NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, October 10, 2001

 7:00 PM Worksession Meeting

Central Administration Building                                                                                            100 Fairway Drive, North Kingstown

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Worksession Minutes

 

           I.          Pledge of Allegiance

 

         II.          Recognition                          North Kingstown Teacher of the Year Heather A. Perkins was recognized for her excellence as a teacher.  Lynne Haft and Dr. Halley presented Ms. Perkins with a plaque.

 

       III.          Call To Order                      The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM.

 

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

                                                Absent:  Michael R. Northup

 

                                                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, and William J. Daly, Director of Human Resources

                                                Absent:  Joseph F. Quinn, Jr., Director of Administrative Services

               

       IV.          Open Forum-  None

 

         V.          Routine Items

 

A.                  Correspondence

 

Ø       Pat Watkins received an invitation to the YMCA’s Grand Opening on October 18th, and NSBA Annual Convention information.

Ø       Lynne Haft received a thank you note from Brenda Glover for the new staff member reception.

 

B.                   Calendar-  Dr. Halley reviewed the calendar for the next two weeks with the school committee.

       VI.          Unfinished Business

 

A.                  2001-02 School Budget- None

B.                   2001-02 Enrollments- Current enrollment is 4,510 students.  Dr. Halley said that although there are some “hot spots”, class sizes are within contractual compliance.

 

C.                   School Districting/Redistricting (NSBA Policy # JCAA)- Second Reading  clock counter (cc)  1513- This item will be on the October 24, 2001 Business Meeting agenda for approval.

 

     VII.          New Business

 

A.                  Recommendations from the Policy Subcommittee

1.                    Staff Policy on Sexual Harassment (GBAA) for amendment- This item will be on the October 24, 2001 Business Meeting agenda for approval.

 

2.                    Student Policy on Sexual Harassment (JBA) for amendment- This item will be on the October 24, 2001 Business Meeting agenda for approval.

 

3.                    Student Conduct, Behavior and Discipline (JICD) for amendment- This item will be on the November 14, 2001 Worksession agenda.

 

4.                    Tobacco Use on School Property (JICG/GBED) for amendment- This item will be on the December 5, 2001 Worksession agenda.

 

5.                    Drug and Alcohol Use by Students (JICH) for amendment- This item will be on the October 24, 2001 Business Meeting agenda for approval.

 

6.                    Weapons Use/Possession on School Property (JICI) for amendment- This item will be on the December 5, 2001 Worksession agenda.

 

7.                    Interrogations and Searches (JIH) for amendment- This item will be on the December 5, 2001 Worksession agenda.

 

8.                    Establishing School Attendance Boundary Lines (JCA-R) for amendment- This item will be on the October 24, 2001 Business Meeting agenda for approval.

 

B.                   Report Format Draft for School Committee Presentations- This agenda item is deferred to the January worksession.

 

   VIII.          Comments

 

Ø       Denise Coppa expressed concern about the security of the high school at night.  Dr. Halley responded that the high school has the capability to be completely closed now.

Ø       Karin Forbes would like the Technology Acceptable Use Policy placed on the 10/24/01 business meeting agenda.

Ø       Dr. Halley commented that housing registrations for the NSBA Conference will be accepted starting Friday.

Ø       Dr. Halley said that the high school construction is coming along and things are in pretty good shape.  Teachers are doing a great job and good things are happening with positive types of classes.

Ø       Pat Watkins commented that she has not heard any negative comments from students.

Ø       A member of the audience questioned when the NEA/NK labor/management meetings will take place.  Mr. Daly responded that the NEA/NK labor/management concept is still in the planning process.

 

       IX.          A motion to reconvene to executive session pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (1) and (2) for personnel issues*, home schooling requests, and the completion of a student disciplinary hearing was made by Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston (6/0) at 8:02 PM, clock counter 1:01:02.  *At the election of the employee, the personnel matter made be heard in public.  After the executive session, the school committee will return to open session; however, no further business will be conducted.

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                                                _______________________________________

                                                                                                Donna F. Keough

                                                                                                School Committee Secretary