NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

6:00 PM Executive Session to Discuss the Superintendent’s Contract

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

6:30 PM Executive Session for a Student Appeal Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (1) and (2)

7:00 PM Business Meeting

Central Administration Building 100 Fairway Drive, North Kingstown

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Minutes

I. Pledge of Allegiance

II. Call To Order The meeting was called to order at 7:08 PM.

III. Roll Call Present: Chairperson Don DeFedele, Vice Chairperson Dr. Denise Coppa,

Carol Hueston, Barry Martasian, Bill Mudge, Kevin Mulvey, Pat Watkins, and

Cathy Kaiser, Jamestown School Committee Representative

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

IV. Open Forum

· Anne Maack was on the K-5 Elementary School Advisory Committee, and stated that she would like to speak to the subject again. She felt that there is a need to build a community of schools of equity. In the spring of 2002, Davisville Elementary School did not have what other schools had; Wickford Elementary was not handicapped accessible; and nothing has really changed. Going back to a K-center will not change anything.

· Lorena Pugh read a statement from Mt. View parents (Appendix A) regarding the redistricting plans

· Candy Ohanian submitted a report regarding the results of research she did on “NKHS’s new GPA calculation of class rank” (Appendix B). Also appended is a memo from Gerald Foley regarding this issue (Appendix C)

· Jay Fabbrizzio stated that he is willing to “accept a popular, long-term reconfiguration plan,” and that he needs “a leader who will talk to parents in a positive manner.”

· Cheryl Suglia stated that the plan to move Davisville Elementary’s 4^th and 5^th graders was supposed to be temporary and last for only one year. Dr. Halley’s Status Quo plan means that Quidnessett Elementary School has to accommodate them for another 3 years at least. Standardized testing is not something to be taken lightly. This plan needs to be equal for all students.

· Sharon Schubert would like the School Committee to take initiative and deal with students who have moved before and 5^th graders – no need for them to move.

· Robert Feinberg stated that he left the meeting last week annoyed and frustrated. Felt that the new candidates had been given a mandate when they had been elected; nothing has changed – no input from the public. As a taxpayer in town he is curious why some kids get full day Kindergarten and some can’t. “The School Committee needs to listen to people.”

· Barbara Gillette: “I know this is not a simple task. I am happy with the education my children have received thus far. Keep equity in mind when you split the town in half. You need to have a plan that works now for everyone.”

· Tony Cirillo: “It is Déjà vu all over again. The community has expressed frustration with the process.” Dr. Cirillo outlined his thoughts on what K-5 Committee’s recommendations had to offer the community:

1. Any plan must be educationally sound

2. Equity – the keystone of the K-5 Committee recommendations

3. Any plan must be cost effective

4. Capacity – ½ day and full day Kindergarten in any school is available

5. Closure – the plan that is approved must be a plan that will work – K-5 has plans that do that

· Paula Guida, High School Guidance Counselor, “Contrary to the majority of the staff at the high school, I believe that the current procedure benefits the entire student body, whereas the new formula will benefit a few. The new formula will benefit high performers. More students that are Band C students and who are college bound, but whose greatest strengths may be in elective classes, will be hurt by this new formula.”

V. Routine Items

A. Correspondence and Good News

· Barry Martasian received 100 emails supporting both sides of the reconfiguration issue

· Pat Watkins received numerous emails, would like to thank parents for taking the time to write; numerous invitations to Dare Graduations – Hamilton, Wickford, Forest Park; an invitation to the Links Luncheon; and our sports teams are doing it again – congratulations to them!

· Bill Mudge received the same

· Carol Hueston received the same

· Kevin Mulvey received 150 minimum emails, and would like to apologize for not responding to all of them.

· Denise Coppa received the same plus RI Alliance to the Arts Gift of Art to the State. From North Kingstown 3 elementary schools, a middle school, and the high school, all represented. Wickford Middle School Jazz Band will be performing – June 3^rd at 7:00 pm in the Shepard Building/URI in Providence.

· Don DeFedele received phone calls and emails regarding the reconfiguration topic.

· Dr. Halley mentioned that he attended the Honor Society Induction, and as usual he was proud to be there and see what great kids we have.

· Pat Watkins would like to interject that she and Denise Coppa attended the Employee Recognition Dinner, and they were amazed by the tenure of some of the employees. There were awards for 25 and 30 years employed.

· Dr. Barbara Fitzsimmons stated that May 21^st was the 5^th annual Educators Day, “and it was one of the best that we’ve ever had according to the emails that my office has received.”

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 Denise Coppa and seconded by Pat Watkins (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.

CONSENT AGENDA

C. Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings

1. December 11, 2002 Executive Session Minutes

2. January 29, 2003 Executive Session Minutes

3. March 12, 2003 Executive Session Minutes

4. March 26, 2003 Executive Session Minutes

5. April 15, 2003 Executive Session Minutes

6. April 23, 2003 Business Meeting Minutes

7. May 7, 2003 Executive Session Minutes

8. May 13, 2003 Executive Session Minutes

9. May 13, 2003 Worksession Minutes**

Barry Martasian/Denise Coppa amended these minutes: item VII D, under motions should read: “Mr. Martasian supports Mr. Mudge’s motion because he believes the tax payers want to know the cost of a K-center.” (7/0)

D. Financial Reports *

E. Textbook Adoptions - none

F. Bids and Awards*

1. Pavement Repair and Sealing (as needed) throughout School District

2. Replacement of Door Locking Hardware (as needed) throughout School District

G. Personnel Items

1. Appointment, Administrator: *

a) Marisa Eisner, Assistant Principal at Davisville Middle, with an annual salary of $71,466, plus any negotiated increase effective August 1, 2003.

2. Appointments, Certificated Staff:

a) Andrea Pisani, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at the North Kingstown School Department, Step 1, with an annual salary of $32,029, plus any negotiated increase effective August 25, 2003. *

b) Evelyn Bradshaw, 1.0 FTE Guidance Counselor at the North Kingstown High School, Step 10 + a Masters, for an annual salary of $60,783, plus any negotiated increase, effective August 25, 2003. *

c) Ann Marie Cody, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Step 10 + a Masters with an annual salary of $60,783, plus any negotiated increase, effective August 25, 2003. ** This item has been amended per the recommendation of William J. Daly, Director of Human Resources. Motion to approve the item as amended: Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa (7/0)

d) Dina Taylor, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Step 4 + a Masters with an annual salary of $40, 893, plus any negotiated increase, effective August 25, 2003. *

e) Nancy Voght, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Step 10 + Masters for an annual salary of $60,783 plus any negotiated increase, effective August 25, 2003. *

3. Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff: *

a) Rebecca Dugan, Paraprofessional at Forest Park Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 1 plus a Bachelor’s @ $9.29, effective April 28, 2003.

b) David Moreira, 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 @ $13.07 per hour plus 2 licenses for a total hourly rate of $15.07, effective May 19, 2003.

c) Paula Hurd, Paraprofessional at Davisville Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 1 plus a Bachelor’s @ $9.29 per hour, effective May 7, 2003.

d) Daniel Fish, Lead Maintenance Worker, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hour per week, Step 10 + 1 license @ $17.89 + $1.00 for the license and $1.13 stipend for the lead maintenance for a total hourly rate of $20.02, effective April 24, 2003.

e) David Young, Lead Maintenance Worker, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, Step 10 + 1 license $ $17.89 + $1.00 for the license and $1.13 stipend for the lead maintenance for a total hourly rate of $20.02, effective April 24, 2003.

4. Appointment, 2003 Summer Sports Camp Director: *

a) Aaron Thomas, 2003 Summer Sports Camp Director, total salary of $5200.

5. Appointments, 2003 Summer Sports Camp Coordinators: *

a) Paul Tetreault, Cross Country Summer Sports Camp Coordinator, from August 11 – 15, 2003, total salary of $343.20.

b) Lynn Downey, Softball Summer Sports Camp Coordinator, from June 23 – 26, 2003, total salary of $416.00.

c) Kevin Gormley, Baseball Summer Sports Camp Coordinator, from July 21 – 28, 2003, total salary of $1050.40.

d) Julie Maguire, Field Hockey Summer Sports Camp Coordinator, from August 4 – 8, 2003, total salary of $686.40.

e) John Holmes, Lacrosse Summer Sports Camp Coordinator, from July 14, - 18, 2003, volunteer.

f) Kevin Gormley, Baseball Summer Sports Camp I Coordinator, from August 4 - 8, 2003, total salary $1050.40.

g) John Klitzner, Baseball Summer Sports Camp II Coordinator, from July 28, - August 1, 2003, total salary $686.40.

h) Kevin Harrington, Volleyball Summer Sports Camp I & II Coordinator, from July 7 – 11, 2003, salary $1050.40 and from July 14 – 18, 2003, total salary $1050.40

6. Appointment, 2002/2003 Interscholastic Coach: *

North Kingstown High School

Tim O’Neill Assistant Boys Tennis Coach $1760

7. Increase in FTE, Certificated Staff: *

1. Tracy Myszka, from .6 FTE to 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher at Wickford Elementary

School, Step 2, pro-rated at .6 FTE for 111 days and 1.0 FTE for 26 days for a total annual

salary of $16,689.78, effective May 15, 2003.

8. Resignation, Certificated Staff: *

1. Mary Mullin, 1.0 FTE Kindergarten Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School, effective

August 31, 2003

2. Leslie Varone, 1.0 FTE Grade 3 Elementary Teacher at Quidnessett Elementary School,

effective at the end of the 2002/2003 school year.

9. Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff: *

1. Kimberly Vincent, Food Service Worker at Davisville Middle School, 3 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 15 hours per week, effective May 15, 2003.

10. Retirement, Non-Certificated Staff: *

1. Robert Espinosa, Sr., 2^nd Shift Custodian at Stony Lane Elementary School, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, effective April 30, 2003.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

V. New Business

A. North Kingstown School Dept. Position Paper on Reimbursement of Medicaid Expenses

(Moved to June 11, 2003 Worksession)

VI. Unfinished Business

A. Ranking of Elective Courses at the High School Level for Discussion and Action: Kevin Mulvey/Denise Coppa motioned that The calculation of Class Rank will continue as it has been in the past. The vote on this topic included Cathy Kaiser the Jamestown Representative and was unanimous 8/0. There was an additional charge to Dr. Halley to establish an Advisory Committee to study Class Rank and determine if Class Rank shouldn’t be abolished. This Advisory Committee is to include the community; a School Committee member can appoint a member if they so choose; and High School student representatives have also been deemed vital to this committee. The vote to establish this committee also passed unanimously 8/0.

B. Policies

C. 2002-03 School Budget

D. 2003-04 School Budget – The deadline for the School Budget to the Town of North Kingstown is June 1, 2003.

E. 2002-03 School Department Goals and Objectives

F. 2003-04 School Department Goals and Objectives – There is a KeyWorks meeting Wednesday June 18, 2003.

G. School Modernization Advisory Committee

1. Report by RGB – David DeQuattro spoke to the School Committee and responded to questions regarding the feasibility study of 5 schools planned by RGB. Mr. DeQuattro stated that he was aware that the committee had questions regarding items that were listed as outside the scope of work, and he stated that those items listed would be done on an “as needed basis”. Joe Quinn, Director of Administrative Services, stated that “the School Department does lead and asbestos testing every year; a lot of these items have already been done, and we’re only going to do those that are necessary.” Mr. DeQuattro also stated that his company also looks to see if an existing building is up to code, and anything that is outside of the scope of work requested by the School Department would be given to outside special services.

H. Elementary K-5 Organization Advisory Committee – Kevin Mulvey opened the discussion by submitting on a motion form the following (Appendix D): “The motion that I made on 2/27/03 to adopt the seven school K-5 reconfiguration plan, which was tabled indefinitely, be taken from the table, discussed and brought to a decision.” Denise Coppa seconded this motion. Bill Mudge responded with a point of order declaring “this was not advertised as a reconfiguration meeting, the public has not been notified, this is an illegal discussion.” Mr. DeFedele took a vote to allow the discussion to continue. All were in favor.

· Mr. Mulvey continued by saying that he is aware that there were several caveats to the K-5 plan, two being funding and bussing - all along he felt that there would be line tweaking. “As I have said many times, I think it is a long term plan which serves the community well.”

· Pat Watkins stated that although she supported the concept of the K-5 plans, she “cannot support one in its entirety this year.” The K-5 committee was “charged to address a long-term plan encompassing population structures.” Mrs. Watkins feels that the School Committee needs to utilize the recommendations from both the K-5 Committee and the School Modernization Committee in making its decision.

· Denise Coppa stated that she sees the merits of both the Superintendent’s plan as well as the K-5 Committee’s recommendations. “I like the longevity of the K-5; 5-10 years if we stay with K-5. I have to agree with Anne Maack. I bristle at the idea of not embracing equity. Also, with the budget challenges, we cannot bank on a referendum if we support the status quo.”

· Bill Mudge felt the need “to look at history and not repeat the past.” He was “very discouraged about the process including leaving out the community.” He was curious about the “genesis of the problem”, and stated that looking at reopening Fishing Cove as a K-center was in the Goals and Objectives of this committee this year. “What is the educational merit coming out of this redistricting? I can’t say that I support either plan. What financial ramifications did we have to close Fishing Cove?” There was a “social impact on the community” a multitude of complaints regarding the third bell time, questions regarding special education, full day Kindergarten, the survey, and “credibility of statements.”

· Barry Martasian commented that “a year ago I sat out there and I heard a call for a K-5 Committee and I was fearful that the committee would not be heard. I now know that we have another report to apply to their report. The School Committee is trying to fix something. DES students will go back when things change there. I cannot support a plan that would send students back to a school that is not ready. We have to apply the Modernization report to our decision. I cannot see not voting for either one of these plans. We have to make some choice and move forward. I can’t vote for this plan that is on the floor right now.”

· Pat Watkins responded to Mr. Martasian’s remarks: “I think this committee has grown a lot since the election. I think we have tried to embrace the community through the K-5 and the Modernization Committees and the press in coming up with a solution. I know the community may disagree with me, but I think that we have to reopen Fishing Cove so that we can demonstrate to the Board of Regents that we are using all of our facilities.”

· Don DeFedele then spoke to the committee: “This committee has got to make a decision so that the administration can do their jobs. This is not a new idea (the Superintendent’s plan). Maybe the public doesn’t know everything, but there are time constraints. If it seems that we are under the gun again, that is because it is the nature of the beast. There is a budget process. The budget was cut by the Town Council – could we still do 7 elementary schools? I understand that information was conveyed to this committee on May 13^th. Now, what is the configuration? I asked the Superintendent if he was not in agreement with the K-5 proposals what was his option – he has done that. That is where we are now. I am going to fight hard for bond money…that we need for quality and equity that we need to upgrade our schools.”

· Denise Coppa mentioned that either plan, the K-5 Committee or the Superintendent’s, supports the School Modernization plan.

· Carol Hueston felt that Denise Coppa’s point was well taken, and added “why move students more than once if it is not necessary.”

· Dr. Coppa also mentioned that when she read the K-5 proposals that she did not see a mention of a recommendation of additional classrooms.

· Bill Mudge questioned if the School Committee did justice to the K-5 Committee’s 4 proposals and wondered if they obtained the financial costs. He also stated that he would “support Mr. Mulvey’s recommendation.”

· Kevin Mulvey stated that he felt it was clear that the K-5 Committee’s proposals were not fully discussed by the School Committee, and that he did not think that the town would pass a bond.

Vote

v Don DeFedele called for a roll call vote on the motion to “adopt the seven school K-5 reconfiguration plan”. The vote revealed Don DeFedele: No; Denise Coppa: Yes; Carol Hueston: No; Barry Martasian: No; Bill Mudge: Yes; Kevin Mulvey: Yes; Pat Watkins: No. The motion did not pass: 3/4

Motion

· Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston motioned to Support the Superintendent’s town-wide Reconfiguration Recommendation as presented.

Vote

v Don DeFedele called for a roll call vote on this motion. The vote revealed Don DeFedele: Yes; Denise Coppa: No; Carol Hueston: Yes; Barry Martasian: Yes; Bill Mudge: No; Kevin Mulvey: No; Pat Watkins: Yes. This motion did pass: 4/3

Motions

· Kevin Mulvey submitted a motion form which read: “I move that the motion on the floor to adopt the configuration proposal recommended by the superintendent be amended to include the following language: ‘If a bond referendum to upgrade and add classroom space at Davisville and Forest Park Elementary Schools is not approved by the voters of North Kingstown by the end of November 2004, then the K-5 Reorganization Committee’s seven K-5 school configuration plan will be implemented for Davisville, Forest Park, and Quidnessett Elementary Schools for the 2005-2006 School Year.’” This motion did not receive a second. (Appendix E)

· Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa motioned to continue all other agenda items to June 11, 2003 Worksession. Vote 7/0.

VII. Reports

A. Subcommittee Reports

B. RIASC and other Legislative Activity

IX. Comments

· Korrine Erickson stated that she’d like to thank the committee for their hard work. She’d like the members “to go into the schools and see what is working and what isn’t because some comments made from some (committee) members do not mesh with what I see.” She also wanted to know if Head Start was staying at Fishing Cove. Dr. Halley responded that there would be a place for Head Start, but not at Fishing Cove.

· Mary Kate Mulligan thanked Pat Watkins for answering her emails. Is angered that her children now walk to Wickford Elementary School, but next year will be bussed two and a half miles to Fishing Cove.

· Kathy Brown agrees with Mary Kate Mulligan that the lines should not be “cut in stone”.

· Diane DelGrecco – 18 years in college admissions at URI – NK has routinely had the highest Centennial Scholarship recipients, knows she can be confident in GPA and class rank reported by NKHS so why change.

X. 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 Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa at 10:38 pm, clock counter, 3:10:16. *At the election of the employee, the personnel matter may be heard in public.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________________

Konnie M. Mazur

School Committee Secretary