The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on June 12, 2007 at the South Kingstown High School Library at 7:00 PM, following a Professional Development Sub-Committee Meeting at 6:30 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chairperson), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Kevin Jackson and Natalie Herbermann.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Joseph Sweet.
ADMINISTATORS PRESENT: Robert Hicks, Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; Sheila Sullivan, Broad Rock Middle School Principal.
I. Call to Order:
Dr. Mega called the June 12, 2007 School Committee Meeting to order at 7:08 PM. He advised that there was a Professional Development Sub-Committee session, which afforded School Committee members who attended the NSBA conference an opportunity to give a brief overview of the session they attended.
II. Delegations (Spotlights): South Kingstown Educational Foundation
Teacher of the Year Nominees
Teacher of the Year Nominees:
Dr. Hicks advised that this afforded an opportunity to celebrate those teachers who were
nominated for teaching excellence in the district. There were a total of 24 nominees, which the Committee acknowledged and recognized:
Gary Bryson – Wakefield Nicole Russell – High School
Barbara Canfield – Matunuck Donna Santaniello – Peace Dale
Denise Colombino – West Kingston Dawn Sauro - Matunuck
Breta Combs – Matunuck Roberta Sherman - Wakefield
Jeanne Congdon – Wakefield Elyse Scherza - Matunuck
Esther Eberly – High School Sharon Schmid – Broad Rock MS
Liz Ferguson – Broad Rock MS Kristina Shumate – West Kingston - PE
Anne Hathaway – High School Danielle Speights – Curtis Corner MS
Deb Hopkins – Hazard School Julie Turcotte – Peace Dale
Nancy Lenoce-Walsh – West Kingston Jan Webb – West Kingston
Kim Mather – Wakefield/West Kingston Robin Wildman - Wakefield
Carol Reppucci – Reading Sarah Wojciechowski – High School
Dr. Hicks thanked the teachers for teaching in South Kingstown and also thanked them for taking time out of their evening to attend the meeting.
Christine Heid, teacher and NEASK President, thanked the hundreds of teachers across the district. She stated that many teachers could not be present this evening and asked that she speak for them. Ms. Heid read a poem that expressed how teachers can help push students to help them try. She thanked the Committee for putting the nominations forward.
June 12, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Two
II. Delegations (Spotlights): South Kingstown Educational Foundation
Teacher of the Year Nominees
Teacher of the Year Nominees (Continued)
Dr. Mega stated that to be recognized for excellence in your area of profession is the
pinnacle of career development. He shared that he has a profound appreciation for the work the teachers do; and noted that everyone understands that it all starts in the classroom. On behalf of the Committee, Dr. Mega thanked the teachers for their commitment to our children in the community.
South Kingstown Educational Foundation:
Dr. Hicks advised that Lois Hamblet of the Educational Foundation would share
information about a couple of milestones that the Foundation has reached this year with assets and grants.
Lois Hamblet, voluntary President of the South Kingstown Educational Foundation for
two years, advised that she was pleased to report that the SKEF has $100,000 in assets. She advised that several members of the community contributed to the ad campaign that fund annual grants and educational projects. Ms. Hamblet advised that the Foundation has redefined the grant criteria each year. This summer the Foundation will be producing a summer art auction in conjunction with CARES. She shared information regarding the grants, which include many reading projects to encourage reading of students. Ms. Hamblet also advised that they have a website, thanks to the help of Wendy Bucci, which is www.skschools.net/skef .
Dr. Mega thanked Ms. Hamblet for the work SKEF does for the students in the community. He acknowledged that it is challenging to be at the end of raising funds. He noted that SKEF distributes equitably through the district.
Dr. Hicks advised that SKEF works hard putting together a lot of efforts in their ad campaign. He stated that one of their priorities is to work more closely with CARES.
Maureen Cotter asked for more information regarding Summer Splendor. Ms. Hamblet advised that it will be held on July 15, 2007 at a private home in South Kingstown. She explained that they are targeting the summer residents and focusing on Rhode Island artists (painters and sculptors) with their work to be auctioned off. Ms. Hamlet advised that invitations will be sent in a couple of weeks.
June 12, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Three
III. Superintendent‘s Report:
1. Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Hicks reviewed the calendar, noting that the Professional Development Sub-Committee will be meeting on June 19, 2007 to discuss planning the summer retreat.
Dr. Mega expressed his regrets, as he will not be able to attend the Seniors Honors Ceremony due to a previous commitment. Mr. Mueller will be attending.
a. South Kingstown High School Seniors Honors Ceremony – June 13, 2007, 6:30 PM, High School Auditorium w/reception following in the Cafeteria.
b. High School Graduation – June 18, 2007, 6:00 PM, Ryan Center.
c. School Committee Professional Development Sub-Committee Meeting – June 19, 2007, 8:00 AM, South Kingstown School Department Administration.
d. School Committee Meeting – June 26, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
e. School Committee Retreat – July 13, 2007, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, The University Club at URI.
f. School Committee Meeting – July 17, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
g. School Committee Meeting – August 21, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
h. School Committee Meeting – September 11, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
i. School Committee Meeting – September 25, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
2. Middle School Team Structure:
Dr. Hicks reminded the Committee that they went through a planning process last year on
how to handle declining enrollments in the middle schools. It was decided to reorganize both middle schools in ’08-’09. However, due to budget reasons, Broad Rock Middle School will be reorganized this year, which involves collapsing a team (going from four teams over two grades to three teams over two grades). He further advised that we are recommending and planning on having all 7th and 8th grade teams use a split structure (two 7th grade sessions and two 8th grade sessions); having all teams utilize the same structure allowed for equity in educational excellence. Dr. Hicks advised that they would like to engage the community in a broader discussion in the Fall about looping. He commented that it was not a good idea to have part-time
teachers and they wanted to make sure that we captured full-time positions. Dr. Hicks complimented everyone at both schools for working on this plan.
Added:
Dr. Hicks added that the Wellness Committee will be coming to the next Committee
Meeting, as they have examined an analysis of data regarding breakfast programs to the schools. It will be a pilot breakfast program in the middle school. Reportedly, a community member at the Wakefield Mall volunteered to step up to cover the cost of $1,000 for the program.
MSV (1) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. Jackson, Cotter (5-0-0).
June 12, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Four
IV. Comments from the Community:
Donna Andrews, High School teacher assistant, advised that she was just notified about the job description of a job coach, which she believes is a wonderful idea; however, her only hesitation is regarding the insurance expectation. She advised that she would have to raise her insurance and that she would not be reimbursed for the cost. Ms. Andrews asked if the item could be pulled for further discussion, due to the short notice.
Dr. Hicks responded that a meeting was held today with members of the bargaining unit for the aides because the issue surfaced. He advised that no one will be required to purchase additional insurance and that individuals will be reimbursed for mileage, as everyone else in the town and district are reimbursement. He advised that they discussed issues around insurance, salary, and mileage and left the meeting in agreement with the bargaining unit. Dr. Hicks stated that he would not recommend pulling this item from the agenda, as this is the last meeting of the school year.
Donna Andrews also expressed concerns about driving in a car with a student who has behavioral issues.
Dr. Hicks advised that one of the reasons going forward with job coaches is that the district has been hiring other agencies to take students into the community and essentially we are paying double. This is a way to address the issue of double payment through the budget process by bringing the work in house with the bargaining unit employees. He noted that his is not a new activity, as it already happens with students now, it is just that we have been paying an outside agency to do job coaching.
Donna Andrews advised that she has not received restraint training to control a student with outbursts. Dr. Mega noted that she was speaking of her own personal experience and did not relate to the agenda item.
Maureen Plunkett, teacher assistant, requested to speak.
Dr. Mueller advised that he would make a motion to consider removal for further discussion. Dr. Mega explained that the item would be pulled and then discussed at the end of School Committee Business and would not allow further discussion of the item at this time.
He further explained that this was not an attempt to stop discussion, but represents proper procedure.
June 12, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Five
V. Consent Agenda Items:
1. Approval of minutes meeting of: May 22, 2007
Executive Session Minutes of: May 22, 2007
2. Appointments:
3. Request(s) – Leave of Absence
4. Resignation(s)
5. Retirement(s)
6. Job Coaching Description – Moved for discussion Under School Comm. Business
7. Nursing Coordination
8. Bid Award:
a. #2196 – Scissor Lift
b. #2200 – High School Replacement Windows
c. #2201 – Hazard Roof
d. Custodial Analysis
e. Energy Project – Lighting Upgrades
9. Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
MSV (2) move to accept the consent agenda with the removal if Item #6 (Job Coaching Description) to permit further discussion. Mueller, Jackson (5-0-0).
Dr. Hicks acknowledged the three retirements on the agenda this evening: Joyce McWeeney, 22 years of services, 2nd grade teacher at West Kingston; Roberta Sherman, 31 years of service, reading teacher at Wakefield; and Gary Bryson, 41 years of service, Wakefield Elementary.
As a Wakefield parent, Maureen Cotter thanked Gary Bryson and Roberta Sherman for their work with her children.
Kevin Jackson advised that his daughter is in Joyce McWeeney’s class this year. He thanked her and wished her luck in her retirement.
Mr. Mueller stated that retirement is a time to celebrate accomplishments over several years; however, it is a time of sadness with our school system in losing the excellence that characterized their career. He thanked them for their contribution.
MSV (3) move to discuss Item #6 on the consent agenda. Mueller, Jackson (5-0-0).
June 12, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Six
VI. School Committee Business:
Job Coaching Description (Moved from Item #6 Under Consent Agenda):
Mr. Jackson stated that his only concern was the requirement for the job coaches to use
their own car. He asked if this was part of transportation per Rhode Island State law.
Dr. Hicks advised that the Rhode Island State law requires a bus to transport to and from school. He also advised that he will be bringing changes to the transportation policy this summer to meet new Rhode Island statute. He noted that this does not affect this situation.
Mr. Mueller noted that the district reimburses individuals $.35 per mile; however, AAA and the IRS reimburse $.13 over that for the actual cost of running a car. Mr. Mueller stated that he knows that this is a Town Council issue; however, he would raise the question of whether the reimbursement rate is not asking the employees to subsidize the operation of town government.
Dr. Hicks noted that when the IRS raised the rate to $.35, the town raised it also. Dr. Hicks advised that he would raise the issue.
Dr. Mega asked what numbers we are looking at for job coaches to fill the positions.
Dr. Hicks advised that this will be something that will grow in the number of positions. He advised that the positions will be added to the ITA and ALP, as well as several 1:1 positions.
Dr. Hicks stated that the majority of the positions of special needs TA’s that service in the 18-21 population (some younger than that) will include these responsibilities because it is an area where we need to programmatically develop. He advised that we are looking at the 5 – 10 range for positions, but that could grow as the year goes on. He further explained that this is a collective bargaining unit position and that by bringing the positions “in house” would be a way to be more effective and efficient.
Maureen Plunkett, High School 1:1 teacher assistant, stated that when she was hired last year, job coaching was not part of the job description. She expressed that this responsibility was just added and that she does not appreciate the liability and use of her own car. She asked if the Town would cover her if she got into an accident. She also stated that she has a problem with the mileage, due to the gas prices going up. Ms. Plunkett recommended a better idea to add a bus to transport the students. She stated that she would love to stay with her student; however, there is no way she could stay if she had to take on the responsibility and liability. She stated that the town should provide the bus, a driver, and the
liability.
Dr. Hicks explained that the first coverage is through their own insurance and that the district’s insurance picks up to the next dollar. He advised that the cost of a bus is prohibitive ($60,000).
Dr. Mega stated that people in positions now are not expected to apply for job coaching positions, as it is a voluntary position. Dr. Hicks explained that as openings come up that require job coaching responsibility, we will add to those postings so people will know that they will be entering a job coaching position. If someone is a 1:1 and we need job coaching for that student, we will ask them if they want to be the job coach and they will be reimbursed time-and-a-half
June 12, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Seven
VI. School Committee Business (Continued):
Job Coaching Description (Moved from Item #6 Under Consent Agenda):
for serving as a job coach. If they chose not to become a job coach, we will work with them and the bargaining unit to look at putting them in other positions.
Dr. Mega expressed that we need to work with the Town in regards to reimbursement rates because of the job requirement and as the rate currently is below the actual cost of traveling.
MSV (4) move to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation regarding Job Coaching
Description. Mueller, Jackson (5-0-0).
1. Comprehensive School Counseling Program:
Barbara Crudale stated that the Committee had asked for more data regarding the Comprehensive School Counseling Program; and that she and Sharon Schmid from Broad Rock Middle School were present this evening to share information through a Power Point presentation. They shared information regarding the South Kingstown Comprehensive School Counseling Program; the South Kingstown High School Accountability; Counseling Curriculum through Advisory Program; Faculty Survey results from September 2006 and May 2007; outlining what the data shows; What is COD (Counselor Of the Day Program); How did COD happen?; How does COD work?; Who is referred to COD?; how Intervention begins…; What type of goals do we set with students?; COD Demographic Data
(referrals are broken down by male and female, as well as ethnicity, free, reduced, and paid lunch; IEP, 504, non special education students); explained What do we do with the data?; Why were students seen in COD?; Impact of COD at South Kingstown High School (single referrals: promotion rates, single referrals and outcomes, number of detentions, and number of detentions served for “other”); Faculty Survey May 2007; Goals of COD; Curtis Corner Middle School Counseling Curriculum (bullying curriculum); Broad Rock Middle School Counseling Curriculum (bullying curriculum);
Accountability in the South Kingstown Counseling Program; and South Kingstown Comprehensive School Counseling Program (provides for an equitable, accessible and systematically planned program for all students in grades 6-12, to ensure their academic, career and personal-social development).
Maureen Cotter stated that she appreciated the information and that she would be interested in knowing what they find when they drill down in all of the areas (free/reduced, ethnic groups, repeaters).
Mr. Jackson asked if there was anything the Committee could do regarding the disenfranchised students at the High School. Ms. Crudale advised that they hope to have smaller groups next year.
Mr. Jackson asked what percentage of students only came once to COD. Ms. Crudale advised that 86 students only came once and that most never had a discipline action down against them that day.
June 12, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Eight
VI. School Committee Business (Continued):
1. Comprehensive School Counseling Program (Continued)
Mr. Mueller stated that this information comes with a more positive flavor than if a student was going to an Assistant Principal or detention for disengagement in class. He also noted that this is an improvement for administrators who now have time to deal with other issues.
Natalie Herbermann asked Ms. Crudale if the COD found themselves overwhelmed with several students coming at once. Ms. Crudale advised that they usually try to hold it to three students at a time.
MSV (5) move to formerly endorse the Comprehensive School Counseling Program. Cotter, Mueller (5-0-0).
2. Augusta Hazard Scholarship Renewals:
Dr. Mega advised that the students listed on page 34 reflected renewals for the Augusta
Hazard Scholarship for 2007. He also noted that this represents students who met all the criteria.
Mr. Mueller recommended that the names be read for the record. Dr. Mega read the following names:
Andrea Schneider Priscilla Cookson
Laura Kenyon JoAnn Laffey
Eva Rubinoff Mary Schrader
Andrea Desmarais Laura Weber
Rachel Schneider Emily Dyer
Meredith Woodford Genna Gagnon
James Lospoluto Kathy Moore
Katherine David Catherine Spirito
Marjorie Johnson Cabe Anderson
Joni Kenyon Rebecca Dyer
Christina Wilson Katherine Swoboda
Brooke Finan Andrea Tucker
Ana Zanella
MSV (6) move to accept the recommendation for disbursement of August Hazard
Scholarship to the individuals named. Mueller, Jackson (5-0-0).
Executive Session: Collective Bargaining:
MSV (7) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Collective Bargaining at 8:43 PM. Mueller, Cotter (5-0-0).
June 12, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Nine
Return to Open Session:
Dr. Mega advised that the Committee was out of Executive Session and back in Open
Session at 8:54 PM.
VI. School Committee Business (Continued):
3. Middle and High School Start Times and Transportation:
Dr. Hicks advised that we are still trying to work on finalizing arrangements; however,
plans have not been finalized yet. He advised that next Wednesday at 8:00 PM the Committee agreed to meet. Dr. Hicks stated that hopefully we will be able to share with the community by Friday, with the School Committee acting on the issue at a special meeting next Wednesday.
4. GASB 43/45 Actuarial Consulting Services Recommendation:
Dr. Hicks advised that we can no longer do post employment benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. He advised that you would have to pay up front. He explained that as teachers retire, after ten years of service, they are entitled to five years of health care. Dr. Hicks advised that we need to have an actuarial firm to handle this. He explained that we can start setting aside funds so when teachers retire, it is a fully funded system, not pay-as-you-go. The School Department share is $16,450. He noted that this was not a budgeted expense. Dr. Hicks advised that he believes that we are in an adequate position to cover this; however, he recommends knocking $40,000 off of the statement provided to the members, as he
does not believe we will receive group home aide this year.
Mr. Mueller stated that if you look at both the Town and the School Department, where are we with regards to the overall costs of retirement benefits in terms of available dollars to cover those costs. Dr. Hicks stated that we have been going on a pay-as-you-go basis and that we do not have funds set aside for that. Mr. Mueller asked if the expectation is that in selecting this consulting firm, they will provide us with that information? Dr. Hicks advised that they will provide us with what our liability is for post retirement.
MSV (9) move to accept the recommendation for the consultant services for GASB 43/45. Mueller, Jackson (5-0-0).
VII. Comments from Committee Members:
Maureen Cotter stated that she would like to take a moment to remember Sue Vellicer and her contributions to the School Department in regards to CARES and the South Kingstown Education Foundation. She advised that her vision, passion, and persistence were an inspiration.
Ms. Cotter requested that the Committee take a moment to recognize her.
Mr. Mueller reminded the Committee that the State Association is having a training on Saturday in Building #6, focusing on contract negotiations. He advised that he would bring back materials for those who cannot attend.
June 12, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Ten
VII. Comments from Committee Members (Continued):
Kevin Jackson stated that the Committee’s foresight has helped, as many communities
are making steep cuts. He noted that at least we are not against the wall like some other communities.
Dr. Mega appreciated Maureen Cotter acknowledging Sue Vellicer. He stated that it is a tremendous loss for the community and her family.
Dr. Mega noted that this was the last School Committee meeting for this school year. He expressed congratulations again to the teachers and administrators for running the schools so efficiently. Dr. Mega also stated that he did not want to leave out the kids and families who are the cog in making this system.
VIII. Executive Session: Personnel:
MSV (10) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Personnel at 9:12 PM. Cotter, Mueller (5-0-0).
Dr. Hicks advised that the individual has been notified and has declined to hold discussion in Open Session.
IX. Adjournment:
MSV (12) move to seal the minutes of the Executive Session and adjourn at 9:45 PM. Cotter, Mueller (5-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Hicks, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
RH:djf