The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on October 12, 2010 at the South Kingstown High School Library at 7:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Kevin Jackson (Co-Chair), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, Fred Frostic, Elizabeth Morris, and Richard Angeli (arrived at 7:28 PM).
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; and Michele Humbyrd, Curtis Corner Middle School Principal.
I. Call to Order:
Dr. Mega called the October 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting to order at 7:04 PM.
II. Delegations (Spotlights):
- Recognition of Marylyn Stravinsky for Verizon Book Donation to South Kingstown School Department:
The Committee, Dr. Stringfellow, and Mary Kelley recognized Marylyn Stravinsky for the Verizon
book donation to the district. Ms. Kelley shared how she came to meet with Ms. Stravinsky and learned about the Verizon Pioneers, which is the largest industry-related volunteer organization in the country. Ms. Stravinsky met with the librarians, provided them with catalogs from the Scholastic Book Company, and asked them to pick anything and everything they believed would benefit the students in our district. Ms. Kelley advised that 16,000 books were donated, noting that our students are truly the beneficiaries of this thoughtful act. Ms. Kelley read a portion of the thank you note written by the South Kingstown librarians. Ms. Stravinsky was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Ms. Stravinsky stated that Verizon has done a lot of work for the past few years for students in the states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She advised that she is in the President of the South County Chapter of Verizon Pioneers; and stated that it was her pleasure to do this for the schools in South Kingstown. She advised that Verizon gives a grant to the Pioneers from the Verizon Foundation to do whatever is needed for education, domestic violence, and helping soldiers.
Dr. Mega stated that on behalf of the School Committee, the marvelous gift is truly appreciated.
- Brian Nelson, 2010 Teacher of the Year:
Dr. Stringfellow shared that Brian Nelson is a math teacher at Curtis Corner Middle School was
chosen from 18 nominees as South Kingstown’s 2010 Teacher of the Year. Dr. Stringfellow reviewed Mr. Nelson’s employment history in South Kingstown, his educational background, and shared comments made by his colleagues and parents. Brian’s colleagues truly believe that students, faculty, and families of South Kingstown have been enriched because they are so fortunate to have a teacher like Mr. Nelson in their lives each and every day. Dr. Stringfellow stated that the South Kingstown School Department and School Committee are proud and privileged to recognize and applaud Brian Nelson as South Kingstown’s Teacher of the Year. Dr. Mega read and then presented Brian Nelson with a commendation.
Brian Nelson stated that it is truly an honor to represent the teachers of South Kingstown. He expressed thanks to his wife and his parents, whom he expressed were the reason why he teaches today. He also expressed thanks to Dr. Hicks, Sheila Sullivan, and Michele Humbyrd for their help along the way. He also thanked the team of teachers that he has worked with in the past as well as those he works with currently.
Dr. Mega recommended a brief recess to celebrate and to meet Mr. Nelson’s parents.
Brief Recess to Celebrate from 7:15 PM to 7:27 PM.
III. Superintendent‘s Report:
1) Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar.
a. Wellness Sub-Committee Meeting – October 14, 2010, 3:30 PM, Administration Building
Conference Room.
b. School Committee Meeting – October 26, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
c. School Committee Meeting – November 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
d. School Committee Meeting – November 23, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
e. Wellness Sub-Committee Meeting – December 9, 2010, 3:30 PM, Administration Building
Conference Room.
f. School Committee Meeting – December 14, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
g. School Committee Meeting – January 11, 2011, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
h. School Committee Meeting – January 25, 2011, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
Dr. Stringfellow asked that the School Committee members and those running for the office of School Committee pencil in two dates in their calendar (one of the dates she will confirm later) as the first preliminary budget meeting with the Town Council: choice #1 is Monday, December 20, 2010 and choice #2 is Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Dr. Mega advised that the School Committee would need to meet for Executive Session for Personnel and asked members about their availability. After discussion, the Committee agreed on meeting October 25, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Administration Building. Dr. Mega also noted that the October 26, 2010 School Committee meeting will be designed as a workshop format with a single agenda item of Strategic Planning; therefore, it will not be a regular business meeting.
2) October 1st Enrollment:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that this year RIDE has asked for enrollment figures as of October 15th,
not the typical October 1st date. She believes it has something to do with the funding formula.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that as of October 1st, there were 3,451 students (including pre-k) enrolled in South Kingstown. She will share the October 15th enrollment data at a subsequent meeting.
Mr. Jackson recommended that they look at the funding formula law regarding enrollment.
3) Grants:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that she would like to recognize the efforts of community members,
teachers, and School Committee members, parents and administrators who have gone above and beyond to creatively find resources to support students in South Kingstown. She advised that 61 different members have brought money in this year alone; and she read some of the individuals responsible:
Scott Mueller (diversity field trips through the Youth Trust Foundation); Kevin Jackson (security camera system for the high school from the Trust); and Mary Kelley (diversity training for the Rhode Island Council of Humanities) and curriculum support from the University of Texas at Austin (in terms of the Dana Center); Cheri Guerra (freshman mentoring program from SKEF); Gail Saborio (art gallery program from SKEF); Norma Brooks and Barbara Crudale (Rising Star Program from the Partnership for Success). She also noted that teachers in the areas of English, science, and social studies have brought in grants from SKEF, Concord Consortium and Rhode Island Council on the Arts for bus field trips to Trinity Rep., science fair fees and supplies for students needing financial assistance, prizes for PBIS, wireless microphonic speaking system for the high school, molecular workbench, science probes, newspaper grants, fresh paint projects. At Curtis Corner Middle School teachers have raised money for Wii Fit machines, TV monitors, fitness equipment, music stands, science programs, computer Smart boards, scanners, and IPods. Broad Rock Middle School has been the recipient of several E2T2 grants, also an African Arts clay design grant. Matunuck has written three technology grants and a Rhode Island Legislative grant for Read Naturally. Peace Dale has written three E2T2 computer grants, SKEF grant for an all school community-wide performance, and non-fiction science reading. Peace Dale Principal Pauline Lisi has written two grants: one for a security camera system through the Trust and Learning in a Digital Age Program through SKEF. At Wakefield Elementary, the Women’s Club of South County has provided materials for water quality testing on the Saugatucket River; and previous grants from Peaceful Playground’s Summertime Always Reading Program. At West Kingston, they brought in an electronic gaming system to enhance summer reading instruction, and they brought in reinforcement games for homework club. The elementary math coaches have brought in from SKEF a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words Math Program. The main teacher at the ITA brought in from Sam’s Club culinary supplies for the ITA.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that she felt the above-mentioned educational community members needed some acknowledgement as they have worked very hard in the evenings and summer to look for grants so that the students in South Kingstown can get what they need.
4) Update on A2E Survey:
Dr. Stringfellow shared information from Eileen Stone regarding the A2E Survey, as Mr. Mueller
requested an update. She advised that the survey was distributed to student athletes at the August meeting as the survey was formulated and geared toward athletes. Ms. Stone decided that since she is doing her DFC survey, it is her intent is to add several questions that would be appropriate to the entire high school from the survey to the DFC survey. Ms. Stone will bring it to the School Committee level for endorsement when the instrument is created.
5) Strategic Plan Update:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that 16 applications have been received as of today, noting that the
application period ends on October 15th. Dr. Stringfellow noted that the draft Strategic Plan now aligns with Race to the Top; and the central office staff will be working on it this week to make any needed changes, and then it will be sent out for peer review to make sure we did not miss any alignment pieces.
· Race to the Top Information:
Dr. Stringfellow provided a brief update on Race to the Top. She advised that webinars are
occurring weekly and she will be meeting with RIDE to ask any questions. A Race to the Top team is being created to answer specific questions they have about our capacity to professionally develop our teachers and engage our community around this work. She advised that one of the components of the Race to the Top scope of work is a goals setting page, which she will share upon completion. She explained that we have been asked to map out our intended progress in areas of student performance, high school graduation, and gap closing over the five-year period of the grant. Dr. Stringfellow advised that she is working with her team right now to come up with realistic, yet lofty goals for our achievement levels. She wanted to let the Committee know that these scope and sequences are being submitted to the federal government by the middle of November. Discussion followed.
· Lunch Bunch:
Dr. Stringfellow shared her experience in launching a “Lunch Bunch” at the high school to receive
input from the students, which she plans to do monthly. She found the students to be amazing and she treasured the time spent with them. She advised that she brought three focus questions and she will share the feedback she was given at a later time.
· Student Letter:
Mr. Jackson shared that he received a well-written letter from a high school student regarding the
time pressures of being a high school student and specifically the very early start times. He noted that this has come up in the past and statistics show that the younger students should go to school earlier and older kids should go later; however, he is aware that family dynamics are a part of it. Mr. Jackson advised that student that he would pass her letter on to the Wellness Subcommittee.
Ms. Morris stated that she called the student, advising that she could not agree with her more.
Ms. Morris stated that she hopes that the Committee can come up with something that can work better for our kids.
MSV (1) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. Jackson, Morris (7-0-0).
IV. Comments from the Community:
None
V. Consent Agenda Items:
Dr. Mega reviewed the Consent Agenda.
Dr. Mega noted minor errors in the September 7, 2010 minutes, which he would like the Committee to vote to modify so there is no confusion: the first School Committee meeting in November is November 9, 2010 (not November 8, 2010 as noted in the minutes), which represents the first Committee meeting after the election. In addition, on page 8 it states the Mr. Trager asked when the Committee will start negotiating the teacher’s contract due next year; however, this was not attributed to the right individual, it was Mr. Vorhaben that asked the question (not Mr. Trager as noted in the minutes). For accuracy of the record, Dr. Mega asked this amendment be made to the minutes also.
1) Approval of minutes meeting of: September 28, 2010
Executive Session Minutes of: September 28, 2010
2) Personnel Action(s)
3) Bid Award(s) Pulled from the Agenda
4) Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
5) SKHS Music Field Trip to Disney World
MSV (2) move to approve the Consent Agenda. Jackson, Angeli (7-0-0).
VI. School Committee Business:
1) Expenditure(s) over $10,000:
a. Wilson Sole Source Professional Development Materials:
Mary Kelley explained that the Committee approved the Wilson training several weeks ago. The
training has begun; however, additional materials are needed to support the training. The teachers have asked for additional resources to implement the program successfully.
Ms. Morris asked for information on how much as been spent this year for the Wilson training.
Mary Kelley advised that she could get this information.
MSV (3) move to approve the proposal as presented (Wilson Sole Source Professional
Development Materials). Mueller, Cotter (7-0-0)
2) SORICO:
Dr. Mega welcomed Mike McKee, Executive Director of SORICO and thanked him for being
flexible with his schedule.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that on July 8, 2010, she and John Ritchotte met with Mike McKee.
Following that meeting, the School Committee requested clarification regarding the organization’s proposed 2011 budget. She referred to the July 16, 2010 memo from John Ritchotte (page 25 of the agenda) which describes what their understanding was of that conversation. Mr. McKee was present this evening as he could better answer any questions the Committee members may have.
Mr. McKee shared a summary of the events that have occurred since he started at SORICO in August of 2009 to date. He described the make up of the Collaborative Council, which consists of superintendents of the nine school districts and a representative school committee member from the nine districts and each representative has one vote. Mr. McKee explained how the Forwardview School had begun falling apart as districts brought their students back to their own districts. Once the Collaborative Council heard, they started looking at different alternatives: arrangement with East Bay Collaborative, which was rejected by the Collaborative and East Bay; and they also looked at ways the agency could be kept in business. Mr. McKee stated that a group of superintendents and representatives of the school committees met with Dave Abbott and made some proposals. The proposals were brought back to the Collaborative Council and they were agreed upon in the Collaborative Council. The essence of the agreement was to increase the enrollment fees for SORICO to $5.00 per student (from $2.00 per student).
Mr. McKee explained that the $2.00 per student was the enrollment fee for SORICO and the additional $3.00 would be for prepaid programs and services. The money would go into an account that districts would draw from. He further explained that the Collaborative Council agreed to create a partnership with RIDE regarding the work that was going to be required by the districts in the state regarding the BEP, State Strategic Plan, and requirements from Race to the Top funding. SORICO will provide any facilitation that can be worked out with RIDE or the districts to make certain that the resources are there for the people doing the work. Mr. McKee stated that in June, the superintendents were forceful that they wanted SORICO to be sustained and sustainable. Discussion followed.
Dr. Stringfellow asked Mr. McKee what changes he is anticipating in the budget to compensate for the loss of revenue. Mr. McKee stated that with Race to the Top money, they would have a balanced budget; however, if there was no Race to the Top money, they would have a $60,000 deficit.
Dr. Mega noted that if districts did not utilize the money given to SORICO in a given fiscal year, it
would be permitted to be rolled over into a subsequent year. Mr. McKee stated that was approved.
Dr. Mega asked Mr. McKee to give some ideas of the “new services” that would be available for districts to utilize. Mr. McKee gave an example that when a district calls him and states that they are really interested in something he starts working with that district to find out what the need is, what the goals are, and what they expect their outcomes to be; then he would find other districts interested then create the program. He also noted that they have people they are able to bring into their employ through contracted services to make things happen. Mr. McKee gave some examples.
Mr. Mueller stated that it would be helpful for clarification if the superintendent could touch base with one of our attorneys to confirm who has the vote at SORICO meetings. Mr. Mueller asked if there had been any conversations identifying needs in South Kingstown that would be addressed by the prepayment of $3.00 per student. Mr. Mueller stated that he would expect to see some frame of how the dollars would be spent rather than having it open-ended.
Mr. McKee suggested that South Kingstown have a conversation with their attorneys regarding the legal status of the agency of SORICO and how the statute set up the organizations and how districts respond to the actions taken by the Collaborative Council once one is a member. Discussion followed.
Dr. Mega commented that there was a vote on the change in SORICO’s membership expense; and this would continue to be a discussion at our table in regard to the viability of our membership within the organization based on the vote of the Collaborative Council.
Dr. Stringfellow noted that we have an investment in the SORICO building as well.
Mr. Frostic stated that he would like to see a list of core services that SORICO continues to provide, as it would be helpful in thinking through the problem.
3) Approval for English Language Learner Coordinator Position:
Mary Kelley explained that as a result of recent English Language Learner regulations which
require all districts who have an administrator who is not a certified ELL teacher serving as the lead person need to have a coordinator in that position. As of today’s ELL Census, we have 16 ELL students. This position was posted and a certified ELL teacher has applied. This position is funded through Title 2 funds, not local dollars. Ms. Kelley advised that we have ELL students at West Kingston, Wakefield, Broad Rock and the high school. Kimberly Levi will fill this role for a stipend of $750.00.
Ms. Morris asked if we could apply for a waiver since we only have 16 ELL students. Ms. Kelly advised that the regulations are quite clear.
MSV (4) move to accept Kim Levy to fill the role of English Language Learner Coordinator at the
stipend listed. Jackson, Frostic (7-0-0).
4) Revision of Policy #5705 Substitute Teachers – First Reading:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that she asked to take a look at the revision of Policy #5705 on behalf of
our principals. She noted that we currently pay $75.00 per day for day-to-day subs; and we pay long-term subs $115.00 per day (long-term is defined as beyond ten days). Dr. Stringfellow advised that we currently have difficulty attracting long-term substitute teachers.
Mr. Ritchotte advised that he looked at the previous three years to see how often we have long-term substitute positions of one semester or more in length, and the numbers reflected 3, 2, and 3. He noted that we are looking for someone to step in for continuity for the students. Mr. Ritchotte advised that we have been very successful in managing the substitute account; and we would have an adequate amount to support the three positions we have been averaging yearly if we raise the compensation for semester-long positions. If we were to go above the three positions, we would have savings in our turnover allowance that would cover the additional expense.
Dr. Stringfellow noted that w do not want to find ourselves in a situation where we have started with a sub and they do not feel the compensation is worth the work they bring forward, then we start a revolving door until the original teacher returns.
Mr. Mueller asked for clarification on the second portion of the policy as it is written regarding a semester-long substitute teacher. After discussion, he noted that the word “retroactive” is not reflected in the language.
Mr. Angeli advised that he would be recusing himself from any vote on this policy as he has a family member that will be impacted by this policy.
Dr. Mega noted that this policy will be brought back with the suggested revision in regard to the retroactive comment.
VII. Comments from Committee Members:
Mr. Angeli asked if members had received any information about a meeting next week at Wakefield.
Mr. Jackson shared what he read about RIDE already talking about budget cuts: private and parochial for textbooks, cuts to free breakfast program for low income students, tutors to support students at Hasbro Children’s hospital, science program (Physics First and the Science Kits). He noted that just a few weeks ago we were at the State House talking about Physics First and the Science Kits. Mr. Jackson stated that even though the funding formula is not in place, they are already running a deficit. He noted that some of the cuts will be pushed on to us.
VIII. Executive Session: Personnel, Collective Bargaining, Lease of Public Property:
MSV (5) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island in regards to Personnel, Collective Bargaining and Lease of Public Property at 9:12 PM. Cotter, Mueller (7-0-0).
Dr. Mega commented that the individual has been notified that they could have their discussion in Open Session.
The Committee recessed to executive session.
The Committee returned to open session at 10:40 PM.
IX. Adjournment:
MSV (6) move to seal the minutes of the executive session and adjourn at 10:40 PM. Cotter, Mueller (7-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
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