NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 24, 2002

6:00 PM Executive Session for a Level III Grievance Hearing

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

7:00 PM Business Meeting

Central Administration Building                                                                                                                             100 Fairway Drive

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Minutes

           I.          Pledge of Allegiance

 

Lynne Haft commented that the School Committee is not taking action tonight on the Reconfiguration of Schools.  This agenda item is for discussion only.  Also, the Focus Groups meetings scheduled for April 25 and 29 have not been canceled.

 

           I.          Presentation                         Quidnessett Elementary School Advisory Committee Presentation on Reconfiguration of Schools

The following letter was read into the minutes.

Good evening members of the school committee. My name is Pam Cotter, and I serve as a co-chair of the Quidnessett Elementary School PTO.  On behalf of theQuidnessett Parents, PTO and SAC committees, I thank you for letting me speak tonight.

 

Our parents have asked me to come to ask you to rescind your vote on March 27 to move a large number of students – three new grades, in fact – to Quidnessett from other town schools.  Although we are very much in support of having kindergarteners return to the neighborhood schools, we feel your actions, which have also included bringing all fourth and fifth graders from Davisville Elementary School to QES, will result in unbearable overcrowding for our children. 

 

Now that we have had a chance to run the numbers, we estimate 411 students will crowd our school – a 58 percent increase from the current enrollment of 261 students.

 

As you know, Quidnessett is an open classroom school with “flexible” walls, with partitions dividing the classrooms, rather than plaster and concrete.  Can we accommodate 411 students?  Yes, if we must – but is that the best course of action educationally?  The answer is a definitive “no”.

 

If you say Davisville Elementary is overcrowded – and we can agree – the problem becomes that you are now moving students from one crowded school to another.  We will have an average of 25 students per class in grades 4 and 5.  That equates to 9 or 10 classrooms in a space which holds our current 4th and 5th graders – a total of 4 classes.  That means three lunch periods, half the playground time and space for double the number of students.  Even where students hang their coats and backpacks are major logistical problems. 

 

Quality of instruction will suffer.  There will be no room for learning centers, reading centers, small group instruction, classroom volunteers and the Spectra/SmART programs.

 

What about our special education students, who are so much a part of the Quidnessett family?  We’ll need many more resources than a tight budget year can handle – guidance, speech and aides.  More students with IEPs will require more staff – and therefore office space – to handle the load.  Students and staff will be tripping over each other, and the noise factor could be a real problem for everything from student attention spans to test scores.

 

Health issues are also a concern with so many students cramped into such a small building.  There are no windows and very little fresh light in the classrooms right now – how will it be when it’s more than 90 percent filled to capacity?

 

We know how difficult restricting decisions are for you, and that you wish to take your time deciding the best course for the school district.  We appreciate that, but we are pleading with you to come up with a permanent solution now, before the 2002-2003 school year starts, so that our children will not have to be moved again in a year to remedy this overcrowding. 

 

Your actions need to stand the test of time, not just shuffle a group of young minds from one building to the next in hopes of a quick fix.  And, we want a voice in the upcoming changes.  We feel the decision to move the students from Davisville came without any prior input from Quidnessett families and staff, and for this we are very disappointed. 

 

Quidnessett is a terrific school with much to offer its students.  Although we would like to share all that we are with as many students as possible, we fear that moving too many students into our school will irreparably harm the great gains we’ve made as an elementary school community.  Our children’s needs must come first – please reconsider your decision to overcrowd our school.  Thank you.

 

Louise Denette, principal of Quidnessett, commented that the school has current enrollment of 261 students.  With over 400, the school will be overcrowded.  The addition of a gymnasium created no additional instructional space.  Please consider alternative plans other that Davisville Elementary grades four and five to attend Quidnessett.  In Ms. Denette’s professional opinion, Proposal Two (Establishing Primary and Intermediate Elementary Schools and Implementing Full Day Kindergarten), is the more effective model.

 

         II.          Call To Order-                     The meeting was called to order at 7:20 PM.

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

 

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

 

Congratulations to Dr. Coppa for earning a Ph.D.!

 

       III.          Open Forum- clock counter (cc) 1950

                The following topics and concerns were voiced during the meeting’s open forum.

·         The proposed preschool program is not equal to or better than what we have now; proposal is very vague; need a well thought out program.

·         Transitions Program needs to be in the next plan.

·         Support for Quidnessett parents; wants the committee to reconsider votes that have been taken and reconsider action for the Fall.

·         Would like the school committee to reconsider the vote to move Davisville Elementary grades four and five to Quidnessett.  Pursue an alternate solution that will work for everyone.

·         A parent organized parents to talk about overcrowding; possibly do not move us at all; use trailers while building an addition; no more piecemeal.

·         Comment regarding all the transitions that kids go through.

·         Confused and disappointed in the school committee.  Why not have one big open hearing?  When are you planning on voting?

·         This community needs to decide on a neighborhood concept or school pairing.  Neighborhood is what people want.  Go back to before any vote; trailers for Davisville Elementary for one year, and provide a long-term genuine process for 2003-04.

·         Comments regarding the superintendent.

·         How many kids would opt for full day kindergarten if given the choice.

·         Suggestion that the school committee have numerous meetings; and doesn’t want to take a school offline.

·         Comment regarding communication between the school committee and the public; and is for neighborhood schools.

·         Need prior planning information; and hopes to see more on the Special Education Program.

·         The plans are always limited in scope- not more than one year.

 

A break was taken at 7:40 PM, clock counter 39:26, for more seating.  The meeting resumed at 7:47 PM.

 

       IV.          Routine Items

 

A.                  Correspondence  cc  11720

Ø                   Dr. DeFrances received a telephone call regarding a marching band proposal.

Ø                   The school committee received numerous telephone calls, letters, and e-mails regarding Fishing Cove School, the preschool program, and the reconfiguration of schools.

 

B.                   Calendar  cc  12005-  The superintendent reviewed the calendar for the next two weeks with the school committee.

CONSENT AGENDA  cc  12227

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.

 

C.                   Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings*

1.                    March 27, 2002 School Committee Business Meeting

 

D.                  Quarterly Security Report- 1/1/02-3/31/02**

Item V.D. was exempted by Karin Forbes because the report is disturbing with respect to the high school lavatories, security problems with students roaming the school etc.  Dr. Halley will ask the high school to prepare a report in response to the Quarterly Security Report.  Item V.D. was approved on a motion by Pat Watkins/Karin Forbes (7/0).

 

E.                   Financial Reports*

1.                    Financial Narrative from the Director of Administrative Services

2.                    NKSD Year to Date Expenditure Report as of 03/31/02

3.                    NKSD Revenue Comparison Report as of 3/31/02

 

F.                   Bids and Awards*

1.                    Wickford Middle School Entrance Doors (5 Locations)

Background:  The external doors of the Wickford Middle School are badly worn and well in excess of useful life.  Furthermore the current doors provide minimum security as they offer little resistance to unauthorized entry.  The results of the March 20, 2002 bid are:

                                New England School Services           -               $17,329.00

                                J & G Home Improvement, Inc           -               $22,520.00

                                Cost:  $17,329.00                   Funding Source:  School Operation Fund

                Beginning Date of Program/Project: Upon Approval

                Ending Date of Program/Project:                                       8/01/02

                Recommendation or Comments: It is recommended that New England School Services be awarded as the lowest qualified bidder, $17,329.00 for the replacement of the exterior doors to the Wickford Middle School.

 

2.                    Replacement of Rotary Mower Deck

Background:  The current Rotary Mower Deck has exceeded useful life and needs to be replaced.  The results of the March 20, 2002 bid are:

                                Howard Johnson, Inc.         -               $8,800.00

                                Norfolk Power Equipment, Inc.          $9,300.00

                                Dubay’s Tractor Center      -               $9,499.00

                                Cost:  $8,800.00                     Funding Source:  school Operating Fund

                Beginning Date of Program/Project:  Upon Approval

                Ending Date of Program/Project:  Thirty Days from Award

Recommendation or Comments:  It is recommended that Howard Johnson, Inc.  be awarded as the lowest qualified bidder, $8,800.00 , for the purchase of a Rotary Mower Deck.

 

3.                    Wickford Middle School Combustion Burner Replacement

                Background:  One of the burners at WMS was destroyed in a recent fire.  There was a bid for a replacement burner on March 29, 2002.  The results of the bid are:

                                Industrial Burner                                  -               $12,425.00

                                Summit Heating Service, Inc.             -               $9,345.00 – Alternate

                Cost:  $12,425.00                   Funding Source:  School Operating Budget

                Beginning Date of Program/Project:  Upon Arrival

                Ending Date of Program/Project:  30 Days from Approval

                Recommendation or Comments:  It is recommended that $12,425.00 be awarded to Industrial Burner Service, Inc. for the purchase/installation of one (1) Combustion Burner as the lowest qualified bid.  Although both firms have performed work for us, the Industrial Burner is a match to our specifications while Summit Heating provided a bid for an alternate burner. 

 

4.                    Wickford Elementary School and Wickford Middle School Carpet Installation

                (6 locations)

Topic:  Carpet to be installed in rooms 2, 10, 15 at Wickford Elementary School and rooms 305, 307, 303 at Wickford Middle School.

Background:  The floor surfaces in the above stated rooms are badly worn and in need of replacement.  The results of the April 12, 2002 bid are:

 

                                New Start Maintenance, LLC             -               $12,431.25

                                E M DeSimone                                      -                   9,864.00

                                Wickford Floor Covering                    -                   9,389.56

                                Ruggieri Flooring, Inc.                        -                   8,824.00

                                Bart’s Carpet Sales                              -                   8,191.38

                                Carpet City USA                                  -                   8,053.31

                                Floor Covering Associates                                -                   6,680.15

                Cost:  $6,680.15                     Funding Source:  School Operating Fund

                Beginning Date of Program/Project:  6/25/02

                Ending Date of Program/Project:  8/1/02

Recommendation or Comments:  it is recommended that $6,680.15 be awarded to Floor Covering Associates as the lowest qualified bidder to carpet the specified classrooms at Wickford Elementary and Wickford Middle School.

 

G.                   Adoption of instruments purchased by the Music Department in order to gain insurance coverage*

1.                    Maypex five piece drum set with throne and cymbal hardware

2.                    Concert bass drum and stand

 

H.                  Textbook Adoptions*

1.             English IV- World Literature

 

Topic:  Additional Trade Book Titles for English IV – World Literature

Background:  When the Language Arts Curriculum (Grades 6-12) was adopted in June, 2000, all texts and materials were identified and purchased with the exception of English IV – World Literature for grade 12.  A number of trade book titles were identified as part of the adoption but teachers continued to discuss additional titles to ensure that this is really a World Literature course.  The additional titles they have selected appear here and require formal adoption.

 

A Lesson Before Dying                       A Man for All Seasons

Song of Solomon                                 The Bluest Eye

Speak                                                     Feasting and Fasting

Angela’s Ashes                                     The Story of the Shipwrecked Sailor

Smack                                                    The Silent Cry:  A Novel

Into the Wild                                         Things Fall Apart

Four Great Plays by Ibsen

 

Cost:  Approximately $11,000                             Funding Source:  Curriculum Budgets 2002 and 2003

Beginning Date:  Fall 2002                  Ending Date:         Per the Curriculum Cycle

Recommendation or Comment:  Recommend approval of these additional titles.  The English department has reviewed a very large number of books to select these titles and to ensure that students experience literature from many different countries and cultures.

 

I.                     Personnel Items*

1.        Appointment, Administrator, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Joan Crothers, Principal at Stony Lane Elementary School, Masters Degree + 30 credits with a total salary of $77,627, effective August 1, 2002.

 

2.        Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff:

a)                   Richard Costa, Maintenance Worker for the North Kingstown School Department, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, Step 1 @ $12.60 per hour plus a stipend of $1.00 per hour for a Pipe Fitter license for a total hourly rate of $13.60 per hour, effective March 25, 2002.

 

b)                   Judy May, Food Service Worker Wickford Middle School, 3 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 15 hours per week, Step 1, effective the 1st day of the 2002/2003 school year.

 

3.        Appointments, 2001/2002 Interscholastic Coaches:

 

North Kingstown High School

 

Anthony Ucci                       Volunteer Baseball Coach                                        0

Robert Holloway                  Volunteer Softball Coach                                          0

Steve Feix                              Volunteer Softball Coach                                         0

David Aubin                         Assistant Boys Tennis Coach                           $1297

Laura Morin                          Asst. Basketball Cheerleading Coach              $  926

Paul Tetreault                       Volunteer Track Coach                                              0

Keven O’Neil                        Volunteer Track Coach                                              0

Chris Callahan                      Co-Asst. Boys Lacrosse Coach                        $1019

Brian Trapeni                        Co-Asst. Boys Lacrosse Coach                        $1019

 

Davisville Middle School

 

Judy Taylor                           Volunteer Softball Coach                                            0

 

4.        Appointments, 2002 Summer Sports Camp:

 

a)                   Aaron Thomas, 2002 Summer Sports Camp Director, with a salary of $5,000.

 

b)                   John Holmes, 2002 Summer Lacrosse Sports Camp Coordinator, July 29, 2002 through August 2, 2002 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm with a salary of $640.

 

c)                   Lynn Downey, 2002 Summer Softball Sports Camp Coordinator, July 29, 2002 through August 2, 2002 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm with a salary of $1040.

 

d)                   Julie Maguire, 2002 Summer Field Hockey Sports Camp Coordinator,  August 5, 2002 through August 9, 2002 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm with a salary of $640.

 

e)                   Patrick O’Donnell, 2002 Summer Baseball Sports Camp Coordinator, July 22, 2002 through July 26, 2002 from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm with a salary of $1040.

 

f)                    Paul Tetreault, 2002 Summer Cross Country Sports Camp Co-Coordinator, August 5, 2002 through August 9, 2002 from 5:00 pm  to 7:00 pm with a salary of $215.

 

g)                   Keven O’Neil, 2002 Summer Cross Country Sports Camp Co-Coordinator, August 5, 2002 through August 9, 2002 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a salary of $215.

 

h)                   Kevin Gormley, 2002 Summer Basketball Sports Camp Coordinator, August 5, 2002 through August 9, 2002 from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm with a salary of $1040.

 

i)                     Mick Glitzner, 2002 Summer Basketball Sports Camp Coordinator, August 5, 2002 through August 9, 2002 from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm with a salary of $640.

 

j)                     Joanne Fitts, 2002 Summer Volleyball Sports Camp Coordinator, July 8, 2002 through July 12, 2002 with a   salary of $720 and July 15, 2002 through July 19, 2002 with a salary of $880.

 

5.        Appointment, Certificated Staff (Correction from School Committee Meeting December 19, 2001, Agenda Item V.F.1.a.):

 

a)                   Ingrid DeGrooth, .8 FTE Itinerant Speech Teacher, Step 8 + a Masters + 30 credits, pro-rated for 78 days in the 2001/2002 school year with a total salary of $16,684.20, effective February 25, 2002.

 

6.        Request for Approval of Unpaid Parental Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Lisa Garcia, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at North Kingstown High School, from April 9, 2002 through the remainder of the 2001/2002 school year.

 

7.        Advanced Degree Increment Awards (effective for ½ of the 2001/2002 school year only):

 

a)                   Michele Sandham, 1.0 FTE Social Studies Teacher at Wickford Middle School, Master’s + 15 credits for a total increment of $2918.

 

b)                   Barry McPeake, 1.0 FTE Special Educator at North Kingstown High School, Master’s + 15 credits for a total increment of $2918.

 

c)                   Jessica Giguere, 1.0 FTE Health Teacher at Wickford Middle School, Bachelor’s + 15 credits for a total increment of $927.

 

d)                   Elizabeth Martin, 1.0 FTE English/French Teacher at North Kingstown High School, Bachelor’s + 15 credits for a total increment of $927.

 

e)                   Susanne Warburton, 1.0 FTE ESL Teacher at Davisville Elementary School, Masters Degree for a total increment of $2522.

 

f)                    Deborah Hammersley, 1.0 FTE Itinerant Family & Consumer Science Teacher, Bachelor’s + 15 credits for a total increment of $927.

 

g)                   Janice Stelljes, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher Wickford Elementary School, Master’s Degree + 30 credits for a total increment of $3315.

 

h)                   Nancy LaPosta-Frazier, 1.0 FTE Science Teacher at Wickford Middle School, Master’s Degree + 30 credits for a total increment of $3315.

 

8.        Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Misty Long, Mini Bus Driver, effective April 5, 2002.

 

9.        Resignation, Certified Staff:

 

a)                   Andrea Axile, 1.0 FTE Family & Consumer Science Teacher at North Kingstown High School, effective June 25, 2002.

 

10.     Retirements, Non-Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   George Nyman, 2nd Shift Custodian at Davisville Middle School, effective May 31, 2002.

 

b)                   Romilda Ruggieri, Food Service Worker at North Kingstown High School, effective at the end of the 2001/2002 school year.

 

11.     Retirements, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   John Woodruff, 1.0 FTE Physical Education Teacher at North Kingstown High School, effective at the end of the 2001/2002 school year.

 

b)                   Karen Stenhouse, 1.0 FTE Itinerant Speech Teacher, effective at the end of the 2001/2002 school year.

 

c)                   Thomas Sandham, 1.0 FTE Science Teacher at North Kingstown High School, effective at the end of the 2001/2002 school year.

 

d)                   Donna Neary, 1.0 FTE Reading Teacher at North Kingstown High School, effective at the end of the 2001/2002 school year.

 

e)                   Ruth-Elaine Blaser, 1.0 FTE ESL/English Teacher at North Kingstown High School, effective at the end of the 2001/2002 school year.

 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

Congratulations to Joan Crothers who will succeed Ellen D’Agnenica as principal of Stony Lane School on August 1, 2002.

 

         V.          New Business

A.                  Preschool Programs for Special Education  cc  12600

                Dr. McGregor has proposed a concept of having two classrooms at each end of town (totaling four classrooms).  However, the actual location for the classrooms is unclear at this point.  Also, questions revolve around space issues.  Will it be too tight?  Will the other students be jeopardized?

 

                There are twenty-one students projected in all four programs for next year.  Dr. McGregor met with the SELAC again last night and everyone is committed to making this work wherever the location is.  The only negative factor stated by Dr. McGregor was that “bonded” friends might be in different locations.  The need to deal with Davisville Elementary and Quidnessett Elementary schools was also part of the discussion.

 

                Motion to table the Preschool Program for Special Education students until the school committee is sure what is going to happen to the rest of the district was made by Mike Northup/Dr. Coppa.  Mike Northup called the question.  Motion passes 6/1 (Haft).

 

                Preschool Program for Special Education will be on the May 22 business meeting agenda.

 

B.                   Recommendations regarding High School Summer School Offerings and Middle School Summer Opportunity School (SOS)  cc  15339- A motion to approve the Recommendations regarding High School Summer School Offerings and Middle School Summer Opportunity School (SOS) as presented at the 4/10/02 worksession was made by Pat Watkins/Mike Northup (7/0). 

 

C.                   Interscholastic Hockey Proposal  cc 

 

Keith Kenyon, Director of Student Activities/Athletics recommends that the high school operate Interscholastic Hockey as a co-educational team at no expense to the taxpayer for the 2002-03 fiscal year.  They would compete at the Metropolitan C Division with the intention of moving up in the future.  Financing will be provided from the Booster Club, private donations and fund raising.  There will be no impact on insurance rates with the addition of hockey.  In addition, the School Committee should understand that no student will be excluded from the hockey team because of the inability to pay whatever fee is required.  Financing will be provided for any student who cannot pay by either the Booster Club or team fund raising.  Transportation will be provided by parents.

 

The estimated budget is as follows:

Rental of Ice time URI Rink (4hrs/week for 17 weeks @ $155/hour)                                            $10,540

Game Jerseys (Home and Away jerseys)                                                                                             2,600

Game socks                                                                                                                                                 250

RI Interscholastic League Dues                                                                                                              750

Coaches salaries                                                                                                                                    $3,000

Total                                                                                                                                                       $17,100

The cost of officials and game supervisors are paid by the RI Interscholastic League.  There is also a potential for revenue returned based on home game and playoff ticket sales.  The game jerseys would last for roughly 4-5 years and would not be included in a potential request for the following year. 

Motion to approve the Interscholastic Hockey Proposal was made by Pat Watkins/Mike Northup (6/1 Dr. Coppa).

 

D.                  2002-03 Proposed School Committee Schedule of Meetings

The proposed schedule for November and December meetings were amended to be held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

 

Motion to amend the 2002-03 Proposed School Committee Schedule of Meetings was made by Pat Watkins/Mike Northup (7/0).

 

Motion to approve the 2002-03 Proposed Schedule of School Committee Schedule of Meetings as amended was made by Pat Watkins/Karin Forbes (7/0). 

 

The 2002-03 North Kingstown School Committee Schedule of Meetings is appended to the minutes and can be found on the website www.nksd.net under School Committee.

 

E.                   Policies  cc  20200

1.        Request Discussion on Issue Papers Regarding Proposed Policies- Tabled to the June 12, 2002 worksession.

a)       Home Schooling- IHBG

b)       School Volunteers- IJOC

2.        Approval of Policy Amendment*

a)       Tobacco Product Use on School Property- JICG/GBED

3.        Approval of Administrative Regulations

a)     Student Conduct on Buses- Administrative Regulation- EEAEC-R*

b)       Deviation from Attendance Boundary Policy- Administrative Regulation- JCAC-R- Tabled to the June 12, 2002 worksession.

c)       Maintenance of Student Conduct- Administrative Regulation- JLIA-R*

4.        Recommend Rescission of Old Policies*

a)       Sexual Harassment- GBCD

b)       Policy on Walking Distances – Walkers and Riders  EEAA

c)       School Day (Opening Schools for Sessions)  IDA & IDB

d)       School Day (Opening Exercises)

e)       Maintenance of Orderly Conduct  JFC

f)        Student Conduct – Drugs, Alcohol, Weapons, Student Lockers  JFCH, JFCI, JFCJ

*Approved on a motion by Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston (7/0).

The approved policies are attached to the minutes.

 

       VI.          Unfinished Business

A.                  Reconfiguration of schools  cc  20823

Ms. Haft described the process that will take place at the Focus Groups meeting.  Each plan will be evaluated in terms of stated objectives.  A recorder will write people’s comments and alternatives will be presented to the entire group.

 

Dr. Coppa commented that a grand plan is needed.

 

Motion to rescind the votes to move kindergarten to neighborhood schools and to move Davisville Elementary School grades four and five to Quidnessett Elementary was made by Dr. Coppa/Carol Hueston (7/0).

 

Motion to divide the motion was made by Lynne Haft.  No second to the motion.

 

Pat Watkins said that preschool, kindergarten and Davisville Elementary issues must be decided prior to the end of the school year.  Dr. DeFrances has concerns regarding the way the school committee votes and the information that is received.  With regard to closing Fishing Cove School, the preschool program still in limbo, poor conditions at Davisville Elementary, and moving Davisville Elementary grades four and five to Quidnessett, “we need the facts in front of us that we need; we need to know by May.”

 

Motion to rescind the school committee’s decision not to take positive action on reconfiguration until October/2002 was made by Pat Watkins/Dr. Coppa (6/1 Northup).

 

Information on Reconfiguration was requested from Administration.  More worksessions will be held on the topic of Reconfiguration only.  The meetings will each last two hours with the last half-hour open for public comment.

 

Motion to continue Reconfiguration of Schools only for further discussion to the May 1st worksession from 7-9:00 pm was made by Pat Watkins/Dr. DeFrances (7/0).

 

**Motion to table the remaining agenda up to comments, then after comments, move to executive session was made by Mike Northup/Dr. Coppa (7/0). 

 

B.                   Limitations on obtaining injunctions to prevent a work stoppage**

C.                   2001-02 School Budget**

D.                  2002-03 School Budget**

E.                   2001-02 School Department Goals and Objectives**

F.                   2002-03 School Department Goals and Objectives**

 

     VII.          Reports**

A.                  Enrollment Report

B.                   Special Education Local Advisory Committee Report

C.                   Policy Subcommittee Report

D.                  RIASC and other Legislative Activity

E.                   School Based Health Center Community Committee

 

   VIII.          Comments  31723

Ø       Karin Forbes recently saw Little Grunt and the Big Egg at Davisville Elementary and commended Kenny Duva and Cheryl Buck for all the good work they do.  Ms. Forbes supports the Child Opportunity Zone programs.  A Report on Sports Camps was requested for the June worksession.

Ø       Lynne Haft believes in returning kindergarten to the elementary schools and expressed the need to solve the Davisville Elementary School problem.  Placement of a student on the School Committee on the May worksession agenda for discussion was requested.  Mr. Foley and the Student Council will be invited to attend in order to provide input on the topic.

Ø       Dr. Halley challenged the school committee and the public to “Do what’s right, not what’s easy.”

Ø       Teri Ohs asked for a plan for neighborhood schools.

Ø       April Brunelle commented regarding the positives and negatives to pairing.

Ø       Christine Amore thanked the school committee.

Ø       Cathy Brown commented regarding the school committee goals and objectives.

 

       IX.          A motion to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (1) and (2) for Personnel Issues*, the Superintendent’s Evaluation and Home Schooling Requests was made by Mike Northup/Pat Watkins at 11:08 PM, clock counter 4:01:08.  A roll call vote yielded unanimous approval.   The school committee will return to open session following the executive session; however, no business will be conducted.  *At the election of the employee, the personnel matter may be heard in public.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                                                _______________________________________

                                                                                                Donna F. Keough

                                                                                                School Committee Secretary

 

The following meetings were held.

 

April 25 & 29                      Reconfiguration of Schools Focus Groups Meetings at North Kingstown High School at 7:00 PM.

                                                Focus groups are discussion groups for the purpose of identifying ideas, concerns and solutions for the reconfiguration of grades in North Kingstown Elementary Schools.

                                                Information generated from the Focus Groups Meetings can be found at www.nksd.net