MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MIDDLETOWN, RHODE ISLAND
November 16, 2023
Members Present: Theresa Spengler, Chair
Tami Holden, Vice-Chair
Greg Huet
Wendy Heaney
Also Present: Georgia Fortunato, Interim Superintendent of Schools
Lori Miller, Interim Business Manager
Lisa Birkett, Director of Student Services
David Annese, Director of Technology
Poe George, Director of Facilities, Transportation & Safety
The Middletown School Committee Meeting was called to order at 3:32 p.m. by Chair Theresa Spengler.
MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet. To go into Executive Session to:
· Receive legal advice on Superintendent search
· Receive legal advice on termination of employment relationship with a custodian and potential litigation 42-45-5(a)(2)
· Receive legal advice on Council 94 contract
Chair, Theresa Spengler, Vice-Chair, Tami Holden, Wendy Heaney and Greg Huet all voted in favor.
MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet. To reconvene into Open Session at 4:42 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. A moment of silence was observed for Rita Wood and Madeline Holbrook, retired teachers who recently passed.
Administrative staff members present were William Niemeyer and Erica Bulk.
There were no requests to speak during the Public Forum.
· Student of the Week
A brief recess was taken at 4:53 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 4:55 p.m.
MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the Consent Agenda. Unanimous vote.
| Middletown Public Schools | |||
| Vouchers | |||
| 10/12/23 – 11/14/23 | |||
| Vouchers | Date | Total | |
| 1074 | 10/25/2023 | $858.00 | FY24 |
| 1075 | 11/1/2023 | $673,594.29 | FY24 |
| $674,452.99 | |||
· Approval of October 19, 2023, Executive Session, Community Forum, and School Committee Meeting Minutes
·
· Principal Feedback on Student Cell Phones was requested by School Committee member Greg Huet.
Mr. Huet expressed concern that current policies are not enforceable, and are not addressing keeping students safe, and minimizing disruptions. He would like to see bullying, inappropriate photography, and drug deals addressed.
There are exceptions in the policy where cell phones may be used for instruction, and he has requested to see a lesson plan that includes the use of cell phones.
Mr. Huet would like the police and fire department to address parent concerns about the availability of cell phones during school emergencies.
Ms. Fortunato suggested the Policy Committee create a sub-committee to address this issue and invite representatives from all stakeholder groups to participate.
Chair Spengler agreed with Ms. Fortunato and stated the sub-committee could follow the same format the Substance Abuse Policy sub-committee used.
Ms. Fortunato will schedule the sub-committee meetings and solicit volunteers from stakeholder groups to take part.
· Appointment of a Student Representative to the School Committee was recommended by Principal Donna Sweet. All members were in favor.
Ms. Fortunato recommended having the same student act as a representative for the entire academic year.
Mr. O’Connell suggested having students serve for three-month terms.
· Discussion regarding need for additional, unbudgeted preschool classroom (half-time)
Ms. Fortunato stated the preschool numbers have increased significantly and there is a need to add a morning session beginning in January 2024.
Mrs. Heaney asked how preschool students were brought to the district’s attention.
Ms. Fortunato responded that the district is required to service any preschool child with an IEP that has been referred through screening by a pediatrician, outside agency, hospital, etc. Once a child turns three the child must begin preschool, regards of that date.
Mrs. Miller said the district will find funding for this teacher.
Principal Erica Bulk spoke about a future RIDE initiative that will include strict preschool curriculum guidelines starting in June 2025.
Chair Spengler said she believes public pre-K will be a requirement for all districts in the not so near future. Funding will be present at first, but will be stripped in time, as it was with full-day kindergarten. The Building Committee is making accommodations based on the future RIDE initiative Mrs. Bulk mentioned.
Mrs. Bulk suggested she and Mrs. Birkett and Mrs. Hancur develop a presentation for the School Committee on upcoming pre-K RIDE initiatives.
· 2024 School Committee Meeting Calendar draft was presented and modified for approval.
HOME SCHOOLING
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve Home Schooling Request 23-24-33. Unanimous vote.
ATTENDANCE AND STUDENT SUCCESS COORDINATOR JOB DESCRIPTION –2nd READING
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the Attendance and Student Success Coordinator job description– 2nd Reading. Unanimous vote.
SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR JOB DESCRIPTION
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the School Business Administrator job description. Unanimous vote.
MAINTENANCE AND GROUNDS SUPERVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the Maintenance and Grounds Supervisor job description. Unanimous vote.
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the updated Standing Orders. Unanimous vote.
UNBUDGETED FY24 PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM (HALF-TIME)
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the addition of an unbudgeted preschool classroom (half-time) for FY24. Unanimous vote.
RESOLUTION FOR BILL APPROVAL
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the Resolution for Bill Approval. Unanimous vote.
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the recommended FY23 Budget Adjustments. Unanimous vote.
EXECUTIVE SEARCH FOR SUPERINTENDENT
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee immediately approve to secure RFP’s for executive search for Superintendent’s position. Unanimous vote.
TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee terminate the employment relationship with a custodian. Unanimous vote.
DECEMBER 2023 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING DATE
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve changing the December 2023 School Committee Meeting date from the 21st to the 14th. Unanimous vote.
2024 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the 2024 School Committee Meeting Calendar as amended with the February meeting moved to Tuesday, February 13th. Unanimous vote.
RESIGNATIONS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the following resignations:
Unanimous vote.
· Kelly McCoy, .8 6 Hour Teacher Assistant, AQE, effective 10/28/23
· Sarah Tarducci, 4 Hour Teacher Assistant, FA, effective 11/21/23
· Personnel
o Report on recent personnel actions by the Superintendent
HIRE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 16, 2023
Alexandra Mignanelli, Sophomore Class Advisor, MHS
HIRE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 23, 2023
Kelly Brennan, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, GLA
Robyn Borges, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, GLA
Jennifer Cavallaro, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, GLA
Aleah Meyer, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, GLA
Laurie Oliveira, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, GLA
Carli Rodriques-Baptista, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, GLA
Skylar Sosa, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, GLA
Jessica Tucker, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, GLA
Abigail Williamson, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, GLA
Kristen Pacheco, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Keri Walsh, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Stephanie Sims, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Susan Leys, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Jane Violet, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Angela Kelley, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Richard Taylor, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Trina Bona, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Kim Saputo, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
HIRE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 2, 2023
Rebecca Silveira, Beyond the Bell Coordinator, FA
HIRE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 3, 2023
Marissa Conley, Child Outreach Screener, Student Services
HIRE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 6, 2023
Lori Hanlon, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Caroline Corr, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Sophia Perrotti, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Casey Wright, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
HIRE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 9, 2023
Joshua Beagan, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
Julia Rinaldi-Young, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, JHG
HIRE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Maylee Boyle, Long-Term Substitute Data Support TA, MHS
Pamela Souza, Long-Term Substitute Data Support TA, MHS
HIRE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 15, 2023
Juliana Holmes, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, FA
Elizabeth Clark, Beyond the Bell Teacher K – 8, FA
HIRE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 27, 2023
Kevin Lundrum, Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach, MHS
Raleigh Brennan, Boys’ JV Basketball Coach, MHS
Rebecca Duggan, Varsity Swimming Coach, MHS
Shannon Ferrell, Varsity Swimming Coach, MHS
Johnny Shiel, Varsity Coop Ice Hockey Coach, MHS
Jason Rushton, Varsity Wrestling Coach, MHS
Owen Keenan, Girls’ Varsity Basketball Coach, MHS
HIRE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 27, 2023
Randy Butler, Boys’ Basketball Coach, JHG
Eric Kirton, Girls’ Basketball Coach, JHG
· Enrollment Report
o AQE 304, FA 314, GLA 281, JHG 454, MHS 560, Outplaced 148,
o Home School 82, Total: 2,146
o
· Financial
o Reconfiguration of Finance Department should take place July 1, 2024, in conjunction with the appointment of a new Superintendent
o Audit will be completed by the end of 2023
o FY 2025 Budget has begun; staffing will be included this year
o There are changes still to be made in the Business Office that will be brought to the School Committee for approval in the near future
· Curriculum
· Student Services
o Searching for a Speech and Language Pathologist as well as Teacher Assistants
o Looking to build capacity within the district by training teachers to become Wilson certified tutors
o Started Medicaid training on November 7th with case managers which should result in additional district revenue
· Technology
Mr. Huet inquired about the current status of the copier lease.
Mrs. Miller stated that the contracts could not get past Legal. Another purchasing cooperative has been identified. Legal is reviewing the contract and believes it will be approved. In the meantime, if it is necessary to go back out to bid, RICOH has agreed to a short-term lease on copiers for the elementary schools. Copiers should be in the schools by next week. Once there is a signed contract the district will be good for five years.
· Facilities
o MHS was evacuated 11/16 due to natural gas tanks that were filtering air out and back in through exterior vents
o PGA is interested in renting out Gaudet parking lot for Senior PGA
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
· Middletown Prevention Coalition had over 1,000 attend Family Day
MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet. To adjourn from School Committee Meeting at 5:50 p.m. Unanimous vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Theresa Spangler, Chair