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; Michelle Little, Wakefield Elementary Principal; Ruth Gallucci, Early Childhood Coordinator; and Kathleen Egan, Curtis Corner Middle School Assistant Principal.
Dr. Mega called the March 23, 2010 School Committee Meeting to order at 7:15 PM. He noted that member Jackson is out of town and that member Angeli will arrive soon.
1) Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar.
a. School Committee Wellness Subcommittee Meeting – March 25, 2010, 3:30 PM,
Administration Building.
b. School Committee Meeting – April 13, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
c. SELAC Meeting – April 14, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
d. Public Budget Hearings – April 14 & April 15, 2010, 7:00 PM, Town Hall – Town
Council Chambers.
e. School Committee Meeting – April 27, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High
School Cafeteria.
f. School Committee Meeting – May 11, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Cafeteria.
g. SELAC Meeting – May 12, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
h. School Committee Meeting – May 25, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Cafeteria.
i. School Committee Wellness Subcommittee Meeting – May 27, 2010, 4:00 PM,
Administration Building.
j. School Committee Meeting – June 8, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Cafeteria.
k. SELAC Meeting – June 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, Administration Building.
l. Senior Honors Night – June 10, 2010, 5:30 PM, South Kingstown High School.
m. Athletic Banquet – June 13, 2010, 5:00 PM, Quonset O Club.
n. Senior Prom – June 14, 2010, 7:00 PM, Officer’s Club-Newport.
o. Graduation – June 18, 2010, 6:00 PM, Ryan Center.
2) Preliminary Report on Charter School Option (Mr. Ritchotte):
Dr. Mega advised that a few weeks ago, member Mueller brought forward a concept of a charter school option within our town. He advised that this is the first attempt to get some information back to the School Committee regarding that option.
Mr. Ritchotte advised that he did research of the charter school issue through Steve Nardelli, Director of Charter School Association. Mr. Ritchotte asked Mr. Nardelli what a district running a charter school would look like. The items Mr. Nardelli brought to his attention are as follows: We would have to determine the charter and curriculum; and we would have to determine what we would want the charter school to be (regional or state-wide). Mr. Ritchotte further explained that if it were a regional charter school, students from districts in our region would be able to attend and would pay tuition. If it were a state-wide charter school, enrollment would be open to students from around the state and the districts would pay tuition to send students to the charter schools. A district-run charter school would be different from private charter schools. Mr. Ritchotte explained that if we were to launch into a district charter school, our collective bargaining agreement would prevail; and the staff at the charter school would fall under our collective bargaining. In a district charter school, two-thirds of our staff would have to agree to work in the charter school in order to open a charter school. Students would have to be placed in the charter school by a lottery. At least 51 parents would have to commit to sending their children to the charter school. He also explained that the charter school would be under the School Committee’s governance but it would also have a Board of Trustees. The application would have to be approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education. The application deadline would be December 1st and it could take up to 18 months for approval and to move forward. We would have to have two open public hearings in our community regarding the charter application and then compile the input from the public sessions to submit with the application. Mr. Ritchotte noted that we would have to have public support. He advised that public charters currently do have a funding formula, but likely it would change along with the funding formula we are looking at for the public schools; however, he does not have the details of what that would look like. Steven Nardelli offered to join the School Committee to further explain the process if the Committee were interested. Mr. Nardelli did caution that we could not create a charter school as a school within a school. We could not take an existing school with empty seats and fill it as a charter school. We would have to close that school, reopen it as a charter, then all seats would be subject to lottery (of volunteers). Mr. Ritchotte advised that two weeks ago, that the ceiling statewide for charter schools is 35; and there is no more cap to how many charter schools can be in a district. Mr. Ritchotte advised the Committee that if they want to go forward, the contact person at the Department of Education would be Keith Olivera.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that if you open a charter school regionally and state-wide, our per pupil cost would be different. Mr. Ritchotte advised that our average per pupil cost is about $12,000 per student; however, if a community has a per pupil cost of $8,500 that is the amount that would pay us to send their student to us. Our cost would be higher than what we would receive in tuition.
Mr. Mueller noted that if we think of this as a partnership (i.e.: conversation with SORICO) that removes the limitation of district-based charters and eliminates contract negotiations. Mr. Mueller asked if were possible that we could end up with a charter that was running at reduced costs; costs that are less than what we are currently running in the district; and we would be freed from a host of state mandates and from contractual language. Mr. Ritchotte confirmed that this was his understanding if we partnered with another community it would be a district model; but if we partnered with SORICO it would be more of a Kingston Hill model.
Mr. Mueller encouraged the Committee to go ahead and continue to have the conversation until we are certain we know what the options are, as it may strengthen public education for children in South Kingstown and also have the potential of a fiscal impact. He also stated that it seems likely that we may be in a position where we could look at a model that has not been attempted in RI and have an opportunity to see what we can make of that opportunity.
Ms. Morris stated that she agrees that it is worth looking into. Dr. Mega thought it was a good idea to continue to explore the options. He advised that he could speak with the SORICO leadership about the concept and initiate a conversation.
Fred Frostic asked what the purpose of the charter school would be. He questioned can we do it better in the public school system. Mr. Frostic stated that the question is not just about money, it is also about purpose.
Ms. Cotter asked about the difference between a district school vs. a Kingston Hill Academy or Compass School. Mr. Ritchotte advised one is a private model with funding seeded by a sponsor, while the other is initiated by the school district. Ms. Cotter asked if there were district charter school models in the state. Mr. Ritchotte advised there are several in the state. Dr. Stringfellow noted that Cranston has a Cranston Laborer Academy. Ms. Cotter suggested that the Committee have a work session to know the different models, as there is a lot to learn (governance issues).
Dr. Mega stated that he will start to brainstorm on how the Committee will have the process roll out (first education and then specifics).
MSV (1) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s report. Cotter, Frostic
(6-0-0).
Bob Trager, parent, shared information he learned from the Department of Education regarding per pupil costs for students attending charter schools. He stated that he thinks that the town believes that charter schools are draining our resources; however, he thinks that charter schools are giving us resources. Discussion followed.
Mr. Ritchotte noted that the comparison per pupil cost does not include transportation. Therefore, when we send a child to a charter school, we assume the cost of transporting the student.
Jonathan Daly-Labelle, parent, spoke about the process on how the schools are being set up. He asked the Committee if they think the process really engaged the full community.
Mr. Daly-Labelle asked why the Committee did not engage the community in November when they had the draft NESDEC report. Mr. Daly-Labelle asked if there had been any communication with the Town Council about Main Street.
Dr. Mega reviewed the Consent Agenda.
1) Approval of minutes meeting of: March 9, 2010
Executive Session Minutes of: March 9, 2010
2) Personnel Action(s)
3) Bid Award(s) - Pulled
4) Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
MSV (2) move to accept the Consent Agenda. Cotter, Angeli (6-0-0).
1) Expenditure(s) over $10,000: Pulled from the Agenda.
2) (3) Budget 2010-2011:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that last night the Town Council adopted the School Committee
budget as presented. She advised that we are facing and continuing to face a possible $928,000 in revenue loss. She stated that we are waiting for something in writing regarding group home aid. Dr. Stringfellow commented that better information is needed from the state. She advised that she met with the Department of Education staff regarding a funding formula and received responses for the questions posed by the community and Mr. Alfred. Dr. Stringfellow noted that Steve Alfred and Alan Lord met with Steve Constantino, House Finance Chair, about the implication of the funding formula for South Kingstown.
Dr. Mega advised that the School Committee’s budget is $58,647,873 and this
necessitated a $1.2 million decrease in expenditures. This takes into account a 0% increase of the tax transfer from the town to the schools; and 5% decrease in the state aid delivered to the schools before we took into account the changes that are being proposed with the funding formula; and that is how that arrives to the number of $928,000 (funding formula and other potential aid cuts from the State). He wanted to bring people up to date.
3) (2) NESDEC Report:
Dr. Stringfellow introduced Mr. John Kennedy, Mr. Donald Kennedy, and Margery Clark
from NESDEC (New England School Development Council) who would share the final report via a PowerPoint presentation. Copies of the report were distributed; and she noted that copies were available on the district website and at the Administrative Office.
Don Kennedy advised that the final NESDEC report was 96 pages long; however, he,
John Kennedy, and Margery Clark would review the six page summary via PowerPoint. The information shared included the NESDEC Project Team; Program Changes = Decreased Building Capacity for the Elementary, Junior High (Middle School), and High School then (50 years ago) and now; Definition of Terms (C.O.C. – Current Operating Capacity) and (P.O.C. – Planned Operating Capacity); Points to Consider; “Equity” and “Inequity”; Criteria for Evaluation of Options; Efficient use of resources” can look different … depending upon one’s perspective…; Table of Contents; Introduction and Executive Summary; Some South Kingstown Findings; District A Graph; District B Graph; The South Kingstown Education Foundation (SKEF); Broad Rock Middle School currently houses Grade 6 …; The educational effectiveness….; Curtis Corner Middle School and the High School need additional meeting/conferencing spaces; NESDEC calculated an elementary capacity of 1,588 students for the four buildings; Over the past three school years, the administration has exhibited stable and positive leadership; The ITA program; Each fall many of the 220-230 children arrive well-prepared for Kindergarten; High Schools all over American are beginning to consider alternatives; The Town should be commended for continuing to include school projects; The NESDEC Team found the school staff to be cooperative; Thus there is a need to “bring [all of] our schools out of the 20th Century”; Discussion/engagement of South Kingstown staff and community; Best Wishes, South Kingstown, Rhode Island. They also provided information regarding the South Kingstown, RI Historical Enrollment; South Kingstown, RI Projected Enrollment; and a comparison graph of South Kingstown Historical & Projected Enrollment of PK-12, 1999 to 2019.
Dr. Mega repeated a comment made at the beginning of the presentation that he felt was
worth repeating at the end: The NESDEC report is the basis for a long-range plan. It was not designed to make specific recommendations but to engage the community in a discussion about the master plan and subsequent implementation.
Committee and community members were given an opportunity to make comments and
ask questions.
Ms. Cotter asked about longer-term implications. One of the things raised was pre-k schools and questioned what the perspectives are. Mr. Kennedy advised that by 2020, the majority of 25-29 year olds are going to be minorities. There will be a much larger ELL population in the schools. By the years 2015/2020, the districts in the northeast that will be the most educationally successful and productive are those who have taken early childhood education seriously and who have done their best to have kids come in ready to start their school careers successfully. Mr. Kennedy advised that South Kingstown is in a strong leadership opportunity position because South Kingstown has a strong school to start with in SKIP.
Mr. Kennedy also recommended that information shared with SKIP parents be shared with all parents and that professional development training be shared with the private schools.
Mr. Mueller asked about challenges. He stated that we have proposed a budget as a
School Committee to the Town Council which reflects a $1.2 million cut in our revenues. It does not include closing a school. We have two potentially difficult financial situations that may come at us. We are looking at what our options are. The Superintendent has looked at the options and they are limited. One of the core values of South Kingstown is a deep commitment to community-based elementary education. The closure of Wakefield School may be needed to make adjustments and there may be some educational advantages. Mr. Mueller asked if we need to make adjustments, but we do not want to close an elementary school, are their other alternatives that we should be looking at that would leave the elementary-based school intact that might redistribute students in different ways or readjust the grades at the elementary level.
Mr. Kennedy reviewed the graph of District B and District A in the presentation. He advised that if you can get as close to “District B” as possible, it is a less expensive school system to run. He noted that starting kids at the earliest level to be successful; and you will then have fewer students on IEPS with early remedial help with professional development.
Mr. Kennedy commended the administration and School Committee for keeping one eye focused on 2011 and the other eye on the long-term plans. Mr. Kennedy further explained the various options they tried for middle school options; however, the other options did not work due to spacing issues. Mr. Kennedy stated that they tried every combination they could think, and the most cost effective options are what were put in the report.
Mr. Angeli questioned how significant class size would increase if we took the kids
from CCMS and plugged them into 37 teaching stations. Mr. Kennedy advised that he did not do the math with respect to teaching positions. Mr. Kennedy further stated that he did not understand why you would want to close CCMS, which is well configured for students that age.
Mr. Angeli asked about professional development: how lengthy a process is to get from “District A” to “District B.” Mr. Kennedy advised that it is different in every district due to the detail of training people have received.
Mr. Angeli asked if Mr. Kennedy sees the recommended changes standing the test of time. Mr. Kennedy responded positively and noted that NESDEC projections have been reasonably good.
Ms. Morris asked if 5th graders move to BRMS would they immediately be in a middle school program or would they stay with an elementary model. Dr. Stringfellow advised that in looking at this, they have always taken a look at it as an elementary school model.
Dr. Mega stated that he is intrigued by the concept of moving schools out of the industrial model into a 21st century school model; however, he does not have a vision of what the steps are to that process. Dr. Mega asked if there are successful models in our region where that has been done that we should be looking at. Mr. Kennedy advised that districts are exploring differentiated instruction in the classroom and different processes that would aid regular education teachers to provide instruction to students with disabilities. It is a blending process. Mr. Kennedy also spoke about project-based learning which tends to engage students. It is engaging students and engaging regular education teachers in the process and extending that responsibility to some of the students that have difficulties. Mr. Kennedy noted that there would have to be a maintenance of professional development opportunities as it is a training process, which is not a huge expense.
Dr. Stringfellow asked clarifying questions regarding the chart at the bottom of page 54 of the report regarding the placement of students in special education. Mr. Kennedy advised that
the data comes from the Department of Education.
Dr. Stringfellow asked about the advantages or disadvantages of having the preschool in the neighborhood schools or as a preschool center. Mr. Kennedy advised that to have preschool in neighborhood schools works well in schools that really want them there. Ms. Clark advised that children in a special program don’t always go to their neighborhood schools because of educational reasons; however, if you broaden your base, there is a place for preschool in neighborhood schools. She also noted that with an early learning center you have the children clustered and you have the early childhood staff together to share their knowledge and supplies.
Dr. Stringfellow asked about the net savings of $63,000 and $127,000 per year referred to in the report regarding moving the 5th graders to BRMS. Mr. Kenney advised that the difference was for transportation. Money saved on the splits. Dr. Stringfellow asked if they accounted for any additional building principal at Peace Dale beyond Pauline Lisi. Dr. Kennedy advised that he would need to look at the figures and he will email them to Dr. Stringfellow.
Dr. Stringfellow asked about the High School ALP Program referred to on page 59 of the report. She asked if they were thinking of a model where it is truly an alternative program.
Mr. Kennedy responded affirmatively.
Ms. Cotter asked of they looked at K-8 models for our district. Mr. Kennedy advised that they did not look at K-8 models as it would have required substantial building accommodations. He advised that the K-8 schools are usually purpose-designed.
A resident asked for clarification of the enrollment figures as she could not see why next
year’s 7th/8th graders will not fit at CCMS. Mr. Kennedy referred to page 88 of the report and noted that they did not look at single years, but at trends over time. Mr. Kennedy explained how they looked at space and teaching stations. After discussion, the resident advised that the Committee will hear how much the community loves neighborhood schools. She then read a quote from President Obama.
Michael Mutschler, parent, asked how much time was sent talking to parents and community members. Mr. Kennedy stated that they were asked to do particular steps and talking to parents was not one of them. He noted that an open forum was held in November. The School Committee would take the report from NESDEC and then engage the community, which they are doing now.
Robin Wildman, Wakefield Teacher, asked if they took into consideration the Outdoor
River Classroom at Wakefield School in the proposal to shut the school. Mr. Kennedy advised that they did not make a proposal to close a school. However, it might be a possibility that the smallest school may have to be closed at the point when the School Committee needed money and there was no other place to take it from. He agreed that the River Classroom is important.
Ms. Wildman noted the discussion about moving into the 21st century stating that she does not know of any school in the state that has an environmental classroom like the River Classroom.
Ms. Wildman questioned the value of the River Classroom in making decisions.
Members Cotter, Morris, and Mega expressed that the River Classroom is very valuable and noted that it would be a loss if Wakefield School were to close.
Ms. Wildman asked if they looked at a kindergarten option at South Road School.
Mr. Kennedy responded that they did not look at that as they assumed people would want to keep their neighborhood schools.
Ellen Lieberman asked what kind of staff were being considered for cutting; and she
asked if a school were to be closed how the students would be divided with equity. Mr. Kennedy responded that building-related staff (administrators, custodians, clerical) would be considered for cutting. He also advised that regarding equity, they did not attempt to do any geographic drawings of boundaries, as it was not the scope of what they were asked to do.
Cheryl Costa, referred to a book Lessons from Chicago Public Schools, noting the two most important factors (out of five) cited that make a school successful have to do with the power of the executive (principal) and family engagement into the school’s mission. Ask that the Committee keep in mind that this is but one piece to the puzzle that we need to look at when making difficult decisions and by no means are the families being sentimental. Dr. Mega responded that he agrees with family engagement and that this is a piece of the puzzle. He noted that this was a document that provided long-range planning to get community input. Dr. Mega stated that we started this project out with long range in view and have been brought to short-range and struggle with it right now.
Referring to last night’s Town Council meeting, Bob Hackey, parent, asked: 1) Does the Committee need more money to keep our four elementary neighborhood schools open; 2) If the answer is yes, we need a number; and 3) If you do get additional money to fund the school, would you spend additional money you receive to preserve the four elementary neighborhood schools in South Kingstown. Dr. Stringfellow responded that we need more money; however, where would we get it from. She advised that we would not get it form the town as the revenues are just as devastating. Mr. Hackey stated that if the Committee does not ask, the answer will be no. He stated that it is the job of the School Committee to advocate for the kids in the schools.
Mr. Mueller spoke about the $1.2 million cut, the two potential cuts we are facing, excise tax, and group home allotment. Discussion followed.
Mr. Angeli responded to questions from Andrea Peitsch, parent, regarding the River Classroom. Mr. Angeli advised that all of the items are variables to be considered. He advised that there are values in that particular location as there are values in other schools in the district as well. He noted that the Committee is at the beginning of the process.
Jonathan Daly-Labelle, parent, recommended that the Committee ask the town for more money to use as a cushion if the cuts come down from the state; however, the money will not be spent if the cuts do not come through. Dr. Mega commented that the town has been supportive of education. Mr. Angeli stated that it is his understanding that with the hand shake agreement once the budget has been passed, if additional dollars come in, we agree not to spend it on programs. Dr. Mega added that the risk of not having the agreement is that it would be an erosion of trust that you are budgeting line items in a manner that they could count on.
Laura Leclair, parent, asked about the time frame and is looking for guidance. She referred to page 65 of the report “The first step is for the administration and School Committee to study the Report and Findings …….”. She asked if the Committee makes a quick decision (close a school, put 5th graders at BRMS) and then decide later that it is not a good idea, what you would do then. Ms. Leclair stated that we have 21st century teachers in this district and questioned do you really need 21st century schools? Dr. Stringfellow stated that if we don’t know what the revenue streams will look like, there will come a point in time when you look at the three options you realize that we are “option less”, which is a position (educationally) that she does not want to be in.
Ms. Leclair asked if anyone has approached the teachers to make concessions such as the state workers. Dr. Mega advised that the operative word is collective bargaining and that we are having discussions and will continue to have discussions.
Jonathan Daly-Labelle stated that we value our neighborhood schools. He expressed offense to how Wakefield School was described in the report. Mr. Daly-Labelle advised that he has heard a lot of facility talk (gymnasium, fields, etc.) but that is just a little piece to keep the kids interested so then they can get education. He noted that at Wakefield we have the cafegymatorium and it is fine. He stated that he would like to see more options.
Mr. Daly-Labelle stated that he does not think the P.O.C. is valid as the numbers do not add up. He asked if a full evaluation about certification has been done. Dr. Stringfellow shared all of the contacts she has made about certification. She also advised that there are two different things that need to look at for certification: how we design the model and what the certification of our current teachers is.
John Biafore, parent, asked about the enrollment projections. He asked if NESDEC took into consideration the average home sale price that is going on in the community. He asked if they look at the trends as he is starting to see that houses are being built for families with children. Mr. Kennedy responded that they do look at that information; and he shared his insight.
Mr. Biafore stated that he would be interested in hearing more about the configuration of closing CCMS, making BRMS 7/8 school, the four elementary schools being grades 1-6 schools, and then make South Road a kindergarten/ preschool. Mr. Kennedy advised that the configuration did not seem to make a difference in dollars and did not research it further.
Mr. Kennedy spoke about the facilities. Also, Ms. Clark added that there is only one room designed at South Road for kindergarten; therefore a lot of changes would need to be made to South Road School.
A resident, referred to a 2/10/09 Providence Journal article where Dr. Hicks was quoted as saying there would be a $630,000 savings in moving 7/8 out of CCMS last year. She did note that some of the savings have been realized, but the operating costs to run Curtis Corner are significantly lower than the operating costs to run South Road. The resident also asked about certification and stated that she would like it to be looked at, as there would be a $1 million savings in eliminating 6th grade team teaching.
Roland Benjamin advised that he has a manufacturing business and would love to offer a partnering agreement with the high school. Mr. Benjamin recommended lobbying the Department of Education for a new funding formula for charter schools. Dr. Stringfellow advised that the charter schools are implicated in the funding formula.
Mr. Benjamin asked if there were some way to consider some hybrid models (two grade 5/6 education models) so parents choose and pay for the higher model. Dr. Stringfellow advised that we cannot lawfully charge for FAPE.
June Cerrito, Wakefield Teacher/resident, referred to the last item on page four of the summary report regarding “Points to Consider” – State/grants/income may pay a portion of costs. She asked if NESDEC could offer the community some guidance and expertise where that could be looked at in more depth.
Ms. Cotter stated that she is curious and asked if NESDEC was aware of any model where you might go to the extreme with a K-12 or 7-12 school. Mr. Kennedy advised that he would get back to her on that. He did state that there are models out there.
Mr. Angeli asked if the Committee intended on having a conversation about next steps.
Dr. Mega advised that he believes they will defer decisions until they know what the economic impacts are.
Mr. Frostic thanked NESDEC for the efforts in putting the report together. He noted that it is not just a facilities study, it is looking at the staff and what is needed to deliver a quality education. Mr. Frostic stated that he may not like some of the options but we can debate them.
Dr. Mega also thanked NESDEC for providing the information.
Eileen Daly-Labelle, parent, asked if NESDEC factored into their report the $300,000
that is in reserve for South Road School. Mr. Kennedy advised that he spoke to the Town Manager who noted that they draw off that account every year to pay interest and he believes the money cannot be spent on any expense other than for South Road.
Ms. Daly-Labelle spoke about the configuration versus overcrowding. She questioned where all the children will be put if Wakefield is closed. Ms. Daly-Labelle stated that Peace Dale has 600 children and Matunuck and West Kingston have 300 children, which she stated is not equitable. Dr. Mega stated that it is hard to see it as an inequity when you see success.
Ms. Daly-Labelle stated that if you decide to move in a direction of closing our community school and if that is one of the values that is no longer viable, wouldn’t it be more efficient to have Curtis Corner and Peace Dale as two large elementary schools and Broad Rock as a 7/8 school. She asked if the Committee is moving toward or away from community schools.
Mr. Mueller stated that Dr. Hicks never talked about creating Curtis Corner as an elementary school. The cost to reconfigure Curtis Corner to an elementary school was prohibitive.
Ms. Daly-Labelle asked how the Committee plans on engaging the residents from the other elementary schools. Dr. Mega stated that he has been invited to the Matunuck PTO. He noted that no assumptions have been made. Dr. Mega stated that we would have to define community schools. He added that he looks at every school as a community school.
Ms. Daly-Labelle asked the Committee to advocate to the Town Council if the probable funding deficiencies arise. To her it would be reactionary to close an elementary school in the heart of town, a school with a River Classroom; it would be reactionary to cut a high school librarian or another other potential line items. We need a long-term plan and time to do it.
Alicia, resident, advised that Connecticut went back to a K-8 model and she was curious why they went back to that model. Mr. Kennedy advised that they are a city that has had a changing demographic population. Discussion followed.
Mr. Kennedy concluded by stating that are two issues: 1) What is available? There is half a school building which is a 21st century facility available. One value says, do we want to put our children into a facility which is equipped to provide for them a first rate instructional education; 2) the second value is should the children remain in a particular neighborhood school.
Mr. Kennedy stated that hopefully the people will consider the opportunity to make a judgment based on those two values and be able to separate that from the discussion of whether another school might close. He stated that the discussion of 5th graders moving to BRMS is a separate issue from whether an elementary school may or may not close.
MSV (3) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Collective Bargaining at 12:00 AM. Angeli, Cotter (6-0-0).
Dr. Mega noted that Personnel would not be addressed in Executive Session as advertised.
The Committee recessed to executive session.
The Committee returned to open session at 1:00 AM.
MSV (4) move to seal the minutes of the executive session and adjourn at 1:00 AM. Angeli, Cotter (6-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
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