NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday June 25, 2003

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 7:02 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; Daniel J. McGregor, Ph.D., Director of Pupil Personnel Services  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

                                                                               

       IV.          Presentation                   Advantage Marketing Information:  Richard Nagele

 

The “Summary of Findings” of the Survey states that “The preliminary data indicate that the North Kingstown School District faces challenges in reconciling a variety of (sometimes contradictory) priorities as held by the parents of North Kingstown elementary school children.”

 

 Mr. Nagele was at the meeting to explain these findings to the committee.  He stated that of the 2,400 questionnaires sent to parents, a total of 1,023 were returned by May 31.  Advantage Marketing Information felt that this was an “excellent” response rate of 42.6%, and that the sample size being large could be considered to be highly reliable.  Almost half of the respondents wrote comments to the School Department, and Mr. Nagele stated that the surveys with comments were passed along to the appropriate School Department personnel for review.

 

The results of the survey revealed the top three issues with parents are:

 

1.        The same educational programs available to children no matter which school child is in

2.        Children to attend schools that are not crowded

3.        Children to stay in same school during elementary years

 

The survey results also revealed that having Kindergarten in the elementary schools was not an important issue to parents at this time.

 

The full survey results can be obtained in the Superintendent’s Office.

 

         V.          Presentation                         School Support Report: RIDE’s Sally Radford, Educational Specialist,

                                                      Dept. of Special Needs (Appendix A)

 

Ms. Radford explained that in March and April of this year, the NKSD underwent a School Support System visit which focused on students with disabilities.  These visits are routinely scheduled for every 5 years.  Ms. Radford stated that North Kingstown School Department should be proud as it fared well during this system visit. 

 

Ms. Radford described the School Department’s strengths and weaknesses to the committee:

1.  In the area earmarked “Trends and Themes” there were 119 findings – 70% positive, 30% were site issues which need to be addressed.

2.  Strengths – COZ; Parents as Teachers; Technology; High participation in State Assessment; drop out rate better than the state average

4.  Teacher Practices – 76% of special needs students are in integrated classrooms

5.  Compliance Findings – Written Special Education procedures and forms not followed in all schools; limited options for self contained settings; lack of individual counseling and social work at High School; Teacher Support Teams not active at every school; special ed usage of general ed materials; there is a need for a match of students with special needs with paraprofessionals’ abilities; specific facility issues; and isolated record review citations.

 

Ms. Radford answered questions put forth by the School Committee:

1.    Mr. Mudge questioned: why not a full time Special Education Supervisor?

Ms. Radford stated that it was not an issue.

2.        Dr. Coppa questioned: “Of the 30% not in compliance (Trends and Themes), is there a time frame?”

Ms. Radford responded that each citation has its own time frame for resolution.

 

                                                                To access a full copy of the School Support Report go to www.ritap.org

 

 

 

At 8:35 pm there was a 15 minute break.  The meeting resumed at 8:50 pm.

 

 

 

       VI.          Open Forum

·         Muriel Camarra stated that she felt that any student who lives within a mile from a school should go to that school.

·         Maria Lees would like transportation for her child if he is granted the transfer to Hamilton Elementary School.

·         Sharon Schubert would like the School Committee to take a look at the School Committee policies on redistricting JCA-R (Establishing School Attendance Boundary Lines) and JCAA (“Wherever possible, and where classroom space can be made available, 5th grade students will be given the choice to remain at their current school with bussing provided.”  Dr. Halley has repeatedly stated at School Committee meetings on redistricting issues that this will not be possible during this reconfiguration.)

·         Kathy Brown brought up issues regarding the minutes of previous meetings and agenda items.

·         April Brunelle discussed the formation of Save Our Schools

·         Jennifer Wright Sharpe is urging School Committee members to vote for the middle school string program.

·         Pam Weiger thanking School Committee and mentions that she had concerns last year about her 5th grader moving to Quidnessett Elementary School; however, her child had a very positive school year.

 

     VII.          Routine Items

 

A.                  Correspondence and Good News

Don DeFedele would like to recognize the fact that Dr. Katherine Sepala, Superintendent of Jamestown Schools and Mr. Bucky Brennan, of the Jamestown School Committee were in attendance.

·         Barry Martasian stated that he received emails regarding redistricting

·         Pat Watkins has “Good News”:  she attended both the Honors Night and the Graduation at the high school, and the number of scholarships awarded was “tremendous, and across the spectrum of students;” appeared to be over 50% of the class.  “Kudos to the staff.”  She would be interested in knowing the total dollar amount in scholarship money awarded to the class.

·         Bill Mudge received a letter regarding a student; has a memo to the Town Council regarding the Jamestown tuition issue; correspondence to Dr. Halley regarding the cost of Fishing Cove; list of transfers; budget authority; line item authority; lack of athletic facility safety; comments to town manager on budget; and he would like these items to be placed in the minutes (Appendices C-I).

·         Carol Hueston received emails regarding redistricting.

·         Kevin Mulvey stated that he received the same.

·         Denise Coppa stated that she received letters regarding Italian in the high school.

·         Don DeFedele commented that the Graduation at the high school was fun; he received emails regarding the reconfiguration and requesting appeals, stated that he advised parents to contact the administration and fill out transfer forms.

 

B.                   Calendars

·         Dr. Halley and Don DeFedele went over the calendar for August 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 (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

 

a)       May 21, 2003 Reconfiguration Meeting Minutes**

Mr. Mudge would like item 3 of the 1st page of the minutes to include the phrase “in compliance with special education regulations”.  Pat Watkins/Barry Martasian moved to approve as amended.  Vote:  7/0

 

b)       May 28, 2003 Executive Session Minutes*

 

c)       May 28, 2003 Business Meeting Minutes**

d)       June 11, 2003 Executive Session Minutes**

Mr. Mudge exempted and then withdrew his exemptions of items (c) and (d).  Pat Watkins and Barry Martasian moved to approve these items.  Vote:  6/1

 

e)       June 11, 2003 Worksession Minutes*

 

D.                  Financial Reports – Kevin Mulvey/ Pat Watkins moved to accept the reports.  Vote: 6/1

 

E.                   Textbook Adoptions – Pat Watkins/ Barry Martasian moved to accept the Textbook Adoptions.  Vote: 7/0

 

1.        Music

a.        Kindergarten – Grade 6:  Share the Music

b.       Grades 7 and 8: Music? Its Role and Importance in Our Lives

 

F.                   Bids and Awards – Pat Watkins/Barry Martasian move to approve.  Vote 7/0

1.        Award New School Bus Contract: Paul Mumford and Toni Mumford New 7-Year School Bus Contract with a 5-Year Extension

2.        Fishing Cove Playground Equipment

3.        Davisville Elementary, Forest Park Elementary, and Stony Lane Elementary Schools Roof Replacements

4.        NKHS Television Studio Equipment Replacement

5.        NKHS Aluminum Portable Outdoor Bleachers

6.        Gym Floor (Wood) Refinishing at NKHS and Davisville Middle School

7.        Replacement of Two-Person Lockers (180) at DMS

8.        Carpet Installation in various locations throughout Wickford Middle School, Wickford Elementary School, and the Administration Building

9.        Replacement of Maintenance Truck – Gas Powered Commercial Cut-away Van

10.     Special Education Bus Replacement

11.     Fishing Cove Fencing Bid

 

G.                   Personnel Items

 

1.                    Appointments, Non-Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   James Parker, 2nd Shift Custodian at the North Kingstown High School, Step 1 @ $11.31 per hour, effective June 2, 2003.

 

b)                   Roger Pearson, 2nd Shift Custodian at Fishing Cove School, Step 10 @ $15.44 per hour, effective June 16, 2003.

 

c)                   Barbara Pierson, 2nd Shift Custodian at Stony Lane Elementary School, Step 10 @ $15.44 per hour, effective June 16, 2003.

 

d)                   Albert Norman, 2nd Shift Custodian at Quidnessett Elementary School, Step 1 @ $11.31, effective June 16, 2003.

2.                    Appointments, Administrator: - Bill Mudge/Barry Martasian move to approve appointments. 

Vote 7/0

 

a)                   Morag Cronkite, Principal at Hamilton Elementary School, total salary $77,105 plus any negotiated increases, effective August 1, 2003

 

b)                   Douglas Pierson, Principal at Fishing Cove School, total salary $78,682, plus any negotiated increases, effective August 1, 2003.

 

3.                    Appointment, Summer 2003 Extended School Year Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Rachel Santa, 2003 ESY Coordinator, $5250.

 

b)                   Holly Champlin, Preschool ESY Teacher @ Fishing Cove, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 9:30 am – noon, Monday – Friday, $22.50 per hour.

 

c)                   Leslie Maymon, Preschool ESY Teacher @ Fishing Cove, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 9:30 am – noon, Tuesday & Thursday, $22.50 per hour.

 

d)                   Maxine Rosen, Preschool ESY Teacher @ Fishing Cove, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 9:30 am – noon, Tuesday and Thursday, $22.50 per hour.

 

e)                   Jacquelyn DiPrete, 1st Grade Elementary ESY Teacher @ Quidnessett Elementary School, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, $22.50 per hour.

 

f)                    Kenneth Duva, 2nd Grade Elementary ESY Teacher @ Quidnessett Elementary School, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, $22.50 per hour.

 

g)                   Robin Leather,  3rd Grade Elementary ESY Teacher @ Quidnessett Elementary School, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, $22.50 per hour.

 

h)                   David Stepka, 4th/5th Grade Elementary ESY Teacher @ Quidnessett Elementary School, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, $22.50 per hour.

i)                     Paula Fortin, K-2 Grades TIP ESY Teacher, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 8 am – 2 pm, Monday through Friday, $22.50 per hour.

 

j)                     Patricia Moorehead, K-2 Grades TIP ESY Teacher, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 8 am – 2 pm, Monday through Friday, $22.50 per hour.

 

k)                   Kaylen Macera, 3rd – 5th Grades TIP ESY Teacher, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, 8 am – 2 pm, Monday through Friday, $22.50 per hour.

 

l)                     Jaime George, Middle School ESY Teacher @ the North Kingstown High School, 8:15 am – 11:15 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $22.50 per hour.

 

m)                  Peter Maroni, High School ESY Teacher @ the North Kingstown High School, 8:15 am – 11:15 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $22.50 per hour.

 

n)                   Marilyn Grant, Physical Therapist for the Summer ESY Program, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, up to 20 hours per week, $22.50 per hour.

 

o)                   Bethany Pratt, Occupational Therapist for the Summer ESY Program, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, up to 20 hours per week, $22.50 per hour.

 

p)                   Diane Linane, Occupational Therapist for the Summer ESY Program, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, up to 20 hours per week, $22.50 per hour.

 

q)                   Jeannine Martins, Speech Therapist for the TIP ESY Program, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, up to 20 hours per week, $22.50 per hour.

 

 

4.                    Appointment, Summer 2003 Extended School Year Non-Certificated Staff:*

a)                   Teri Wolff, Preschool ESY Paraprofessional @ Fishing Cove, 9:30 am – noon, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

b)                   Joanne Rollinson, Preschool ESY Paraprofessional @ Fishing Cove, 9:30 am – noon, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

c)                   Virginia Elliott, Preschool ESY Paraprofessional @ Fishing Cove, 9:30 am – noon, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

d)                   Debbie Peck, Preschool ESY Paraprofessional @ Fishing Cove, 9:30 am – noon, Tuesday and Thursday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

e)                   Ann Marie Breslin, Preschool ESY Paraprofessional @ Fishing Cove, 9:30 am – noon, Tuesday and Thursday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

f)                    Barbara Green, Preschool ESY Paraprofessional @ Fishing Cove, 9:30 am – noon, Tuesday and Thursday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

g)                   Linda McDonnell, Preschool ESY Paraprofessional @ Fishing Cove, 9:30 am – noon, Tuesday and Thursday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

h)                   Debbie Hammond, 1st Grade Elementary ESY Paraprofessional @ Quidnessett Elementary School, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

i)                     Elizabeth Morander, 1st Grade Elementary ESY Paraprofessional @ Quidnessett Elementary School, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

j)                     Cathy Monaghan, 2nd Grade Elementary ESY Paraprofessional @ Quidnessett Elementary School, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

k)                   Norman Timpson, 2nd Grade Elementary ESY Paraprofessional @ Quidnessett Elementary School, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

l)                     Linda Lischio, 3rd Grade Elementary ESY Paraprofessional @ Quidnessett Elementary School, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

m)                  Martina Tregaskis, 3rd Grade Elementary ESY Paraprofessional @ Quidnessett Elementary School, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

n)                   Kristen O’Neill, 4th/5th Grade Elementary ESY Paraprofessional @ Quidnessett Elementary School, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

o)                   Diane Jolicoeur, K-2 Grades TIP ESY Paraprofessional, 8 am – 2 pm, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

p)                   Gina Lawson, K-2 Grades TIP ESY Paraprofessional, 8 am – 2 pm, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

q)                   Casey Hardie, 3-5 Grades TIP ESY Paraprofessional, 8 am – 2 pm, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

r)                    Stephanie Weber, K-2 TIP ESY Paraprofessional, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

s)                   Carol Welesko, 3-5 Grades TIP ESY Paraprofessional, 8 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

t)                    Anne Bernt, Middle School ESY Paraprofessional, 8:15 am – 11:15 am, Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

u)                   Sylvia Brown, High School ESY Paraprofessional, 8:15 am – 11:15 am , Monday through Friday, July 7, 2003 through August 15, 2003, $9.29 per hour.

 

5.                    Approval of Salary Increases, Non-Unit Personnel:*

 

a)                   Leann Pickering, Systems Analyst, total salary $54,351, effective July 1, 2003.

 

b)                   Russell Hryzan, Network Specialist, total salary of $44,056, effective July 1, 2003.

 

c)                   Ronald Verdi, Senior Computer Technician, total salary of $38,667, effective July 1, 2003.

 

d)                   Stephen Antonelli, Senior Computer Technician, total salary of $40,600, effective July 1, 2003.

 

e)                   David Wright, Computer Technician, total salary of $33,104, effective July 1, 2003.

 

6.                    Approval of Unpaid Leave of Absence, Non-Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Linda Williams, Special Education Paraprofessional at Stony Lane Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, from March 2, 2003 until March 31, 2004.

 

b)                   Jane Robbins, Special Education Paraprofessional at Quidnessett Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week for the 2003/2004 school year.

 

7.                    Approval, 2002/2003 Advisor:*

 

Davisville Middle School

 

Robert Shaffer                      Drama                                     $205

 

8.                    Approval of Sabbatical Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Audrey Friedman, 1.0 FTE Language Arts Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Step 10 plus Masters + 30 credits for a total sabbatical salary of $17,696.88 plus any negotiated salary increases, from January 5, 2004 through the remainder of the 2003/2004 school year.

 

9.                    Resignations, Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Tracy, Myska, 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher at Wickford Elementary School, July 1, 2003.

 

b)                   Linda Pelosi, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School, effective August 22, 2003.

 

10.                 Appointment, Special Education Advisory Committee: Bill Mudge/Pat Watkins move to accept appointments.  Vote:  7/0

a.        Pauline Lisi, Principal Davisville Elementary School as Administrative Representative.

b.       Donna Knott, Teacher Davisville Elementary School as Education Representative.

c.        Barbara Brousseau, as Special Education representative.

d.       Brittany Elliot, North Kingstown High School Student

 

H.      Food Services Program Food Price Increase

Discussion of the $19,000 loss of income resulting from the end of the extended breakfast program was initiated by Pat Watkins.  Joe Quinn responded by stating that four years ago a price increase could have been sought but because of the extended breakfast program the food services program has “been running in the black”.  Because of the introduction of Block Scheduling there is the loss of the extended breakfast program, and therefore the necessity of the price increase.  Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa move to approve.  Vote: 7/0

  

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

V.            New Business

               

                A.            About Face Program – Mr. Richard Beneducci spoke to the School Committee about a federally funded

                                Job Training youth program aimed at high school aged children in and out of school.  It is a RI National

Guard program for at risk children, identified through the school system, which provides cash incentives to turn kids around.  The program runs for 16 weeks and involves about 30 children. Graduation is scheduled for October 16, 2003.

·         Barry Martasian asked if the National Guard used this program as a recruiting tool, and Mr. Beneducci responded negatively, and that the National Guard sees this program as a community relations vehicle.  The “Forward March” program is used as their recruiting vehicle.

·         Pat Watkins commented that she has seen the program in action at SORICO.  As the program is in effect only until the end of November, are there any plans for it to continue?  Mr. Beneducci responded that the program is budget driven, but it is the highest scoring program in RI.

 

At 10:20 pm there was a seven minute break.  The meeting resumed at 10:27 pm.

 

VI.           Unfinished Business

 

A.                  Superintendent’s Contract for Approval – On June 11, 2003, in executive session, a vote was taken to approve the Superintendent’s Contract for an additional 3 years to expire in 2006.  The vote taken at that meeting was 4/3 in favor.  Roll call vote revealed:  Don DeFedele, Carol Hueston, Barry Martasian, Pat Watkins voting “Yes”; Denise Coppa, Bill Mudge, and Kevin Mulvey voting “No”.

 

B.                   Jamestown Transportation Contract

 

·         Bill Mudge initiated the discussion by stating that he would like data on the cost differential between the cost of educating a North Kingstown student and a Jamestown student in North Kingstown.  He stated that the new

 

contract rate is based on educating a Jamestown student two years ago.  Mr. Mudge also stated that Jamestown pays only a portion of the principal of the bonds issued for the building of the new high school, and none of the interest, he reiterated that it is important for taxpayers to understand that.

·         Don DeFedele declared that that the Jamestown Subcommittee was charged with entering into negotiations with Jamestown and he asked Kathy Kaiser (School Committee Representative from Jamestown) if her committee was in agreement with the contract which was drawn up.  She stated the affirmative, and Mr. DeFedele added that the subcommittee was also in agreement.

·         Bill Mudge did not feel that there was sufficient information, and was insistent on knowing how much it was going to cost North Kingstown.

·         Kevin Mulvey commented that “the subcommittee negotiated a contract that kept Jamestown with (the North Kingstown School system), and that we could afford.  I think that when you look at negotiations, there is a give and take.  If we contracted harder, we could have run the risk of losing Jamestown.”

·         Denise Coppa/Pat Watkins move to approve contract.  Vote:  6/1.  Contract signing in August.

 

C.                   Musical Instrument Advisory Committee String Proposals for Discussion and Action – Dr. Halley presented the School Committee with the administration’s position on the strings proposal (Appendix B).  He also stated that he is a strong supporter of the arts; however, he believes that the school system should invest in the capabilities of all children and not just a select few.  He stated that he is not happy with the “creep of extra curricular music programs into the curricular program”, and suggested that perhaps the string instruments could be taught in conjunction with the band.  Davisville Middle School music teacher, Michael Thibodeau, did not agree with that proposal.  Mr. Thibodeau stated that not all music instructors know how to teach strings and that to put those instruments in the band would make the band an orchestra and “I will have to throw out the saxophones.”

·         Denise Coppa/Kevin Mulvey motioned to include strings at the middle schools with the.6 teaching position and supported funding as outlined by the Musical Instrument Advisory Committee String Proposal.

·         Pat Watkins mentioned that if she were a parent of a jazz band or an advanced band student she would want to know why the strings were put into the curricular day.  “All students should have a shot.  Where I would be going is, why aren’t we looking at all of them?”

·         Denise Coppa stated that as a parent of a jazz band student those students have regular band as part of their curricular day.

·         Don DeFedele was interested in the number of children that continued on from the elementary school to middle school band.  60-70% dropout from middle school to high school band.   Assuming that the string proposal goes forward, Mr. DeFedele was interested in knowing if the same numbers could be anticipated.  Mr. Thibodeau responded that there was no way of knowing that information and that there was no way of knowing how many students would be interested in switching from band to strings.

·         Denise Coppa then stated that it was now a budgetary issue, “I know our budget is strained, but how many students would this teacher service?”  Mr. Thibodeau responded that the teacher would instruct approximately 70 students. 

·         Barry Martasian stated that he would like to see more time and effort put into an effective plan and not vote on the topic as reactionaries.

·         Dr. Coppa replied that there is a plan and the School Committee can vote to support it, the teachers are ready to go with it in September and the principals have said that they are ready to go.

Vote on this topic: 4/3

 

D.                  Music Curriculum – Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa move to approve curriculum.  Vote: 7/0.  Dr. Fitzsimmons had to inform the committee that because they voted to approve the string proposal of the Advisory Committee, the music curriculum would need revision and those changes would be forthcoming.

 

E.                   School Security – Move to August Worksession – Pat Watkins/Barry Martasian

F.                   North Kingstown School Department Position Paper on Reimbursement of Medicaid Expenses – Denise Coppa Barry Martasian move to accept the position paper. Vote: 6/1

·         Kevin Mulvey stated he would like to hold off and narrow it down.

Pat Watkins/Barry Martasian amend the motion to accept the position paper and refer it to the Budget Subcommittee for recommendations.  Vote: 6/1, Bill Mudge voting in the negative.

G.            School Modernization Implementation – Bill Mudge stated he is concerned about construction of 8 classrooms at Fishing Cove, and he’d like information about cost.  Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston move to place on August Worksession agenda.  Vote: 7/0

H.            Reconfiguration Implementation

          North Kingstown School Committee Motion Submission Form

Date: 6/25/03

Agenda Item: Reconfiguration Implementation

Committee Member: Kevin Mulvey

I move that:

The School Committee directs the superintendent to review the areas listed on the attached sheet to determine if the redistricting lines, as adopted, are the most appropriate. The superintendent is to provide to the Committee the following information:

 

Number of students, by grade, in each of the areas listed on the attached sheet

The projected 2003-2004 enrollment, by grade, at each school listed on the sheet

The number of classrooms available at each of the listed schools and the number of those that are projected to be utilized, by grade, under the redistricting plan

 

The superintendent should also review the districting of the listed areas from a busing efficiency perspective. An analysis should be performed to determine if the redistricting leads to efficient transportation or if revisions to the districting would improve the busing efficiency.

 

The superintendent should provide his analysis/comments with the information requested.

 

Seconded by: Bill Mudge

 

·         Carol Hueston was concerned with doing all of this extra work before the beginning of school.  Dr. Halley responded that if the School Committee is going act on this, it would be difficult for him to manage to complete it before August.

·         Don DeFedele was wary of revisiting redistricting at this point, and stated that there were ways of requesting alternate placements.

·         Dr. Coppa agreed with Mr. Mulvey in spirit, but had to concur with Mr. DeFedele and Dr. Halley.

·          Bill Mudge was interested in having Dr. Halley review the districting, and asked “Why not look at it?”

·         Kevin Mulvey stated that he would be willing to have a special meeting since the redistricting of the town was a long term plan, “why not take another look at it?”

·         Don DeFedele stated that the School Committee has voted on a proposal and there are forms at the administration building that parents can fill out to request transfers.

The vote on this issue: 2/5, Kevin Mulvey and Bill Mudge for, Don DeFedele, Denise Coppa, Carol Hueston, Barry Martasian, Pat Watkins, against.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.              Policies – none

 

J.             2002-03 School Budget

 

K.            2003-04 School Budget – Barry Martasian suggested that the Budget Subcommittee should make a more readable budget a priority.  Kevin Mulvey stated that he would see to that suggestion as he had been elected chair of the subcommittee.

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

M.           2003-04 School Department Goals and Objectives – Mr. DeFedele stated that in the   future, KeyWorks meetings will not be rescheduled for any reason.

VII.         Reports 

 

A.            SELAC Report ~ Sharon Schubert

1. Special needs high school students need help with socialization

2. Concerns regarding math curriculum

B.            Policy Subcommittee - none

C.            RIASC and other Legislative Activity – none

 

 

 

 

VIII.        Comments

  • Pam Weiger stated that social emotional teens in high school need help.  Support is very piecemeal.  At risk population could really use mentors.
  • Mary Kate Mulligan had questions concerning redistricting transportation.

 

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 Denise Coppa/Kevin Mulvey, at 12:43 pm, cc: 5:14:50.  *At the election of the employee, the personnel matter may be heard in public.

 

 Respectfully submitted,

 

 

_______________________________________

Konnie M. Mazur

School Committee Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A

 

SCHOOL SUPPORT SYSTEM REPORT

 

FOCUS AREAS IN REPORT

 

1. School Improvement

  • District's Strategic Plan
  • School Improvement Plans
  • Leadership (communication, resource allocation, implementation of plans). Student performance (Information Works, SALT Surveys)

 

2. School Climate

  • School policies (student handbook)
  • Organizational structure (class size, class composition, collegiality, teacher rnentoring programs, etc.)
  • Community outreach

 

3. Teaching Practices

  • Unique instructional initiatives
  • Research based best practices (standards-based instruction, common planning time, etc.)
  • Use of student assessment data to inform instructional practices

 

4. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

  • Program Continuum
  • Extent of participation in general education classroom
  • Educational program options (LEA/School alternative programs, Career and
  • Technical Centers, district charter schools, etc.)
  • Justification for student removal from LRE
  • Regional collaborative! Private school agencies

 

5. Teacher Support Team (TST)

  • TST data
  • TST referrals for special education evaluation

 

6. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

  • Pre-school Outreach (District Strategic Plan) 
  • Private school outreach
  • School removals/disciplinary policies
  • Drop-out/Graduation Rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A page 2

 

7. Facilities

  • General facilities
  • Related services
  • Evacuation plans

 

8. Evaluation

  • Initial evaluations (timelines, impact on access to general education) . Re-evaluations (progress rates, access to general curriculum). State assessment (Information Works)
  • Functional behavioral assessment (procedures, development of behavioral intervention plans)
  • Progress reports (outcomes of service delivery, use of information, impact on access to general education)

 

9. Individual Education Program OEP) /Procedural Safeguards

  • Procedural requirements
  • Access to and progress in general education curriculum
  • Record reviews

 

10. Transition (Procedures, IE? Development and Implementation) . Pre-school

  • Program-to-program
  • Grade-to-grade
  • Secondary (post-secondary outcomes, alternative educational options)
  • Vocational assessment (procedures, linkage to transition statement/plan)

 

11. Parent Involvement

  • Individual (procedural safeguards)
  • Group (Special Education Local Advisory Council, School Improvement Teams, etc.)

 

12. Professional Development

  • Individual/District/State
  • Parent technical assistance
  • Partnerships with institutes of higher education

 

 

 

 

*Indicators are listed as Performance or Compliance issues. Compliance issues refer to specific actions of I.D.EA., whereas performance issues are broader in interpretation and may refer to strengths and/or needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix B

 

 

Administration Position on Strings Program Proposal

 

 

The issue of a separate strings program for middle school students goes directly to the heart of the purpose of education in serving all students.

 

The purpose of education is to develop competency in all students to enable them to be successful in life. This competency is measured by standards in various fields of study that are applied to the achievement of all students. The assumption is that all students achieve the standards and that the success of a program is measured by the extent to which all students achieve the standards. It is from these standards that curriculum, study units, lessons plans and instruction are developed.

 

Since students develop at differing rates, achieve at differing levels in various areas of study, and have differing interests, school systems offer students experiences outside of the curriculum to address these needs. In North Kingstown, the most highly developed extracurricular program is athletics. Extra curricular programs also exist in the areas of music, visual arts, performing arts, student government, community service and a wide variety of special interest areas. By far, the largest number of extracurricular programs exists at the secondary level.

 

Over the years, some activities that properly belong in the extracurricular program have crept into the curriculum. This movement has taken place, primarily, at the secondary level where advanced and/or specialized courses have been introduced to serve the interests or needs of specific populations of students. Some examples of these courses are yearbook, band, advanced placement programs, communications, graphic arts, etc. These courses can be justified as an extension and enrichment of the curriculum under the assumption that the students taking these programs have already exceeded all of the standards in all curriculum areas.

 

There has also been a movement of extracurricular programs into the middle and elementary school curricular program. This movement has been primarily in the area of music where instrumental music that is restricted to certain populations has been offered within the school day as a part of the curriculum. The assumption of these programs is that they are not required of all students. In effect, this movement has created a two tiered program in which some students are held to different standards than other students. This practice undermines the ability to hold all students to high standards of performance in the area of instrumental music. If instrumental music is a part of the curriculum, it should be a requirement of all students and all students should be held accountable for meeting the standards.

 

I recommend that the issue of instrumental music be studied and proposals be made for the development at the elementary and middle school level of a program that is designed so that all students meet national standards. I recommend that funding be placed in the budget for school year 2004/5 to provide a comprehensive extracurricular program in all areas of the fine arts outside of the school day. This program should use the current athletic program that combines school and community resources as a model.

 

Until such a program can be developed and funded, I recommend that the current instrumental music program at the elementary level be continued. At the middle school level, I recommend that a strings component be integrated into the current band instructional model. No additional staff will be necessary. Professional development will be provided by the district to build the capacity of current music teachers to deliver strings instruction within the band format.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix C

 

 

Original Message From: bmudge2 [mailto:bmudge2@cox.net]

 

Sent: Tuesday, June 03,20034:07 PM To: Halley, James

Subject: Insite Reports

 

Dr. Halley

 

I would like you to provide me with two sets of all reports that can be generated from the FYO2 State

Insite program as soon as possible, follwed by a copy of the FYO1 and FYOO reports.

 Please advise when they are available.

 

Thank You,

 

Bill Mudge

 

 

 

From: "Halley, James" <James_Halley@NKSD.NET>

To: "bmudge2" <bmudge2@cox.net>

 

Cc: <WatkinP@dcyf.state.ri.us>; "Mulvey, Kevin" <Kevin_Mulvey@NKSD.NET>; "Watkins, Patricia" <Patricia_Watkins@NKSD.NET>; "Coppa, Denise" <Denise_Coppa@NKSD.NET>; "DeFedele, Don" <Don_DeFedele@NKSD.NET>; "Hueston, Carol" <Carol_Hueston@NKSD.NET>; "Martasian, Barry" <Barry_Martasian@NKSD.NET>; "Mazur, Konnie" <Konnie_Mazur@NKSD.NET>; "Mudge, Bill" <Bill_Mudge@NKSD.NET>; "Nutini, Karen" <Karen_Nutini@NKSD.NET>; "Quinn, Joseph" <Joseph_Quinn@NKSD.NET>; "Daly, William" <William_Daly@NKSD.NET>; "Fitzsimmons, Barbara" <Barbara_Fitzsimmons@NKSD.NET>; "McGregor, Daniel" <Daniel_McGregor@NKSD.NET>

 

Sent: Wednesday, June 04,200311 :56 AM

Subject: RE: Insite Reports

 

 

 

Mr. Mudge

 

You neglected to send this e-mail to the entire committee. School Committees act as a whole not as individuals.

 

Dr. Halley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix C page 2

 

From: bmudge2 [mailto:bmudge2@cox.net]

Sent: Tuesday, June 03,20036:07 PM

To: Halley, James

Subject: Re: Insite Reports

 

Dr Halley

 

Again, I have not been provided with this information. I respectfully request you immediately provide this information. In addition, this request is not subject to or require the approval of the School Committee.

 

Bill Mudge

______________________________________________________________________________________

To: bmudge2 ; WatkinP@dcyf.state.ri.us; Mulvey, Kevin; Watkins, Patricia; Coppa, Denise;  DeFedele Don; Hueston, Carol; Martasian, Barry; Mazur, Konnie; Mudge, Bill; Nutini, Karen

Cc: Buck, Maureen, Quinn Joseph; Daly, William; Fitzsimmons, Barbara; McGregor, Daniel

 Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 20034:42 PM

Subject: RE: Insite Reports

 

Mr. Mudge

 

You have already been provided with this information. I will forward your request to the School Committee for consideration and advice.

 

Dr. Halley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix D

 

 

 

From: bmudge2 [mailto:bmudge2@cox.net]

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2003 1:24 PM

To: Halley, James

Subject: School Budget

 

Dr. Halley:

 

I would like to know what the school budget surplus has been for the past three fiscal years and your estimate surplus for this year (F/Y03).

 

 

Thank you,

 

Bill Mudge

 

 

Mr. Mudge

 

Please look on page 3.16 of your budget. It is too early to estimate if there will be a surplus this year.

 

Dr. Halley

 

From: NKRI [mailto:NKRI@cox.net]

Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2003 11:42 AM To: Cindy Olobri

Cc: Almonte, Ernie; Standardtimes; Charles St. Martin; sspitler@mail,ricentral.com; scounty@projo,com;

Erin Emlock; R. Hempe; Dr. Muriel Camarra; k_streuli@Alum.Dartmouth.org; jfwaxman@cox.net; rooster; Tony Giarrusso; Bill Gilbert; Ken Freeborn; Vic Fasolino; Inherit the Earth Farm; Kathy Esposito; Elizabeth S. Dolan; Patrica Delaney; peter coogan; David A. Cote'; Pam Cotter; April Brunelle; Amy Brock; Bucky Brennan; B Blaine; Bob; Dick Bee; Jim Baker; Joe Avanzato; Dave Wrenn; wildgoose@aol.com; Colette and Nicholas Gilroy

Subject: Fw: School Budget

 

Dr Mrs. Olobri

 

As the financial officer of North Kingstown, I would like you to confirm and certify that the school surplus listed on Page 3.16 of the school budget is correct and accurately represents the School Department's Operating budget surplus for FYOO, FY/01 and FY 02. By operating budget, I specifically refer to the approved School Fund budget(not the capital reserve account) delineated in the town manager's budget and approved by the town council. Please identify any discrepancies in the report with regard to the FY/01 or FY/02 Fiscal Audit.

 

For your Information, I would like to mention that the school department did certified and reported an Yn~X9-~e.-d budget appropriation of $369.343.60 to the Department of Education for FY/02. Also, I have been unable to identify this surplus in the School Budget, Town Manager's Budget report or the town's FY/02 Fiscal Audit. Please reconcile the allocation of this funding surplus.

 

Please separately identify the amount of monies appropriated in FY01 & 02 to the School Capital

Reserve Fund and the origin of the appropriation. For example, I believe in FY02, $500K of Capital Reserve Money was derived from tax revenues. From what account did the remaining $120K come from? Also, I would like to know what the current fund balance is and if any fund balance is encumbered, and if so, please identify the approved encumbrances.

 

Finally, as the financial officer of North Kingstown, I want you to confirm that the receipt of Medicaid revenues by NK during the past six years have been identified and reconciled in the annual town fiscal audits. Furthermore, I want your certification that the receipt and expenditure of Medicaid revenues has been reported in compliance with all local, state, federal and GMP regulations.

 

Your immediate response is requested to support my deliberations concerning the allocation of the FYO3 school budget.

 

Thank You,

 

Bill Mudge

 

Resident and taxpayer of N K Member, NK School Committee

Appendix D page 2

 

 

From: Cindy Olobri [mailto:COlobri@northkingstown.org]

Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 6:59 PM

To: NKRI

Cc: CPA James D. Wilkinson (E-mail); Buck, Maureen; Rich Kerbel; Halley, James

Subject: RE: School Budget

 

Dear Mr. Mudge,

 

I returned today from a 3-day training conference to find this request. I have given a quick look at the documents that you have referenced below and it seems that you would like me to tie out figures from various reports all generated by different parties but all related to the School Department's budget over the last few years. I will try to do this but it will take some time that I don't have right now. I am taking the next two weeks off for vacation. After I return on June 9th I will be very busy with preparation of all the year end votes for Town Council consideration on the 9th and 16th for year end actions and setting up the new fiscal year as well as generating the tax bills for the new fiscal year so those must be my first priority. After all those things are done I will try to address your questions. In the meantime, I will ask the auditors and Maureen Buck to provide me with some background information about their documents as well.

 

Cindy Olobri, Finance Director Town of North Kingstown 80 Boston Neck Rd

North Kingstown, RI 02852

 

Phone: 401-294-3331 Fax: 401-885-7373

 

 

 

From: "Halley, James" <James_Halley@NKSD.NET>

To: "Cindy Olobri" <COlobri@northkingstown.org>; Cc: "NKRI" <NKRI@cox.net>

"CPA James D. Wilkinson (E-mail)" <jwilkinson@yourcpafirm.com>; "Buck, Maureen" <Maureen_Buck@NKSD.NET>; "Rich Kerbel" <RKerbel@northkingstown.org>; <WatkinP@dcyf.state.ri.us>; "Mulvey, Kevin" <Kevin_Mulvey@NKSD.NET>; "Watkins, Patricia" <Patricia_Watkins@NKSD.NET>; "Coppa, Denise" <Denise_Coppa@NKSD.NET>; "DeFedele, Don" <Don_DeFedele@NKSD.NET>; "Hueston, Carol" <Carol_Hueston@NKSD.NET>; "Martasian, Barry" <Barry_Martasian@NKSD.NET>; "Mazur, Konnie" <Konnie_Mazur@NKSD.NET>; "Mudge, Bill" <Bill_Mudge@NKSD.NET>; "Nutini, Karen" <Karen_Nutini@NKSD.NET>

 

Sent: Friday, May 23, 2003 9: 18 AM

Subject: RE: School Budget

 

 

Cindy

 

It has been explained to Mr. Mudge several times that the $369 thousand unexpended appropriation was due to the overestimation of state aid to education. It is monies that were appropriated but not funded and therefore, were not expended.

 

Jim

Appendix E

 

From: bmudge [mailto:bmudge2@cox.net]

Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2003 3:36 PM

To: Rich Kerbel

Cc: Liz Dolan

Subject: NK Town Budget

 

Mr Kerbel.

 

I have the following comments and questions concerning the FY04 Town Budget. Your prompt response to these questions should expedite the joint meeting of the Town Council and the School Committee scheduled for April 21,2002.

 

Page 2- at the top of the page the budget presentation regarding School Financial data for F/YO4 is very misleading. It is inappropriate to combine three separate accounts and suggest that the percentage school increase is 4.6%. The blending of two Town Council accounts (School Debt and Capital Reserve) with the School Committee's operating budget is very troubling to me because the increase and/or decrease of each separate account is not visible and may imply the wrong message.

 

Page 18 - I estimate that the Town of North Kingstown will receive approximately $800,000 in FY04 as a reimbursement for projected Medicaid expenditures that are included in the current FY04 school budget. Accordingly, this reasonably anticipated refund should be included in the "revenue" portion of the town budget. Please note that, I believe, by not including this revenue in your budget, you may be in violation of both the town charter and state regulations. Furthermore, I have seen no evidence that these dollars have ever been audited and are not so displayed in the Fiscal Year town audits. With respect to this issue, I would like to know if prior year Medicaid revenues have been included in the auditor's review of the town's finances and if not, why not.

 

Page 21- The Beginning Fund Balances for FY02, FY03 and FY04 are reflected at $9,080,101, $6,892,440 and $8,563,117 respectively. I would like to know both of the school-operating fund and the school

capital fund balances for FYOO, FY01 and FY02. I assume that there is not an expected school fund balance for FY03 and FY04. I would like to note that the school department reported a FY 02 school fund surplus balance of $369,343 to the Dept of Ed on Nov 7,2002.

Page 21- I would like an explanation why tuition rates remain unchanged from FY03 to FY04, especially given the fact that the school department has requested a 6+% increase during the same fiscal period. I want an explanation why, as the Town Manager, you approved the reduction of Jamestown's tuition revenue by approx $111,000 and I would also like a copy of your data and calculations that delineate your decision. It should be noted that, to my understanding, this recommendation has not been review or endorsed by the school committee. I would also like know, what portion of the 1990 and 1998 school bond issues and any other high school capital expenses are include in the Jamestown Tuition rate structure.

 

Page 22- I find it very misleading to combine the Education and School Capital Reserve accounts into one account of $44,058,005. For example, by subtracting the FY02 Capital Reserve appropriation of $500,000 from this figure we arrive at an actual expenditure of $43,438,005 or more than $967,374 over the FY02 reported budget of $42,461,631(Page 18). Please explain the derivation of this excessive expenditure.

 

Page 95- Appendix A, I would like a detailed accounting of the individual programs that are summarized as State Revenues of $10,848,027. I would also like a list of all capital projects that will be funded by the Major Capital Outlay's of $848,344 and $500,00 for the School Fund and the School Capital Reserve Fund, respectively.

 

North Kingstown Revenues, Page 2 - I would like to have a listing of the FY02 expenditures that are

attributed to the $1,327,335 that was appropriated from the Capital Reserve Fund (Act #412101) and are now included in the school fund as opposed to a separate fund.

 

The Town's FY02 Fiscal Audit, Page 71 states there is an Unrestricted School fund balance of $2,196,920. Accordingly, I would like a listing projects, equipment, etc for the encumbrance total of $1,935,02, subsequent years expenditures of $120,000 and the un designated allocation $51,893. I would like am explanation of how these fund balances have been factor/accounted for into the FY03 or FY04 budget.

 

Finally, I would like clarification of the reason why $664,922 of School Capital Reserve Funding remains set aside for high school purposes.

 

Bill Mudge

 

Member, North Kingstwon School Committee

 

 

 

From: "Halley, James" <James_Halley@NKSD.NET>

To: <WatkinP@dcyf.state.ri.us>; "Mulvey, Kevin" <Kevin_Mulvey@NKSD.NET>; "Watkins, Patricia" <Patricia_Watkins@NKSD.NET>; "Coppa, Denise" <Denise_Coppa@NKSD.NET>; "De Fedele, Don" <Don_DeFedele@NKSD.NET>; "Haft, Lynne" <Lynne_Haft@NKSD.NET>; "Martasian, Barry" <Barry_Martasian@NKSD.NET>; "Mazur, Konnie" <Konnie_Mazur@NKSD.NET>; "Mudge, Bill" <Bill_Mudge@NKSD.NET>; "Nutini, Karen" <Karen_Nutini@NKSD.NET>

 

Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 200312:14 PM

Subject: FW: NK Town Budget

 

I find it very inappropriate that Mr. Mudge is acting as a member of the School Committee without seeking the advice and consent of the majority of the School Committee and without informing the other members of the School Committee.

 

Jim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix F

 

 

 

Message From: bmudge2 [mailto:bmudge2@cox.net]

Sent: Sunday, June 22,2003 11:06 AM

To: Halley, James; Coppa, Denise; DeFedele, Don; Carol Hueston; Martasian, Barry; Mulvey, Kevin; Watkins, Patricia

cc: Edolan@northkingstown.org ; Dgrogan@northkingstown.org ; Amiccolis@northkingstown.org ; Robin Porter; Jpatterson@northkingstown.org

Subject: HS Athlecic Fields

 

Dr Halley

 

I would like you to evaluate and prepare an in depth report regarding the critical lack of athletic field space at the high school. My concerns are premised on safety, transportation and cost issues associated with the need to have our students leave the high school complex to practice at other town wide and private facilities.

 

Your assessment should identify the all team activities (i.e. soccer, baseball, football etc.) that required field space for both practice and scheduled competition events and what provisions are made to accommodate these activities. Please include the average duration of each team's practice and competition event. I would like to know if transportation is provided to off site practices and the associated cost. Further, I would like you to address any potential liabilities concerning off site practices and if they affect or curtail school studies by the participants in any manner. I would also like to know if there is a trickle down affect or impact on other middle school, town recreation and other volunteer programs(i.e. youth soccer, football, lacrosse etc.) resulting from the utilization of these facilities in support of the high school programs. Please recognize this is not a debate over the issue whether voluntary organizations have a right to use town facilities, but rather what the impacts have been will continue be on these most important and well supported community programs.

 

As we all know two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time; therefore, because athletic fields can only sustain a certain level of usage/activity, please address this concern in terms of our current available field space. Should it be concluded that additional on-site athletic field capabilities are need at the high school, please provide you're near term and long-term recommendations to mitigate the deficiencies, including associated cost factors.

 

As a separate issue, I believe the current declivities on the baseball and softball field may pose a safety problem and a liability issue. Your specific attention is brought to the two foot, nine inch drop off along the left field line on the baseball field (home plate to the 315 ft marker) and to a lesser extent along right field line as well as the left line on the softball field. Therefore, it is recommended that a professional evaluation be conducted regarding the adequacy of the design and installation of the entire field complex. Also, after close observation of the soil suface, I recommend that soil samples be taken throughout the entire athletic field complex, including adjacent practices areas, to verify that the fields were properly top-dressed.

 

Respectfully,

 

Bill Mudge

 

 

 From: Halley, James

To: bmudge2; Coppa, Denise ; DeFedele, Don; Carol Hueston; Martasian, Barry; Mulvey, Kevin; Watkins, Pat

Cc: Edolan@northkingstown.org; Dgrogan@northkingstown.org; Amiccolis@northkingstown.org; Robin Porter; Jpatterson@northkingstown.org; rkerbel@northkingstown.org

Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003  8:43 AM

Subject: RE: HS Athletic Fields

 

Mr. Mudge

 

I await the direction of the school committee.

 

Dr. Halley

 

 

Appendix G page 2

 

 

From: "bmudge2" <bmudge2@cox.net>

 

To: "Halley, James" <James_Halley@NKSD.NET>; "Coppa, Denise" <Denise_Coppa@NKSD.NET>; "DeFedele, Don" <Don_DeFedele@NKSD.NET>; "Carol Hueston" <huestonc@ride.ri.net>; "Martasian, Barry" <Barry_Martasian@NKSD.NET>; "Mulvey, Kevin" <Kevin_Mulvey@NKSD.NET>; "Watkins, Patricia" <Patricia_Watkins@NKSD.NET>

Cc: <Edolan@northkingstown.org>; <Dg rogan@northkingstown.org>; <Amiccolis@northkingstown.org>; "Robin Porter" <Rporter@northkingstown.org>; <Jpatterson@northkingstown.org>; <rkerbel@northkingstown.org>

 

 

Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003 10:05 AM

Subject: Re: HS Athlecic Fields

 

 

 

Dr. Halley

 

I previously brought to your attention a safety issue at Hamilton Elementary School which you ignored out of hand and which may well have jeopardized the heath of the Building occupants.

I would remind you that the health and safety of the our school children is your responsibility. to not take action to mitigate a potential problem that has been brought to your attention violates your contract and state law.

In deed it is your responsibility to bring all school facility deficiencies to the school committees attention with a recommendation for their mitigation. Your response indicates that you do not feel or recognize that their is a lack of athletic field space at the high school is noteworthy.

 

Bill Mudge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix H

 

 

From: "bmudge" <bmudge2@cox.net>

To: "Halley, James" <James_Halley@NKSD.NET>

Cc: "Liz Dolan" <Matpatpete@cox.net>; "DeFedele, Don" <Don_DeFedele@NKSD.NET>

Sent: Friday, March 28, 2003 12:38 PM

Attach: Attachment (2)Cayer Prescott Clune Chatellier Audit Report.doc; Attachment (3) Cayer Prescott Clune & Chatellier Report of June 20,2002 Exhibit D.doc; Attachment (1) Supr Budget Authority Spread Sheet.xls (These attachments would not scan and are available for review in the Superintendent’s office)

Subject: Request for Information

3/27/2003

From: Bill Mudge, NK School Committee Member

To: Dr. Halley, Superintendent of Schools

 

The following request was previously submitted to you and School Committee Chairman, Don Defedele, on 12/18/02 and to date, I have yet to receive your response. Accordingly, I am requesting you to respond to this letter (e-mail) no later than 14 April 2003. I would like you to understand that your response to Item 4 below is critical to my assessment and determination of the amount of funding that should be budgeted for the school department in FY03/04.

 

1) Please fill out attachment (1) that, when completed, will delineated all FY2002 spending thresholds concerning the school department's expenditure authority in accordance with the NK School Committee

Policy DBK. Should I have misinterpreted the classification of the object and functional categories, please feel free to revise the spreadsheet to reflect your understanding of what the school budget funding thresholds are for FY2002.

 

2) Attachment (2) is taken from a Cayer Prescott Clune & Chatellier letter dated 12/10/1 to the NK Town Council. This letter identifies that various sole source purchases orders (contracts) in excess of $5,000 were made to certain vendor's with out the knowledge or approval of the school committee or superintendent. Accordingly, I respectively request a report from the Superintendent that addresses, but is not limited to, the following questions.

 

. How many unauthorized contracts were awarded.

. What was the purpose and total value of each unauthorized contract award? . Who approved the award of the unauthorized contracts?

. When were the unauthorized contracts issued and when was the work completed? . Has this unauthorized practice previously occurred during the pass six years?

. What vendors were the recipients of the unauthorized contract awards and what was the total cast of all contract awards to each vendor during the past six years? . What purchasing procedures were violated?

. Were the known purchased order violations addressed and resolved in accordance with the provisions of the Town Charter?

. When were the procurement violations identified to the school committee, was it in writing?

. What actions, if any, did the school committee take to insure that contract violations of this nature would not occur in the future?

Was this action documented and implemented?

 

3) Attachment (3) is Exhibit "0" taken from a report to the Town Council by Cayer Prescott Clune & Chatellier Report dated 9/19/2. Attachment (3)explains an unauthorized transaction between the school department personnel and the construction agent for the high school (Trataros). Accordingly, I respectively request a report from the Superintendent that addresses the applicable questions noted in Para. 2 above. In addition, I would also like to know if all equipment received was new and what the contractor's invoice's reflected as to his cost for each item purchased. Are the invoices recorded?

 

4) I would like a detail accounting of all Medicaid Revenue Expenditures ($726,762) for F/Y2002, including, but not limited to staffing expenditures, hardware or software purchases, equipment purchases, medical/professional services, transportation, or contracts that balance all Medicaid expenditures/revenues for the year.

 

Respectfully,

 

Bill Mudge

Member, North Kingstown School Committee

 

cc: Don Defedele, Chairman, North Kingstown School Committee Liz Dolan, President, North Kingstown Council

 

 

 

Appendix I

 

 

 

From: "Halley, James" James Hallev@NKSD.NET>

To: <WatkinP@dcvf.state.ri.us>; "Mulvey, Kevin" <Kevin Mulvev@NKSD.NET>; > "Watkins, Patricia" <Patricia Watkins@NKSD.NET>; "Coppa, Denise"

> <Denise Coppa@NKSD.NET>; "DeFedele, Don" <Don DeFedele@NKSD.NET>; "Hueston,

> Carol" <Carol Hueston@NKSD.NEI>; "Martasian, Barry"

> <Barry Martasian@NKSD.NET>; "Mazur, Konnie" <Konnie Mazur@NKSD.NET>; "Bill > Mudge" <Bill Mud~e@NKSD.NET>; "Nutini, Karen" <Karen Nutini@NKSD.NET> > Cc: "Quinn, Joseph" <Joseph Quinn@NKSD.NET>; "Daly, William" > <William Dalv@NKSD.NET>; "Fitzsimmons, Barbara"

> <Barbara Fitzsimmons@NKSD.NET>; "McGregor, Daniel" > <Daniel McGreQor@NKSD.NET>

Sent: Friday, June 13, 2003 4:31 PM

Subject: Reconfiguration

 

 

The attached letter will go out to all elementary school families next week.

 

Jim

 

Comments

By Dr. Halley

June 2003

 

On May 28, 2003, the North Kingstown School Committee adopted a redistricting plan that has major implications for the attendance zones of almost every elementary school in the town. Essentially, the plan reopens Fishing Cove School as a Kindergarten through fifth grade school resulting in moves of students from and among Hamilton, Stony Lane and Wickford Elementary schools. Students who currently attend Quidnessett and live south of Quonset will also attend Fishing Cove Elementary School beginning next fall. This plan was developed by the K-5Elementary School Reconfiguration committee composed of representatives from each elementary school. The plan was presented to the community last winter for discussion and input. Once the School Department budget for next year was approved the School Committee was able to act on the plan. With the exception of the students who are moving out of Quidnessett, the attendance zones and grade configurations of Davisville, Quidnessett and Forest Park Elementary school will remain the same as this year. Maps and street listings are available at the district office and each elementary school. If you are not sure what school your student will be attending please contact any elementary school or call 268-6403. Maps will also be printed in the local newspaper soon. The starting times for each school will remain the same as this school year. Fishing Cove Elementary School will start at either 8:45 or 9:05 AM. The exact time will be dependent on the development of bus routes. For this coming school year, the bus routes will be published in a local newspaper and posted in each school by mid August. Parents will not be receiving post cards in the mail. Bus route information will also be available at each elementary school and the district office in August. Because of the large scope of this redistricting plan, we will be unable to give special consideration to fifth grade students who want to remain in their current schools. We will continue to accept out of district placement requests. These requests will be approved in August based on space availability. Transportation will not be provided.

 In preparation for the reopening of Fishing Cove, Dr. Doug Pierson has been named as principal. Dr. Pierson has served as principal of Hamilton Elementary School for the past five years and is very excited about opening a new school and creating an exciting educational climate. At the request of the Hamilton school community I have recommended Ms. > Morag Cronkite to replace Dr. Pierson as principal of Hamilton. She is a veteran North Kingstown elementary school teacher and has worked as an administrative intern at Hamilton with Dr. Pierson for the past year. 

 Work has already begun at Fishing Cove to prepare for the opening. A playground area is currently being installed. Work has begun on upgrading the technology system for the school. Work will begin shortly on the expansion of the kitchen and cafeteria areas. All upgrades in the facility will be completed prior to the beginning of school next fall.   Material orders for textbooks, library books and furniture have already been placed and have begun to arrive. All materials will be in place well before the beginning of school. Teaching and support staff will be selected for the school prior to the close of this school year.

The preschool program, YMCA program and Parent Teacher Resource Center will remain at Fishing Cove. Dr. Pierson will be working on the details of classroom and class assignments as well as the schedule of the school day. If you have any questions, please contact him at 268-6521 or bye-mail at Doug_Pierson@nksd.net. If you are interested in helping to organize and form a Parent Teacher Association or in establishing a School Advisory Committee at Fishing Cove, please contact Dr. Pierson as soon as possible. 

 

 

 

Appendix I page 2

 

 

 

As always, the district staff will be working diligently throughout the summer to insure a smooth opening of all schools in the district for next school year.

On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration of the North Kingstown schools, I wish you and your families an enjoyable summer and look forward to the beginning of a new school year.

James M. Halley

Superintendent of Schools

 

 

Dr. Halley,

 

Is this information going to be placed on the NKSD website. If not, why not?

 

Is the Plan? If it is, it is absent a list of major milestones and completion dates. Please provide this data as previously requested.

 

I also want a detail accounting of all estimated and actual expenses related to the implementation of your plan, including but not limited to all building modifications/renovations, cost of outfitting the new library, the cost for additional kitchen equipments, playground improvements, all new procurement, etc etc.) Also, please cite the FlY and funding source for all expenditures. I would like the cost estimates and year to date expenditures to implement this plan presented prior to the next school committee meeting.

 

I would like you to develop and provide me a list containing all request for out of district placement. Please include the parents name, address and the schools in question (current assignment/requested assignment). In addition, please reflect the rational for accepting or denying the each request.

 

Please note you have taken it upon your self to unilaterally name Dr. Pierson as the principal of F/C without school committee discussion or approval.

 

You cooperation is appreciated.

 

Bill Mudge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix J

 

 

ADDENDUM TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF TOWN NORTH KINGSTOWN AND THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF JAMESTOWN Dated June 30, 2001

 

WHEREAS, the School Committee for the Town of North Kingstown (hereinafter "N.K.S.C.") and the School Committee for the Town of Jamestown (hereinafter "J.S.C.) entered into an agreement bearing the date of June 30, 2001, and

 

WHEREAS, the said School Committees are desirous of continuing that agreement and,

 

WHEREAS, the parties have agreed to make certain changes to said agreement.

 

THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

 

The parties agree to modify Article 6 of said agreement as follows.

a. All payments for this present academic year (2002-2003) have been received as agreed to by the parties.

 

b. For academic year 2003-2004, the tuition for students designated as general education students, that is students who are enrolled without a need for special services at the N.K.H.S. shall be computed on the following basis. Attached hereto is "Exhibit A" which is entitled "Tuition Calculations for FY2003 using FY2002 In$ite Jamestown HS based on 2001-2002 expenditures". All calculations shall be based on In$ite cost calculations. The methodology used for each of the expense categories is that as outlined in "Exhibit A". It is acknowledged that those expenses will change from year to year but the formula will remain the same. Both parties acknowledge that the calculations will be based on the In$ite calculations as established in the academic year concluding one year previously. fu other words, the cost for academic year 2003-2004 shall be based on In$ite calculations as established for academic year of 200 1- 2002; academic year 2004-2005 shall be based on the In$ite costs as established for the academic year 2002-2003; and the cost for academic year 2005-2006 shall be based on the costs of academic year 2003-2004 with that system of computing continuing into the future for as long as the parties agree to continue the enrollment agreement.

 

 

c. Using the methodology as set forth in subsection (b), the tuition costs for academic year 2003-2004 shall be one hundred percent of" Administrative ( Expenses (from B2 report)" as set out in "Exhibit A". The second category of tuition costs for academic year 2003-2004 shall be one hundred per cent of the "General Education Expenses (from "03 Report)" as set out in "Exhibit A". The final category of tuition costs is one hundred percent of the "HS Bonding Costs for Facilities" as set out in "Exhibit A". The sum of these categories shall be the per capita cost for each general education Jamestown student enrolled at N.K.H.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix J page 2

 

 

d. The tuition of all subsequent years of the agreement shall be computed in accordance with the formula in subsection (b) of this addendum. The expenses identified as "Administrative Expenses" shall be computed as one-half of the indirect cost figure allowable to grants applied to General Education Expenses. The "General Education Expenses" shall remain constant, i.e. one hundred per cent of the calculation as set forth under the heading of "General Education Expenses" shall remain in place. Fi.n1:l.:11.y, the "HS Bonding for Facilities" shall be reduced by thirty (30) per cent. The reduction as outlined beginning with academic year 2004-05 shall continue for the duration of the agreement unless modified by written agreement of the parties.

 

e. The next category of student tuitions is for those students with either Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and/or 504 plans. It is acknowledged that some of those students require out of district placement. Any Jamestown student requiring an out of district placement shall be the sole responsibility of Jamestown. Such students as may be educated at the high school with such supplemental services as are deemed appropriate pursuant to their education plans shall, barring extraordinary circumstances, be computed on the basis of the per capita costs of North Kingstown resident students receiving such services at the high school. The calculation used for determining the amount of tuition for each such Jamestown student shall be calculated in keeping with how that amount has been calculated pursuant to the "Special Education Tuition" category as set out in "Exhibit A". To such special education tuition costs shall be added the "Administrative Expenses" and "HS Bonding Costs for Facilities". As to these last two categories, the methodology employed will be the same as for general education students with one hundred per cent of said expenses being paid for academic year 2003-2004 and thereafter the Administrative Expenses being computed as one-half of the indirect cost figure allowable to grants applied to General Education expenses and the HS Bonding expenses being reduced by thirty per cent..

 

f. The final category of students are those Jamestown residents who qualify for supplemental services which go under the general heading "English as a Second Language" (hereinafter "ESL") Such tuition costs are set out in "Exhibit A" as "English Second Language Expenses (from 03 report)". The same methodology set out for the General Education tuition and Special Education tuition costs shall be used in establishing the total tuition expenses for such students.

 

g. All terms not specifically modified in said "addendum" shall remain in full force effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix J page 3

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this document by their duly authorized officers on the day and date of:______________________________________, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH KINGSTOWN

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________________________

Chairperson

 

 

 

SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF TOWN OF JAMESTOWN

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

Chairperson