NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE  

Wednesday, December 17, 2003

7:00 PM Business Meeting

6:00 PM Executive Session for a Parent Appeal

Central Administration Building                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               100 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 7:10 pm.

 

I.      Pledge of Allegiance

II.      Call To Order            The meeting was called to order by Don DeFedele at 7:15 pm.

1.        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

 

The following item was moved forward at the request of Chairperson, Don DeFedele, because of time constraints on the individuals involved

 

VI.           New Business

 

B.            Senior Project:  Vice Principal John Lalli and teacher, Maryann Kirby, gave the School Committee a brief overview of a program called “The Senior Project” that is in the development stage at the High School.  The freshman class of the 2004-2005 school year will be the first class to participate in the project.  It is planned that the students will work on the project individually throughout their High School career.  Ms Kirby expects that they will choose a project that will challenge and stretch them intellectually.  She confirmed that the students will be able to decide whether they would like their projects to be research paper oriented or product demonstration based.   Mr. Lalli stated that the High School faculty is on board with the project and a steering committee is also in development.  He hopes to be able to come forward to the School Committee in April or May with more information regarding this exciting new program.          

               

III.      Open Forum

  • Muriel Cammara suggested that the school administration and School Committee look at the High School budget and spend money on decreasing class sizes and consider adding tutors for students who may need them.  Dr. Cammara feels that it is a disgrace that some of our high school students cannot even name the presidents on our country’s currency.
  • Sharon Schubert, co-chairperson of SELAC, would like to have members of that committee on the new Emergency and Dismissal Procedures Advisory Committee.  Dr. Halley agreed.
  • Joseph Avenzato spoke to concerns he has regarding the High School Band Room not being compliant with federal disability laws.  He understood that the School Committee had not been informed of the litigation taking place regarding this issue, and felt that the School Committee “cannot do its job if the superintendent does not keep you informed.” 

 

V.      Routine Items

 

A.                  Disclosure of Executive Session Votes – None

 

B.                   Correspondence and Good News

·         Pat Watkins reported that the ceremony to dedicate the large gym at the High School to Coach Lenore Cranston was a memorable occasion; she certainly deserves the honor, and Coach Keith Kenyon warrants kudos for the superb tribute.

·         Bill Mudge handed in 15 items for review as correspondence:

(The School Committee did not act upon any of these items at this meeting)

Þ      School Committee Policy NSSA # CBA General Powers and Duties of the Superintendent

Þ      School Committee Policy #BGA School Committee Policy Development

Þ      School Committee Policy #BDE Support Committees to the School Committee

Þ      School Committee Policy NSBA # BGG Counsel – Town Solicitor

Þ      Minutes of the March 27, 2000 Town Council Worksession

Þ      Letter dated April 22, 2003 from Joseph Guay, Chairperson, Governor’s Commission on Disabilities Access Committee to RIDE Legal Counsel re HS Band Room Accessibility

Þ      Letter dated January 23, 2002 from Harvey O. Salvas Assistant ADA Coordinator to Celeste Bilotti at RIDE Office of Finance and Accounting/Plus Certificate of Use and Occupancy for Band Room dated February 7, 2002

Þ      Appendix H: Letter dated April 29, 2002 to Dr. Halley from J. Michael Burns, Program/Legal Coordinator of US DOE Office for Civil Rights re:  HS Band Room Accessibility

Þ       Letter dated April 22, 2002 from Dr. Halley to Carroll Brownlee, Equal Opportunity Specialist US DOE Office for Civil Rights re HS Band Room Accessibility

Þ      Appendix J: Letter dated April 15, 2002 from Carroll Brownlee to Joseph F. Quinn, Jr., Director of Administrative Services re OCR’s visit to High School on February 20, 2002

Þ      Letter dated May 29, 2002 from Steven Guglielmo, RA, Vice President of SA GCA Architects to Dr. Halley addressing issues raised by the Governors Commission on Disabilities re HS Band Room

Þ      Letter dated January 11, 2002 from Dr. Halley to Carroll Brownlee of US DOE Office of Civil Rights

Þ      Copy of an unsigned letter on plain paper dated May 30, 2001 from Dr. Halley to Dr. Peter McWalters, Commissioner, RIDE re housing aid reimbursement

Þ      projo.com article dated December 15, 2003 with headline: “Town may lose state aid for construction of high school”

Þ      Letter dated December 16, 2003 from William Mudge to Dr. Peter McWalters, Commissioner, RIDE, re request for documentation of funding to North Kingstown School Dept.

·         Carol Hueston stated that Hamilton Elementary School had an excellent SALT visit.  The students reportedly have become “independent learners.”

·         Kevin Mulvey had an anonymous email apparently from a school department employee requesting information for health insurance for domestic partners.  First, Mr. Mulvey questioned how to proceed with this type of correspondence.

·         Don DeFedele stated that he, too, received this email and replied to the individual asking that they call him and he would keep the information confidential.

·

·         Mr. Daly stated that employees have requested the product previously, and the school department has worked with them on an individual basis.

·         Denise Coppa mentioned the list found in the School Committee packets of students who made it to the All-State Music Ensembles.  She requested that the list be included as an appendix to the minutes (Appendix P) and congratulated each student for their remarkable achievement.  Dr. Coppa also mentioned an article in the Providence Journal regarding the students at Forest Park Elementary and their wonderful outreach to the community during this Holiday Season.

·         Don DeFedele mentioned that he received a letter from Rhode Island Alliance for Arts Education stating that Stony Lane art Teacher, Tim Belt and four 5th grade students were interviewed for Channel 10’s Student Spotlight Series.  The show was programmed to air on December 14th at 9 am, but was preempted because of the capture of Iraqi President Sadam Hussein, so was rescheduled to December 21st.

·

A five minute break was taken at 8:50 pm.  The meeting resumed at 8:55 pm.

·         Don DeFedele requested a volunteer to present Eagle Scout Eric Goulet with a congratulatory plaque from the School Committee on December 27th.  Pat Watkins said that she was available to attend.

·         Don DeFedele requested that Jewish Holidays be placed on the January Worksession for discussion.

·         Dr. Halley submitted to the School Committee a letter dated February 21, 2003 from attorney Peter Olsen to Forrest L. Avila, Hearing Officer DOE (Appendix A)

·

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

·         Bill Mudge asked for an agenda for the January 5, 2003 meeting with the Town Council.  Don DeFedele said that he would contact the Town Council president.

 

 

 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.

 

D.                  Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings

 

1.        October 22, 2003 Executive Session Minutes*

 

2.        November 19, 2003 Business Meeting Minutes**

Bill Mudge exempted item E1 under Routine Items.

3.        December 3, 2003 Executive Session Minutes*

 

4.        December 3, 2003 Worksession Minutes**

Bill Mudge exempted page 7

** Exempted minutes will be further discussed at the January 21, 2004 Business Meeting

E.                   Financial Reports *

 

1.        Financial Reports Overview

2.        Monthly Deficit Monitoring Report

3.        Year to Date Expenditure Report

 

F.                   Bids and Awards* - none

 

G.                   Personnel Items

 

1.                    Appointments, Non-Certificated Staff:*

                                                        

a)                   Cheryl King, Occupational Therapy Assistant, 1 day per week, 6 hours per day @ $25.76 per hour, effective December 4, 2003 – budgeted.

 

b)                   Cindy Narcovich, Special Education Paraprofessional at the North Kingstown High School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 3 @ $10.47 per hour, effective November 24, 2003 – budgeted.

 

c)                   Jean Hogan, Special Education Paraprofessional at Davisville Middle School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 1 @ $9.51 per hour, effective November 24, 2003 – budgeted.

 

d)                   Jigisha Pathak, Special Education Paraprofessional at Wickford Elementary School, 4 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 20 hours per week, Step 1 plus a Bachelor’s @ $9.51 per hour, effective November 10, 2003 – budgeted.

 

2.                    Appointment, Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Jane Robbins, 1.0 FTE 4th Grade Teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, Step 1 plus a Master’s Degree, pro-rated for 112 days in the 2003/2004 school year with a total salary of $21,377.44 , effective December 19, 2003  – budgeted.

 

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

 

a)                   Susan Alexander, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School from December 19, 2003 through the remainder of the 2003/2004 school year.

 

b)                   Lisa Giorgianno, 1.0 FTE Music Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School, from January 5, 2004 through the remainder of the 2003/2004 school year.

 

4.                    Appointments, 2003/2004 Interscholastic Coaches –budgeted.*

 

 

North Kingstown High School

 

Aaron Thomas                     Head Boys Basketball Coach                             $3868

Kevin Gormley      Asst. Boys Basketball Coach                                            $2782

James Simmons    Asst. Boys Basketball Coach                                            $2782

Eric Misunas                         Volunteer Boys Basketball Coach                     -----

Mark Kwolek                        Volunteer Boys Basketball Coach                     -----

Evan Tilley                            Volunteer Boys Basketball Coach                     -----

Michael Kelley     Head Girls Basketball Coach                                              $3868

Sarah Hesford                       Asst. Girls Basketball Coach                              $2584

Lynn Downey                       Asst. Girls Basketball Coach                              $3007

Howie Hague                        Head Wrestling Coach                                        $2915

James Buneau                       Asst. Wrestling Coach                                       $2186

Paul Stasiuk                          Head Ice Hockey Coach                                     $3338

Keith Higgins                       Asst. Ice Hockey Coach                                     $2186

Rich Morrissey     Volunteer Ice Hockey Coach                                             -----

Kelli Doorley                         Head Girls Gymnastics Coach                            $3113

Kerrie Rubeira                       Asst. Girls Gymnastics Coach                           $2186

Jennifer Chabot    Head Girls Indoor Track Coach                                         $2808

James Knowles     Asst. Girls Indoor Track Coach                                         $2212

Charles Breagy     Head Boys Indoor Track Coach                                        $2808

James Hirst                            Asst. Boys Indoor Track Coach                        $2212

Amanda Marzullo                Head Basketball Cheerleading Coach               $2278

Courtney Kelley   Asst. Basketball Cheerleading Coach                              $1391

Jason Shabo                         Weight Lifting Coach-Winter                            $3338

 

                Davisville Middle School

 

Dennis Brown                       Head Boys Basketball Coach                             $2941

Michael Berndt     Head Boys Basketball Coach                                             $2716

 

                Wickford Middle School

 

Raymond Tanguay              Head Boys Basketball Coach                             $2941

Judd Silvia                             Volunteer Boys Basketball Coach                     -----

Paul Graham                          Head Girls Basketball Coach                              $2941

Eva Mancuso-Feeney         Volunteer Cheerleading Coach                          -----

 

5.                    Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff:*

 

a)                   Clare Pope, Special Education Paraprofessional at Wickford Elementary School, 4 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 20 hours per week, effective November 14, 2003.

 

6.             Retirement, Certificated Staff:*

 

a)         Frank Gamble, Grant Coordinator, effective December 2, 2003.

 

7.                    Appointments, Operation Skill Builders @ Davisville Middle School, 2003/2004       

School Year – funded through the school.*

 

Sandra Brown                       16 sessions @ $40 = $640

David Hoffer                         16 sessions @ $40 = $640

Deborah Santagata              16 sessions @ $40 = $640

Robert Wright                      16 sessions @ $40 = $640

                                                Christine Hanley  16 sessions @ $40 = $640

 

8.                    Appointment, Non-Unit Personnel:

 

a)                   Janice Hall-Stinson, Resource Development Manager, with an annual salary of $55,000 effective February 2, 2004 – Budgeted.

 

v      Bill Mudge requested to see the resumes of other applicants for this position prior to making his decision.  Who was on committee to make final decision?  “I didn’t get any minutes of any meetings.”

v      Bill Daly stated that Barry Martasian was chosen as a member of the Public Relations Subcommittee and Don DeFedele was also a member as well as Donna Thompson, Barbara Fitzsimmons, and himself.

v      Denise Coppa felt that if there was to be a selection committee then the entire School Committee should have had the opportunity to volunteer.  She felt that because the position is important to the administration the candidate should go before the entire School Committee for selection.

v      Pat Watkins held that the only position that had ever required a thorough scrutiny of the entire School Committee is that of the superintendent.  “We have always been given the recommendations by the administration.”

v      Kevin Mulvey questioned the process as he was not at the meeting when the Resource Development Manager’s job description was voted upon and felt that there was a lack of communication concerning the selection procedure that followed.

v      Don DeFedele said that his first question regarding the procedure was to Bill Daly who referred him to the School Committee policy.

v      Dr. Halley mentioned that his assumption was that anyone who wanted to be on the selection committee would have mentioned an interest.

v      Kevin Mulvey again stated that he was not at the meeting when the position was first discussed.

v      Dr. Halley stated that he hoped that approval of this individual is not tainted by what selection process was used.  The person should be considered on their merits alone.  “I don’t want this person to get the impression that they don’t have the support of the School Committee.”

v      Bill Mudge reiterated that he wanted to see the applications to know if there was “a better fit for the position.”

v      Bill Mudge made a motion to hold the position in abeyance.  He did not receive a second.

v      Barry Martasian stated that School Committee packets go out on the Friday before the meeting held on Wednesday, which leaves ample opportunity for any School Committee members to go to the administration building to review resumes.

v      Carol Hueston remarked that she has “the utmost faith in the committee who interviewed the people and sent this recommendation to us”.

v      Pat Watkins made a motion to accept the recommendation of Janice Hall-Stinson for the position of Resource Development Manager.  Barry Martasian seconded the motion.  Vote: 5/2, Denise Coppa and Bill Mudge voted “No”

v

 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

 

VI.           New Business

 

A.             NKHS New Course Proposals for Discussion and Vote

·         Pat Watkins opened the discussion by complimenting the High School staff on the preparation of the New Course Proposal data; she felt that the background material provided was extensive and in depth.

·         Bill Mudge wanted to know if these new courses would necessitate the hiring of additional staff.  Mr. Lalli was on hand to answer questions, and he replied that no, new staffing would not be required.

·         Parent, Kathy Brown, requested a clarification in the grades of which students who could sign up for particular classes.  The “Introduction to Engineering Design” course mentioned incoming freshmen, interested juniors and seniors, but left out interested sophomores. Mr. Lalli stated that the course would also be open to those sophomores interested in taking the course.

·         Pat Watkins motioned to approve the New Course Proposals as presented.  Carol Hueston seconded that motion and the vote taken was unanimous.

 

 

At this point the meeting paused as the North Kingstown High School Concert Choir beautifully sang Christmas Carols to the School Committee and Audience

 

 

VII.         Unfinished Business

 

 

A.            Emergency and Dismissal Procedures Advisory Committee

·         Denise Coppa motioned to approve this advisory committee and advertise for members.  Pat Watkins seconded the motion.  Vote:  6/1, Bill Mudge voting “ No”

 

B.            Request to Order Concert Choir Robes

·         High School senior advisor, Sarah Boyd, and High School music teacher, Norma Caiazza, brought two sample Choir Robes for the School Committee’s perusal. They demonstrated the advantages and disadvantages of each robe, and the School Committee decided with the two teachers which was the best robe.

·         Joe Quinn advised the committee to approve the funds and as the amount is over $5,000.00 he has to put the item out to bid.

·         Bill Mudge motioned to approve the request to order Concert Choir robes and Kevin Mulvey seconded this motion with the vote being unanimous.

 

C.            Revised School Calendar

·         The School Committee reviewed the revised calendar, and Pat Watkins questioned whether or not it would be possible to utilize vacation days if needed for snow days.  Dr. Halley responded affirmatively.

·         Don DeFedele concurred and stated that state law dictates that it is just not allowable for students to remain in school past June 30th.

·         Pat Watkins motioned to approve the revised calendar with Carol Hueston’s second.  Vote: 7/0

 

D.            Full Day Kindergarten Implementation

·         Bill Mudge stated that he had no financial data with respect to this topic and has recently read articles in the Providence Journal concerning the vocational technical programs being brought back into the Chariho school system.  He has concerns about this happening here and the budgetary questions this might raise.  He would like to discuss a Full Day Kindergarten program at Fishing Cove Elementary School.

·         Denise Coppa questioned Mr. Mudge as to whether he meant reopening Fishing Cove as a Kindergarten Center and redistricting again.  Mr. Mudge replied that indeed he did.

·         Pat Watkins stated that she believed that the School Committee and school department had done a “massive amount of work” and that the Board of Regents feels that full day kindergarten is the “way to go”.

·         Bill Mudge stated that he had been given no information on the program.

·         Don DeFedele held that the School Committee received guidance from Barbara Fitzsimmons on where to seek information on the subject on the internet; the school department formed a full day K committee; a reading resource teacher from Davisville Elementary teacher came and spoke to the School Committee on the benefits she sees from the full day program at DES; therefore, he said that to “stop the train and start all over again would not benefit the school department” in this issue.

·         Bill Mudge felt that he should not have to go back to a two-year old report to garner information.  He also felt he should not have to do his own research, and that the school department should provide this information to him.

·         Barry Martasian asked if half day kindergarten would be provided as well, and Dr. Halley responded affirmatively.  Mr. Martasian was concerned about staffing in this instance, and Dr. Halley stated that there would be no need for additional staffing; the children who are half-day would simply leave the full-day class.

·         Mr. Martasian then stated that when he initially received the information from Dr. Fitzsimmons regarding the where to seek information about Full Day Kindergarten on the internet, he thought that there would be a good deal of research involved, but he found it quite simple and found one study that looked at the topic from all aspects.

·         Carol Hueston mentioned that when she first came to this committee she was against Full Day Kindergarten.  She made an appointment to visit the Westerly School District where they have had full day kindergarten for approximately five years.  Their program impressed her and changed her mind.  Mrs. Hueston emphasized that she feels that it is the obligation of School Committee members to do their own research.

·         Bill Mudge maintained that he would like the administration to put together a packet of information on specific topics for School Committee members to work from.

·         Denise Coppa declared that the School Committee has been looking at this topic for years.  

·         Kevin Mulvey motioned to approve full day kindergarten for the district.  Carol Hueston seconded the motion which passed with a vote of 6 to 1, Bill Mudge opposed.

 

E.             School Modernization Implementation

·         Don DeFedele mentioned that he had discussed with Town Council President, Liz Dolan regarding the Town Council’s decision of having Dave Burnham chair the new School Modernization Committee.  Mr. DeFedele reported that Mrs. Dolan stated that it was not the Town’s decision that Mr. Burnham chair the committee; rather that he be on the committee and that the committee elect its own chair.

·         The school committee discussed the fact that as this is a new committee, a new charge of directives needs to be brought forward.

·         Pat Watkins/Carol Hueston motioned that the administration present the School Modernization Advisory Committee with a new charge.  Vote: 6/0/1 – Bill Mudge abstaining.

 

F.             Policies  - Move to January 7, 2004 Worksession

 

G.            2004-05 School Budget – No discussion

 

H.            2003-04 School Budget 

·         Bill Mudge asked if there was a final copy of the audit available.  Joe Quinn responded that the audit would be completed 12/31/2003. 

·         Mr. Mudge stated that the School Committee should participate in the audit brief and exit interview.  He wants to be able to ask questions of the auditors.

·         Mr. Quinn stated that the auditors report to the Town Council and appeals of that nature must be made of the Town Council President.

·         Don DeFedele stated that he would let Mrs. Dolan know of Mr. Mudge’s request.

 

Due to the lateness of the hour, Kevin Mulvey requested that the following items be placed on the next meeting’s agenda.  Don DeFedele agreed that this should be done and requested the consensus of the committee.  All were in agreement

 

I.              2003-04 School Department Goals and Objectives

 

IX.           Reports

 

A.                  Policy Subcommittee Reports 

 

B.                   RIASC and other Legislative Activity

 

X.                  Comments:

 

·         Barry Martasian would like to look into bell times at the High School in the future, and how it would effect the school district overall.  Mr. DeFedele requested that this be placed on the March Worksession agenda.

·         Kevin Mulvey requested that the School Committee discuss the formulation of professional development days when they discuss the Jewish holidays and work on the school calendar in February.

·         Pat Watkins would like to thank the choir for their musical break, and wish everyone a happy holiday season.

·         Bill Mudge suggested that next year professional development days should be implemented on the same day.

·         Carol Hueston also wished everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

·         Korrine Erickson was disappointed to hear that North Kingstown would be using an assessment tool for kindergarten students whose birthdates fall between 9/2/99 and 12/31/99 instead of grandfathering these students into class.

·         Dr. Halley informed Ms. Erickson that she was referring to an outdated policy that the School Committee’s Policy Subcommittee was looking at amending.  The updated policy should be ready for the School Committee’s approval shortly.

 

IX.           Adjourn to Executive Session:  Pat Watkins made a motion to recess into executive session.  This motion was seconded by Kevin Mulvey at 10:20 pm.  The committee voted to approve 7/0.

            Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (1) and (2) for Personnel Issues*, Negotiation and Home Schooling Requests.  *At the election of the employee, the personnel matter may be heard in public.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

_______________________

Konnie M. Mazur

School Committee Secretary

Approved March 24, 2004