SKAN_3_27

SKAN is issued by the South Kingstown School Committee to inform staff members and interested others of matters discussed and actions taken by the School Committee at its most recent meeting. SKAN does not represent meeting minutes. Minutes are available at http://www.skschools.net

Congratulations: The committee recognized recent achievements by our high school students. The following students each won a ribbon at the State Science and Engineering Fair: Thomas Thiem, Nate Winkler, Alisa Schrader and Chris Pinkerton. Their advisor was Nicole Russell. Our Academic Decathlon Team (Honors division-Francisca Chichester, Tianchi Wu and Kerry Yang; Scholastic division-Chris Buffum, Drew Hesketh and Katelyn Little; Varsity division-Patrick Brassil and Daniel Mattera; Alternates-Brittney Becker, Meghan Rose Donnelly, Jeff Chen, Albert Lo, Elizabeth Kelly, Celia Olsen, and Katherine Tsiatas) placed ninth in the state meet with the following earning medals: Celia Olsen, Francisca Chicester, Daniel Mattera, Patrick Brassil, Tianchi Wu and Kerry Yang. Their advisor is Cathy Fogarty. The committee thanked them for their admirable representation of our schools.

South Kingstown High School Salt report: The committee noted that the recent SALT high school report recognized many improvements since their last visit. We have a highly competent and dedicated staff and most students enjoy the excellent education they receive. The report especially noted the administrative leadership has developed a commendable vision and plan to direct the school. However, it also noted that not all students feel “well connected” to the school resulting in diminished academic achievement and behavioral issues at the school. The committee agreed upon a sense of urgency to address these issues. The district will direct professional development and resources to ensure that all students are effectively connected to the school and all have access to a rigorous education by adjusting out teaching strategies, providing effective support services and renewing each staff member’s commitment to educate every student.

New Collaboration: South Kingstown Schools will partner with Narragansett Schools by combining the Chartwell management team for our food services. The consolidation will save us approximately $23.000. The committee thanked our administration for this initiative.

School Committee By-Law Revision (Second Reading): The committee approved (7-0-0) a revision to the Committee By-laws presented by the Communications Sub-Committee based on an updated interpretation of the Open Meeting Law by the State’s Attorney General. The new interpretation now allows for a brief, non-voting, response to matters raised in the public comment section of school committee meetings. Previously, school committee members were not allowed to respond to any matter not specifically listed and posted on the agenda.

Rhode Island Association of School Committees resolutions: The committee voiced general support for the following recommendations: 1. The State should provide equity in the tuition and transportation costs for students attending vocational and technical centers. 2. The State should assume the cost of transporting all non special education, out of district students. 3. That the loan of textbooks to non public school students be restricted to those used by the public school.