NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE                        APPROVED 12-21-05                                                                        

Wednesday, December 7, 2005

6:30 PM Reception to Honor Forest Park Elementary School

For Receiving the National Blue Ribbon Award

7:00 PM Worksession

Forest Park Elementary School                                                                                                          50 Woodlawn Drive, North Kingstown

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Minutes

 

 

                             I.      Meeting Organization

 

A.      Call to Order; Pledge of Allegiance

1.        Chairperson, Don DeFedele, called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.

 

B.      Roll Call              

        Present:  Chairperson, Donald DeFedele; Vice Chairperson, Dr. Denise Coppa; Renee Cockerill;

                                                  Bill Mudge; Barry Martasian

       Absent:    Janice DeFrances, Melvoid Benson, and William Brennan, Jamestown Representative     

 

 Administration Present: James M. Halley, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools; William J. Daly, Director of Human

 Resources; Barbara Fitzsimmons, Director of Curriculum; Maureen Buck, Director of Administrative Services and

 Lee Rabbitt, Director of Information Technology

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

 

                                Legal Representative: Kelly Fracassa                                  

 

 

C.       Calendars

1.        Dr. Halley went over the important dates in December with the Committee.

a.   There will be a joint Town Council/School Committee meeting on December 12 at 7:30pm at  

      Davisville Elementary School.

b.   The School Committee Keyworks meeting on December 14th has been cancelled.

c.   The dates of various band and choir concerts were announced.

 

 

D.      Ground Rules:

Don DeFedele referred to the list of ground rules to follow during meetings.

Motion to accept the ground rules was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

Vote:  Unanimous to accept – 5 to 0.

 

 

E.       Presentations:  

1.  Don DeFedele recognized Forest Park Elementary as a National Blue Ribbon Award winner.  There was a reception for the Forest Park community before this school committee meeting.  Mr. DeFedele presented Bob Vincze, Principal of Forest Park Elementary, with a plaque in recognition of this prestigious award and thanked the administration, teachers, staff, parents and students of Forest Park for their hard work and dedication to the school.

 

        2.  High School Program of Studies

Gerry Foley, Principal of North Kingstown High School, provided a presentation on suggested changes to the high school program of studies.  Graduation requirement changes have been mandated by the state of RI and students now have to complete graduation by proficiency.  The high school has chosen to participate in this program in two ways – requiring each student to complete both a senior project plus an electronic portfolio.  In order to graduate, students will need 24 credits and be required to show proficiency.  Projects will start in the freshman year and continue through the senior year leading up to the senior project presentation.

Additional courses requested to be added to the high school curriculum selection include World Mythology, Science Fiction, Chemistry II, German Exchange Seminar and Introduction to German Through Storytelling.

This topic will be continued to the next Business Meeting for a vote to accept the proposal.

 

                           II.      Routine Items            

                                         

    A.   Correspondence:

           Dr. Halley pointed out the following correspondence included in the committee’s packets:

 

           1.  Memo from Bill Daly regarding grievance resolutions.

           2.  Title I Comparability Assurances which detailed information on mandated services.

           3.  Memo from Maureen Buck itemizing the costs to close Wickford Elementary School.

           4.  Two articles concerning single issue board members and why a district needs a development office.

 

           Bill Mudge asked what the “mothballing” cost was to keep Wickford Elementary open today.

           Maureen Buck responded that our cost is now just the utilities at Wickford Elementary.

           Don DeFedele asked Mrs. Buck to identify the exact cost and send them to the committee.               

                                         

           Bill Mudge submitted two pieces of correspondence:
           1.   E-mail from Mr. Mudge to Dr. Halley requesting a electronic copy of the final FY06 school budget.

                 (Appendix A)

                 Maureen Buck stated that a copy had been sent yesterday.

           2.   E-mail from Mr. Mudge to Dr. Halley and Mrs. Buck requesting to review the certified payroll documents

                 provided by Wayne Roofing in regard to the elementary roofing projects. (Appendix B)

 

    B.   Disclosure of Executive Session Votes – no votes to disclose.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Denise Coppa, seconded by Renee Cockerill with a vote of 5 to 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.

 

                C.   Home Schooling Requests*

   

D.   Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings   

       1.   November 16, 2005 School Committee Business Meeting*

 

E.   Bids and Awards:

      1.    Asset Protection Implementation Purchase*  

 

F.   Personnel Items *

1.                           Appointment, Certificated Staff:

a)                   Jason Lamb, 1.0 FTE Health Teacher at Wickford Middle School, Step 1 , pro-rated for 121 days in the 2005/2006 school year with a total salary of $22,934.34, effective

December 7, 2005- budgeted

 

2.                    Appointments, 2005/2006 Coaches - budgeted

North Kingstown High School

 

Aaron Thomas                     Head Boys Basketball Coach                             $4131

Jim Simmons                         Asst. Boys Basketball Coach                            $3211

Kevin Gormley                      Asst. Boys Basketball Coach                            $3211

Ryan Zilly                              Volunteer Asst. Boys Basketball                      $0

Eric Misunas                         Volunteer Asst. Boys Basketball                      $0

Evan Tilley                            Volunteer Asst. Boys Basketball                      $0

Mike Kelley                           Head Girls Basketball Coach                              $4131

Sarah Hesford                       Asst. Girls Basketball Coach                              $2759

Lynn Downey                       Asst. Girls Basketball Coach                              $3211

Howie Hague                        Head Wrestling Coach                                        $3324

James Bruneau                     Asst. Wrestling Coach                                       $2546

Rick Powell                            Asst. Westling Coach                                         $2546

 

Keith Higgins                       Head Ice Hockey Coach                                     $3324

Rich Morrissey                     Asst. Ice Hockey Coach                                     $2335

John Morris                          Volunteer Asst. Ice Hockey Coach                   $0

Kelli Doorley                         Head Gymnastics Coach                                     $3565

Clem Soscia                           Head Girls Indoor Track Coach                         $3565

Keven O’Neil                        Asst. Girls Indoor Track Coach                         $2787

Charles Breagy                     Head Boys Indoor Track Coach                        $3565

Peter Kells                             Asst. Boys Indoor Track Coach                        $2546

Amanda Marzullo                Basketball Cheerleading Coach                         $2433

Courtney Kelley                   Asst. Basketball Cheerleading Coach              $1697

Jason Shabo                         Winter Weight Lifting Coach                            $3565

Matt Emmert                         Volunteer Head Girls Swim Coach                     $0

Ross Mooney                       Volunteer Asst. Girls Swim Coach                    $0

 

Wickford Middle School

Judd Silvia                             Head Boys Basketball Coach                             $2689

Paul Graham                          Head Girls Basketball Coach                              $3141

Steve Hiebner                       Volunteer Wrestling Coach                                $0

Debbie Cardoza                    Volunteer Cheerleading Coach                          $0

 

                Davisville Middle School

Michael Berndt                     Head Girls Basketball Coach                              $3141

Dennis Brown                       Head Boys Basketball Coach                             $3141

 

3.                    Appointments, 2005/2006 Advisors - budgeted

North Kingstown High School

 

Karen Kouttab                      Academic Decathlon                                           $630.00

Kristin Williams                    Anime                                                                    $360.00

Amos Paine                           Art Club                                                                 $675.00

Peter Maroni                         Best Buddies                                                        $495.00

Sarah Boyd                           Close-Up                                                               $810.00

Tina Laferriere                      Computer Club                                                     $675.00

Diana Afonso                       Dance Club                                                           $990.00

Kate Arthur                           Drama Club                                                           $1,485.00

Lynn Sironen                        Co-Environmental Club                                       $495.00

Lynn Wolslegel                    Co-Environmental Club                                       $495.00

John Daneau                         Co-Explorers Club                                                $540.00

Donna Manchester              Co-Explorers Club                                                $540.00

Ruthann Baker                      German Club                                                         $630.00

Sarah Boyd                           Co-High Rollers                                                    $427.50

Ron Kenyon                         Co-High Rollers                                                    $450.00

Larry Verria                           History Club                                                         $900.00

Linda Twardowski               Co-Interact Club                                                   $607.50

Jane George                          Co-Interact Club                                                   $315.00

Adam LaLiberte                    International Club                                                $360.00

Serena Mason                      Junior State of America                                       $540.00

Richard Ku                            Math League                                                        $540.00

Matthew Blaser                    Co-National Honor Society                                $360.00

Mia Conti                              Co-National Honor Society                                $292.50

Terry Romano                       North Communication Club                                $720.00

Cindy Resch                         Poder                                                                      $495.00

Andrew Propatier                 Renaissance Games                                             $585.00

Rick Powell                            Robotics Competition Teams                             $495.00

Briand LaCroix                      Co-Ski Club                                                           $315.00

Tina Laferriere                      Co-Ski Club                                                           $292.50

Christine Lyons                    Co-VG Leadership (SAM)                                  $360.00

Julie Maguire                        Co-VG Leadership (SAM)                                  $360.00

Tara Harrington                    Co-Mural Club                                                      $337.50

Tricia Barry                           Co-Mural Club            $270.00

Elizabeth Martin                   Co-Variety Show                                                  $202.50

Kate Arthur                           Co-Variety Show                                                  $247.50

Tom Doran                            Graduation Advisor                                             $450.00

Brian MacDonald                 Co-Freshman Class Advisor                              $589.50

David Lopes                         Co-Freshman Class Advisor                              $589.50

Leslie Bowers                       Co-Sophomore Class Advisor                           $707.00

Rick Powell                            Co-Sophomore Class Advisor                           $707.00

Robin D’Errico                      Co-Junior Class Advisor                                    $943.50

Cindy Norman                      Co-Junior Class Advisor                                    $943.50

Kris Graham                          Co-Senior Class Advisor                                    $1,179.00

Charles King                         Co-Senior Class Advisor                                    $1,179.00

Elizabeth Martin                   Newspaper                                                            $534.00

Elizabeth Martin                   Yearbook                                                               $1,769.00

               

4.                    Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff:

a)                   Lisa Amato, School Paraprofessional at Quidnessett Elementary School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, Step 1 plus a Bachelor’s Degree, $10.84 per hour, effective November 16, 2005 – budgeted

b)                    

c)                   Sallene Gartland, Account Clerk in the Business Office, 3.5 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 17.5 hours per week, Step 1 @ $11.82 plus an hourly stipend of $1.00 for a total hour rate of $12.82, effective December 5, 2005. - budgeted

 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

         III.   Unfinished Business        

A.       School Modernization Implementation for Wickford Middle School, Davisville Elementary, Fishing Cove Elementary, and Forest Park Elementary

 

B.       Vote to Establish Wickford Middle School Modernization Committee

 

C.       Vote to Forward Wickford Middle School Modernization Proposal to Town Council

 

It was agreed to discuss items A, B and C together as they were all interrelated. 

Dr. Halley read the charge for the Wickford Middle School Modernization Advisory Committee.

 

Motion to approve the charge for the Wickford Middle School Modernization Advisory Committee was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

 

Bill Mudge amended the motion to remove the word “modernization” and replace with school repair, maintenance, expansion and alteration.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

 

Denise Coppa and Don DeFedele felt that “modernization” would cover all of the items that Mr. Mudge mentioned in his amendment.

 

Mr. Mudge withdrew his amendment.

 

Mr. Mudge amended the motion to replace the word “modernization” with modernization and expansion.

Seconded by Denise Coppa.

 

·  Dr. Halley stated the modernization was well defined in the RGB report.  The expansion was not being proposed because

   of the population at Wickford Middle School, but was a programmatic expansion.

·  Don DeFedele explained that this project deals with program delivery and the word modernization covers that aspect.

·  Barry Martasian stated that he is comfortable with the old language.  This is consistent with what the committee has

   been talking about in the past and the community knows what modernization is now.

 

 

 

 

Vote on amendment:           Denise Coppa       Yes                         Don DeFedele           No

                                                Bill Mudge            Yes                                  Barry Martasian    No

                                                                                                                         Renee Cockerill      No

Amendment fails 3 to 2.

 

Vote on main motion to approve the charge of the Wickford Middle School Modernization Advisory Committee:        

Barry Martasian Yes                                         Bill Mudge   Abstain

Renee Cockerill                  Yes

Don DeFedele                       Yes

Denise Coppa                       Yes

 

Motion passes 4 to 0, l abstain.

 

Motion to forward the Wickford Middle School modernization plan to the Town Council was made by Barry Martasian.  Seconded by Denise Coppa.

 

There was discussion concerning exactly what would be submitted to the Town Council and what amount would be requested for the modernization.

The RGB report will be submitted as the recommended modernization plan.  The total amount will be clarified for the Committee.

The Wickford Middle School modernization plan has been submitted to the Asset Management Committee as a top priority of the School Department.  The Asset Management Committee ranks all town projects and sends a recommendation to the Town Council.  The Council then votes on the projects as they see fit.

 

Public Comment:

Kathy Brown questioned if this vote had already been taken at the October 26th School Committee meeting.  Don DeFedele explained that the School Committee had only accepted the RGB report at that meeting but had not voted to forward the report to the Town Council.

Mrs. Brown also asked for the amount that would be requested for modernization when forwarded to the Town Council.  That will be clarified by the school department after consideration of the original cost, some items now being covered by the $9million bond approved last year and the inflation factor.

Mrs. Brown stated that the budget committee talked about splitting the Wickford Middle School amount.  Dr. Halley explained that what was discussed at the budget committee was only about the format of the budget.

Mrs. Brown asked if the video mentioned in discussion was the powerpoint presentation given to the School Committee previously.  Don DeFedele confirmed that it was.

Mrs. Brown thanked Renee Cockerill for advocating for some renovations to be done at Wickford Middle School now.

 

·  Dr. Halley stated that the School Committee needs to advocate for this project to the Town Council and it would be helpful if

   the School Committee was more unified instead of working against itself.

·  Don DeFedele agreed that the School Committee needs to support this project and reach out to the community for support.

·  Dr. Halley stated that the first step necessary is for the Town Council to approve the project and put this topic on the

   November ballot as a bond issue.  If this does not go on the November ballot, nothing will happen with this plan.

This project has already been approved by the Board of Regents for funding.

 

Motion to end discussion of this item was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

Vote to approve 4 to 1 with Bill Mudge voting no.

 

Vote on the motion to forward the Wickford Middle School modernization plan to the Town Council:

                Renee Cockerill                  Yes                                         Bill Mudge    Abstain

                Denise Coppa                       Yes

                Don DeFedele                       Yes

                Barry Martasian Yes

 

Motion passes 4 to 0, l abstain.

 

 

D.      Overview of Wellness Requirements, including Establishment of Wellness Committee and Food/Nutrition Policy:

Denise Coppa stated that there is a new state law requiring all school districts to have a Wellness policy by

June 30, 2006.

 

 

The Chairperson of the School Committee must appoint a member of the School Committee to chair this project. 

Don DeFedele appointed Denise Coppa to be the chairperson of the Wellness Committee.

A subcommittee from the community must establish a policy and it must be included in the district strategic plan by May of  2006. 

                               

                Motion to establish a Wellness Committee was made by Barry Martasian.  Seconded by Don DeFedele.

 

·  Dr. Coppa explained that this is not just a nutrition plan, but an all encompassing program.  Physical activity must also be

   addressed.

·  Bill Mudge asked for a report on drug and alcohol abuse in the schools.

·  Don DeFedele stated that we definitely have alcohol and drug use in the community but we don’t have many issues coming

   to the School Committee with these problems.  They are being handled at the school level.

·  Dr. Coppa called a point of order, stating that this topic was not on the agenda.

·  Renee Cockerill stated that she would not want to see fun taken away from students due to this new policy and they should be

   able to enjoy birthday parties.

·  Dr. Coppa stated that students need to be educated about healthy choices and have healthy choices available.

 

Public Comment:

Julie Rishworth stated that the Fishing Cove PTO already mentioned this policy requirement and have started to implement some changes.  A reward for bringing in the most boxtops was previously donuts for the children, now it is extra recess.  Mrs. Rishworth suggested that the PTO could put out a suggested list for parents bringing in snacks.

 

Zachary, a high school student, asked if sugar free candy and fat free items would be acceptable.

Dr. Coppa suggested that students get involved in the new committee to make their suggestions.

 

                Vote on motion to establish a Wellness Committee:

                Unanimous to approve 5 to 0.

 

                Motion that the Wellness Committee have representation from every school and two students from the high school

              was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Don DeFedele.

 

                Vote:  Unanimous to approve 5 to 0.

 

E.       2005-2006 School Budget:

Bill Mudge stated that he has not received the electronic copy of the 2005-2006 school budget and asked what amount was approved.  The final copy of the 05-06 budget was included in tonight’s packet.

Maureen Buck stated that $50,713,392 was the approved amount.

Don DeFedele asked Mrs. Buck to send Mr. Mudge the minutes of when the budget was approved.

 

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

 

G.       2005-2006 School Committee Goals and Objectives:

Don DeFedele stated that the School Committee goals and objectives continue to be worked on at the Keyworks meetings.

There was an Educational Summit this past weekend that dealt with some of the goals and objectives.

There were many good comments relayed about the Summit.

 

                IV.      New Business

A.  Grant Writing Position:

·  Bill Daly explained that the budget this year approved a Resource Development Manager and this position has been

filled on two occasions.  Both times the selected applicant had to withdraw.

At this point in the year the school department would like to modify this position to include just grant writing.  The

development component of the job will be handled through forums and the involvement of current staff.

·  Don DeFedele stated that he believes that this is an important position and asked why the community relations segment

would be pulled out of the position

·  Mr. Daly explained that grant writing is the largest part of the position, but there is a communications committee being

formed and the development of the school department image will be enhanced through forums.

·  Barry Martasian agreed with Mr. DeFedele and was disappointed that community relations would not be included in this

 

 position.  Mr. Martasian asked if the communications committee was the same as the key communicators committee.

·  Dr. Halley explained that through the Educational Summit and focus groups it was suggested that the school department

establish key community groups so that a number of people would be in contact with the school department through  

 various committees.  Monthly forums would be formed, taped and sent to Channel 18 for the public to view.

·  Renee Cockerill asked if the position would be full time if 15-20% of the job was previously spent on communications.

·  Bill Daly responded that the salary would be reduced to mid to high $40,000’s and more time could be spent pursuing  

grants.

·  Mr. Mudge suggested using that money plus the 3.2% the district receives to write grants to form a stipend program for  

teachers to write the grants.      

·  Bill Daly explained that grant writing is more than just filling out forms.  We need someone to follow through,

 administer and spend the money properly.

·  Dr. Coppa stated that we can’t use grant funds to write grants.

·  Bill Mudge disagreed.

 

Motion to approve the Grant Writing position was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.     

 

Motion to end discussion of the topic was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

Vote to approve 4 to 1 with Bill Mudge voting no.

 

Vote on main motion to approve the Grant Writing position:

        Renee Cockerill          Yes                         Bill Mudge     No

        Barry Martasian         Yes

        Denise Coppa               Yes

        Don DeFedele               Yes

Motion passes 4 to 1.

 

      B.   Vote to Increase Athletic Budget:

       

      Motion to increase the athletic budget by $50,000 was made by Don DeFedele.  Seconded by Renee Cockerill.

 

·  Bill Mudge questioned what account the suggested increase in funds would be taken from.  Mr. DeFedele replied that

   the Superintendent would be asked to reallocate funds in the current budget.

               Mr. Mudge also asked what programs in the athletic budget would be cut if this money was not appropriated.

·  Dr. Halley stated that the athletic budget was cut by $70,000.  Pre-season games and transportation were cut back.

·  Renee Cockerill stated that the Cross Country team could only take the top runners to events because there was not

              enough transportation and felt that cuts to athletics had been affected more than what was originally thought.

·  Denise Coppa supports the athletic program and encourages participation for all students.  Dr. Coppa feels that we need

   more options for all students and disagrees with adding money to athletics that could be used in the classrooms.  She

   pointed out that the chorus is planning to go to Europe for a competition and is getting no extra money.  The students   

   are raising the money themselves. 

·  Barry Martasian stated that he would like to support this program but would like to know where the money will be taken

   from, considering the rising energy costs and personnel needs.

·  Dr. Halley stated that he is not sure at this point where the money would be taken from.  The personnel budget looks

   even, there are still contingencies such as snow removal and energy costs to get through the end of the year, but if the

   School Committee votes to approve this motion, we will adjust the budget to support it. 

·  Don DeFedele stated that athletics does reach into the classrooms and sent kudos to the coaches and Keith Kenyon for

   instilling values to the students.  Sports are an important component of education and the moral of students need to be

   supported.

 

                Amendment was made by Bill Mudge to get an accurate athletic sum needed to complete the year.

 

                Don DeFedele ruled that this amendment changes the main motion and the amendment was not accepted.

 

                Vote on motion to increase the athletic budget by $50,000:

                                                Don DeFedele        Yes                       Denise Coppa        No

                                                Renee Cockerill    Yes                       Barry Martasian   No

                                                Bill Mudge            Yes

                Motion passes 3 to 2.

                      

      C.   Policy DBC – Annual Budget – no discussion or action taken.

      D.   Building Code Feasibility Study of Wickford Elementary School by RGB; Return of Wickford 

             Elementary to the Town of NK/Disposition of Contents of Wickford Elementary – no discussion or action taken.

 

E.        2006-2007 Budget – Town Council Budget Policy; Review of Budget Standards – no discussion or action taken.

 

F.       Governing Style Policy/Committee Self Assessment Policy – no discussion or action taken.

 

G.       Graduation Requirement Procedures/High School Diploma System – no discussion or action taken.

 

H.      Town Council Audit Reports:  no discussion or action taken

1.        Update of 1998 Comprehensive Study of School Department Operations

2.        Authorization of Scope for School Comprehensive Study

3.        Additional Auditing Services to Prescott, Chatellier, Fontaine, Wilkinson

 

I.         Consider Sending Letter to Town Regarding High School Band Room Repairs – no discussion or action taken.    

 

                  

         V.   Reports

                A. Special Reports: no discussion or action taken.

                                         1.   Security Reports

                                         2.   Food Service Report

               

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

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

 

 

                  V.      Committee Member/Citizen’s Comments

Kathy Brown remarked about the agenda and would like more scrutiny when putting it together.

 

Gene Fry asked if the committee received a request to increase the size of the Start Time Committee.  Don DeFedele replied that they had received an e-mail request.  Mr. Fry thought the high school has too much representation.

 

Renee Cockerill stated that the meeting was at Forest Park tonight to honor this school’s excellence and this seemed to foster an excellent meeting that she felt was very productive.

 

 

              VII.      Renee Cockerill motioned to adjourn this meeting.   Barry Martasian seconded the motion.  The vote to approve was unanimous.

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:35 pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                _______________________________________

                                                                                                Karen A. Nutini

                                                                                                Administrative Assistant

                                                                                                to the Superintendent