NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

NORTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

October 11, 2006 APPROVED: 10-25-06

5:30 pm Executive Session for discussion and vote pertaining to current litigation

Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (2)

6:00pm Executive Session for NEANK Level III Grievance

Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 (9)

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. Vice Chairperson , Dr. Denise Coppa, called the meeting to order at 7:09pm.

B. Roll Call

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

Absent: Donald DeFedele, Janice DeFrances, Barry Martasian and Jamestown Representative, William Brennan

Administration Present: Dr. Daniel McGregor, Director of Pupil Services, William J. Daly, Director of Human

Resources; Maureen Buck, Director of Administrative Services; Lee Rabbitt, Director of Technology

Absent: Dr. James Halley, Superintendent; Barbara Fitzsimmons, Director of Curriculum

C. Calendars

Dr. McGregor reviewed dates of importance in October with the Committee:

1. On October 18^th there will be a School Committee candidates training at 7:00pm in the Administration Building on the topic of Special Education.

2. On October 24^th there will be a School Committee and State Representative candidates forum at 6:30pm at Hamilton Elementary School.

3. On October 25^th there will be an Executive Session for the School Committee at 5:30pm, a reception for the NK Teacher of the Year at 6:30pm and a Business Meeting at 7:00pm. All will be in the Administration Building.

4. On October 26^th there will be a Town Council and Senate candidates’ forum at 6:30pm at Hamilton Elementary School.

Renee Cockerill stated that there will be a soccer game on Saturday, October 14^th between the Town Council and the School Committee at noon at the Ocean State Soccer fields.

II. Routine Items

A. Correspondence:

Dr. McGregor announced the following correspondence received by the Committee:

1. A letter from the School Committee’s lawyer concerning a decision from the Commission for Human Rights.

2. A memo from Maureen Buck concerning the Town’s response to our snowplowing request.

3. A report from Aaron Thomas concerning the Athletic Department finances.

4. A press release from the Superintendent on September 26^th regarding the savings achieved by reconfiguration and

the closing of Wickford Elementary School.

5. A letter from the Office of Civil Rights dated September 13^th regarding the resolution of a complaint.

6. A press release from the US Department of Education about their visit to Davisville Middle School.

7. A letter from RI Analytical dated September 19^th concerning the testing of the air quality at Wickford Middle School.

Bill Mudge submitted the following for the record and further discussion:

1. An e-mail from Bill Mudge concerning a conversation with the Town Council meeting with the School Committee to

apply capital reserve funds to the high school. (Appendix A)

2. An e-mail from Bill Mudge regarding a request to hold a meeting with the dance team. (Appendix B)

3. An e-mail from Mr. & Mrs. Avanzato requesting a meeting with the School Committee concerning their son and a requested vote. (Appendix C)

4. An expense sheet summarizing services of the prior transportation director over four years showing that $30,000 was paid for his additional services. (Appendix D)

Melvoid Benson stated that she had also received correspondence concerning the dance team and would like a vote about a meeting.

Dr. Coppa stated that this was not on the agenda tonight and people have not been notified.

Mrs. Benson stated that she had spoken with the Attorney General’s office and they stated an item can be discussed if it is an emergency.

Dr. Coppa responded that this is not an emergency.

B. Disclosure of Executive Session Votes:

Dr. McGregor disclosed the following executive session votes:
1. There was a motion to go forward with an appeal of a Department of Human Rights decision.

Motion passed – Barry Martasian Yes Melvoid Benson - No Bill Mudge - Abstain

Renee Cockerill Yes

Denise Coppa Yes

Donald DeFedele Yes

2. There was a motion to approve a $400.00 moving expense.

Motion passed – Renee Cockerill Yes

Denise Coppa Yes

Donald DeFedele Yes

Bill Mudge Yes

Melvoid Benson Yes

CONSENT AGENDA

Approved items on the consent agenda are marked with * on a motion by Renee Cockerill/Melvoid Benson with a vote

of 4 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.

Dr. Coppa stated that this consent agenda includes seventy-one policies and suggested that they not be discussed tonight and continued to a subsequent meeting.

Motion was made by Melvoid Benson to continue half of the policies from this meeting to the next meeting and discuss the remaining half at another meeting. Seconded by Renee Cockerill.

Vote: unanimous to approve.

C. Home Schooling Requests*

D. Approval of Minutes of Prior Meetings:

1. September 13, 2006 Worksession *

2. August 23, 2006 Executive Session**

3. September 13, 2006 Executive Session**

Renee Cockerill stated that the text of the executive session minutes were the same for both dates and requested that they

be checked. Minutes from both executive sessions will be moved to the next meeting.

E. Bids and Awards

1. ISDS Change Order WMS, DES, FP, FC**

Bill Mudge requested to see details of the awards granted in the minutes.

Two change orders were made to the above ISDS contract::

1. Extend the date of contract with Grandview Construction by 90 days. No cost. Project is now complete.

2. Transport additional contaminated soil at WMS. Additional cost $5,657.40. Completed.

Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to approve the ISDS change order. Seconded by Bill Mudge.

Vote: unanimous to approve.

F. Capital Improvement Plan**

Maureen Buck explained the changes to the Capital Improvement Plan. Dates on the bond issue were changed and projects

were updated to reflect new prices.

Mr. Mudge stated that there were no capital expenses included for Wickford Elementary School.

Mrs. Buck explained that the maintenance department checks the school weekly for any problems. Spot repairs will be done if

necessary, but there are no capital improvements planned for Wickford Elementary.

Mr. Mudge asked is this is all of our capital expenditures for the next five years.

Mrs. Buck replied that these are the projects at this time.

Motion was made by Melvoid Benson to approve the Capitol Improvement Plan. Seconded by Renee Cockerill.

Vote: unanimous to approve

G. Personnel Items:

1. Appointments, Certificated Staff:

a) Amy Zapatka, 1.0 FTE Grade 1 Teacher at Davisville Elementary School, Step 2 , pro-rated for 181 days in the 2006/2007 school year for a total salary of $37,474.24, effective September 5, 2006 – budgeted.**

b) Meg Manning, 1.0 FTE Planning Center Teacher at Davisville Elementary School, pro-rated for days in the 2006/2007 school year with an , effective September 13, 2006 – grant funded**

c) Alice Hamilton, 1.0 FTE Itinerant School Nurse Teacher, Step 1, pro-rated for 176 days in the 2006/2007 school year for a total salary of $34,443.20, effective September 12, 2006 – budgeted.**

Melvoid Benson asked why these items were coming to the Committee late for approval.

Bill Daly replied that these were on the agenda for September 25^th but that meeting was cancelled, so this is a carryover.

Bill Mudge asked what grant the position was funded from.

Mr. Daly replied that it is the Title I grant.

Mr. Mudge felt that grants have not been appropriated by the Town Council and suggested that the School Committee

send a letter to the Town Council asking for the money to be appropriated.

Denise Coppa stated that RIDE gives districts blanket approval to use the federal title grants.

Mr. Mudge requested to ask if we have Town Council approval to spend these funds.

Maureen Buck stated that the Town Council delegates the expenditure of grant funds at one of their meetings and she will

check with the Town and report at the next meeting.

Motion was made by Bill Mudge to send a letter to the Town Council requesting authority to spend the federal grant funds

that we receive.

Denise Coppa stated that the Committee was discussing personnel positions at this time and asked Mr. Mudge to

hold this motion until discussion of an appropriate agenda item.

Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to approve items G-1 a and G-1 c. Seconded by Bill Mudge.

Vote: unanimous to approve.

Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to approve item G-1 b. Seconded by Melvoid Benson.

Bill Mudge felt that it was illegal to spend these funds.

Vote: Melvoid Benson Yes Bill Mudge No

Renee Cockerill Yes

Denise Coppa Yes

Motion passes.

2. Appointment, Non-Certificated Staff:*

a) Jason Jacques, Computer Technician, annual salary $25,000, effective October 11, 2006 – budgeted.

3. Approval, Increase in FTE, Certificated Staff:

a) Lisa Garcia, from .4 FTE to .6 FTE Mathematics Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Step 10 plus a Master’s with an annual salary $44,447.40, effective August 28, 2006 - .4 FTE Budgeted, .2 FTE Non-budgeted**

b) Lisa Vinaco, from .6 FTE to 1.0 FTE Itinerant

PE/Health/Adaptive PE Teacher, Step 4 with an annual salary

of $43,493, effective August 28, 2006.**

There was discussion concerning the .2 FTE that was non-budged. The original position was approved as a

.6FTE. The additional.2FTE is needed due to additional students.

Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to approve items G-3 a and G-3 b. Seconded by Melvoid Benson

Vote: unanimous to approve.

4. Appointment, Fall 2006/2007 Interscholastic Coaches – budgeted *

North Kingstown High School

Victoria Tefft Asst. Volunteer Girls Volleyball $0

Wickford Middle School

Silvia Judd Asst. Cross Country Coach $1445.40

5. Request for Approval for Unpaid Family Medical Leave, Certificated Staff:*

a) Carol Kane, 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, Unpaid Family Medical leave from September 29, 2006 through November 3, 2006.

Bill Daly stated that the date was changed from September 29, 2006 to October 5, 2006

6. Approval of Advance Degree Increment, Certificated Staff – budgeted *

a) Leslie Bowers, 1.0 FTE Science Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Bachelor’s + 15 credits, total annual increment $1097.

b) Jennifer Brady, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Forest Park Elementary School, Bachelor’s + 15 credits, total annual increment $1097.

c) Christopher Fronce, 1.0 FTE Social Studies Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Bachelor’s + 15 credits, total annual increment $1097.

d) Kristine Graham, 1.0 FTE PE Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Bachelor’s + 15 credits, total annual increment $1097.

e) Mia Conti, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at the NKHS, Bachelor’s + 30 credits, total annual increment $1724.

f) June Dowiot, 1.0 FTE Grade 4 Teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, Bachelor’s Degree + 30 credits, total annual increment $1724.

g) Elizabeth Martin, 1.0 FTE English Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Bachelor’s + 30 credits, total annual increment $1724.

h) William Savasta, .4 FTE Business Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Bachelor’s +30 credits, total annual increment $690.

i) Emily Bell, 1.0 FTE Literacy Teacher at Davisville Middle School, Master’s Degree, total annual increment $2981.

j) Sara Goldenberg, 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher at Quidnessett Elementary School, Master’s Degree, total annual increment $2981.

k) Barbara Morse, 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Master’s Degree, total annual increment $2981.

l) Sarah Rawlinson, 1.0 FTE Social Studies Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Master’s Degree, total annual increment $2981.

m) Larry Veiria, 1.0 FTE Social Studies Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Master’s Degree, total annual increment $2981.

n) David Avedisian, 1.0 FTE Social Studies Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Master’s + 15 credits, total annual increment $3448.

o) Jean Beveridge, 1.0 Language Arts Teacher at Wickford Middle School, Master + 15 credits, total annual increment $3448.

p) Suzanne Klose, 1.0 FTE Language Arts Teacher at Wickford Middle School, Master’s + 15 credits, total annual increment $3448.

q) Hermes Leal, 1.0 FTE Spanish Teacher at the North Kingstown High School, Master’s + 15 credits, total annual increment $3448.

7. Appointments, 2006/2007 Curriculum Coordinators – budgeted *

Edward Ferrario Science $2650

Sue Barry Math $2650

Noami Schick Music $663

Judy O’Brien Media $663

Jay Walsh Co-Social Studies $1325

Michele Sandham Co-Social Studies $1325

Bill Daly stated that Sue Barry is removed from this list.

8. Appointments, 2006/2007 Advisors – budgeted**

Wickford Middle School

Buzz Hebert After School Shop $658

Nancy LaPosta-Frazier Science Olympiad $705

Suzanne Klose Co-Youth-To-Youth $258.50

Linda Law Co-Youth-To-Youth $258.50

Nicole Rattay Co-Home Work Club $282

Melissa Brown Co-Home Work Club $282

Nicole Rattay Yearbook $3043

Mary-Lee Howard Co-Leadership $376

David Aubin Co-Leadership $376

Davisville Middle School

Tiffany Brown Cheerleading $470

David Hoffer Games Club $611

Tiffany Brown Co-National Honor $329

Society

Monica Clays Co-National Honor $329

Society

Savas Synodi International/Outdoors $611

Mary Barden Environmental Club $705

Savas Synodi Peer Leadership $752

Michael Thibodeau Student Council $987

Robert Shaffer Theatre Club $893

Edward Packhem Wrestling Club $376

Cheryl Pierce Yearbook $2948

Bridget White Co-Youth To Youth $423

Steve Enright Co-Youth To Youth $423

North Kingstown High School

Ashley Bettis Dance Advisor $987

Linda Twardowski Interact Club $1269

Julie Maguie Co-Graduation $86.16

Aaron Thomas Co-Graduation $86.16

James Simmons Co-Graduation $86.16

Jerry Simmons Co-Graduation $86.16

Mia Conti Co-Graduation $86.16

Tom Doran Co-Graduation $86.16

Karen Kouttab Academic Decathlon $705

Amos Paine Art Club $705

Mary Gardiner Close-Up $987

Jim Viner Computer Club $423

Kate Arthur Drama Club $1551

Brian Browne Environmental Club $752

John Daneau Co-Explorer Club $517

Donna Manchester Co-Explorer Club $517

Ruthanne Baker German Club $893

Sarah Boyd Co-High Rollers $423

Ron Kenyon Co-High Rollers $470

Larry Verria History Club $940

Adam LaLiberte Co-International Club $235

Paula Schiavone Co-International Club $188

Serena Mason Junior State of America $564

Richard Ku Math League $564

Matthew Blaser Co-National Honor $376

Society

Mia Conti Co-National Honor $329

Society

Rob Silveira North Communications $517

Cindy Resch Poder $517

Andrew Propatier Renaissance Games $517

Briand Lacroix Ski Club $658

Christine Lyons Co-VG Leadership $329

Julie Maguire Co-VG Leadership $329

Tara Harrington Co-Mural Club $352.50

Tricia Barry Co-Mural Club $305.50

Adam LaLiberte Co-Freshman Class $608.50

Mark Delucia Co-Freshman Class $608.50

Brian MacDonald Co-Sophomore Class $730

David Lopes Co-Sophomore Class $730

Amy Messerlian Co-Junior Class $649.33

Courtney McKay-Sandham Co-Junior Class $649.33

Donna Sweet Co-Junior Class $649.33

Robin D’Errico Co-Senior Class $1217

Cindy Normand Co-Senior Class $1217

Elizabeth Martin Newspaper $552

Elizabeth Martin Yearbook $1826

Renee Cockerill asked for clarification of the positions of advisors. Mrs. Cockerill asked if there were limitless positions

for advisors and who decides what activities are run.

It was explained that the schools decide what activities are run. The principals work with the teachers and come up with a

list. All activities are in the budget and there is a set amount for these positions in the teacher’s contract.

Bill Daly sent the Committee a list of intramurals that was requested.

Mr. Mudge requested an additional list of the activities at each school and what was budgeted at each school.

Mrs. Benson asked if the school department is responsible if the positions are paid or un-paid.

Mr. Daly replied that the school department is responsible either way.

Motion was made by Renee Cockerill to approve item G-8 - appointments of advisors. Seconded by Denise Coppa.

Vote: unanimous to approve.

Public Comment:

Jim McGwin asked about the criteria for paying the dance team advisor.

Bill Daly explained that there is a formula that is used that gives points for an advisor based on the number of students involved,

time involved, seniority and other factors. It is in the teachers’ contract.

Mr. McGwin felt this position should be paid more than $987.00 and pointed out that the current advisor solicited uniforms for the

team.

Mr. McGwin asked why Mrs. Reed’s name was not included on a list of volunteers who have had background checks.

Bill Daly requested that she come to the office so that he can check.

Motion was made by Melvoid Benson for the School Committee send a letter of thanks to the dance advisor for procuring

uniforms for the dance team. Seconded by Bill Mudge.

Vote: unanimous to approve.

9. Appointments, 2006/2007 Intramurals –budgeted*

Wickford Middle School

Mary Lee Howard Volleyball $467

Colleen Pickering Healthy Hearts $467

Colleen Pickering Walking Club $467

10. Retirement, Certificated Staff:*

a) Terry Romano, Media Specialist at the North Kingstown High School, effective December 31, 2006.

Bill Daly stated that this effective date is changed to December 22, 2006.

11. Resignation, Certificated Staff:*

a) Carol Smith, School Nurse Teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, effective October 6, 2006.

b) Barbara Smith, Pre-School Coordinator, effective October 13, 2006.

H. Policies**

1. Alcohol & Drug Testing Amendment #GBE.3;

2. SC Organization and Conduct of Business #BD;

3. Non-Discrimination/Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action #AC-GBA;

4. Regulation for Non-Discrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Complaints #AC-GBA-R;

5. Non-Discrimination of Basis of Sex #ACA;

6. Non-Discrimination of Basis of Handicap/Disability# ACE;

7. Regulation for Non-Discrimination of Basis of Handicap/Disability #ACE-R;

8. Dept. Access to Insurance Proceeds for Support Services #DDAA;

9. Tax Sheltered Annuities #DLB;

10. School Properties Disposal #DN;

11. Maintenance and Control of School Department Books #EDBA;

12. Bus Contractor Selection #EEA.1;

13. Non-School Related Use of School Buses #EEAF;

14. Food Services Program #EF;

15. Site Plans/School Playground Designation #FEDA.1;

16. Drug-Free Workplace and Drug-Free Schools #GBEC;

17. Staff Welfare/Protection/Blood-Borne Pathogens #GBG;

18. Regulations for Blood-Borne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan #GBG-R;

19. Student/Employee Welfare Protection – HIV Infection #GBGA-JLCCA;

20. Staff Personal Security and Safety #GBGB;

21. Regulation for Employee Selection/Staff Hiring #GCF-R-GDF-R;

22. Staff Employment/Physical Examination #GCF.1-GDF.1;

23. Employee Selection/Resident Interview #GCF.2-GDF.2;

24. Professional Conferences, Seminars and Visitations #GCID;

25. Professional Staff Continuing Education #GCIE;

26. Regulations on Professional Staff Continuing Education/Advanced Degree Increments #GCIE-R;

27. Evaluation of Instructional Staff #GCOA;

28. Curriculum Review and Updating #IGF;

29. Health Education/Student Exclusion #IHAM;

30. Regulation for Health Education/Student Exclusion #IHAM-R;

31. Special Education/Programs for Handicapped, Disabled and Exceptional Students #IHBA;

32. Regulation for Special Education/Programs for Handicapped, Disabled and Exceptional Students #IHBA-R;

33. Summer School #IHCA;

34. Regulations for Summer School #IHCA-R;

35. Textbook Availability, Maintenance and Control #IJJA;

36. Supplementary Material Selection, Adoption and Use #IJK.1;

37. Media Center Materials Selection #IJL;

38. Field Trips #IJOA;

39. Regulation for Field Trips #IJOA-R;

40. Regulation for High School Class Rank #IKC-R;

41. Student Promotion and Retention #IKE;

42. Graduation Requirements #IKF;

43. District Program Assessment/School Improvement Process #ILBA;

44. Attendance #JE;

45. Regulation for Attendance #JE-R;

46. Admission of Non-Resident Students #JFAB;

47. Regulation for Admission of Non-Resident Students #JFAB-R;

48. Travel and Exchange Programs Policy #JFABB;

49. Attendance Officer #JHBA;

50. Student Safety #JHF (policy to be voided);

51. Funding Student Participation in Out of State Contests/Activities #JJGA;

52. Student Athletics – Interscholastic, Intramural and Individual Sports Activities #JJI;

53. Door To Door Solicitation #JL (policy to be voided);

54. Examination of Students/Pediculosis #JLCAA;

55. Immunizations #JLCB;

56. Regulations for Immunizations #JLCB-R;

57. Student/Employee Welfare Protection – HIV Infection #JLCCA-GBGA;

58. Health Services/First Aid and Emergency Medical Care #JLCE;

59. Reporting Child Abuse #JLF;

60. Regulations for Reporting Child Abuse JLF-R;

61. Release of Student Information Records #JLH;

62. Student Automobile Use/Parking #JLIE;

63. Student Scholarships #JM;

64. Regulations for Awarding of Scholarships #JM-R;

65. Student Recognition #JMA;

66. Public Access to Department Records #KDB;

67. Release/Disbursement of Requested Information #KDBA;

68. Use of Students in Distributing Information #KDCA;

69. Community Use of School Facilities #KF;

70. Regulations of Community Use of School Facilities #KF-R;

71. Relations with Community Organizations #KJ

This item will be moved to another meeting.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

III. Unfinished Business

A. Wellness Committee:

Denise Coppa stated that she is resigning from the position of chairperson of the Wellness Committee and another School Committee member is required to fill this position.

The Wellness policy is approved and the regulations are in place. The next step is to have a plan submitted to RIDE.

Motion was made by Bill Mudge to defer this action to the next School Committee. Seconded by Renee Cockerill.

Vote: unanimous to approve`

There was a consensus of the Committee to move agenda items to discuss item Q under New Business – Capital Reserve

Funds for the High School ISDS, then the 2006-2007 School Budget, then item O under New Business – Boosters

Request to Reconsider Cuts to the Athletic Budget.

Town Council/School Committee Understanding with Respect to Capital Reserve Funds for High School ISDS:

Bill Mudge stated that he believes that $1million was taken from the Capital Reserve fund plus $1 million was diverted

from the school operating budget for the high school ISDS.

Mr. Mudge asked the chair to reinforce the letter he sent to the Superintendent requesting information on all conversations related to this topic.

Maureen Buck stated that she does not believe that $1 million was taken from our budget. She stated that $1 million was transferred into our budget from the Capital Reserve, then paid out of the budget for this project.

Bill Mudge stated that the School Committee did not approve spending $1 million on the high school. This was a Town Council project.

Denise Coppa asked Mrs. Buck to research when the School Committee approved funds for the high school ISDS.

2006-2007 School Budget:

Melvoid Benson asked for the status of supplies for the School Committee.

Mrs. Buck replied that the School Committee supply account is used for the Committee’s folders that they receive each week, paper, envelopes to mail packets, etc.

Mrs. Benson felt she should not have to pay for items she requested. She asked for the policy concerning School Committee expenditures.

Mrs. Buck offered to give Mrs. Benson the line item in the budget for these expenditures.

Mrs. Benson stated that if the expenditures are allotted by School Committee members, she has not spent anything and her account should have money in it.

Denise Coppa reminded Mrs. Benson that money is expended for her every week by the cost of printing and mailing many pages of her e-mails.

Motion was made by Melvoid Benson to adjourn. No second.

Dr. Coppa requested that the discussion return to the status of the budget.

· Maureen Buck stated that the budget is not in a good position at this time. She is looking at the salary line item as well as other items to balance the budget. It is possible there will be a freeze on spending at a later date. There will be no surplus this year. There will be a detailed report at the next meeting.

· Mr. Mudge stated that we spent 5, 6 or $700,000 on equipment paid out of 2006 funds.

· Mrs. Buck stated that we pre-bought central supplies.

· Mr. Mudge stated that 250 computers were purchased for use in 07 and backdated to June 30^th in order to expend

FY 06 money

· Mrs. Buck explained that at the end of the year hold back and we do not spend all of our budget until we are sure that we are in a good financial position before expending money. We pre-buy on central supply and books. Orders are submitted in 2006 for the 2007 budget.

· Mr. Mudge stated that we used surplus to buy computers.

· Dr. Coppa pointed out they were in the technology budget.

· Mr. Mudge felt that we are violating policy and announced that he wrote to the Town Council asking for an audit.

· Mrs. Buck disagreed that we are violating policy. If we expended money and did not have the money to end the year, that would be a violation. We do not do that.

· Dr. Coppa requested that Mr. Mudge give the School Committee Secretary a list of the policies he referred to in order to distribute to the School Committee.

· Maureen Buck stated that there are unanticipated Special Ed tuitions and personnel positions that have come up that are affecting the budget this year.

· Melvoid Benson asked for a list of 06-07 students in Special Ed placements to compare tuitions.

· Dr. McGregor replied that they were reported to the School Committee in his Special Education report earlier this year.

Motion was made by Bill Mudge to hire an auditor to evaluate if School Department procurement actions are in order with state and federal laws. Seconded by Melvoid Benson.

Renee Cockerill asked if this wasn’t part of what the Town Council paid the auditors to do.

Denise Coppa stated that the Auditor General looked at spending, documentation and planning and nothing was found to not be in compliance. We have been audited enough.

Mr. Mudge felt we should make sure our books are in order.

Vote: Bill Mudge Yes Denise Coppa No

Melvoid Benson Yes Renee Cockerill No

Motion fails.

Mrs. Benson felt she had an incomplete answer to what account is credited for money paid for materials.

Motion was made by Bill Mudge that Mrs. Benson’s request be provided for which budget line her $24.00 would be charged to. Seconded by Renee Cockerill.

Vote: unanimous to approve.

Maureen Buck explained that it would go to the salary of the person doing the work and the expenditure of the printing.

Mrs. Benson stated that she is not picking up the materials that she requested and paying $24.00.

Motion was made by Bill Mudge that Mrs. Benson not have to pay $24.00 for the information she requested.

No second.

Recess was taken at 9:00pm.

Mrs. Benson left the meeting at the recess, resulting in less than a quorum.

Meeting had to be adjourned.

Meeting was bought back to order at 9:20pm and was adjourned.

B. Auditor General’s Report on School Department – No discussion or action taken

C. 2006-2007 School Budget – Discussed previously in meeting

D. Modernization of WMS/DES – No discussion or action taken

E. Bond Issue Update – No discussion or action taken

F. 2005-2006 School Budget – No discussion or action taken

IV. New Business: NO DISCUSSION OR ACTION TAKEN EXCEPT FOR ITEM MARKED WITH AN * WHICH WAS DISCUSSED PREVIOSLY IN THE MEETING:

a. New Policy #GBEB – Standards of Employee Conduct;

b. Strategic Plan;

c. Building Feasibility Study of Wickford Elementary School by RGB;

d. Return of Wickford Elementary School to the Town of NK;

e. Governing Style Policy/Committee Self-Assessment Policy;

f. Consider Letter to Town Regarding High School Band Room Repair;

g. Charter Resolution to Change Dates of Public Budget Hearings;

h. Possible Disciplinary Action Regarding a School Committee Member;

i. School Committee Candidates Orientation;

j. Chinese Language and Culture;

k. 2006-2007 Goals & Objectives;

l. Reimbursement of Expense Request – Bill Mudge;

m. Procedure for Processing Requests for Access to Public Records;

n. Guidelines for Potentially Controversial School Program;

o. Boosters Request to Reconsider Cuts to Athletic Budget;

p. Transportation Policy;

q. Town Council/School Committee Understanding with Respect to Capitol Reserve Funds for High School ISDS.*