NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

6:30 pm Reception to Honor Lynn Wolslegel – 2005 RI Outstanding Biology Teacher

7:00 PM Worksession

NK High School                                                                                                                                                       150 Fairway Drive          

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Minutes

               

                             I.      Meeting Organization

 

A.      Call to Order; Pledge of Allegiance; Vice Chairperson, Denise Coppa, called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm.

 

B.      Roll Call              

        Present:  Vice Chairperson, Dr. Denise Coppa; Renee Cockerill; Melvoid Benson;  Janice DeFrances; Bill Mudge;  

       and Barry Martasian.

       Absent:    Chairperson, Donald DeFedele; William Brennan, Jamestown Representative                        

 

 Administration Present: James M. Halley, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools; Barbara A. Fitzsimmons, Ed.D,     

 Curriculum Director; William J. Daly, Director of Human Resources; Maureen Buck, Director of  

                                Administrative Services; and Daniel J. McGregor, Ph.D., Director of Pupil Personnel Services

 

                         C.     Calendars:

 

1.         Dr. Halley reviewed the important dates in September and October with the Committee.  The date of October 5, 2005 at 6:30pm was scheduled to hear multiple NEANK grievances.

Dr. Coppa distributed a calendar and requested that School Committee members fill in their names as to which open houses they play to attend.

 

                       D.    Presentation:  Teacher Contracts by Valerie Forti will be presented at the next School Committee Meeting on

                               September 28, 2005.

       

                           II.      Routine Items            

                                         

    A.   Correspondence:  The Committee received correspondence from SELAC concerning the “Overview of the 2005-

           2006 Special Education Program and Location of Self-Contained Special Education Classes”.  See Appendix A

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Renee Cockerill / Barry Martasian with a vote of 6-0.

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Withdrawn or Tabled Items from the consent agenda are marked with *** as indicated immediately following the item.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

 

C.       Disclosure of Executive Session Votes - none to disclose.

 

D.      Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings

1.        August 24, 2005 Business Meeting Minutes*

 

     E.    Financial Items

1.        Food Service Report **

Renee Cockerill suggested that now is the time to consolidate services with the town concerning providing food service for the senior citizens.

Maureen Buck explained that this possibility has been researched and it proved not to be cost efficient for the school department.  Some seniors are diabetic which would require us to consult a nutritionist and hire someone to prepare a different entrée than what we currently provide students (fish, etc.).

 

 

Some factors that are affecting food service profitability include competitive food being brought in through vending machines and schools limiting the sales of ice cream.

Dr. Halley stated that the money generated from the outside vending machines goes to the student activity fund.

                                Food Service is currently trying to increase profits by increasing prices this year, eliminating the food service clerk

                                and implementing a new after school food service at the high school.

                                Denise Coppa requested an additional food service report to include the research that was completed on the senior

                                citizen program, a cost comparison of our program versus an outside agency food service, a summary of our food

                                service program as it is run today and a separate accounting of cost of food service provided to Jamestown.

                                Bill Daly reminded the Committee that we currently have a four year contract with our food service workers.

                                Mrs. Benson would like to see a report about the Jamestown food service program and the operations of vending

                             machines in the school department.

               

                                Barry Martasian motioned to accept the Food Service Report with a future report on food service,

                                and Jamestown service to be provided.  Mel Benson seconded the motion.

                               

                                Bill Mudge amended the motion to include a report on money generated from vending machines and to

                             address establishing a policy on vending machines.  Mel Benson seconded the amendment.

 

                        Vote on the amendment to the motion:  Don DeFedele          absent

                                                                                                  Denise Coppa     no

                                                                                                  Renee Cockerill                 yes

                                                                                                  Melvoid Benson             yes

                                                                                                  Bill Mudge                          yes

                                                                                                  Janice DeFrances              yes

                                                                                                    Barry Martasian             no

                       Amendment passed 4 to 2.

 

                       Vote on the main motion:                               Denise Coppa                    yes

                                                                                                   Melvoid Benson                yes

                                                                                                   Renee Cockerill               yes

                                                                                                   Bill Mudge                         yes

                                                                                                   Barry Martasian              yes

                                                                                                   Janice DeFrances            yes

                                                                                                   Don DeFedele                  absent

                      Motion passed 6 to 0.

                               

2.    Grants Report **

Mr. Mudge requested the 2006 grant report.  Mrs. Buck explained that it is normally given to the Committee once a year but is now being given once a month.

Mr. Mudge accused the administration of spending grant money without School Committee approval.

Dr. Halley objected with a point of order.  This grant report only requires acceptance of the Special Revenue Funds.  He stated that the Committee was getting into a discussion on policy and that needs to be put on a future agenda.

Dr. Coppa accepted the point of order stating that the Committee could not talk about the 2006 report because it was not on this agenda.

Bill Mudge asked about a FY05 grant surplus of $624,000.

Dr. Halley explained that grant money has to be spend on the specific item it is designated for in the grant.  This cannot be moved to spend on other items.  If money is adjusted from the grant, it would require cutting personnel and services provided by that grant.

Mr. Mudge asked when the Committee approved the $3.4 million grant report.

Dr. Halley responded that it was approved when the Committee adopted the budget.

Dr. DeFrances stated that specific questions should be put in writing to the administration prior to the meeting in order to give people time to respond accurately and move on.

 

                Barry Martasian motioned to accept the grant report for 2005.  Renee Cockerill seconded the motion.

 

                Vote on motion:                    Renee Cockerill                  yes

                                                                Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                                Denise Coppa                       yes

                                                                Barry Martasian yes

                                                                Bill Mudge                            no

                                                                Janice DeFrances               yes

                                                                Donald DeFedele  absent    Motion passed  5 to 1.

 

3.         Monthly Deficit Monitoring Report **

Maureen Buck stated that after this report was submitted there was more information available and she will provide the Committee with an update at the next meeting.

                Bill Mudge motioned to expand the revenue categories for more detailed information.  Mel Benson seconded.

                                Mrs. Buck explained that the report is not our format, the school department and the town just place the numbers in

                             the designated areas.  The report is only designed to inform the state if a school department or town has a deficit and

                             what the plan is to correct it.

                                Barry Martasian questioned what it would take to change the report.

                                Mrs. Buck replied that someone would have to request the change for the entire state at the Office of Municipal

                                Affairs.

                Mr. Mudge withdrew his motion.

 

                Barry Martasian motioned to accept the Monthly Deficit Monitoring Report.  Renee Cockerill seconded.

                Vote on motion:
                                                                Janice DeFrances               yes

                                                                Barry Martasian yes

                                                                Bill Mudge                            no

                                                                Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                                Denise Coppa                       yes

                                                                Renee Cockerill                  yes

                                                                Donald DeFedele  absent

 

                Motion passed 5 to 1.

 

F.           Bids and Awards

1.        Request by John Gibbons III to be awarded a 7 year Bus Contract.**

 Bill Mudge questioned why Mr. Gibbons should be awarded a bus contract when the contract states that an  

 owner must drive the bus if he owns more than one.

Maureen Buck stated that there is a memo of understanding with the president of the bus contractor’s association agreeing to the exception.

Renee Cockerill asked why the school department awards a 7-year contract if we are looking into a private company to provide service.

Mrs. Buck stated that this is common practice for the reason that a contractor has to purchase the bus and the loan is usually for 7 years.  If we decided to go with an outside company for bus service, the school department could buy the bus from the contractor and then require the outside bus service company to buy that bus from us.

Mel Benson requested the waiver at the next School Committee Meeting.

 

                Renee Cockerill motioned to accept the Gibbons bus contract.  Barry Martasian seconded.

                Vote on motion:                    Barry Martasian yes

                                                                Renee Cockerill                  yes

                                                                Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                                Bill Mudge                            no

                                                                Janice DeFrances               yes

                                                                Denise Coppa                       yes

                                                                Donald DeFedele  absent

                Motion passed 5 to 1.

 

2.  Textbook Adoptions: AP Statistics Grade Level – 11th and 12th

      a. Stats: Modeling the World; 30 copies – cost per copy $83.00 for a total of $2,490.00.*

3.   Replacement of #1 Burner at Davisville Middle School*

 

 

G.  Personnel Items

1.                    Approval of Louise DeCarlo Administrative Representative to SELAC*

 

2.                    Appointment, Certificated Staff:

 

 

a)                   Kelly Harrington, .2 FTE Spanish Teacher at Wickford Middle School, Step 1 with an annual salary of $7051, effective August 29, 2005 – unbudgeted.**

 

b)                   Edward Packhem, .2 FTE Industrial Arts Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Step 10 plus a Masters with an annual salary of $13,381, pro-rated for 180 days with a total salary of $12,949, effective September 7, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

c)                   Courtney McKay-Sandham, .6 FTE Social Studies Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Step 2 plus a Master’s Degree with a total annual salary of $24,110, effective August 29, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

d)                   Christopher Carty, 1.0 FTE Social Studies Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Step 4 with a total annual salary of $42,124, effective August 29, 2005 – budgeted*

 

e)                   Kristin Williams, 1.0 FTE Media Specialist – 1 Year Only at the North Kingstown High School, Step 7 plus a Master’s Degree with a total annual salary of $53,541, effective August 29, 2005 – budgeted.**

 

f)                    Erin Winthrop, 1.0 FTE Guidance Counselor – 1 Year Only at the North Kingstown High School, Step 1 plus a Master’s Degree, pro-rated for 178 days in the 2005/2006 school year for a total salary of $36,500.08, effective September 9, 2005 – budgeted.**

 

g)                   Donna Sweet, 1.0 FTE Guidance Counselor at the North Kingstown High School, Step 10 plus a Master’s Degree, with a total annual salary of $66,905, effective August 29, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

h)                   Karen Fontes, 1.0 FTE Guidance Counselor at the North Kingstown High School, Step 8 plus a Master’s Degree with a total annual salary of $56,327, effective August 29, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

i)                     Eileen Murray, .6 FTE Keyboarding Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Step 2 plus a Master’s Degree with a total annual salary of $24,110, effective August 29, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

j)                     Patricia  Atkinson-Santos, 1.0 FTE Guidance Counselor at the North Kingstown High School, Step 10 plus a Master’s Degree with a total annual salary of $66,905, effective August 30, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

3.                    Appointments, Non-Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Paul Johnson, Roving Custodian (Home Base Wickford Elementary School), 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, Step 1 @ $12.19 per hour plus an hourly stipend of $.25 for a total hour rate of $12.44, effective September 1, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

b)                   Mark Dawson, Weekend Custodian at the North Kingstown High School, Saturday and Sunday for a total of 20 hours, Step 1 @ $12.19 per hour, effective August 21, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

c)                   Sherri Briggs, Clerk at Wickford Middle School, 7 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 35 hours per week, Step 6 @ $13.60 per hour, effective August 15, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

d)                   Catherine O’Connell, Clerk at the North Kingstown High School, 7 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 35 hours per week, Step 10 @ $16.11 per hour, effective August 29, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

e)                   Linda Andrew, Clerk at the North Kingstown High School, 7 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 35 hours per week, Step 10 @ $16.11 per hour, effective August 22, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

f)                    Debbie Montanaro, Clerk at Hamilton Elementary School, 3.5 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 17.5 hours per week, Step 6 @ $13.60 per hour, effective September 2, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

g)                   Joao Fidalgo, 3rd Shift Custodian at the North Kingstown High School, Step 1 @ $12.19 plus an hourly stipend of $.20 for a total hourly rate of $12.39, effective August 24, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

 

h)                   Diane Mendelson, Food Service Worker at the North Kingstown High School, 3 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 15 hours per week, Step 1 @ $8.44 per hour, effective September 7, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

i)                     Dawn Jordan, Food Service Worker at Stony Lane Elementary School, 3 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 10 hours per week, Step 2 @ $8.69 per hour, effective September 6, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

j)                     Richard Booth, Network Manager, with a salary of $55,000, effective September 6, 2005 – budgeted.**

 

4.                    Appointments, 2005 Summer Camp Coordinators: - Budgeted – Enterprise Account.*

 

Brian Garrepy                        Volleyball I                                            $880.68

Brian Garrepy                        Volleyball II                                           $1084.74

Steve Froberg                       Soccer                                                    $558.48

Kevin Gormley                      Baseball                                                 $1084.72

Wendy Anderson                Girls        Lacrosse                                                                $708.84

Kevin Gormley                      Basketball I                                           $1084.72

Michael Kelley                     Basketball II                                          $708.84

Keith Kenyon                       Football                 `                               $558.48

Julie Maguire                        Field Hockey I                                      $708.84

Julie Maguire                        Field Hockey II                                     $558.48

 

5.                    Appointments, 2005 Summer Camp Coaches:  - Budgeted – Enterprise Account.*

 

Josh Holmes                         Boys Lacrosse                                      $174.50

Kevin Harrington                 Boys Lacrosse                                      $174.50

Kevin Harrington                 Volleyball II                                           $604.13

Joe Tarborelli                        Volleyball II                                           $604.13

Scott Reslow                         Volleyball II                                           $604.13

Dave DeJesus                       Volleyball II                                           $261.75

Eric Bush                               Baseball                                                 $483.30

Michael Schiappa                                Baseball                                                 $604.13

Peter Clays                            Baseball                                                 $604.13

Anthony Ucci                       Baseball                                                 $604.13

Brian MacDonald                 Baseball                                                 $604.13

Robert Downey                    Baseball                                                 $604.13

Chris Yole                              Baseball                                                 $301.88

Matt Kruger                          Baseball                                                 $120.75

Kyle Johnson                       Baseball                                                 $261.75

Evan Charello                       Baseball                                                 $261.75

Jeff Cammans                        Baseball                                                 $261.75

James Olerio                          Baseball                                                 $261.75

Taylor Kenney                     Baseball                                                 $261.75

Kevin Lorenz                        Baseball                                                 $261.75

Brendan McDevitt               Baseball                                                 $261.75

Oliver Palmer                         Baseball                                                 $261.75

Matt Goulding                      Baseball                                                 $261.75

Nate Izzo                                Baseball                                                 $104.70

Courtney McKay-SandhamGirls Lacrosse                                      $268.50

Jennifer Craven                    Girls Lacrosse                                       $268.50

Shannon Read                      Girls Lacrosse                                       $174.50

Gina Alviti                             Girls Lacrosse                                       $174.50

Peter Clays                            Basketball I                                           $604.13

Lynn Downey                       Basketball I                                           $604.13

Eric Misunas                         Basketball I                                           $539.69

Josh Holmes                         Basketball I                                           $261.75

Kevin Hanrahan                   Basketball I                                           $261.75

Matt Kruger                          Basketball I                                           $120.75

 

Brendan McDevitt               Basketball I                                           $261.75

Jeff Siatti                                Basketball I                                           $261.75

Michael Bessette                 Basketball I                                           $261.75

Alex Cesaro                           Basketball I                                           $261.75

Dave Buckley                       Basketball                                              $261.75

Brian Sullivan                       Basketball I                                           $261.75

John Olerio                            Basketball I                                           $261.75

Ryan Hareld                          Basketball I                                           $261.75

Brad Peterson                       Basketball I                                           $261.75

Robert Downey                    Basketball II                                          $402.75

Kevin Gormley                      Basketball II                                          $402.75

Eric Misunas                         Basketball II                                          $402.75

Mike Rogers                         Football                                                 $322.20

Ryan Zilly                              Football                                                 $322.20

Joe Davies                             Football                                                 $322.20

Scott Lamendola                  Football                                                 $214.80

John Shepard                        Football                                                 $214.80

Kris Graham                          Field Hockey I                                      $402.75

Janella Avila                         Field Hockey I                                      $201.75

Megan Scully                       Field Hockey I                                      $ 69.80

Kris Graham                          Field Hockey II                                     $322.20

Andrea Brayman                  Field Hockey Ii                                     $322.20

 

6.                    Appointments, 2005/2006 Curriculum Coordinators – budgeted.**

 

Jean Larsen                                           Art                                          $1283

Jay Walsh                                             Co-Social Studies                 $1283.50

Michele Sandham                                Co-Social Studies                 $1283.50

Judy O’Brien                                         Co-Media/Library                $321

Martha Baton                                       Co-Media/Library                $321

Naomi Schick                                        Music                                     $1283

Adrian Poland                                      Reading                                 $3851

Suzanne Barry                                      Math                                      $3851

 

7.                    Recall, Non-Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Jean Hogan, Special Education Paraprofessional at Davisville Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 3 @ $11.94 per hour, effective September 1, 2005 – unbudgeted.**

 

b)                   Jigisha Pathak, School Paraprofessional at Fishing Cove School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 3 @ $11.94 per hour, effective September 1, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

c)                   Nancy Ciccone, Special Education Paraprofessional at Stony Lane Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 2 @ $11.45 per hour, effective September 1, 2005 – unbudgeted.**

 

d)                   Lynn McVety-Barone, Special Education Paraprofessional at Hamilton Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 3 @ $11.94 per hour, effective September 1, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

8.                    Transfer, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Jennifer Poli, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Davisville Elementary School, transferred from Kindergarten to Grade 1 at Davisville Elementary School, effective September 1, 2005 – unbudgeted.**

 

9.                    Recall, Certificated Staff:

 

 

 

a)                   Victoria Carlton, .6 FTE Art Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Step 2 with a total annual salary of $24,110, effective August 29, 2005 – budgeted*

 

b)                   Jennifer De Wardener, 1.0 FTE Grade 2 at Fishing Cove School, Step 3 with a total salary of $39,891, effective September 1, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

c)                   Sara Goldenberg, 1.0 FTE Grade 1 at Stony Lane Elementary School, Step 3 with a total salary of $39,891, effective September 1, 2005 – unbudgeted.**

 

d)                   Bill Dwyer, .7 FTE Music Teacher at Stony Lane Elementary School-1 year only, Step 2 with an annual salary of $26,108, effective September 1, 2005 with a seniority date of February 2, 2004 – budgeted.*

 

10.                 Appointments, 2005 Summer Kindergarten Transition Program, Certificated Staff – grant funded.

 

a)                   Kimberly Ferguson, Kindergarten Teacher, August 15, 2005 through August 26, 2005, 8 am to noon, $22.50 per hour.*

 

b)                   Amber Tetreault, Kindergarten Teacher, August 15, 2005 through August 26, 2005, 8 am to noon, $22.50 per hour.*

 

c)                   Amy Zaptka, Kindergarten Teacher, August 15, 2005 through August 26, 2005, 8 am to noon, $22.50 per hour.*

 

11.                 Appointments, 2005 Summer Kindergarten Transition Program, Non-Certificated Staff – grant funded.

 

a)                   Kerry Wicker, Paraprofessional, August 15, 2005 through August 26, 2005, 8 am to noon, $15.00 per hour.*

 

b)                   Linda Rose, Paraprofessional, August 15, 2005 through August 26, 2005, 8 am to noon, $15.00 per hour.*

 

c)                   Elizabeth Dugan, Paraprofessional, August 15, 2005 through August 26, 2005, 8 am to noon, $15.00 per hour.*

 

d)                   Kristine O’Neill, Paraprofessional, August 15, 2005 through August 26, 2005, 8 am to noon, $15.00 per hour.*

 

12.                 Appointments, 2005/2006 Interscholastic Coaches – budgeted:*

 

North Kingstown High School

 

Keith Kenyon                       Head Football Coach                                           $4697

Trevor Wilson                      Asst. Football Coach                                          $3184

Joseph Davies                      Asst. Football Coach                                          $3636

Ryan Zilly                              Asst. Football Coach                                          $3082.50

Michael Rogers                    Asst. Football Coach                                          $3636

John Shepard                        Volunteer Asst. Football Coach                        $0

Mark Swistak                        Volunteer Asst. Football Coach                        $0

Bill Marsh                              Volunteer Asst. Football Coach                        $0

Dave Paganetti                     Volunteer Asst. Football Coach                        $0

Jim Micell                              Volunteer Asst. Football Coach                        $0

Steve Frogberg                     Head Boys Soccer Coach                                   $3324

Kyle Frogberg                      Asst. Boys Soccer Coach                                   $2335

David Murphy                      Asst. Boys Soccer Coach                                   $2335

Kevin Powers                       Head Girls Soccer Coach                                    $3565

Todd Ottilge                         Asst. Girls Soccer Coach                                    $2546

Sean McAdam                      Asst. Girls Soccer Coach                                    $2787

Paul Tetreault                       Head Boys Cross Country Coach                     $2999

 

Keven O’Neil                        Head Girls Cross Country Coach                      $2758

Julie Maguire                        Head Field Hockey Coach                                  $3565

Kris Graham                          Asst. Field Hockey Coach                                  $2787

Bonnie Higgins                    Asst. Field Hockey Coach                                  $2335

Tim O’Neil                             Head Girls Tennis Coach                                    $2999

Lisa Curran                            Asst. Girls Tennis Coach                                    $1910

Brian Garrepy                        Head Girls Volleyball Coach                               $3113

Joe Taraborelli                      Asst. Girls Volleyball Coach                              $2335

Amanda Marzullo                Football Cheerleading Coach                             $2433

Courtney Kelley                   Asst. Cheerleading Coach                                  $1697

Jason Shabo                         Fall Weight Training Coach                               $3565

 

                Wickford Middle School

 

                Paul Graham                          Head. Cross Country Coach                              $2334

 

                                Davisville Middle School

 

                Dennis Brown                       Head Cross Country Coach                               $2574

                Michael Berndt                     Asst. Cross Country Coach                               $1802

 

13.                 Increase in FTE, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Elizabeth Charest, Itinerant Music Teacher, from .6 FTE to 1.0 FTE, Step 4 with an annual salary of $42,124, effective August 29, 2005 – budgeted.*

 

b)                   Denise Mancieri, Business Teacher at Wickford Middle School from .6 FTE to .8 FTE, Step 9 plus a Master’s Degree with a total annual salary of $47,290, effective August 29, 2005 – unbudgeted.

c)                   Michele Haskell, Itinerant Music Teacher from .5 FTE to 1.0 FTE, Step 9 plus a Master’s Degree, with a total annual salary of $$59,113, effective September 1, 2005.*

 

d)                   Karee Anderson, from .5 FTE to 1.0 FTE Physical Education/Health/Adaptive Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Step 4 with a total annual salary of $42,124, effective August 29, 2005.*

 

14.                 Request for Approval of Leave of Absence, Non-Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Linda Lischio, Special Education Paraprofessional at Quidnessett Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week from September 1, 2005 through October 30, 2005.*

 

15.                 Request for Approval of Partial Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Nina Smith, from 1.0 FTE to .5 FTE Art Teacher, Step 5 with an annual salary of $23,286, for the 2005/2006 school year.*

 

16.                 Request for Approval of Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Michelle Webber, .5 FTE Music Teacher for the 2005/2006 school year.*

 

b)                   Evelyn Bradshaw, 1.0 FTE Guidance Counselor at the North Kingstown High School for the 2005/2006 school year.*

 

c)                   Lisa Giorgianni, Itinerant Music Teacher, 1.0 FTE for the 2005/2006 school year. *

 

d)                   Sarah Salazar, from 5 FTE Itinerant Music Teacher, for the 2005/2006 school year.*

 

17.                 Decease In FTE, Certificated Staff:

 

 

 

a)                   Sarah Salazar, from .8 FTE to .5 FTE Itinerant Music Teacher, Step 10 plus a Master’s Degree with an annual salary of $33,453, effective August 29, 2005.*

 

18.                 Resignation, Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Lisa Garcia, 1.0 FTE ESL Teacher, effective September 1, 2005.*

 

b)                   Jennifer Boisvert, 1.0 FTE Itinerant Literacy Coach, effective August 29, 2005.*

 

19.                 Resignation, Non-Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Judy May, Food Service Worker, 3 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 15 hours per week, effective August 17, 2005.*

 

b)                   Ronald Verdi, Network Manager, effective August 15, 2005.*

 

c)                   Joann Tymon, Paraprofessional, effective August 24, 2005.*

 

d)                   Rebecca Dugan, Special Education Paraprofessional at Forest Park Elementary School, effective August 22, 2005.*

 

e)                   Joan Boyd, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 16, 2005. *

 

Personnel Exemptions:

 

**2a:  Mr. Mudge asked where the money is coming from for this .2 unbudgeted position.

Dr. Halley explained that we have to adjust the budget and reallocate money every year to add or delete positions as required.  The personnel reconciliation will be done as usual on October 1st and he will recommend the adjustments.

Mr. Mudge was concerned with teachers job sharing.

Dr. Halley stated that we are not switching teachers week to week.  Some teachers share a job where appropriate under an agreement with the Association.

Mr. Mudge requested a list of positions with job shares.

 

**2e and 2f:  Bill Mudge asked why the positions were only for one year.

Dr. Halley replied that these positions were replacements for staff on leave.

 

Dr. Coppa called for a recess at 8:30pm to allow Mr. Mudge to review the back-up material for the personnel positions.

The meeting resumed at 8:40 pm.

 

                Janice DeFrances motioned to accept Personnel items 2a, 2e and 2f.  Mel Benson seconded.

                Vote on motion:                    Denise Coppa                       yes

                                                                Renee Cockerill                  yes

                                                                Janice DeFrances               yes

                                                                Barry Martasian yes

                                                                Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                                Bill Mudge                            absent for this vote

                                                                Donald DeFedele  absent

                Motion passed 5 to 0.

 

                                **3j:  Network Manager – Mr. Mudge withdrew his exemption.

 

                Barry Martasian motioned to approve Personnel item 3j.  Janice DeFrances seconded.

                Vote on motion:                    Unanimous to approve 6 to 0.

 

**6.  Curriculum Coordinators:  Bill Mudge questioned why we are paying these positions.

  Denise Coppa stated that it is in the teacher’s contract – page 57, appendix B.

 

                Barry Martasian motioned to approve Personnel item #6.  Mel Benson seconded.

                Vote on motion:                    Unanimous to approve 6 to 0.

 

                                **7a and 7c:  Bill Mudge stated that these positions are unbudgeted and asked where the money is coming from.

                                Dr. Halley stated that these non-certified staff positions are the same as the teacher positions in that we adjust the

budget and reallocate money every year for required positions.  This is accomplished with the reconciliation in

                                October.

                Barry Martasian motional to approve Personnel items # 7a and 7c.  Mel Benson seconded.

                Vote on motion:                    Unanimous to approve 6 to 0.

 

                                **8a and 9c:  Bill Mudge again asked about these positions being unbudgeted.

                                Denise Coppa stated that it is the same answer about reconciliation.                       

Mr. Mudge asked the Superintendent to provide a spreadsheet with unbudgeted position up to this time.                     

Dr. Coppa stated that it will show in the monthly report.

                                Dr. Halley stated that we can do it as part of the reconciliation on October 1st.

                                Maureen Buck stated that she provides the Committee with a status report on a monthly basis and that will start with

                                October.

                Mel Benson motioned to accept the rest of the consent agenda.  Janice DeFrances seconded.

                Vote on motion:                    Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                                Denise Coppa                       yes

                                                                Barry Martasian yes

                                                                Janice DeFrances               yes

                                                                Renee Cockerill                  yes

                                                                Bill Mudge                            no

                                                                Donald DeFedele  absent

                Motion passed 5 to 1.

 

                Mr. Mudge objected that he did not get to finish all of his comments on the consent agenda.

 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

              Due to the lateness of the hour, Dr. Coppa asked the administration to prioritize items that needed to be discussed tonight.

 

                         III.      Unfinished Business

A.  Overview of the 2005-2006 Special Education Program – no discussion or action taken.

B.  Location of Self-Contained Special Education Classes – no discussion or action taken.

C.   Information Technology Agreement Between NK School Department and the Jamestown School Department:
                Dr. Halley explained that we can provide services to Jamestown on a reimbursable basis which creates additional revenue for the School Department.

      Mr. Mudge asked about the level of effort involved.  For example who provides the 30 hours of professional development listed in the contract; how much time is spent on network services provided; there is nothing allowed for transportation or liability; and how does it impact our services.

      Dr. Halley stated that most of the services in the contract are integrated with our own school department.  Professional development is provided to Jamestown at the same time we are servicing our own staff.  Jamestown staff will come here to be serviced.  Our technology staff doesn’t have to go out to the schools, most services are done from here remotely.  Jamestown is also still keeping their technology staff.  No desktop service is being provided, it will be network service only.

      Barry Martasian asked if the total revenue expected is approximately $16,000 total.

      Maureen Buck stated that it was.  The intent is to put it in a separate fund and the auditors have been asked for an opinion.

      Lee Rabbitt reviewed the contract and stated that an overview of services has also been given to Jamestown.

                Mel Benson motioned to put off voting on this contract until the next meeting.  Bill Mudge seconded.

                Vote on motion:                    Barry Martasian no

                                                                Denise Coppa                       no

                                                                Renee Cockerill                  no

                                                                Bill Mudge                            yes

                                                                Janice DeFrances               no

                                                                Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                                Donald DeFedele  absent

                Vote on motion failed 4 to 2.

 

Janice DeFrances motioned to accept the Information Technology Contract with Jamestown with the dates changed to reflect the correct starting time.  Barry Martasian seconded.

 

Public Comment:
Eugene Fry asked if the School Committee has seen the presentation that was given to
Jamestown.

Dr. Halley stated that it was presented to this committee in May at the same time that it was given to Jamestown.  Lee Rabbitt answered the School Committee’s questions at a meeting in May.

Mr. Fry asked if this was available to the public.

Dr. Halley stated that it was.

 

Vote on motion:                    Janice DeFrances               yes

                                                Bill Mudge                            no

                                                Renee Cockerill                  yes

                                                Barry Martasian yes

                                                Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                Denise Coppa                       yes

                                                Donald DeFedele  absent

Motion passed 5 to 1.

 

D.            Capital Improvement Plan Needs: 

Bill Mudge asked if there were any overlap in projects with the bond.

                Maureen Buck replied that there was not an overlap.

                Mel Benson stated that we shouldn’t discuss this plan until we have a 5 year plan.

                Mrs. Buck replied that this is the 5 year plan.

               

 

Mr. Mudge stated that he didn’t feel the band room project should come out of school committee funds.  The town council was the building agent and they should be responsible or hold the architect libel.

Dr. Halley explained that there was a hearing that established that we have to do the work to the band room.  The School Committee can argue who is responsible that will result in a legal battle that could take years.  Responsibility can be decided at a later time.  We have to correct the band room now.

Dr. Coppa suggested that we put this as a future agenda item to draft a letter to the town council requesting that this item should not be taken our of the school department’s CIP.

 

Barry Martasian motioned to approve the Capital Improvement Plan Needs.  Janice DeFrances seconded.

 

Dr. DeFrances asked if the Wickford Elementary entries will be deleted from the CIP plan.

Dr. Halley responded that this will depend on whether the school department keeps the building or turns it over to the town.

Dr. DeFrances asked if we accept the CIP as it is, are we accepting that Wickford Elementary be kept as our building.

Dr. Halley stated that the first group of items is what is needed right now for the first year according to the Asset Management Report.  The other items can be discussed in the future.

Dr. Halley suggested that until the decision is made about the use of Wickford Elementary, include those items in the plan now.  It is easier to withdraw it later.  We will be able to take it off in the future if necessary.

 

Public Comment:

Kathy Brown – stated that handouts are useful to the public to follow along.

The top half of the report lists Fishing Cove and Forest Park using bond money.  Mrs. Brown asked which money will be used.

Maureen Buck stated that the asbestos abatement was not included in the bond so the CIP money will be used in conjunction with the bond for these issues.

Mrs. Brown questioned air conditioning for the entire building of the high school

Mrs. Buck replied that the current air conditioning for the computer labs was not efficient enough.

Mrs. Brown stated that Wickford Elementary should be a priority in case we need to use the building in the future.

Bill Mudge stated that if the school is not going to be used, it would be unwise to spend school department money on repairs.

Mel Benson replied that she agrees with Mrs. Brown.

Dr. Halley pointed out that the town council only votes on the 1st year projects at this time.

 

 

 

                Vote on motion:                    Denise Coppa                       yes

                                                                Janice DeFrances               yes

                                                                Renee Cockerill                  yes

                                                                Bill Mudge                            no

                                                                Barry Martasian yes

                                                                Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                                Donald DeFedele  absent

 

                Motion passed 5 to 1.         

                                               

Renee Cockerill motioned to continue the meeting to discuss the 2005-2006 budget.  Barry Martasian seconded.

Vote on motion:                    Unanimous to approve 6 to 0.

 

E.                   2005-2006 School Budget

Dr. Halley presented an updated summary of the 2005-2006 school budget.

$593,486 is currently unallocated due to the pension reform money given to the district.

The following is a list of suggested adjustments for the FY2006 budget:

                Reinstate 4 SmART Teachers                                            $266,944

                Reinstate HS class size standards                                        66,736

                Reinstate .5 technology coordinator                                                   33,368

                Miscellaneous                                                                         (4,497)

                Reinstatement of Curriculum reduction                               75,000

                Reinstatement of Prof. Development reduction                 25,000

                Reinstatement of supplies reduction                                                   22,775

                Reinstate part of technology cut                                         108,160

                Total                                                                                         593,486

 

 

            Some staff adjustments have already been made, as is usually done at the beginning of every year.

            Bill Mudge asked how many SmART teachers have been hired.

Dr. Halley explained that 4 teachers have been placed in SmART positions.  If the Committee decides not to approve these positions, the teachers can be moved to alternate jobs.

Some Committee members objected that these positions had been filled without approval.

Dr. Halley stated that there had been a change of circumstances after the original SmART discussion and now there was additional money that was received from pension reform.  The School Committee had not discussed re-allocating money to the budget before school started but decisions had to be made.  He put in the SmART positions because it is felt that this is a valuable program that we have committed to, but the School Committee could disapprove if they choose. 

Dr. Coppa stated that it is the Superintendent’s job to start school and by law he has the authority to make decisions.

Renee Cockerill had a problem with the way it was handled, but didn’t object to the program if it was distributed equitably throughout the district.

Barry Martasian stated he was uncomfortable with the way hires had happened but felt it was not entirely the Superintendent’s fault.  There were items on the agenda that the Committee never discussed.  He believes the Superintendent acted in the best welfare of the district.

 

Barry Martasian motioned to reinstate 4 SmART teachers.

No second.

 

Bill Mudge wanted to look at reducing class size at the high school to what it was two years ago and reinstate the AP classes as they were in the last three years.

Dr. Halley stated that the student/teacher ration was approximately 16 to l and it was too late to change all of the students’ schedules at this date.

Dr. DeFrances stated she had heard from parents advocating for a nurse and librarian, and in the future the Committee could call for an emergency meeting to discuss items.

 

Janice DeFrances motioned to approve the suggested adjustment to the 06 budget.

Barry Martasian seconded.

 

Renee Cockerill asked if we could change student’s schedules if we add teachers.

Dr. Halley explained that we can divide classes with little disruption.  The current class average is approximately 22.

 

Mrs. Cockerill also asked if we have to deduct from the total for hires already made.

Dr. Halley stated that those adjustments are made every year within the personnel reconciliation.

Mr. Mudge stated that the COPS program was not listed for reinstatement.

Dr. Halley reminded the Committee that the COPS program was never cut.

 

Bill Mudge amended the motion to vote on each line item independently.

Mel Benson seconded.

 

Vote on amendment:           Denise Coppa                       no

                                                Renee Cockerill                  no

                                                Barry Martasian no

                                                Bill Mudge                            yes

                                                Janice DeFrances               no

                                                Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                Donald DeFedele  absent

 

Vote failed 4 to 2.

 

Public Comment:
Paul Dion felt that we don’t need to offer more AP classes.  Mr. Dion stated that he didn’t like the budget practice to add positions.  He would like to see benefits included on the personnel portion of the consent agenda.  He also felt the librarians at the elementary schools are inequitable.

 

Melissa Vichroski is a high school English teacher substitute for the past two years.  She felt she has made connections with kids and if SmART is cut, she would no longer have a job.

 

Gerry Foley stated that Ms.Vichroski is a good substitute but cannot be hired permanently because of the budget.  He feels SmART is a good program and hopes the suggested adjustments to the budget will be approved.

 

Sue Adoian stated that a librarian is important for literacy and does not think a para is justification for an actual librarian.

 

Doug Roth asked about $624,000 in unspent grant money.  He stated that the job fair was held on June 15th and the SmART teachers were hired at that time.  He asked the Committee to reprimand the Superintendent for overriding an order.

 

Jill Johnen shared frustration about SmART teachers being hired without direct approval.  She stated that she wants to find a way to support the Committee and asked for money to be set aside for team building.

Denise Coppa replied that the Committee already does that for the Keyworks monthly sessions but not every School Committee member attends those team building meetings.

 

Dee Chatham stated that she would like to understand more why we should have a SmART program and questioned where the positions are located in the schools.  She recommended taking the SmART teachers out of the suggested adjustments to the budget and approve the rest.

Dr. Halley explained that there are only 4 SmART teachers serving six schools.

 

Kathy Brown stated that there was originally $133,000 added for three new buses.  Mrs. Brown stated that the decision on the SmART positions was made at the job fair and the School Committee didn’t have input.

She questioned if the Resource Development Manager position will be rehired.

Dr. Halley responded that it would.

Mrs. Brown also asked about an Assistant Curriculum Director position.

Dr. Halley replied that he didn’t know anything about such a position.

 

Lisa Shopen stated that she doesn’t want to see a disruption in the SmART program but felt to have equity in the library is more important.

 

Renee Cockerill amended the motion to take $180,000 from technology to employ full time librarians at each elementary school.  Seconded by Mel Benson.

 

Mrs. Cockerill withdrew her amendment.

 

Janice DeFrances amended the motion to add a librarian to the 05-06 budget by a reduction in both the curriculum and technology budgets for the least impact.  Renee Cockerill seconded.

 

Vote on amendment:           Barry Martasian                 no

                                                Bill Mudge                                            yes

                                                Janice DeFrances                               yes

                                                Denise Coppa                                       no

                                                Melvoid Benson                                   yes

                                                Renee Cockerill                                  yes

                                                Donald DeFedele                  absent

Amendment passes 4 to 1.

 

Vote on original motion to accept the suggested adjustment to the 05-06 budget with the amendment to reinstate a librarian with the cost coming from the curriculum and technology budgets.

 

                                                Janice DeFrances                               yes

                                                Melvoid Benson                                   yes

                                                Denise Coppa                                       no

                                                Barry Martasian                 yes

                                                Bill Mudge                                            yes

                                                Renee Cockerill                                  yes

                                                Donald DeFedele                  absent

 

Motion passes 5 to 1.                                         

               

F.                   Discussion on New Board of Regents Regulations of Length of School Day – no discussion or action taken.

 

G.                   School Modernization Implementation – no discussion or action taken.

 

H.                  2004-2005 School Budget – no discussion or action taken.

 

I.                     2004-2005 School Committee Goals and Objectives – no discussion or action taken.

 

 

                IV.      New Business

A.        Forensic Audit of the School Department Finances – no discussion or action taken.

B.        RI High School Diploma System – no discussion or action taken.

C.        Return of the WES Building to the Town of North Kingstown – no discussion or action taken.

D.        Bond Request to Correct Fire Code Violations at Davisville Elementary, Fishing Cove, Forest Park and Wickford

            Middle Schools.

 

Maureen Buck stated that Phil Bergeron is putting together a bid for work for an architectural and engineering firm in regard to the fire code violations at these schools.

Renee Cockerill recalled that this was already approved by the Committee, and questioned the timeframe of work.

Mrs. Buck explained that the previous approval was for the ISDS system.  This is the remaining part of the bond.

The town will do the hiring and get specs together to go out to bid.  The work will probably not begin until next year.

Mrs. Benson asked if we have fire code violations.

Mrs. Buck explained that we have previously received violations but not yet this year.

Mrs. Benson requested a list of fire code violations and the dates sited.

Barry Martasian objected with a point of order.  He stated this was not about violations, it is about approving work necessary for correction.

Dr. Coppa accepted the point of order.

Mr. Mudge objected stating that the item says to correct fire code violations and the Committee is just talking about correcting violations.

 

 

Dr. Halley explained that the bond issue passed by the town was based on information in the RGB report related to fire, safety and health issues.  We have already addressed the septic system issues.  This portion corrects the fire and safety violations.  The money has already been approved by the public.  We need to move forward to correct these issues.

Dr. Coppa asked if any Committee member disagrees that if there are fire code violations, we wouldn’t go forward and go against fixing them.

Janice DeFrances stated that if safety issues are imminent, they need to be fixed.

Barry Martasian suggested that the wording “violation” be changed to “compliance”.

 

 

Barry Martasian motioned to accept the Bond Request to Meet with Fire Code Compliance.  Janice DeFrances seconded.

                Vote on motion:                    Denise Coppa                       yes

                                                                Janice DeFrances               yes

                                                                Renee Cockerill                  yes

                                                                Barry Martasian yes

                                                                Bill Mudge                            no

                                                                Melvoid Benson                   yes

                                                                Donald DeFedele  absent

                Motion passed 5 to 1.

 

 

                Melvoid Benson motioned to adjourn.  No second.

 

                Public Comment on Bond Request:

 

                Paul Dion – Asked if schools are in violation of fire code by the fire marshal or fire chief.

                                     Dr. Halley explained that last year there were areas that needed to be corrected.  We corrected immediate issues

                                  and now this is completing the long term plan with the bond money.

                                 

     Mr. Dion asked is schools not listed have been found with fire code violations.                              

                                     Maureen Buck responded that there are no major issues, only very minor ones at other schools.

 

                 Mrs. Benson asked if this is changing the intent of the bond.

                 Dr. Halley responded that it was not changing the bond.

                 Mrs. Benson asked if he was sure.

                 Dr. Halley responded that he was very sure.

 

                A citizen asked if there were violations at Wickford Elementary this year.

                Dr. Halley responded that we haven’t received a fire inspections report yet this year, but we are not using the school for

               students this year.

                Dr. Coppa reminded the audience that Wickford Elementary is not an agenda item.

               

                Muriel Cammara – stated that she considers this the NKTO bond because the School Committee did not support it. She said

               even though the bond is for health and safety and didn’t mention fire code violation, it falls within the intent of the bond.

                 

 

                E.             General Welfare of the School District – no discussion or action taken.

 

 

           V.   Reports

A.      Special Reports – No discussion or action taken.

B.       Standing/Sub Committee Reports – No discussion or action taken.

C.       Ad hoc Committee Reports – No discussion or action taken.

 

        VI.   Committee Member/Citizen’s Comments

                Public Comments:

 

                Kathy Brown asked what would be discussed under the topic of School Modernization.

                Denise Coppa responded that it would include the bond issues.

Mrs. Brown felt the 5 year plan needs to include the use of Wickford Elementary.  She also was concerned with the safekeeping of the historical items that will be removed from the school.

Dr. Halley stated that she could address her concerns to him.

Mrs. Brown asked when enrollment figures would be available.

Dr. Halley responded that they are available on the first of every month.

 

Paul Dion thanked the Committee for addressing the librarian issue.

 

Doug Roth asked the Committee to consider the number of students at Stony Lane when distributing library services.

Mr. Roth asked if the $624,000 in grant money has been spent.

Dr. Halley suggested that Mr. Roth stop by the office for an explanation of grant money.

Mr. Roth stated that the job fair should not be allowed until the budget is passed.

Denise Coppa replied that the job fair is in the teacher’s contract.

 

 

Committee Comments:

 

Mel Benson complained that the televised School Committee meetings were of poor quality and don’t always play until the end and there was no comparison to the Town Council meetings.

Dr. Halley responded that the same people televise both meetings and that the students that run the camera can only work till a certain hour at night.

 

Bill Mudge stated that the Committee voted to tape the meetings and we need to get the job done.  He would like the School Committee to reprimand the Superintendent.  Mr. Mudge feels that we could have restored the high school AP classes to what they were before and we didn’t have to close a school and reconfigure.

 

Barry Martasian requested that a future agenda include the 2006-2007 school start times.

 

 

 

              VII.      Meeting Adjourned:   Melvoid Benson motioned to adjourn this meeting at 12:02am. Denise Coppa seconded the motion.  Motion passed 5 to 1 with Barry Martasian voting no.

                                                                                               

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                _______________________________________

                                                                                                Karen A. Nutini

                                                                                                Administrative Assistant

                                                                                                to the Superintendent