I.          Call to Order:

            Dr. Mega called the April 27, 2010 School Committee Meeting to order at 7:15 PM. 

II.        Delegations (Spotlights):  Michele Humbyrd

            Dr. Stringfellow advised that it was a great honor and privilege to introduce Dr. Michele Humbyrd.  Dr. Stringfellow asked Dr. Humbyrd to come to be recognized for her accomplishment in receiving her doctoral degree from Johnson & Wales University.  Michele has graciously offered to highlight her dissertation this evening (packets were provided to School Committee members).  Dr. Stringfellow commented that it is to the advantage of the students of South Kingstown that our administrators continue to pursue advanced education. 

            Dr. Humbyrd thanked the Committee for the opportunity to share her work; noting that she would highlight a few things.  Dr. Humbyrd advised that her study was a look at the relationship of personality traits in relationship to a team member’s satisfaction with working on a team.  She advised that the study was a mixed methods study using quantitative and qualitative methods; there was a survey methodology and it was followed with open-ended interview.  She noted that she worked with 244 full-time educators who were members of 49 interdisciplinary teams from 7 middle schools across urban and suburban schools in the State of Rhode Island.

Dr. Humbyrd also shared that five personality traits were assessed:  extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, and openness to experience.  The School Committee members were provided with a summary of the methodology, the principal findings, as well as recommendations for higher education/middle school administrators/middle school teachers, and recommendations for future research. 

VI.       Comments from the Community:

            Jane Bouchard asked how many students are currently enrolled in South Kingstown and how many teachers we have.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that 3,600 students are currently enrolled and Christine Heid advised that we currently have about 380 teachers.   Ms. Bouchard asked of any consideration had been given about surveying family who use transportation to see if they are willing to forego transportation and if they are willing to consider a supplemental charge for transportation.  Mrs. Bouchard also asked if consideration has been given to surveying teachers, before closing a school, split the budget reduction total among all the full-time staff. 

Ms. Bouchard stated that she is frustrated that we have run scenarios that affect the children; and that we are overlooking the largest item in the budget. 

            Dr. Stringfellow responded that it would not be appropriate to survey each teacher individually.  She advised that they are having conversations and continue to have conversations with all the bargaining units and that the situation is not being ignored by the teachers or the Committee.  In terms of transportation, Dr. Stringfellow advised that there are rules and regulations and the district cannot defy state law.  It would not be permissible for to ask individuals to transport their children.

            Bob Hackey, parent, asked the Committee if they are willing to ask for more money; and if they would advocate for a referendum for more money.  Mr. Hackey commented that we are gutting the core, noting that these are brutal cuts.  He asked the Committee if they are willing to go to war for the kids as they are the advocates for the quality of education in South Kingstown. 

Dr. Mega responded that they have engaged in that fight at the State level.  Dr. Mega spoke of fighting off a $1.2 million reduction at the local level and engaged in a process that brought funds to open the full-day kindergarten program.  Dr. Mega stated that he would never decline if that is what the community wishes; however, he carries concern that is what they wish. 

            Mr. Hackey stated that this year the budget is inadequate.  He stated that he would like to go down in a blaze of glory fighting for neighborhood schools.  Mr. Hackey stated that this is the time to draw the line and that the Committee needs to fight for us.

            Mr. Mueller stated that we do not have a history that looks much like where we are now.  He shared that what he tries to do is figure out what may be devastating cuts with decisions that need to be made in the next month or so.  Mr. Mueller asked how serious do you cut things before you say to the taxpayers we just cannot cut any more.  His preference is that in the end, we go to the taxpayers when everyone else has already paid and every reasonable cut made. 

Mr. Mueller stated that he would be willing to bet that if there is movement to add money to the budget, there will be more enthusiastic views to cut the budget.  He stated that he wants to be able to say to the taxpayers, everyone else who can contribute already has.  He noted that the taxpayers are already stretched. 

            Sareba Smith complimented the Superintendent for the tremendous amount of work she put forward with the presentation this evening.

            Keith Vorhaben stated that the silence of the teachers’ union is thundering.  He asked if you can take line items out and then put them back.  Dr. Stringfellow responded that typically you can if you are talking about programs.  She stated that in the next seven years, we are looking at cuts; and next year is going to be much more difficult. 

            Bob Trager, parent, stated that he thought the report was very thorough.  He believes that it outlined the reasons why Wakefield School was chosen.  He also stated that he was pleased to see that contracts could be reduced as that is the bulk of where the money is. 

            Ms. Bodziony, parent, asked for clarification about the closing of Curtis Corner Middle School; and also asked about ILPs, Common Planning Time, and portable classrooms. 

Dr. Stringfellow explained the requirements of Individual Learning Plans and Common Planning Time.  Ms. Bodziony presented a petition signed by 275 individuals opposed to having 5^th grade students to Broad Rock Middle School. 

            Mr. Trager, Sr. commented that administration is working hard trying to make things right and there is no way it can be done with the scenarios.  He stated that he hopes that none of the closings take place.  Mr. Trager noted that the Committee is being asked to do things that are not educationally good for kids; and they are forced to make decisions that are wrong.  He stated that he hopes we are not going backwards, as the education in South Kingstown is excellent.  

            Daniel Northup, parent, asked if the $1.3 million cut from the Town budget was for 2010 and 2011.  Dr. Mega advised that the $1.3 million referenced cuts already made to get to the budget.  Mr. Northup also spoke about the loss of connections to memorials, as well as the loss of walking to school.  Dr. Mega acknowledged the depth of those comments.

            Chris Roman, parent, asked if the Committee was working separately from the Town’s budget due to the fact that closing Wakefield Elementary School would have the most economic impact to the Town.  Dr. Mega stated that the Committee is trying to keep the system viable for this year and the future; and he stated that he does not have any formula on how he is weighing the decision.  Mr. Roman stated that he wants to make sure that the decision is not independent of the taxpayers.

            Jonathan Daly-Labelle, parent, extended an invitation to the opening of Sari’s Sanctuary.  He also shared a picture of some of the learning going on at the River Classroom. 

Mr. Daly-Labelle stated that he advocates for the whole district to stay intact.  He asked that the Committee schedule another session to show respect to the stakeholders as there is so much information to review.  Mr. Daly-Labelle questioned how thought-out the process was in having a 5/6 school.  He commented that it would have been more considerate to the stakeholders to have had the discussion in September, not February. 

            Mr. Angeli read from the budget memo written by Dr. Hicks regarding the closing of South Road School, in an attempt to clarify comments made about greater savings would be seen in closing West Kingston or Matunuck Elementary.  He also clarified the date for the opening of  Sari’s Sanctuary, which is Sunday, May 2, 2010.    

            Raissa Mosher, parent, asked for clarification regarding the Cost/Savings Comparison all 4 Scenarios slide in the presentation.  She also asked about the capital improvement plan for the next five years for Matunuck, Curtis Corner, Peace Dale, and Wakefield.

            Dale Brown asked which team gets dressed at Curtis Corner Middle School.  Kathy Egan responded that the football team gets dressed there because there is no outside facility for all of them to fit in.  She advised that they get dressed at Curtis Corner, they go in at half time, and afterwards, the trainer works with the team.  Mr. Brown stated that he would take a good hard look at the budget of what is needed and what is not needed, noting that the Committee has to look for accountability wherever they can.    

            Barry Alofsin, parent, stated that he believes that the numbers are skewed regarding the saving incurred in closing Wakefield School ($468,000 by NESDEC and $676,000 presented this evening).  Mr. Alofsin recommends a 1% cut on every line item.  Though he believes that the teachers we have are fantastic, he suggests asking the teachers to give a little back.   

            Tracy, parent, asked if the 5^th grade teachers are on board with moving to Broad Rock and what the communication timeline is for letting parents know.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that she would sit down with the union leadership and a job fair would be held.  Dr. Stringfellow stated that if we have a scenario where a decision is made on May 25^th and a job fair was held, it would be on the report card where a child will be and who their teacher will be.  However, if we have a scenario where we don’t have a solidified answer by the June job fair, then parents will not know by then.  Tracy stated that the sooner parents know, the better they can help the children transition.

            Mr. Jackson shared that he has received a number of emails regarding all-day kindergarten, noting that the decisions affect parents.  Dr. Mega commented on the benefits of all-day kindergarten (NECAP scores and the decline in charter school enrollment).  Mr. Jackson and Mr. Angeli spoke in support of not eliminating all-day kindergarten.  Mr. Angeli also commented on looking at the undesignated fund balance and advised that the Committee will need to have a serious dialogue if they are to touch it. 

            Sarah, parent, asked if preschool is universal in South Kingstown.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that it is not universal.  Sarah commented that if it is so important, why is it not universal.  She asked the Committee to look at issues in the budget that are not universal and to take things out of the budget that will affect the least amount of people. 

            Michael Mutschler, parent, stated that we have a very good school system right now; however, if we continue to make these cuts, our school system will decrease.  He stated that as a taxpayer he will be less willing to pay if the education is less.  Mr. Mutschler asked if we can get through this year without making the recommended cuts.

            Chick Gavitt spoke on behalf of the Downtown Merchant’s Association, and expressed their concern about closing Wakefield Elementary.  He noted that the merchants depend on foot traffic from kids and parents.  Mr. Gavitt shared that he opened his business 19 years ago because of Wakefield Elementary.  He stated that if Wakefield Elementary School closes, it will have a ripple affect. 

            Susan Kimmerlein, parent, asked how many households there are in South Kingstown. 

Mr. Frostic responded that there are about 10,000 households.  Ms. Kimmerlein stated that she would be willing to write a check for a portion of the funds needed if the School Committee is willing to go to the Town Council for the rest.  She stated that she hopes the School Committee will start thinking about rattling cages in Washington to keep our schools open.

            Hope Tyrrell, parent and teacher, expressed concern that parents will hear too late about their children having to move to Broad Rock.  She stated that kids need to have time to transition and that 4^th graders need to have closure.  Ms. Tyrrell stated that parents cannot wait until the summer for a decision to be made. 

            Mr. Angeli commented on the funds provided to the states in the stimulus dollars, noting that sometimes decisions are made outside of the School Committee table that have a significant impact.  Discussion followed. 

            Erin O’Hara, parent, asked if the number of children affected by each consolidation scenario is available.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that she could provide those numbers. 

Ms. O’Hara also noted that she has three children in the district and not one of them will have attended the same elementary K-5. 

            Martha Badigian, parent and teacher, asked if it would be possible to add a second floor on Wakefield School.  She also commented that as a taxpayer, she would be willing to pay more taxes.  Ms. Badigian also advocated for the librarian and requested that the Committee not cut the position. 

            Pam Santos, parent, stated that Barrington faced a similar situation and the School Committee approached the teachers and the teachers agreed to postpone a pay raise.  She noted that you never know what people will be willing to compromise unless they are asked.   

            Leslie, parent, stated that we have to think about keeping the partnership with the people intact, as these decision go forward.  She noted that we want to make South Kingstown a place for people to come; and we need to protect what we love so much. 

            Mr. Brophy, parent, urged the Committee to leave all-day kindergarten alone as children need it.  He thanked the Committee for their efforts.  Mr. Brophy asked if any of these changes do anything to improve our school system.  Also, as a business owner and resident, he noted that Wakefield Elementary School is important to the vibrancy of the town.

            Laura LeClair stated that NESDEC reports there is declining enrollment in the schools; however, she does not agree with that statement.  Ms. LeClair reviewed numbers she collected regarding kindergarten enrollment for three years.  She noted that Wakefield Elementary has the second largest kindergarten ratio.  She wanted the Committee to be aware of the numbers.  Ms. LeClair also spoke of the Town Council meeting she attended last evening, referencing comments made about closing Wakefield Elementary School. 

            Mr. Angeli commented on discussions at the Town Council meeting last evening and comments made that caused confusion.  Dr. Mega stated that if Mr. O’Neill or his group vows a referendum to cut the school budget, he will lend his support to a referendum to increase the school budget.    

            Parent stated that she just found out that if Wakefield School closes, her children will have to attend West Kingston.  She stated that she has pride in walking her children to school every single day and this will affect many of her neighbors if Wakefield Elementary School is closed.

            A resident asked about funding for all-day kindergarten.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that she does not know of any opportunity for grant funding of all-day kindergarten. 

            Ms. Conover, Matunuck parent, expressed that it is unfortunate that we are looking at closing any schools.  She noted that we are all South Kingstown parents; we are in this together; we are not Wakefield parents, Matunuck parents, West Kingston parents. 

            A woman spoke and urged the Committee not to make these decisions based on assumptions that taxpayers are not willing to pay.  She also asked the Committee to look at undesignated funds to get us to a place where we can make a decision.  She also asked the Committee to wait for a new teacher’s contract and to wait for a school funding formula. 

            Dr. Mega stated that he needs to move the meeting along.  Jonathan Daly-Labelle, parent, stated that he thinks the Committee should make a comment about adding a meeting due to all the information presented.  Discussion followed about moving the meeting along.     

V.        Consent Agenda Items:

Dr. Mega reviewed the Consent Agenda.  Dr. Mega noted two edits to the April 13, 2010 meeting minutes:  He advised that an audience member was referred to as Ms. Stacey; however, it should be Ms. Susan Kimmerlein.  He also noted that the Committee returned to Open Session and adjournment at 12:31 AM. 

VI.       School Committee Business:

VII.     Comments from Committee Members:

            Ms. Morris commended that it is unfathomable to think about closing an elementary school or losing a high school librarian.  We need to do everything.  Which way a referendum would end up going concerns me. 

            Dr. Mega expressed appreciation for the time Ella Whaley took to speak to him last evening where he offered his apologies privately regarding comments he had made about her at the last School Committee meeting. 

VIII.    Executive Session:  Collective Bargaining:

MSV (7) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Collective Bargaining at 11:45 PM  Mueller, Jackson (6-0-0). 

The Committee recessed to executive session.

The Committee returned to open session at 12:34 AM.

IX.       Adjournment:

            MSV (8) move to seal the minutes of the executive session and adjourn at 12:34 AM.  Mueller, Morris (6-0-0).             

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk

                                                                        South Kingstown School Committee

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