NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE APPROVED 3/8/06
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
6:00pm Executive Session for Negotiations with the Principal’s Association
Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (2)
Executive Session for the Continuation of the Superintendent’s Evaluation
Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5(1)
*The employee has been notified that this personnel matter may be heard in public at his/her discretion
7:00 PM Worksession
Central Administration Building 100 Fairway Drive
“Challenging Student Excellence”
Minutes
I. Meeting Organization
A. Call to Order; Pledge of Allegiance
1. Chairperson, Don DeFedele, called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm.
B. Roll Call
Present: Chairperson, Donald DeFedele; Vice Chairperson, Dr. Denise Coppa; Renee Cockerill;
Bill Mudge; Barry Martasian; Melvoid Benson, and Janice DeFrances
Absent: William Brennan, Jamestown Representative
Administration Present: James M. Halley, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools; William J. Daly, Director of Human Resources; Maureen Buck, Director of Administrative Services; Lee Rabbitt, Director of Information Technology
Absent: Daniel J. McGregor, Ph.D., Director of Pupil Services and Barbara Fitzsimmons, Director of Curriculum
Legal Representative: Kelly Fracassa
C. Calendars
1. Important dates in February were reviewed with the Committee.
2. It was suggested that additional meetings be scheduled in order to discuss the 2006-2007 School Budget.
Motion to schedule meetings to discuss the 2006-2007 School budget on February 16th and February 27th was made by Barry Martasian. Seconded by Denise Coppa.
Vote: Barry Martasian Yes Bill Mudge - Abstain
Renee Cockerill Yes
Melvoid Benson Yes
Janice DeFrances Yes
Denise Coppa Yes
Don DeFedele Yes
Motion passes 6 to 0, 1 abstain
Motion to schedule a meeting on February 18th to discuss the 2006-2007 School budget was made by Bill Mudge. Seconded by Melvoid Benson.
The majority of the Committee could not attend on that date. No vote was taken.
Motion to continue with the two meetings that were previously scheduled for February 16th and February 27th was made by Don DeFedele. Seconded by Melvoid Benson.
Vote: Barry Martasian Yes Bill Mudge - No
Renee Cockerill Yes
Melvoid Benson Yes
Janice DeFrances Yes
Denise Coppa Yes
Don DeFedele Yes
Motion passes 6 to 1
D. Ground Rules:
A list of ground rules was referred to for the Committee to approve and abide by at this meeting.
Motion to approve the Ground Rules was made by Barry Martasian. Seconded by Melvoid Benson.
Vote: Barry Martasian Yes Bill Mudge - No
Renee Cockerill Yes
Melvoid Benson Yes
Janice DeFrances Yes
Denise Coppa Yes
Don DeFedele Yes
Motion passes 6 to 1
There was a consensus of the Committee to move the agenda item, SELAC Quarterly Report, to this point in the meeting.
Sharon Schubert and Larry Ceresi, co-chairs of the SELAC Committee, distributed a quarterly report from SELAC
(Appendix A).
This report covers the time period of October 1, 2005 through January 31, 2006.
In October, the ADA compliance of the NKSD website was addressed. The SELAC Committee requested an update of this issue.
In November, the RI Parent Information Network presented a workshop on IEP’s.
In December, there was an IDEA update presentation by Suzanne Santa concerning IDEA 2004 and 504 Accommodations.
In January, there was a presentation by the NKHS Special Education Department which included the transition from 8th to 9th grade, focus areas, resource support model and self advocacy. A grant is being sought to provide additional funds for SELAC. A special education brochure and parent survey will be completed in the future.
Lee Rabbitt had requested to be included on an upcoming SELAC agenda to speak about the ADA compliance issue. She will re-send the e-mail request.
One of the School Committee’s goals is to focus on special education. It will be left to SELAC’s discretion as to how they would like to communicate with the School Committee. Suggestions can be sent directly to the Committee or be provided through the representative. The School Committee liaison to SELAC is Melvoid Benson.
The high school team was commended for providing an excellent presentation to SELAC and Dr. McGregor was thanked for also presenting outstanding information.
It was suggested that some SELAC members might want to take some courses related to grant writing and should request training.
The ADA website compliance was discussed. This is a complex issue that is still being worked out. There are no school district websites that are fully handicap accessible, including RIDE and Brown University.
It was requested that Lee Rabbit send information to the School Committee about the complexity of the website compliance.
If there are specific issues that anyone would like to see addressed by the School Committee, it was requested that it be submitted beforehand.
E. Presentation: United Health Contract
Kevin Walsh, Vice-President of Group Benefit Strategies and consultant to the Town and School Department on health care issues, reviewed the bid process that started in October. There were two responses to the bid request – one from Blue Cross Blue Shield and one from United Health. Analysis was done and informational meetings were conducted with all groups in the Town and Schools. The current Blue Cross contract expires at the end of February. The Town has deferred until May 1, 2006 to decide between the contracts. Blue Cross has agreed to hold the current rates until Mary 1st.
It was requested to see a certification from United Health that coverage was the same on each individual item, or state what the difference is between the two companies.
Mr. Walsh explained the comparison of benefits in the booklet that was given to the School Committee. If the column is left blank after a benefit, United Health has matched Blue Cross. It is noted in that column if there is a difference. He felt is it up to labor-management to determine if the benefits are equivalent.
Co-pays will remain the same with United Health.
Ninety-eight out of 100 doctors used by North Kingstown School Department employees are in both plans. United Health had a 98% match rate when the State changed providers.
If the Town and School both adopt United Health, there will be a 0% increase in premiums which amounts to approximately $730,000 in combined cost avoidance compared to renewing the Blue Cross contract.
If just the School Department adopts United Health, there will be a 5% increase in premiums over this year which amounts to approximately $200,000 in cost avoidance compared to renewing the Blue Cross contract.
If the Town and School stay with Blue Cross, there will be a 7 ½% increase in premiums over this year for both groups.
Motion to table the discussion on health care was made by Melvoid Benson. Seconded by Bill Mudge.
Mrs. Benson withdrew her motion.
It was asked if the United Health bid was “all or nothing” including the Town and Schools.
Mr. Walsh replied that the bid specs jointly rated the renewal. Another way was then requested which would provide quotes if the Town and Schools disaffiliated.
There was a concern about equivalency if United Health has fewer providers.
Eric Swain of United Health responded that United Health has 2,504 providers and matched 96% of 1000 individual providers used by North Kingstown employees. They matched 100% of hospitals and pharmacies used. A full list of providers is available on-line.
There will be a transition of care process to allow for exceptions if people are under current care with an out-of network provider. There is also an appeal process. Decisions are made by doctors, not computer.
It was questioned if there was a United Health office in RI. Mr. Swain replied that there is a regionalized service center but it is not located in RI. There is only an account management office in RI. There are approximately 170 United Health employees in RI.
An employee does not need to see a primary doctor before going to a specialist. Time is not limited except for chiropractic services which must have a treatment plan submitted. OT and PT require a service plan but coverage is not reduced. Adjustments have been made in OT, PT, Speech Therapies and durable medical equipment to match the Blue Cross coverage. Maximums have been removed and visits are now unlimited.
United Health’s turnaround payment to doctors is approximately 90% that are paid within ten days.
Mr. Swain stated that the benefit comparison is a binding certification of duplication of benefits. If there are differences in coverage, they are noted after each item.
The date on the report to the School Committee was 1/26/06.
Recess taken at 9:00pm.
Meeting resumed at 9:13pm.
Matt Branigan from Blue Cross Marketing answered questions from the Committee.
Mr. Branigan was asked if he had a chance to look at the proposal again or make any changes. He responded that Blue Cross did not need to make any changes because they know what benefits they are providing.
Mr. Branigan stated that Blue Cross was willing to commit to a two-year contract. The first year has a set 7 ½% increase in premiums – except for the first two months in which they have already agreed to extend this year’s premiums - the second year would have a minimum of 6% increase to a maximum of 12% increase. It was asked why a two year contract is being offered now. It was requested of Blue Cross in the past to provide a multiple year contract, but Blue Cross would only agree if the School Department were self-insured.
Mr. Branigan responded that it didn’t matter and they would offer it now.
Bill Daly was asked what the increase in Blue Cross premiums have been in the past years. Mr. Daly replied that last year there was a 9 ½% increase and 10 – 12% in the previous years.
Mr. Branigan stated that 12% was the overall trend. Claims would have to be better than they are now in order for the 12% increase to be lowered, due to the increase in costs to providers.
The Town would be offered the same two-year contract. The contract for the extension has been given to the Town Manager in January. It was requested that the School Committee be provided with a copy if it applied to them.
Due to this new turn of events of an offer of two years, it was asked if United Health also wanted to offer a two year contract. Mr. Swain responded that this was a sealed bid and it would go against the sealed bid process.
Kevin Walsh suggested leaving that decision up to the procurement officer to discuss with legal counsel.
The Blue Cross two year contract would equal 6.25% this year (because of no premium increase for the first two months) and 6% at minimum next year. This would be a 12.25% increase for two years. United Health would be a 0% increase contract this year and competition could keep the increase low next year.
Mr. Branigan reminded the Committee of the consistency of care and 100% of pharmacy benefits with Blue Cross. He stated that duration limits, quantity limits, pre-certification limits and behavioral health coverage were not the same with United Health.
Legal counsel was asked to review the contracts in terms of equivalency. The Teachers’ Association has previously stated that they feel that a change to United Health is a violation of their contract.
Public Comment:
Barry McPeake, President of the Teacher’s Association, read a letter that the Committee had received today from the presidents of both Associations in regard to health care (Appendix B). Employees have heard that United Health has some services that are similar and some that are different than Blue Cross. The Associations still have questions and would like to be included in more discussions.
Bob Sullivan spoke as a teacher and taxpayer on health care concerns. Every employee is sensitive to the taxpayers. Mr. Sullivan stated that there is a $616,000 difference between the two bids given to the town and a $200,000 between Blue
Cross and United Health if the school department changes on their own. The Association has asked what the definition of “equivalent” is and has not received an answer. There is information still coming in at this point. Mr. Sullivan asked how
the contracts can be called equivalent without a definition or data in fixed form. He feels the Committee is being unilateral, combative and arbitrary. Mr. Sullivan feels that this is not fair or right. The Association has bargained in good faith and the language is clear that there can be no changes without NEA approval.
Jill Vitko spoke as a teacher and resident and requested that the Committee continue discussing the health care topic. More information came out tonight and it needs to be digested. Health care is a wonderful benefit but the January 26th meeting was extremely confusing. Both plans sounded equitable but United Health has an alternative care network that decides on care. United Health does not have a local office and employees seeking information could be talking to people from India. Ms. Vitko stated that some companies who switched are now going back to Blue Cross and doctors are not taking new patients who are covered by United Health. She feels United Health has still not answered all questions.
April Brunelle stated that she works with doctors and has dealt with both companies and they are not equivalent. United Health is a managed care program. When a member of her family needed a hernia operation with United Health, five doctors did not accept the plan and there was only one choice of a doctor. Ms. Brunelle asked how many doctors in North Kingstown were part of United Health and if the Committee was planning on reviewing the contract. She feels United Health does not provide the same product.
Motion that the NK School Committee reject the United Health offer and remain with Blue Cross was made by Melvoid Benson. Seconded by Bill Mudge.
It was stated that it is premature to dismiss United Health or accept Blue Cross. More work needs to be done and a suggestion was made to meet with the Town Council to discuss the issue.
There was concern with the sealed bid process now that Blue Cross has offered a two year contract.
Vote: Bill Mudge No Melvoid Benson Yes
Renee Cockerill No Janice DeFrances Yes
Denise Coppa No
Don DeFedele No
Barry Martasian No
Motion fails 5 to 2
Motion was made by Bill Mudge for the School Committee to have a joint meeting with the Town Council on the health care contracts to determine how to resolve the issues and establish a plan of action. Seconded by Melvoid Benson.
It was stated that there have been discussions on this issue for six months with the consultant, unions and employees. It could be discussed for another six months and we would be in the same position. The plans are equivalent with the same physicians, network and services.
It was requested that Dr. Halley put his recommendations on the health care issue in writing.
Vote: Denise Coppa No Melvoid Benson Yes
Renee Cockerill No Bill Mudge Yes
Barry Martasian No Janice DeFrances Yes
Don DeFedele No
Motion fails 4 to 3
Motion to accept the United Health contract was made by Don DeFedele. Seconded by Denise Coppa.
It was reported that the State of RI has made the change to United Health and there has been no significant difference for employees. The taxpayers will be saving a considerable amount of money if North Kingstown changes to United Health.
The issue of how the change impacts on employees is extremely important. Some members felt that the contracts are equivalent, negotiations with the Association has been done in good faith and the language is a difference of opinion. Others felt more time should be taken, there was only a minimal savings between the two contracts and more information was needed.
Motion to end debate was made by Denise Coppa. Seconded by Renee Cockerill.
Vote: unanimous to approve 7 to 0.
Vote on motion to accept the United Health Contract:
Renee Cockerill Yes Melvoid Benson No
Denise Coppa Yes Janice DeFrances No
Barry Martasian Yes Bill Mudge No
Don DeFedele Yes
Motion passes 4 to 3
Melvoid Benson left the meeting at 10:55pm.
II. Routine Items
A. Correspondence – no discussion or action taken
B. Disclosure of Executive Session Votes – none to disclose
CONSENT AGENDA
Bill Mudge requested to exempt the entire consent agenda. Motion to accept the consent agenda was then made. A legal
opinion was requested on not being able to comment on each item. Mr. Fracassa responded that this fell under Robert’s Rules of Order.
Denise Coppa called a point of order. The motion was to accept the consent agenda and not separate the items.
Vote on the consent agenda was taken.
Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Janice DeFrances / Denise Coppa with a vote of :
Don DeFedele Yes Bill Mudge No Renee Cockerill - abstain
Barry Martasian Yes
Janice DeFrances Yes
Denise Coppa Yes
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 – none submitted
D. Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings:
1. January 25, 2006 Business Meeting*
E. Bids and Awards – none submitted
F. Personnel Items :*
1. Appointment, Certificated Staff:
a) Susanne Warburton, 1.0 FTE Technology Educator, Step 8 plus a Master’s Degree with an annual salary of $56,327, effective January 17, 2006 - budgeted
2. Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff:
a) Debra Jarrow, Superintendent Clerk, 20 hours per week, $12.00 per hour, effective February 6, 2006 - budgeted
b) Tracy Bienenstein, Food Service Worker and Breakfast Coordinator at Fishing Cove School, 3 hours per day Food Service Worker and 1 hour per day Breakfast Coordinator for a total of 4 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 20 hours per week, Step 4 @ $8.44 per hour, effective February 6, 2006 - budgeted
3. Increase in FTE, Certificated Staff:
a) Joanne Matisewski, going from .7 FTE Business teacher to 1.0 FTE (.7 FTE Business Teacher + .3 FTE Electronic Portfolio Coordinator) at the North Kingstown High School , Step 10, pro-rated for 96 days @ .7 FTE for $23,596.80 and 90 days @ 1.0 FTE for $31,601.70 for a total salary of $55,198.50, effective January 30, 2006 - .7 budgeted, .3 grant funded
4. Approval 2005/2006 Interscholastic Coaches - budgeted
NKHS
Kevin Gormley Head Boys Baseball Coach $3565
Anthony Ucci Asst. Boys Baseball Coach $2546
Peter Clays Asst. Boys Baseball Coach $2787
Lynn Downey Head Girls Softball Coach $3565
Rick Powell Asst. Girls Softball Coach $2335
Liz Parvo Asst. Girls Softball Coach $2546
Jennifer Chabot Head Girls Track Coach $3565
Clement Soscia Asst. Girls Track Coach $2787
Charles Breagy Head Boys Track Coach $3565
Peter Kells Asst. Boys Track Coach $2546
Domenic Marcone Head Golf Coach $2433
Lisa Vinacco Head Boys Tennis Coach $2547
Lisa Curran Asst. Boys Tennis Coach $1910
Joanne Fitts Head Boys Volleyball Coach $3565
Joseph Taraborelli Asst. Boys Volleyball Coach $2787
Jason Shabo Spring Weight Lifting Coach $3565
John Holmes Boys Head Lacrosse $3565
Chris Callahan Boys Asst. Lacrosse $2335
Brian Trapani Boys Asst. Lacrosse $2335
Paul Hooper Volunteer Boys Asst. Lacrosse $0
William Feaster Volunteer Boys Asst. Lacrosse $0
Wendy Anderson Head Girls Lacrosse $3565
Courtney McKay Sandham Asst. Girls Lacrosse $2335
Keith Higgins Asst. Girls Lacrosse $2546
Matt Largess Head Sailing Coach $2433
Jason Shabo Summer Weight Lifting Coach $3565
WMS
Paul Graham Volunteer Track & Field Coach $0
Ray Tanguay Volunteer Track & Field Coach $0
Eric Misunas Head Boys Baseball Coach $2123
Colleen Pickering Head Girls Softball Coach $2575
DMS
Dee LaMay Volunteer Track & Field Coach $0
Bill Donnelly Head Boys Baseball Coach $2334
Mike Berndt Head Girls Softball Coach $2575
5. Request for Approval of Unpaid Parental Leave of Absence, Certificated Staff:
a) Nina Smith, .5 FTE Art Teacher, from January 13, 2006 through the remainder of the 2005/2006 school year.
b) Paula Schiavone, 1.0 FTE Foreign Language Teacher at the North Kingstown School Department from January 18, 2006 through April 30, 2006.
c) Patrissa Luzzi. .6 FTE Language Arts Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, from January 25, 2006 through the remainder of the 2005/2006 school year.
6. Approval of Non-Renewal Letters, Certificated Staff *
(List Attached – CONFIDENTIAL)
7. Policies: *
JJE Student Fund Raising – replaces DD and JL
JJE-R Administrative Regulation for Student Fund Raising – new
GBAA - Staff Policy on Sexual Harassment (1st paragraph under Definition: include word “written” on line 2.
JLIE – Student Automobile Use on School Property (page 2, point 2: Display permit in the LEFT corner of the REAR WINDOW. Page 3, point #7: Written notice…BE PROVIDED TO EACH HIGH SCHOOL STUDETN AND POSTED ON THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WEBSITE.)
JCAA – School Districting / Redistricting (Policy statement added.)
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Bill Mudge left the meeting at 11:00pm.
It was the consensus of the Committee to move the remaining agenda items to the next meeting on February 15, 2006.
Due to extenuating circumstances, the minutes of tonight’s meeting will not be available to approve at the next meeting.
Motion to postpone the approval of the minutes of this meeting until the March 8th meeting was made by Don
DeFedele. Seconded by Denise Coppa.
Vote: Unanimous to approve 5 to 0.
Motion to adjourn after public comment was made by Janice DeFrances. Seconded by Barry Martasian.
Vote: Unanimous to approve 5 to 0.
III. Unfinished Business – no discussion or action taken
(For Discussion and Possible Action)
A. Budget and Personnel Standards
B. Discussion of Issues Pertaining to the Physical Limitations of WMS as Related to Current
Middle School Programs
C. 2005-2006 School Budget
D. 2005-2006 School Committee Goals and Objectives
IV. New Business – no discussion or action taken
(For Discussion and Possible Action)
A. 2006-2007 School Budget
B. Strategic Pan
C. Approval of the 2006-2007 School Committee Meeting Schedule
D. Energy Guidelines
E. Fraud Policy
F. Building Code Feasibility Study of Wickford Elementary School by RGB; Return of Wickford
Elementary to the Town of North Kingstown
G. Governing Style Policy/Committee Self-Assessment Policy
H. Request to Withhold Information Forms
V. Reports
(For Discussion and Possible Action)
A. Special Reports:
1. SELAC Quarterly Report – this report given at beginning of meeting.
2. Drug/Alcohol Report – 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:
Kathy Brown questioned what was revised on the agenda. Don DeFedele explained that there was only a correction in
personnel items and the Committee had the correction.
Mrs. Brown commented that she was surprised that Mr. Martasian changed his mind on the contract.
VII. Meeting Adjourned at 11:02pm.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________________
Karen A. Nutini
Administrative Assistant
to the Superintendent