NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

 

6:30 Executive Session for a Parent Appeal

 

7:00 PM Worksession

Central Administration Building                                                                                                                                                                                                    100 Fairway Drive, North Kingstown

“Challenging Student Excellence”

 

Minutes

 

 

                             I.      Meeting Organization

 

A.      Call to Order                        Pledge of Allegiance

Don DeFedele called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.

 

B.      Roll Call               Present:  Chairperson Don DeFedele; Vice Chairperson Dr. Denise

                            Coppa; Carol Hueston; Barry Martasian; Bill Mudge; Kevin Mulvey; Pat

                            Watkins; and Cathy Kaiser, Jamestown School Committee Representative

                                                               

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

Absent: Daniel J. McGregor, Ph.D., Director of Pupil Personnel Services

 

C.      Calendars            

       Don DeFedele and Dr. Halley discussed the important dates in August with the School

                          Committee.

 

 

                           II.      Routine Items            

                                         

A.   Correspondence 

 

Mr. DeFedele listed correspondence that has been received by the School Committee.

 

Consent Agenda:

                                                               

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston, vote 7/0 to approve.

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Withdrawn or Tabled Items from the consent agenda are marked with *** as indicated immediately following the item.

 

 

 

B.       Financial Items**

·         Exempted:  Bill Mudge requested a financial statement for the month ending June 30th.   Maureen Buck stated that the year was not closed out yet and there is an extension until August 30th.  There was only an interim statement sent into the state.  The end of the year report is usually given to the School Committee in September.

·         Mr. Mudge would still like a report before that time, as previous statements are given to the School Committee at the end of each month.

·         Mrs. Buck reported that there was approximately $18,000 left in the unexpended budget but there were still bills to be paid.  There are excess revenues that cannot be spent until they are appropriated.  Mrs. Buck offered to give the School Committee an interim report at the August Business Meeting instead of September, but it will be unaudited.  The offer was accepted.

·         Don DeFedele suggested that this item be discussed under the Budget portion of the agenda.                                                                                                                                        

 

C.       Bids and Awards**

1.        Asphalt Seal Coating for Davisville Middle School, Wickford Middle School and Wickford Elementary School

 

**Exempted – Bill Mudge wanted to postpone the vote on this item until the School Committee could discuss the budget.

 

·         Pat Watkins disagreed stating that this coating was a preventative measure

      to protect the lots and was part of maintenance.

·         Mr. Mudge stated that this is a capitol improvement project, not maintenance.

·         The rest of the School Committee disagreed, insisting that this was maintenance.

·         Kevin Mulvey made a motion to approve the asphalt seal coating for Davisville Middle, Wickford Middle and Wickford Elementary Schools.  Carol Hueston seconded.

·         Mr. Mudge stated that this was not identified in the budget, it could be deferred and we could use the money elsewhere.

·         Don DeFedele reiterated that this job needs to be done.

·         Comment from audience member April Brunelle -  She would like to see a list of all capitol improvement projects that are planned.  This is an unusual year because of budget cuts and she would like to see a complete list instead of talking about items one at a time.

·         Denise Coppa agreed that the work needed to be done, but would like to defer to the budget discussion.

·         Dr. Halley stated that the School Committee already approved the budget and the budget cuts.  A change now would require reconsideration from someone who voted for the budget.

·         Dr. Coppa asked if administration anticipated other major projects that would impact the $2.4 million dollars that have already been budgeted.

·         Joe Quinn stated that there was nothing anticipated, but we may have to adjust the maintenance budget as unexpected things come up.

·         Bill Mudge requested a list of maintenance projects.

·         Don DeFedele felt the School Committee doesn’t need to micromanage these items.

·         Vote:  7/0 approved.

 

 

D.       Personnel Items

1.                    Appointment, Administrator**

 

a)                   Lee Rabbitt, Director of Information Technology, with an annual salary of $86,940, effective August 9, 2004 – budgeted.**

 

·         Exempted:  Bill Mudge stated that this position was an enormous amount of money and was concerned that the position required a teaching certificate with he felt limited applicants.

·         Don DeFedele stated that the School Committee members were asked to be on the selection committee for this position and that those concerns should have been brought up at that time.  At this point the School Committee has to either approve or disapprove the appointment.

·         Bill Daly explained that the salary is equal to the same as the Bristol/Warren position which is tied into a very competitive community salary.

·         Denise Coppa said that Bill Mudge’s comments denigrate the school department personnel.  This position is more than just a computer technician  and we need to continue our outstanding computer program.

·         Kevin Mulvey motioned to approve the Director of Information Technology position.  Denise Coppa seconded.

·         Audience member Melvoid Benson asked if this position is a replacement position.  The answer was yes.  She also asked if it were in this year’s budget.  It is. 

·         Vote: 7/0 approved.

 

b)                   Kent Novak, Administrative Intern, Human Resources, Step 10 plus a Bachelor’s Degree + 30 Credits with an annual salary of $63,620, effective August 30, 2004. – non-budgeted.**

 

·         Exempted:  Denise Coppa disagreed with moving the Professional Development Coordinator position who she feels is not essential to the school department. 

·         Dr. Halley explained that the position is not being eliminated but will be incorporated into the intern position.  It is similar to the expanded responsibility of the grant coordinator’s position.  Administration expects that Mr. Daly will retire in the near future and this will insure that his position has a back up.  Mr. Novak will just be taking on additional duties.

·         Don DeFedele feels that this strategy makes sense and will strengthen the district.

·         Bill Mudge asked how much time will be spent as an intern as opposed to the professional development coordinator’s duties.

·         Dr. Halley responded that it will probably take more than 40 hours per week to do both jobs.

·         Barry Martasian pointed out that the only thing non-budgeted about this position is the title.  The salary remains the same and does not effect the budget.

·         Dr. Halley stated that this is a reorganization, not an addition of personnel.

·         Pat Watkins added that this is just a change of title and added duties.  It is the same as an aspiring principal and she feels the school department sees more qualified candidates with this approach.

·         Carol Hueston remarked that Mr. Novak will make the same salary no matter where we put him.

·         Bill Mudge stated that there is a full time position called the Professional Development Coordinator and asked what percentage of his time he will be doing as a professional development coordinator.

·         Bill Daly responded that this is a flexible situation which will change from month to month.  The Professional Development committee also handles professional development functions, so we do have the ability to be flexible with the intern position.

·         Bill Mudge suggested that this position should have been put out to bid to the rest of the staff to be an intern for Mr. Daly and asked why Mr. Novak was selected.

·         Dr. Halley responded that, like all interns, Mr. Novak expressed an interest.

·         Audience member Melvoid Benson asked if the school department was jeopardizing federal funds, stated that this was wrong and should have been advertised.

·         Bill Daly stated that we don’t advertise for the intern program.

·         Audience member Muriel Camara asked if this is a violation of Affirmative Action rules and stated that this is a very important position.

·         Bill Daly stated that once his retirement is announced, the position of Human Resource Director will be posted.  We don’t advertise for interns, just like the aspiring principal program, and it is not automatic that an intern would be appointed the position when open.

·         Don DeFedele recommended that this position be approved pending the outcome of making sure no federal money is at risk.

·         Dr. Halley stated that there is no federal money at risk and no equal opportunity issue at risk.  We train people all the time and do not ask the School Committee’s permission when we train.  Mr. Novak volunteered for the additional training and it is being recommended.

·         Audience member Bill Gilbert stated that this point is mute if Dr. Halley can appoint anyone to the position.

·         Kevin Mulvey motioned to amend the item to approve with the contingency that no federal money is at risk.  Carol Hueston seconded.

·         Vote: 6/1 approve - Bill Mudge voting no.

·         Roll Call on motion to approve Kent Novak as Administrative Intern, Human Resources:  Don DeFedele, yes; Denise Coppa, yes; Kevin Mulvey, yes; Carol Hueston, yes; Bill Mudge, no; Pat Watkins, yes; Barry Martasian, yes.

 

 

 

 

 

2.                    Appointments, Non-Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Catherine O’Connell, Itinerant Media Clerk, 7 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 35 hours per week, Step 10 @ $15.61 per hour, effective July 12, 2004 – budgeted.

 

b)                   Suzanne Shindell, Clerk at Hamilton Elementary School, 3.5 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 17.5 hours per week, Step 1 @ $11.45 per hour, effective August 3, 200 – budgeted.

 

c)                   Deborah Armitage, Food Service Worker at Wickford Middle School, 3 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 15 hours per week, Step 1 @ $8.18 per hour, effective September 1, 2004 – budgeted.

 

d)                   Denise Morgan, Food Service Worker at Hamilton Elementary School, 2 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 10 hours per week, Step 1 @ $8.18 per hour, effective September 1, 2004 – budgeted.

 

e)                   Nancy Meader, Food Service Worker at Wickford Elementary School, 2 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 10 hours per week, Step 1 @ $8.18 per hour, effective September 1, 200 – budgeted.

 

f)                    Leslie Buckley, Clerk - Athletics/Student Activities at the North Kingstown High School, 7 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 35 hours per week, Step 3 @ $12.13 per hour, effective August 10, 2004 – budgeted.

 

g)                   Marcel Bedard, 3rd Shift Custodian at the North Kingstown High School, Step 1 @ $11.58 per hour plus an hourly stipend of $.20 for a total hourly rate of $11.78, effective June 16, 2004 – budgeted.

 

h)                   David Wright, Senior Technician for the Information Technology Department with an annual salary of $38,667, effective July 1, 2004. – budgeted.**

 

 

·         Exempted:  Bill Mudge suggested that this promotion be postponed until the new director of technology can evaluate this position.

·         Denise Coppa disagreed saying that it is imperative to have experienced staff already in place.

·         Dr. Halley stated that this is a promotion of a person that is already on staff and has been doing the job.

·         Kevin Mulvey motioned to accept the promotion.  Pat Watkins seconded.

·         Vote 7/0 to approve.

 

 

 

 

 

3.                    Appointments, 2004 Summer School – enterprise account.*

 

Paraprofessional

 

Pamela Bilodeau   12 Hours @ $15.00                               $180

 

Elementary Teachers @ $22.50 Per Hour

 

Lisa Cimerol                                          45 Hours @ $22.50                               $1012.50

Kim Johnson                                         45 Hours @ $22.50                               $1012.50

Jo-Ann Walsh                                      45 Hours @ $22.50                               $1012.50

Susan Imschweiler                               29 Hours @ $22.50                               $ 652.50

Powell, Lisa                                           29 Hours @ $22.50                               $ 652.50

Michelle Porter                     45 Hours @ $22.50                               $1012.50

John Moss                                            49 Hours @ $22.50                               $1102.50

 

Middle & High School Teachers @ $22.50 Per Hour

 

Lea LaPorte(Spanish I)        34.5 Hours @ $22.50                            $776.25

Linda Law (Study Skills)     45 Hours @ $22.50                               1012.50

 

SOS Middle School Teachers @ $22.50 Per Hour

 

Savas Synodi                                        45 Hours @ $22.50                               $1012.50

Sean Lane                                              45 Hours @ $22.50                               $1012.50

Monica Clays                                       45 Hours @ $22.50                               $1012.50

 

4.                    Appointments, Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Vincessa Petisce, 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Step 1 with an annual salary of $34,145, effective August 30, 2004 – budgeted.

 

b)                   Hermes Leal, .6 FTE Foreign Language Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Step 5 plus a Bachelor’s + 30 credits with an annual salary of $27,063, effective August 30, 2004 – budgeted.

 

c)                   Alyssa Kauffman, 1.0 FTE Language Arts Teacher - 1 Year Only at Davisville Middle School, Step 2 with an annual salary of $36,123, effective August 30, 2004 – budgeted.

 

d)                   Brian McDonald, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher – 1 Year Only at the North Kingstown High School, Step 2 with an annual salary of $36,123, effective August 30, 2004 – budgeted.

 

e)                   Karen Estes, 1.0 FTE Itinerant School Psychologist, Step 10 + a Master’s plus 30 credits with an annual salary of $65,679, effective August 30, 200 – budgeted..

 

f)                    David Lopes, .2 FTE Social Studies Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Step 1 with an annual salary of $6,829, effective August 30, 2004 – non-budgeted.

 

g)                   Sheila Cahill, 1.0 FTE 6th Grade Teacher-1Year Only at Wickford Middle School, Step 2 with an annual salary of $36,123, effective August 30, 2004 – budgeted.

 

h)                   Brian Browne, .6 FTE Science Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Step 3 plus a Master’s Degree with an annual salary of $24,859, effective August 30, 2004 – non-budgeted.

 

i)                     Carol Gannon, .5 FTE Technology Educator at the North Kingstown High School, Step 3 plus a Master’s Degree with an annual salary of  $20,716, effective August 30, 2004 with a seniority date of  August 28, 2003 – budgeted.**

            Exempted – appointment withdrawn per Dr. Halley.

 

j)                     Jane Robbins, 1.0 FTE Grade 4 Teacher – 1 Year Only at Stony Lane Elementary School, Step 2 plus a Master’s Degree with an annual salary of $38,919, effective August 30, 2004 – budgeted.

 

5.                    Appointments, 2004/2005 Coaches –budgeted*

 

North Kingstown High School

 

Jason Shabo         Summer Weight Training Coach                       $3452

 

6.                    Recall, Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Karee Anderson, .2 FTE Physical Education Teacher at the North Kingstown School Department, Step 3 with an annual salary of $7,727, effective August 30, 2004 with a seniority date of August 26, 2002 – .1 budgeted and .1 non-budgeted

 

7.                    Approval of Request for Unpaid Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Marcia Voccio, 1.0 FTE 6th Grade Teacher at Wickford Middle School, for the 2004/2005 school year.

 

8.                    Approval of 2004 Curriculum Coordinators – budgeted*

 

Naomi Schick                        Music Coordinator                                              $1243

Edward Ferrario    Science Coordinator                                            $2486

Martha Baton                       Co-Library/Media Coordinator          $ 621.50

Judith O’Brien                      Co-Library/Media Coordinator          $ 621.50

Suzanne Barry                      Mathematics Coordinator                   $3730

Jay Walsh                             Social Studies Coordinator                 $3730

Audrey Friedman Language Arts (6-8) Coordinator      $1243

Adrian Poland                      Reading Coordinator                                           $1243

Jean Larsen                           Art Coordinator                                    $1243

 

9.                    Retirement, Administrator**

 

a)                   Joseph Quinn, Director of Administrative Services, effective August 31, 2004.**

Exempted – effective date should be August 27, 2004.

·         Pat Watkins motioned to accept the date change.  Carol Hueston seconded.

·         Vote 6/1 to approve, Denise Coppa voted no.

 

10.                 Resignation, Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Bonnie Brayon-Simmons, 1.0 FTE Itinerant Nurse, effective July 12, 2004

 

11.                 Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Gina Lawson, Special Education Paraprofessional at Davisville Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, effective June 30, 2004.

 

b)                   Donna Poirier, 2nd Shift Custodian at Hamilton Elementary School, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, effective August 9, 2004.

 

c)                   Joseph Poirier, Head Custodian at Stony Lane Elementary School, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, effective August 9, 2004.

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

 

a)                   Lisa Garcia, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, effective September 13, 2004 through the remainder of the 2004/2005 school year.

 

13.                 Approval of Layoff Notices:**

 

William Dwyer                      1.0 FTE Music Teacher

Mary Manning                     1.0 FTE Media Specialist

Barbara Hart                                          .2 FTE Family & Consumer Science

** Exempted – Bill Mudge would like to look at the budget first.

·         Kevin Mulvey asked if the reason for the layoffs are budget related.

·         Bill Daly responded that one layoff is related – the media specialist.  The other two are not budget related.

·         Pat Watkins motioned to accept the layoffs.  Carol Hueston seconded.

·         Vote 6/1 to approve, Bill Mudge abstained.

 

 

End of Consent Agenda

 

 

Meeting Recess:  8:55pm to 9:10 pm

 

 

                         III.      Unfinished Business

 

A.  Policies

      NSBA #IJNDB Technology and Electronic Communications:

·         Kevin Mulvey explained that this was second reading for this policy and related regulations.

·         Changes to the policy include the union clause under “Unauthorized Use” being removed and minor deletions which are noted in the margin of the School Committee copy.  Underlined items indicate words that have been added.  Appendix A.

·         The regulations clarify the monitoring authorization.  Authorization for monitoring can only be granted by the Superintendent or the Human Resources Director.

·         Bill Mudge requested a report if a specific person or group is monitored.  The rest of the School Committee members disagreed with receiving a report.

·         Change to IJNDB-R regulations: #II – Administration - The first sentence will be eliminated. The next sentence will be changed to state:  “Authorization for monitoring the use of the Technology and Electronic Communications system may only be granted, documented in writing, by the Superintendent of Schools or the Director of Human Resources.”

·         The words “in general” will be eliminated from the last paragraph.  Appendix B.

·         Pat Watkins motioned to move the policy and regulations to the Business Meeting agenda for approval.  Carol Hueston seconded.

·         Audience member Melvoid Benson asked if there would be an oversight committee.

·         Kevin Mulvey stated that the School Committee is the final stop.  The Superintendent has the authority over the administration..

·         Bill Mudge stated that having everything in writing covers any problems that might occur.

·         Dr. Halley stated that whenever there is any potential disciplinary action, he consults with the Human Resource Director, the directors and legal council if necessary.

·         Pat Watkins motioned to adjourn at 10:00 pm because of the scheduled executive session per the School Committee policy.  Carol Hueston seconded.

·         Bill Mudge wanted to address the middle school sports under the budget item.

·         Kevin Mulvey pointed out the Mr. Ray Spear, School Committee Consultant, was present specifically for policies discussion and he would like to move that agenda item forward.

·         Vote on motion to adjourn at 10:00 pm – 2/5 to reject.  Pat Watkins and Carol Hueston voted yes; Don DeFedele, Denise Coppa, Kevin Mulvey, Bill Mudge, Barry Martasian voted no.

 

·         Denise Coppa motioned to adjourn at 10:30 pm.  Bill Mudge seconded.

·         Vote on the motion to adjourn at 10:30 pm – 6/1 to approve, Bill Mudge voting no.

 

·         Pat Watkins amended the motion to end the discussions at 10:20 pm to allow for public comment.  Barry Martasian seconded.

·         Vote on the amended motion to end the discussions at 10:20 pm – 7/0 to approve.

 

 

                         IV.      New Business

 

      Policies:

      IJOC-R:  Regulations for School Volunteers

·         Kevin Mulvey asked the School Committee members if they would like to keep the requirement on page 2, #6 that states that all volunteers must complete a Criminal Offender Record Investigation form.

·         Bill Daly stated that this has been the school department’s practice.

·         The consensus was to leave in the requirement.

·         Pat Watkins motioned to move this item to the Business Meeting for vote.

Carol Hueston seconded.

 

Policy ICA – School Calendar

·         Kevin Mulvey motioned to move this item to the Business Meeting for vote.

Carol Hueston seconded.