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The regular meeting of the South Kingstown School Committee was held on September 28, 2010 at the Curtis Corner Middle School Cafeteria at 7:00 PM following an Executive Session at 6:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Kevin Jackson (Co-Chair), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, and Elizabeth Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Fred Frostic and Richard Angeli.
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent and John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services.
I. Call to Order:
Dr. Mega called the September 28, 2010 School Committee Meeting to order at 6:15 PM.
MSV (1) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island in for Collective Bargaining and Personnel issues at 6:15 PM. Morris, Mueller (5-0-0).
MEMBERS PRESENT: Anthony Mega (Chair), Kevin Jackson (Co-Chair), Maureen Cotter, Scott Mueller, and Elizabeth Morris.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Fred Frostic and Richard Angeli.
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent; Mary Kelley, Assistant Superintendent; John Ritchotte, Director of Administrative Services; and Robert McCarthy, High School Principal.
- Call to Order:
Dr. Mega called the September 28, 2010 School Committee Meeting back to order at 7:22 PM
and recommended that the committee move to the ParentConnect discussion under the Superintendent’s Report to accommodate Principal Robert McCarthy.
- ParentConnect – Robert McCarthy:
Robert McCarthy advised that the ParentConnect Program is an opportunity for parents and
students to have a web page portal to a teacher’s grade book. He noted that the implementation of ParentConnect will be different at the middle schools than at the high school. Mr. McCarthy advised that the teachers received training last week and noted that there will also be an optional training offered in the spring. He advised that parents with a user name and ID will be able to access a teacher’s grade book and will be able to see their child’s progress, attendance, and discipline information. He noted that families will see what the school sees, noting that it is transparent. Mr. McCarthy advised that parents have asked when we would have this program available, and that neighboring districts use similar programs. Mr. McCarthy advised that this will increase communication between home and school, which is the district’s goal. Mr. McCarthy advised that we agreed, with union leadership, to pilot the program; thirteen teachers agreed to pilot the program last year; parents could get a password if their students had teachers who piloted the program. Mr. McCarthy shared that the feedback from teachers was that the program was going smoothly and the program provides more clarity around communication. It was suggested that the program begin with the second quarter of this school year to allow teachers an opportunity to play with the program, get comfortable, and be ready to start; this is what will be done, as we thought it was an appropriate request.
He advised that there will be a parent meeting in late October to provide passwords to parents; parents can also get access by contacting the secretaries in the guidance office. The middle school will be rolling out the program at the semester; this will not be available for the 5th grade at Broad Rock, but will be for the 6th grade. At the Open House, teachers told parents that they could go online to see their child’s progress and reminded parents that they have access to every teacher their child has. Mr. McCarthy advised that teachers will update the grade books every two weeks.
Ms. Morris asked if there is a policy on how long teachers are supposed to take to finish grading papers. Mr. McCarthy advised that there is no specific policy around that; however, he believes that 99% of the teachers get things back in a reasonable time. He also advised that at the end of a marking period it may take longer.
Ms. Morris stated that she assumes there is security around the discipline information that will be available online. Mr. McCarthy advised that as it is a web-based program, it is as private as your password. There is a problem if you share your password. He also stated that they are cognitive of not putting other students’ names in the description of a discipline report. Mr. McCarthy also advised that teachers will upload a syllabus with their grade book.
Dr. Mega noted that he was part of the test group last year and found ParentConnect to be helpful as it reflects any assignments that are missing.
Dr. Mega advised that two school committee members were absent this evening: member Frostic
is out of the country for a reunion of his Air Force Flight School, and changing the meeting date created a conflict for member Angeli.
Dr. Mega stated that the committee was in Executive Session prior to the School Committee Business meeting and reported out a vote taken in Executive Session which was for administrative and exempt ratios for new and restructured positions. This action did not represent any approval of new salaries, as these salaries had already been approved, and we had to assign the appropriate ratio. The Superintendent recommended the Tech Director ratio be 1.08; Network Administrator 0.86; Senior Technician 0.57; Instructional Technician 0.8; Dean of Students 1.04; and the System Support position was eliminated. A recommendation was made to accept the Superintendent’s proposal; and a motion was made by Kevin Jackson, seconded by Scott Mueller and the vote was 5-0-0.
Dr. Stringfellow clarified the numbers and explained the history of realigning the Technology Department, which created a new .5 position but eliminated a position for system support in the Tech Department. She advised that the new position will provide professional development for teachers in the area of technology. Dr. Stringfellow advised that since the ratio range for these positions has been determined, we can now update the policy.
II. Delegations (Spotlights):
None
III. Superintendent‘s Report:
1) Meeting Calendar:
Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar. She advised that she received an email from Commissioner Gist requesting her presence, along with Christine Heid and Dr. Mega for a Race to the Top conversation, which may conflict with the Professional Development Subcommittee meeting scheduled for October 5th.
a. Peace Dale School Open House – September 29, 2010 – 6:30 PM, Peace Dale School.
b. West Kingston School Open House – September 30, 2010 – 6:00 PM, West Kingston School.
c. Hazard School Open House-AM Classes – October 5, 2010 – 6:00 PM, Hazard School.
d. Hazard School Open House-PM Classes – October 5, 2010 – 6:30 PM, Hazard School.
e. Professional Development Sub-Committee Meeting – October 5, 2010 – 7:00 PM,
Administration Building Conference Room.
f. School Committee Meeting – October 12, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
g. School Committee Meeting – October 26, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
h. School Committee Meeting – November 9, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
i. School Committee Meeting – November 23, 2010, 7:00 PM, South Kingstown High School
Library.
2) ParentConnect – Robert McCarthy: Previously Addressed
· Release of NECAP Science Scores:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that Governor Carcieri released the Science NECAP scores for the State
of Rhode Island, and Matunuck Elementary School was invited to celebrate their success as an example of increased growth in high level accomplishment in the area of science. She shared that the 2008 NECAP scores showed that 57% of the students were achieving proficiency; in 2009 – 62% of the students were achieving proficiency; and in 2010 – 85% of the students are at proficiency. Dr. Stringfellow also advised that Peace Dale Elementary School did remarkably well with their change from 51% to 57% and this year a 17 point gain to 74%. What have we done as a district? She shared that every teacher K-8 was trained in the area of writing in the area of science; teachers restructured lessons and added scientist notebook as a component to their instructional model; and Matunuck and Peace Dale identified science goals in their School Improvement Plans over a year ago. She advised that starting last spring, we added non-fiction science text to West Kingston and Wakefield, and we are anticipating that we will see dramatic improvement in all classes K-8. She stated that we are very happy with how well our teachers and students are doing, and we were happy to be recognized. Dr. Stringfellow advised that it was a very nice celebration and noted that Deb Zepp, Mary Kelley, Dr. Mega, Kevin Jackson, Beth Just, Christine Heid, NEASK President, and she attended. The other schools celebrated were Nathaniel Greene and Portsmouth High School.
· Procedure and Protocol of Transportation Complaints:
Dr. Stringfellow advised that a majority of concerns would be from parents, sometimes
from a teacher or principal. All concerns and complaints are investigated by the school department and/or the bus contractor. We investigate reports, and most result in no action being needed. She advised that when there is a cause for concern for students’ safety, we are allowed to request that a bus company employee be transferred from the district. Dr. Stringfellow advised that this does not mean that we are terminating an employee, as the transportation staff are not employees of the school district and we do not have the authority to make that determination. She stated that student safety is our priority.
MSV (3) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. Jackson, Morris (5-0-0).
IV. Comments from the Community:
Raissa Mosher, parent, questioned if we pay the bus company for a bus monitor whether there is a monitor on the bus or not, since the law states requires bus monitors to be on buses. Mr. Ritchotte advised that we get billed for the actual amount. Ms. Mosher stated that there is a shortage of bus monitors, especially for the younger grades. She advised that she was told it takes time to train and hire monitors. She expressed her concern about getting the buses properly monitored. Mr. Ritchotte advised that 90%+ of our K-8 buses have monitors and we strive for 100%, noting that four elementary buses do not have bus monitors.
Ms. Mosher asked if the School Committee planned on having a report from Sheila Sullivan to see how the first month has gone at Broad Rock School. Dr. Mega noted that we did have a report on opening day and at this point we are allowing people to settle in. He did state that the committee would look at reporting back to the community. Dr. Mega noted that he has discussed analyzing data with the Superintendent, and he stated that it may be worthwhile for the Accountability Subcommittee to look at the information and the instrument they may want to acquire to determine whether and/or how the change has affected our students.
Raissa Mosher asked about social studies and science being offered for half a year at the 6th grade level. Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the history of how the teams were restructured at the middle school (from a 4 person team to a 2 person team), which was implemented for the first time last year. She advised that a decision was made to try keeping with a 90-day block of science and 90-day block of social studies to get full curriculum units in on an everyday basis, noting that this came as a recommendation from teachers and parents at the school level. Ms. Mosher suggested getting feedback to see if we have seen a lag in what the students should learn, as this is the first year they are coming in with half the curriculum.
Eileen Daly-Labelle, parent, expressed concern that her child will be going to moving on to Curtis Corner next year and will not have had social studies since January. She shared that she heard the same concern from other 6th grade parents at the open house.
Ms. Daly-Labelle advised that Mr. McCarthy mentioned that there was talk about the elimination of “B” level classes at the parent/teacher group meeting she attended last week at the high school.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that we want to make sure we have a high rigor for all students and we want to be certain that the curriculum is offered to every child with fidelity to the way the curriculum was written. She also stated that there will be an expectation that teachers differentiate instruction.
Ms. Daly-Labelle stated that she is concerned that differentiated instruction brings the top down.
Dr. Stringfellow advised that we are required to be certain that all students are able to exit school at a high level and do well on the NECAP assessments. Dr. Stringfellow stated that she is making an assumption that this was the first conversation at the high school and that there will be more conversations.
V. Consent Agenda Items:
Dr. Mega reviewed the Consent Agenda.
1) Approval of minutes meeting of: September 7, 2010
Executive Session Minutes of: September 7, 2010
2) Personnel Action(s)
3) Bid Award(s)
a. #2271 – CISCO SmartNet Contracts and Renewals – Pulled from the Agenda
4) Invoice(s) – School Attorney(s)
MSV (4) move to approve the Consent Agenda. Cotter, Jackson (5-0-0).
VI. School Committee Business:
1) SORICO (John Ritchotte memo):
Dr. Mega advised that this item would be tabled.
2) Strategic Plan Update:
Dr. Mega stated that the Professional Development Subcommittee met earlier this month to discuss components of moving forward with the Strategic Plan. The meeting included the members of the Subcommittee (Maureen Cotter, Fred Frostic, and Dr. Mega), along with Mary Kelley, Kristen Stringfellow, and our community representatives. Dr. Mega advised that several items were discussed at that meeting, which included the timeline outlined at the last school committee meeting. He stated that the general structure is to put a mechanism in place before the new school committee sits; however, the bulk of the work for strategic planning would have to carry over for a new committee who would then follow out during their two years of service. The first component was to select our Strategic Planning Focus Group, and he handed out a notice that will be published in the local newspapers and sent out via the listserv to solicit applications. The notice reads: The South Kingstown School Committee is soliciting applicants from community members to serve on a Strategic Planning Focus Group. The task of the community focus group is to provide input and feedback to the school committee relative to resource allocations for our district strategic plan. The focus group work will concentrate on two broad questions: How will we sustain our educational vision in these tight fiscal times? How will we protect core instructional programs and student achievement? Applications are welcome from all segments of our community. If you wish to be considered for participation, please provide a brief statement of interest (including your name, address, contact number/email address) to: Anthony Mega, Chairperson of the South Kingstown School Committee. Correspondence can be sent electronically to mmurano@skschools.net, or mailed to the School Department at 307 Curtis Corner Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879. All applications should be received by October 15, 2010.
Dr. Mega stated that once the applications are received, our intent is to create a focus group that represents as many segments of the community as possible. The Professional Development Subcommittee would meet and form the Strategic Plan Focus Group with the goal of diversification as the primary component of selection. We would then look to narrow what we are asking the Strategic Plan Focus Group to answer. Dr. Mega stated that the first order of work is for them to be working individually, providing feedback independently rather than in a group session, as we are not looking for a consensus opinion; we are exploring opinions that are based on those two broad categories.
Dr. Stringfellow stated that community members may have received an invitation via the listserv; she noted that the information is on the district website, and the press release has been submitted to the local newspapers and publications. She advised that the task of the central office will be to take a look at the planning documents (the current strategic plan, regulations from RIDE, the RIDE Strategic Plan, the BEP which is new as of 7/1/10, and other planning documents). We will try to merge them into something that meets the strategic plan criteria and then share the document with the school committee in late fall/early winter.
Dr. Mega suggested that the Professional Development Subcommittee meet again this month soon after the application deadline to review the applications. He stated that the next step would be to discuss the structure and process for the strategic plan. Dr. Mega stated that it should be a work session, rather than a business meeting for the school committee. We would have to work toward setting an agenda/structure and topics of discussion for the work group.
Mr. Mueller asked if the selection of the members of the focus group would be a post-election activity. Dr. Mega stated that the Professional Development Subcommittee will suggest, but the approval would have to come from the school committee level. Dr. Mega stated that if we were to do a work session, there would not be a vote. Dr. Mega advised that he would want the organization in place to get the strategic plan done by the new year so there is a functional strategic plan as we go into the next budget process.
Mr. Mueller stated that the essence of the strategic planning process has a strong level of support from the sitting members of the school committee. He advised that he believes that continuing the process of deliberation around the structure seems appropriate, and bringing back the implementation of that structure after the election and swearing-in seems to maximize the probability that everyone feels like they have had an opportunity to have their say, which is important at a time of transition.
Mr. Jackson and Ms. Morris expressed hope that there will be a lot of applicants. Mr. Jackson agreed to set the structure and then have the sitting committee members have a say.
Maureen Cotter clarified that the school committee seems to be fine with the process up to the actual selection of the candidates. Members agreed. Ms. Cotter asked the Superintendent to review the timeline of the strategic plan relative to the budget. Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the timeline as outlined in the PowerPoint presentation from the previous school committee meeting.
Dr. Mega stated that Professional Development Subcommittee could formulate more focus questions for the focus group, and then we can begin looking at the applications and recognizing subgroups who may not have an opportunity to apply and find out how we can reach out to those groups.
Raissa Mosher asked if teachers were part of the groups the committee wanted to reach out to. Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the possible membership of the community panel from the PowerPoint presentation last month, which included teachers. Dr. Stringfellow noted that the information was online.
Mr. Jackson recommended reaching out to the town council as they get a different audience than the school committee does.
Roland Benjamin recommended that the school committee nail down the structure so that one of the first actions would be to put those people in place to start the process. Dr. Mega stated that in the end, we want to do it right, not quickly.
VII. Comments from Committee Members:
Maureen Cotter advised that she participated in the SKEF Amazing Race, sharing that she and her teammates won in their age division. She stated that she looks forward to SKEF running it again next year.
Mr. Mueller reminded that SK Cares has a fund-raising event at the Dunes Club on Sunday from 4:00 – 7:00. He also noted that at the last meeting, the committee discussed the A2E survey and he raised the question on whether it was feasible to distribute the survey to the school population, not just athletes.
Mr. Mueller requested a report back at the next meeting.
Mr. Jackson commented on spending the afternoon at the State House. He noted that it was an honor for the district. He expressed congratulations to Deb Zepp and to all the people in the district as we move forward.
Dr. Mega echoed comments made by Mr. Jackson. He also noted that the Peace Dale group did a remarkable job. He also noted that this would be a good point to look back to see how we can bring this to other areas. Student achievement is our ultimate benchmark and we have met the metric there.
Dr. Mega also expressed congratulations to new band director at the high school, as Doc Smith brought the band through their first parade. The band sounded great.
Dr. Mega commented on the CARES Auction to be held on Sunday at the Dunes Club, noting that there are many unique prizes to be awarded.
Mr. Mueller commented that the General Assembly had passed an expectation that school committee members receive six hours of training; and that the RIASC has been involved in a planning process. He advised that the date has tentatively been set for November 13th. It will be an all-day training. Candidates and school committee members should look to see if they can attend. Mr. Mueller also advised that there will be two, possibly a third session that will address the interests and learning needs of continuing school committee members. Mr. Mueller explained the handout information that he passed on to the Superintendent.
VIII. Adjournment:
MSV (5) move to seal the minutes of the executive session and adjourn at 8:34 PM. Jackson, Morris (5-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk
South Kingstown School Committee
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