The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on January 26, 2010 at the South Kingstown High School Cafeteria at 7:00 PM, following Executive Session at
6:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Frederick Frostic, and Elizabeth Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Jackson, Richard Angeli
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent.
Dr. Mega called the January 26, 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 Collective Bargaining, Litigation at 6:00 PM. Mueller, Frostic (5-0-0).
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Richard Angeli, Frederick Frostic, and Elizabeth Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Jackson.
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; Judith Saccardo, Director of Pupil Personnel Services; and Michele Humbyrd, Curtis Corner Middle School Principal.
Dr. Mega called the January 26, 2010 School Committee Meeting back to order at 7:01 PM. Dr. Mega advised that the Committee went into Executive Session at 6:00 PM and will proceed with the delegations.
Middle School All-State Musicians
Teachers-National Board Certification
Dr. Stringfellow stated that it was her pleasure to welcome the Curtis Corner Middle 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 for this distinct honor. Dr. Stringfellow also asked that the students present stay up front so that everyone could have the opportunity to congratulate them together. Dr. Stringfellow read the names as follows:
Teachers - National Board Certification
Fiona Anonuevo Ana Laverty
*Brian Bouchard (trumpet) Meghan Lindley
*Kobie Clark (chorus) *Oliver Lucier (trombone)
Sandra Deeb *Brian Matuszak (trombone)
Ian Doyle Shannon McKee
Malia Erickson Alexa Pagliaro
*Sean Fay-Wolfe (viola) *Robert Petrocelli (piano)
Sage Fotiades Rachel Plummer
Eliza Gardner *Emily Rubenstein (violin)
*Meagan Hackey (violin) *Justin Smith (French horn)
Ardemis Kassabian *Julius Sun (trumpet)
Esther Ko *Omar Zaki (bassoon)
*Students present.
Dr. Mega asked that each student state their name and the instrument they play.
Dr. Stringfellow shared that the Committee recognized the High School All-State Musicians two weeks ago and encouraged the students to continue their hard work at the high school so that they can come back next year and be recognized at that level. She acknowledged the special talents that the students have and commented how honored and proud we are of each of them.
Dr. Mega recognized Curtis Corner Middle School faculty and Principal Michele Humbyrd’s presence, and congratulated them for all their efforts in bringing the students along. He also acknowledged the parents, noting the support comes from home in all academic areas and the arts.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that it was an honor to recognize three of our South Kingstown
teachers as National Board Certified teachers: Elyse Scherza, Michaela Ware, and
Mary Cowger. She commented that it was an honor to recognize these teachers for their accomplishment earning National Board Certification in their field. Dr. Stringfellow shared that National Board is a set of teaching standards that certifies teachers that have met very rigorous course assessments in self-assessment, portfolio review, and expert evaluation. Applicants demonstrate their proficiency through 3 classroom-based and 1 community-based portfolio entry and expertise in six (30 minute) testing sessions. We are very, very proud of the National Board certified teachers and acknowledge their hard work and achievement.
Mary Cowger, West Kingston kindergarten teacher, was present and congratulated by each School Committee member.
1) Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar.
a. School Committee Budget Workshop – February 2, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown
High School Library.
b. School Committee Meeting – February 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
c. SELAC Meeting – February 10, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
d. School Committee Meeting – February 23, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
e. School Committee Meeting - March 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
f. Joint Budget Session – Town Council & School Committee – March 10, 2010,
7:00 PM, Town Council Chambers.
g. SELAC Meeting – March 10, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
h. School Committee Meeting – March 23, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
i. Public Budget Hearings – April 5-6, 2010, 7:00 PM, Town Hall – Town Council
Chambers.
j. School Committee Meeting – April 13, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
k. School Committee Meeting – April 27, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Library.
MSV (4) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. Morris, Angeli (6-0-0).
Dr. Wardwell, community member, shared that he has been an educator for 46 years and has his doctorate in Curriculum Instruction and Administration. He expressed that he wished to share a couple of concerns that have been shared with him by parents. One concern is that some teachers are making disparaging remarks about Americans, disparaging remarks about the country, and disparaging remarks in stating that we are bad people. Specifically, his granddaughter has heard these comments, as well as three other parents. He stated that as teacher of 46 years, he has never proselytized his political beliefs in the classroom. He does not believe it is proper for teachers in this or any classroom to do so. Dr. Wardwell stated that he understands that teachers have their personal beliefs; however, to make people say that Americans are bad people is wrong; we are not bad people, we are wonderful. This is a wonderful country; and this wonderful country is helping Haiti. Dr. Wardwell advised that parents are concerned about reciprocity exacted against them, which has already happened. He stated that he has no ambitions as he is retired; however, even though he is retired, he would bring this to the proper authorities. Dr. Wardwell advised that he has a granddaughter who came home physically sick because her teacher said that she was a loser. He shared that he has mentored thousands of students and has never called any of them losers. Any teacher who denigrates a student, especially at a young age, can make an indelible impression. He stated that the Superintendent should not be afraid to take any comments from any parents, to which Dr. Stringfellow commented that she welcomes any comments. Dr. Wardwell also shared that reportedly another child was called a loser, the parent spoke to the principal; however, nothing was done. Mr. Wardwell will speak privately about this matter to the Superintendent.
Dr. Wardwell spoke about the teachers’ contract, noting that there will be a 3.5% salary increase for top step teachers. He commented that at a time when we have an economic downturn, this should not be allowed to continue. He noted that there are people in this community who are without jobs, adding that Rhode Island has the 3rd highest unemployment rate in the nation. He also noted that people working in the town government are taking a pay cut. Dr. Wardwell noted that some of the recommended items to be cut are classroom supplies. He maintains that supplies are important to teachers. He commented that parents and teachers are spending their own money for supplies and he does not think it is fair. He stated that he believes every school system should have enough money for supplies.
Dr. Wardwell asked about the $19,000 for non-school personnel to cover their insurance. He asked if it was true that the Committee approved that increase on their term life insurance benefits.
Dr. Stringfellow shared that the district changed the way that retirees’ life insurance was paid. In doing so, it created a steep/drastic change for folks who were retired (non-educators). She noted that the Committee allowed for marginal insurance; and anything beyond the marginal insurance amount, the retired individuals could elect to purchase it.
Dr. Mega explained that the Committee wanted to be sensitive to the needs of an elder population that was retired, on the premise that they would have life insurance. Changes were made abruptly in what would be needed in continuing life insurance. This affected individuals who earned a modest income and who served this district for many decades. Many people were counting on this to cover their funeral expenses. Dr. Mega stated that the Committee funded the non-educators to the same amount as the educators, as every person who has served this district is of value. The $19,000 -$20,000 is equitable and humane.
Mr. Ritchotte added that there was a savings on the other end in post-retirement benefits. He noted that there is a gain to the district by making this change to the age-banded rates, which will offset the $19,000 in some manner.
Dr. Wardwell recommended that the Committee consider the area of stipends for department heads and coaches as another area the Committee can look at reducing. He shared that he was the internal advisor for 250 students and never received compensation.
Dr. Mega reviewed the Consent Agenda. He noted that on 1/5 a vote did take place that was reported out that night; however, no one was present. He restated that the School Committee approved moving forward with the Superintendent’s recommendation to sign the Race to the Top Agreement. Members Mega, Frostic, Morris, Mueller, and Cotter were present with a 5-0-0 vote.
1) Approval of minutes meeting of: December 29, 2009
Approval of minutes meeting of: January 5, 2010
Approval of minutes meeting of: January 12, 2010
Executive Session Minutes of: January 12, 2010
2) Personnel Action(s) – Pulled from the Agenda
3) Bid Award(s) – Pulled from the Agenda
4) Home Schooling Request(s)
MSV (5) move to accept the Consent Agenda. Morris, Frostic (6-0-0).
1) South Kingstown Community Garden at BRMS:
Dr. Stringfellow introduced Lisa Wright, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on the
South Kingstown Community Garden at Broad Rock Middle School. Ms. Wright updated on Committee on its operations and plans for improvement. Ms. Wright shared pictures that illustrated the beginning stages, progress, and the harvest. Ms. Wright stated that she appreciates the support from the School Committee and encouraged Committee members to stop by and see how the area has been transformed to a beautiful place. She also noted that one of their goals is to try to incorporate benches for teachers and students to use as an outdoor classroom.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that it was her understanding that Ms. Wright needed to garner input from the School Committee regarding a tool shed that they wanted to continue with.
Ms. Wright advised that the town asked them to get a letter from the School Committee affirming that they could construct the shed on the site. Ms. Wright noted that it was discussed at the meeting, but it was not reflected in the minutes.
Dr. Mega asked the Committee members if that had any concerns about drafting a letter of support for the already existing wood shed on site. Dr. Mega recalled that it was in the original plans. There were no concerns expressed by Committee members.
2) Expenditure(s) over $10,000: Pulled from the Agenda
3) 2010-2011 Budget:
Mr. Ritchotte stated that there were no updates to the budget.
Mr. Mueller stated that he attended the SASC quarterly chairs meeting where a
presentation was made by RIPEC. He advised that he received materials that he will forward to the Superintendent for distribution. Mr. Mueller stated that bottom line of where the budget may go: there is currently a shortfall of $218 million and they are projecting significant changes in the budget. He shared that what got the most attention was the 2012 figure, which was a shortfall of about $1 billion. This is an issue facing the state government and an issue that each of the local communities needs to plan for. Mr. Mueller also noted that he had a lengthy conversation with Mr. Abbott about the creation of the funding formula.
Dr. Mega reviewed that the district website (www.skschools.net) lists the Superintendent’s presentation of 1-19, the budget presented on 1-12, and the initial budget presentation of 12-09. He advised that the budget will be discussed again next week. The School Committee will be presenting their budget to the town on February 14, 2010, with continued discussion with the town from that point forward with another joint meeting in March. Dr. Mega stated that it is becoming increasingly clear about the need of planning multiyear budgets and the need to know where the projections are. He advised that they are still awaiting a final facilities audit report from NESDEC. Dr. Mega also replied to a comment made by a community member regarding the teachers’ contract. He stated that the contract is signed through the next academic year; and that there are many components that go into collective bargaining that go beyond salaries that the Committee would need to take into consideration to renegotiate. The issue of collective bargaining goes well beyond one item, and that is not just in the interest of the CB unit, but the interest of the taxpayers.
4) Race to the Top:
Dr. Mega advised that Commissioner Gist has yet to post the modifications and
asked if the members agreed to have this item placed on the next agenda so that they are not out in front of the Commissioner on this item. The School Committee members agreed.
Mr. Mueller stated that, in part, the discussion of facility needs and decisions about our existing physical holdings is a critical conversation that needs to be part of the budget discussion. He stated that he looks forward to the NESDEC report. Mr. Mueller also shared information regarding a tragic story in the Boston Globe about cyber bullying. He believes that the Committee needs to look at bullying and look at what data is being collected, not only at the high school level, but the middle school as well.
Mr. Angeli recommends that the Committee have a discussion about what future planning looks like, as he is not sure what the “how to” will look like.
Ms. Morris commented on how proud she is of the musicians at the middle school and high school. She stated that it is scary in light of the budget shortfalls. She hopes to continue all programs. Ms. Morris also commented on the fabulous work of the gardeners, as they are supplying our children with information and providing food for needy families. She stated that she is in awe of their talent.
Dr. Mega wanted to thank all involved in the efforts made district-wide to support Haitian relief. He noted that it is a good example for our children.
MSV (6) move to seal the minutes of the Executive Session and adjourn at 7:47 PM. Frostic, Morris (6-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
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