MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MIDDLETOWN, RHODE ISLAND
December 12, 2023
Members Present: Theresa Spengler, Chair
Tami Holden, Vice-Chair
William O’Connell
Greg Huet
Also Present: Georgia Fortunato, Interim Superintendent of Schools
Michelle Fonseca, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Lisa Birkett, Director of Student Services
David Annese, Director of Technology
The Middletown School Committee Meeting was called to order at 4:04 p.m. by Chair Theresa Spengler.
MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet. To go into Executive Session to:
· Receive legal advice on NESDEC contract.
· Receive legal advice pertaining to paraprofessionals’ collective bargaining (RI Gen. Laws 42-46-5(a)(2)).
Chair, Theresa Spengler, Vice-Chair, Tami Holden, William O’Connell, and Greg Huet all voted in favor.
MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet. To reconvene into Open Session at 4:37 p.m. Unanimous vote.
Chair Spengler announced that NO VOTE was taken in Executive Session.
MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet. To seal the minutes of Executive Session. Unanimous vote.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Administrative staff members present were Donna Sweet, Jon Devolve, William Niemeyer, Kaitlin Gibbins, Erica Bulk, and Rebecca Silveira.
There were no requests to speak during the Public Forum.
· Middletown High School Football Team – Section III State Champions
· Matt Kestler, Section III Coach of the Year
· Griffin Kleinknecht, Section III Lineman of the Year
A brief recess was taken at 4:47 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 4:49 p.m.
· RICAS Test Scores Presentation was given by Assistant Superintendent Michelle Fonseca who spoke about the 2023 results of these tests and the other state assessments.
Ø Proficiency is a destination; growth is a journey. Measuring a student’s growth is an important measure of their success.
Ø 39.7 of MPS students were proficient (met or exceeded expectations) in RICAS ELA, up 1.3% from 2022
Ø 29.5% of MPS students were proficient (met or exceeded expectations) in RICAS Math, with a .2 decrease from 2022
Ø 36.2% of MPS students were proficient (met or exceeded expectations) in NGSA, with a 4% decrease from 2022 – the district will be adopting a new Science curriculum in FY2026
Ø ACCESS test scores for ELL students showed that we have 16.8% students at Entering level 1, 17.3% at Entering level 2, 32.1% at Developing level 3, 21.9% at Expanding level 4, 5.1% at Bridging level 5 and .5% at Reaching level 6.
Ø Top three languages are Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic representing 18 countries
Ø Test scores have returned to what they were pre-COVID
Mrs. Birkett presented the DLM scores.
Ø Only 1% of the Special Education population is eligible for this alternate assessment – severe cognitive, hearing, visual disabilities
Ø ELA scores went from 38.9% of students in 2022 to 53.3% of students in 2023 that were at target and advanced
Ø Math scores went from 38.9% of students in 2022 to 50% of students in 2023 that were at target and advanced
Mrs. Fonseca then spoke about Professional Development taking place to assist with intervention across the district.
Ø 96% of teachers K-12 have had the required training on structured literacy practices
Ø High Quality Tier One Curriculum Materials were implemented in all K – 12 ELA classrooms as of FY23 and Math classrooms as of FY24
Ø K-5 Reading Coach has been hired as part of a 5-year literacy grant
Ø District training is taking place in Tier 2 & 3 ELA intervention practices
Ø Extensive PD has been offered in literacy and new Language Arts curriculum materials
Ø Beyond the Bell Program ELA and Math intervention offered in all schools 2x/week and 4 weeks/summer
Ø Focused PD in Mathematics K – 12 began in August 2023
Ø
Mrs. Fonseca finished with an analysis of district SAT and PSAT scores.
Ø 65% of MPS students prepared for college literacy based on SAT ELA scores, up 5.4% from 2022
Ø 31.5% of MPS students prepared for college math based on SAT Math scores, down 1.1% from 2022
Ø 55.1% of MPS students prepared for college literacy based on PSAT scores, down 19.9% from 2022
Ø 32.7% MPS students prepared for college math based on PSAT scores, down 1.1% from 2022
Ø Both SAT and PSAT scores were aligned with state averages
Ø 36.2% of MPS students were proficient
Ø
Chair Spengler reiterated that there were 177 ELL students last year and 25 graduated. There is a real need, and this illustrates it for the public and Town Council.
Vice Chair Holden and Chair Spengler requested that the presentation be shared with the Town Council. Mrs. Fonseca stated it will be posted to the MPS website and will also be emailed to the Town Council.
Chair Spengler asked that Mrs. Birkett add a slide identifying the criteria for students who take the DLM.
Principal Donna Sweet of Middletown High School spoke on a variety of topics including student representation on the School Committee, RIDE graduation requirements for the Class of 2028, recent professional development activities at the high school, and Guided Pathways and CTE.
Mrs. Sweet suggested the student representative on the School Committee serve for a period of one (1) year from second semester junior year to second semester senior year.
The School Committee would be involved in the interview process.
The student would attend all meetings except for those outside of the school year, and present a monthly highlight of school activities, student concerns, and issues.
This student could combine their role as a representative with:
Ø AP government or AP US history
Ø Community service requirement
Ø Student government
Ø Pathway endorsement
Ø Senior project
Ø Work-based learning opportunity
to complete a Student Civic Engagement Pathway.
Chair Spengler asked that all interested candidates attend a School Committee meeting prior to applying to ensure this is something that appeals to them.
Principal Sweet briefly touched on how the high school has been building the infrastructure needed to meet RIDE 2028 graduation requirements including:
Ø Financial literacy proficiency
Ø Civics proficiency
Ø World Language & Algebra 1 offerings at the 8th grade level
Ø Algebra 2 offerings for college bound students
Ø World Language offerings for college-bound students
Ø Computer literacy proficiency
Mrs. Sweet then provided an overview of professional development at the high school to date:
Ø RIDE visit December 13, 2023
Ø Review of graduation regulations – 2028
Ø Program of Studies (review/reformatting with website)
Ø Pathways defined
Ø Determining differences between Pathways and CTE Programs (Academies)
Ø Program expansion potential
Ø School visits – NKHS, WHS, PHS
Ø Schedule format
Ø RIC credit granting courses
Ø Continued curriculum work by cohorts
Principal Sweet then spoke about Pathways and CTE Programs.
Pathways are courses currently available at the high school coupled with Work-Based Learning and a Capstone Project Senior Year and are endorsements on a student’s diploma. This provides the student with experiential learning in the community and allows students to explore what it is they want to do post high school while building relationships with local businesses
They do not need RIDE approval.
Seven Domains Identified by RIDE:
Ø Arts and Humanities
Ø Business, Economics, and Data Analytics
Ø Education, Government, and Human Services
Ø Communications, media, and Film
Ø Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Ø Environment and Sustainability
Ø Health and Health Administration
Pathway Example: Arts and Humanities
Ø Academic Study – 1 or more courses must be advanced or experiential, 2 or 3 must be outside grad requirement
Ø Work-based Learning
Ø Diploma Assessment (Capstone Exhibition and Portfolio
Student Pathway Example: Arts and Humanities
Ø Courses taken: Band, Digital Photo, Visual Design, Manufacturing
Ø Senior Schedule: AP Studio Art (Student establishes a website and photography business)
Ø Needs: Senior project in Art
CTE Academies are a new twist on an old favorite.
Current Configuration: Biomedical, Computer Science, and Pre-Engineering
Naming Reconfiguration allows for more flexibility:
Ø Biomedical Pathway = Health Careers Academy
Ø Pre-Engineering Pathway = Manufacturing Academy
Ø Computing Science Pathway = Information Technology Academy
Health Careers Academy
Ø Biomedical – exists
Ø CNA – one course addition
Ø Pharm Tech/EMT
o Follows Biomedical first two course sequence
o Self-funded credentialing through Perkins money
o Outreach to CVS to assist with materials
o Work-based learning in Middletown community
o Goal is for Class of 2026
Ø Personal Fitness
o Follows Biomedical first two course sequence
o Self-funded credentialing through Perkins money
o Goal is for Class of 2025
Health Careers Academy Immediate Needs
Ø Immediate expansion opportunities
Ø Build a hospital style lab in room at MHS (pending – currently working with Facilities and using grants)
Ø Zero cost to MPS (grant funded)
Ø Defined students would have options after second course sequence or “double major”
Ø Schedule reconfiguration to allow Work-based Learning (in process)
Ø .2 Teacher of record for CAN class
o Currently 88 students interested in CNA certification
o Working to hire a CNA instructor for 2024-2025
Ø .4 CTE Director across three Academies (data, budgeting, state meetings, credentialing, and program growth)
Manufacturing Academy
Ø Pre-Engineering – PLTW – course description & sequence review (in progress)
Ø Fine Arts
Ø Screen Printing - under review, grant-funded, additional two courses
Ø Other Potentials
o Advanced Manufacturing – CCRI
o Construction
o Marine
Computer Science Academy
Ø Computer Science – four course sequence - PLTW, CS4RI sequence – URI
Ø Future Potentials
Ø Cybersecurity
Ø Robotics
Mrs. Sweet emphasized the need to view these Academies as umbrellas which would eliminate the need for a fourth Pathway. It is difficult to find teachers who are certified in a CTE area, and you cannot be certain you will have the students necessary to fill the program.
The staff at the high school is open to arranging student schedules to allow for work-based learning opportunities in the community.
Mrs. Fonseca stated that RIDE would endorse Academies, and the subsequent programs under them, such as Cybersecurity and Robotics based on conversations Mrs. Sweet has had with them.
Chair Spengler suggested that this be sold correctly to the community because the term “CTE” has been engrained into everyone.
Chair Spengler asked what opportunities would be available to a Pharm Tech student upon completion of the program.
Chair Spengler asked that Mrs. Sweet come up with price tags for everything. The Town Council has been asking what the plan for the next CTE is at the high school.
Mrs. Sweet sees the fourth CTE falling under Fine Arts. There is a teacher who has already taught this CTE, and a screen-printing business could be established at the high school. All the Art the courses are currently fully enrolled. There are vinyl cutters and embroidery machines in the building, as well.
The high school has to restructure what we have and repackage what we have in our current Pathways and CTE programs to scaffold and build something one layer at a time so we can get to that fourth CTE.
Chair Spengler asked Mrs. Sweet and her team to create a simplified outline that describes the RIDE application process and their expectations for a CTE. People want to know how that space is going to be used in the new high school that has been allotted for the fourth CTE. The outline would be presented along with other key points at the Town Council pre-budget hearing on January 16th.
Mr. Devolve shared a Z Space machine with the School Committee and explained its use across the curriculum. It allows students to virtually interact with subject matter and manipulate models in 3-d.
A brief recess was taken at 6:43 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 6:53 p.m.
MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the Consent Agenda. Unanimous vote.
| Middletown Public Schools | |||
| Vouchers | |||
| 11/14/23 – 12/6/23 | |||
| Vouchers | Date | Total | |
| 1094 | 11/17/2023 | $678,100.50 | FY24 |
| $678,100.50 | |||
· Approval of November 16, 2023, Executive Session and School Committee Meeting Minutes
·
· Appointment of Student Representative to School Committee was addressed by Principal Donna Sweet during her presentation under Spotlight on Teaching and Learning
HOME SCHOOLING
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve Home Schooling Request 23-24-34. Unanimous vote.
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the appointment of Councilman Peter Connerton to the School Building Committee. Unanimous vote.
ACCOMODATIONS COORDINATOR GRADES 9 - 12 JOB DESCRIPTION
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the Accommodations Coordinator Grades 9 - 12 Job Description. Unanimous vote.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER JOB DESCRIPTION
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the School Social Worker Job Description. Unanimous vote.
MAINTENANCE TECH MEP JOB DESCRIPTION
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee table the approval of the Maintenance Tech MEP Job Description. Unanimous vote.
MAINTENANCE TECH – GROUNDS JOB DESCRIPTION
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee table the approval of the Maintenance Tech – Grounds Job Description. Unanimous vote.
ADVERTISE FOR SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve to advertise for a School Building Committee Representative. Unanimous vote.
Co-Chair Ed Brady explained the need for one citizen member at this time. If more than one person applies, they may be brought on as an alternate.
TENTATIVE FINAL AGREEMENT FOR PARAPROFESSIONALS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the Final Tentative Agreement for Paraprofessionals. Unanimous vote.
NESDEC BID
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the bid in the amount of $13,760.00 from NESDEC to provide Executive Search Services for Superintendent’s Position. Unanimous vote.
FY24 GENERAL FUND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve FY24 General Fund Budget Adjustments. Unanimous vote.
Ms. Fortunato explained that when the budget was prepared, an estimate for state aid was used. Once state aid was finalized, the district received $47,682 less money and the FY24 All Funds Budget was reduced accordingly by $47,682.
The other adjustments are for budget lines that are currently showing as deficits in purchased services. The majority of the adjustments relate to Special Education. Under the region, there was one number for these charges. Going forward MPS will budget and charge these expenditures to the correct UCOA lines. This adjustment distributes the budget to where the expenses are charged.
SCHOOL AS A TOOL/RI SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS PROTOCOL
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee commit to implementing the School as a Tool/RI Sustainable Schools Protocol pursuant to the RIDE School Construction Program. Unanimous vote.
With this policy in place there is the possibility of 2% – 4% reimbursement.
RI ENERGY MOU FOR LOW ENERGY USE INTENSITY INCENTIVES
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the RI Energy MOU for Low Energy Use Intensity Incentives. Unanimous vote.
RESIGNATIONS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the following resignations:
Unanimous vote.
o Michael Kelly, Long-Term Substitute Music Teacher, JHG & GLA, effective 11/20/23
o Kelley Reilly, School Social Worker, AQE, effective 1/1/2024
o Ray Clancey, 2nd Grade Teacher, FA, effective 12/29/23
· Personnel
Report on recent personnel actions by the Superintendent
HIRE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 22, 2023
Daniel Toner, District-Wide Interim Grounds Keeper Maintenance Technician
HIRE EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 4, 2023
Mary Plunkett , 6 Hour Special Education Teacher Assistant, AQE
HIRE EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 5, 2023
Samantha Judson, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, FA
Sarah Alexander, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, FA
Kyla Vieira, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, FA
HIRE EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 11, 2023
Maggie Luongo, ELL Teacher (one year only, AQE)
Joanna Mankin, National Honor Society Advisor, MHS
· Enrollment Report
o AQE 310, FA 312, GLA 281, JHG 460, MHS 558, CTE – Out 35, CTE – In 11, Outplaced 42, Home School 82, Total: 2,091
· Financial
o Certified staff raises are not reflected in the expense report
o The Town will provide the money for raises via budget adjustment
o The Town will also provide the money for retro payments and current salary adjustments negotiated in the new custodial and paraprofessional contracts once they are approved
o $10,000 in preschool tuitions have been collected and we have almost met the budget for Building Rentals
o State aid and Town appropriation are coming in and grants revenue should show within the next month or two
o Budget Adjustments approved during this meeting will be shown in the next expenditure report and will adjust many of the negative balances
o Over expenditures in salary and benefits are typically covered within each category where some lines show deficits, and some lines show positive variances
o The more volatile lines are in the purchase services section that contain special education, transportation, and utilities
o The impact of new tuitions and services is lessened for this year but will need to be addressed in the FY25 budget
· Curriculum
o Grant-funded Professional Development coursework
o ELL Certification - 7 educators
o ELL Specialized Reading Course – 15 educators
Structure Literacy Course – 2 educators
Right to Read Pathways Course – 6 educators
Pathways to Proficient Writing Course – 9 educators
o Science K – 12 Curriculum- Researching and selection happening FY24 - 25
o District Strategic Plan – provides roadmap for next 5 years – living document
Available on our website
o School Improvement Plans - submitted annually to Superintendent
· Student Services
o Preschool Update
Final interview stages for new PreK Special Education Teacher
Eight peer models have been recruited for the program
Working on vision for FY25 program
o Census report was submitted December 4, 2023
o Teachers who are involved in Wilson Training have chosen practicum students and are on their way to certification
o Reviewing cost analysis of bringing students back to district versus remaining in outplacement services
· Technology
o Coordinator of Student Information & Educational Systems is working to improve accuracy of enrollment report data and CTE reporting
o Revamping district website to improve user experience and navigability
o Configured Z-Space computers for immersive and interactive learning experiences, especially in areas of science, math, and CTE programs
· Facilities
o Working with the Building committee for site borings, blueprint requests, data on repairs, etc.
o Working with architects from the MS/HS on 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for existing district buildings
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee receive the Superintendent’s Reports. Unanimous vote.
· Building Committee
o Building Committee met November 8th and will continue to meet biweekly
o Stage II application must be submitted by February 14, 2024
o Continue to meet with stakeholders to keep design process going
MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet. To adjourn from School Committee Meeting at 7:39 p.m. Unanimous vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Theresa Spangler, Chair