NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL
COMMITTEE
Wednesday, May 22, 2002
7:00
PM Special Business Meeting re: Reconfiguration of Schools
Regular
Business Meeting will follow.
LOCATION: NKHS
Auditorium 150
Fairway Drive
“Challenging Student Excellence” |
I.
Pledge of Allegiance
I. Call To Order The meeting was called to order at 7:08 PM.
A. Roll Call Present: Chairperson Lynne Haft, Vice Chairperson Karin L. Forbes, Dr. Denise Coppa, Dr. Janice DeFrances, Carol H. Hueston, Patricia E. Watkins, and Michael R. Northup
Absent: Cathy Kaiser, Jamestown School Committee
Administration Present: James M. Halley, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Barbara A. Fitzsimmons, Ed.D., Curriculum Director, William J. Daly, Director of Human Resources, Joseph F. Quinn, Jr., Director of Administrative Services and Karin Pierson, Supervisor of Transportation
Absent: Daniel J. McGregor, Ph.D., Director of Pupil Personnel Services
II.
Open Forum on the Topic
of Reconfiguration
The following concerns and comments were voiced at the meeting.
· There are concerns in the community over the process; need to provide a level of confidence and understanding; the process must be perceived as fair and open.
· This is a flawed process.
· The process problem has evolved into a trust issue.
· The special education and integrated classrooms need to be in the same building; there is no gym at Davisville Elementary, if you make Davisville Elementary and Forest Park cluster schools, you will see lawsuits.
· Comments regarding the Special Needs Program.
· PTOs do so much and fund so much. It’s hard to support a program for only two years.
· The elementary schools represent half of the school population; they shouldn’t have to bear the entire brunt of a budget cut.
· There can be equity without everything being the same and done in the same manner.
· Looking for a consensus to develop. Parents want neighborhood schools, to fix Davisville Elementary, and have the least disruptive plan possible. Parents’ opinions matter. Need to develop a consensus of what is best for our children. Try to move forward.
III.
New Business Reconfiguration of Schools
for a Decision clock counter (cc) 44:57
Carol Hueston: “Ms. Haft and Dr. Halley have worked hard to address all of your concerns and have come up with a compromise which incorporates input from all of you and taken parts of the last three plans that were on the table and come up with a compromise. I looked at that and I’ve decided what my criteria were about what we should do. It is temporary. It involves having neighborhood schools, alleviating overcrowding at Davisville Elementary School, putting the kindergarten back into the elementary schools, it provides room for the preschools, provides for a pilot program for kindergarten, keeps Wickford Elementary School open, and is within the budget. I make a motion to adopt this variation of Plan Five (attached to the minutes) which moves fourth and fifth at Davisville Elementary School to Quidnessett Elementary School, returns kindergarten to elementary schools, provides room for the preschool and self-contained programs and keeps Wickford Elementary School open.” Karen Forbes seconded the motion. Discussion.
Thank you to Glenn Stinson for creating a plan that was the start to coming up with this variation of Plan Five.
The chairperson said that if this town wants the committee to work towards a seven school (K-5) in the budget increase, they will certainly put that forward next year. In the proposed plan, thirty-nine students will be redistricted from Quidnessett Elementary School to Wickford Elementary School (Post Road to Camp Avenue). “This is a plan that will last a few years at the most, probably one year because Wickford Elementary School’s numbers are quite high and there’s not a lot of room for growth in any of the schools; but it will get us through next year. Hopefully, we can put forward and get passed a budget that will provide for seven schools, (K-5)” said Ms. Haft. Dr. Halley added that the plan moves the self-contained classroom from Quidnessett to Hamilton. Ms. Haft noted that there is room at Davisville Elementary School to provide full day kindergarten classes and although she doesn’t believe it is reflected in the plan, she would hope that the district can pilot a full day kindergarten program at Davisville Elementary School in the Fall of 2002.
A roll call vote was taken. The motion passed with four yes votes
(Hueston, Forbes, Watkins, Haft) and three no votes (DeFrances, Northup,
Coppa).
A
recess was taken at 8:07 PM. The
meeting resumed at 8:28 PM.
There were no objections to first concluding the regular business of the meeting and then opening the meeting for comments.
V.
Routine Items
A. Correspondence
· Pat Watkins received an invitation to the Soaring Eagle ceremony at Forest Park Elementary School.
B. Calendar- The superintendent reviewed the calendar for the next two weeks with the school committee. A Business Education Appreciation Dinner will take place on June 6 at the NKHS. A Keyworks meeting is scheduled for June 3 at South Kingstown High School. The ESL picnic is on May 24 at 12:30 PM. Quidnessett will feature a “dunk tank” at their June 1 carnival.
Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Pat Watkins and seconded by Dr. Coppa (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. April 25, 2002 School Committee Parent Appeal Regarding Spanish Course Offerings
D. Financial Reports*
1. Financial Narrative from the Director of Administrative Services
2. NKSD Year to Date Expenditure Report as of 04/30/02
E. Bids and Awards*
1. Replacement Lockers for Davisville Middle School
Background: It is the Maintenance Department’s intent to remove and replace forty five (45) two-person lockers during the summer. The results of the May 1, 2002 bid are:
G.J. Sales Company $8,550.00
J. Sallese & Sons, Inc. $10,900.00
Cost: $8,550.00 Funding Source: School Operating Fund
Beginning Date of Program/Project: Upon approval.
Ending Date of Program/Project: August 16, 2002
Recommendation or comments: It is recommended that $8,550.00 be awarded to G. J. Sales Company as the lowest qualified bidder for 45 two-person lockers. These lockers are to be installed at Davisville Middle School.
2. NEASC Requirements for October 26 through October 28, 2003
Background: The results of the April 10, 2002 bid are:
Crown Plaza Hotel at the Crossings $8,906.65
Radisson Airport Hotel $10,853.00
Cost: $8,906.65 Funding Source: 2003-2004 School Operating Fund
Beginning Date of program/Project: 10/26/03
Ending Date of Program/Project: 10/28/03
Recommendation or comments: It is recommended that the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings be awarded $8,906.65 to meet the specified needs/requirements of the NEASC team during the period of time from 10/26/03 through 10/28/03. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is the lowest qualified bid.
3. Quidnessett Elementary School Roof Replacement
Background: As the new addition is being completed it is time to replace the roof of the school, which was over the old school. The alternate was to accept a lesser roof material if the base bid amount was excessive. The base bids were in line with what we thought they should be. The original quote of $395,000.00 is now replaced by a low qualified bid of $182,653.00. The Town Council is to approve this appropriation on Monday, May 20, 2002.
Cost: $182,653.00 Funding Source: School Capital Improvement Fund
Beginning Date of Program/Project: Upon Approval
Ending Date of Program/Project: 8/15/02
Recommendation or comments: It is recommended that Eagle Cornice be awarded $182,653.00 as the lowest qualified bid to replace the Quidnessett Elementary Roof. This approval would be subject to the Town Council appropriating this amount from the School Capital Improvement Fund.
F. Personnel Items
1. Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff:*
a) Lucille Iannucci, Mini Bus Driver for the North Kingstown School Department, Step 1 @ $65.13 per day, effective April 15, 2002.
b) Heidi Wilner, School-To-Career Coordinator from April 22, 2002 through June 24, 2002 with a salary of $7500 paid through a grant.
2. Approval of School Resource Officers for the 2002/2003 School Year:*
a) Officer Thomas J. Connelly, North Kingstown High School
b) Officer Ann Cunningham, Wickford Middle School
c) James Cieciorka, Davisville Middle School
3. Request for Approval of Unpaid Parental Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff:*
a) Kengelin Bell, 1.0 FTE PE/Health Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, unpaid parental leave of absence from April 30, 2002 through the remainder of the 2001/2002 school year.
b) Kathleen LaLonde, .5 FTE Elementary Teacher at Quidnessett Elementary School from 5/13/2002 through the remainder of the 2001/2002 school year.
4. Request for Approval of Unpaid Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff:
a) Linda Pelosi, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School for the 2002/2003 school year.*
b) Ruth Haynsworth, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School for the 2002/2003, 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 school years.***
***Item V.F.4.b. was withdrawn from the consent agenda by Mr. Daly. There is a budgetary crunch at the state level.
5. Resignation, Certificated Staff:*
a. Jennifer L. Febles, 1.0 FTE Guidance Counselor at Wickford Middle School, effective August 31, 2002.
6. Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff:*
a) Donald Babbitt, Centore Learning Academy Coordinator at Davisville Middle School, effective April 26, 2002.
End
of Consent Agenda
VI.
New Business
A. Curriculum Proposals for approval- *Approved on a motion by Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston (7/0).
1.
Grades 9 – 12 Physical Education Curriculum for
Adoption*
The question was asked if physical education is still taken for a semester, not a year. This is true as it affords the students more course opportunities. Ms. Forbes asked that Physical Education Program for a Year be on the agenda in the future.
Background: The curriculum presented has been developed by the physical education department of NKHS. It is based on the physical education standards and benchmarks of the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). The curriculum is grade specific in recognition that different aged students have different needs.
Cost: Because this curriculum is being presented outside of the curriculum cycle, no materials costs are associated with it. Some teachers have asked for additional training in some of the areas to be covered.
Funding Source: Any training provided will be funded out of Article 31 or other grants.
Beginning Date: July 1, 2002.
Ending Date: Per curriculum cycle.
Recommendation or Comment: Recommend adoption of this curriculum. It addresses standards in physical education and delineates the needs of students more fully than the previous curriculum. This curriculum would replace the high school portion of the PE curriculum last officially revised in 1988.
2.
Career and Vocational Education Curriculum and
texts/materials for adoption*
Background: Attached is the remainder of the Career and Vocational Education Curriculum. The first portion of this curriculum was adopted earlier in the year. This curriculum updates the program in Business, Industrial Technology, and Family and Consumer Sciences for high school and middle school. Texts and materials are listed for each course. Adoption of this curriculum would complete the materials selection and purchase for Career and Vocational Education.
Cost: $25,000 Funding Source: Curriculum Textbook Budget
Beginning Date: Fall 2002
Ending Date: Per the curriculum cycle
Recommendation or Comment: Recommend adoption of this curriculum. The Business, Industrial Technology, and Family and Consumer Sciences departments will now have more up-to-date and cohesive curriculum which recognizes changes in the skills and content necessary for success in the world of work and in life.
Course
Curricula being presented for adoption
Family and Consumer Sciences:
Grade 6 – Introduction to Sewing
Grade 7 – Nutrition and Wellness
Grade 8 – Life Skills
Life Skills II
Advanced Child Development
Basic Foods
Independent Living
Business:
Career Readiness
Technology Readiness I & II
Microsoft Office Applications I
Microsoft Office Applications II
Business Practices II
College Business principles
Industrial Technology:
Computer Construction and Repair I
Computer Construction and Repair II
A+ computer Applications
Graphic Design I
Digital Photography
Graphics III
Advanced Photography/Desktop Publishing
Career/Vocational
Education Textbook Adoption List
Text Publisher
Take Charge of
Your Life Goodheart-Willcox
Consumer
Education and Economics Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Working: Career Success for the 21st Century South-Western
The Job Hunting Handbook Dahlstrom & Company
Occupational Outlook Handbook JIST Publishing
Crackers Bakery
(simulation) South-Western
Security First Bank 4E (simulation) South-Western
MOUS
Certification Review South-Western
Sports and
Entertainment Marketing South-Western
Understanding
Business Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
The Complete Computer Repair Book 3E Thomson-Delmar
Learning Word Processing DDC
Several courses also require videos and magazine subscriptions. Information is on individual course selection.
3. Library/Media Curriculum for Adoption*
Background: The library/media specialists have developed the attached curriculum per the NKSD Curriculum Review Cycle. This document is the work of all library/media specialists in the district and is based on the Rhode Island Educational Media Association (RIEMS) Standards-based Library Media Curriculum for Grades K-12, dated 2001. Next year’s curriculum textbook budget will be used to upgrade and enhance all school libraries in the district. Selections will be based on curriculum needs in all areas; will be made in consultation with classroom teachers and specialists; will address all grade levels; and will include fiction, non-fiction, print and media.
Cost: Approximately $210,000. Funding Source: Curriculum Textbook budget
Beginning Date: July 1, 2002
Ending Date: Per curriculum cycle
Recommendation or comment: Recommend adoption of this curriculum and authorization to purchase materials for the upgrading of school libraries. Lists of selected titles will be provided to the School Committee as selections are made.
B. High School Physical Education Report- Tabled to the June 12 worksession on a motion by Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston (7/0).
VII.
Unfinished Business
A. Preschool Program for Special Education- This has already been voted on.
B. 2001-02 School Budget- None
C. 2002-03 School Budget- None
D. 2001-02 School Department Goals and Objectives- None
E. 2002-03 School Department Goals and Objectives- None
VIII.
Reports
A. Enrollment Report- None
B. Special Education Local Advisory Committee Report- None
C. Policy Subcommittee Report- There are policies in the packets that need to be put into the policy manuals.
D. RIASC and other Legislative Activity- Pat Watkins reported that COZ has been partially reinstated into the State Budget.
E. School Based Health Center Community Committee- Dr. Coppa reported that funding has been restored at the present level.
IX.
Comments
The following concerns and comments were voiced at the meeting.
· A parent of a previous parent appeal asked if her children would still be attending Forest Park. The committee answered in the affirmative.
· The preschool program at Davisville Elementary will be unsafe and overcrowded. How will you handle adaptive physical education?
· The number of kindergarten students may increase at Davisville Elementary.
· Comment regarding the possible budget cut and pairing.
· A parent spoke of obvious disrespect and shattered faith.
· Four members have killed a school; jobs have been lost.
· This is a bittersweet ending to the process. The whole process is cloudy in my mind. Throw focus group information away and start the process for next year now.
· Are you going to fight to reopen Fishing Cove School?
· The big mistake that the school committee made was a public relations problem. You have complete contempt for the public and what they think. Have no faith in the school committee.
· There is a law in the State Charter to provide information on an agenda item before a meeting.
· Comment regarding the process.
· Robert Sullivan said that the trust issue has become worse. The teachers will continue to express their yes confidence vote in the parents.
· Comment regarding the reason for closing Fishing Cove School.
· Let’s not forget about Davisville Elementary School's problems.
· Pat Watkins plans to begin the development of a budget and a plan to go to the Town Council that calls for seven K-5 schools.
· Karin Forbes expressed her intention to look into planning seven neighborhood schools for 2003-2004. This is just the first step.
· Lynne Haft and Carol Hueston share the intention regarding seven neighborhood schools.
· Dr. Halley said that the PTRC will remain at Fishing Cove. The variation of Plan 5 approved tonight is within budget.
· Mike Northup said that a major pairing has been defeated. Wickford Elementary School remains open. “No one goes away tonight with completely empty hands.”
· Dr. DeFrances will be supporting the seven school plans.
· Dr. Coppa hopes to get this kind of support for the referendum. Hopes to keep this level of support and enthusiasm.
· Pat Watkins asked that no matter agree or disagree, please do not share personal opinions with members of that person’s family, neighbor or employer.
· Karin Forbes said that seven schools are expensive; expressed a need to fix the facilities; should look at physical problems at Fishing Cove School.
· Ms. Haft congratulated Joe Quinn on the wonderful bid for Quidnessett’s roof. This leaves some bond money for interior improvements. The committee will be discussing the formation of a committee to look into facility improvements, increasing capacity for the middle schools and town-wide redistricting with seven schools K-5. Does not know if this evening’s plan will last more than one year.
· Dr. Fitzsimmons called today’s 4th Annual Educators’ Day a rousing success and everyone involved deserves a pat on the back. Ms. Haft also thanked Kent Novak.
X.
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 for
discussion and Home Schooling Requests was made by Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston at
9:50 PM. A roll call vote yielded
unanimous approval. *At the election of
the employee, the personnel matter may be held in public or in closed
session. At the conclusion of the
executive session, the committee will return to open session; however, no
business will be conducted.
Respectfully
submitted,
_______________________________________
Donna
F. Keough
School
Committee Secretary