The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on November 16, 2010 at the South Kingstown High School Library at 7:00 PM. 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Anthony Mega, Kevin Jackson, Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Richard Angeli, Raissa Mosher, and Elizabeth Morris (arrived at 7:16 PM).

 

ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT:  Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; and Judith Saccardo, Director of Pupil Personnel Services.       

 

I.          Call to Order:

 

            Dr. Stringfellow called the November 16, 2010 School Committee Meeting to order at 7:08 PM. 

 

II.        Delegations (Spotlights):  National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists:

 

            Dr. Stringfellow extended congratulations to four South Kingstown High School students who have been named National Merit Semifinalists:  Victoria Gu, Nicholas Meehan, Olga Uvarov and Teresa Zhang.  All four seniors have qualified to compete for a National Merit Scholarship based on their 2009 PSAT scores.  Out of the 1.5 million students who were eligible, only 16,000 were selected as semifinalists.  About 90% of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship.  Committee members greeted the students. 

 

III.        School Committee Reorganization:

 

• Chair:

            Dr. Stringfellow asked for nominations for Chair of the School Committee.  Mr. Angeli nominated Maureen Cotter, stating that she has served the Committee well for the last 12 years, has been a strong member of the Committee, has been a leader in the field, and will be a tremendous Chairperson for leading the Committee the next couple of years.  Mr. Jackson seconded the nomination.  Dr. Stringfellow took a roll call vote:  Members Cotter, Mueller, Jackson, Angeli, and Mega voted yea.  Raissa Mosher expressed that she had a few concerns; however, she had not had an opportunity to address the concerns with member Cotter.  Member Mosher voted no.

 

            MSV (1) nominate Maureen Cotter as Chair.  Angeli, Jackson (5-1-0; Mosher, nay).

• Vice Chair:

MSV (2) nominate Anthony Mega as Vice Chair.  Angeli, Jackson (6-0-0).

• Clerk – Kristen Stringfellow
• Assistant Clerk – Deborah Flynn
• SORICO Representative – Anthony Mega
• Special Education Advisory – Elizabeth Morris
• State Legislation – Scott Mueller
• Wellness Committee – Richard Angeli and Raissa Mosher
• Meet and Confer Committee – To be discussed in Executive Session
• Hazard Scholarship – Anthony Mega, Scott Mueller, Kevin Jackson, Raissa Mosher
• Professional Development Subcommittee – Elizabeth Morris, Anthony Mega, and Raissa Mosher.
• Accountability Subcommittee – Richard Angeli and Maureen Cotter.  12/14/10 Edit – Add Kevin Jackson
• Technology Subcommittee – To be discussed at a future date.
• Communications Subcommittee – To be discussed at a future date.

 

IV.        Superintendent‘s Report:

 

1)      Meeting Calendar:

 

Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar.  She noted that the first budget hearing with the Town Council will be on December 20, 2010.  Dr. Stringfellow also noted that she is ready to schedule our legislators to attend the December 14, 2010 and will send out invitations. 

 

a.       Wellness Sub-Committee Meeting – December 9, 2010, 3:30 PM, Administration Building

      Conference Room.

b.      School Committee Meeting – December 14, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School

      Library.

c.       School Committee Meeting – January 11, 2011, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School

      Library.

d.      School Committee Meeting – January 25, 2011, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School

                  Library.

            f.    School Committee Meeting – February 8, 2011, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School

      Library. 

e.       School Committee Meeting – February 22, 2011, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School

      Library.

            g.   School Committee Meeting – March 8, 2011, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School

                  Library.

            h.   School Committee Meeting – March 22, 2011, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School

      Library.

 

2)      Race to the Top Update:

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared the plans that have been happening regarding the Race to the Top, via

a PowerPoint presentation.  The information included the Race to the Top Priority Areas; LEA Immediate Expectations; LEA RTTT Team South Kingstown; State Goals; Standards and Curriculum; Instructional Improvement Systems; Educator Effectiveness; (slides from RIDE website:  Primary Components to Assess Teacher Performance; Final Rating Scale; Multiple Measures for Student Learning; and Tiered System Roll Out Plan); Human Capital Development; Adaptive Challenges Examples; Adaptive Challenges; and a statement from Commission Gist:  “We have an ambitious agenda …. It will take every parent, teacher, student, administrator, business leader, faith based leader, and political leader to do this work.”  Discussion ensued. 

 

Mr. Jackson suggested that a concise report of the RTTT update be provided to the legislators on December 14^th so that they can see that this will be an expense to South Kingstown.  Mr. Mueller asked if it would be possible to have a “roughed out” budget by December 14^th.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that she would provide a rough estimate, but she should know more in a month. 

 

Mr. Mueller stated that the risk is that people in the state department are coming up with answers that are attractive to them without having a full understanding of the impact at the delivery end.  He also noted that the quicker we can provide them with information about the impact it may provide an opportunity for reality testing. 

 

Dr. Mega stated that state-wide initiatives, such as RTTT, are not being decided to improve

education in South Kingstown.  He stated that he would like to get a sense from the Superintendent how this will help South Kingstown, recommending that for future presentations, the Superintendent bring the information from the state initiative level to where it will make education improvement in this district. 

Ms. Cotter agreed, noting that it is important to see the implications, above and beyond the fiscal nature.

 

3)      Official October Enrollment Figures:

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that typically, the Rhode Island Department of Education takes

enrollment snapshots on October 1^st, but this year it is October 15^th.  She advised that our total enrollment data is 3,534 students.  She noted that the October 1^st snapshot was 3,570, which included pre-k students, which reflects a loss of 36 students.  She further noted that the kindergarten numbers are staying stable; Broad Rock increased 31 students (reportedly coming from private and charter school); Curtis Corner increased by one student; and a 10 student decrease in cohorts at the High School.  Dr. Stringfellow also advised that we did lose 40 students who graduated (the 306 students who graduated were replaced by a cohort of 266 students).  She advised that we continue to trend downward in enrollment. 

 

Mr. Mueller asked how the jump in enrollment seen this year in 5^th grade compares to the

jump historically seen in 6^th grade enrollment in previous years.  Dr. Stringfellow stated that we have not seen a jump in grades other than in the elementary grades; however, she could do a historical analysis.

 

4)      SKEF:  Addressed Later in the Agenda

 

The Committee decided to address this later in the agenda, as Susan Coughlin had to leave and

may return later.

 

            MSV (3) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report.  Mueller, Angeli (7-0-0).

                       

V.        Comments from the Community:

            Addressed Later in the Agenda.

 

VI.        Consent Agenda Items:

 

1)      Approval of minutes meeting of:  October 25, 2010

Approval of minutes meeting of:  October 26, 2010

Approval of minutes meeting of:  November 2, 2010

Executive Session Minutes of:  October 25, 2010

Executive Session Minutes of:  November 1, 2010

2)      Personnel Action(s)

3)      Bid Award(s) Pulled from the Agenda

4)      Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)

5)      Foreign Exchange Student Request

 

Dr. Mega stated that at the October 25, 2010 meeting in Executive Session, the Committee had the

Superintendent’s personnel evaluation.  The School Committee voted to extend the Superintendent’s contract for an additional year.  The motion was made by Scott Mueller, seconded by Richard Angeli, and the vote was 7-0-0.  Dr. Mega noted that the vote was reported out and the minutes were sealed; however, the room was empty when they reported out the vote. 

 

MSV (4) move to approve the Consent Agenda.  Mega, Morris (6-0-1; Mosher abstained).

 

VII.        School Committee Business:

 

1)      Expenditure(s) over $10,000:    

 

a.       School Messenger Program Renewal:  Pulled from the Agenda

 

2)      Revision of Policy #5705 Substitute Teachers – Second Reading:

 

Members Angeli and Mosher advised that they would recuse themselves from the discussion and

voting of this agenda item.

 

            Dr. Stringfellow advised that there is a structure in place to afford certain compensation for day-to-day subs and long-term subs.  However, it was noticed that something was missing when someone takes a position that is longer than day-to-day but does not quite fit the definition of long-term sub (they are

sometimes sending reports cards, attending parent-teacher conferences, planning, participating in

Common Planning Time).  Therefore, we would need to compensate them at a higher rate (increase from $75.00 to $115.00 per day).  She advised that we were losing applicants in hard to fill subject areas, who knew they could garner a position in another community that could afford them a higher rate. 

 

MSV (5) move to adopt Policy #5705 as presented.  Jackson, Mega (5-0-0; Angeli and Mosher

recused).

 

3)      RFP #2272 Lease of South Road Elementary School:

 

Mr. Ritchotte advised that we recently issued an RFP for lease of the South Road School building

and publicly advertised the same in the Providence Journal.  A copy of the RFP was also sent to three educational institutions.  Mr. Ritchotte advised that at the close of the RFP one response was received from Quest Montessori.  Quest is proposing a short-term, month-to-month lease for the 2011-2012 school year; however, they likely will require the building for the entire school year due to delays in constructing their permanent building in Narragansett.  Quest is proposing an early childhood through 8^th grade program, approximately 80 students in the building, use of the entire new wing, and use of the common areas.  Mr. Ritchotte is recommending a short-term lease with Quest and will bring it back to the School Committee for approval.    

 

Mr. Jackson commented on having a caveat on keeping the funds in South Road.  Mr. Ritchotte

advised that a draft contract would be brought back to the Committee.  Mr. Mueller suggested that the Committee provide authorization to enter into negotiations and for discussion to take place in Executive Session.

 

MSV (6) move to authorize the Superintendent and her staff to begin negotiations with Quest, the

single respondent to the RFP, about a lease agreement.  Mueller, Angeli (6-0-1; Angeli abstained).

 

4)      Exempt Position Modifications:

 

Mr. Ritchotte advised that this affects the position recently vacated by the Operations Manager in

the Special Education Department.  We recently looked at the position description and are recommending modifications to the position based on the limitations certification has on the position.  The position is not a certified position; therefore, the ability for the person to do certain things within the department is limited due to lack of certification.  The modifications would result in a decrease the salary ratio of the position and would also redirect responsibility for the overall Medicaid reimbursement program to the Executive Assistant position at the district office.  This would also modify the Executive Assistant position ratio.  He noted that there would be no difference in the overall expenditure; just a shift (salary wise) between the two positions. 

 

MSV (7) move to approve the recommended changes.  Jackson, Angeli (7-0-0).

 

5)      Strategic Planning:

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that she would quickly review the PowerPoint presentation from the

October 26, 2010 Work Session in an attempt to reach the point where the Committee left off at that time.  The information she briefly reviewed included:  Work Session Objectives; What is Strategic Planning; Strategic Planning Summer Documents; RIDE’s Strategic Plan; BEP; InfoWorks!  Summer 2010; District Report Card; NESDEC (Options Section); Budget; DRAFT STRAGETIC PLAN; 7 Priority Areas as defined by RIDE and the BEP; MISSION; South Kingstown Schools Draft Mission 2010-2015; Beliefs; South Kingstown Draft Beliefs; South Kingstown Schools Will Be Great; All Resources Will Support Student Learning; Draft Objectives; How were objectives determined?; Objectives (draft) By 2012; Objectives (draft) By 2015; SKSD Priority Areas: Strategies (Accelerating Schools); Strategies (Educator Excellence); Strategies (Engage Families and Community Foster Safe and Supportive Environments); Strategies (Invest our Resources Wisely); Structure of the Document; Take a Minute; Peer Review Process; and Focus Group Applicants.  Dr. Stringfellow then continued with the PowerPoint slides where

ended at the Work Session, which included:  Charge of the Focus Group and Sample Feedback Questions. 

 

            Dr. Mega stated that it was decided that the selection of the focus group would occur with the current School Committee.  He noted that it may be an appropriate time to discuss it, as it would be the next step.  He also stated the need to discuss the charge of the focus group, noting that one suggestion is that the Professional Development Subcommittee take the opportunity to meet with Mr. Kermes; and maybe set down some available times to meet with community members that may give us meaningful suggestions. 

 

            Dr. Stringfellow shared that her next steps would be to whittle down questions and discuss a plan to move forward.

 

            Dr. Mega noted that one key question for the School Committee is whether all applicants for the focus groups are to be selected (a total of 26); and if the School Committee is in agreement that they will accept the whole application group then the work can begin. 

 

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that the Professional Development Subcommittee would work with a facilitator and return to the School Committee with a structure.  Dr. Stringfellow stated that there has been a shift in the strategic plans of the 80’s (which were all about us) to the requirements and regulations that have caused us to make sure that at a minimum the information is in the plan.  She commented that she fully appreciates, understands, and looks forward to the community data, and making the plan more “us” while also reminding the Committee that the bottom line requirements are not going away regarding the achievement gains we must make.  Ms. Cotter recalled discussions at the Professional Development Subcommittee meetings that the big umbrella is what is it for the SK student.  She noted that the Committee is in full agreement that it is an essential piece; however, we need to pay attention to the state issues as well.

 

• SKEF (Moved from #4 Under the Superintendent’s Report):

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that the South Kingstown Education Foundation has expressed an

interest in providing an expansion of fundraising for specific large projects needed by the South Kingstown School Department.  SKEF is particularly interested in areas of technology and athletics.  She advised that the SKEF Board of Directors has asked for a list of potential projects for their consideration.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that she re-convened the capital budget team, who identified ten potential items for the School Committee’s consideration.  Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the list, which included mobile laptop carts (elementary, middle schools, and high school), re-surfacing the CCMS track, SKHS SMART Boards Phase 1 and Phase 2; new bleachers for the SKHS gym, alternative HS computer lab, enlargement of spectator stands at CCMS, and field turf at CCMS.  Discussion followed. 

 

            Dr. Mega stated that in his view, he would defer to the people who operate the schools to decide, as all of the choices sound like they would enhance the district.  Dr. Mega stated that he would direct administration to provide SKEF with a well thought-out list.  Mr. Mueller agreed and stated that he would want to establish principles we not supplant line items in the budget.  Mr. Mueller did express concern that the resurfacing of the track is part of the district’s infrastructure; therefore, is part of the Committee’s responsibility to maintain (as would be cleaning a school building). 

 

• Comments from the Community:

 

            Eileen Daly-LaBelle, parent, stated that we have high performing schools and hope to keep them.  She commented that RTTT sounds like a big expense to South Kingstown.  Ms. Daly-LaBelle suggested that we be in touch with our legislators.  She stated that she hoped that people are watching and listening, as the more people the legislators hear from the more interested they are and will respond.  She encouraged people to get involved, as she does not think that South Kingstown is first on their priority list.

 

            Susan Kimmerlein, parent, referred to the offer by SKEF and commented that there are so many groups eager to do fundraising and that it may be best to be unified around one bigger cause.  She wondered if there was a unified approach to get behind a project such as resurfacing the track to initiate community efforts.  She anticipates there would be community involvement.

 

            Lisa Meller, parent, asked about the evaluation of the BRMS change, questioning if what we have today is better than what we had.  She spoke on behalf of several parents and shared their concerns regarding RTI (many are not in place); IEPs meetings (many have not occurred); on-going schedule issues, busing concerns, also 4^th and 5^th graders are missing 15 minutes of PE.  Ms. Meller also commented that we have not had a discussion of the name of the school, how it is running.  The conversation has to be going on now. 

 

            Roland Benjamin, parent, commented on the teacher evaluation portion of RTTT and its implementation in 2012, suggesting that the Committee consider rolling out the administration side first, which is a smaller group.  Mr. Benjamin referred to the summer retreat and setting goals above and beyond what the state is requiring.  He noted that there will be a lot of constraints, budget-wise, for the training for teachers, staff, and administration.  Mr. Benjamin noted that the line item contract elements might help to meet the state’s education requirements.  Mr. Benjamin also asked the members of the School Committee to consider re-supporting a resolution opposing binding arbitration as they have in the past. 

 

            Christine Heid, NEASK President, welcomed aboard the new School Committee member, the Chair, and Vice Chair; and stated that the membership looks forward to working with the Committee and continuing the positive relationship they have had in the past. 

 

VIII.        Comments from Committee Members:

 

            Dr. Mega called attention to the NSBA Conference early registration deadline, noting that the Conference is April 9-11, 2011.  He did note that the conference always ends up close to the Town Council meeting and recommended that we try to avoid conflicts when scheduling. 

 

            Mr. Mueller stated that the NSBA Annual Conference is the premier learning opportunity for School Committee members.  He encouraged members to attend, noting that it is worth the investment.

 

            Mr. Jackson spoke about a call he received regarding the swearing-in ceremony.  He advised that members received a letter on Friday advising that they could come in if there was a problem attending the ceremony on Monday.  He noted that he coaches a travel basketball team; therefore, could not attend.

 

            Mr. Jackson also stated that there is sentiment that we may be facing a bond crisis.  Mr. Jackson stated that we need to make sure we are in a position that will not hurt us. 

 

            Ms. Mosher stated that she had an opportunity to visit almost all of the schools in the district and commented that she was thoroughly impressed with the staff and students.  She noted that she is thrilled to be a part of it.

 

            Ms. Morris welcomed Ms. Mosher and congratulated the Chair and Vice Chair. 

 

            Ms. Cotter welcomed Ms. Mosher and stated that she is looking forward to her contribution to the Committee.  Ms. Cotter also thanked Dr. Mega and Mr. Jackson for their leadership over the last few years.

 

IX.        Executive Session:  Collective Bargaining and Lease of Public Property:

 

MSV (8) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island in regard to Collective Bargaining and Lease of Public Property at 9:56 PM.  Mega, Mueller (7-0-0). 

 

The Committee recessed to executive session.

The Committee returned to open session at 11:38 PM.

 

X.        Adjournment:

 

            MSV (9) move to seal the minutes of the executive session and adjourn at 11:38 PM. 

Mega, Morris (7-0-0).                  

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                        Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk

                                                                        South Kingstown School Committee

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