NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, June 26, 2002

7:00 PM Business Meeting

Central Administration Building                                                                                                                            100 Fairway Drive

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Minutes

           I.          Pledge of Allegiance

           I.          Call To Order                      The meeting was called to order at 7:13 PM.

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

 

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

         II.          Presentations

 

      A.            SELAC Annual Report by Pam Weiger

                      Ms. Weiger presented the Special Education Local Advisory Council’s Annual Report.  A complete copy of the report can be obtained in the Central Office.  Thank you to Ms. Weiger for the report.

 

B.                   LINKS Annual Report by Leslie Buckley

Ms. Buckley presented the Laymen in North Kingstown Schools Annual Report.  LINKS volunteers have logged 7,464 hours so far this year.  The mentoring program is very successful and a banner was shown with the handiwork of fifty-one pairs of mentors and lunch buddies.  The LINKS program is ready for the Fall with coordinators in each school.  Thank you to Ms. Buckley for the report.

 

       III.          Open Forum

·         Christopher Schubert thanked the professionals that work directly with his children everyday.  The special education program is still somewhat in limbo and seemingly is being treated as an afterthought.  We are advocating for these kids.

·         Toni Silveira thanked the committee for dealing with the issue of new projects off School Street.  Please get the facts of how many units they are planning on building in writing because the information keeps changing. 

·         April Brunelle wanted to clarify the dispensation of the lawsuit regarding an open meeting law violation.  Two of the three plaintiffs wanted to drop the charges and it was never determined if the school committee broke the open meeting law.  Efforts have been made to provide seating and the vote was rescinded.

·         Diana Elwell listed the consequences of recent actions in terms of critical testing years and the special education program not being firm yet.  Requested the committee to rescind their May 22nd decision and spot redistrict Davisvlle Elementary School.

·         Cathy Esposito does not want Dr. Halley’s contract extended for one year.  Do not vote or vote to delay.  Need to “chill out” and reassess where we are.

·         Jay Ficazzola said that a lot of people showed up at a hearing last night for the proposed development off School Street.  Would like to see the phrase “a significant impact at this time in the Davisville Area” when referring to this issue.

·         Barry Martasian would like to see open communication.  Wished the committee to not extend the contract for the following year.

·         Karen Flynn commented regarding the change in school start times.  Did the school committee know bell times would change if kindergarten were moved?  Has anyone thought about the working parent, after school programs start at 4:00 PM, and day care issues?  Let’s look at the bus situation again.  “Earlier is much better than later.”

·         Bill Mudge talked about assessment of performance and the extension of the contract.  Also, legal issues regarding quid pro quo contracts for janitorial services. 

·         Regina Wilkinson said that the start time at Forest Park is too late and a major inconvenience for working parents.

 

           I.          Routine Items

 

A.                  Correspondence  clock counter (cc)  3831

·         Dr. Coppa received a letter regarding Latin and Italian being added to the Foreign Language Department course offerings.

·         Pat Watkins was impressed with the musical performance at the graduation.

·         Lynne Haft received thank you notes for attending the DARE graduations, an invitation to the Open Government Summit Roger Williams University School of Law on August 2 (Pat Watkins suggested that school committee candidates be invited), thank you notes for the retirees’ reception, and a Quidnessett Elementary School yearbook.

 

B.                   Calendar- There are no school committee meetings in July.  The next school committee worksession is scheduled for August 14, 2002 at 7:00 PM in the Central Administration Building.

 

CONSENT AGENDA  cc  4323

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Pat Watkins and seconded by Mike Northup (7/0).

Approved items that were exempted or amended within the consent agenda are marked with ** as indicated immediately following the item.

Withdrawn or Tabled Items from the consent agenda are marked with *** as indicated immediately following the item.

 

C.                   Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings*

1.                    April 10, 2002 School Committee Worksession

2.                    April 24, 2002 School Committee Business Meeting

3.                    April 24, 2002 School Committee Executive Session

4.                    May 1, 2002 School Committee Worksession

5.                    May 6, 2002 School Committee Worksession

6.                    May 8, 2002 School Committee Worksession

7.                    May 13, 2002 School Committee Make-up Meeting

8.                    May 13, 2002 School Committee Worksession

9.                    May 15, 2002 School Committee Worksession

10.                 May 20, 2002 School Committee Worksession

11.                 May 22, 2002 School Committee Business Meeting

12.                 May 22, 2002 School Committee Executive Session

13.                 June 12, 2002 School Committee Executive Session

 

D.                  Financial Reports

1.                    Financial Narrative from the Director of Administrative Services**

Mike Northup exempted this report for a question on the Special Needs Tuition Accounts.  Approved on a motion by Dr. Coppa/Pat Watkins (7/0).

2.                    NKSD Year to Date Expenditure Report as of 05/31/02**

Dr. Coppa exempted this report for a question on the profit from the food service program and where the overrun will be placed.  Mr. Quinn said that employee insurance must be paid for the Summer.  Approved on a motion by Dr. Coppa/Pat Watkins (7/0).

 

E.                   Bids and Awards

1.                    Special Needs Bus Purchase (24 Passenger/2 Wheelchairs)*

                It is recommended that $48,784.00 be awarded to School Lines, Inc., as the lowest qualified bid, for the purchase of one Special Needs Bus as per specifications.

2.                    New Bus Contract*

                It is recommended that a seven-year bus contract be awarded to Donel Cooper in conformance with the North Kingstown Bus Contractor’s Agreement.  Contract dates:  8/1/02-7/31/09.

3.                    Pavement Sealing and Repair- Various locations*

                It is recommended that $28,430.40 be awarded to Allstate Seal, as the lowest qualified bid, for the completion of work as specified in the bid.

4.                    Quidnessett Elementary School Bid/Change Order**

                **Exempted by Lynne Haft.  The contractor has not returned a specific number.  Mr. Quinn would like to poll the committee once the exact number is known.  Pat Watkins motioned to agree to have the school committee polled in August when final figures are received and have this placed on the August worksession consent agenda.  Carol Hueston seconded the motion.  Motion passed (7/0).

5.                    New Bus Contract*

                It is recommended that in accordance with the Agreement between the North Kingstown School Committee and the North Kingstown Bus Contractors Association, that Debra Sullivan be awarded a new 7-year contract with 5-year renewal option subject to the terms of said agreement. Contract dates:  7/1/02-6/30/09 plus extension to 6/30/14.

6.                    School Bus Agreement*

                It is recommended that School Committee approve a new seven-year bus contract with five-year renewal option for Paul and Toni Mumford.  This contract award is in conformance with the agreement between the North Kingstown School Committee and the North Kingstown Bus Contractors Association.  Contract dates:  7/1/02-6/30/09.

7.                    Modifications to High School Chemistry Rooms and Stairway Modifications to Stair # 1 (Main Staircase)**

Background:  A bid specification to accomplish this work has been completed and the bid advertised.  This work will complete the chemistry rooms including special sinks, water, gas and special ventilation.  The main staircase will be modified.  All of this work is beyond original High School design and will be paid out of CIP funds. 

Cost:  Unknown.                                  Funding Source:  School Capital Improvement Fund

Beginning Date of Program/Project:  7/9/02

Ending Date of Program/Project:  8/21/02

Recommendation or comments:  In that the cost nor vendor are known, it is recommended that the School Committee extend a telephone approval in early July once this information is known.  Your vote would refer to this agenda item and would be contingent upon the Town Council’s approval of the necessary appropriation from the School Capital Improvement Fund.

                **  Exempted by Dr. Coppa.  Why aren’t the architects held accountable?  Dr. Halley said that this is a legal issue that will be addressed via a discussion with the town.  The superintendent will keep the school committee informed on this topic.  Pat Watkins motioned to agree to have the school committee polled in August when final figures are received and have this placed on the August worksession consent agenda.  Carol Hueston seconded the motion.  Motion passed (7/0).

8.                    Purchase of 14 Foot Cut Away Hi Cube Van with Lift Gate to Upgrade School Supply Delivery Truck*

Recommendation:  It is recommended that Colony Ford Truck Center, Inc. be awarded $28,200.00 for one (1) 14 foot Cut Away Hi Cube Van with Lift Gate as the lowest qualified bid.

               

F.                   Textbook Adoptions*

1.                    Environmental Science

                Understanding Your Environment, Copyright: 2000

                Living in the Environment:  Principles, Connections and Solutions (NASTA Edition)  12th edition

2.                    Earth Science

                Earth’s Dynamic Geosphere, Earth’s Fluid Spheres, Earth’s Natural Resources, Earth System Evolution, Copyright: 2001

3.                    Video Production Courses

                Cyber Rookies:  Making Digital Videos, Copyright: 2002

 

G.                   Personnel Items*

1.                    Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff:

a)                   Charles Smith, 2nd Shift Custodian at Davisville Middle School, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, Step 9 @ $13.55 per hour, effective June 24, 2002.

b)                   Bryan Jennings, 2nd Shift Custodian at Quidnessett Elementary School, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, Step 10 @ $14.88 per hour, effective June 24, 2002.

2.                    Appointment, 2002 Extended School Year Coordinator:

a)                   Rachel Santa with a salary of $5,250.

3.                    Approval of Voluntary Layoff, Certificated Staff:

a)                   Diann Cote, 1.0 FTE Social Studies Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, effective June 25, 2002.

4.                    Approval of Layoffs, Certificated Staff:

a)                   Aaron Guckian, 1.0 FTE Music Teacher at Quidnessett Elementary School, effective June 25, 2002.

b)                   Patricia Jutras, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Quidnessett Elementary School, effective June 25, 2002.

c)                   Darrel Sutton, .6 FTE Social Studies Teacher at the North Kingstown.

d)                   Patricia McGauran, .6 FTE Media Specialist at Quidnessett Elementary School, effective June 25, 2002.

5.                    Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff:

a)                   Lauretta Johnson, Custodian, 4 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 20 hours per week, effective June 14, 2002.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

A break was taken at 8:15 PM.  The meeting resumed at 8:28 PM.

         II.          New Business

A.                  Elementary School K-5 Organization Committee Charge for approval  cc  10025-

Motion to approve the Elementary School K-5 Organization Committee Charge was made by Pat Watkins/Dr. Coppa.

Discussion:  Are we abdicating what is ultimately our responsibility?  Draft a motion to the superintendent to carry out that goal if the school committee supports the K-5, 7-school plan.  The spirit of forming the Elementary School K-5 Organization Committee was to create an advisory body, much like the Growth Management Committee body. 

Original motion was withdrawn.

Motion by Ms. Watkins that the charge of the Elementary School K-5 Organization Advisory Committee be approved.  Motion did not receive a second.

Discussion:  The spirit was to give the community as much input into the details of reorganizing the elementary schools as possible.  Mike Northup:  I have not heard a firm commitment from the school committee for a seven K-5 elementary school plan.  Ms. Watkins:  If this is the plan that the community is willing to support both emotionally and budget-wise, I certainly will support the budget before the town council that financially supports this plan.

Motion to approve the Elementary School K-5 Organization Advisory Committee was made by Dr. DeFrances/Pat Watkins (6/1(Northup)).

 

Elementary School K-5 Organization Advisory Committee

 

Be it resolved that the school committee appoints representatives of the school community to a committee to study the issue of offering Kindergarten through grade five instruction in seven elementary schools.  This committee will be composed of a representative nominated by the School Advisory Committee of each school supplemented by volunteers representing various constituencies of the school community to include parents, teachers, staff, administrators, community members, town officials and students.  The committee will consist of no more than twenty members and will elect its chair from among the members.  The task of the Elementary School K-5 Organization Advisory Committee will be to propose a reorganization plan of the current elementary schools into seven elementary schools serving distinct areas of the town.  A final report detailing the attendance areas and financial impact to support the proposal will be presented to the school committee no later than the Work Session of November 2002.  An interim report detailing the attendance zones proposed will be presented to the school communities for review during the month of October 2002.  Assistance in developing the reorganization plan and financial impact will be provided by school department employees as necessary.  The committee will then be responsible for presenting its recommendations to the school committee for approval.

 

B.                   School Modernization Advisory Committee Charge for approval  cc  15500- Approved on a motion by Dr. Coppa/Carol Hueston (7/0). 

 

School Modernization Advisory Committee

 

Be it resolved that the school committee appoints representatives of the school community to a committee to study the issue of updating and modernizing school facilities in order to offer more effective educational programs.  This committee will be composed of a representative nominated by the School Advisory Committee of each school supplemented by volunteers representing various constituencies of the school community to include parents, teachers, staff, administrators, community members, town officials and students.  The committee will consist of no more than twenty members and will elect its chair from among the members.  The task of the School Modernization Advisory Committee will be to develop a school modernization program for Davisville Elementary School, Forest Park Elementary School, Fishing Cove Elementary School and Wickford Middle School to support the educational program requirements of these schools.    An interim report detailing the programmatic needs of each of these schools and the costs of meeting these needs will be presented to the school communities for review during the month of October 2002.  Upon approval of the concept, the committee will assist the school committee in gaining referendum approval for the project from the Town Council, the Department of Education, the General Assembly and the voters of North Kingstown from November, 2002 until such time as the voters approve the funding of the project.

 

C.                   Proposed adjustments to bring 2002-03 Budget into conformance with the Town Council Budget as of May 1, 2002 for approval  cc  20055- Motion to approve the adjustments as presented at the 6/12/02 school committee meeting was made by Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston (7/0).  Ms. Buck will have the accounting sheets for the school committee incorporating these adjustments.

 

D.                  Superintendent’s Contract for approval  cc  20500-  Mike Northup pointed out that the school committee is not obligated at this time to extend the contract.  Motion to extend Dr. Halley’s contract for one year (to 6/30/05) was made by Carol Hueston/Pat Watkins.  A roll call vote yielded 6 yes votes and 1 no vote (Northup).

 

E.                   Summer School Proposal- 2002 for approval- Dr. Coppa requested that a sentence be added to the Policies for Summer School on Page 6 under MEDICATIONS encouraging students to not bring medications to school, especially controlled substances.  Approved on a motion by Mike Northup/Pat Watkins (7/0). 

 

F.                   Graduation Credit Requirements for approval- Graduation Credit Requirements as presented at the 6/12/02 school committee meeting were approved on a motion by Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston (7/0).

 

G.                   Letter regarding Proposed Development off School Street for approval  cc  21300- Approved on a motion by Dr. Coppa/Pat Watkins (7/0).  The letter follows:

 

Ms. Pamela J. Shupp

AICP, Home Program Coordinator

Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation

 

Dear Ms. Shupp,

 

I am writing this letter in response to your Memorandum of May 7, 2002 on the subject of Proposed Project for Plat 155, Lots 1 and 4, off School Street, North Kingstown, RI.  You have asked me to comment on the impact of the proposed development on the school district and the district’s ability to provide educational services to the residents.

 

Assuming that each of the twelve units might have three elementary aged students the maximum impact on Davisville Elementary School would be thirty-six students.  Davisville Elementary School is a small elementary school that serves a high percentage of students within walking distance of the school.  The school has limited capacity.  For School Year 2002/3, the fourth and fifth grade students from Davisville Elementary School will attend Quidnessett Elementary School due to a shortage of space at Davisville Elementary School.   The addition of housing units to the Davisville Elementary School attendance area would have a negative impact on that school.  There would be no negative impact on either Davisville Middle School or North Kingstown High School.

 

In spite of the comments in the previous paragraph the impact of the proposed housing on the entire North Kingstown School district would not be negative.  The district as an entity has more than adequate space and programs to provide quality educational services to the residents of the proposed project.  The North Kingstown School Department is committed to efforts to insure that our community provides opportunities to a cross section of demographic, cultural and economic diversity that is representative of the population at large.  Our students benefit by being a part of a diverse community.

 

In order to minimize the immediate impact of this project on Davisville Elementary School, the School Committee has requested that consideration be given to implementing this project in phases over a period of time.

 

James M. Halley

Superintendent of Schools

 

       III.          Unfinished Business  cc  21606

A.                  2001-02 School Budget- None

B.                   2002-03 School Budget- None

C.                   2001-02 School Department Goals and Objectives- None

D.                  2002-03 School Department Goals and Objectives- The committee has decided to meet for a full day workshop to discuss 2003-04 Goals and Objectives on Monday, August 19, 2002 at a location to be determined.

 

       IV.          Reports

A.                  Enrollment Report- None.

B.                   Policy Subcommittee Report- Ms. Forbes reported that for September there are governance policies that have been consolidated.  For August, policies relating to school volunteerism, home schooling and student conduct will be on the worksession agenda.

C.                   RIASC and other Legislative Activity- Dr. Halley reported work on a joint RIASC/RIASA professional development process with a theme of “Measuring Student Achievement.”  A Statewide Database will be available as early as next Fall at a cost of $4/student.  The superintendent spoke about a RINET information system, ESEA preparations and K-12 Standards.  Information regarding student achievement can be utilized.  Also, there is a project where reading teachers will use palm pilots to take notes on their student’s performance.

D.                  School Based Health Center Community Committee- None; and this report should be discontinued for future agendas.

 

         V.          Comments  cc  22950

§         Dr. Coppa would like two items placed on the agenda for the goals and objective worksession.  The start times at the schools, in particular the high school in terms of sleep patterns.  The creation of the need for substitutes as a result of professional development and the problem of consistency in the classroom.

§         Carol Hueston said the graduation was lovely.

§         Pat Watkins said the graduation was lovely and would like more seating available next year on the platform.  Complimented Sarah Gregory for her hard work regarding the veterans who received their diplomas at the graduation.  Have a wonderful summer.

§         Lynne Haft congratulated Karin Forbes who is the incoming Rotary President, congratulations to all of the graduates, congratulations to the fast pitch girl’s softball team.  We have great teachers committed to professional development and we are lucky to have them.  The Elementary School K-5 Organization Advisory Committee and the School Modernization Advisory Committee should be on every agenda.  Carol Hueston is the liaison to the Elementary K-5 Committee, Karin Forbes is the liaison to the Modernization Committee and Lynne Haft is an alternate.  Congratulations to Dr. Halley on the extension of his contract.

§         Dr. Halley thanked the committee for their show of confidence and is looking forward to the next three years.  “We’ve made tremendous gains.”  The two committees will be constituted in the next two weeks. 

§         Dr. Fitzsimmons complimented the Cast-a Spell professional development program that was quite successful.

§         Barry Martasian thanked Denise Coppa for looking into the substitute teacher problem.

§         Pam Weiger suggested that a preschool parent be on the Elementary School K-5 Organization Advisory Committee.

 

       VI.          A motion to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (1) and (2) for Personnel Issues* was made by Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston at 10:14 PM, clock counter 2:47:40.  A roll call vote yielded unanimous approval.   The school committee will return to open session following the executive session; however, no business will be conducted.  *At the election of the employee, the personnel matter may be heard in public.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                _______________________________________

                                                                                                Donna F. Keough

                                                                                                School Committee Secretary