The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on July 17, 2007 at the South Kingstown High School Library at 7:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chairperson), Scott Mueller, Kevin Jackson, Natalie Herbermann, and Richard Angeli.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Maureen Cotter and Joseph Sweet.
ADMINISTATORS PRESENT: Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; and Doug Pierson, Peace Dale Elementary Principal.
I. Call to Order:
Dr. Mega called the July 17, 2007 School Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 PM. He advised that the Professional Development Sub-Committee session was not held at 6:30 PM.
II. Delegations (Spotlights): New Member Introduction
Dr. Mega introduced Richard Angeli, who fills the Committee seat vacated by Anne Whaley. Dr. Mega noted that Mr. Angeli is a resident of South Kingstown with three children in the school district. His wife is the PTO President at West Kingston Elementary. Mr. Angeli has a background in industry. The Committee extended congratulations and a welcome to its newest member.
III. Superintendent‘s Report:
1. Meeting Calendar:
Mary Kelley reviewed the calendar.
a. School Committee Meeting – August 21, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
b. Special Meeting – Executive Session – August 22, 2007, 7:00 PM, SKSD Administration Building – 307 Curtis Corner Road.
c. School Committee Meeting – September 11, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
d. School Committee Meeting – September 25, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
e. School Committee Meeting – October 9, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
f. School Committee Meeting – October 23, 2007, 7:00 PM, High School Library.
July 17, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Two
III. Superintendent‘s Report (Continued):
2. Summer Work Projects:
John Ritchotte reviewed the various projects in process through the district this summer,
notably the replacement of the Hazard School roof. Mr. Ritchotte advised that the other large project was the energy project (lighting upgrades) at Peace Dale Elementary (completed) and Curtis Corner Middle School (50% completed). The remainder will be done during the holiday break this fall. Mr. Ritchotte advised that the materials are on order for the security upgrades. He noted that the expense for the lighting and
security upgrades are being offset with 06-07
bonded dollars. Mr. Ritchotte stated that the work for the high school gym windows will start soon. He noted that the Wakefield bathrooms, though a smaller project, has been the most complex to get started. Some of this work will be completed by in-house staff. The flooring for Administration and CCMS and the rooftop A/C replacement at CCMS is on hold, as funds have been transferred to the High School auditorium project. The auditorium work will start in September. Mr. Ritchotte advised that the gym windows at the High School are backordered and can be installed either on weekends or after school hours. He also advised that we will go into part of the
school year to complete the Wakefield bathrooms.
MSV (1) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. Jackson, Mueller (5-0-0).
IV. Comments from the Community: None
V. Consent Agenda Items:
Referencing the attorney invoices, Mr. Jackson asked how we are doing with regard to the budget. Mr. Ritchotte advised that about $65,000 was budgeted and that we are in the mid $40,000 and within budget.
1. Approval of minutes meeting of: June 26, 2007
Executive Session Minutes of: May 22, 2007
June 26, 2007
2. Appointments:
3. Request(s) – Leave of Absence
4. Resignation(s) – Pulled from the Agenda
5. Retirement(s) – Pulled from the Agenda
6. Bid Award:
a. #2199-2 Cutaway Van
b. #2205 Pick-up Truck
7. Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
MSV (2) move to accept the consent agenda. Jackson, Mueller (5-0-0).
July 17, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Three
VI. School Committee Business:
1. Cafeteria Budget and Lunch Prices:
John Ritchotte advised that as part of the budget process with cafeteria vendor, we need to set a budget every year. He advised that one of the items that he would like to remain in the contract with them is a guarantee. To set up a budget that maintains a contract that benefits the school district, this is the price we will need to balance the budget. He advised that we have not had a price increase in two years. In looking at other districts, Mr. Ritchotte noted that we come out in the middle (some districts are higher and some are lower). He stated that this would give Chartwells a realistic budget to work from.
Mr. Mueller asked if there have been cost implications due to the cost of food for students, as a result of the Federal regulations for a more nutritional school food program. He also stated that he would be interested in knowing what the outcomes are in terms of different foods offered. Mr. Ritchotte advised that he will present something on the impact; and he also noted that the impact has been greater than the cost of the foods.
Mr. Jackson expressed that he felt that the prices were reasonable. Mr. Ritchotte advised that we are well below the Federal reimbursement price per meal.
As a member of the Wellness Subcommittee, Dr. Mega stated that he is pleased with Chartwells efforts to offer input into looking at different changes they could bring in the menu to stay within guidelines, but to also maintain an interest in their product. He advised that there is a challenge in offering healthy and inexpensive food in one package.
MSV (3) move to adopt the change in price structure outlined in the document before us, regarding the school lunch program. Mueller, Jackson (5-0-0).
2. Exempt Employee Contract Renewals:
Dr. Mega advised that this item was an addendum to the renewals that we approved at the last School Committee meeting, as two positions were not included in the original list. He noted that these were not new positions.
Mary Kelley advised that the Systems Support Manager was a technology position.
MSV (4) move to approve the salaries recommended, consistent with the motion and action of the School Committee with regard to the salary recommendations for other non-union positions passed at the last Committee meeting. Mueller, Jackson (5-0-0).
July 17, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Four
VI. School Committee Business (Continued):
3. Policy #8120 Revision:
Mary Kelley advised that when the position of job coach came up and the responsibility
for student transportation was raised, there were concerns around our policy overall regarding student transportation. She advised that the policy was written before there was a State standard.
Ms. Kelley advised that Dr. Hicks included a list of the items to include in the revised policy for the Committee to review, which states that an insurance rider for the cost of about $200 per year would be something we would require. She also noted that other districts require some kind of check on driver safety driving records, and the policy would include that as well. She also noted that one of the components Dr. Hicks mentions is having maintenance personnel driving records checked. This policy would also include proof of a valid driver’s license. Ms. Kelley advised that this was a first read; therefore, no vote was required.
Kevin Jackson stressed the importance of having the policy requirements included in the job description. John Ritchotte advised that the policy addresses some of the points that the Interlocal Trust has brought to our attention, such as the rider for business, which is for our protection as we pick up where the driver’s policy leaves off. He advised that we will also do a continuous check of insurance and valid license each time there is a reimbursement paid.
Mr. Jackson stated that a check should be done on a yearly basis, not on a reimbursement basis, as there may be an employee who does not seek reimbursement.
Mr. Mueller stated that he was more comfortable with taking the word “regularly” out; and he is also comfortable with the statement that “any” employee driving a student provide a valid insurance and driver’s license. Mr. Mueller recommended that a check be completed at the very beginning of the year as a standard practice, noting that this should be an HR function.
Mr. Mueller also asked how we would get information on an employee who regularly drives, but may be struggling with alcohol. Mr. Ritchotte advised that he could check with the Trust, but stated that any kind of conviction or suspension would be reflected in the registry check.
Mr. Mueller asked if an employee could bid into another position if they do not wish to be a job coach. Mr. Ritchotte advised that an employee is not forced to be a job coach and is able to bid into a TA position.
Mr. Mueller asked if Dr. Hicks would be willing to raise the issue of reimbursement with Mr. Alfred to make sure that we are not asking our employees to subsidize the program and to make sure the employee gets a true cost.
July 17, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Five
VI. School Committee Business (Continued):
3. Policy #8120 Revision (Continued):
Kevin Jackson advised that if mileage is not representing true cost, as an employee, you are able to take a deduction with the IRS for the difference of what you are reimbursed. He also noted that it is routine at his job with all employees driving company vehicles to be asked once a year to complete a document, distributed through the HR department, with such questions as “have you been convicted”.
Dr. Mega stated that it would seem that from a safety and legal point of view that requiring a good driving record from bus drivers and employees align and meet the same standard.
4. Results of goal-Setting Retreat:
The Committee was presented with a summary of the discussion with administrators at the July 13, 2007 retreat.
Mary Kelley shared that speaking for the administrative staff, they felt that the retreat was a positive experience and were grateful to participate. She noted that the discussion was rich, focused, and meaningful. Ms. Kelley advised that as the administrators work through their goals, they follow a similar pattern, what we want our student achievement and our district to look like is aligned.
Mrs. Herbermann asked Ms. Kelley to explain Learning Walks. Ms. Kelley advised that our district is an IFL district and that a walk through a classroom provides a way to capture a snap shot of time on how we are doing.
Mr. Mueller expressed that he was very pleased with the retreat and was particularly pleased that there were new groups at the table for discussion. He stated that it worked very well to have both building based administrators and central administrators, as it provided a more grounded discussion. He also noted that the leadership of NEA was invited in an attempt to continue to build the relationship for better discussion. Mr. Mueller stated that the Committee had four goals identified last year and that they continue to be a priority, which includes focusing on communication, high school outcome, and accountability. Mr. Mueller stated that he came away with a challenge which he is sure will shift our priorities, regarding the
conversation about students who are economically challenged (free & reduced lunch students), and students on IEPs. He noted that those are two groups that the district has not been successful with.
Mr. Mueller shared that he felt positive about the work we have done, but the discussion at the retreat has caused him to think about how we can do better.
July 17, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Six
VI. School Committee Business (Continued):
4. Results of goal-Setting Retreat (Continued):
Dr. Mega stated that he felt that the parameters add insight into our challenges and successes. He stated that we want an environment that encourages innovative strategies.
Dr. Mega asked Committee members if they would like to schedule a work session to review the goals and to make points of emphasis.
Mr. Jackson added that he found the retreat rewarding. He added that the planning is easy, but the execution is the hard part; and agreed that a meeting should be held to determine how to do that.
The Committee members agreed to schedule a work session; date to be determined.
VII. Comments from Committee Members:
Mr. Mueller advised that he may not be able to attend the School Committee meeting on August 21, 2007 as he will be returning from an out-of-state trip that day.
Dr. Mega shared an invitation received from the Attorney General for the Open Governor’s Summit to be held at the Roger Williams University School of Law, August 3, 2007, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. He advised that Patrick Lynch will make opening remarks, then there will a discussion about open records and the Open Meetings Act, a Q & A, and then an Ethics Commission
presentation. Dr. Mega hopes to attend.
Mr. Mueller encouraged members to attend and advised that they do a nice summary of the open meetings law and ethics commission. He shared that they update you on ethics discussions over the past year. He also encouraged members to arrive early.
Dr. Mega shared the contact number, which is 274-4400 ext. 2101.
VIII. Executive Session: Personnel:
MSV (5) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Personnel at 7:58 PM. Mueller, Jackson (5-0-0).
Dr. Mega advised that the individual has been notified and has not opted to have discussion in Open Session.
July 17, 2007 School Committee Minutes Page Seven
IX. Adjournment:
MSV (7) move to seal the Executive Session minutes and to adjourn at 8:45 PM. Mueller, Jackson (6-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Hicks, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
RH:djf