NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE                     APPROVED 2/8/06

January 25, 2006

6:00 pm Executive Session 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)

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 7:10 pm.    

B.       Roll Call:

 

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

      Janice DeFrances, Bill Mudge, Melvoid Benson and William Brennan, Jamestown Representative;

      Renee Cockerill (arrived at 7:45pm)

     

Administration Present:  James M. Halley, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools; William J. Daly, Director of Human Resources; Maureen Buck, Director of Administrative Services; and Lee Rabbitt, Director of Technology

 

Legal Representative:  David Reilly

 

Barry Martasian suggested that this meeting end no later that 10:30pm.

Mr. Martasian presented a clock timer and motioned that each agenda item be timed for discussion.  Seconded by Denise Coppa.

 

A discussion followed with members commenting both for and against using a timer for agenda items.  A timer would allow for prioritization of items and put a time limit on agenda items yet would not inhibit public comment.  There have been suggestions in the past to develop a time limit on items.  There are two options available:  after the time limit had been set, and the item discussed, a motion could be made by any member to extend the time if they felt it necessary; or a motion could be made to end debate.  A member felt that the Committee needs to act with integrity and open government and be responsible Committee members, and felt that the past 3 ½ years are absent of documentation and accuracy and the timer would not help this issue.  Another member felt that there has been difficulty maintaining order in meetings, so  the Committee could try this tactic.  It gives parameters and members still have the opportunity to speak.

Melvoid Benson felt it was a ludicrous and a disrespectful act against the citizens of this town.  If members don’t have the time, they should resign.

 

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

Vote:   Don DeFedele          Yes                        Bill Mudge    No

            Denise Coppa        Yes

            Janice DeFrances  Yes

            Barry Martasian   Yes

            Melvoid Benson     Yes

Motion passes 5 to 1

 

Vote on main motion:         

             Barry Martasian        Yes                     Melvoid Benson   No

            Janice DeFrances     Yes                        Bill Mudge            No

            Denise Coppa            Yes

            Don DeFedele            Yes

Motion passes 4 to 2

 

C.       Calendars:

1.        Dr. Halley went over the dates of interest in January and February with the committee and added:

a.  There will be an executive session on February 8th at 6:00pm before the regular Worksession.

b.  Due to school vacation, the School Committee Business Meeting scheduled for February 22nd will

     be moved to February 15th.

D.      Ground Rules:

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

Motion to approve the Ground Rules was made by Barry Martasian.  Seconded by Denise Coppa.

 

Vote:              Don DeFedele                       Yes                         Bill Mudge            Abstain

                        Denise Coppa                       Yes        

                        Barry Martasian Yes

                        Janice DeFrances               Yes

                        Melvoid Benson                Yes

Motion passes 5 to 0, 1 abstain

         

    II.          Citizen’s Comments on Agenda Items – no citizens commented

  III.          Routine Items:

A.       Correspondence:

1.        A list of employee non-renewal letters for 06-07 is included for the Committee’s approval.

2.        A letter dated January 11, 2006 from Don DeFedele to Bill Mudge concerning forensic and compliance audit requests was given to the Committee (Appendix A).

3.        SELAC minutes of 9/27/05, 10/20/05, 11/1/05 and 12/1/05 were included in the packets.

 

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

 

C.       Home Schooling Requests:

Motion to approve home schooling requests was made by Barry Martasian.  Seconded by Melvoid Benson.

Vote:  Unanimous to approve 6 to 0.

 

Renee Cockerill arrived at 7:45pm.

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Melvoid Benson/Barry Martasian with a vote of 7 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.

 

It was agreed to put a 30 minute time limit on the consent agenda.

 

 

D.      Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings:**

1.        January 11, 2006 Worksession –

a.  Under correspondence - Mr. Mudge was looking for more information concerning the letter from the

     auditing firm of Prescott, Chatellier, Fontaine and Wilkinson.

b.  United Health Contract -

                                         Motion made by Bill Mudge to have his comment included that a lawyer review the teachers’

                                      contract to determine if a change could be made to health care without the union’s approval. 

                                      Seconded by Melvoid Benson.                

                                     Vote:   Renee Cockerill                Yes                         Don DeFedele          No

                                                      Janice DeFrances       Yes                            Denise Coppa          No

                                                      Bill Mudge                      Yes                         Barry Martasian   No

                                                      Melvoid Benson             Yes

                                         Motion passes 4 to 3.

 

                                Motion made by Bill Mudge to add the comment that the 2 ½% differential between health care

                             contracts equaled $125,000.  Seconded by Melvoid Benson.

                                Vote:      Renee Cockerill                 Yes                         Don DeFedele          No

                                                Janice DeFrances               Yes                         Denise Coppa          No

                                                Bill Mudge                            Yes                         Barry Martasian   No

                                                Melvoid Benson                   Yes

                                Motion passes 4 to 3.

                                Motion made by Bill Mudge to add the comment that he proposed a subcommittee to work with the

                             union and the health care companies and it was not agreed to.  Seconded by Melvoid Benson.

 

                                Mr. DeFedele stated that if a member wants an exact comment included in the minutes, he/she must request

                             it as he/she says it at the meeting

                             Minutes should only be reflecting the actions of the Committee.

 

                                Vote:      Renee Cockerill     No                        Bill Mudge   Yes                  Janice DeFrances - abstain

                                                Barry Martasian   No

                                                Denise Coppa          No

                                                Don DeFedele          No

                                                Melvoid Benson      Did not vote

                                Motion fails 4 to 1, 1 abstain

 

                                Motion made by Bill Mudge to review the tape to have his comments added concerning the

                             subcommittee proposal on health care.  Seconded by Melvoid Benson.

                               

It was stated that the tape is requested to be reviewed at every meeting but comments are not required to be recorded for every member.  Requests for comments to be included in the minutes should be made at the time they are said at the meeting.  

 

                                Motion to end debate was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

                                Vote:   6 to 1 to approve.  Bill Mudge voting no.

 

                                Vote on main motion to review tape:                Bill Mudge            Yes                         Denise Coppa          No

                                                                                                                Renee Cockerill  Yes                         Don DeFedele          No

                                                                                                                Melvoid Benson   Yes                        Janice DeFrances  No       

                                                                                                                                                                                Barry Martasian   No

                                Motion fails 4 to 3.

 

                                Motion made by Bill Mudge to add that he questioned how much of each dollar was spent on benefits

by both health care companies and was answered 87% by Blue Cross and 79% by United Health.  Seconded by Melvoid Benson.

It was asked what the impact of the health care contract would be on bus contractors and retirees.

                                Mr. Mudge amended the motion to review the tape concerning this discussion.

                                Mr. Mudge withdrew the motion.

               

                         c.   Personnel item F-3:

Mr. Mudge  wanted it reflected that he asked Dr. Halley why Mr. Kenyon was requesting a leave of absence and the answer was that Mr. Kenyon was leaving for professional development.   Mr. Mudge wanted it reflected that Mr. Kenyon was leaving for business purposes.

                                Motion made by Bill Mudge to review the tape to include the discussion of the statement made

                             concerning the reason for Mr. Kenyon’s leave of absence.

                                Mr. Mudge withdrew the motion.

 

                                Motion made by Melvoid Benson that the minutes reflect the discussion in regard to Mr. Kenyon’s

                             leave of absence.  Bill Mudge seconded.

                                Vote:      Bill Mudge            Yes                         Denise Coppa         No                 Janice DeFrances – abstain

                                                Melvoid Benson  Yes                           Barry Martasian  No

                                                Renee Cockerill   Yes                        Don DeFedele         No

                                Motion fails 3 to 3, 1 abstain.

 

                   Motion to approve the minutes of January 11, 2006 was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry

                 Martasian.

                   Vote:   approved 6 to 1, Bill Mudge voting no.                            

                 

E.       Financial Items:

1.        Monthly Financial Update**

a.  There was a discussion of Food Service.  Information was requested on whether there would be a surplus or a deficiency in the food service account and when that would be known.  Maureen Buck referred to several previous financial report letters that indicated the fund would need to be supplemented by the school department.  Mrs. Buck will provide the Committee with an updated report.

                    Motion to add 15 minutes of discussion to the consent agenda was made by Barry Martasian.  Seconded by

                   Bill Mudge.

                    Vote:  6 to 1 to approve, Denise Coppa voting no.

 

                    Motion to approve item E-l – Monthly Financial Update - was made by Janice DeFrances.  Seconded by

                  Denise Coppa.

                    Vote:  approved 6 to 0, Melvoid Benson not in attendance.

 

2.        Year-To-Date Budget Report**

There was a discussion concerning what the Town Council has appropriated for the school department budget.  Maureen Buck explained that there is an original appropriation of $50,713,392 plus an additional $124,000 which includes $56,215 from the capital reserve fund and $67,785 from the self insurance fund.  Not all money has been appropriated from the Town at this point.

Dr. Halley suggested that Mr. Mudge make an appointment with Mrs. Buck to clarify his questions about what has been transferred from the Town.

                    

                     Motion to end debate on this topic was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

                     Vote:  approved 6 to 1, Bill Mudge voting no.

 

                    Motion to approve item E-2 – Year to Date Budget Report - was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by

                  Janice DeFrances.

                   Vote:  approved 6 to 1, Bill Mudge voting no.

                    

3.        Monthly Deficit Monitoring Report**

There was a discussion of receiving $123,000 less in state aid than was anticipated by the Town.

It was questioned whether the Town has approved the literacy or Medicaid expenditures. 

$289,123 of literacy funds are listed on the special revenue page, and all grants are approved by the Town at the beginning of the year.

Mr. DeFedele stated that the Town Council has approved our budget and if it is felt that they did not approve it, the Town Council should be asked for clarification.

 

                     Motion to approve item E-3 – Monthly Deficit Monitoring Report was made by Denise Coppa.   Seconded

                    by Barry Martasian.

                     Vote:  approved 6 to 1, Bill Mudge voting no.

 

                    Motion to add 15 more minutes of discussion to the consent agenda was made by Janice DeFrances. 

                  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

                    Vote to approve 5 to 2, Denise Coppa and Don DeFedele voting no.

 

F.       Bids and Awards:

1.        Regents of the University of California – Two Day Classroom Walkthrough**

There was discussion concerning this bid being implemented without School Committee approval and if it violated School Department policy.  Dr. Halley stated it was part of the CRP and it was training that he felt was important and necessary for schools. 

The cost was different for each school based on the number of substitutes required and they were paid out of Article 31 funds.

The total cost was questioned compared to neighboring districts.  Dr. Halley will check on the price.

Mr. Mudge felt that Dr. Halley violated school department policy by awarding this bid without prior approval.

 

                   Motion to approve item F-1 – Classroom Walkthrough bid - was made by Don DeFedele.  No second.

 

2.        Fuel System Upgrade**

Maureen Buck requested that this item be removed from the agenda.

 

 

 

 

3.        Personnel Items:

1.                    Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff:

 

a)                   Ann Pascucci, Grant Coordinator, with an annual salary of $45,000, effective February 21, 2006 – budgeted**

It was stated that $45,000 for a grant writer is inappropriate.

Also stated that this is a previously approved item and budgeted.

                                Motion to approve Grant Coordinator was made by Janice DeFrances.  Seconded by Denise Coppa.

                                Vote:      approved 6 to 1,  Bill Mudge voting no.

 

b)                   Carol Urban, Food Service Worker at Davisville Middle School, 3 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 15 hours per week, Step1 @ $8.44 per hour, effective January 17, 2006 – budgeted*

 

2.                    Approval of Non-Renewal Letters, Certificated Staff (List Attached)**

There was discussion concerning the confidentiality of this list.

 

                                                Recess taken at 8:45pm.

                                                William Brennan left the meeting at 8:45pm.  

                                                Meeting resumed at 9:00pm.

 

                                Motion to mark personnel documents with a “Confidential” stamp was made by Melvoid Benson.

                                Seconded by Bill Mudge.

                                Vote:  unanimous to approve.

 

                                Motion that the discussion before the meeting recess be stricken from the record was made

                             by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Janice DeFrances.

                                Vote:  unanimous to approve.

 

Motion to approve item G-2 – Non-Renewal Letters - was made by Don DeFedele.  Seconded by Denise Coppa.

 

                                There was discussion concerning the positions that would be notified of layoffs.

                                It was explained that there has to be layoff notice in a variety of positions so that there is flexibility for

                             options in different areas to be used where needed next year.  Letters need to go out to employees by

 February 1st.  Dr. Halley offered to discuss the procedure outside of the meeting with Mrs. Benson if she has concerns.

 

                                Motion to end debate was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

                                Vote:  approved 6 to 1, Bill Mudge voting no.

 

                                Vote on main motion to approve item G-2:  approved 6 to 1, Bill Mudge voting no.

 

                                Mrs. Benson requested a meeting with Dr. Halley on Tuesday at 10:30am to discuss personnel items.

                                Don DeFedele instructed Mrs. Benson to contact the Superintendent for an appointment.

 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

IV.       Unfinished Business

A.      United Health Contract:

The executive summary has been provided to the Committee from both United Health and Blue Cross.

Mr. Mudge called a point of order that this discussion was a violation of the Open Meeting Law because Blue Cross was not on the agenda.

Attorney David Reilly stated that the agenda reads “for discussion and action” and action would be listening to the proposal.

It was suggested that a special meeting be held to discuss this issue.

 

         Motion to not have the debate on the health contract tonight was made by Don DeFedele.  Seconded by Bill

         Mudge.

                It was stated that the topic is the United Health contract and anyone can discuss anything that is related to the

              United Health contract, including the current contract.

Information and recommendations from the school department’s health care consultant was requested.

                Debate continued on this topic.

 

                Recess was taken at 9:20pm. 

Meeting resumed at 9:23pm.

                Dr. Halley recommended approval of the United Health contract.  It saves money and the benefits are equivalent to

the current contract.  The Committee must act soon because the current contract is up on March 1st.  The School Department needs to get employees moved to the next contract or it will end up costing more.  The Committee was asked to move forward with a decision and not delay actions to prevent the School Department from acting.

A point of order was made to stop the comment accusing members of preventing the contract from being voted on.

                The savings to the town and schools would be $700,000. The Town has delayed a vote for 60 days.

Denise Coppa reported that the state has moved to the United Health, which effected her personally, and she feels there are no differences and no impact on families.

                There was a concern with being able to use major hospitals in Massachusetts for cancer treatment.

                It was requested to see Dr. Halley’s recommendations in writing.

                Don DeFedele withdrew his motion in order to restate it.

 

                Motion to have a discussion on the United Health Contract tonight was made by Don DeFedele.  Seconded by

              Denise Coppa.

 

                Attorney David Reilly stated that the Committee has every right to discuss any contract tonight.  The comment has

               already been made by Mr. Mudge that he would make an Open Meeting Law violation complaint.  Based on that

comment Mr. Reilly would suggest discussing this topic at the next meeting but there is no legal impediment to discussing this tonight.

                It was questioned if we could award the contract to United Health and not Blue Cross.

                Mr. Reilly stated that this could happen, or the Committee could also say no to United Health.

               

                Motion to end debate was made by Denise Coppa.  Seconded by Barry Martasian.

                Vote:  approved 6 to 1, Bill Mudge voting no.

 

                Vote on main motion to discuss the contract:  Denise Coppa       Yes                                        Melvoid Benson – No

                                                                                                      Barry Martasian  Yes                   Bill Mudge – No

                                                                                                      Renee Cockerill    Yes

                                                                                                      Janice DeFrances  Yes

                                                                                                      Don DeFedele        Yes

                Motion passes 5 to 2.

 

Increases in premiums were reviewed:

1.  If the Town and School Department adopts United Health there will be no increase in premiums over this year.  2.  If just the School Department adopts United Health there will be a 5% increase in premiums.

3.  If the Town and School Department renew the Blue Cross contract there will be a 7 ½ % increase in premiums.  4.  If just the School Department renews the Blue Cross contract there will be a 7 ½% increase in premiums.

 Both are one year contracts.

United Health representatives, Eric Swain and Michael Holt answered questions of the Committee.

A full list of participating doctors is on their website.  The comparison spreadsheet only shows the top 100 doctors used by School Department employees.  There was a mistake of one doctor that was pointed out.

There is a full network of hospitals in Massachusetts that are in the United Health plan – including the major cancer hospitals.

There will be a transition of care for people undergoing current treatment with out-of-network providers that will allow for continuation of care.

Bill Mudge requested to see the consultant’s recommendations in writing and suggested a broker of record be hired.

The dollar amount difference between the 5% increase with United Health and 7 ½% increase with Blue Cross was questioned.

Mr. DeFedele explained that if both the Town and School Department change to United Health it would be a difference of almost $700,000.  The difference in the School Department’s premium would be approximately $400,000.  If only the School Department changes to United Health the difference would be approximately

$175,000.

Bill Mudge stated that at the last meeting it was stated that the savings to the School Department was $125,000, now it is $175,000.

Don DeFedele responded that it was an approximation and this was a cost avoidance, not a savings.

                Disagreements followed between Mr. Mudge and Mr. DeFedele regarding the use of the term “equivalent”.

                Police were called to ask Mr. Mudge to leave the meeting.

 

                Recess at 10:07pm.

                Meeting resumed at 10:26pm.

                Motion to adjourn was made by Janice DeFrances.  Seconded by Denise Coppa.

                Vote:      approved 4 to 0. Barry Martasian, Melvoid Benson and Bill Mudge were not in attendance.              

 

                Meeting was adjourned at 10:27pm.

               

                No discussion or action taken on the following items:

 

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

C.       Budget and Personnel Standards

D.      2005-2006 School Budget

E.       2004-2005 School Budget

F.       2005-2006 School Committee Goals and Objectives

       IV.          New Business – no discussion or action taken

     A.  Approval of the 2006-2007 School Committee Meeting Schedule

      B.  Energy Guidelines

                C.   Fraud Policy

              D.   2006-2007 School Budget

              E.   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.      Strategic Plan

 

VI.       Reports – no discussion or action taken

A.      Special Reports – Drug/Alcohol Report

B.       Standing Committee Reports

C.       Ad hoc Committee Reports

VII.              Committee Member/Citizens’ Comments – no comments made

VII.

 

                                                                                  Respectfully submitted,   

                                  ______________________________

Karen A. Nutini

                                                                                                  Administrative Assistant

                                                                                  to the Superintendent