The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on March 9, 2010 at the South Kingstown High School Auditorium at 7:00 PM, following Executive Session at
6:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kevin Jackson (Assistant Chair), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Richard Angeli, Frederick Frostic, and Elizabeth Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Anthony Mega (Chair)
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent.
Kevin Jackson called the March 9, 2010 School Committee Meeting to order at 6:10 PM.
MSV (1) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Lease of Public Property at 6:10 PM. Mueller, Frostic
(6-0-0).
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Kevin Jackson (Assistant Chair),
Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Richard Angeli, Frederick Frostic, and Elizabeth Morris.
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; Michelle Little, Wakefield Elementary Principal; and Ruth Gallucci, Early Childhood Coordinator.
Dr. Mega called the March 9, 2010 School Committee Meeting back to order at
7:18 PM. Dr. Mega advised that the Committee was returning from Executive Session for lease of property discussion, noting that no votes were taken.
1) Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar. She noted that the Town has asked to change the Public Budget Hearings from April 5th & 6th to April 14th and 15th.
a. School Committee Meeting - March 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Cafeteria.
b. Joint Budget Session – Town Council & School Committee – March 10, 2010,
7:00 PM, Town Hall – Town Council Chambers.
c. SELAC Meeting – March 10, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
d. School Committee Meeting – March 23, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
e. School Committee Wellness Subcommittee Meeting – March 25, 2010, 4:00 PM,
Administration Building.
f. School Committee Meeting – April 13, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
g. Public Budget Hearings – April 14 & April 15, 2010, 7:00 PM, Town Hall – Town
Council Chambers.
h. SELAC Meeting – April 14, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
i. School Committee Wellness Subcommittee Meeting – April 22, 2010 – 4:00 PM,
Administration Building.
j. School Committee Meeting – April 27, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
k. School Committee Meeting – May 11, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Cafeteria.
l. SELAC Meeting – May 12, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
m. School Committee Meeting – May 25, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Cafeteria.
n. School Committee Wellness Subcommittee Meeting – May 27, 2010, 4:00 PM,
Administration Building.
Dr. Stringfellow also asked to table the Access to Excellence Policy until a time when it could be addressed as its own item. After discussion, the School Committee decided to meet on March 29, 2010 at 7:00 PM.
Dr. Mega stated that he would like to get the professional development subcommittee together and will offer a couple of dates to the subcommittee members.
MSV (2) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s report. Jackson, Morris (7-0-0).
Carol Lavin, High School Library Media Specialist, shared her educational and vocational history. She advised that the district has a Basic Education Program approved until June 30, 2010, which addresses the library media program. She provided a copy of the BEP for the Committee members, along with the library standard that the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Ms. Lavin noted that NEASC recommends that a building with 400+ students have a full-time library media specialist. She asked the Committee how they plan on fulfilling the BEP and the NEASC certification guidelines if they do not have a full-time media specialist. Ms. Lavin requested that the Committee not cut the position.
Suzanne Skiffington, parent, expressed concern about losing the NEASC accreditation if the High School Library Media Specialist position is cut from the budget.
Dr. Mega reviewed the Consent Agenda.
1) Approval of minutes meeting of: February 23, 2010
Executive Session Minutes of: February 23, 2010
2) Personnel Action(s)
3) Bid Award(s)
a. 2252 Battery Operated Auto Scrubber
4) Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
5) Exchange Student Request
MSV (3) move to accept the Consent Agenda. Jackson, Angeli (7-0-0).
1) Expenditure(s) over $10,000: Pulled from the Agenda.
2) Access to Excellence Policy –second reading: Tabled to March 29, 2010.
MSV (4) move the 2010-2011 Budget up to the next item on the agenda. Mueller,
Jackson (7-0-0).
3) (4) 2010-2011 Budget:
Dr. Stringfellow stated that it is important to note that the budget process is
substantively complete; we have a budget; it has been voted on and forwarded to the Town Council. She noted that the first technical discussion is scheduled for tomorrow evening at Town Hall. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the budget discussion this evening is focused on recent issues that have created the need to create a contingency reduction plan, should any of the recent issues become finite in the next few months. Dr. Stringfellow stated that none of the budget reductions will make our school district strong; no item recommended is not needed or is an excess; and every single item are needed very much. She stated that in creating options to look at, she has done her best to identify items that will protect and insulate our core educational system, which is at risk of being hollowed out. She advised that each item has either been considered previously by Dr. Hicks or the School Committee publicly. As we shape these budget contingencies into a final document, it is important that we gain perspective of which item would protect our core best. She advised that it would be very helpful to the process if you are going to share a perspective, a concern about cutting an item that you take the time to offer support in identifying some items that you would reduce; as the pie very finite. At the end of this budget reduction process, which will not end this evening, we have to make certain that that amount of funding is realized. If the budget deficiencies outweigh the revenues, then we will operate in a deficit, which is not lawful. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the PowerPoint budget presentation this evening will focus on the chronology of the budget, issues that have surfaced, and options to be considered in a budget reduction plan that will protect our core educational system.
a. Review of Budget Process/Chronology
b. Governor’s Supplemental Budget Impact
c. Governor’s Projected Budget 2010-11 Impact
d. Proposed Funding Formula Impact
Dr. Stringfellow shared information about the budget via PowerPoint (available on district website) which included: Preliminary Factors; Expenditure Assumptions; Original Revenue Assumptions (as of 12-2009); District FTEs (610.1 in 06-07 to 549.1 in 09-10); a Graph showing Administrative, Certified, and Non-Certified Staff from 2006-2010; Charter School Enrollments (120 in 2004 to 101 in 2009); a Graph showing the Charter School Enrollment numbers 2004-2009; Enrollment Trending Downward (4,383 in 1999; 3,459 currently; and 3,020 projected in 2019; Undesignated Funds; Superintendent’s Budget; State Aid Trend (28.90% in 1996 to 15-78% in 2011); CHANGE; From Superintendent’s Budget to School Committee Budget (Reduction to Budget Made before S/C Adoption); CHANGE (Additional Budget Reduction Plan for FY2010 as a result of Gov. Supplemental Budget in the amount of 95K); CHANGE; Other Considerations; How will we get to the $926K reductions (if needed)? Items that cannot be reduced….; Items Eligible for Consideration; Staff; Sports, Music, Supplies, & Renovation; Programs; 3 Options for Consideration in Creating a 926K Budget Reduction Plan; Possible changes to our revenue stream will necessitate the need to choose 1 or more of the following options to balance our budget; Option #1: Choose approximately 468K from list of 668 (staff and line items); Option #2: Elementary School Consolidation; and Option #3: Elimination of All Day Kindergarten.
Dr. Stringfellow shared information about the funding formula, advising that there are 49 funding formulas in the United States and the Commissioner is looking at using the Market Basket approach (information available on the Department of Education website). The Market Basket approach is based on the community’s ability to pay (property values); how do they determine what our ability to pay is; how do they determine property value; poverty index (K-6 free and reduced lunch students). She noted that one of the things not considered in the Market Basket is transportation.
Dr. Mega asked how the elimination of a library media specialist would affect the NEASC accreditation. Dr. Stringfellow advised that we would need to come up with a cohesive plan on how the services could continue by utilizing other staff. She noted that the BEP was
re-written this year.
Dr. Mega asked about shifting funds from IDEA and Title I for salary support.
Dr. Stringfellow explained that every May, Mary Kelly and Judith Saccardo write the Consolidated Resource Program Grant, which is our Federal funding request. She stated that the Federal Government then decides how much Title I money we get based on our poverty index and they decide how much IDEA support we get based on how many special education students that are in our special education census. Mary Kelley, Dr. Saccardo, and staff then design programs to support students in Title I and IDEA. Dr. Stringfellow stated that she feels
comfortable shifting the necessities (Family and Community Engagement) from the local budget into Title I.
Mr. Mueller stated that he would like to look out into the future, the subsequent two years after losing the ARRA money. He asked the Superintendent what she would project as the cuts we would need to make beyond state aid. Dr. Stringfellow advised that we have done a good job to limit the “financial cliff” when ARRA funds are eliminated. She did note that the impact would be significant; however, she stated that she is not ready to give a figure until she puts pen to paper. Dr. Stringfellow explained the use of stabilization and ARRA funds. Mr. Mueller stated that this discussion highlights how few options there are in the out years and how significant contract negotiations will be.
e. Contingency Budget Cuts (includes potential elementary school consolidation)
Dr. Stringfellow shared information via PowerPoint which reflects a compilation of
suggestions made to the School Committee largely at the Broad Road Middle School community forum by members of the community. She noted that at the forum there was a lot of sentiment expressed about exploring structural reconfigurations in the town other than moving 5th graders to Broad Rock Middle School. Dr. Stringfellow stated that she wanted to give the context of the presentation, as she did not want anyone to think that she is recommending any this evening. She advised that she and the staff looked at every suggestion brought to their attention and the presentation would reflect their response. The suggestions made included: Move the Preschool to BRMS; Move 9th from SKHS to CCMS; Close CCMS, move 7/8 to BRMS and re-open South Road; Create Sister Schools; Create K-8 Schools; Reopen South Road and Make it the Grade 6 School; Re-open South Road and Make South Road and all elementary Schools K-6; Return to K-6 Schools, Collapse Matunuck and West Kingston Populations into Broad Rock, Do Not Reopen South Road; Consolidate West Kingston or Matunuck; Consolidate Peace Dale; Consolidate Wakefield; Questions on Housing aid and Bonding; and Questions on Increased Enrollment.
Tom, resident, asked if there would be enough space at the charter schools with the
alteration of the all day kindergarten. Dr. Stringfellow responded that they are actual numbers that came back from the charter schools. She also noted that the Commissioner is looking at taking the caps off of the charter schools. The charter schools currently in our area have allocated extra, sizeable spaces. Also, the charter schools do not have the budgetary issues we do.
Tom, resident, asked if the Superintendent had looked at a K-3, followed with a 4-6, and then a 7/8 option, as it may be a way to keep children in their neighborhood schools.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that she did not look at that option.
Jonathan Daly-Labelle, Wakefield parent, asked if the Committee had a time frame in mind for a decision. Dr. Stringfellow responded that from now until June, she is not sure when we will be pressed for a decision with the two issues we are facing. Dr. Mega added that he is never in a rush to make a decision that can only bring our educational quality down; yet you have to balance out if delay will hurt the educational quality even more the following year. Dr. Mega stated that many other things have to be worked on to see if we can keep quality education. Mr. Mueller stated that the School Committee has not looked at a time line. He stated that the Committee will have the NESDEC report shortly that everyone can look at, which is a major feature. Mr. Mueller added that the Committee would not move forward with any of the options until it is clear we would need to. Keeping impacted families hanging without direction is just as destructive. Mr. Mueller stated that he sees this as an ongoing discussion.
Ms. Cotter asked what effect the Race to the Top funds would have on the discussion.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that we have been in need of a funding formula for quite a while; and it is a linchpin component to the Race to the Top. She advised that we will be notified in April as a state if we have been chosen.
Bob Hackey, Wakefield parent, stated that he understands that the Town Council has an obligation to deliver a balanced budget, but the School Committee is the advocate for the educational community. He asked the Committee to what extent they are willing to lobby the Town Council and make a pitch to the voters of South Kingstown that these cuts are simply unacceptable and more revenue is needed. Mr. Hackey stated that he is concerned that the Committee has conceded defeat before the battle has been joined. We have to join the fight. He stated that if he was given the choice of weakening his child’s education or having to pay more, he will pay more. Mr. Hackey stated that he wants the School Committee to demand more from the town.
Patrice Newman, Wakefield parent, asked the Committee to continue to search creatively for effective modifications that do not diminish the fabric of our town. She shared her observation of what Wakefield School offers and asked that the Committee consider preserving what Wakefield offers.
Eileen Daly-Labelle, Wakefield parent, expressed her concern that the presentation presents closing Wakefield School as the only positive option. She stated that she did not see a real analysis of what closing West Kingston or Matunuck School would be.
Michael Mutschler, Wakefield parent, expressed his concern that money would bounce back to the Charter Schools if Wakefield School is closed. Dr. Mega responded that he would like to look at data to get a sense of what number of students went to charter school after South Road closed. Mr. Mutschler urged the Committee to look at other options. He stated that we should get a committee together, get parents organized, and put a lot more pressure on the state.
Suzanne Keating, Wakefield parent, stated that if we turn to our community, people will
step up to the plate. She stated that the education in our country is getting worse, not better.
Jennifer Brown, parent, asked how much was spent on bussing; and suggested that maybe people would be willing to transport their own children. Dr. Stringfellow stated that transportation is required in Rhode Island; we are required to transport students to out-of-district placements, private schools, charter schools. Ms. Brown commented that she will have all her children in four different schools if Wakefield closes.
Rob, resident, stated that he moved to Wakefield because it was charming and historical. He has a child that he thought would be walking to school, which was an incentive. Repairs to a building/reusing a building vs. building new is certainly more cost effective over the long run. He stated that if you abandon Wakefield School, you will not be able to move back into it, as it will be out of code. Rob recommended that the Committee consider looking at how all the school buildings can be best utilized and encouraged the Committee to understand the life cycle of the buildings.
Susan Kimmerlein, teacher and parent, asked when the School Committee will speak
back to the state about unfunded mandates. She commented that the state is saying “no” to us and she wanted to know when the Committee will say “no” back. Dr. Mega advised that the Committee has spoken to our legislators; and we have been successful in some areas.
Mr. Frostic commented that he has spoken to Rep. Rice about the data inefficiencies in the funding formula. We want to make a school funding formula the best it can be.
Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding her participation on RISSA, noting that
RISSA has submitted a list of unfunded mandates they would like relief from.
Cheryl Foster, Wakefield parent and expert on environmental and esthetic planning and thinking, stated that she helps people to think through the non bricks and mortar value of palatable decisions that cannot be undone once they are taken. She shared her observations of what would be lost if Wakefield School is closed. Ms. Foster shared some historical facts about downtown Wakefield and the Wakefield School. Ms. Foster advised the Committee that if Wakefield Elementary School is closed, they will be changing the rural character of the town. She stated that the children contribute to the character of the town. Ms. Foster commented that closing Wakefield Elementary will significantly impact the local merchants.
Mike Chappell, parent, stated that he is disturbed because he does not know where his child will be going to school next year. Mr. Chappell stated that he does not agree with the enrollment numbers because the town has a larger elderly population. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the enrollment projections are from NESDEC. Mr. Chappell stated that he does not want to pay more taxes, but he will. He also commented about Sari’s Sanctuary/River Classroom, which was a community effort; noting that if Wakefield School is closed, you will be ripping the heart out of the community.
Dr. Mega commented that the presentation was not meant to be a concession speech the
night before the Committee meets with the Town Council. He noted that the community has shared interesting thoughts for tomorrow’s meetings, which is beneficial.
Mr. Mueller shared information regarding the NESDEC enrollment projections. He stated that he is comfortable, within the limit of predictability, with NESDEC’s numbers.
Mr. Mueller commented that the NESDEC numbers are not the basis for making school closing decisions. He stated that what we are faced with now is a fiscal crisis; the state is in crisis and that is being passed on.
Mr. Angeli shared that six years ago he sat in the audience and said that the enrollment
projections were wrong; however, he has found that they are “spot on.” He stated that the Committee has to use every piece of information available to make a decision. Mr. Angeli commented that the Committee is still in the process of looking at how to run our schools best.
Patty Reardon, parent, asked if the money put aside for leasing South Road could be reallocated and used to reopen South Road School. Mr. Ritchotte advised that the majority of the money collected for rent has been used to maintain the building, and a good portion was used to offset housing aid.
Robin Wildman, Wakefield teachers, asked the Committee to consider the River Classroom, which was gifted to us by the Champlin Grant. Ms. Wildman advised that 1/3rd of the GLE’s would be addressed because of the River Classroom and its use. She stated that it is one of the reasons why she thinks Wakefield School needs to stay where it is.
June Cerrito, Wakefield teacher, commented that several donations came from taxpayers for the River Classroom/Sari’s Sanctuary with the understanding that it would be used for educating children. Ms. Cerrito stated that if Wakefield School is closed it will also close the opportunity for children to be educated environmentally.
Roland Benjamin, parent, commented that what struck him about the presentation was
looking at that the “untouchables.” He noted that the School Committee has an obligation to challenge every one of them and to identify process waste. He spoke about the attrition rate and health care trend. Mr. Benjamin stated that he would be happy to speak with anyone about health care trend of 3-5% he has realized in his own business. He noted that we continue to forecast 10% in health care but trend 6-7%. Mr. Benjamin commented that the two items he mentioned represent the dollar amount we would need to create the bridge to start dealing with the untouchables.
Keith Warhaven, parent, asked why pay to play for sports could not be extended to music. He also stated that he does not feel that the School Committee asks enough from the parents who would be willing to help (i.e. painting needed at Wakefield School). He also noted that Wakefield does present itself uniquely as one elementary school where children can walk to school. Dr. Stringfellow stated that lawfully, we cannot ask parents to pay to play. She also noted that she does not see pay to play for music as it is part of the curriculum.
Dr. Mega noted that asking community members to help with capital projects is thinking outside of the box.
Grant Williams, parent, stated that we need to see the long-term vision for the district, as he is interested in knowing what the high school education will be for his children. He asked if there are loopholes and aspects of the sports program that can be funded by the community.
Mr. Williams suggested getting funding from professional businesses (i.e.: intern program).
Jeannine, West Kingston parent, stated that our children’s education is most important.
She stated that our children need to read and write; and we need good teachers with smart children.
Mr. Daly-Labelle, stated that the arguments from six years ago are not the same as what
he hears this evening: historic site, River classroom that has educational benefits with community support. He stated that what bothered him the most was the speed in which a decision was made. Mr. Daly-Labelle stated that this does not feel like a clear and transparent process. He also commented that the PowerPoint presentation at the last School Committee meeting would be on line the next day; however, it is not online. Mr. Daly-Labelle asked for clarification regarding option #2 in the presentation, potential transportation increase, undesignated funds. Mr. Daly-Labelle asked for information regarding the transportation implications of closing Wakefield vs. Matunuck vs. West Kingston.
Ms. Keating, parent, inquired how each Committee member would vote about closing Wakefield Elementary. Dr. Mega responded that they do not have all the information and that if they were to take a vote, he is sure there would be seven abstentions.
Alan Skiffington, Wakefield parent, stated that he believes that everything should be done to put off closing Wakefield School for one year. He stated that the process needs dialogue as the finality of closing a school is very scary.
Jen Dwyer, Wakefield parent, spoke in defense of the Committee. She stated that she does not think people mean to attack; however, when you look at choice #2, there are negating facts for everything except Wakefield.
Cheri Shurker, West Kingston parent, stated that she thinks the community needs as much information as possible. She stated that she feels the Committee is very transparent; she does not think there is a conspiracy.
Eileen Daly-Labelle, parent, asked if West Kingston and Matunuck Schools are equally being considered. Mr. Jackson noted that the agenda and the all-call notification has identified as a discussion about the consolidation of schools. Dr. Stringfellow commented that there has been this fear of closing Wakefield Elementary before she even came to the district. She also noted that all of the options presented are being considered. Dr. Mega stated that this affects the community as a whole.
Rep. Rice stated that his feeling is that the school funding formula being put together by Commissioner Gist is the front runner: 71% of the populations in Rhode Island are winners in the plan and 29% are losers in the plan. Rep. Rice also encouraged the Committee to push for the 2010 census numbers to be used and to push for short-term re-evaluation as data comes out regarding the funding formula.
4) (3) BRMS Re-Organization: Tabled.
Dr. Mega stated that this item would be tabled as it is too late in the evening to take up a
meeting topic.
Maureen Cotter advised that RIASC has had two excellent sessions about budget and legislative issues. She strongly encouraged members to attend the March 20, 2010 RIASC meeting.
Mr. Frostic shared an observation, noting that it is very refreshing to see the passion about the schools; it is terrific to hear the ideas; and it helps the Committee to build things and understand better.
Dr. Mega acknowledged and expressed appreciation for Mr. Picotte and Mr. Champlin’s enthusiasm, support, and time given at the New England Science and Technology Fair where students competed in a Robotics competition.
MSV (5) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Collective Bargaining at 11:51 PM. Cotter, Mueller (6-0-1).
The Committee recessed to executive session.
The Committee returned to open session at 12:22 AM.
MSV (6) move to seal the minutes of the Executive Sessions and adjourn at 12:22 AM. Mueller, Morris (7-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
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