The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on October 10, 2006 at the South Kingstown High School Library at 7:00 PM.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Wendy Bucci (Chairperson); Maureen Cotter (Assistant Chair); Anthony Mega; Joseph Sweet; Anne Whaley; and Ella Whaley (arrived at 7:07 PM).  

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Scott Mueller.

ADMINISTATORS PRESENT:  Robert Hicks, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; and John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services.  

I.      Call to Order:

        Wendy Bucci called the School Committee meeting of October 10, 2006 to order at

7:02 PM.  

II.     Delegations (Spotlights):  BRMS Grade 7 Student Led Conferences:

        Dr. Hicks advised that there was a conflict this evening at Broad Rock Middle School and, therefore, the Delegation will be moved to the next agenda.

        Wendy Bucci advised that at the last meeting, the Committee had an Executive Session and the Committee unanimously denied tuition and traveling expense and the vote was 6-0-0.

III.    Superintendent‘s Report:

Dr. Hicks reviewed the calendar, noting the Wellness Sub-Committee Meeting on October 25, 1006 at 4:00 PM at the Curtis Corner Administration Building; and advising that the meeting with the legislators will be at the December 12, 2006 meeting.  

        Members Sweet and Bucci advised that they will not be in attendance at the November 14^th meeting.

        1.  Meeting Calendar:

School Committee Executive Session:  Personnel – October 16, 2006, 6:00 PM, Administration – 307 Curtis Corner Road.

School Committee Accountability Sub-Committee Meeting – October 23, 2006,    5:00 PM, Administration – 307 Curtis Corner Road.

School Committee Meeting – October 24, 2006, 7:00 PM, High School Library.

School Committee Meeting – November 14, 2006, 7:00 PM, High School Library.

School Committee Meeting – November 28, 2006, 7:00 PM, High School Library.

School Committee Meeting – December 12, 2006, 7:00 PM, High School Library.

School Committee Meeting – January 9, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.

School Committee Meeting – January 23, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.

October 10, 2006 School Committee Minutes                                           Page Two

III.    Superintendent‘s Report (Continued):

2.      October 1 Enrollment:

        Dr. Hicks provided information to the Committee from the October 1, 2006 census.  

The information provided the total, grade per school, as well as last fall’s projection from NESDEC.  He advised that we are 35 students over projection, mainly due to the full day kindergarten program.  

        Mr. Sweet asked why there was such a discrepancy between the Junior and Senior year numbers.  Dr. Hicks explained that 10 students transferred in and 13 students transferred out; 2 students who were Juniors had enough credits to graduate as Seniors; and 7 students opted to enter a program with CCRI or URI and attend their final year in college.  Dr. Hicks also advised that 7 students dropped out or earned their GED; 2 students went to Job Corps; 1 student went to a State run facility; and 2 students returned to their native country.  

        Mr. Sweet asked if we have calculated the graduation rate.  Dr. Hicks advised that the State calculates the graduation rate, which usually comes out in the Fall.  

        Dr. Mega asked if there was an expectation that the numbers discrepancy with Curtis Corner and Broad Rock Middle Schools will balance out.  Dr. Hicks advised that he does anticipate the numbers balancing out in the coming years, as it is a reflection of students grandfathering in.  

·       Security Drill:

        Dr. Hicks advised that we are planning on having a security drill in every school during the month of October.  There will be a Connect Ed call to all families before the drill.  He also advised that we are going to look at how we are allocating funds for security.  

        Dr. Hicks advised that he attended the Governor’s Summit today and advised that most of our schools are not easily lockable.  We will have to look at what kind of changes we can put in place.  

        Maureen Cotter asked how South Kingstown stacked up.  Dr. Hicks expressed that we are okay procedurally; however, we would have to look physically at our buildings to see how we can make them more secure.  Dr. Hicks also commented on how Westerly School Department has built a safety component into their health curriculum.

        MSV (1) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report.  Cotter, Mega

(6-0-0).  

IV.     Comments from the Community:   None

October 10, 2006 School Committee Minutes                                       Page Three

V.      Consent Agenda Items:

1.      Approval of minutes meeting of:  September 26, 2006

Executive Session Minutes of:   September 26, 2006                              

2.      Appointments: (Hand Carried)   

3.      Request(s) – Leave of Absence  - Pulled from the Agenda

4.      Resignation(s)

5.      Retirement(s)

6.      Home Schooling Requests:

           7.  Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)

        Dr. Hicks noted that Jackie Iacono has worked in special education since 1977.  Wendy Bucci spoke on behalf of the Committee, wishing Jackie a happy retirement.  She thanked Jackie for her 29 years of service to South Kingstown.  

        Dr. Hicks advised that the hand carried items for the agenda was the appointment of a 6^th Grade Math Teacher with a BA Degree on Step 3, replacing Angela Esposito.  The Committee was also provided an updated list of home schooled students.  

        Dr. Mega thanked Mrs. Iacono for the profound impact in the lives of children, and best wishes for a happy retirement.

        Ella Whaley stated that she wished Mrs. Iacono happiness in her retirement and she thanked her for her many years of commitment to children.  

        Anne Whaley acknowledged that Mrs. Iacono was a great help to her as a special education person and thanked her for the help.  She wished her the best rest, relaxation, and

R & R.

        MSV (2) move to accept the consent agenda.  Cotter, A. Whaley (6-0-0).    

VI.     School Committee Business:

1.   #8440 – High School Proficiency Based Graduation: (Second Reading):

Dr. Hicks advised that he has made a couple of revisions based on comments from the

last School Committee meeting.  He noted on page 24 of the agenda that “The high school shall communicate to families and students benchmarks along this timeline.”  Regarding the second concern raised at the last meeting, he noted on page 25 of the agenda that if a student enters South Kingstown with less than two years to graduate “from a Rhode Island high school with a graduation system approved by the Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, may complete the requirements of their prior school, subject to the supervision and standards of that school.”  Dr. Hicks advised that in the current senior class, we had ten students transfer into district of which six were from Rhode Island schools.  However, should a student move in with less than two years to graduate from a non approved school, “their former high

October 10, 2006 School Committee Minutes                                       Page Four

VI.     School Committee Business (Continued):

1.   #8440 – High School Proficiency Based Graduation: (Second Reading) (Continued):

school is subject to the comparability of standards.  Such demonstration of comparability shall be the responsibility of the student and family and subject to the approval of the principal.”  

Dr. Hicks advised that he will be asking the Committee to approve the phase in plan for

current Juniors, which is currently being discussed at the High School.  

MSV (3) move to approve the High School Proficiency Based Graduation Policy/

Document as written.  Mega, E. Whaley (6-0-0).

2.      #53101, 5320 – Administrators and Exempt Employees:

Dr. Hicks advised that the last business that was not followed through on was the terms

and conditions for disability coverage.  He stated that the intent was to give access to some type of disability coverage for employees that are not covered by any sick pool.  He advised that this policy defines those conditions and that this is the last part of the policy.

MSV (4) move to approve the recommendations for the Meet and Confer process as

presented.  Sweet, E. Whaley (6-0-0).

3.      2007-2008 Budget Guidelines:

Dr. Hicks stated that the information on page 27 of the agenda was like taking the

discussion from the last meeting and turning it into an action item.  He asked that the Committee provide comments and approval on going forward with the budget assumptions as outlined in his memo of September 29, 2006.  

        Ms. Cotter stated that she trusted that the Superintendent was comfortable with the rates listed, such as health and State aid.  Dr. Hicks advised that he looked at what our trend line has been over the last few years and it has averaged out at 8% for health.  He stated that he felt that the 5% increase from State aid is high; however, he picked that number to communicate to the legislators that there are obligations on both sides.  Dr. Hicks added that if we live up to the obligations on our side, then the legislature should live up to their obligations.      

        Wendy Bucci wanted to clarify that we are developing up to a cap, we do not shoot for a number and fill it up, it’s based on programs that we have.  She stated that we are looking at a reduction in our increase.  

        Mr. Sweet noted that using our surplus over the next three years leaves nothing at the end.  There will have to be a substantial cut.  Dr. Hicks responded that we will have three years

October 10, 2006 School Committee Minutes                                       Page Five

VI.     School Committee Business (Continued):

3.       2007-2008 Budget Guidelines (Continued):

of planning.  In 2009-2010, there will be a $600,000 hole to file, but we will have three years,

and hopefully there will be State assistance.    

MSV (5) move to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation for budget assumptions

for the 2007-2008 budget.  Cotter, E. Whaley (6-0-0).

VII.    Comments from Committee Members:  

        Maureen Cotter advised that the Communications Sub-Committee needs to meet before the next School Committee meeting.  She also advised that she had received communication about training for School Committee members and encouraged all to participate.  She noted that the deadline to respond is October 20, 2006.  

        Dr. Mega stated that the Professional Development Sub-Committee needs to meet regarding new Committee member orientation.  

        Wendy Bucci advised that a meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2006 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at South Kingstown Town Hall to meet School Committee and Town candidates.  

VIII.    Adjournment:

        MSV (6) move to adjourn at 7:43 PM.  Cotter, Mega (6-0-0).      

                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                Robert Hicks, Clerk

                                                South Kingstown School Committee

RH:djf