Video of this meeting is not available.
EAST PROVIDENCE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
East Providence School Committee
East Providence City Hall - Room 306
145 Taunton Avenue
East Providence, Rhode Island 02914
November 3, 2016
Open Session
Mr. Tsonos, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Members present: Jessica Beauchaine, Nathan Cahoon, Anthony Ferreira, Joel Monteiro, Charles Tsonos. Also Present: Kathryn Crowley, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Celeste Bowler, Assistant Superintendent, Robert Silva Esq. and Andrew Thomas, Esq.
Motion made by Mr. Cahoon that the Committee convene in Executive Session for purposes of discussing: Personnel – R.I. Gen. Laws §42-46-5(a) (1) Superintendent’s Evaluation; Collective Bargaining RI Gen Laws 42-46-5 (a) (2); Litigation/Pending Litigation RI Gen. Laws 42-46-5 (a) (2); seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0.
The School Committee returned to Public Session; motion by Mr. Cahoon to move to public session and to seal the minutes of the Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Report Executive Session Votes – None Taken
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Moment of Silence were observed.
Motion to Set a Curfew for School Committee Meetings – Motion by Mr. Cahoon to set curfew of 10:30PM, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Presentation - 2016 NECAP Science Report – Rebekah Gendron, Director of Instructional Technology presented PowerPoint presentation; this is the last year test will be given.
Discussion:
Mr. Cahoon asked if a big difference in classes? Requested data on how many students took the test year to year.
Kathryn Crowley noted that starting this summer, Principal Teresa Medeiros, will spearhead the NGSS for our district; we will be doing hands-on science at elementary and middle level; our high school is extremely limited with only one lab.
Mr. Cahoon –shows that kids in better socioeconomic situations, do better; he does not put a lot of emphasis on these scores.
Kathryn Crowley – students are where they are; Pre-K program is emphasizing reading which has a direct correlation with science and math; lots of emphasis on K-1 right now.
Consent Agenda – 6 Items -Communications, Correspondence, Field Trip Request, Home School Requests, Requisitions- Bill List, and Approval of Minutes for School Committee meeting held on 10/11/16 and Facilities Sub-Committee Meeting held on 10/12/16
Mr. Monteiro – noted Warrant #2681 – billing of $10,200 for legal; he had questions on that billing.
Mr. Cahoon – motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 1,2,3,4 and 6, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Item I5 –Bill Lists - received information today; Mr. Monteiro was good with all of Warrant #1681 except Silva/Thomas invoices.
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve Warrant 1676, 1677, 1669, 1680 and 1682 in full, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Mr. Monteiro – at the last meeting, we had questions on services rendered; like SMMA (architects) we look at invoices to see what we are paying and we had a discussion about the process; on a lot of things we were wondering why necessary services occurred; questions: is information of a public nature; how are we utilizing services, hours used on firm itself with issues to be presented to the collective body; we paid for one person to get information and then all to get it at the next meeting; why are we doing that if no value; he raised this question before; telephone conference with any individual on an issue not pressing, why is it needed if information is to be shared with School Committee at meeting; is that good use of funds?? On a hearing listed on the billing; one lawyer presented, we paid for two – why?
Mr. Silva said he had no idea because he did not have the bills with him; asked to have questions in writing for his billing clerk and he would explain about documented work.
Mr. Monteiro asked why would our attorney speak to an individual School Committee member when information is be shared with the whole School Committee at a meeting; (flat rate at meeting); if pressing issue, Chair would be notified to reach out to rest of School Committee; there were no pressing issues that he was aware of; multiple hours listed on items; does not see how billable at $10,200.
(10/19/16 $2780 and 9/13/16 $7420).
Mr. Ferreira – regarding charges on the bill for legal work related to Hennessey roof; he needed to know how far he could get involved with the roof company and calling Firestone; he did not want to make calls without doing that and the answer allowed him to do battle over a four year old roof problem.
Mr. Monteiro – The School Committee knew Mr. Ferreira was working on roof issues with Mr. Feola; as a body working with legal that is OK, but on 9/1/ 16 bill, 2 ½ hours billed for discussions with Mr. Tsonos on roof issues; the School Committee should receive that information at a next meeting; involvement by Mr. Ferreira makes sense about being on roof and the interaction logical, but regarding additional phone conversation with the Chair, nothing being resolved in that phone conversation; unless acting on School Committee vote; anything else is just chatter.
Ms. Beauchaine said she emailed legal about executive session and maybe not following law on a 3-2 vote; she was not comfortable talking about that and 2 ½ hours about other items.
Mr. Monteiro – trying to be responsible with funds we have today before we cut checks;
Mr. Tsonos – School Committee attorneys are not always in communication with someone in administration; he feels that since they are our legal reps, he needs to keep them in the loop and he feels they need to be made aware of things.
Mr. Monteiro – bang the drum about tax dollars, unless it’s someone we like; he is asking the purpose of billing certain items; no different than when we questioned the architects, SMMA; if excess in line item, we should ask why are we doing it; this billing has some questionable items like reviewing agendas and two attorneys at a hearing??
Mr. Ferreira said he will call them any time as an elected official.
Mr. Monteiro – don’t go on a rant about two plumbers then, with two attorneys.
Mr. Ferreira – said he did not know that one does not have a license; he asked to defer this discussion to executive session.
Motion by Mr. Ferreira to hold payment and have an executive session.
Mr. Monteiro – these are questions about how we operate, which is an appropriate way to deal with tax payer items; talking about process, not cases.
Ms. Beauchaine – process of who we choose for what cases; why one or the other and one for special education?
Mr. Monteiro – under the bill list on the agenda; we have picked out other bills; this one touches a button; two invoices totaling $10,000 pulled out; he requested that we table this and ask questions on invoices; he will lay it out; does not want to pay for research on bills; he will send them questions and get explanations and not get billed for it.
Mr. Tsonos – legal issues for a while; too many lawyers;
Mr. Monteiro – we tabled an RFP for legal services; vote was 3-2 to do nothing
Mr. Cahoon – agrees with a lot of the points made by Mr. Monteiro; when we pick up the phone they talk to us; what we need is how to ask those questions that makes economic sense; he worked with legal on Bayside project.
Mr. Monteiro noted there was one question on that invoice of 2.8 hours to review email; he never got a response; there was a conference with Mr. Tsonos and Mr. Chapman, but no response to him; two hours of non-productive work.
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to pay every item on Warrant #1681 except 2 vendors: (002413) Brennan Recupero and (003408) Silva, Thomas, Martland, (approved all others on list), seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Mr. Ferreira noted that when we asked SMMA to come back to answer questions, they came back to get paid; we told SMMA then what questions were.
Mr. Monteiro– on these two invoices, he will email Silva Law Group and School Committee regarding his questions; they can come back and respond at the next meeting.
Mr. Cahoon – motion on floor to pay everything on list less those two vendors, motion made and seconded; Roll Call vote: Ms. Beauchaine, aye; Mr. Cahoon, aye; Mr. Ferreira, nay; Mr. Monteiro, aye; Mr. Tsonos, nay. Vote 3-2
Ms. Beauchaine requested to meet as soon as possible to review questions/answers and plan?
Mr. Monteiro will send out questions; all agreed to meet as soon as possible.
PTO/PTA Report - None
Public Comment I – Agenda Items - None
Superintendent’s Report – Kathryn Crowley reported that the Girls’ Tennis Team had won the State Championship and will come to the December meeting for recognition for this accomplishment.
Townie Pride Parade on October 28th; a great time was had by all.
PSAT – Principal Wallace advised that all Sophmores and Juniors were tested (only 3 students did not take part); very successful and we should hear in about 3 weeks.
Request to Form a Building Committee and Chairperson
Kathryn Crowley reported that many districts are contesting the RIDE report on condition of facilities because they felt the report was not accurate; we are looking at Middle School plumbing listed at $6 million; High School at $3 million, which is absolutely not accurate; the Governor has been involved in this and we have to respond to them; companies will be asked to come back and redo this process; we should go forward with the RFP we were working on which recommended award to a company -SLAM; this recommendation went to the City Council; Mr. Chapman suggested going forward with it, but no vote was taken; Mr. Chapman would now like to expand that RFP to the Middle School.
Superintendent Crowley recommended not using these reports; we have big issues at the high school and should attack the flagship first; we are in danger of closing our high school and the issues there need to be addressed; this is not a fast process; RIDE has requirements (copy to School Committee on those Requirements); Building Committee has to meet in preparation of that RFP; Mr. Chapman at 11/15/16 meeting will recommend to expand RFP, but Superintendent does not think it is wise because we cannot do all in the city all at once; lots of political issues will cloud the high school, nor will we get money to do all; Middle School is 31 years old and we have done some updating there; also work has been done at Riverside Middle School. Kathryn Crowley proposed forming a Building Committee for a new high school; a narrow focus is needed; we should attend City Council Meeting and make this known at that meeting; if we want to expand after RIDE reports come out again, we can, but it may be too much for the city all at once.
Discussion:
Mr. Monteiro agreed that if we start looking at everything, it would be overwhelming; this has happened in the past; the study should be done just for the high school right now.
Superintendent Crowley stated that she is against too big of a project because it will take away the focus; the phases for building public schools are stringent and meetings are long.
Mr. Cahoon - individuals on the Building Committee will be working on getting a school we need, not what the city wants; there is no space in the composition of this to add a middle school and the city should not have any say in that.
Mr. Monteiro – they are paying for the study; leveraging that;
Mr. Cahoon – we do not intend to do a middle school
Mr. Monteiro – then we would have to go out again three to four months down the road;
Kathryn Crowley- they are asking us to pay half if we do the larger scope;
Mr. Cahoon – we do not want a larger school report
Mr. Tsonos – asked about bonding of this project; the School Department cannot bond; we need the city as a partner; General Assembly and Governor have a say in it; we can’t build whatever we want, whenever we want; we need the consensus of as many people as we can get.
Lucy Maddock – the needs are to be determined by the school system.
Kathryn Crowley – not sure where the City Council is on this;
Mr. Monteiro – we collectively need it; we would be kicking this down the road seven months to do three buildings; point can be made to do this and talk about other issues separately.
Kathryn Crowley – we did not know other districts were having a problem with the RIDE report; if our School Committee formulates a building committee to start to look at this formation; we can get the ball rolling; we are looking at one year from now; Phase I, then Phase II big; bonding; City Council Presentation.
Ms. Beauchaine – at Facilities Meeting, discussed how now is the time to be building a high school; we all agreed that high school needs to be looked at and not fixed.
Mr. Tsonos – citizens have to approve; getting a bond is another thing;
Kathryn Crowley– get word out to the community; if we start now, we will be there next year; SLAM report will be much more extensive; all consensus was not to look at anything else; they will provide an intensive study; Building Committee will provide reports to the School Committee monthly.
Mr. Monteiro – point of feasibility study is to get the study number to come back so we can discuss that we are beyond repairing or refurbishing.
Discussion:
Mr. Tsonos – we have invited residents to come into our schools
Mr. Feola – we have to look at educational life of the building; one lab; technology; this company has to have educational person on staff to review not just functionality of the building itself.
Mr. Monteiro proposed that Mr. Cahoon Chair that Building Committee;
Mr. Tsonos– clock ticking; RIDE oversees time frame??
Kathryn Crowley – after SLAM report is sent to Mr. DaSilva at RIDE, we form a committee; we could become familiar with the RIDE report; do a lot of ground work now, so when it comes in; Mr. DaSilva can come to talk with us.
Mr. Monteiro – fill positions now on Building Committee and get familiar in order to hit ground running when SLAMM report comes in.
Kathryn Crowley – have to align to legislative session; once you go forward, have to get time lines and may have to change if we can’t meet them; lot of work and a long process; look at MA which has four models of school plans which can be modified; we could get 57-58% plus for energy reimbursement; we also have to think about keeping kids in high school or demolishing it.
Mr. Ferreira said this is the biggest decision the School Committee will make; on the Martin report, even if is 70% off; still at $15-18 million needed; still 8-10 years cost of maintaining those items; if private developer looked at whole thing; he has issues not looking just at two buildings; every building needs major repairs; public should need to know where educational system stands; where do we come up with a million dollars every year; $12.5 million at Martin and when does that get addressed.
Mr. Monteiro – we need to go after one and it should be the high school; others in capital improvement budget with reimbursement funneling back in; most realistic, disciplined and diligent in our schools; tackle this now; worry if school can open in September; his concern 2-3 buildings on a bond; step up with a budget; continue on as we have committed with capital. The community needs to be aware of the process.
Mr. Ferreira – should have a goal at certain point; we owe our kids; stay focused on high school and work our way backwards; he would rather know what needed in future; cannot keep going pushing it down the road.
Kathryn Crowley – we will not ignore Martin Middle School.
Mr. Cahoon– we will start reviewing Hennessey and Waddington schools.
Director of Finance Report – Lucy Maddock presented a report on 2016 fiscal year-end figures; reported projected year end (as of November 3, 2016) at $77,078,852.03; bills still coming in which need to be settled; projection is that we will be skating in flat.
Mr. Cahoon requested that the School Committee be apprised at the January meeting regarding the plan for middle school technology and solutions to some of the challenges involved in running that program.
Mr. Monteiro– need to include Kelly Ahrens on the technology challenges that may exist; where are we up and running and where not and the plan going forward.
Superintendent Crowley stated that we have noted some issues and will discuss at January meeting; planning for Gifted and Talented Program to be on agenda for December.
Lucy Maddock reported that training is in process for the new Tyler accounting system; purchase requisitions will be available on line, along with budgets and eventually payroll transactions and all student activities accounts are now under a new IRS number; through Webster Bank, principals will be given debit cards and be able to scan in deposits to these accounts, including athletic accounts.
Committee Reports
Facilities Sub-Committee Meeting 10/12/16 – Mr. Cahoon, Chair of Facilities Sub Committee reported that discussion took place regarding trying to build a new High School and a decision was made to review the RIDE report, concentrating on Hennessey and Waddington Schools, line by line in order to prioritize those items.
Director of Facilities Report – Anthony Feola provided an update of Facilities Projects:
§ Riverside Middle School and Whiteknact Elementary – engineering and architectural work started for fire suppression systems; RFP will go out late November, early December.
§ Hennessey Roof – architects working with manufacturer; Paolo Roofing brought in by company to find a solution; just received architect’s report; need to replace pieces all around sides:
§ $34, 000 to do half; 750 feet; need to start as soon as possible due to change in weather conditions
Mr. Ferreira said he was very pleased with three meetings with architects; who provided good solutions; Questions on the fact that it does not extend warranty? Need to get that information as soon as possible.
Kathryn Crowley – recommended that all the work should be done instead of just half; need to do it all at $62,000.
Motion by Mr. Ferreira to authorize the Superintendent to do all of the work; this is a life safety issue and we need to move forward with roof repairs, seconded by Mr. Cahoon. Vote 5-0.
§ Martin Middle School – windows being purchased, architect working on drawings;
Mr. Tsonos asked about the door project and the fact that a discussion took place about a sense of urgency with the manufacturer and getting legal involved. Mr. Feola said he has been in contact with the door company who will be sending correspondence; he asked to push off until we have all letters/correspondence in hand; School Committee can be apprised as to what the solutions are, decide if they like the answers provided by the door company, and then make a decision on direction they want to go in.
Motion by Mr. Ferreira to make a decision by a February 1st deadline on need to involve legal in problems with door project, seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0.
Director of Human Resources - Personnel Report
Personnel Appointments:
Vote to Approve Appointment of Title I Technology Interventionist-Elementary Effective 11/7/16 (Grant Funded) Tracy Mollack Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Vote to Approve Portuguese Teacher – Riverside Middle School-Effective 11/7/16 – Liana Viveiros
Vote to Approve Special Education Teacher – Riverside Middle School – Effective 10/27/16 – Danielle Simpson
Vote to Approve Numeracy Coach – Martin Middle School – Effective 10/24/16 – Donna Dugan
Vote to Approve Special Education Teacher – One Year - Silver Spring – Effective 9/20/16 – One Year Elaine Hunt
Vote to Approve Supervisory Aide – Whiteknact – Effective 10/12/16 – Raquel Resendes
Vote to Approve Supervisory Aide – Silver Spring – Effective 10/25/16 Nicole Reis
Vote to Approve Guidance Coordinator – Riverside Middle School – Effective 9/26/16 Elizabeth Pacheco
Vote to Approve Guidance Counselor – Riverside Middle School – Effective 10/24/16 Colleen Murphy
Vote Approve Head Coach Girls’ Indoor Track – High School – Effective 2016-17 School Year Michael Almeida
Vote to Approve Baseball Coach - Riverside Middle School – Effective 2016-17 School Year Brian Petsch
Vote to Approve Boys’ JV Indoor Track Coach – High School – Effective 2016-17 School Year Patricia Piros
Vote to Approve Detention Supervisor – Martin Middle School – Effective 2016-17 School Year Mia Millea
Vote to Approve Young Democrats Advisor – High School – Effective 2016-17 School Year John Turbitt
Vote to Approve CNA Evening Clinical Instructor – CTC – Effective 10/31/16 Noreen McVay
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve above 14 appointments, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Resignations – (7)
Maryanne Peck – Detention Supervisor – Martin MS – Effective Immediately
Laurence Birmingham – Special Education Teacher – Riverside MS – Effective 10/27/16
Michael Almeida- Boys’ Assistant Indoor Track Coach – High School
John Macomber – Newspaper Advisor – Riverside MS – Effective Immediately
Thomas Allden – Carpentry Teacher – CTC – Effective 10/17/16
Gillian Buckler – English Teacher – High School – Effective 10/22/16
Deborah November – Speech Pathologist – Early Learning Program at Waddington – Effective 11/4/16
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Termination (1) Courtney Teixeira-Para Professional - Hennessey
Motion to approve by Mr. Cahoon, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
Action Items:
1) Vote to Approve CVS/URI College of Pharmacy Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Program at EP High School – Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve, seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0.
2) Vote to Approve Second Passage of Amended Policy III.A. Line Staff Operation and Update of Organization Chart – – Motion by Mr. Cahoon to approve, seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0.
3) Vote to Form a High School Building Committee and Chairperson – Motion by Mr. Monteiro to appoint Mr. Nathan Cahoon, Chair and formation of Building Committee, seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0. Superintendent Crowley commented that this is a great step for East Providence; positive for all.
4) Awarding of Bids:
§ Cafeteria Tables – Motion to award bid by Mr. Cahoon to School Specialties in the amount of $73,246.40, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
§ Dump Truck w/Snow Plow & Material Spreader – Motion to award the bid by Mr. Cahoon to MHQ in the amount of $78,168.00, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0.
§ Snow Blower – Motion to award the bid by Ms. Beauchaine to Columbus Fan & Machine Corp in the amount of $14,226.00, seconded by Mr. Ferreira after discussion regarding: KC – had conference with fire Chief; JM noted daily operations with gas not realistic; KC – custodians will bring gas tanks with them; may be able to store at some schools; custodians in agreement; are we purchasing without plan; Feola – questions about filling tanks or not; until we can look at storage ; KC – proactive WD in lower cost; AF – if we find gas in school snow blowers, what happens
Kathryn Crowley stated there would be a severe penalty if that happened; it is a health and safety issue; Mr. Ferreira – sign a paper regarding penalties.
§ Motion by Mr. Monteiro to award the bid, seconded by Mr. Ferreira. Discussion: union president should sign about this and provide it to us before snow blowers are on site: no gas on site; they will have to drain tanks; Mr. Ferreira suggested that it would be simple for our mechanic to put a separate tank on to create a drain system; Vote 5-0.
§ Box Truck – Motion by Mr. Cahoon to award to Anderson Motors in the amount of $38,894.00, seconded by Mr. Monteiro. Vote 5-0
Public Comment II – Non Agenda Items - None
Announcements – Facilities Sub-Committee Meeting on November 14, 2016 at 6:30PM.
Motion by Mr. Cahoon to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Beauchaine. Vote 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia A. Iannelli, Administrative Assistant
Nathan Cahoon, Clerk of the Committee