before legislature.  (Appendix C)

 

VIII.            Comments

·         Barry Martasian wished Lynne Haft a happy new life in Arizona.  He stated that he felt that she brought a lot of knowledge to the membership.

·         Lynne Haft stated that she enjoyed her time on the School Committee and felt it was a privilege to serve.  It was difficult and yet rewarding because she was helping children.  She enjoyed the people that she met: the parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and other School Committee members.  Mrs. Haft mentioned that the community has “no idea what gems they have working in the Central Administration Office.  They work for the betterment of all children in the community.  They take a lot of abuse for what they do.”  She also mentioned that she enjoyed the new School Committee under the leadership of Don DeFedele and Denise Coppa: “you both work so hard…this committee works so hard.”

·         Kevin Mulvey stated that he learned about Lynne Haft from the Elementary School K-5 Advisory Committee.  “They said that she was a wonderful woman, but didn’t like the decisions that she made.  You are noble and committed, and live by your word.  You always explain your decisions.”

·         Denise Coppa said that it was “the end of an era,” and that Lynne Haft “really set the tone – calm and with a lot of grace.”

·         Don DeFedele stated “I truly am amazed.  Until you have done this job, it is difficult to explain it.  I honestly appreciate the time and effort you put in to assist me.”

·         Dr. Fitzpatrick appreciated the respect that Mrs. Haft showed the entire school department.

·         Mr. Daly thanked Mrs. Haft for her help on the Negotiations Subcommittee.

·         Dr. Halley said that he “enjoyed the eight years and have enjoyed all the times…thanks for the memories.”

 

Public Comments

·         Kathy Brown complimented the looks of the survey, and had some questions regarding the Medicaid Position Paper, and the Music Advisory Committee.

·         Leila O’Connell had concerns as to whether or not the School Committee would have the survey back in time for the Reconfiguration meeting.

 

 

IX.                Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (1) and (2) for Personnel Issues*, negotiations, and Home Schooling Requests was made by Lynne Haft/Pat Watkins at 9:53pm. *At the election of the employee, the personnel matter may be heard in public.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                                                _______________________________________

                                                                                                Konnie M. Mazur

                                                                                                School Committee Secretary