The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on January 12, 2010 at the South Kingstown High School Library at 7:00 PM, following Executive Session at 6:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Kevin Jackson (Assistant Chair), Maureen Cotter, Frederick Frostic, and Elizabeth Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Scott Mueller and Richard Angeli.
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent.
Dr. Mega called the January 12, 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 Student Discipline, Collective Bargaining, and Personnel at 6:02 PM. Jackson, Morris (5-0-0).
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Kevin Jackson (Assistant Chair), Maureen Cotter, Frederick Frostic, and Elizabeth Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Scott Mueller and Richard Angeli.
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; Robert McCarthy, South Kingstown High School Principal; and John Bilotta, Technology Director.
Dr. Mega called the January 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting back to order at 7:18 PM. Dr. Mega advised that the Committee went into Executive Session at 6:00 PM and will proceed with the delegation.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that it was her distinct pleasure to recognize the South Kingstown High School All State Musicians. She asked the students to come forward and shake the hands of the School Committee members who would like to congratulate them individually.
Dr. Stringfellow read the names as follows:
All-State Band All-State Orchestra
| Beryl Fisher | Jake Morris |
| Daniel Ko | Victoria Gu |
| Ben Rubenstein | Peter Craig* |
| Hannah Vitello | Teresa Zhang |
| Erica Manchester | Clea Bertholet | | Rachel Moyer* | Brandon Smith* |
| Connie Wang | Devin Stimson | | Colin Schmidt | Ben Caporelli |
| Matt Crudale* | Brianna Costabile | | Manny Morales | |
| Scott Washburn* | | | Catherine LiVolsi | |
*Students present.
Peter Craig stated that he would not have been able to do this without the music program, the help of the music teachers, or all the support from the school.
Dr. Mega commented that he, as well as other Committee members, has enjoyed the music program for the last several years. They have an extraordinary amount of talent, and it is true entertainment to hear the high school and middle school musicians. He noted that the foundation is laid at the elementary school. Dr. Mega stated that a list this long does not get generated simply on the talents of our youngsters, it is their hard work, commitment, and the fine education that goes along with it that can only be possible for us by continuing. It is a tremendous benefit to our town. He added that he hopes to continue the same enthusiasm and vigor in the future.
Dr. Stringfellow read the names of the All-State Chorus and Jazz Band musicians:
All-State Chorus All-State Jazz Band
| Ankeeta Mohapatra | Gabe Plummer |
| Paige Sheridan | Brianna Costabile |
1) Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar.
a. School Committee Budget Workshop – January 19, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown
High School Library.
b. Joint Budget Session – Town Council & School Committee – January 20, 2010,
6:30 PM, Town Hall – Town Council Chambers.
c. School Committee Meeting – January 26, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
d. School Committee Budget Workshop – February 2, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown
High School Library.
e. School Committee Meeting – February 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
f. SELAC Meeting – February 10, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
g. School Committee Meeting – February 23, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
h. School Committee Meeting - March 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
i. Joint Budget Session – Town Council & School Committee – March 10, 2010,
7:00 PM, Town Council Chambers.
j. SELAC Meeting – March 10, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
k. School Committee Meeting – March 23, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
l. Public Budget Hearings – April 5-6, 2010, 7:00 PM, Town Hall – Town Council
Chambers.
m. School Committee Meeting – April 13, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
n. School Committee Meeting – April 27, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
2) H1N1 Elementary Clinic Dates:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that the elementary schools in our community and throughout
the state have scheduled H1N1 booster clinics. They will be vaccinating students ten and under for a second booster shot. The dates for the clinics are scheduled for the next two weeks; noting that she will get the dates to the committee and the dates will be online tomorrow. She noted that the booster clinics will be held at Matunuck, Peace Dale, Wakefield, and West Kingston Elementary Schools. Dr. Stringfellow shared that the Department of Health has extended an opportunity for school nurse teachers to be vaccinated at the school clinics at no charge. Also the medical reserve corps volunteers who have been administering the shots at the elementary school clinics will have an opportunity to be vaccinated. She believes that the DOH is doing this out of the kindness of their heart because the school nurse teachers have done so much to make sure that elementary school students have been vaccinated.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that there are certain guidelines for the elementary Booster Clinics which have been communicated to families. The guidelines are as follows: children under age 10 who missed the first clinic are eligible to attend the booster clinic in their own school; children under age 10 who received their initial vaccine at their pediatrician’s office are eligible to attend the school booster clinic as long as they have honored the 21-day waiting period between the date of their first vaccine and the date of their school clinic; clinics will begin at 4 p.m. and individual elementary principals will determine when students should plan to arrive and when their clinic will end. Be sure to check with your elementary school to make certain that you know the ending time, as it may change based on the number of students to be vaccinated.
Dr. Stringfellow also advised that the Department of Health is very optimistic about the H1N1 virus in the state as they are not seeing as much illness as previously anticipated. However, they are cautioning that a third wave is likely in the spring. They are encouraging adults (18 and older) to be vaccinated. Adults will be able to attend a community clinic in South Kingstown in mid-January which will require no ID, no insurance, and no pre-registration. There are also community pharmacies giving shots with an administration fee of $15-$18.
MSV (3) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. Jackson, Morris (5-0-0).
Jonathan Daly-Labelle noted that the Town Council and School Committee meetings have overlapped a few times over the past months; and he stated that it is unfortunate that both meetings are scheduled the same night, especially during the budget time. He requested that coordination be made between the boards in the future.
Dr. Mega advised that he will speak to the Town Council President and identify any future meeting conflicts.
Dr. Mega reviewed the Consent Agenda, noting that the Personnel Action(s) include two leaves of absence.
1) Approval of minutes meeting of: December 8, 2009
Executive Session Minutes of: December 8, 2009
Executive Session Minutes of: December 29, 2009
Executive Session Minutes of: January 5, 2010
2) Personnel Action(s)
3) Bid Award(s) - Pulled
4) Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
5) Home Schooling Request(s)
MSV (4) move to accept the Consent Agenda. Jackson, Morris (5-0-0).
1) South County Hospital Memorandum of Understanding with South Kingstown High School as an Alternate Care Site (LeeAnn Quinn):
Dr. Stringfellow stated that we were asked by LeeAnn Quinn, as part of a conference call
between Robert McCarthy, the H1N1 group, Dr. Stringfellow, and other high schools in the state, about an alternate care site. She advised that LeeAnn Quinn agreed to meet with the school committee to answer questions. Dr. Stringfellow shared that she did speak with Mrs. Quinn about the opportunity to use the South Road School, which would be a more ideal site to use, as programs would not be interrupted as there are no students at South Road. The school committee members have the Alternate Care Site Agreement and had expressed an interest in the steps that would be taken before an alternate care site would be required.
LeeAnn Quinn provided a background of what an alternate care site is and why we
came to South Kingstown High School years ago. She advised in 2006 the Hospital Association, along with the Department of Health, asked ten regional hospitals to serve as health care regions in RI. In doing that, they looked at emergency preparedness and planning and recognizing the needs that the hospitals might encounter if a mass casualty or some type of emergency disaster were to occur in our community or state. Mrs. Quinn stated that they look at space and accommodations for an alternate care site. An alternate care site is an extension of the hospital: treat patients (lower level acuity of patients). She advised that the accommodations at South County Hospital would bring them to about 45 patients that they could incur over and above their normal capacity. She advised that they looked at different situations with emergency management that might put them over that capacity: they look at other hospitals and triage patients to other facilities. Mrs. Quinn stated that if there was such a horrific event that needed their attention and medical care to go outside of their campus, they are looking at a place suitable to treat patients. High schools do have a lot of components they look for: a large gymnasium, hygiene facilities (male/female locker rooms), nutrition (cafeteria). About three years ago, they started a conversation with Robert McCarthy to test what was needed. They looked at the interoperable communication and patient flow model; and South Kingstown High School was wonderful for all those needs. Mrs. Quinn stated that it wasn’t until this year that the pandemic brought to life what the reality would be if we needed this facility and what hardship it would cause for the community. She stated that South Road School is one of the schools where operations are not going on; however, she does not know whether there is interoperable communication, telephone lines, things that are operable. She noted that it is something that could be looked at for the future, noting that it would be easier as it is closer to the hospital.
Mrs. Quinn reiterated that they did not foresee taking a building over for small emergencies, it would be for something horrific; most likely children would not be in school, operations would cease for a period of time.
The Department of Health looked at formalizing the alternate care sites around the state this year with a more formalized Memorandum of Agreement (could we use a fax machine, computers, use a portion of the facility, how and if they would interrupt services for students during that time, what kind of things they would need). In response to the kind of time they would need, Mrs. Quinn advised that they would need at least four days before they could open up an alternate care site. She advised that it takes a lot of planning and testing; and if they had to do this they would know what was happening for a pandemic flu, what our capacity would be, and when we were coming to our search. If we were in our search plan and we knew it would only get worse, then that is when we would start our conversation with the superintendent about needs for health care.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that LeeAnn Quinn is welcomed anytime to tour the South Road facility with the Director of Maintenance. Dr. Stringfellow advised that she is sure Mrs. Quinn would find that the facility has what they need; however for the male/female hygiene issue,
Mrs. Quinn will need to see for herself if it would be in compliance. Mrs. Quinn stated that South Road could be an alternative to the alternate care site, as there may be need just for extra space. Mrs. Quinn noted that South Kingstown High School is the first choice for a primary site and North Kingstown High School is the second choice.
Dr. Mega shared that he is concerned about having to shut down the South Kingstown High School to use as an ambulatory clinic, as it represents our only building in the district for secondary education.
Mrs. Quinn responded that this is not for an ambulatory clinic, as they are looking at something that is so horrific that it would cause a total disruption of the whole community. She stated that they would look to extend our hospital out as other hospitals would be in the same situation. Health and safety is the first priority.
Mr. Frostic stated that it is important to have rehearsals first and that the advantage of using South Road School is that it is empty. Mrs. Quinn stated that Mr. McCarthy has allowed them to review the high school facilities in the summer.
MSV (5) move to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with South County
Hospital to utilize the South Kingstown High School as an Alternate Care Site facility. Jackson, Morris (5-0-0).
Dr. Stringfellow asked, procedurally, who would need to sign the Memorandum of Understanding as to the Facility Official and the Public Health Department Official. LeeAnn Quinn advised that it would be up to Dr. Stringfellow and Mr. McCarthy who should sign as the Facility Official; and then Dr. Gifford would also sign the Memorandum of Agreement as the Public Health Department Official.
1) Expenditure(s) over $10,000:
a) MPA Purchase – Optiplex Desktop Computers (John Bilotta)
Mr. Bilotta explained that the E2T2 grants are federal dollars that flow from the Department of Education. In the past, it has just been to the high school; however, this year they added middle schools. He noted that this year the Science Department at the high school already received an award (mini laptops). Mr. Bilotta advised that the Broad Rock Middle School teachers applied for the grant, then the teachers were separated, some went to Curtis Corner and some remained at Broad Rock. The teachers are trained in the summer where they learn to mold different technology, software into whatever they are teaching. At the end of the summer, they send a list of what they would like to purchase (interactive white boards, student response systems, etc.). The grant is initiated in March/April, awarded in May/June, and the teachers do the training in the summer.
Dr. Mega asked if this was a bidding process. Mr. Ritchotte explained that the actual purchase was made off the MPA as we do with our computers. With any purchase over $10,000, we follow the town’s approval process.
Mr. Jackson requested clarification that this is grant money, not a capital purchase.
Mr. Ritchotte explained that anything over $5,000 is considered a capital purchase; however, the MPA allows us to go up to $10,000 without calling it a capital purchase. The $10,000 is the threshold where the town requires school committee approval. He clarified that this is a grant, teachers voluntarily spend their time in the summer getting training and the pay they get is technology from the state, which comes to us in the form of a grant.
Mr. Bilotta further explained that the reason there are three separate purchase orders is due to the fact that the state uses some of the ARRA money to supplement the grant; and that is why there is more than one purchase order.
MSV (6) move to approve the Optiplex Desktop Computers package for the South
Kingstown School District. Jackson, Frostic (5-0-0).
1) Foreign Exchange Student Waivers (Robert McCarthy):
Dr. Stringfellow explained that there are two different programs for the committee’s
consideration this evening which are unique. The first is the Home Stay Program, where we would permit 12 Japanese students to visit South Kingstown High School as part of the Japanese Exchange Home Stay Program from March 20th to April 2nd. This program has been in existence in South Kingstown for 22 years; and we have hosted Japanese students two times previously.
She noted that Mr. McCarthy put together a packet for the committee’s review. She further explained that they would participate in ESL in the morning and then shadow students in the afternoon. Mr. Ken Jeremiah will be our liaison. They are not here for an entire year so she is not looking to the school committee for a vote, she just wanted to let them be aware of this and to have an opportunity to express concern.
Ms. Cotter asked what has been the greatest benefit for our students with this program.
Mr. McCarthy responded that the greatest benefit has been for the host families: language and culturally. He explained that this particular program came to us a couple of years ago and it has been a very positive experience. They are here for two weeks; on four of those days they meet here but then go on trips to Boston and New York.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that the second item is that a family in town approached us that
they were aware of a student who had made an application to be an exchange student in another community in Rhode Island; the host family had a little bit of difficulty with the home component and are unable to accommodate the student. The student is scheduled to fly from Germany this week. Everything was in place for the student except for the home. South Kingstown has expressed an interest in this student. She advised that we are already at the cap in our policy of taking foreign exchange students for this year, and she and Mr. McCarthy are not in favor of exceeding the cap; however, this is an extenuating circumstance and we would like to accommodate this student for the remainder of the year. Dr. Stringfellow stated that she and Mr. McCarthy can recommend this to the committee. She added that we have an opportunity to house this student in the home of a family that already has a foreign exchange student attending South Kingstown.
Dr. Mega asked what this entails from an administrative impact at the building level.
Mr. McCarthy responded that it is as if a new student is entering school: scheduling and enrolling the student in classes. He advised that the host families are instrumental in the
transitional piece. Mr. McCarthy recommended that the committee look at the policy to get clarity in the future regarding these types of requests, in terms of having to turn things around very quickly. He noted that this will not put other students at a disadvantage.
Mr. Jackson stated that he has no problem with this request; however he recommends that the committee look at the policy.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that they echo the comments made. She and Mr. McCarthy will make contact with those involved and make them aware of the time constraints we are under, as we need to consider the entire picture.
Dr. Mega stated that he believes that it is a good idea to meet with the directors of the program to state that we cannot make this a rule of thumb.
MSV (7) move to accept the Foreign Exchange Student. Jackson, Morris (5-0-0).
Dr. Mega noted that this was brought to the high school principal and superintendent’s attention by Liz Morris and himself who were contacted directly.
2) 2010-2011 Budget:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that this is the first of two mini presentations. The first is to give an introduction to the Superintendent’s budget for 2010-2011. She wanted to share the ideas behind this budget via a PowerPoint presentation: Preliminary Factors: 4th budget developed to fit within the state’s property tax cap, Tax cap legislation (Senate 3050) prohibits more than 4.5% of the dollar amount received in the previous year, The current economic situation (nation, state and community) makes even the revenue available under the tax cap unaffordable; Budget Development Revenue Assumptions: TOWN—preliminary meetings between School Committee and Town Council indicates: Providing a 2% levy increase to schools, STATE—at the time the budget was developed indicated to expect: 3% decrease in state aid, Medicaid—budget estimate of $800K based on FY09 actual; Comparison to FY 2009-2010: This budget is based on a revenue decrease of $810,251 over the current year, the expense budget FY 2011 was developed to fit into the available revenue: SKSD Fund Balance: Utilization of 25% of our current fund balance ($484,322) previously 1/3 used, Downward trends in outplacement Special Education tuitions, CHARIHO Career and Technical Center and Charter School tuitions; Key Expenditure Assumptions: Health insurance costs projected to increase 10% (based on current claims, Level funding in P-Accounts (supplies and materials previously increased 3%), Contractual salary and step increases on all CBAs (expiring 2011), Level staffing and 500K turnover allowance, Insurance/Utilities 5% increase, Transportation 4% increase, Pension 1.6% increase; Current Revenue Assumptions: changed by December 14th Governor Carcieri supplemental budget, Schools and Municipalities hit hard, Town now projecting to only provide a zero -0- level increase to schools, State aid assumption now-5%; Next Steps: Superintendent’s Budget: As presented: $59,800,926, School Committee budget, now
recommended at $58,647,873, Necessitating additional 1.2 million dollar decrease in expenditures, Discussion of Core Educational Values.
Mr. Jackson stated that he would like to know, for our own sake, what the communities around us are doing with the cap. Dr. Stringfellow commented about an article she read in the Providence Journal where a district had to cut 5.5 staff (from a requested 9.2 staff) to bring the budget under the tax cap, which was an indication of what is happening in the state.
Dr. Mega questioned if it would be a fair discussion point with the Town Council where we stand with other communities. Mr. Jackson commented that we are always being compared to other districts.
Dr. Stringfellow shared information about the School Committee Professional Development Session Highlights via a Power Point Presentation: 4 Areas of community Survey: Question#1: How do we measure success (academic, social, behavioral and post secondary)?, Question #2: How do we measure the tools and support needed to improve?, Question #3: How do we know our schools are well managed?, and Question #4: What else is important in measuring success?; How do we measure success (Question 1)?; Question 1 Responses: Testing, Academic Skill Set, Report Cards, College Admission/Attendance, Extra Curricular & Sports Participation; Question 2 How do we measure the tools/support needed to improve?; Question 2 Responses: Access to Resources/Supplies/Equipment, Curriculum & Programs, Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Communication, Access to PD and CPT, Academic Achievement/Success; Question 3 How do we know our schools are well managed?; Question 3 Responses: Balanced Budget, Communication w/Community, Positive/Safe Environment, Evaluation and Role of Teachers/Admin, Academic Achievement; Question 4 What else is important in measuring success?; Question 4 Responses: Community Engagement, Equity for At-Risk Students, Positive Climate/Environment, Academic Achievement, Athletics & Extra-Curricular Activities; Overall Survey Responses: Academic Achievement, Communication and Engagement w/Community, Positive/Safe Environment, Access to Resources/Supplies & Equipment, Balanced Budget.
Dr. Mega asked what the next steps are and what next week will look like.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that within the budget there are items that cannot be touched. There are frozen items and she will talk about what they are. She shared that she has already discussed priority of programs and services with administrators where we want to maintain excellence of service. She will provide a spreadsheet listing some of the components that the committee will have the liberty to cut, what the casualty will be of cutting that program, and where it is in line with the community responses. She will also provide a spreadsheet with what her recommendations are for a starting point with our conversation.
Mr. Daly-Labelle asked if the PowerPoint presentation will be online. Dr. Stringfellow advised that it will be online tomorrow if it is not online today. Mr. Daly-Labelle asked about the meeting next week whether there would be a discussion about needing additional revenues because no additional cuts can be made. Dr. Mega advised that the joint meeting with the Town Council next week will be on the capital budget.
Dr. Mega stated that one of the things that we are interested in looking at is discussing what $1.2 million looks like and how it dovetails with community goals; and as we hear how the reductions will affect us, discuss what we need to be looking at to secure that the remaining $58+ million remains a good investment--meaning you get good outcomes in education. Dr. Mega stated that he believes that it is the committee’s charge, as a governance body to also be addressing the issue of quality education for the value of dollars spent.
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the budget meetings: January 19th – Budget Workshop; January 20th – Capital Review; January 26th – School Committee Meeting; February 2nd – Budget Workshop; February 9th – School Committee Meeting; February 14th – Budget to Town Manager; March 10th – Town Council Budget Session; April 5th – Public Budget Hearing; April 6th – Public Budget Hearing.
Dr. Mega stated that we have to be concerned at all times that the $58+ million represents a good investment and that you get a good quality education. We have been able to maintain a level of academic achievement, which has been consistent. He noted that at certain levels of funding, we have to have the discussion of what we believe is achievable from an academic achievement point of view (example: if we bring class size to contractual limits, loss of programs, then you really start looking at erosions of academic achievement).
Mr. Daly-Labelle commented that there were a lot of efficiencies found in the last budget for the current year that could be looked at. He is glad the discussion is starting.
Dr. Stringfellow clarified that in taking into account a 2% increase from the town and a 3% decrease in state aid, we found some efficiencies; however, what she will be presenting are cuts, they are not expenditure items that will be removed.
Mr. Daly-Labelle stated that it is a starting point for a community dialogue. He asked to know what the class sizes are this year, on average, and what they were last year.
Dr. Stringfellow asked for clarification on the data he requested. Mr. Daly-Labelle asked for class size, K-5, per school.
Dr. Mega stated that we may have medians that might reflect actual class size. He asked that Dr. Stringfellow try to take into account how many classes may be above a certain number already, which may be what educators think as optimal/reasonable for delivering quality education.
Mr. Jackson shared information regarding the Saturday morning meetings he attends at the East Greenwich Police Department. He advised that they continue to look at ways to save money such as regionalized textbooks (private school textbooks, truck service to deliver in 24 hours). Mr. Jackson advised that he will share other ideas with John Ritchotte. He also commented that last year we did the bus service and it has worked well for South Kingstown; however, one particular district is getting killed with it.
Ms. Cotter asked about the committee Mr. Jackson was speaking of and who attended. Mr. Jackson stated that it started about six weeks ago with a number of school committee members from across the state. Dr. Mega stated that he did not know the genesis of the committee, but he will get clarification in regards to if there is a governing body; however, at this point, he believes it is a discussion group. Mr. Jackson shared that Warwick, West Warwick, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Jamestown, and Westerly school committee members attend.
3) Mandates Unfunded:
Dr. Stringfellow stated that in December, our local legislators asked that the school committee review the current state of Rhode Island unfunded mandates to determine where you might prioritize our need for district financial relief. She offered a spreadsheet presented to Senator Lenihan from RIASC, noting that the superintendents were presenting this prioritization list today to the General Assembly. She noted that she is not making any assumptions that this is a list of the mandates that the school committee would prioritize as wanting financial relief from. Dr. Stringfellow advised that she could show the committee a larger list of mandates, or we could have a discussion of the items on the list. She advised that she brings this as a beginning discussion point, realizing there will be multiple discussions. Dr. Stringfellow advised that she could make recommendations if the committee would like. She stated that there are state and federal mandates. Dr. Stringfellow stated that the cost listed on this sheet from RIASC does not reflect what the cost South Kingstown would assume (charter school figures, vocational education, etc.).
Dr. Mega stated that he would approach this with care, noting that a mandate cannot be gauged by how much it costs a school district. He wants to be careful about making the discussion simple.
Ms. Morris agreed that mandates are very complicated things, as there are an equal number of people who want to keep a mandate as those who want to eliminate a mandate. She advised that she would like to see a list of mandates, as there are some she is not aware of.
Ms. Morris stated that it was helpful to have a synopsis of the cost and agrees that there needs to be an in-depth discussion.
Discussion followed.
Ms. Cotter asked what outcome we would want to achieve. Doing collectively with other communities or just reaching out to our legislators. Dr. Mega replied that he believes that we want to reach out to our legislators.
Dr. Mega stated that he would see the starting point with the superintendent coming to the committee with information on how it affects South Kingstown, then the committee would select mandates that we would want a greater analysis on, then the committee would have an in-depth discussion, and then make recommendations of where our legislative leaders can concentrate regarding mandate relief.
Mr. Jackson stated that he believes Dr. Hicks gave the committee a comprehensive list of unfunded mandates a couple of years ago and asked if that list could be reviewed.
Mr. Ritchotte shared that the Rhode Island Department of Education prepared a full list of mandates, which they prepared for the House Finance Committee meeting.
Based on the discussion, Dr. Stringfellow will consider this as an agenda item for the next committee meeting. In the meantime, I will figure out what exists, and how much it will take to tweak it into something for your viewing.
4) Report from Professional Development Sub-Committee:
Dr. Mega recommended that this item be tabled. He advised that the sub-committee has
many interesting ideas; however, this is not the time to launch them. He suggested moving it more toward the end of the budget time.
Ms. Morris expressed how proud she is of the Music Department; sharing that she has heard throughout the state what a fantastic job we do in South Kingstown.
MSV (8) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Collective Bargaining at 9:02 PM. Jackson, Frostic (5-0-0).
The Committee recessed to executive session.
The Committee returned to open session at 9:27 PM.
MSV (9) move to seal the minutes of the Executive Session and adjourn at 9:28 PM. Jackson, Frostic (5-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
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