The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on February 9, 2010 at the South Kingstown High School Cafeteria at 7:00 PM, following Executive Session at
6:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Kevin Jackson (Assistant Chair), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Frederick Frostic, and Elizabeth Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Angeli.
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent.
Dr. Mega called the February 9, 2010 School Committee Meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
MSV (1) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Litigation and Collective Bargaining at 6:01 PM. Jackson, Frostic (6-0-0).
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Kevin Jackson (Assistant Chair), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Frederick Frostic, Elizabeth Morris, and Richard Angeli (arrived at
7:48 PM).
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; and John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services.
Dr. Mega called the February 9, 2010 School Committee Meeting back to order at 7:06 PM.
1) Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar. She advised that the SELAC meeting
has been rescheduled for February 24th due to the impending snow storm. Dr. Stringfellow also advised that school has been cancelled for tomorrow due to the impending storm. She reviewed the weather forecast and timing of the storm’s arrival, noting that safety is our first priority.
a. SELAC Meeting – February 10, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
b. School Committee Meeting – February 23, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
c. School Committee Wellness Subcommittee Meeting – February 25, 2010, 4:00 PM,
Administration Building.
d. School Committee Meeting - March 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Cafeteria.
e. Joint Budget Session – Town Council & School Committee – March 10, 2010,
7:00 PM, Town Council Chambers.
f. SELAC Meeting – March 10, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
g. School Committee Meeting – March 23, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
h. Public Budget Hearings – April 5 & April 6, 2010, 7:00 PM, Town Hall – Town
Council Chambers.
i. School Committee Meeting – April 13, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
j. School Committee Meeting – April 27, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
2) NECAP Scores (Mrs. Kelley):
Mary Kelley shared information about the New England Common Assessment Program
(NECAP) scores, which is an annual assessment administered to students in grades 3-8 and again in grade 11. She advised that the assessment is administered in Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and now Maine. Mrs. Kelley provided an overview via PowerPoint presentation on how the students performed in reading; math; percent of students scoring proficient or better in reading 2005-2009; percent of students scoring proficient or better in mathematics 2005-2009; the cohort analysis regarding free and reduced lunch and special education subgroups; and the district performance in relation to our cohorts.
Mrs. Kelley noted that one trend noted in reading and math is the gain in moving students from proficient to proficient with distinction. She also noted that the free and reduced lunch students are making nice gains in reading and math; and IEP students are more stagnant, noting that our trend is mirrored at the state level.
Mrs. Kelley shared additional information via PowerPoint: What About Writing?: Grades 5 & 8 were in a pilot year – no scores were released; 1% increase in grade 11 scores; Student writing will be returned on a CD next year. Trends: Trends include at least three years of data and can be increasing, stagnant, mixed, or decreasing; Questions to ask: Does the pattern hold at all levels (district, school, grade, and subgroup); What has changed (curriculum, programs, loss of experienced teachers). Next Steps: Study the results of students scoring lower than proficient and ask – Is the student on track to become proficient; What supports does the student need that he or she is not currently receiving?; What barriers make it harder for the student to reach proficiency (e.g.: attendance, completing homework, behavior), and what can be done to help with this issue?
Dr. Mega asked if any particular programs were put at Peace Dale as there were substantial gains. Mrs. Kelley attributed Common Planning Time (CPT) as teachers have an opportunity to analyze data, take a look at where things are strong/weak, what they need to do to fill in the gap, making teaching and learning more successful.
Mrs. Kelley stated that it was noteworthy to mention that Peace Dale Elementary increased the percentage of students scoring proficient in reading over 6% and in math over 4%. At Matunuck, 98% of the students in 5th grade scored in the proficient range in math.
Dr. Mega asked how children with IEPs are tested, given the broad range of IEPs and how that would create difficulties with standardized tests. Mrs. Kelley stated that sometimes given the structure of the test, students need a smaller group or a quieter setting (principal’s office); therefore, changes as subtle as that contribute to why you see gains.
David Avedisian, parent, expressed concern regarding the scheduling of mid-week professional days on the school calendar. He stated that he believes the days should be moved to Mondays, Fridays, or a day before or after a holiday to assist families with child care.
Mr. Avedisian stated that mid-week professional days are disruptive to parents due to child care issues and it is disruptive to teaching and learning in the classroom. He commented that there needs to be consistency across all districts. Mr. Avedisian shared results of a North Kingstown survey sent to all parents regarding the school calendar. The results noted that the number one issue that makes parents irate is mid-week professional days, followed by trying to start school before September 1st. Mr. Avedisian hoped that the eight recommendations will be considered by South Kingstown for the upcoming school year.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that after speaking with the district’s administrative staff, it was noted that these are not just professional days. The first professional day is the elementary parent- teacher conferences and the middle school and high school professional day. The second professional day is the elementary professional day, and the middle school student-led conferences, and the high school portfolio presentation. Dr. Stringfellow added that the days were originally scheduled to accommodate families; however they found that the attendance of the students (not the faculty) was very low.
Mr. Avedisian stated that all staff is in tune with NECAP scores and that parent involvement helps the NECAP scores. He advised that he would expect that a parent involvement in their child’s education would attend conferences no matter when they are scheduled.
Dr. Mega stated that a survey was completed last year in South Kingstown about the start date of school. He noted that what Mr. Avedisian shared gives him ideas that can be taken up during the discussion of the calendar under School Committee Business regarding what we need to do about asking the community about schedules, as parent involvement is key; and how we can put together some methods to start polling our community.
Barry Alofsin, parent, recommended that the Committee consider moving to a March only vacation, eliminating the February and April vacation, resulting in students getting out a week earlier. He noted that the Christmas, February, and April vacation create childcare issues.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that we are required to keep the February and April vacations. She noted that there has been a push through the RISSA and RIASC to align our calendar with Massachusetts. However, she will investigate this.
Mr. Mueller commented that about three years ago the Committee looked at this issue and at that time Dr. Hicks expressed concern about attrition over the summer. Mr. Mueller recalled that Dr. Hicks was not in favor of making the summer any longer as it would not be good for student learning.
Dr. Mega reviewed the Consent Agenda.
Dr. Mega clarified that the Committee went into Executive Session on February 2, 2010 for Collective Bargaining only; noting that there was no discussion in Executive Session about litigation.
1) Approval of minutes meeting of: January 26, 2010
Approval of minutes meeting of: February 2, 2010
Executive Session Minutes of: January 26, 2010
Executive Session Minutes of: February 2, 2010
2) Personnel Action(s) – Pulled from the Agenda
3) Bid Award(s) – #2262 CISCO Wireless LAN (WLAN) Infrastructure
4) Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
MSV (2) move to accept the Consent Agenda. Cotter, Jackson (6-0-0).
MSV (3) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. Jackson, Frostic (6-0-0).
1) SORICO – Mike McKee:
Mr. Michael McKee provided an overview of the collaborative efforts being made in the
southern districts by SORICO via a PowerPoint presentation, which outlined: SORICO’s mission; Theory of Action; First Year Objectives; Improve Child Outreach Program; Reinvent Alternative Learning Program; New Program Concentrations; New Programs Rolling Out; SORICO Programs Used by South Kingstown (2008-2009 and 2009-2010); Why a Collaborative; Examples of Savings to South Kingstown.
1) SORICO – Mike McKee (Continued):
Mr. McKee stated that SORICO exists to save money for the districts. When people in the district come to them and share what they need, SORICO can create it for each district in southern Rhode Island. He advised that South Kingstown is receiving the benefits of the new improved SORICO.
Dr. Mega asked about the ALP regarding moving SORICO personnel in district, if it is in
the planning stages or if that is currently happening. Mr. McKee advised that it is not currently happening South Kingstown; however, it is happening in East Greenwich and Exeter/West Greenwich. He stated that there are several different ways to go about creating a different environment: use SORICO’s supervision and trained staff, and transportation facilities to take students in the community for work experience; or move SORICO staff into schools where extra support for children is needed.
Dr. Stringfellow asked what it looks like in East Greenwich and Exeter/West Greenwich.
Mr. McKee advised that they provide supervision and van services to move children out into the community for work experience. He also added that Narragansett is looking at having staff help create their own ALP. Mr. McKee stated that SORICO does not expect districts to move students to them as students need to be in their local districts.
Ms. Cotter asked about the new program concentrations, wondering what the process was to identify the programs. Mr. McKee advised that they talked with the Collaborative council, superintendents (individually) and becoming involved with the districts from the other collaboratives. Mr. McKee stated that they meet monthly as directors of the four collaboratives to discuss how to be collaborative.
Ms. Cotter asked what it looks in this region. Mr. McKee advised that it is growing; however, three programs currently exist: ALP, Child Outreach, and Transition/ORS.
Mr. McGee noted that Child Outreach was a disaster; however, they have turned that around. SORICO is in the process of changing the philosophy regarding the ALP. He also advised that Transition/ORS is in process.
Dr. Mega thanked Mr. McKee for sharing the information, noting that it gives the
community ideas of cost effective options.
2) Expenditure(s) over $10,000: Pulled from the Agenda.
MSV (4) to move Item #7 - 2010-2011 budget to #2 on the agenda as Expenditure(s) over
$10,000 has been pulled from the agenda. Morris, Jackson (6-0-0).
Mr. Angeli arrived.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that the budget being presented this evening is still the Superintendent’s budget. She explained that the budget was originally built on an assumption of a 2% tax levy increase for schools and a 3% reduction in state aid. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the budget was also based on a 10% increase in health care costs, level funding “P” accounts, contractual salaries and step increases on all three collective bargaining agreements, and level staffing. She stated that it is important to note that South Kingstown habitually builds their budget on $500,000 turnover allowance in staffing. Therefore, before we spend one new dollar in terms of staff productions for next year, we have to recoup $500,000 worth of retirements/leaves, etc., which is tightly scheduled compared to other districts. Dr. Stringfellow also advised that the budget was built on a 5% increase in insurance & utilities, a 4% increase in transportation, and a 1.6% increase in pension contributions.
Dr. Stringfellow further advised that on December 14, 2009, Governor Carcieri organized plans for a supplemental budget, which changed the landscape in terms of our budgetary assumptions from the municipal side, as towns and schools were hit hard by the change. As a result, the Town was letting us know that instead of a 2% increase in the levy, they were looking at us maintaining status quo (0% increase); and instead of a 3% decrease in state aid, it would be a -5% state aid assumption. She originally presented a $59,896,000 budget, but immediately was advised that $1.2 million cut was needed because she had to make certain that she could stay within the 0% increase on levy and state aid reductions, while taking into consideration the increases. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the School Committee budget that she is recommending this evening realizes the $1.2 million budget cuts discussed at the last two budget workshop meetings, which totals $58,647,873. She added the following caveat: as details of the supplemental budget are unfolding, if the General Assembly chooses to support the entire supplemental budget, which would also include retirement savings and pension reform savings, we will be able to live within the $58 million; if not, we would need to look at cutting another $411,000. She advised that this is based on revenue assumptions.
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the categories where the recommended $1.2 million budget cuts would come from (available on the district website).
Mr. Jackson noted that if the state takes 100% of the motor vehicle tax, we are potentially looking at an additional $900,000 cut.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that at the next School Committee meeting, the Committee will be approving layoff notices. Unfortunately, because the revenue side is so unclear,
Dr. Stringfellow advised that she will be forced to cast the net wide because she will not be sure what areas she will need to reorganize.
Mr. Mueller shared information regarding the potential of the General Assembly adopting a funding formula. He advised that South Kingstown will lose significant dollars in next year’s budget, in three of the four dominant funding formulas, depending on what they identify as the ramp up to reorienting those dollars. There are potentially hundreds of thousands dollars of additional cuts that would take place as a result of passing of a funding formula. He noted that Rhode Island has a viable chance of being in the final pack in Race to the Top, however, it has a stipulation in raising the cap for charter schools, which the state has not done; and we are the only state that does not have a funding formula. Mr. Mueller noted that we are potentially talking about millions of dollars of uncertainties, none in South Kingstown’s favor.
Dr. Mega noted that he wanted to underscore one important feature of this budget: it does not ask community members, via the Town Council, for an increase in property tax to support this district’s school system. He advised that this is a true reduction in our overall budget from last year to this year, without asking for any tax increases from the town, which is the second year in a row that the School Committee has done this.
Mr. Avedisian, parent, asked if South Kingstown has looked at any ways to generate revenues (i.e.: wind turbine). He advised that North Kingstown will be breaking ground to put up a wind turbine, which will generate about 75% of electricity for the high school. He noted that Matunuck would be a perfect place to put a wind turbine. Mr. Avedisian also shared information on the savings he has experienced with solar panels and a solar hot water tank at his house. Mr. Avedisian also commented that cutting clerk and custodial positions will lower the educational quality in South Kingstown.
Dr. Mega stated that no statement has ever been made from the School Committee table that our educational system is as good after this $1.2 million cut. He stated that the clerks and custodians do matter; and he does not want them to think that they are superfluous.
Dr. Stringfellow concurred that this cut does not make us a stronger school system. She noted that South Kingstown generates a lot of grants with the help and hard work of the teachers, Assistant Superintendent, directors, and parents. She also noted that our health and PE teachers created a created a fitness center at each of our middle schools. She also noted the hard work of David Carey, our high school teacher who moonlights as our energy manager, who has saved the district millions of dollars.
Mr. Ritchotte advised that Mr. Carey’s efforts have saved the district over $3 million in energy costs since he went into the program. Regarding the wind turbine, Mr. Ritchotte advised that we have a grant that we jointly filed with the town to look at the feasibility of a wind turbine at BRMS and Matunuck. He advised that we are in the process now. Mr. Ritchotte stated that we would have enough to at least run our district and maybe provide some to the town or sell back to National Grid. Mr. Ritchotte shared information about other programs that generate revenues: Medicaid program, SKIP preschool program, ITA Program at the University of Rhode Island, and our Erate program. Unfortunately, the big piece of our revenue is from state aid.
Mr. Avedisian stated that he hopes the town will look at ways to generate revenue through energy efficiencies.
Mr. Alofsin noted that last year Dr. Hicks spoke about a reserve fund, which was not touched because he said a storm was coming. Mr. Alofsin asked if any of that money could be used this year. Dr. Mega advised that we did use some of the money last year. Mr. Ritchotte advised that 25% of the reserve funds were used this year, though we typically use 1/3.
Mr. Jonathan Daly-Labelle, parent, noted that concerns have been raised about program quality, not just affordability. He noted that the School Committee needs to keep with the balance; however, he requested that the School Committee ask for more revenue if they see pieces that are just too much to cut. Mr. Daly-Labelle stated that as the Committee looks forward, if additional cuts are needed, the members will have to say that this will not work and we need more revenue. He noted that it is ridiculous the over-reliance that Rhode Island has on property tax; and he encouraged School Committee members to advocate that South Kingstown carries more than its fair share.
Dr. Mega agreed that the School Committee members are the stewards of educational quality and they have to make it clear when breaking points are being reached. We worry about manageable classrooms where teachers can effectively teach children to meet outcomes like we saw earlier this evening.
MSV (5) move to approve the recommended 2010-2011 budget as proposed by the Superintendent in the amount of $58,647,873. Jackson, Morris (7-0-0). Individual voice vote was taken.
3) 2010-2011 School Calendar:
Dr. Stringfellow noted that in looking at the proposed school calendar, one of the items
brought up this evening were the professional development days. However, she advised that she just found out this morning that by starting prior to Labor Day, the district would be providing ten-month employees an extra holiday that they had not received previously at a cost of approximately $15,000.
Mr. Jackson asked about state law requiring school districts to finish before July 1st. He cautioned the Committee on watching the days: with adding Primary Day and snow days.
Mr. Mueller advised that interpretation of state finance law has been that you need to complete the academic year using funds from that academic year. All class and school activities have to be done by July 1st to keep activities in the year people have been taxed.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that graduation is currently set for June 17th; however, if a change is made in the start day of the school year, then graduation will need to be changed as seniors need an “x” number of days and then they need to participate in their senior programs prior to walking across the stage.
Mr. Mueller stated that given the information presented this evening, he had not thought about the placement of professional development days. He advised that it would be helpful for the Superintendent to think out the advantages and disadvantages based on the information gathered in North Kingstown.
Mr. Jackson stated that he did not know about the attendance issue with some of the parents. He expressed his thoughts about having afternoon session to accommodate parents. He suggested portfolio reviews be scheduled from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, rather than 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM to allow for more parent participation.
Dr. Mega stated that he agrees with the philosophy of the importance of parent involvement and then to not have a schedule to support that is paradox. He stated that he would like to explore accommodating parents later in the day.
Christine Heid, NEASK President, advised that several years ago they met with the Superintendent when we went to student-led conferences as well as PBGR. She advised that they went from two days of professional development for parent conferences to one. In our last contract, we embedded the extra two hours to go to 6 hours and 40 minutes plus two hours at the elementary level, which extended time for parents on alternate days or lengthier periods on that day. At the middle school that are student-led, they have shifts of teachers who start early and end earlier; and some that start late and end late.
4) Race to the Top:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that Maryanne Schneider from the Department of Education was
asked to come to an earlier School Committee meeting when discussing Commissioner Gist and the Department of Education’s application for federal funding. The application has been submitted by RIDE in the amount of $126.6 million. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the School Committee asked her to read the document (available on line at http://www.ride.ri.gov/ commissioner/RaceToTheTop/docs/RhodeIsland-RTTTapplicationnarrative.pdf) and to give some highlights. She advised that she has picked things that were different and that we would have to think about if it was realized. Dr. Stringfellow shared the highlights via a PowerPoint presentation (available on the district website) which included: RIDE Re-organization; Demonstrating Progress in Raising Achievement and Closing Gaps; Standards & Assessments; Data Systems to Support Instruction; Great Teachers and Leaders; Improving Teacher and Principal Effectiveness based on performance; Components; Provide supports to teachers and principals; and Other items.
Mr. Mueller left at 9:05 PM.
Mr. Angeli asked if we have everything in place before receiving the money.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that most of the money will be used to create infrastructure in the state (i.e.: data management system, transcripts); however, we will need to learn how to use it.
Ms. Cotter asked what “ineffective teachers” implies; and wondered if they were discussing value added models. Dr. Stringfellow advised that they are looking at teacher evaluation models that incorporate NECAP data and value added performance data. For example, they will add in, in addition to NECAP, other indicators of student performance. She advised that they have yet to define value added categories. Dr. Stringfellow noted that this model is implemented in several states now (noting Virginia and Colorado).
Dr. Mega asked if it would look like the state would come up with a teachers’ evaluation tool that would apply to all districts, or would districts have a way to formulate instruments that may be more pertinent within their own educational system and curriculum. Dr. Stringfellow advised that this is a funding grant to be able to fulfill some of the state laws, regulations, and mandates that are beginning July 1st in a way that would be more beneficial in terms of learning about different models. She explained that it has been described to her much like the High School Regulations when they first came out. There was a regulation, we were told in individual districts that there would be many different ways to show proficiency of your students, but you had to have some common criteria. We would have an opportunity to work together to craft our own, but it would have to meet the criteria by the Rhode Island Department of Education.
4) Re-organization of Broad Rock M.S.:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that the School Committee asked what it would look like if 5th
graders were reorganized throughout the district to Broad Rock Middle School. She advised that her PowerPoint presentation would be on the district website tomorrow. The PowerPoint provided information about the Current Configuration; January 2010 Enrollments; Reasons to Consider a 5-6 Instructional Model; Implications for Elementary Schools; Projected Enrollments; Transportation; Graduated Transition Steps; Student Neutral Explanation; Savings; and the Proposed Timeline.
Ms. Cotter asked about the one classroom, one teacher – noting that 5th grade is considered elementary. Dr. Stringfellow advised that she spoke with the Rhode Island Department of Education in terms of certification and she was advised that an appropriate instructional model (one classroom, one teacher) would be considered an elementary classroom within a middle school and the teacher would utilize their elementary certification.
Mr. Jackson stated that it is frustrating and it does not make sense to look at Broad Rock Middle School, our newest building, being half empty.
Mr. Angeli asked if we look at this scenario, it frees up space in our elementary school, if we need to make more cuts in the future and we will have to make future consolidations, he asked if it would be more wise to make a wider consolidation (more moves at the same time).
Dr. Stringfellow advised that she has made several moves at the same time; and it is hard to project what the cost, impact, and timing will be.
Mr. Angeli asked if there was a potential that we may do something that would be revenue neutral or cost money, what would be done. Dr. Stringfellow advised that this is an educational decision, not a budgetary decision like last year. She advised that this is a budget neutral item and so it would not be done to save money or to consolidate students. It is being done to offer students in elementary and middle school more opportunity.
Ms. Morris asked what the community comments have been. Dr. Stringfellow advised that her coffee hour has been well attended and the comments she has heard have been overwhelmingly positive where parents have used words such as: we knew this was coming, it is a shame the building is underutilized, we could use space in the elementary schools, we are glad you would look at the three tiered bus system, and I don’t like the fact that my 5th grader would be on the bus with a 12th grader - so that was a relief for them. She also advised that she did speak about this at an administrative staff meeting and discussed areas in the elementary schools where they could use the space.
Dr. Mega stated that this is step one of a process; and there are budgetary uncertainties still out there. This is a standalone proposal as it exists now.
Mr. Angeli stated that some of the community comments regarding moves like this are “what happened to long-range planning?” “How many disruptions can a district take?”
Mr. Daly-Labelle, parent, asked about the status of the NESDEC facilities report.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that she would expect it within the next month. She noted that some of the items that have caused it to be delayed have been looking at different scenarios, getting feedback from transportation, and community feedback. Mr. Daly-Labelle commented that this might be putting the cart before the horse -- seeing as we will be getting more information in a month he suggested waiting before making another shift.
Mr. Daly-Labelle noted that the last time a school was closed there were a lot of forums. He suggested we look at how we ended up with 6/7/8 model. He recalled that there was talk about 5/6 school and a 7/8 school but that was rejected at the time. Dr. Mega stated that his recollection was that moving to a 7/8 model and having the 6th graders go to Broad Rock Middle School was driven by budgetary matters. He stated that he never saw abandoning the 6-8 school was a good educational basis. Dr. Mega agrees with getting input. Mr. Daly-Labelle stated that he would prefer to see more time given to this if it is not driven by budgetary issues.
Robin Wildman, 5th grade teacher at Wakefield School, asked if the Superintendent had any plans to meet with the 5th grade teachers in the district. Ms. Wildman noted that people have talked about the educational benefits and stated that there are downfalls. Ms. Wildman stated that she would be happy to coordinate that meeting. Dr. Stringfellow stated that it was an excellent idea.
Hope Tyrrell, parent, expressed concerns about having her 4th grader riding the bus with high school students next year. She also expressed concern about her child having to wait for the bus at 6:30 AM. Ms. Tyrrell asked that the Committee consider the thoughts and feelings of the students, as many of the current 4th graders would miss Student Council and Safety Patrol, which they have been waiting to participate in since kindergarten. She also asked that the Committee really look at the bussing.
Sue Coughlin, parent of a BRMS 6th grader, expressed support for moving the 5th graders to BRMS. She thinks it would be great from a social perspective. She believes that the students are too comfortable with one grade per building. Ms. Coughlin thinks that it would be great to have students spend two years in one school.
Laureen Koch, parent, applauded the Committee on not raising taxes, especially with the record unemployment in Rhode Island. Ms. Koch supports having 5th graders at BRMS. She expressed that she believes it is a good idea of having a 3-tier bus system, nice to open space up in the elementary schools, nice to use BRMS to its capacity, and it is nice for students to meet all students in their grade before going to the high school.
Mr. Daly-Labelle stated that hopefully this presentation is all pro and there are very few decisions in life that have only one side. He stated that evaluating the pros vs. cons would be helpful. Mr. Daly-Labelle reiterated that the time line is short, which is a concern to him.
Ms. Cotter agreed that the NESDEC is a piece we need to have. Regarding the time line,
Ms. Cotter was wondering if the Superintendent was picturing a community forum separate from School Committee meeting. Dr. Stringfellow stated that she did not think about a community forum; however, she is not opposed to having one and she would be happy to host one.
Dr. Stringfellow asked what a community forum would look like. Ms. Cotter advised that it is Superintendent with School Committee members.
Mr. Jackson stated that it would lean toward a community forum. Dr. Mega stated that he always appreciates the community perspective, either via email or verbally.
5) Bullying (Policy Attachment):
Dr. Mega stated that this was requested to be re-addressed by the School Committee, in
view of some of the tragedies we have heard about recently. Dr. Mega noted that this is a recently revised policy. He advised that this represents a first read through of the policy which affords an opportunity for the School Committee members to address any concerns and give the Superintendent direction of areas they may want to readdress.
Ms. Cotter shared that Mr. Mueller left a note about evaluations. Ms. Cotter also asked if
the Superintendent could provide the School Committee with the report and how it relates to the policy in South Kingstown for the next meeting or whenever reasonable.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that her first step is to make sure that we are collecting data on bullying and that each of the schools are collecting like data.
Mr. Angeli recommended that this could be a first read when Mr. Mueller is present, as he is the genesis of this being on the agenda.
Dr. Mega stated that from an accountability standpoint, has our policy had an impact? Without the SALT survey, he questioned how we collect the data. Dr. Mega advised that he did not see anything about the wording of the policy; however, he believes we could bolster up cyber-bullying.
6) 2010-2011 Budget: Addressed Earlier in the Agenda.
7) Washington County Roundtable Discussion (Mr. Jackson):
Mr. Jackson provided the genesis of how the Washington County Roundtable started. He
also provided the background and information, via a PowerPoint presentation, regarding his participation in this ad hoc group. Mr. Jackson shared information about the Members (South Kingstown, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Westerly, Warwick, Narragansett, Jamestown, West Warwick, Coventry, and Tim Duffy from RIASC); Objective(review areas to conserve); Next Step (Business Managers Meeting); and My View (small dollars, we do much of these already, discussion, marching orders).
Mr. Angeli stated that there has been discussion at this table with respect to the development of a policy that holds students accountable for drinking and drug use. He stated that as a School Committee, we have an obligation to have a draft of a policy brought before us so we can begin to educate and make people aware of underage drinking and drug use. Mr. Angeli referred to the events in the past couple of weeks that ended up in arrests. He stated that if the Committee does not put a policy in place (restorative, consequences for behavior) then he does not see how the issues will stop. Mr. Angeli noted that the A2E Committee has been working on a policy for about a year now. They took feedback from the School Committee and they have a proposal that makes sense, that is enforceable, and that includes the restorative piece that was discussed at the meeting. Dr. Stringfellow added that the plan is to bring a proposal to the next School Committee meeting or the following meeting. Currently the policies we have in place when things happen outside of school contain nothing to hold anyone accountable or teach students to not do it again. Mr. Angeli stated that the School Committee needs to get to work and put a policy in place.
Dr. Mega stated that he appreciates Mr. Angeli’s comments, noting that community members have asked when it would be coming back.
Dr. Mega advised Committee members that they have been invited to the CARES Spelling Bee. He stated that he will be sending out invitations and will be looking for commitments soon.
MSV (6) move to seal the minutes of the executive session and adjourn at 10:10 PM. Angeli, Jackson (6-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
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