The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on May 8, 2007 at the South Kingstown High School Library at 7:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chairperson), Joseph Sweet (Assistant Chairperson), Maureen Cotter, Kevin Jackson, Anne Whaley, Natalie Herbermann, and Scott Mueller (arrived at 7:15 PM).
ADMINISTATORS PRESENT: Robert Hicks, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; Judith Saccardo, Director of Pupil Personnel Services; and Sheila Sullivan, Broad Rock Middle School Principal.
I. Call to Order:
Dr. Mega called the May 8, 2007 School Committee Meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
II. Delegations (Spotlights): Comprehensive School Counseling Program:
Dr. Hicks recognized the five Guidance Counselors present this evening: Rose Majeika, Barbara Crudale, Cheryl Leaver, Kevin Quinn, and Anahid Avedesian.
Rose Majeika, Director of Guidance, advised that they have been working with the four middle school guidance counselors in a joint effort to compile the Comprehensive School Counseling Program. Ms. Majeika requested that the School Committee accept this Program as curriculum in the district. She extended an invitation to Committee members to come to the high school and middle school to see what is being accomplished.
Barbara Crudale, Guidance Counselor, advised that school counseling has changed immensely from five to six years ago. Ms. Crudale shared information through a Power Point Presentation, which included redefining the work of school counselors to meet the needs of all students; traditional vs. transformed school counseling; how did this change in counseling in Rhode Island occur?; national and local initiatives impact; binder information; delivery of the counseling program at the middle school and high school; delivery standards based curriculum; managing the counseling program; and accountability in the counseling program. Ms. Crudale advised that the South Kingstown Comprehensive School Counseling Program provides an equitable, accessible, and
planned program for all students. She thanked Mary Kelley and all the Principals for their support. Ms. Crudale asked for the Committee to endorse the Program; and advised that South Kingstown would be one of the few districts in the State with an endorsed Program.
Ms. Cotter asked what the response has been from the students. Ms. Crudale advised that the response has been positive. The students like seeing the counselors more often. She also stated that the parents find it positive also, as the counselors are out in the school more and working with the students more. The students are more comfortable with coming to the counselors and are willing to talk to other counselors.
Mr. Sweet advised that at a recent conference he attended, they presented exactly what was being presented this evening. He noted that there is a core of students that we consistently do not engage with; and we are trying to pin point certain data points to determine if we are moving in the right direction with these students.
May 8, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Two
II. Delegations (Spotlights): Comprehensive School Counseling Program (Continued):
Mr. Quinn stated that they believe they are making an impact with the disenfranchised students. He shared information about the COD (Counselor of the Day) Program.
Ms. Crudale advised that this was a good year to gather data and that the next step is to determine where we go from here.
Dr. Mega noted that the counselors have asked the Committee for endorsement of the Program. Ms. Cotter advised that this item was not on the agenda as an endorsement.
After discussion, the Committee requested that this be brought back for endorsement, and also requested that the SPARK report and data from the COD Program.
Dr. Hicks recommended that the Committee jump ahead to page 24 of the agenda, to recognize the retirement of Kevin Quinn. He noted that Kevin Quinn has been with the district since 1985 and has been an integral part of the work presented this evening. Mr. Quinn has also been recognized at the national level. Dr. Hicks thanked him for his work and wished him a happy, healthy retirement.
Dr. Mega expressed profound thanks to Mr. Quinn for his years of dedication to the district.
III. Superintendent‘s Report:
1. Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Hicks reviewed the calendar and noted a special meeting scheduled for May 14th. The Committee members reviewed their availability for summer meetings.
a. School Committee Meeting – May 22, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
b. Athletic Banquet – May 23, 2007, 6:30 PM, Quonset “O” Club.
c. School Committee Meeting – June 12, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
d. South Kingstown High School Seniors Honors Ceremony – June 13, 2007, 6:30 PM, High School Auditorium w/reception following in the Cafeteria.
e. High School Graduation – June 18, 2007, 6:00 PM, Ryan Center.
f. School Committee Meeting – June 26, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
g. School Committee Meeting – July 17, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
h. School Committee Meeting – August 21, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
May 8, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Three
III. Superintendent‘s Report (Continued):
2. Special Education Update:
Dr. Hicks advised that in the past, we have had our special education update in March,
however, extra time was given to Judith Saccardo due to her newness in the district. Dr. Hicks acknowledged Susan Burnham, Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee.
Dr. Saccardo advised that the purpose of the presentation is to increase awareness of the
progress and challenges of educating students with special needs in South Kingstown. She shared information via a Power Point Presentation. Dr. Saccardo advised that children with disabilities comprised 21% of the total number of the K-12 students in South Kingstown. The State average is 20%. She also noted that as a state, Rhode Island designates more of its students as disabled than the average of the other fifty states and the District of Columbia. Dr. Saccardo noted that some folks think that students become eligible for special education services because they have physical or cognitive challenges, while others assume that any student with poor academic performance, lack of motivation, or attention is or should be eligible. After advising that there are fourteen (14) disability categories under federal law, she noted that disadvantage,
learning difference, nor cultural difference are disabilities under federal law.
Dr. Saccardo advised that nationally, in Rhode Island and in South Kingstown, children that are learning disabled constitute the largest category of students receiving special education. Three disability categories (learning disabled, speech/language impaired, and other health impaired comprise 77% of all students designated as disabled in South Kingstown, and 76% in the State of Rhode Island. She also shared
information that a large number of students on IEPs are on free and reduced lunch status (41% in 2005 and 40% in 2006). Dr. Saccardo advised that South Kingstown has been selected by RIDE to be part of a statewide effort to reduce disproportionality in special education. She further stated that while South Kingstown has made some gains in reducing disproportionality since the OCR complaint in 1999; however, it has not been quick or significant enough. Dr. Hicks stated that since 1999, we have cut disproportionality in half and that they recognize that it is not an issue about special
education; it is not a bias in special education, but gaps in achievement. He further stated that shutting the door to special education does not address underachievement.
Dr. Saccardo advised that the eligibility category of learning disabled has shown an
increase in 2006 vs. 2005. She advised that there are exclusionary conditions in determining eligibility of a student as learning disabled, which are: cultural factors; or environmental or economic disadvantage, or that a student has lacked appropriate instruction in reading, lacked instruction in math, the student is an English language learner, has had extended absences, has had repeated change of schools, or has had an inconsistent or inappropriate educational program.
Dr. Saccardo shared information regarding special needs students in the NCLB spotlight. She advised that special education is a subgroup that is high performing and commended; and South Kingstown was doing an excellent job with most of its students, but now it needs to do an excellent job with each and every student. Dr. Saccardo shared 2002-2006 South Kingstown High School ELA, Grade 11 assessment results, which showed that in 2006, the students with disabilities subgroup made the target; however, in math, the subgroup did not make the target.
May 8, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Four
III. Superintendent‘s Report (Continued):
2. Special Education Update (Continued)
She noted that in math, the subgroup made progress; however it was not enough. Information was also shared regarding NECAP math and reading scores (percentage achieving proficiency).
Mr. Sweet noted the dramatic drop in scores from grade three to grade eight. Dr. Saccardo noted that we still need to work on closing the achievement gap, especially in grades three through eight. She advised that it is a priority in the district to review the literacy program of each student with an IEP to assure there is a coordinated program, consistent district curriculum, and State GLEs.
Dr. Saccardo shared ways to think about teaching and learning for students with disabilities is to have less of a focus on student disability/deficit; weaknesses; identifying levels of ability; one size fits all; waiting to fail; special education and general education; why students can’t learn; ability and disability; and student responsible for inability to learn. We are to have more of a focus on system responsibility and responsiveness; strengths; figuring out how everyone can learn; differentiated instruction, learning styles, multiple intelligences, interests; prevention and early intervening; unified system for improving results; how students learn; progress and achievement, learning by all; and system responsible for student learning. She also shared critical pieces to school-wide and district wide success, which includes adult belief and expectations, data, focus on instruction, and a personalized learning environment.
Ms. Cotter asked if there is a particular group, of the eligibility categories, that is not
meeting performance targets. Dr. Saccardo advised that she has not disaggregated the data by disability categories.
Regarding the Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS), Ms. Cotter asked if the schools could choose this program, or if it is a district program. Dr. Hicks advised that it requires an internal buy in, and he noted that we can encourage their support, but we cannot force it. Anne Whaley advised that there is a website (www.pbis.org) to get more information.
Dr. Hicks also advised that all of the elementary schools will be PBIS next year and possibly the high school also.
Mr. Sweet stated that one of the barriers for closing the achievement gaps in South Kingstown is adult beliefs, attitudes, and expectations. He asked what could be done to affect the attitudes and beliefs. Dr. Saccardo advised that attitudes and beliefs are the hardest to change and that it has to start at the building level. She noted that some things are non-negotiable and that driving the message over and over that this is our belief, how we act, what we do. She stated that it is about ownership.
Dr. Mega complimented Dr. Saccardo on compiling the data for the Committee and he urged members to give Dr. Saccardo feedback on whether this data met their needs.
MSV (1) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. Whaley, Jackson (7-0-0).
May 8, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Five
IV. Comments from the Community:
Susan Burnham, Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee and parent, expressed her thoughts that the reason IEP student scores drop around the fifth grade is because the nurturing goes away, which she believes is key. Ms. Burnham also advised that SEAC supports PBIS. She stated that if students do not have someone being positive with them, they just give up. Ms. Burnham expressed the need for professional development around executive skills and brain functioning. She advised that a lot of the children get stuck with failure as they move up through the grades and sometimes children give up because they are stuck. She also expressed that she believes the district is moving in the right direction.
V. Consent Agenda Items:
Dr. Hicks advised that he was pulling the request for a leave of absence on pages 16 and 20, which are related to occupational therapists. He advised that we need to look at the overall staffing of occupational therapists to make sure they tie together. Dr. Hicks also noted a correction to the effective date of the leave of absence on page 17. He advised that the effective should be June 25, 2007 (not August 1, 2007 as listed).
Dr. Hicks recognized the retirement of Mike Bouchard who has worked in the district for 28 years. He recognized Bob Warner who has been a custodian at Peace Dale since 1990.
Dr. Hicks also advised that Joan Alix, Assistant Principal at Peace Dale, has chosen to retire. He thanked her for her five years in the district and wishes her well.
Dr. Hicks also recognized Janet Griffith for appointment as Assistant Principal at Broad Rock Middle School, replacing Tim Ward who is returning to teaching in Westerly. He advised that Janet Griffith comes from Lincoln and recommends a 1.09 salary ratio. He also thanked the search committee members.
1. Approval of minutes meeting of: April 18, 2007
April 24, 2007
Executive Session Minutes of: April 18, 2007
April 24, 2007
2. Appointments
3. Request(s) – Leave of Absence – Request on pages #16 and #20 were pulled
from the agenda
4. Resignation(s)
5. Retirement(s)
6. Home Schooling Request(s)
7. Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
MSV (2) move to accept the consent agenda with the noted modifications of removal of the leave of absence requests on pages 16 and 20 and the correction of the date on the leave of absence on page 17. Mueller, Cotter (7-0-0).
May 8, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Six
VI. School Committee Business:
1. Title I Parent Involvement Policy (second reading):
Dr. Mega advised that this Policy was on the agenda for a second reading.
Dr. Hicks thanked Mary Kelley for her work in keeping us in compliance with what Title I says we should do.
MSV (3) move to accept the Title I Parent Involvement Policy as proposed by the Superintendent. Mueller, Jackson (7-0-0).
2. Wellness Policy Revision (second reading):
Dr. Mega advised that this Policy was on the agenda for a second reading.
Dr. Hicks advised that this changes some of the language around nutrition standards and
move us from “no, no, no” to “let’s learn about food safety and diets.” He also noted that the Wellness Subcommittee has worked on this for about four to five months.
MSV (4) move to adopt the Wellness Policy as presented. Mueller, Jackson (7-0-0).
3. Professional Development Sub-Committee Report:
Dr. Hicks advised that the Professional Development Subcommittee met earlier in the
week to address three issues: self assessment, before meeting professional development, and the summer retreat. He advised that the subcommittee recommends the expansion of the committee’s self-assessment to include 360 degree information. They recommend gathering data from school administration, Town Council, PTO chairs, and union presidents.
Mr. Sweet stated that he thinks it is a great idea; and he recommended that the Special Education Advisory Committee be included.
Mr. Mueller stated that he supports this. He stated that the expansion of looking at our own work is a good idea. Mr. Muller noted that “how much data do you get” is an important question. Mr. Mueller advised that while at the NSBA conference, he had an opportunity to hear districts that had gathered data in their community to plan better. They had identified a series of targets: religious, policy, realtors, and newspapers. Mr. Mueller advised that there was a brief summary about the model they used and he recommends that we look at what they did to see if there is value in it.
Dr. Hicks advised that the second issue is that the subcommittee would like to use
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM before meetings for professional development opportunities. This could include reports from the NSBA conference, information from administration on topics of committee interest, text readings again, or other forms.
May 8, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Seven
VI. School Committee Business (Continued):
3. Professional Development Sub-Committee Report (Continued)
Mr. Muller expressed that blocking out the time is a good idea. He recommends that the Committee talk or get recommendations of what that half hour would look like.
Ms. Cotter stated that Mr. Mueller could talk about the Magna Award. She advised that
it would introduce the Magna Award to the Committee and provide assistance with future presentations.
Mr. Mueller advised that he will be away and unavailable to present at the May 22, 2007 School Committee; however, he will block out 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the June 12, 2007 meeting.
Dr. Mega stated that the Committee can decide what they think is practical …. Possibly to present at one of the two scheduled meetings each month; and maybe sequencing the next four meetings for NSBA reporting out.
Dr. Hicks advised that the third issue involved scheduling the summer retreat. After
discussion the Committee agreed upon the date of July 13, 2007, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with the location to be determined.
VII. Comments from Committee Members:
Mr. Mueller advised that the RIASC annual meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza. He encouraged members to attend. Mr. Mueller advised that they will be looking at a series of presentations regarding potential cost agents.
Mr. Mueller recommends that the Committee discuss the formation of a subcommittee, which came out of a discussion at the recent Town Council meeting. He stated that there is potential to build common ground between the two groups.
Kevin Jackson advised that he will not be present at the next School Committee meeting.
Dr. Mega advised that he was proud to represent the School Committee in the Rhode Island Walk on Autism at Goddard Park. He noted that it is astounding when a large group gets together. Dr. Mega advised that it was a successful day.
May 8, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Eight
VIII. Adjournment:
MSV (5) move to adjourn at 8:55 PM. Mega, Jackson (7-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Hicks, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
RH:djf