NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

7:00 PM Business Meeting

6:00 PM Executive Session for a Parent Appeal

North Kingstown High School                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      150 Fairway Drive, North Kingstown

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Minutes

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.  Don DeFedele made a motion to move to executive session for the purpose of discussing a parent appeal.  The motion was seconded by Carol Hueston.  The vote was unanimous.

The meeting was moved to open session at 7:00 pm.

 

I.      Pledge of Allegiance

II.      Call To Order            The meeting was called to order by Don DeFedele at 7:00 pm.

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

Denise Coppa, Carol Hueston, Barry Martasian, Bill Mudge

Kevin Mulvey, Patricia 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.      Open Forum

·         Muriel Camarra would like to make her feelings known early in the budget season this year.  Major issues to clarify:

1.        The issue of Health Care copayments:  Teachers were disappointed with the end results, but will the administration also pay? How much, and how soon?  Mr. DeFedele informed Mrs. Camarra that the administrators and staff paid similar copayments for their health insurance as the teachers do, and began paying prior to the settlement of the teachers’ contract.  Mrs. Camarra strongly urged the administration consider paying a 10% copayment as soon as possible.

2.        Questioned how many assistant principals are necessary at the High School.  Third assistant principal was to be temporary, how many are there?  Dr. Halley informed Mrs. Camarra that there were three plus the Director of Guidance and the Athletic Director.

3.        Expecting a great deal of the person taking over the Grant Coordinator’s position that was left empty when he retired, and for a significant decrease in salary.  Dr. Halley agreed that administration is currently recruiting for a Resource Development Manager which will require grant coordination along with a significant amount of other duties. 

4.        Finally, questioning how it could be that the land at Wickford Middle School is sinking at one inch per year.  She states she is “not too friendly towards a new middle school because of this.”

·         Kathy Brown would like an acknowledgement of her email of today, and a clarification of the errors she alleges were in the October 22, 2003 and November 5, 2003 minutes.

·         A parent stated that the issue of the school department’s plan should be reviewed and revised, and she is glad to see that the School Committee is planning to do so.  She feels that the School Committee should build in more of an effort to get information out to parents because there is no “guarantee that neighbors are okay for children to go to”.  Dr. Halley responded that school principals had been requested to create phone trees at each school which should be in place shortly.

·         Sharon Schubert mentioned that one of her children doesn’t have the capabilities to be alone after school if there is an early release, and she is concerned for parents who may also be in her situation.  She would also appreciate it if administration would take a look at the scheduling of Professional Development days as her children attend different schools and it causes difficulties for her when they are all out of school at different times.

·         Lisa Johnson disagreed with the letter from Don DeFedele (Appendix A) which was sent home with students.  She specifically took exception with the statement in the third paragraph which states that “to this date, no students or staff members have been medically reported as injured.”  She reiterated that her son has a blood disorder which put him at risk when the contractors were negligent in opening the glue on the roof at Stony Lane Elementary on Friday, November 7.  Her son should not have been exposed to the toxins in the glue.  She stated that she had previously made the administration and School Committee aware of her son’s medical condition, and therefore Mr. DeFedele’s statement in the letter that went home to parents was not correct.  Mrs. Johnson is asking for a retraction of this specific statement of Mr. DeFedele’s in the local papers.

·         Joseph Avanzato declared that for the past year and a half parents have addressed the School Committee and Superintendent Halley about various issues.  “We have expressed no confidence and dissatisfaction with the superintendent and the School Committee’s performance.”  Mr. Avanzato stated that there had been “too much rubberstamping” of Dr. Halley’s proposals, and he avowed that “the superintendent has to go”.  On the topic of the school roofs, Mr. Avanzato stated that the “School Committee and the administration had information that the contractor was negligent, you knew toxins were involved”, and yet the School Committee did not do everything that it could.  Mr. Avenzato did not feel that the early release of Stony Lane Elementary School on November 7th was handled properly.  “Unlike the superintendent, the School Committee is in office at the will of the people.  Get rid of the superintendent, or we will vote you out.”

·         Patricia Delaney, “employee of South County Hospital, concerned parent, taxpayer, and employer of the superintendent,” declared to the School Committee:  “you were elected by the people and you are falling short.  I want to call for Dr. Halley’s contract to be broken for cause.”

 

V.      Routine Items

 

A.                  Disclosure of Executive Session Votes – None

 

B.                   Correspondence and Good News

·         Barry Martasian received four to five emails concerning the roofs at the elementary schools.  He did want to mention Good News:  in the November issue of the North Kingstown Villager there was an article about Deb Britton and Kim Roberts, third grade teachers at Forest Park Elementary School, volunteering to work with children at Smith Castle in their Docent Program.  Mr. Martasian went on to mention that teacher Ed Ferrario donated a portion of the $10,000 award he won from Amgen to the North Kingstown Schools.  Mr. Martasian would like to thank these teachers for the positive image they present to the community.

·         Pat Watkins would like to mention the thank you letter received from Mr. Foley regarding the NEASC accreditation visit last month; she would like to congratulate Davisville Middle School on receiving Regents honors again this year; and would like to mention that Hamilton Elementary School’s SALT visit has been reported as outstanding.

·         Bill Mudge would like Kathy Brown’s email of November 19, 2003 be included in the minutes of this meeting (Appendix B); as well as email sent from Lisa Johnson to School Committee members (Appendix C).

·         Don DeFedele mentioned the Governor’s Municipal Summit which was held this day, and stated that there were many “healthy discussions” between legislators, School Committee members, and superintendents from across the state.

·         Dr. Halley brought up the fact that the High School has won a championship with their girls’ Cross Country program, and the Field Hockey program has won for the second year in a row.  The boys’ Cross Country program has won a First in State as well.  As usual, our athletes have made us very proud.  Dr. Halley also mentioned to the School Committee members that they have received in their packets the Town Council’s approval of the request for $25,400,000.00 in expenditures from the Board of Regents for school Modernization.  He also stated that the air quality tests back from Forest Park Elementary School showed no problems after the roof work being done.

·         Dr. McGregor would like to draw the School Committee’s attention to the letter received from Dr. Curley Johnson regarding the guidance program at the high school.  Considered a national expert, Dr. Johnson had nothing but praise for Patti DiCenso and her department.  As a consultant, he feels that the program here is “of national significance, and obviously of state wide significance.”  Dr. McGregor stated that the School Committee should feel proud that they had an impact.

 

A.                  Calendars – Dr. Halley went over the calendar for the next two weeks with the School Committee

 

 CONSENT AGENDA

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by 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.

 

B.                   Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings

 

1                     May 28, 2003 Executive Session**

·         Ms. Hueston requested that these minutes be amended as she had recused herself from the student appeal.

 

2                     October 22, 2003 School Committee Business Meeting**

·         Amended per request of parent, Kathy Brown, per email to School Committee dated November 19, 2003 (Appendix B).  Her request was modified by School Committee member, Kevin Mulvey, at this meeting.

 

3                     November 5, 2003 School Committee Worksession**

·         Amended per request of Barry Martasian because in the last page of Appendix C of these minutes, the PowerPoint presentation on “Ethics for Board Members” did not print.  He requested that the missing” Ten Commandments for Meetings” be added as an appendix to the minutes of the permanent record.

·         Mr. Martasian also wanted the fact noted that Mr. Bill Mudge left the room during the PowerPoint presentation on “Ethics for Board Members”.  Mr. Mudge concurred.

 

A motion to accept these amendments was made by Pat Watkins/Denise Coppa.  The vote taken on the motion: 7/0.  The amended open meeting minutes can be viewed at www.NKSD.net, or in the Central Administration Office.

 

C.                   Financial Reports

 

1                     Monthly Deficit Monitoring Report**

·         Mr. Mudge exempted this item stating that he did not agree with the report as it its not in compliance with the Municipal Deficit Act (RIGL 45-12-22) and has written for clarification from the Chief of Municipal Affairs (Appendix E).  He specifically is interested in the fact that there is no reflection of Medicaid reimbursement.  Dr. Halley would like the record to reflect that this letter is not endorsed by the entire School Committee and only sent by one member of the committee.

 

2                     Expenditure Report*

Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston motioned to receive the reports.  The vote taken:  7/0

 

D.                  Bids and Awards*

 

1                     Donations

a. Community Crusade for Children’s Kiducation Fund donation of $425.40

 

E.                   Personnel Items*

 

1.                    Appointments, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Jean Leich, Special Education Paraprofessional at Fishing Cove School, 4 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 20 hours per week, Step 1 @ $9.51 per hour, effective October 23, 2003.

 

b)                   Debra Evans, Special Education Paraprofessional at Quidnessett Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 1 with a Bachelor’s Degree @ $9.51 per hour, effective October 30, 2003.

 

c)                   Howard Gyba, Weekend Custodian at the North Kingstown High School, Saturday and Sunday for a total of 20 hours, Step 1 @ $11.58 per hour, effective November 8, 2003 – budgeted.

 

d)                   Patrick McDonagh, 2nd Shift Custodian at the North Kingstown High School, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, Step 1 @ $11.58 per hour, effective November 6, 2003 – budgeted.

 

2.                    Appointments, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Kenneth P. Kampper, .1 FTE Adaptive Physical Education Teacher @ Wickford Middle School, Step 10 plus a Master’s Degree, pro-rated for 145 days in the 2003/2004 school year with an annual salary of $4856, effective October 30, 2003 – non-budgeted.

 

b)                   Robin Cook, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Fishing Cove Elementary School, Step 5 with an annual salary of $42,018 effective September 9, 2003 – budgeted.

 

3.                    Approval of Unpaid Parental Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff – budgeted per the NEA/NK Contract.

 

a)                   Marcia Voccio, 1.0 FTE 6th Grade Teacher at Wickford Middle School, from September 29, 2003 through the remainder of the 2003/2004 school year.

 

b)                   Jessica Giguere, .10 FTE Health Teacher at Wickford Middle School, from October 8, 2003 through the remainder of the 2003/2004 school year.

 

c)                   Maria Souza, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School, from November 8, 2003 through January 5, 2004.

 

d)                   Kathleen LaLonde, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Fishing Cove School, from January 5, 2004 through the remainder of the 2003/2004 school year.

 

4.                    Appointments, 2003/2004 Advisors: - budgeted per the NEA/NK Contract.

 

North Kingstown High School

 

Sarah Boyd                           Student Council                                   $882

Beth Conrad                          Co-National Honor Society                $252

Matthew Blaser    Co-National Honor Society                                $294

John Daneau                         Co-Explorers Club                                $504

Donna Manchester              Co-Explorers Club                                $504

Stephen DeMeo   Academic Decathlon                                           $546

Tara Harrington    Co-Textiles & Design Club                 $231

Trissa Luzzi                           Co-Textiles & Design Club $231

Richard Hartman  Robotics Competition Teams                             $378

Richard Ku                            Co-Math League                                  $210

Andrea Pisani                       Co-Math League                                  $126

Briand LaCroix      Co-Ski Club                                                           $294

Tina Laferriere      Co-Ski Club                                                           $252

Tina Laferriere      Co-Computer Club                                               $462

Leah LaPorte                         International Club                                $462

Christine Lyons    Co-Students As Mediators                                                $315

Julie Maguire                        Co-Students As Mediators                                $315

Sherri Masiello     Dance Team                                                          $504

Serena Mason                      Junior State of America                       $378

Amos Paine                           Art Club                                                 $672

Andrew Porpatier Renaissance Games                                             $252

Terry Romano                       North Communications                       $882

Lynn Sironen                        Co-Environmental Club                       $441

Lynn Wolslegel    Co-Environmental Club                                       $441

Linda Twardowski               Interact Club                                         $1092

John Ward                            Close-Up                                               $924

Robin D’Errico      Co-Freshman Class Advisor                              $551.50

Cindy Norman                      Co-Freshman Class Advisor              $551.50

Charles King                         Co-Sophomore Class Advisor           $662

Kristine Graham    Co-Sophomore Class Advisor                           $662

Liz Parvo                                Co-Junior Class Advisor                    $882.50

Joy Arnold                            Co-Junior Class Advisor                    $882.50

Thomas Doran                      Co-Senior Class Advisor                    $1103

Darrel Sutton                        Co-Senior Class Advisor                    $1103

Elizabeth Martin   Newspaper                                                            $500

Charles King                         Yearbook                                               $1655

 

                Davisville Middle School

 

David Hoffer                         Chess Club                                            $588

Mary Barden                         Community Service Club                    $630

Lynn Plotkin                         Co-Dragon’s Turf Newspaper           $315

Emily Bell                               Co-Dragon’s Turf Newspaper           $315

Robert Shaffer                      Drama Club                                           $714       

Lois Burdon                          Garden Club                                          $420

Savas Synodi                        International Club                                $378

David Hoffer                         Co-Outdoor Club                                 $336

Mary Barden                         Co-Outdoor Club                                 $336

Michael Thibodeau             Student Council                                   $882

Bridget White                       Co-Youth-to-Youth                             $357

Steven Enright                      Co-Youth-to-Youth                             $357

Cheryl Pierce                         Yearbook                                               $2758

 

5.                    Increase in FTE, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Cynthia Warburton, Itinerant ESL Teacher, from .5 FTE to .7 FTE, Step 6 with an annual salary of $44,797, effective August 29, 2003 – budgeted.

 

6.                    Appointments, 2003/2004 Interscholastic Coaches: - budgeted – per the NEA/NK Contract

 

North Kingstown High School

 

Jeff Van der Veer  Asst. Boys Volleyball Coach                             $1766

 

7.                    Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Johnny Wortham, Maintenance Worker for the North Kingstown School Department, effective December 1, 2003.

 

8.                    Approval of Advance Degree Increment, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Elizabeth Reilly, 1.0 FTE Social Studies Teacher, 1 year only at Davisville Middle School, Bachelor’s plus 15 credits, total annual increment of $994.

 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

VI.           New Business

 

A.                  2004-2005 School Budget –

·         Dr. Halley stated that there is nothing to report at the present time.

·         Denise Coppa informed the School Committee that this is the time of year that Dr. Halley generally asks if the School Community has anything to add to the budget.

·         Mr. Mudge asked Dr. Halley if the Town Manager had supplied the list of revenues as required by law, Title 16.2, during the month of November.

·         Dr. Halley stated that he would look into the matter.

 

VII.         Unfinished Business

 

A.            Budget Process Position Paper

·         Bill Mudge opened the discussion stating that the paper is incomplete and incorrect.  He offered to modify it for the School Committee and urged them not to accept the current document.

·         Pat Watkins stated that having been on the committee for 13 years, she knows that this “is exactly the way the process is; this is it.”

·         Denise Coppa agreed that this was “indeed the process”, but suggested that Mr. Mudge submit his adjusted copy at the next School Committee meeting and have the committee submit the copy to a third party, such as the school department’s attorney, for review.

·         Mr. DeFedele stepped in with the observation that the paper is merely “a talking point” and he did not want to “make it difficult for the public to understand”.

·         Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston motioned to accept the document.  Vote: 6/1, Mr. Mudge voting “No”.

 

B.            School Modernization Implementation

·         Bill Mudge stated that the Town Council mentioned at their last meeting that they would like to nominate, along with the School Committee, the 6 people who are to be on the new School Modernization Committee.

·         Don DeFedele reiterated the decision made at the last School Committee meeting to have Glenn Stinson mobilize the committee and give the School Committee the names of those involved in the new committee.

·         Mr. Mudge would like the policy regarding committees looked at; as well as the charge for the original School Modernization Committee as it probably has gone past its time limit.  He also does not feel that the School Committee has the authority to select the people to be on this committee, or to change the committee itself. *

·         Don DeFedele does not believe that the Town Council originally asked that the previous committee be remobilized.  The only directive was to organize a committee.

·         Kevin Mulvey stated that there is good value in using people that were in the previous committee, but a new mix of people suggested by the Town Council might be good for the committee.  He also agreed that a look at the original charge for the School Modernization Committee would be a good idea.

·         Denise Coppa declared that this is a new committee, and therefore would need a new charge.

·         Don DeFedele stated that he is trying to follow the directive of the Town Council in creating the new committee.

·         Pat Watkins mentioned that nothing can be done until it is decided whether or not it is a committee that answers to the School Committee or the Town Council.

·         Joe Quinn stated that the committee charged by the School Committee would take direction from them until bonding level is determined; subsequently, by charter, the Town Council could then appoint a building committee if they so desired. “The question now stands, who is this current committee reporting out to?”

·         Don DeFedele suggested that they “push for the School Committee”.  He then asked if there was a consensus of the School Committee to contact Glenn Stinson and charge him with the task of contacting members for the new committee.  He did receive agreement.

·         Kevin Mulvey/Carol Hueston motioned to have 7 names ready to present to the Town Council to serve on the new School Modernization Committee.  The vote taken revealed 6 in favor, and Bill Mudge against.

*Amended 1/22/2004

 

C.            Policies

·         At this point, Barry Martasian submitted a copy of the “Ten Commandments for Meetings” and motioned to adopt them as guidelines for School Committee meetings.  Pat Watkins seconded the motion and the vote taken revealed 6 in favor and Bill Mudge against.

 

D.            2003-04 School Budget

·         Mr. Mudge questioned if the school department was within the budget.  Dr. Halley responded that the audit was not yet complete.

 

E.       2003-04 School Department Goals and Objectives – The next School Committee KeyWorks Meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2003.

 

IX.           Reports

 

A.                  Policy Subcommittee Reports 

·         Dr. Halley stated that Peter Olsen, the attorney for the School Department, is reviewing the email policy for School Committee members, which he will then forward on to the Policy Subcommittee.

 

B.                   RIASC and other Legislative Activity

·         Don DeFedele again mentioned the Governor’s Municipal Summit which he attended today with Dr. Halley, Carol Hueston, and Cathy Kaiser.  He was involved in a myriad of discussions including those concerning budget cycles.  Mr. DeFedele also said that the Governor seemed committed to moving forward with initiatives concerning state aid funding.

·         Carol Hueston concurred, and stated that “it was wonderful to see everyone on the same page.”

·         Cathy Kaiser told the committee about discussions that took place regarding state wide teacher contracts and a state wide health plan for educators.

·         Don DeFedele agreed and stated that there may possibly be more collaboration between Town Councils and School Committees regarding budgets because of this summit.  “Everyone in the room agreed that we spend an exorbitant amount of time on budget discussions.”

·         Barry Martasian was interested in a report that may come from the summit.

·         Dr. Halley replied that there were hopes of one.

 

X.                  Comments

·         Bill Mudge would like to recommend putting on a future agenda:

1.        That the School Committee forms an independent group to understand what happened regarding the roofing repairs at the elementary schools.

2.        That the School Committee considers a lawsuit against the roofing contractor for damages.

·         Joe Quinn stated that approval of the vendor is the responsibility of the School Committee; however, their compliance with required specifications is the Town’s responsibility.

·         Parent, Brad Hammond, questioned the evacuation procedure that took place on November 7th at Stony Lane.  His wife had emailed the superintendent and School Committee her displeasure.  He wanted to know why Davisville Middle School was not used as it is mentioned in the student handbook.  There were three children out of 14 who were met by parents in their neighborhood; the others had no one at home.  He and his wife were not happy with the response they received from Dr. Halley restating what is in the handbook about parents making contingency plans for their children for when school is dismissed early.

·         Lori Viner suggested that everyone “resist natural instincts and summon courage to look at” roof repair situation with a clear eye.  Everyone should “follow a process that is perceived by the town and community to be fair.”

·         April Brunelle said that it appeared to her that “no sooner would one issue finish when we have another before us.”  She would also appreciate more information in the published meeting agenda.

 

IX.           Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Pat Watkins and seconded by Denise Coppa at 9:33 pm, clock counter 2:33:53.  There were no home schooling, negotiations, or personnel matters for School Committee members to attend to so they did not adjourn to Executive Session.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

_______________________

Konnie M. Mazur

School Committee Secretary

 

 

Appendix A

 

 

November 14, 2003          

 

 

To All Parents,

 

Over the past several weeks, there have been considerable letters and discussion regarding the replacement of roofs at three of our elementary schools, namely Davisville, Stony Lane and Forest Park schools.  In order to cast some factual light on the process, the following will outline the rationale as well as the process for the roof replacement project.

 

Before describing the process, however, it should be noted that on Friday, November 7, 2003, Stony Lane School was closed and students and staff sent home early because of an unfortunate decision on the part of the contractors to use glue on the roof while school was in session.  The School Department had taken extensive steps to ensure that students and staff were not present in the building when glue was scheduled to be applied.  Staff Development days were scheduled for those days when glue would be applied, ensuring that students and staff would not be present in the building.  Any staff members who might be even potentially affected by any after effects of the glue process were relocated to other schools for as long a period of time as medically necessary.  Parents were notified in advance by letter regarding the project and the potential impact.

 

On November 7, 2003, there was no gluing scheduled by the contractors for Stony Lane and accordingly school was scheduled to be in session.  The school was closed within one half hour of the glue alert.  No chemical detection devices were utilized in the school by public officials to determine any exposure and to this date no students or staff members have been medically reported as injured.     The decision to close school for the remainder of the day was instituted in an abundance of caution rather than risk any potential harm to students.

 

Once school was closed early our Transportation Department delivered students to their normal bus stops.  In many instances, neighboring parents of students volunteered that they would attend to students whose parents were not at home and would follow through to ensure that the students were cared for until the parents arrived.  This is a wonderful tribute to these parents and their supportive effort, assistance and cooperation is greatly appreciated.   We do depend on community involvement to help us through these emergency situations.

 

There were instances in which students were returned to Stony Lane school by the driver where they were cared for by a terrific group of teachers, paraprofessionals, support personnel and administrators who remained at the school to help out.  These staff members made lunch for the students, attended to them personally and remained with them until their parents could be contacted and until the parents arrived at the school.  My wholehearted thanks is extended to all our staff members who assisted in this effort.

 

With this in mind, the School Department always urges parents to have an emergency plan in place and to review it throughout the school year.  The student handbook states, “Instruct your child early in the school year as to where he/she should go if you are not at home when he/she returns from school.  In the event of an unexpected real emergency, (not a forecasted storm), it is impossible to call every parent and speak to them.  Your child will be going home on the bus.  It is imperative that you have concrete plans set with your child as to where they are to go and what they are to do in this situation.”

 

I plan to recommend to the School C0mmittee that our district wide Emergency Evacuation Procedures be reviewed and are correlated with the plans of each school in an effort to eradicate any confusion that might develop during these emergency situations. 

 

On Monday, November 10, 2003, the school was again evacuated by public officials although no work whatsoever was being performed on the roof.  The Cranston Fire Department Hazardous Materials team was called into the school by the NK Fire Department to conduct air sampling to determine the extent of any chemical exposure.  After a 40 minute extensive search, the Haz/Mat team could not find any unsafe conditions that would require the students to be sent home.   School was allowed to continue.

 

The roof replacement process has been a long and arduous task.  On November 1, 2002, the School Department petitioned the Rhode Island Board of Regents to expend $1,000,000 in capital dollars for the replacement of the roofs on Davisville Elementary and Forest Park Elementary Schools.  The request to the Regents is required in order for the School Department to become eligible for reimbursement of 30% of the capital expenditures for these repairs from the state.  The roofs on these two schools needed to be replaced as evidenced by the many complaints from staff and parents regarding roof leaks during the winter of 2001-2002.  

 

                Just prior to the Martin Luther King holiday in January of 2003, the roof at Stony Lane school shattered and an emergency repair was needed.  Fortunately the School Department was able to complete this emergency repair over the long Martin Luther King holiday weekend.  While school was not disrupted for our students and staff, it did however, place Stony Lane on the list of necessary roof repairs along with DE and Forest Park.

 

                In March of 2003 the School Department initiated the bidding process with the Town for the replacement of the three roofs.  The specifications were prepared and issued on April 30, 2003 with a May 22, 2003 bid date deadline. 

 

                On May 15, 2003, an addendum/clarification to the bid was issued with a change to a design/construct process.  The addendum was added in order to save money on the projects since the design/construct process does not necessitate the hiring of an architect.  Other addendums were advertised on June 4th, June 18th and June 27th bringing the bid deadline to July 10th.

 

                On July 10th the bids were opened and two legal challenges to the bids were lodged by two of the bidding contractors.  During the remainder of the month of July and most of August, the Town Solicitor worked diligently to resolve the legal challenges.  The legal challenges were eventually resolved and the contract for the roofing was awarded on August 29, 2003.

 

                It is unfortunate that technical and legal delays slowed down the process and prevented the roofing project from being completed during the past summer months.  These delays are sometimes unavoidable and must be addressed on a legal and procedural basis.  It was deemed necessary to replace the roofs immediately and not wait until the summer of 2004 to complete the roofing project.   It was the decision of the School Department that such a delay would have placed the Town at an even greater financial liability if the roofs weren’t able to sustain another winter season as evidenced by the emergency situation at Stony Lane last winter. 

 

                While the decision making process always involves an analysis of many factors, the safety and welfare of the students is always first and foremost in the minds of our school officials. 

 

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

 

 

 

                                                                                                                Don DeFedele, Chair

                                                                                                                North Kingstown School Committee

Appendix B   item #1

 

 

From:  Kathy & Win Brown [wickfordbrowns@earthlink.net]

To:  DeFedele, Don; Coppa, Denise; Mulvey, Kevin

CC:  Nutini, Karen; Mazur, Konnie; Bill Mudge; Hueston, Carol; Watkins, Patricia

Subject:  Minutes corrections/additions/clarifications

 

 

Last Friday I asked Karen how I should submit what I feel are

corrections/omissions to the minutes.  She replied that she sent the

request to Konnie whom I have not hear back from yet.  Since I now

realize it's Wed. and the meeting is tonite I thought I should send my

notes to you for review as you exempt and discuss these minute

documents (10/22 & 11/5)  before they are approved at tonite's business

meeting.

 

Please reply that this email has been received, else I will bring hard

copy with me tonite and mention during Open Forum.  Else you will move

into the meeting and I will be unable to voice my concern over these

clarifications.

 

In the meantime if I hear from Konnie, I will follow any of her

directives.  I've again copied by Konnie and Karen since the minutes

were drafted by them.  Since I mention statements by Don, Denise &

Kevin, I emailed you three, and in the spirit of letting all on the

committee see the same document, everyone else is also copied.

 

As you know I like minutes to be as accurate as possible, and if I'm

noted in them stating a document is in error, I definitely want it

clear to the public which document I feel is in error.

 

Kathy

 

 

Notes for 10/22/03 minutes (K. Nutini)

 

III. Open Forum

3rd bullet - Kathy Brown

•              Kathy Brown questioned the meeting procedure of the night. She asked

if the RGB report could only be discussed by the public at open forum.

 

This is not correct...I questioned if any new documents were to be

handed out at the meeting tonite (which is stated again during closing

comments).  I was informed there was nothing new available.  Then she

questioned the meeting procedure of the night, about the public

addressing any new discussion based on new documents.  No RGB report

was ever referenced.

 

VI. Unfinished Business

B. School Modernization Implementation

 

I find this section confusing because 2 handouts were passed out.  Dr.

Halley not only distributed his recommendation, but also an "RGB

Priority Summary document".  I think it should state the 2 documents

handed out.  What was voted on should be included in the minutes as an

Appendix.

 

 

VIII. Comments

about half way down

after bullet "Kathy Brown asked what was voted on" the minutes should

be more specific referencing "the RGB Priority Summary document".  

"the RGB report"  is terminology should be used to reference the large

report.

 

D.Coppa para.:  "This list is just the RGB report" - the word "list"

should be changed to reference "the RGB Priority Summary document".

 

K.Brown para.: "She pointed out errors in the RGB report" - should be

changed to read "errors were being pointed out in the new document

distributed, the RGB Priority Summary document".

 

In Mr. DeFedele/ Kevin Mulvey para.s - I still take issue with the

words "minor clerical" errors and "minor discrepancies", but more

importantly the committee assured Mrs. Brown that this document was

insignificant and not used for decision making and would "go no

further" in regards to distribution.  Those statements are not included

here and something to the like should be included.

 

 

Notes for 11/5/03 minutes (K. Mazur)

 

V. Routine Items

A.  Correspondence

 

Appendix A referenced by Mr. Mudge has been supplied electronically so it could be easily inserted as text with the minutes document.  I will include again below.

 

last Pg. 5

VIII.  Unfinished Business

C. DE, SL, FP Roof Contract Work

 

not included in this summary of item C. was the statement by chairman to contact the town manager Mr. Kerbel about this.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________

item #2

 

[for Appendix A]

Begin forwarded message:

 

From: Kathy & Win Brown <wickfordbrowns@earthlink.net>

Date: Tue Nov 4, 2003  10:14:41 PM US/Eastern

To: <Carol_Hueston@NKSD.NET>, <Kevin_Mulvey@NKSD.NET>,

> <Patricia_Watkins@NKSD.NET>, <Denise_Coppa@NKSD.NET>,

> <Barry_Martasian@nksd.net>, <BILL_MUDGE@NKSD.NET>, bmudge2@cox.net

Cc: <Don_DeFedele@NKSD.NET>

Subject: RGB Priority Summary document

 

At the last School Committee Business meeting (Wed., Oct. 22), you all know how concerned I became when I read the RGB Priority Summary document that Dr. Halley distributed during the meeting.  When I quickly reviewed the copy of the document, I noticed several inaccuracies in the document and brought this up during closing comments.  I was assured that the document "would go no further", that it was "irrelevant" to the discussion, that the inaccuracies didn't matter because the document was not being used and would not be distributed further.  I accepted that and therefore did not pursue having the document corrected.

 

A few days later at the town council meeting (Mon. Oct. 27), I was very surprised when the town council held up and referenced a copy of this document.  I thought I should send this email since all members of the school committee were not present at this meeting, and even those that were there may not have realized the summary document had been distributed to the council.  It had been included with "The RGB Report".

 

I had a phone conversation about this summary document with Don last week and he said he would contact the town council president.  He said he would make it clear that the school committee did not use the summary document to reach any decision.  I felt they should also be notified that it contained errors, but he did not concur.

 

The night of the council meeting I felt very betrayed.  I was told one thing during the school committee meeting, and the opposite happened.  My primary concern is that an inaccurate document is in circulation. 

As the committee has stated over the last year trust needs to be rebuilt, and to me, this undermines progress made.

 

Thank you for your time, I felt it was important all school committee

members were notified of the fate of the RGB Summary Priority > document.

 

Kathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix C

Item # 1

 

Dear School Committee Members;

 

Please see the attached letter that will be in Thursday's paper.

 

 

I would also like you to be aware, the week of October 6th I became aware that the school roof was to have an adhesive applied with Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Toluene and Xylene with high percentages of ppm's.  I immediately said, NO way can the children be in the school when this is being applied.  Matter of fact they should be out of school several days after the adhesive is applied.  (I know this because I worked in Environmental Engineering for many years)

I immediately contacted OSHA, Dr. Robert Vanderslice and Jim Larisa.  Jim Larisa ordered the school to be closed for several days while this is being done.  The school was to have two para- professional days - these days were to be on October 30th & 31st.  The adhesive was to be applied on Wednesday the 29th, this would give four full days the school would have to be properly aired and vented out.   If I did not step in on this issue the adhesive would have been applied and the students would have been in school.  Dr. Halley had nothing to do with the decision to have the school closed.  This decision was made because I called Jim Larisa and He ordered the school to be closed!   The decision that the adhesive not be applied at all when the children were in school was made by the state, not Dr. Halley.  He does not deserve credit on this one.

 

The accident that happened on Friday was the result of the contractors doing something they should not have been doing but NONE of this would of happened if the School Supernatant and the Committee ordered the school to be closed for one week so the work could be done safely.

 

I do believe it is ultimately the responsibility of the Superintendent and the School Committee to keep our children safe while they are attending school.  THIS DID NOT HAPPEN.  I now have a sick child because of negligence.  You can all come and tell my 5 year old child why he continually needs blood work done, (meaning 3 veils of blood taken by a needle that hurts while I hold him down) until his blood levels are OK.  You see he has a blood disorder and a week immune system and these chemical compounds have effected his blood.  This is why I got involved in the beginning, so this would not happen and it did.  I protect my children and try to do the right thing.  The school should have been closed!

 

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS SITUATION? I have a suggestion, there have been many years of mismanagement, the welfare of our children has been greatly effected and the trust in our superintendent is gone.  It is time to make a change.   Also, if there are any school committee members that would like to step down they may do so…  This community needs people who can stand up for the good of our schools and our children and listen to members of our community when there is a concern

 

Also in the Stony Lane Parent Student Guide it states” In the event of a severe emergency in the building, there is an evacuation plan in place.  Children will be bused to Davisville Middle School". WHY DID THIS NOT HAPPEN?

 

 

P.S. I don’t enjoy writing a letter like this…

 

Sincerely,

 

Lisa and Glenn Johnson

 

 

Appendix C

Item #2

As I write this, I wait to take my son back to his Doctor to check his blood levels because of his recent exposure to toxins during the Stony Lane roofing project. My son suffers from a blood disorder which makes his exposure to toxins such as those used during the roofing at Stony Lane even more deadly then they can otherwise be. As of last Friday, his blood levels were abnormal. We spent that day in the emergency room at Hasbro Hospital. 

I am taking the time to write this letter during a health crisis for my family for one reason: To demand the removal or resignation of James Halley as Superintendent of Schools in North Kingstown. The Superintendent was aware of the dangers posed by the chemicals that were being used. After reading the list of chemicals being used several weeks ago, I contacted OSHA to express my alarm at the toxicity to all children, and especially to my son if such chemicals were used while the building was occupied. Jim Larisa of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training was concerned and did set some limitations to the use of the chemicals while the building was occupied. It was the ultimate responsibility of the Superintendent to ensure that the chemicals were not in fact used while children were present. My child could have died from such exposure. It simply should not have happened, especially since there were similar incidents during the roofing projects at Hamilton and Davisville Elementary Schools. 

The Superintendent has not once called or inquired in any fashion as to how my son is doing. His response on television was callous in the extreme. He never even mentioned the people who were ill, wished them well or made any attempt at saying he was sorry that this had happened. He does not seem to realize or care that he could have been responsible for the loss of our child. I pray for his sake and ours, that our child suffers no long lasting ill effects from this. The School Committee MUST now take action to remove the Superintendent, or share in the responsibility and liability of his actions.  

Sincerely, 

Lisa and Glenn Johnson