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EAST PROVIDENCE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
East Providence School Committee
East Providence City Hall - Council Chamber
145 Taunton Avenue
East Providence, Rhode Island 02914
August 9, 2016
Open Session
Mr. Tsonos, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Members Present: Members present: Jessica Beauchaine, Anthony Ferreira, Joel Monteiro, Charles Tsonos (Nate Cahoon not present at open call). Also Present: Kathryn Crowley, Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Tsonos requested a motion for the Committee to convene in Executive Session for purposes of discussing: Personnel – R.I. Gen. Laws §42-46-5(a) (1); Collective Bargaining RI Gen Laws 42-46-5 (a) (2); Litigation/Pending Litigation RI Gen. Laws 42-46-5 (a) (2); Motion to approve by Mr. Monteiro, seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 4-0.
The School Committee returned to Public Session at 7:10PM. A motion was made by Mr. Cahoon to return to public session and to seal the minutes of the executive session, seconded by Mr. Monteiro.
Vote 5-0.
Report Executive Session Votes – No votes taken.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Moment of Silence were observed; remembering Alice Fontes, an employee of the School Department who recently passed away.
Motion to Set a Curfew for School Committee Meetings – Motion by Mr. Ferreira to approve a curfew of 10:30PM, seconded by Mr. Cahoon. Vote 5-0.
Presentations - Gifted Program and Musical Instrumentation in 5th Grade – Presentation was tabled by motion by Mr. Monteiro, seconded by Mr. Ferreira. Vote 5-0.
Speakers only: Susanna Pimental, Music Department and Ms. Silva, Band Director at the High School provided background and benefits of this program; two parents, Lisa Anderson and Denise D’Amico, also spoke in favor of this program and the benefits. Mr. Cahoon requested that this item be placed on the agenda; he noted that he can personally testify to the benefit of playing a musical instrument. Further discussion will be held on this topic; possibly will set up a subcommittee.
Kathryn Crowley – can incorporate in the budget for the following school year; will work with music staff to institute in the spring; staffing, supplies, etc. can be put in budget as a priority.
Ms. Beauchaine noted that in 2011-12, program ended; stipend issues; could not afford it; her son was not able to get involved; she thinks this is an amazing idea.
Mr. Monteiro – program will give fifth grade students the opportunity to be part of something.
Mr. Ferreira will support this; good to see in our community; working on budget; public money from taxpayers; pleased that everyone from our community came out; he has seen money taken from kids; will be pleased to support this and will keep finding ways to fund programs for kids.
Mr. Cahoon requested to move up one personnel action; Motion by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Approval of the retirement of Barbara Burns; Mr. Cahoon read a bio; Mrs. Burns has advised and provided guidance behind scenes and has been a champion of the School Department; Mr. Cahoon’s daughter read a letter of thanks to Mrs. Burns.
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve the retirement of Mrs. Burns, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
ELA Curriculum Committee Results
Kathryn Crowley – this is a first in East Providence; we took a program and wrote curriculum in line with Common Core; staff worked at East Bay Collaborative; intense work by teachers; this is a living document and the committee will meet four times a year to review and revise, edit, etc. using information from all teachers in various departments; two administrators were on the committee; we will be doing math and science next and the document will be given to all teachers; this will be a pilot year for teachers to try out this curriculum; cross section worked on document; next year will be rolled out aligned with standards. ELA Curriculum PowerPoint presented by Principals, Donna Peluso and Michael Kirkutis.
Mr. Cahoon thanked the committee; he asked for $165K last year for materials for K-5; he asked what the cost would be for this.
Kathryn Crowley – we will be using some of the materials we have; if a teacher needs additional supplies, we have ordered under curriculum budget; we will be generating some cost; but do not anticipate anything like that.
Mr. Cahoon – approved purchase for one year; wants to know how it impacts this.
Dr. Bowler said teachers found materials; value to write and use actual themes; part of two programs; looked at other supplies; looked beyond to enhance and improve the program; we have additional books and materials that we may also want; written part; pilot rewrite and then materials; it is a balancing act; mechanism for teachers; pilot curriculum through for needs; feedback by email that they tried this and found another resource; process on-going; revise, review; put on ongoing cycle.
Mr. Cahoon –key concern about last year after beginning of school year was “script reading.”
Kathryn Crowley and Dr. Bowler felt that too; talked to ELA group; use academic freedom for current class that sits in front of you; teachers need academic freedom.
Ms. Beauchaine–School Committee agreed to use program for last year; some questions at that time about this program.
Kathryn Crowley –no program perfect; aligned with Common Core; we have filled in the gaps with written portion of curriculum and implementation of materials; district adopted Common Core as a requirement; written and aligned to standards and materials and resources align to these standards.
Mr. Ferreira –hopes he will not get calls about lack of materials.
Mr. Monteiro asked if the School Committee can get a list of what materials are in classrooms.
Kathryn Crowley - will get a list; role on School Committee is to improve books, materials etc. and to at least know what they are.
Dr. Bowler – problem is we had an outdated curriculum; focus should be on the document now and what supports it; programs and materials – there are online resources to support curriculum; should not be looked at as wasted money; step back from program and look towards curriculum.
Dr. Forand – will share list of materials with School Committee.
Consent Agenda
Communications, Correspondence , Approval of Field Trip – High School Music Department, Home School Requests, Requisitions- Bill Lists
Approval of Minutes for School Committee meeting held on June 2, 2016, June 14, 2016, June 27, 2016, and July 19, 2016
Motion to approve items on consent agenda by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Mr. Monteiro and Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0.
PTO/PTA Reports - None
Public Comment I – Agenda Items
Kevin Oliver questioned how School Committee could vote on Item Q Action Item 7 and 8 for evaluation plan and then vote to award the RFP; has spoken to School Committee members and emailed everyone on it; did not receive an answer from his ward representative; he expected it since Mr. Tsonos put it on agenda who would answer for you?
Mr. Tsonos – every item on the agenda will be talked about; he wants everyone to have an opportunity to have answers when on the agenda; certain things he prefers not to email; as School Committee we effect people’s lives every time we take a vote; he has served and put city first on all decision making; this is an open meeting item on the agenda; he will have questions too and will answer to the public; advised that Mr. Oliver can come up if any questions under Public Comment II Sectopm.
Superintendent’s Report
Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR), Senior Project, New Diploma System, State Testing (Jessica Beauchaine)
Kathryn Crowley reported that the PBGR is undergoing change; Shani Wallace, Principal of the high school attended meetings; committee to look at all requirements of PBGR; history with more extensive process and became more streamlined; will look at the portfolio; she and Dr. Forand will be coming forward with it; RIDE was making statement about it; she will come before the School Committee with a document sometime in September; 24 hour community service part will be refined; will have report for the Committee when completed.
Kathryn Crowley– not making any appointment on PBGR at this meeting; wanted to start freshman planning as four year process for plan completing most portfolio work.
Ms. Beauchaine asked what do incoming seniors need to do to graduate.
Kathryn Crowley – unfair to change these seniors; thinking of transitioning into this.
Ms. Beauchaine – one year deal Senior Project would end.
Mr. Monteiro – previous principal asked to pull out and reassess; he feels there is value to the presentation portion and was told there would be some type of senior presentation.
Ms. Beauchaine – adamant about the one year piece.
Kathryn Crowley will put on agenda next month and will request Principal Wallace to attend.
Mr. Monteiro – would like Ms. Wallace to be in a position to accept.
Kathryn Crowley – state testing; all students will expect to participate in state assessment; positive changes this year; superintendent reviewed changes; in the review of regulations, they may substitute PSAT and SAT which will be provided; Superintendent Crowley asked that all tenth graders take PSAT in October free; all are encouraged to take free PSAT, which can be offered during day; could be requirement our High School students need.
Update on Unfilled Positions
Kathryn Crowley reviewed open positions; most have been filled and ready to start school.
Process for American Flags Outside Schools and in Classrooms (Mr. Tsonos) – Mr. Feola reported flags are in all elementary schools; talked to Principals, and flags displayed in every classroom. Mr. Tsonos thought it important for students to Pledge Allegiance to the Flag in classrooms.
Career and Technical Center – Kathryn Crowley reported going in a new direction; talked to Director Karen Mellen and we will be establishing internships for Juniors and Seniors; Shani Wallace and Karen Mellen will have two courses at the CTC - English and Math; students will have certified courses in cosmetology and auto; we have two open positions if School Committee approves, we will establish those positions; two people will be able to go out in the van for internships; she hopes School Committee will approve.
Technology Coaches –need a third coach; two at Martin Middle School – going into blended learning; third through IDEA; all grant funded; will have to look at putting in our own budget; will be additional 1:1 for our elementary schools; blended learning; two budget workshops will be held in public; those are open positions we need to fill.
Informational Report on Elementary Schools Dr. Celeste Bowler
Elementary School Handbook – reviewed and asked Principals for input; not a lot of changes; let her know if any additional changes; noted birthday invitations during school; clarify riding distances for preK; under communications: send note to child’s teacher; add or email; Under Smoke Free – correct “vapor” and add “or other types of devices” also, add page numbers.
Mr. Cahoon would like to take up elementary report card issue again.
Dr. Bowler has looked at it; she is reviewing 126 applications for Preschool now, which has been all consuming; she hopes for additional help later on in meeting; report would have Central Office administrators and principals taking a look at it; will send out to teachers and parents to look at it; will take comments and then go back to the committee; right now, the priority is preschool; furniture coming tomorrow.
Kathryn Crowley – painted rooms; family member painted a beautiful mural; we are all very excited about this wonderful addition to East Providence schools.
Mr. Cahoon offered to help with the report card
Mr. Monteiro asked how to align with report card.
Dr. Bowler – will report card align with curriculum, aligned with the standards; you had that and that will still be the case; committee looked at this; based on Common Core standards.
Mr. Monteiro - Grade against end of year vs. end of quarter.
Dr. Bowler– this was addressed; grade system needs to be more definitive “end of year or before then” this needs to be communicated in a way everyone understands; student should know and will get feedback; this is a pilot year; not my focus right now; committee wants to see something we are proud to put forward; according to past history, we do not want to criticize.
Mr. Tsonos asked how much help is needed from School Committee to work on this in a timely fashion.
Dr. Bowler asked for patience; haste sometimes puts you in a bad position; she has a good committee and part of mission will be getting feedback from everyone; she will come back and ask if she needs help; there are other parameters she did not know about “do and guess” moving along.
Kathryn Crowley – teachers and TA’s have been helping and meeting on their own time; they took a course on Foundations; will be taking 12 week class; Dr. Bowler will be taking 12 week program course also.
Mr. Ferreira – Five to six years hearing about grading a report card; we have talked about this; can we instruct all the help we need; he is concerned about putting more workload on our staff.
Mr. Monteiro – last time this did not involve teachers, educators, etc. lions share will be people coming out of classrooms; first time it was not “of teachers” he has full confidence that it will be now.
Dr. Bowler – committee met along way; survey sent out; we have involved teachers to respond; may not get everyone; people want to be asked.
Ms. Beauchaine asked if this is the same committee.
Dr. Bowler sent out a call; she does not know if same or not.
Ms. Beauchaine – two teachers worked on the committee; upset when we said they did not do it; they went to meetings; can’t get away from standards based report cards; there was a committee set up.
Mr. Monteiro – “manipulation of words”; he asked for attendance list at meetings; looked at minutes; piece presented was not from the committee.
Dr. Bowler sets and sends agendas for meetings; whether there or not, she supported them remotely to close out the year.
Informational Report on Middle and High Schools Dr. Sandra Forand
Teacher leadership academy update: 18 teachers applied; 8 teachers went to training in Montgomery Maryland; four modules to present; will roll out to teachers starting in October; 2 programs of study; new presented; Martin Middle School; work together; next time will be with high school.
Program of Studies for Martin and Riverside Middle Schools
Ms. Beauchaine – asked to clarify physical education all year for 3 years; she would like students to do other things also at high school level. Dr. Forand will check with principals to make sure not happening.
Secondary School Handbooks – asked for feedback; principals worked together.
Mr. Monteiro noted secondary attendance policy #8 each school…procedure should be uniform throughout district with Dr. Forand and Dr. Bowler.
Kathryn Crowley will look at attendance this year; our goal would be to be more proactive; if underlying problem, we want to work with students and families.
Ms. Beauchaine – problem with social probation; discussed last year that students can go to sports but cannot go to school activity.
Mr. Monteiro – talked about five suspensions in quarter OK; 5 tardies cannot go to dance.
Dr. Forand– can review the policy; will look at language about inappropriate “touching”
Kathryn Crowley – we will make sure these coordinate with district policy.
Mr. Monteiro – does not state consequences.
Dr. Forand – will be corrected and will align with student handbooks.
Mr. Cahoon noted that plagiarism is automatically zero; Dr. Forand stated that a student can make up an assignment with max of 70 for a grade. Dr. Forand will update district policy.
Summit Basecamp Program – Dr. Forand reported that she, Principal Avila and two teachers traveled to California; this was paid for by professional development; Mayoral Academy; NY Times article today.
Mrs. Avila spoke about the conference training; all are very excited with this program; Christy Hammons, a teacher for nine years in the district; spoke about piloting this program; Mrs. Avila will inform parents at “Meet the Teachers” night.
Dr. Forand stated that Riverside Middle School teachers will be attending for one day; pieces will be working at both middle schools.
Pupil Personnel Director Report - Julian MacDonnell – Reported on staffing changes; new staff hired; we hope to fill all positions by the beginning of school year; trying to bring back students to East Providence; communications needed to improve IEP information to run smoother for staff and parents; ESY identified 110 students – 90-100 attended consistently and program closing this week; professional development planned in August; he has worked with Finance on the budget and out of district placements; will see major shift; once had 300; in September will be approximately 75 this year; fixed both safety rooms at Silver Spring;
Ms. Beauchaine asked what we did educationally to go from 300 to 75 out of district placements.
Mr. MacDonnell stated that we will have support staff in every single building; PBIS; various options; academic support coming back at high school; changed curriculum and how it takes place; more diversity in instruction.
Mr. Ferreira –had concern about the money spent for last five years; cost of two rooms in design and materials; he requested information on this about how the new rooms would be designed; School Committee was not informed; he will visit the rooms; hopes they meet state and federal guidelines.
Mr. Monteiro requested two items under Personnel Actions be moved up on the agenda, seconded by Mr. Cahoon. Vote 5-0.
Resignation
Nadine E. Lima, Principal – Preschool at Martin Middle School – Effective August 2, 2016
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve resignation, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Leave of Absence for Karen Rebello – Special Education Resource Teacher – Orlo Avenue Elementary School – One Year – 2016-17 School Year
Motion by Ms. Beauchaine to approve, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0
Appointment of Karen Rebello – Interim Principal – Preschool – One Year – Martin Middle School 2016-17
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve one year appointment of Karen Rebello, seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0.
Approve resignation of Toni Akin – Budget Analyst, Finance Office, Effective 8/5/16
Motion to approve by Mr. Cahoon, Seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to suspend meeting curfew, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Director of Finance Report - Finance Report
Lucy Maddock reported that spending was close to last year; about $220,000 less; salary and benefits higher; added staff; increase in health care; spent $1.4 million in building improvements; which does not include painting, etc.
Projects in for RIDE reimbursement and other funding; cash flow – working aggressively with suppliers and others; grants – will develop budget under direction of the Superintendent; should be printing the personnel portion shortly; have been working with the Facilities Director; report on revenues and expenditures in good order for the moment.
Mr. Cahoon requested that School Committee receive current spreadsheet via email.
Director of Facilities Report – Mr. Feola reported
Update on Facilities – School Opening – Mr. Feola acknowledged custodial and maintenance personnel department; all on schedule to open on time;
Update on All Summer Projects (Completed and/or Pending) list for each school provided; 204 regular work orders completed; Mr. Ferreira would like work orders copies.
Date for Building Walk-Through - School Committee discussed date to advertise it.
Mr. Ferreira would like it to be open to public so taxpayers can view how we spent $1.3 million; he feels this should be the focus.
Mr. Monteiro did not think feasible; maybe during our open houses; how can we coordinate opening every school to the public.
Mr. Ferreira – in order to keep schools on track and we need more money; how can we not.
Kathryn Crowley– Will open buildings on Sunday for people to come if they want to see them; August 28th; we will set up schedule and email it; starting at 8AM.
Lead Testing Results – lead testing all bubblers and kitchen faucets passed – lead-free; some schools have kitchen issues; results late next week around 8/23; no issues with sinks in teachers rooms.
Mr. Cahoon suggested sharing the report with the city.
Mr. Ferreira requested information on how much we spent on this and the amount per fixture
Mr. Feola has a bill for $4965.00 for everything and will get per fixture costs for Mr. Ferreira.
Door Project – Mr. Feola – started about two years ago; doors buckled; ordered new doors, same thing happened again; they are now looking at paint, steel and adhesive.
Mr. Ferreira – would send heavier gauge steel doors
Mr. Feola – they are doing now at their facility
Mr. Ferreira – can we start to get a schedule – in dialogue about 100% they would pay; work to be done after school or on weekends; not during day; make sure to arrange that.
Mr. Feola – they are now picking up cost of taking off and reattaching card swipes on doors; doors are working fine.
High School Boilers – 2014 replaced 26 tubes; 2015, 13 tubes replaced; 2016, only 7 between 3 boilers; moving in positive direction; at high school all have passed #1 and #2 tested, repaired, certified.
Director of Attendance/Registration Report – Class Sizes for All Kindergarten, Elementary Schools and Middle Schools (JB), Updates on Bus Routes (JB)
Diana Clarkin reported on elementary and middle school projections; at capacity Kindergartens at 92% - need to look at redistricting schools next couple years;
Mr. Monteiro – we have empty rooms at Martin Middle School; not a fan of max class sizes.
Diana Clarkin– Grade 6 at Martin at 762 and 435 at RMS; 5,040 students registered in district; now working on transportation routes; will finish this week; special education times 2 to 35 minutes according to regulations.
Discussion about bus ride PreK – 30 Minutes.
Mr. Ferreria – questioned when to start looking at this; we may not have 2-3 years; businesses may want to bring families here because of educational system; problems may catch up sooner.
It was decided to review in January, February time frame.
Mr. Monteiro asked about how successful traffic routes are regarding construction; Mr. Ferreira asked the Superintendent to get a map of construction from Mr. Coutu from the city.
Discussion Items - Building Based Substitute Teachers for 2016-2017 School Year- Table to September; Motion by Mr. Monteiro, seconded by Mr. Cahoon. Vote 5-0
Closed Oldham School Property on Bullocks Point Avenue – Motion by Mr. Monteiro to table, seconded by Mr. Cahoon. Vote 5-0.
Move to Item P – Personnel
Director of Human Resources - Personnel Report
Personnel Appointments – Effective 2016-2017 School Year:
Vote to Approve Appointment of Special Ed Self Contained Teacher at Waddington Samantha Bradley
Vote to Approve Appointment of Special Ed Self Contained Teacher at Francis Julie Laffey
Vote to Approve Appointment of Special Ed Resource Teachers (2) at Orlo Justine Paradis and Lisa Benetti
Vote to Approve Appointment of Librarian at Riverside Middle School Christine Ash
Vote to Approve Appointment of Math Intervention Teachers at Waddington Kathleen Oliver and at Francis School Jennifer McGovern
Vote to Approve Appointment of Math Teacher at Martin Middle School Jennifer DeGroot
Vote to Approve Appointment of English Teacher at High School (One Year) Gillian Buckler
Vote to Approve Appointment of English Teacher at Martin Middle School Paul Tarasevich
Vote to Approve Appointment of English/Writing Teacher at Martin Middle School Ariana Pasquanatonio
Vote to Approve Appointment of Cosmetology Teacher at Career/Technical Center Debra Bjorklund
Vote to Approve Appointment of Grade 4 Teacher at Hennessey School (One Year) Jennifer Kenyon
Vote to Approve Appointment of Grade 1 Teacher at Kent Heights (One Year) Cheyanne Viveiros
Vote to Approve Appointment of Art Teacher at Riverside Middle School Katherine Truskoski
Vote to Approve Appointment of 3/5 to Full Time Speech Pathologist Lori Rush
Vote to Approve Appointment of 3/5 to 2/5 Speech Pathologist Susan Caldwell
Vote to Approve Appointment of Carpentry Teacher – CTC (Pending Certification) Thomas Allder
Vote to Approve Appointment of Unified Volleyball Coach – High School Brandyn Chase
Vote to Approve Appointment of Boys’ Cross Country Coach – High School Robert Lyons
Vote to Approve Appointment of Assistant Football Coaches (2) - High School Patrick Holmes Mark Janton
Vote to Approve Appointment of Head Coach Boys’ Soccer – Martin Middle School Christopher Januario
Vote to Approve Appointment of Assistant Athletic Director – High School (Effective 8/10/16) S. Robert Traverse
Vote to Approve Appointment of Assistant Athletic Director – Middle Schools Nicholas Shattuck
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve all of the above listed, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Vote to Approve Appointment of Paraprofessionals (25) Effective 2016-2017 school year
Bethany Antonevich Para Professional – EPHS
Dona Pontarelli Para Professional – EPHS
Heather Santos Para Professional – EPHS
Theresa Fagan Para Professional – EPHS
Cori Durfee Para Professional – MMS
Marc Laurino Para Professional – MMS
Michael Weeden Para Professional – MMS
Patricia Levesque Para Professional – MMS
Arnold Butler Para Professional – RMS
Leslie Garabedian Para Professional – RMS
Luisa Rodriguez Para Professional – RMS
Robyn Janczura Para Professional – RMS
Dionne Manchester Para Professional – Francis
Maura Gorham Para Professional – Hennessey
Alyssa Ferreira Para Professional – Kent Heights
John O’Brien Para Professional – Silver Spring
Lynn Stewart Para Professional – Silver Spring
Amanda Soderlund Para Professional – Waddington
Heather Facteau Para Professional – Waddington
Tabitha Martins Para Professional – Waddington
Ashley Spokis Para Professional – Whiteknact
Deborah Bairos Para Professional – Whiteknact
Donna Meehan Para Professional – Whiteknact
Laurie Costello Para Professional – Whiteknact
Dawn Ottone Para Professional – To Be Determined
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve all of the above listed, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Non-Renewal of Contract (1) Kenneth Lopardo
Motion to approve by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Termination (1) Joanne Melo
Motion to approve by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Mr. Monteiro; Vote 3-2: Ms. Beauchaine, nay; Mr. Cahoon, aye; Mr. Ferreira, nay; Mr. Monteiro, aye; Mr. Tsonos, aye.
Leave(s) of Absence (6) Lindsay Ferris Mary Cabral Geoffrey Higginbotham Debra Dyer Matthew Tsonos Ana Carvalho
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve, seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0.
Resignations (6) Karin Patton Amy Rudis Patrick Saunders Caroline Nikitas Donnan Hallal Kevin Croke.
Motion to approve by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Retirements (1) Barbara Burns – see above action.
Review of Bills for Legal Services – Mr. Monteiro requested discussion on this item; we have never done this; why go for RFP – he asked for data in packet; reviewed it in executive session; brought to our attention that out of all districts in RI, we are paying highest percentage of our school budget for legal; we are at the top; per pupil rate is above comparable districts in size; ours 5200 students $46.54 per student. with current firm $37.52 per student; should be some level of consistency when you compare; we talked about taxpayer dollars; curriculum and facility’s needs; there are still a lot of things we need to do and we will scrutinize the budget; if we do not research this, we are not doing our diligence; put out RFP; numbers thing not selectivity but monitoring our expenses across board; to look at these numbers and do nothing is a dereliction of duties.
Ms. Beauchaine – does not know lot about it, but researched UCOA; one reason we are highest is 2012-13 because of two judgments and the work the lawyers had to do in those numbers; Cranston had zero against them; Warwick had 52,000 claim in 13-14;
Mr. Cahoon - we are paying 67% more than average.
Ms. Beauchaine wanted to know why bills are as high as they are; defending school district; special education, wrongful hiring; some did not have any claims; if strictly numbers, we are highest who dished out money.
Mr. Monteiro – disagree claims equal; legal does not mean working on issues; look at quality; was it representative of strong claims or inefficient work; $300,000; we need to look at this as a School Committee; as of last week it was not done; in executive session we looked at billing hours we paid for; bill noted “review of JM email; open email; no response then subsequent hours (Bayside) Mr. Cahoon and Mr. Monteiro wrote contract; 3-4 hours; he never got an answer from the Chair and Solicitor Chapman; we are paying top fee educational only in East Providence; question about experience.
Bills indicate attorneys in same office talk to each other; we should not be paying for that; we had five bid responses.
Mr. Ferreira – how many people responded; discussion about something in executive session.
Mr. Monteiro – erred on side of caution; RFP on face is public; we put out RFP for legal; five said precedent had been set; did not fall under executive session.
Mr. Tsonos asked was it your motion; whose was it; someone asked for a meeting
Ms. Beauchaine – she reviewed bills; half did not have claims; did not consider claims during that time;
Mr. Monteiro – does not have anything to do with skilled professional; in any trade $ hour basis are same as opposed to someone who does work on the side; there is an efficiency piece; first, if that particular field more efficient; point of putting on the agenda was, could not think of one; we have to be efficient in every category; RFP we did not discuss out here; would question if not logical next step.
Mr. Cahoon – look at paying for services; should raise some fact; anything different going on there; purpose was to evaluate and award according to proposals we received; that is why we did it.
Mr. Ferreira – noted the ability we have; he relied on Mr. Cahoon for contract and relies on all of us to bring knowledge; talked about contracts; why are we getting pulled apart; he thought we would spend more time putting it together; contract never discussed.
Mr. Monteiro– agreed to put RFP out there; Mr. Cahoon was to authorize Superintendent to put out RFP; Nate Cahoon wanted to help; he did not see any other RFP; troubling that we go after when wasting money, but we do not apply the same rationale to this; numbers out of whack; we did next say to take a look at it; public did not know why; this is nothing personal; just studying numbers.
Action Items
Vote to Approve Building Based Substitute Teachers for 2016-2017 School Year – Motion to approve by Ms. Beauchaine, seconded by Mr. Cahoon. Vote 5-0.
Vote to Form a Cooperative Hockey Team with Lincoln High School – Kathryn Crowley –Mr. Amore contacted the Interscholastic League; Lincoln in same boat; Motion to approve by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Vote to Approve Elementary and Secondary School Handbooks – Motion to approve by Mr. Cahoon with amendment, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Vote to Approve the Program of Studies for Martin and Riverside Middle Schools – Motion to approve by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0.
Awarding of Bid for the Fence for Pre-K Area at Oldham School: Motion to award the bid to CitiWorks in the amount of $6,515.by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Mr. Ferreira. Vote 5-0.
Awarding of Bid for the Fence for Pre-K area at Martin Middle School: Motion to award the bid to Statewide at $12,600.
Mr. Ferreira – how do we prioritize safety issues that are more important.
Mr. Feola – without this we cannot have PreK; have to add to project cost
Mr. Ferreira – went from walls to ceilings to new lights; what is the number for the whole package; what is the number which could be bid on; never discussed that night; frustrated to go into these projects; then look at other projects not done; could have had Silver Spring resurfaced; go back to Mr. Cahoon’s list; this School Committee has to do better for schools; what is the total project.
Mr. Monteiro – we approved all work at Martin
Mr. Ferreira – if it was done all at once, maybe we would not have voted on it; he does not like bits and pieces.
Mr. Monteiro – we are not at the point where departments are coming to ask for a whole project.
Mr. Ferreira – need to fine tune that.
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve, seconded by Mr. Ferreira. Vote 5-0.
Approval of Contracts for:
Assistant Facilities Director – Motion to approve by Mr. Monteiro (add evaluation at 6 months, currently none) seconded by Mr. Cahoon. Vote 5-0.
Night Supervisor – Mr. Cahoon recommended action; add six month evaluation and increase the salary from $53,000 to $57,000 per year, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Roll call vote: Ms. Beauchaine, aye; Mr. Cahoon, aye; Mr. Ferreira, nay; Mr. Monteiro, aye; Mr. Tsonos, aye. Vote 4-1.
Benefits Coordinator – Same as old contract; Mr. Monteiro – annual evaluation-three year contract; Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Vote to Approve Evaluation Plan and Evaluation Schedule for RFP for Legal Services - Mr. Ferreira – defer to next School Committee seated; seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Roll Call vote: Ms. Beauchaine, aye; Mr. Cahoon, nay; Mr. Ferreira, aye; Mr. Monteiro, nay; Mr. Tsonos, aye. Vote 3-2.
School Committee Vote to Award a Proposal for Legal Services (RFP) – Mr. Tsonos - no action on RFP until after election.
Mr. Tsonos – back to earlier discussion; discussions are held at open meetings legally to ensure discussion we had as a thorough vetting of an item in public; vote on RFP has been brought up several times; first question he said was why not allow potential new School Committee to make whatever decision they want to make; School Committee voted 3-2 majority to RFP; there is an urgency to do now; RFP was over Memorial Day Weekend for one week; he asked for another week; he had questions.
Mr. Cahoon – RFP wrote scope was all encompassing.
Mr. Tsonos – one legal representing School Department; his other suggestion with respect to Mr. Cahoon would be to hold interviews of legal teams and talk to real people; he does not think there is anyone on School Committee who does not care about money being spent; this decision critical and as important as hiring a Superintendent.
Mr. Monteiro– additional attorney was for special education issues and a request from the second Superintendent for legal to deal with special education issues; need to clarify that second firm was for special education; he agrees with discussion not under action; most important thing School Committee can decide on.
Public Comment II – Non Agenda Items
Mr. Oliver asked Chair why he did not email him back, then make him wait two hours for an answer to his question tonight.
Mr. Tsonos wanted him to come to the meeting to hear discussion about picking a legal team; this is School Committee business; he does not discuss School Committee business via email; we have taken longer with legal than hiring a Superintendent; why sense of urgency to do RFP now.
Mr. Cahoon noted that we pay 100% more for legal than other districts; he wants answer now.
Mr. Oliver said “you serve the public.”
Mr. Tsonos – we are only ones who can make a decision on hiring a lawyer
Mr. Oliver – his question was RFP and who and how does this happen; Mr. Tsonos did not answer him
Mr. Tsonos stated that when a potential item being voted on; he will not put in an email; this might have been voted on; he does not know what others would do.
Mr. Monteiro noted the item was for discussion of second most important item in School Department.
Announcements –
Izilda Teves – Hennessey Playground 9/10 build need 150 volunteers
EP Arts Community 8/20/16
Special School Committee Meetings: August 16, 2016 at 6:30PM – Room 306 – RI Interlocal Trust Presentation on Workers’ Compensation Program and August 23, 2016 at 7:00PM – Council Chamber – Budget Workshop #1
Motion to adjourn by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia A. Iannelli, Administrative Assistant
Nathan Cahoon, Clerk of the Committee