NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

June 28, 2006                                            Approved:  8/9/06

6:30 pm Reception for North Kingstown School Department Retirees

7:00 PM Business Meeting

Central Administration Building                                                                                                                               100 Fairway Drive

“Challenging Student Excellence”

Minutes

               

           I.          Meeting Organization

 

A.      Call to Order; Pledge of Allegiance; Don DeFedele called the meeting to order at 7:10pm.    

B.       Roll Call:

 

Present:  Chairperson Don DeFedele, Vice Chairperson Dr. Denise Coppa, Renee Cockerill, Barry Martasian,

      Janice DeFrances, Melvoid Benson

 

     Absent:  William Mudge and William Brennan, Jamestown Representative

     

Administration Present:  Daniel J. McGregor, Ph.D., Director of Pupil Personnel Services; Barbara A. Fitzsimmons, Ed.D, Curriculum Director; William J. Daly, Director of Human Resources; Maureen Buck, Director of Administrative Services; and Lee Rabbitt, Director of Technology

 

Don DeFedele announced that Dr. Halley was not present tonight as he was in China.  Dr. Halley was among 300 educators selected  to tour China to exchange ideas, visit schools and learn about the Chinese language and culture.  Mr. DeFedele stated that we should be proud that Dr. Halley was selected for this opportunity and give him our full support.

 

C.       Calendars:

       Don DeFedele went over dates of interest with the committee:

                     a.    There will be no School Committee meetings in the month of July.

                     b.    There will be a Wellness Committee meeting on August 3rd at 6:30pm in the Admin Building.

                     c.    On August 9th there will be a School Committee Worksession at 7:00pm in the Admin Building, with the

                            possibility of an Executive Session at 6:00pm.

                     d.    On August 22nd there will be a SELAC meeting at 7:00pm in the NK Library.

                     e.    On August 23rd there will be a School Committee Business Meeting at 7:00pm in the Admin Building    

                            following an Executive Session at 6:00pm.

f.         August 28th is the first day of school for staff with an orientation for grades K-12.

g.       August 29th is a professional development day for K-12 staff.

h.       August 30th is the first day of school for students in grades K-12.

 

D.      Ground Rules:

Don DeFedele referred to a list of ground rules for the Committee to approve and abide by at the meeting.

Motion to accept the Ground Rules was made by Barry Martasian.  Seconded by Renee Cockerill.

Vote to approve was unanimous.              

          

    II.          Citizen’s Comments on Agenda Items

A.   April Brunelle would like to have public discussion on Dr. Halley’s administrative performance.  Closing of Wickford Elementary was never discussed.  How much was saved by closing that school?  She stated that Mr. Kettelle was brought in, more buses were needed and there were eight unbudgeted teachers hired so where are the savings?

Mrs. Brunelle asked why the  Start Times are listed under New Business instead of Unfinished Business.

Mr. DeFedele replied that it is unfinished business at this point.  There was a presentation and discussion of this item and the public had an opportunity for input. 

Mrs. Brunelle stated that she was impressed with the students who came forward to speak on the start times.  She felt that 7:05am was too early for the high school to start and 8:30am was too late.

 

B.  Robert Vincze, Principal of Forest Park School, spoke in favor of retaining the full time librarian at Forest Park School.  Mr. Vincze referred to the book Inheriting the Revolution, The First Generation of Americans, which relayed stories of America’s first generation youth.  As an educator, he was impressed with the early reading and learning of these children and asked if these qualities remain today.  He feels that they do at Forest Park where they provide opportunities for students to investigate, research, draw conclusions and engage in problem solving.  Mr. Vincze feels that the key to this process is the librarian and he doesn’t think that it is fair or appropriate to cut this time in half.

The librarian, Mrs. Baton, has been important in providing services to students, including two self-contained special education classes.  Mr. Vincze asked that the School Committee consider not cutting this position.

 

C.  Kathleen Brown stated that some agenda items appear as Unfinished Business when they have not appeared under New Business.  She wanted the public to have an opportunity to speak.

Regarding the 06-07 budget, Mrs. Brown stated that PE staffing at the high school and middle school  is decreasing while enrollment is increasing.  The Business section at the high school is increasing and she would like some background on that.

Mrs. Brown stated that the library staff has been adjusted since January and Davisville Elementary is losing a full time reading instructor.

A Technology position is going from .7 to 0 and she thought technology was being restored.

Mrs. Brown asked why the proposed increase for the Assistant Director of Curriculum is more important that the COPS program or other cuts.  She has heard no explanation or justification for that position.

Mrs. Brown asked for clarification on the vote for extending Keith Kenyon’s leave of absence.  This was a tie vote which failed, so is this automatically approved?

Don DeFedele replied that it was approved.  The motion was to deny the request and it failed.

 

Barbara Fitzsimmons wanted to clarify a statement that Mrs. Brown made that Davisville Elementary is losing a full time literacy teacher.  Davisville is not losing a literacy position, this has to do with grant funding.

 

  III.          Routine Items

A.       Correspondence:

1.  Renee Cockerill submitted correspondence that she received concerning the Davisville Middle School Diversity Day from Laureen Berglund, Diana Christie, NK Parents Care group, Brenda Ricci, Bob and Chris Riedford, and Kathy Meringolo.

2.  Barry Martasian stated that he had received the same correspondence.

3.  Melvoid Benson noted that she had only received mail on this subject from Karen Izzo.

4.  Don DeFedele did not receive all of the above correspondence, but did receive some of what was mentioned.

 

B.       Disclosure of Executive Session Votes:

There was an executive session held on June 14, 2006 for a Level III Grievance for denial of sick leave.  Present were Mr. DeFedele, Dr. Coppa, Ms. Benson, Ms. Cockerill and Mr. Martasian.

A motion was made by Mr. DeFedele to uphold the administration’s decision to deny sick leave.  The motion passed 3 to 2 with Mr. DeFedele, Ms. Cockerill and Mr. Martasian voting in the affirmative and Dr. Coppa and Ms. Benson voting in the negative.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Denise Coppa/Melvoid Benson with a vote of 6 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.

 

Mr. DeFedele announced that there were home schooling requests submitted, and under Bids and Awards – number 10 -  there is only one replacement of a bus contract.

 

C.       Home Schooling Requests*

 

D.      Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings:

1.        June 14, 2006 School Committee Worksession*

2.        June 14, 2006 Executive Session*

 

E.       Financial Items:

1.        Monthly Financial Update*

2.        Year-To-Date Budget Report*

3.        Monthly Deficit Monitoring Report*

 

F.       Bids and Awards:

       1.     Engineering Change Order for WMS ISDS*

                          2.    Fuel System Bid**

                                Mrs. Cockerill asked if this cost could be avoided if transportation was outsourced.

                                                Maureen Buck replied that even if we outsource, we still need the ability to supply fuel, as the

                                                contractor usually buys this through the school district.

                                Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to approve the Fuel System Bid.  Seconded by Barry

                             Martasian.

                              Vote: unanimous to approve

                                               

                          3.    ISDS Bid for WMS – DES – FP*

                          4.    Mini Bus Bid*

                          5.    Mower Purchase**

                                                Renee Cockerill asked if we already owned two mowers.

                                                Mrs. Buck responded that we do.  This is replacing one of the older mowers.

                                                These mowers cover all schools.  We are utilizing all of the mowers that we own.

                                Motion was made by Denise Coppa to approve the Mower purchase.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

                                Vote:  unanimous to approve

 

                          6.    HS Window Cleaning*

                          7.    Mini Bus Maintenance*

                          8.    DES Sound Reduction (no bid submitted) and  Floor Tile Installation*

                          9.    Wheel Chair Lift Inspection and Maintenance – no bid submitted 

                        10.    Replacement of Two Bus Contracts (changed to One contract)*

                        11.    School Lunch Prices**

                                                There was discussion that the proposed lunch prices were too much of an increase.

                                                Mrs. Buck stated that we have a contract with the food service workers for the next three years, so

                                            we cannot outsource now.  This is an attempt to balance that account.

                                Motion was made by Melvoid Benson to postpone this item until the August meeting.

                                Mrs. Benson then withdrew her motion.

 

                                Motion was made by Denise Coppa to approve the proposed school lunch prices.  Seconded by Barry

                             Martasian.

                                Vote:      Denise Coppa        Yes                                         Renee Cockerill       No

                                                Barry Martasian    Yes                                       Janice DeFrances    No

                                                Don DeFedele          Yes                                      Melvoid Benson       No

                                Tie vote, motion fails.

                               

Don DeFedele suggested that this item be moved to the August 9th agenda with revised lunch price proposal.

 

Motion was made by Barry Martasian to accept the Chairman’s recommendation to move this item to the August 9th agenda for revision and reconsideration.  Seconded by Melvoid Benson

Vote:  unanimous to approve

 

                        12.    Addition of Surveillance Cameras to HS and Middle Schools Capital Improvement List*

 

G.       Personnel Items:

1.                    Appointment, Administrator:

a)                   Aaron Thomas, Assistant Principal/Athletics at the North Kingstown High School, annual salary $90,491, effective July 1, 2006.**

Renee Cockerill stated clearly that she had nothing personal against Mr. Thomas and she was sure he was highly qualified, but questioned why we had to have the Assistant Principal certification with this position.

Bill Daly explained that the previous person in this position was an administrator and  not certified as an assistant principal.  Having the assistant principal certification allows more flexibility in assigning different responsibilities to this position.

Mrs. Benson asked if this position was written for a specific person.

Mr. Daly responded that it was not.  There were three qualified candidates considered.

This position only pays an additional $2,000 over the previous salary for having an assistant principal’s certification.

Janice DeFrances suggested having the Athletic Director’s responsibilities well defined.

Don DeFedele explained that this individual will be doing the primary job of Athletic Director but in addition by holding a principal’s certificate, he could do other duties.

Mrs. Cockerill again stated that this has nothing to do with Mr. Thomas, he is a wonderful person, but she felt this should be a lower salary, not what Mr. Kenyon made.

Bill Daly responded that the salary follows the policy that calls for a formula that the School Committee approved.

Dr. DeFrances stated that this position would have to be appointed at a later start date because Mr. Thomas works during the summer running the sports camps.

Denise Coppa suggested looking at the same position as Mr. Kenyon had, but not as an Assistant Principal, and look at the salary based on an entry level position.

Renee Cockerill asked for clearly delineated duties.

Barry Martasian felt that the strength in hiring people was the capability of doing other things when needed.  Some teachers are certified in more than one subject.  This would allow us to use Mr. Thomas where needed.

 

Motion was made by Denise Coppa to direct the Human Resources director to re-advertise the position as Athletic Director/Student Activities Coordinator.  Seconded by Renee Cockerill.

Vote:  4 to 1 to approve with Don DeFedele voting no, and Barry Martasian abstaining.

 

2.                    Appointment 2005/2006 Paraprofessional Mentors – budgeted*

Karen Evans                         $325

Diane Jolicoeur                     $325

Laura Smeraldi                      $325

Sandie Blankenship             $325

Jackie Alfano                        $325

 

3.                    Approval of 2006 Extended School Staffing, June 26, 2006 through August 4, 2006, $22.50 per Hour, Certificated Staff – budgeted*

Leslie Maymon                     Pre-K                      15 hours per week

Jackie Walton-Williams      Pre-K                      9 hours per week

Jackie Diprete                       Grade 1                   17.5 hours per week

Ann Marie Breslin               Grade 2                   17.5 hours per week

Denise Kelley                       Grade 3                   17.5 hours per week

Nancy Keeley                       Grade 4                   17.5 hours per week

Terena Hogan                       Grade 5                   17.5 hours per week

Amber Tetreault                   BD/ED                    17.5 hours per week

Jennifer Beauchemin           PDD                        30 hours per week

Amy Swanlund Scott          PDD                        17.5 hours per week

Jaime George                         Gr. 6.7 & 8              17.5 hours per week

Amy Messerlian                   PDD                        30 hours per week

Karleen Bowie                      Grades 9 – 12        17.5 hours per week

                 

4.                    Approval of 2006 Extended School Speech Therapists, June 26, 2006 through August 4, 2006, $36.00 per hour.*

Allison Long                                                         up to 20 hours per week

Jackie Walton-Williams                                      up to 12 hours per week

Heidi Varrecchione                                              up to 5 hours per week

5.                    Approval of 2006 Extended School Year Specialists, June 26, 2006 through August 4, 2006, $22.50 per hour – budgeted*

Donna Noonan                     Occupational Therapist      2 hours per week

Bethany Pratt                        COTA                                    10 hours per week

Diane Luciano-Linnane       COTA                                    10 hours per week

Beth Horlbogen                    Physcial Therapist               5 hours per week

Nicole Perrault                      Music Therapist                   3.5 hours

 

6.                    Approval of 2006 Extended School Year Paraprofessionals, June 26, 2006 through August 4, 2006, $9.70 per hour – budgeted*

Lyn Varone                           Paraprofessional                  15 hours per week

Kay Nelson                           Paraprofessional                  15 hours per week

Beatrice Hone                       Paraprofessional                  15 hours per week

Debra Peck                            Paraprofessional                  9 hours per week

Jennifer Novasad                 Paraprofessional                  9 hours per week

Diane Woodbine                  Paraprofessional            17.5 hours per week

Carol Welesko                      Paraprofessional            17.5 hours per week

Melissa SanAntonio           Paraprofessional            17.5 hours per week

Jean Hogan                           Paraprofessional            17.5 hours per week

Ginny Elliott                          Paraprofessional            17.5 hours per week

Elizabeth Morander             Paraprofessional            17.5 hours per week

                                                Robin Wicker                        Paraprofessional            17.5 hours per week

                                                Jody Traghella                      Paraprofessional            17.5 hours per week

                                                Linda Rose                            Paraprofessional            30 hours per week

                                                Marianne Jamieson              Paraprofessional            17.5 hours per week

                                                Barbara Burns                       Paraprofessional                  30 hours per week

                                                Michael Armstrong             Paraprofessional                  30 hours per week

                                                Dottie Knott                          Paraprofessional                  30 hours per week

                                                Tammy Lambert                    Paraprofessional                  30 hours per week

                                                Sally Heaney                         Paraprofessional          17.5 hours per week

                                                Rhonda Barner                     Paraprofessional          17.5 hours per week

                                                Lori McKay                           Paraprofessional                  30 hours per week

                                                Betsy Wozinak                     Paraprofessional          17.5 hours per week

                                                Brittany Elliott                      Paraprofessional          17.5 hours per week

 

7.                    Retirement, Non-Certificated Staff:*

a)                   Barbara Drago, Cook at the North Kingstown High School, 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 30 hours per week, effective October 22, 2006.

 

8.                    Resignation, Certificated Staff:*

a)                   Kengelin Bell, 1.0 FTE PE/Health Teacher at the North Kingstown High School (currently on a leave of absence), resignation effective at the end of the 2005/2006 school year.

b)                   Sarah Salazar, .5 FTE Itinerant Music Teacher (currently on a leave of absence), resignation effective at the end of the 2005/2006 school year.

c)                   Lisa Giorgianni, .6 FTE Itinerant Music Teacher, effective at the end of the 2005/2006 school year.

 

9.                    Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff – budgeted*

a) Kathleen Morin, 3rd Shift Custodian at the North Kingstown High School, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week, Step 5 @ $13.96 per hour plus an hourly stipend of $.20 for a total hourly rate of $14.16, effective June 28, 2006.

 

H.      NKESP Emergency Sick Bank Revisions*

I.         Middle School/High School Math Curriculum and Materials*   

 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

Recess was taken at 8:45pm

Meeting resumed at 9:00pm

 

 

IV.       Unfinished Business

 

Motion was made by Don DeFedele to move the 06-07 Budget to this point in the agenda.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

 

Motion was made by Melvoid Benson to discuss the Superintendent’s contract after the budget discussion.

Mr. DeFedele ruled this motion out of order as there was already a motion on the floor and asked Mrs. Benson to hold her request until after the budget discussion.

 

Vote on initial motion:  unanimous to approve.

 

2006-2007 School Budget:

Don DeFedele reviewed the status of the budget.  The original votes taken on 3/22/06 requested an exemption from the cap of $541,000.  The Town Council denied this request.  We now have to make cuts of $541,000 to balance the budget.  Dr. Halley has provided recommendations to meet this requirement.

 

·  Barry Martasian asked about cutting of five coordinator and coach positions, and the proposed Assistant Director of  

           Curriculum.

Bill Daly explained that the previous individual coordinators and coaches would be eliminated and this new position will be responsible for professional development, mentoring, assignment of teachers to student teachers, resource, coordination of the literacy program and exploring new math programs.

 

Motion was made by Denise Coppa to decrease the FTE of the Assistant Director of Curriculum to accommodate the library media specialist position.  Seconded by Janice DeFrances.

 

Dr. Fitzsimmons noted that we are recommending the reduction of 2 ½ positions and combining those into one position.  Without assistance in curriculum it will be impossible to do all of the things that have been done in the past.

Mrs. Cockerill asked why the salary starts at $100,000 for this position.

Maureen Buck explained that this includes all benefits.  The base salary would be in the low $70,000s.

Don DeFedele noted that by combining positions there would be a net savings to the district.

Janice DeFrances asked about the new Assistant Principal position at the high school.

That position was part of the original budget when the bottom line budget was approved by the School Committee in February. 

Dr. DeFrances asked if it was possible for the Assistant Director of Curriculum to be involved in the responsibilities of the Assistant Principal at the high school.

Dr. Fitzsimmons responded that this is not the intent of the position.  The high school position was instituted during accreditation and was very successful.  Assessment has grown and there is no one to oversee high school reform.  There are many issues the high school has to deal with.  The 2008 graduates must meet all new requirements and to parcel out these responsibilities to administrators who are already there cannot be done successfully.

Don DeFedele stated that we are ahead of the curve and want to stay there.  All students must meet the standards by 2014 and this becomes harder as we get closer.

This position will work with the teachers to help them help students reach the standards.

 

Denise Coppa withdrew her motion to decrease the FTE of the Assistant Director of Curriculum.

 

·  Barry Martasian asked about the COPS program and if the Town Council supported part of this program.

Maureen Buck explained that the original grant supplied three years of the program and the Town supplied one year.

This year the grant ran out in March and we supplied $50,000 to complete the year.

Next year, we have to support the full program for a cost of $125,500.

 

Motion was made by Melvoid Benson not to approve the COPS program cut.  Seconded by Janice DeFrances.

 

Dr. DeFrances stated that other districts are partially funded and asked why we have no funding.

Maureen Buck explained that the Town faces the same budget restrictions as we do and they chose not to fund it. We pay the Town for these services and the Town pays the officers.  They are not our employees.

Mr. DeFedele stated that by supporting this program we are paying Town employees to be in the schools.  We can’t have every program we want.  We still have to cut one half million dollars.

Mrs. Benson asked if we have applied for Homeland Security grants.

Mrs. Buck replied that the police have Homeland Security money but it cannot be used for personnel.

Mrs. Cockerill asked what these officers do in the schools.

Bill Daly explained that they interact with students, help with discussions, are brought in on problems, etc.

Mr. Martasian added that they also have a positive influence on students by developing relationships with them.

 

Vote:   Renee Cockerill       Yes                                            Denise Coppa         No

            Melvoid Benson       Yes                                              Don DeFedele         No

            Janice DeFrances    Yes                                             Barry Martasian    No

Tie vote – motion fails.

 

Motion was made by Don DeFedele to cut the COPS program.  Seconded by Denise Coppa.

Vote:   Barry Martasian      Yes                                            Melvoid Benson       No

            Don DeFedele            Yes                                            Renee Cockerill       No

            Denise Coppa            Yes                                             Janice DeFrances    No

Tie vote – motion fails.

 

·  Renee Cockerill stated that on page 38 of the budget there was $15,000 for tractor maintenance replacement and

           questioned if that would now be needed if we just approved a bid to buy a new tractor.  Maureen Buck recommended

           making that cut to the tractor maintenance.

 

Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to cut the tractor maintenance replacement for $15,000.  Seconded by Don DeFedele.

Vote:  unanimous to approve.

 

·  Motion was made by Denise Coppa not to increase the Athletic budget by $50,000.  Seconded by Melvoid  

           Benson.

            Vote:    Melvoid Benson        Yes                                           Renee Cockerill          No

                        Denise Coppa            Yes                                             Barry Martasian         No

                        Janice DeFrances      Yes                                           Don DeFedele              No

          Tie vote:  motion fails.

 

·  Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to cut the roving janitor for $47,131.  Seconded by Janice DeFrances.

              Vote:  unanimous to approve.

 

·  Motion was made by Denise Coppa to cut Special Education tuitions and paras by $76,421.  Seconded by

            Barry Martasian.

 

          Mr. Martasian asked what the impact was in cutting this account.

          Bill Daly replied that this was primarily tuitions of three students who were coming back into the district and              

         paraprofessionals who were subject to the requirements of the IEP.

 

          Vote:  unanimous to approve.

 

·  Motion was made by Denise Coppa to decrease the budget by $68,407 for the Professional Development

           Coordinator.  Seconded by Melvoid Benson.

 

            Amendment was made by Don DeFedele to include the Literacy Coach, Math Coach, Mentor Coordinator and

          Resource Coach positions for a total of $273,629.  Seconded by Janice DeFrances.

          Vote on amendment to include additional positions:  unanimous to approve.

 

          Renee Cockerill asked Dr. Fitzsimmons which position was more important – the Assistant Principal of Curriculum at

         the high school or the Assistant Director of Curriculum.

          Dr. Fitzsimmons replied that they had different responsibilities and were both equally important.

 

          Motion was made by Barry Martasian to call the question.  Seconded by Don DeFedele.

          Vote:  unanimous to approve.

 

          Vote on the main motion as amended:  5 to 1to approve with Denise Coppa voting no.

·  Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to cut two SmART positions.  Seconded by Melvoid Benson.

 

It was discussed that the two positions are located at Davisville Elementary and Fishing Cove.  If these positions are reinstated, there would be a SmART teacher at each elementary school.              

          These positions provide integration of the arts into the entire curriculum such as math and social studies.  It is not just a

          dance/drama teacher.

          Don DeFedele stated that the auditors recommended funding SmART because it was a great program.  If we weren’t

         going to fully support it, they recommended eliminating it because piecemeal doesn’t work.  They also recommended

          eliminating a librarian.

          Denise Coppa suggested cutting one SmART position and there would also be a savings with the Athletic Director’s

         position not being an Assistant Principal.

          Maureen Buck reminded the Committee that there was only a $2,000 savings by eliminating the Assistant Principal

        aspect of the AD position, or the Committee would need to change the policy that governs the AD salary.

          Mrs. Cockerill suggested that the policy be changed before hiring for that position.

          Don DeFedele noted that it could be changed but there would be a delay in advertising for the position.

It was discussed if the interim AD could work beyond the end of the school year because of a limited number of days  a a person could work when retired.  It was stated that September 1st began the year for retirees to work.

 

Amendment to the motion was made by Denise Coppa to reduce SmART by one position.  Seconded by Janice DeFrances.

 

Don DeFedele stated that he would have to rule the amendment out of order as it changes the main motion.

Dr. Coppa withdrew her amendment.

 

Janice DeFrances asked if the two SmART positions have already been filled.

Bill Daly replied that they have not been filled but we have elementary teachers who would qualify. 

 

Vote on main motion to cut two SmArt positions:

                                           Denise Coppa        Yes                 Don DeFedele – no Janice DeFrances – abstain

                                       Barry Martasian   Yes 

                                       Melvoid Benson     Yes

                                       Renee Cockerill     Yes

Motion passes.

 

·  Motion was made by Don DeFedele to add the Assistant Director of Curriculum position.  Seconded by

          Barry Martasian.

          Vote:                                 Don DeFedele           Yes                 Melvoid Benson     abstain

                                                    Barry Martasian    Yes   Renee Cockerill     abstain

                                                   Janice DeFrances    Yes  Denise Coppa         abstain

          Motion fails.

 

·  Motion was made by Denise Coppa to cut the athletic budget by $47,000.  Seconded by Janice DeFrances.

          Vote:                                Melvoid Benson       Yes   Barry Martasian     No

                                                   Janice DeFrances    Yes  Renee Cockerill       No

                                                   Denise Coppa           Yes   Don DeFedele          No

          Tie vote – motion fails.

 

Maureen Buck advised the Committee that they have cut $600,000 in the 8.8 unbudgeted teachers.  Considering breakage from people retiring, that still leaves $300,000.  If the Committee is very prudent, they could add $42,000 to the $300,000 salary breakage.  They would have to be very careful in September when hiring.

 

          Motion was made by Denise Coppa to increase the cut to unbudgeted teaching positions by $42,000.  Seconded by

          Don DeFedele. 

 

          There was discussion that this tactic might be too risky to maintain that cut.

 

          Dr. Coppa withdrew her motion.

 

 

·  Motion was made by Denise Coppa to cut the athletic budget by $30,000.  Seconded by Janice DeFrances.

                Vote:       Denise Coppa             Yes                   Don DeFedele           No

                                Janice DeFrances        Yes                 Barry Martasian      No

                               Renee Cockerill           Yes

                                Melvoid Benson           Yes

            Motion passes.

 

·  Motion was made by Don DeFedele to reduce the COPS program by the remaining balance that needs to be

                cut - $12,723.  Seconded by Denise Coppa.

 

          Mr. DeFedele stated that by reducing this program there can be shared resources and it would be up to the Town to

         reassign the officers to continue their pay.  He gave an example of not having an officer in the schools one day per     

         week.

          Janice DeFrances felt that the Committee did not have enough information.

 

          Mr. DeFedele withdrew his motion.

 

·  Mrs. Benson suggested that if a budget freeze is required that it not include supplies or services to children.

Don DeFedele stated that the Committee cannot tie the hands of the Superintendent to not do what he feels is necessary to hit the bottom line.

 

Motion was made by Melvoid Benson that if there is a budget freeze, it does not affect supplies or materials to children.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

 

Mr. Martasian disagreed with the motion stating that the Superintendent cannot run the school department in a deficit situation and he would have to do that by law.

Mr. DeFedele stated that he would never agree to handcuff the chief administrator of this district to make a decision to deficit spend.  It is his responsibility to run the finances of this district.

 

Mrs. Benson withdrew her motion.

 

·  Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to stop legal representation at School Committee meetings.  Seconded

              by Don DeFedele.

               Vote:  unanimous to approve.

 

·  Motion was made by Janice DeFrances to add an Assistant Director of Curriculum position.  Seconded by

              Denise Coppa.

              Vote:  unanimous to approve.

 

·  Motion was made by Denise Coppa to adjourn after public comment.  Seconded by Don DeFedele.

              Vote fails 4 to 2 with Denise Coppa and Barry Martasian voting yes.

 

·  Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to form a Special Education transportation sub-committee.  Seconded

              by Janice DeFrances.

 

          Don DeFedele stated that the Committee has already directed the school department to have the Special Ed busses

arrive fifteen minutes before the start of school.  There is a SELAC committee and they could form their own sub-committee.  They could then advise us and we could give support from the transportation department if necessary.

Dr. Coppa noted that it would get done faster if SELAC does a sub-committee themselves.  In order for the School Committee to form a sub-committee it has to come up with a charge, advertise for volunteers, get a cross section of community members and then form a meeting.

Maureen Buck asked the Committee to let John do his job first, then they can weigh in to tweak if necessary.  Otherwise, there might be a request for more busses.  Don’t send them in before John has done his job.  Then they can review and make suggestions.

 

Motion was made by Denise Coppa to end debate.  Seconded by Don DeFedele.

Vote:  5 to 1 to approve with Melvoid Benson voting no.

 

Vote on main motion to form Special Ed transportation sub-committee:

4 to 2 to approve with Denise Coppa and Don DeFedele voting no.

 

There will be a charge for the sub-committee for Special Ed transportation at the next meeting.

 

·  Motion was made by Denise Coppa to adjourn after comments.  Seconded by Don DeFedele.

               Vote:  unanimous to approve.

 

 

 

       Unfinished Business con’t:      

A.  Superintendent’s Contract – Restructuring of Compensation Package – NO DISCUSSION/ACTION TAKEN

B.  2006-2007 School Budget – PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED IN THIS MEETING

C.Modernization of Wickford Middle School/Davisville Elementary School – NO DISCUSSION/ACTION TAKEN

D.  School Start Times – NO DISCUSSION/ACTION TAKEN

E.  Bond Issue Update – NO DISCUSSION/ACTION TAKEN

F.  Discussion of Issues Pertaining to the Physical Limitations of WMS as Related to Current Middle School

     Programs – NO DISCUSSION/ACTION TAKEN 

G.  2005-2006 School Budget – NO DISCUSSION/ACTION TAKEN

H.  2005-2006 School Committee Goals and Objectives – NO DISCUSSION/ACTION TAKEN

 

V.    New Business – NO DISCUSSION/ACTION TAKEN ON ANY NEW BUSINESS

       (For Discussion and Action)

             A.  New Policy #GBEB – Standards of Employee Conduct

B.  Strategic Plan

C.  Southern RI Legislative Coalition

D.  Building Feasibility Study of Wickford Elementary School by RGB

E.  Return of Wickford Elementary School to the Town of NK

F.  Governing Style Policy/Committee Self-Assessment Policy

G.  Consider Letter to Town Regarding High School Band Room Repair

H.  Consider School Committee Policies on Website

 I .  Legal Representation at School Committee Meetings and Contract Between Law Firm/School Department

J.        Charter Resolution to Change Dates of Public Budget Hearings

K.       Possible Disciplinary Action Regarding a School Committee Member

L.       Discussion of  Possible Formation of Special Ed Transportation Sub-Committee

 

VI.   Reports  - NO DISCUSSION/ACTION TAKEN ON ANY REPORTS

       (For Discussion and Action)

A.      Special Reports

B.       Standing Committee Reports

C.       Ad hoc Committee Reports

 

 

   Committee Member/Citizens’ Comments:

          Paul Dion thanked the Committee for retaining the librarian position.

 

Doug Roth congratulated the Committee on its work tonight.  He stated that the operational budget has an increase of 14% and only had one cut of a janitor.  He urged the Committee not to stop there and to go to operations and zero-base the budget.  There are budgeting opportunities to look at and a million dollars could be saved if it was looked at closely.

 

Julia Techentin stated that there was a budgeting opportunity in the Athletic Director’s position.  Continue the responsible path with responsible debate.  She suggested taking the auditors position and revisit policies.

 

Kathleen Brown thanked the Committee for the work on the budget and for cutting the SmART positions.  She felt there is no justification for them.  Mrs. Brown asked about the status of Title I at Quidnessett and if it would qualify next year.

          Dr. McGregor replied that we will know in September when the free and reduced lunch qualifications are known.

          Mrs. Brown commented that maybe that will bring in additional money.

 

 

Adjourn:  Meeting adjourned at 11:25pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

___________________________

Karen A. Nutini

Administrative Assistant

to the Superintendent/School Committee