The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on June 8, 2010 at the South Kingstown High School Cafeteria at 7:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Kevin Jackson (Co-Chair), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Richard Angeli, and Elizabeth Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Fred Frostic.
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; Sheila Sullivan, Broad Rock Middle School Principal; and John Bilotta, Technology Director.
Dr. Mega called the June 8, 2010 School Committee Meeting to order at 7:15 PM.
Dr. Stringfellow recognized members of Boys’ Scout Troop #1 from Wakefield who are Life Scouts working toward Eagle Scouts. They were in attendance to work toward their Merit Badge.
1) Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar. She noted that the SELAC Meeting scheduled for June 9th had been cancelled. Dr. Stringfellow advised that she will check the September 2010 School Committee meeting dates. Maureen Cotter noted that she will be able to attend Senior Honors Night on June 10th and Dr. Mega noted that he will attend graduation and that the Athletic Banquet was covered. Mr. Jackson advised that he will be unable to attend the July 13th meeting.
a. SELAC Meeting – June 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
b. Senior Honors Night – June 10, 2010, 6:30 PM, South Kingstown High School.
c. Athletic Banquet – June 13, 2010, 5:00 PM, Quonset O Club.
d. Senior Prom – June 14, 2010, 7:00 PM, Officer’s Club-Newport.
e. Graduation – June 18, 2010, 6:00 PM, Ryan Center.
f. School Committee Meeting – June 22, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Cafeteria.
g. School Committee Meeting – July 13, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Cafeteria.
h. School Committee Meeting – August 27, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
i. School Opens – September 7, 2010.
j. School Committee Meeting – September 7, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
k. School Committee Meeting – September 21, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
III. Superintendent’s Report (Continued):
2) Oliver Lucier – National Geography Bee:
Dr. Stringfellow recognized Oliver Lucier, Curtis Corner Middle School Student, who
competed in the National Geography Bee in Washington, DC. She advised that he placed second in the nation and won a $15,000 scholarship. The School Committee agreed to have the Superintendent send Oliver Lucier a letter of congratulations and to recognize his accomplishment.
Dr. Stringfellow also noted that Dr. Mega was noted as a top doctor in RI Monthly.
· Update on the Work Done in the BRMS Grade 5 Plan: Added
Dr. Stringfellow advised that she would like provide a brief update on some of the work
we have done on the Broad Rock Middle School grade 5 planning. She advised that the grade 5 teachers gathered for an entire day to work and talk with Mary Kelley, Sheila Sullivan, Christine Heid, and she had opportunities to meet and talk with the teachers.
Mary Kelley advised that grade 5 teachers came together for the day on June 3rd to discuss the move to Broad Rock Middle School. She noted that they identified common concerns and questions; once they identified the questions they set to answer them; they had a tour of the building; teachers explored classrooms and general areas; Guidance Counselor Sharon Schmid met with the teachers to share her personal and professional experience with the move the previous year; and they wrapped up discussions at 2:00 PM. Ms. Kelley shared emails she received afterwards, which noted that it was a great day, it was helpful, and that any previous reservations were put to rest.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that they talked about transportation, noting that we adopted a
two-tiered transportation schedule: all elementary buses run as they currently exist; and the second tier with middle school buses only and high school buses only. She noted that grades 5-8 will ride on the same buses. Dr. Stringfellow advised that John Ritchotte has alerted First Student that a decision had been made and they are busy putting together bus runs. She stated that they will do a mailing for grades 5 and 4 parents to let them know how it will work for their families. Dr. Stringfellow noted that a job fair is scheduled for June 16th; and on June 17th they will know officially which elementary teachers will be scheduled to move to BRMS. She advised that the physical move will occur between July 12 & 23 with our staff. After July 23rd, grade 5 teachers can set up their rooms. Regarding class lists, elementary teachers are working on placement forms and they will be completed before the end of school. Dr. Stringfellow advised that Mrs. Sullivan will send a note home to families (informing them of their 5th grade teacher’s name) if they are unable to note who the 5th grade teacher will be on the report card. Grade 4 students are scheduled to visit Broad Rock Middle School on June 14th; and grade 5 students are scheduled to visit Broad Rock on June 15th. Dr. Stringfellow also advised that Sheila Sullivan has scheduled four ice cream socials: two for entering grade 5 youngsters and two for entering grade 6 youngsters; they will be held 6/9, 6/10 , 6/15 & 6/17 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at Broad Rock Middle School. She also advised that we have done our special education planning for staff and that teachers are making recommendations for special education services. John Ritchotte has realigned the “P” account information and has sent it to the principals. Itinerant schedules have been configured. A PTO meeting was held on June 1st and
new officers were selected; and elementary principals and Sheila Sullivan have made a commitment to work on a plan this summer to identify additional opportunities for parental involvement. Dr. Stringfellow advised that in regard to recess, she, Christine Heid and Sheila Sullivan consulted with teachers during the all-day planning day about opportunities for recess and CPT. Currently, all elementary students have traditional itinerant time of physical education twice a week; and art, music, and library once a week; and 20 minutes per day for recess, which is one option. She explained that another option was the traditional itinerants with Common Planning Time block daily for teachers; so that when teachers are in CPT, students would be afforded an opportunity to participate in opportunities such as: technology, fitness, health, IB intervention block, advisory, or an additional music class. She advised that the 5th grade teachers supported the traditional itinerants coupled with additional opportunities for students and CPT. She advised that she has had several sessions with the NEASK leadership to make sure that opportunities for teachers are equitable. Dr. Stringfellow thanked Christine Heid, the elementary principals, Judy Saccardo, Mary Kelley, John Ritchotte, and Sheila Sullivan for all the work, noting that this could not have been done without them.
Christine Heid spoke on behalf of the teachers who attended the all-day planning. She advised that it was very empowering for the members to join at the table to share their thinking and to hear what options were available for the students and themselves. Mrs. Heid advised that over the years, most elementary schools built in an alterative recess station in the building for children who have difficulty in the less structured activities of open recess. The teachers appreciated being able to take the temperature of their own students and to have the ability to build in movement activities for the students. She noted that many members were not sure it was the right choice; however, once the decision was made they stepped forward; they were happy to be considered part of a professional team to talk about it. Mrs. Heid advised that the 6th grade teachers were having their end-of-the-year faculty meetings to plan for professional development for next year; however, they did not want to specifically set the course of professional development until they had the input from the 5th grade faculty coming over, which sent a huge message they would be welcomed as part of a school-wide team developing a two-year program for kids.
Sheila Sullivan stated that they are very excited about everyone coming together and for 5th and 6th graders coming to Broad Rock School. She advised that the ice cream socials start tomorrow, noting that invitations have been sent to elementary schools in the district and other schools who have traditionally sent children to Broad Rock. Mrs. Sullivan stated that it will be a great evening and the beginning of a new adventure at Broad Rock.
Dr. Mega noted that this was not part of the Superintendent’s agenda item; however, he noted that it will be reviewed on June 22nd and will remain as a standing item on the agenda to review.
3) Tech Department Reorganization:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that the use of technology in our classrooms and offices has
changed dramatically in the last 12 years. The School Committee recognized the increased demand on technology services that and has added staff to the technology department to meet those needs. That type of support has allowed us to build a technology and communication system that is robust and provides our students, teachers and staff with up-to-date tools for their work. The volume of technology work has increased, but it has also shifted in focus and complexity. The skills necessary to address technology needs have changed. Where we once spent the majority of our time on “break-fix” of individual computers, we now spend most of our time on network and web-based systems. The sad retirement of our Technology Director has provided an opportunity to look carefully at current technology positions, responsibilities/job descriptions for each position, the skill sets of current staff, and the tasks at hand and in the future. This evaluation has led to a reorganization plan that includes: new job descriptions, recommended promotions, salary adjustments, and recommendations for hiring new staff members. Current staff would be promoted to fill the Technology Director and Network Administrator. Our Technician position remains. We would be advertising for a Senior Technician position and a dedicated Technology integration position to work with our teaching staff. The net salary budget for the department will remain essentially the same, because it will be reworked. This reorganization would provide for more high-level technical skills with the addition of the Senior Technician position. It would allow us to keep pace with the increasingly complex network systems. Professional development has been the Director’s responsibility, as John Bilotta has that in his teaching background and in his repertoire, but that work was often overshadowed by day-to-day demands of the position. A dedicated Technology Integration Specialist can bring focus on professional development.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that they have been working on this since one of her first days in the district, as John Bilotta knew it was his intention to retire. They discussed how to be forward in thinking without costing the district new dollars. Dr. Stringfellow advised that staff members from the Technology Department were available to answer questions. She stated that the Committee could look at this at the next meeting in June if the Committee were more comfortable asking questions and looking into it further.
Ms. Cotter asked the Superintendent to explain where the money is coming from for the recommended positions. Dr. Stringfellow explained the current staff makeup in the Technology Department, noting that what the staff were hired to do is different from what they actually do on a daily basis. She explained the new roles and responsibilities of the current Technology Department members. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the plan is to take the remaining funds from John Bilotta’s salary and split it into two new positions: one part-time Technology Integration Specialist and one full-time Senior Technical position.
Ms. Cotter asked if this was adequate for our district going forward. Dr. Stringfellow stated that she believes this is an optimal way to utilize our resources to keep the folks that we have that are spectacular, while not costing us more money.
III. Superintendent’s Report (Continued):
3) Tech Department Reorganization (Continued):
Dr. Mega asked the Superintendent to explain the part-time position. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the Director maintains a database for all our secretaries; and he also provides professional development opportunities. In addition, the Director has to think of the forward thinking design for the whole department, and has to do strategic planning. She advised that the individual would just do integrating professional development for teachers.
MSV (1) motion to accept the Superintendent’s Report. Jackson, Cotter (6-0-0).
Mr. Mueller noted that the September School Committee meetings were scheduled for the first and third week, as opposed to the second and fourth. Dr. Stringfellow will check on the dates and will bring it back on June 22nd.
Raissa Mosher, parent, expressed concern that students will not have a traditional recess at Broad Rock. She expressed that she believes we are getting into semantics as far as middle school endorsements: middle school bus, calling it Broad Rock Middle School, having Common Planning Time, switching classes. Ms. Mosher stated that parents were told it would be an elementary model. She cautioned the Committee to be careful. Dr. Mega stated that the name of the school has to be considered –Broad Rock School or whatever is appropriate.
Ms. Mosher noted the high school enrollment decline from the NESDEC report and asked if the high school administrator position had been eliminated. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the position had not been eliminated, noting that very few of the matrix items were considered.
Dr. Stringfellow explained that due to the need for the complexity of the new teacher evaluation component, we need to be sure we had enough administrators to staff the process.
Roxanne Royality, Matunuck parent, explained that she has two energetic boys coming to Broad Rock who will need recess. She expressed concern that they will spend their entire 5th grade year getting in trouble without having an outlet such as recess to get their energy out.
Ms. Royality stated that they need 30 minutes of recess. Dr. Stringfellow responded that the 5th grade teachers will be able to take the temperature of their class to see what they are doing (does anyone need a snack, recess, or continue working). She stated that she envisions teachers having the flexibility to say students need a snack, or a break, or playtime. Dr. Mega asked if there would be options available for the 37 minutes. He asked if only one program would be running at a time or will they be running simultaneously. Sheila Sullivan advised that we are currently gathering information from our current 4th grade teachers; and she sees a variety of things running simultaneously. She advised that she would like to see what we have and then give well-rounded information.
Susan Kimmerlein, parent, asked why we were not putting the 5th grade students on the bus with elementary students, rather than on a middle school bus. She also asked if the bus monitor issue has been cleared. Dr. Stringfellow advised that we have not officially received word from RIDE regarding the bus monitor variance. Ms. Kimmerlein expressed her concern that there was a possibility that bus monitors may not be on the middle school buses. Regarding recess, Ms. Kimmerlein shared her thoughts on play and its role in children’s lives by quoting several sources. She stated that as a member of the Rhode Island Health School Coalition, it is important for our Wellness Committee to find ways to maintain and enhance recess. As a high school, she shared how she takes her students outside every quarter. Ms. Kimmerlein asked if the Committee will commit to the value of recess time for our 5th graders and look for ways to improve daily activities for all of our students.
Dr. Mega stated that he is very interested in the concept of improving daily activities for all our students. He noted that the Wellness Committee has done a great job in taking up issues with healthy eating and it has been the focus of the subcommittee. As a member of the Wellness Subcommittee, Richard Angeli shared that they have talked about fitness and nutrition in our schools and that they can begin having a general discussion about daily activities for all our students in the district. Mr. Angeli stated that he is proud of the work the Subcommittee has done. Dr. Mega stated that he would like to read more and would like Ms. Kimmerlein to send him the information she quoted. Mrs. Kelley advised that she would add Ms. Kimmerlein to the listserve for the Wellness Committee, so that Mrs. Kimmerlein would be aware of the activities and events sponsored by the Wellness Committee.
Jacob Sergeant, student and Boys’ Scout, shared the importance of recess in relation to his brother. He also shared his experience with class rotation as a 5th grader when living in Las Vegas. Jacob spoke about the importance of activity with the Boys’ Scouts; and he also shared how much he enjoyed going outside with Ms. Kimmerlein’s class.
Bob Gulla, parent, asked if there had been any discussion about the potential impact of 5th graders starting their school day earlier. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the start time will not be much different from what we have now at the middle schools.
Michael Mutschler, parent, asked if there would be a bus transfer at the high school.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that there would not be a transfer. Mr. Mutschler asked who will be on the bus with the 5th graders; and he asked about late buses. Dr. Stringfellow advised that 5th through 8th grade students would be on the same bus. She also advised that they have talked to First Student about what it would look with running two late buses. Mr. Mutschler stated that he is not comfortable with 5th graders riding the bus with older students. Dr. Stringfellow further explained how the current tiered bus system worked where students had to transfer at the high school. Mr. Mutschler asked if students would be spending more time on the bus. Mr. Ritchotte advised that we will be staying with policy of within one hour.
Tracey Hart, Matunuck parent, expressed concern about 5th graders riding on the bus with 8th graders; and she also expressed concern about the variance of monitors for buses. Ms. Hart stated that what she finds most distressing is her belief that the Committee values building usage rather than protecting the wholesome well-being of children in our culture. She also expressed that she believes the Committee dismissed and ignored the evidence shared by educators and parents in favor of the elementary model. Mr. Angeli noted that the Committee has heard testimony since January; and that none of the people who voted in support of the move mentioned building efficiency as a component of supporting the move. He noted discussion about district-wide teaching collaboration, better resources to students with special needs, opportunity to enhance the unified arts programs.
Jonathan Daly-Labelle, parent, asked who would be watching the students when they are at “recess.” Dr. Stringfellow advised that the teachers would be with the students if the teachers decided that students needed a movement break outside then the teachers would supervise that break, but there would not be a traditional recess. She went on to explain the opportunities available for students and the flexibility teachers would have.
Mr. Daly-Labelle asked if recess was included in the vote for the move to Broad Rock. Dr. Mega advised that it was not part of the vote; and that it depended on the administrators and teachers’ input to determine how it would be structured. Mr. Daly-Labelle expressed disappointment, referencing the second petition submitted in favor of recess. Mr. Daly-Labelle asked about the cost for a late bus. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the information had not been received yet; however, she did approximate a cost of $13,000. Mr. Daly-Labelle asked if the 5th grade teachers had any concern about the classroom size after their visit to Broad Rock. Mrs. Heid advised that there was a lot of flexibility for the teachers and that they were satisfied with the space.
Mr. Daly-Labelle asked what the $120,000 position was that had been discussed for elimination.
Dr. Mega advised that it was an assistant principal at the high school; however, Dr. Stringfellow advised that items were not prioritized on the matrix.
Teresa Tanzi, resident, asked about the “elemiddle model” and asked if there are any facility/ equipment available for recess. Dr. Stringfellow noted that Broad Rock has wonderful outdoor space. Ms. Tanzi asked about materials needed by the 5th grade teachers.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that there has been discussion with teachers and librarians; and she noted that conversations will continue to occur. Dr. Mega noted that there is a vibrant PTO at Broad Rock. Sheila Sullivan noted that Broad Rock has a community garden, picnic tables, discussion of creating an outdoor classroom, and also track and field.
Ms. Morris stated that she has had parents express disappointment in not having a structured time for recess. She stated that we need to take a look at how we can encourage teachers to make sure it happens.
Mr. Jackson stated that when South Road School closed, the library materials were distributed throughout the district. He also noted that the South Road PTO had just put in a new play set, which is still at the South Road location. Mr. Jackson wondered if that could be moved; however, he was not aware of the Town variance.
Beth Laliberte asked if there had been any progress on the development of a long-range planning committee. Dr. Mega advised that he plans on bringing it back for discussion, probably over the summer, on how the School Committee would like to form a long-range planning committee.
Jennifer Havens asked about the structure of an elementary within a middle school.
Dr. Mega advised that it would still be an elementary class model with a teacher that is directing that classroom. He stated that he did not hear that it would be a middle school team model.
After discussion, Ms. Havens stated that it seems like this is going as a middle school model under the guise of an elementary/ middle school. She stated that it would be great to have clarification for parents to prepare their children.
Suzanne Keating, parent, asked how many 4th grade students and teachers we have.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that there are currently 12.5 teachers; and she is planning 10 new sections of 5th graders, and approximately 230 students. Ms. Keating asked if anyone spoke to Kingston Hill Academy.
Ms. Keating stated that there will be a need to hire a new teacher. Dr. Stringfellow advised that she had not had not spoken to Kingston Hill Academy. She noted that over the summer, there will be in-migration and out-migration of students K-12 (which is typical as enrollment is very dynamic). Dr. Stringfellow advised that we always keep an eye K-12 enrollment over the summer. Dr. Stringfellow stated that if we receive several students from Kingston Hill (and there becomes a need to add a teacher) the cost of adding a teacher will be offset by the Charter School tuition reduction. Ms. Keating referred to adding a bus and asked the efficiencies to be described. Mr. Ritchotte stated that the bus company can change the configuration of the runs and increase capacity.
Dr. Mega reviewed the Consent Agenda. Dr. Mega noted that Personnel Actions includes recalling 80 teachers that were previously laid off (the list was provided to School Committee members).
1) Approval of minutes meeting of: May 20, 2010
Approval of minutes meeting of: May 25, 2010
Executive Session Minutes of: May 20, 2010
Executive Session Minutes of: May 25, 2010
3) Exchange Student Request
4) Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
MSV (2) move to approve the Consent Agenda. Angeli, Jackson (6-0-0).
1) Expenditure(s) over $10,000:
a. Purchase 5 software licenses and professional development for My Reading Coach
Mary Kelley advised that special education and general education have partnered over
the past few years to find ways that will really make an impact on students who are struggling readers. She advised that they have visited other districts and have done research on which programs are most effective. Ms. Kelley advised that My Reading Coach is being used throughout the state. She advised that it is the most effective model they have come up with and it is used with older students. Ms. Kelley stated that she and Judy Saccardo made the determination that this is the best use we could find for some of the ARRA funds. She noted that this is a sole source. Mr. Jackson asked if there was a recurring cost with this. Ms. Kelley advised that it is an implementation plan that will buy us more time.
MSV (3) move to approve the expenditure. Jackson, Angeli (6-0-0).
VI. School Committee Business (Continued):
2) Video Streaming:
Mr. Ritchotte advised that he had a chance to speak with the Town Clerk who did
research on the video streaming and did the RFP for the town. We were also able to get her feelings about the current vendor. He advised that it looks like we will be able to ride the town’s bid; however, it is not 100% certain at this point. Mr. Ritchotte advised that in case we have to issue our own RFP, the company who provides the service is willing to extend the town’s price to us. Mr. Ritchotte advised that we are trying to proceed with a recommendation on June 22, 2010. Mr. Ritchotte noted that the video streaming has been very positive for the town.
3) Tech Department Reorganization:
Dr. Mega stated that the Committee will defer the vote for the Tech Department to the next meeting.
4) SORICO:
Dr. Stringfellow will share copies with Committee members of the PowerPoint
presentation that Mr. McKee shared with the Council. She advised that SORICO is meeting on Thursday evening and she will share information on June 22, 2010.
5) Resolutions:
Dr. Mega stated that he is looking to the Committee for guidance regarding a contract
continuation resolution; and he would like to continue the discussion of where to go from here.
Ms. Cotter stated that she did not know if that resolution is important from our point of view. She stated that every resolution should be important from South Kingstown’s perspective, and that going forward, we should spend time on what is important to us.
Mr. Mueller stated that we should create a method of tracking what policy matters we have taken positions on and what the date of those were. He stated that there is some value in identifying differences between binding arbitration and the legislative initiative to create law that a contract never ends. Mr. Mueller explained the legislative initiative.
Dr. Mega stated that we should provide a list of resolutions that we have passed in the last 3-5 years as he thinks there is overlap of what we have done. Dr. Mega noted that over the last 6 months, we have drifted away from subcommittee work in preparing work for the whole Committee at large. He recommended that discussion be held at the next meeting on how to bring our subcommittees back, which have community member participation, and how to get back to a structure that has served us well in the past. Dr. Mega stated that we should utilize the subcommittees to review tasks that are important to the Committee.
Mr. Jackson recommended posting Resolutions on the website to keep the community informed.
VI. School Committee Business (Continued):
6) Administrative Reorganization:
Dr. Stringfellow recommends the transfer of Jennifer Enck to Broad Rock Middle School
effective July 1st and the addition of a .5 Dean of Students position at Peace Dale. She advised that they are looking for someone (as Dean of Students) who has administrative experience and who has an administrative certificate. She explained that an assistant principal is looked at as someone who deals with behavioral issues and discipline; however, a Dean of Students has more of an appeal to an outside applicant looking for a balance of discipline, instructional leadership and supervision (as with teacher evaluation). Dr. Stringfellow explained that we gain efficiencies as we planned 12.5 teachers to service students; however, we now can service the students with 10 teachers. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the .5 position is offset by efficiencies and teacher loads. Discussion followed.
Dr. Mega suggested a report back at a later time regarding Dean of Students vs. Assistant Principal.
MSV (4) move to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation. Cotter, Jackson
(6-0-0).
7) 2010-2011 Budget:
Mr. Ritchotte advised that late last week, the Legislature made a couple of decisions
relative to the budget. He noted that they passed the supplemental 2010 budget and enacted a 2011 budget. Mr. Ritchotte reviewed the individual pieces that affect South Kingstown.
He advised that we will likely be able to move funds from our surplus this year to our undesignated funds next year. Mr. Ritchotte advised that we will end up with $130,000 more
in the initial School Committee budget forwarded to the town and voted on by the Town Council. He cautioned that the 2011 budget is based in part on Medicaid funds which we have not seen yet. Mr. Ritchotte noted that it looks like we will not need the $260,000 from undesignated funds discussed at the last meeting. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Angeli expressed appreciation for John Ritchotte’s work with respect to the budget numbers. He also stated that this Committee had done due diligence to prepare for a 5% cut in
state aid; and the Committee was asked to put together options and fortunately did not have to go with closing an elementary school. Mr. Angeli stated that he has a problem with people making broader statements on the backs of our elementary schools, kids, and parents. Mr. Angeli advised that he found out that the listserv was used for a self-serving, political press release. He asked that the Superintendent do some fact-finding to find out what was done and what was used. He requested that we look at our protocols to determine who has access to listservs.
Dr. Mega noted the passing of Chris Heisler, who he noted was a true hero in our community, a friend of education, and who served his country admirably even beyond his military career. He stated that he will be missed.
MSV (5) move to adjourn at 9:37 PM. Cotter, Mueller (6-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
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