South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

 

South Kingstown High School Cafeteria

215 Columbia Street

Wakefield, RI  02879

 

Attendees - voting members

Roland Benjamin - Chair

Stephen (Scott) Mueller - Vice Chair

Michelle Brousseau

Alycia Collins

Emily Cummiskey

Kate Macinanti

Raissa Mosher

 

Attendees - other

Kristen Stringfellow - Superintendent

Pauline Lisi - Assistant Superintendent

Maryanne Crawford – CFO

David Abbott-Legal

 

1.         6:00 PM -The School Committee may seek to convene in executive session

in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws for the purpose(s) of:

 

A. Discussion regarding matters of security (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(3))

B. Collective Bargaining - NEASK-MOA & Negotiations; SKESP - Negotiations (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2))

C. Lease of Public Property (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(5))

 

Roland Benjamin called the April 24, 2018 school committee meeting to order at 6:02 PM.

 

Unanimous roll call vote to enter executive session for the purposes of Discussion regarding        matters of security, Collective Bargaining, and Lease of Public Property at 6:02 PM.

 

2.         7:00 PM - Call to Order

 

A. Call to Order

 

Mr. Benjamin called the April 24, 2018 School Committee Meeting back to order at 7:12PM.

 

B. Reporting of vote(s) taken in executive session

 

Mr. Benjamin advised that one vote was taken in Executive Session on a Memorandum of Agreement:  motion to authorize the Superintendent to continue a discussion.  The motion was made by Emily Cummiskey and seconded by Stephen (Scott) Mueller.  The vote was 7-0-0.

 

C. Seal the minutes of the executive session

 

Mr. Benjamin advised that the Committee needed to return to Executive Session to finish discussions after this meeting.

 

D. Chair - Agenda review

 

Mr. Benjamin reviewed the agenda.  He also explained the two-part community comment sections on the agenda.

 

 

E. Legal Advisory

 

            Roland Benjamin asked legal counsel to discuss two issues:

            1. The issue of advertisement

            2. The issue of reconsideration of a vote on the agenda

 

1. At the meeting with the Town Council, although the Town Council has the ability to add agenda items, the School Committee is held to a different standard. Mr. Abbott explained the issue and advised that, in the future, the safest course is to advertise jointly.  Both bodies post, and there can be no new agenda items added, because school committees can legally only add an agenda item due to an emergency that actually occurred between the time of posting and the meeting. The laws are very restrictive to school committees. For advertisements in the future, the most restrictive rules for one party apply to both parties.

 

2. The School Committee Chair was asked to add reconsideration of a vote to the agenda. A reconsideration can only be moved by a member in the assent. Because it (vote of reconsideration) was not added to the agenda by a member of the assent, and because School Committee members are not permitted to add agenda items to the Town Council meeting agenda, but School Committee members did discuss adding this item to the agenda in open session of the Town Council meeting, to add would potentially be an OMA violation.

 

Mr. Abbott added that a vote to reconsider can only come up at the ensuing meeting, and after that meeting, the School Committee cannot revisit that vote.

 

3.         Delegation(s)

 

A. Student Art Award Winners 2018

 

Dr. Stringfellow and the Committee recognized the South Kingstown High School students who were honored at Rhode Island College on January 14^th at the exhibit's Opening Ceremony.  She further explained that the Gold and Silver winners were on display at the RIC Alex and Ani Center in January.  Dr. Stringfellow read the names of the winners:

·        Mae Bodziony- Painting-Gold Key

·        Seneca Brown-Drawing-Gold Key

·        Rachel Clancy- Drawing-Silver Key

·        Colin Egan-Drawing-Silver Key

·        Mackenzie Fish-Drawing- Silver Key

·        Maddy Miller-Photography-Silver Key

·        Ethan Whitlow-Photography- Gold Key

 

Dr. Stringfellow commented that we were recently notified that Mackenzie Fish was awarded Fourth Place/Director's Award in the Wickford Art Association Scholarship Awards competition.

 

Dr. Stringfellow expressed thanks for the support of the teachers in the Fine Arts Department.  She also stated that the Committee would re-invite the students to the May meeting.

 

B. Teacher of the Year Nominees

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that annually, the South Kingstown School District honors teachers who have been nominated to be considered as South Kingstown Teacher of the Year.  Dr. Stringfellow and the Committee acknowledged and honored each nominee with a certificate:

·        Nathaniel Coolidge - Science Teacher at BRMS

·        Brittany Dunne - English Teacher at CCMS

·        Gina Haberlin - Math Interventionist at CCMS

·        Sol Hernandez - Grade 1 DLI Teacher at West Kingston

·        Alisa Mansolillo - Math Teacher at SKHS

·        Karen Murphy - Health Teacher at SKHS

·        Kathleen Nerstheimer - ESL Teacher at West Kingston

·        Julie Turcotte - Grade 4 Teacher at Peace Dale 

·        Hope Tyrrell - Grade 2 Teacher at Matunuck

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that later this week, the South Kingstown Teacher of the Year would be announced. That teacher will go on to represent our community of learners and will compete for Rhode Island Teacher of the Year.   

 

4.         Superintendent's Report

 

A. Meeting Calendar

 

Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar.  She advised that special events are listed on BoardDocs.

 

B. Spotlight: Matunuck Elementary School program "One School, One Book"

 

Sheila Sullivan, interim Matunuck Principal, and Lauren Ralph, Matunuck PTO member, shared a video and information, via PowerPoint, about the "One School, One Book" program at Matunuck Elementary School.  Ms. Ralph explained how the program takes a community (families, teachers, support staff, extended community, digital resources, and SKEF) to be successful.  She stated that the hope is for the program to expand to the other elementary schools in the district.

 

C. Financial Update – Posted but Not Addressed

 

D. Monthly Student and Employee Recognition

 

"The Key is ME!" Award: Dr. Stringfellow advised that "The Key is ME" Award recipient for April is Lisa Fontaine, Guidance Counselor at Curtis Corner Middle School.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding her work history and read various rationale and nomination comments regarding Ms. Fontaine.

 
"I Make a Difference" Award: Dr. Stringfellow advised that the "I Make a Difference" Award recipient for April is Nancy Girard, Teacher Assistant at Matunuck Elementary.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding her work history and shared the rationale supporting Ms. Girard's nomination.

"You Inspire Me" Award: Dr. Stringfellow advised that the "You Inspire Me" Award recipient for April is South Kingstown ELL student, Mary Rose Alchihed.  A video was shared that showed Dina Silvaggio, SKHS ELL Teacher, reading her letter of nomination for Mary Rose to receive the "You Inspire Me" Award. 

 

E.  Parent Workshop on "Raising Children in the Age of Anxiety"

 

Pauline Lisi advised that the Wellness Committee is offering a parent workshop on "Raising Children in the Age of Anxiety" at 6:30 PM on Monday, May 7, 2018 at Broad Rock Middle School Library.  URI Professor, Dr. Ellen Flannery-Schroeder, will be the keynote speaker at the workshop.

 

F. 2017 Official Graduation Rate

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared the official 4-year graduation rate of South Kingstown High School, as published by the Rhode Island Department of Education.  She noted that the graduation rate of 94.1% is higher than it has been in the last decade (it was 80% in 2011).  Dr. Stringfellow commented that our goal is to graduate 100% of the students. 

 

G. Planning for SC retreat

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that the annual School Committee Retreat would be held on July 13, 2018 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Broad Rock Middle School Library (lunch provided for School Committee members).  Dr. Stringfellow reviewed what information would be shared at the Retreat, and advised that the Retreat is open to the public.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that Dr. Paul Ash of Massachusetts is her suggested facilitator and the suggested topic of Gap Closing based upon researched best practices and South Kingstown data.  The School Committee agreed, and authorized her to contract with Dr. Ash.

 

H. Accept the Superintendent's Report

 

MSV (3) accept and place on file the Superintendent's Report.

 

Motion made by: Kate Macinanti 

Motion Seconded: Michelle Brousseau

Vote: Unanimously Approved

 

5.         Consent Agenda

 

Dr. Stringfellow acknowledged the retirement of Jeanne Elliott, Administrative Specialist at West Kingston Elementary School.  She shared Ms. Elliott's work history and advised that she will be sorely missed.  

 

A. Approval of Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 2/12/18, 3/16/18, 3/20/18, 3/27/18, and 4/3/18

B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meetings of 2/12/18, 3/16/18, 3/20/18, 3/27/18, and 4/3/18

C. Personnel Actions

D. Expenditure over $10,000.00 - Online Assessment Program for Universal Screening

E. Expenditure over $10,000.00 - MPA #345 Envision Technology Advisors, LLC

F. Expenditure over $10,000.00 - Website Redesign

G. Expenditure over $10,000.00 - MPA #494 RGB Upgrade/Replacement HVAC unit Matunuck.

H. Bid Award - #2381-2 Refuse Removal and Recycling

I. Bid Award - #2375 Clear Touch Interactive Boards

J. Home Schooling Request(s)

K. Facility Rental Fee Waiver Request

L. Approve Consent Agenda

 

MSV (4) move to approve the Consent Agenda.

 

Motion made by: Emily Cummiskey

Motion Seconded: Michelle Brousseau

Vote: Unanimously Approved

 

6.         Comments from the Community

 

A. Comments from the Community Part I-relative to first reading of policies & resolutions - There were no comments from the community

 

7.         School Committee Business Part I

 

A. First Reading of Policies-Internet Filtering (NEW), Revision to Elementary Student Placement Policy 8135, Revision to Student Suspension/Expulsion Policy 8305, Revision to Student Residency Policy 8425

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that Revision of Student Residency Policy #8425 was pulled from the agenda.  She presented for a first reading, the NEW Internet Filtering Policy; the Revision to Elementary Student Placement Policy #8135, as the current policy is outdated and unlawful; and the Revision to Student Suspension/Expulsion Policy #8305, which would remove the concept of expulsion.  

 

B. Retirement of Policy 8125

 

Dr. Stringfellow explained the reason for recommending the retirement of Policy #8125 regarding Student Promotion/Placement/Retention.  She noted that the policy is operational and not actual policy level information; and that the information is outdated as the information is based on seat time and Carnegie units and does not apply to current requirements and flexibility of additional course options for students.  Dr. Stringfellow stated that administrative procedures are updated on an annual basis with this information at the school level.

 

MSV (5) move to retire Policy #8125.

 

Motion made by: Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Motion Seconded: Kate Macinanti

Vote: Unanimously Approved

 

C. Resolution(s)

 

Michelle Brousseau presented various Resolutions for School Committee consideration and explained the reasoning behind various Resolutions and who supported the Resolution.

 

·        Gun Free Schools Resolution

MSV (6) move to adopt the Gun Free Schools Resolution.

 

Motion made by: Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Motion Seconded: Alycia Collins

Vote: Unanimously Approved

 

·        Contract Continuation Resolution

MSV (7) move to adopt the Contract Continuation Resolution.

 

Motion made by: Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Motion Seconded: Roland Benjamin

Vote: 

Roland Benjamin - Yes

Stephen (Scott) Mueller - Yes

Kate Macinanti - No

Raissa Mosher - Yes

Alycia Collins - No

Michelle Brousseau - No

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

 

·        Energy Star Resolution

MSV (8) move to adopt the Energy Star Resolution.

 

Motion made by: Raissa Mosher

Motion Seconded: Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Vote: Unanimously Approved

·        Binding Arbitration Resolution

After discussion, the Committee agreed to withdraw the Resolution, as some members did not like the wording of the Resolution and felt that it was associated with another district.  

 

·        Supporting School Construction Referendum in Articles 5 and 9 of the Proposed Rhode Island State Budget (FY 2019) Resolution

MSV (9) move to adopt the School Construction Referendum in Articles 5 and 9 of the Proposed Rhode Island State Budget (FY 2019) Resolution.

 

Motion made by: Raissa Mosher

Motion Seconded: Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Vote: Unanimously Approved

 

D. RGB Presentation & Draft Timeline

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that David DeQuattro, Managing Principal, and Tracey Donnelly, Project Manager, of RGB Architects would present the planned project and draft timeline for the Legacy Planning Project. 

 

Ms. Donnelly shared information regarding building security, educational priorities, and the draft timeline, via a PowerPoint presentation.  Ms. Donnelly and Mr. DeQuattro responded to School Committee member questions.  Discussion continued regarding the draft timeline and the RIDE deadlines for submitting a Letter of Interest, Stage 1 Application and Stage 2 Application; the addition of Broad Rock Middle School; and the bond vote.  

 

8.         Comments from the Community

 

A. Comments from the Community Part II-relative to Facilities, DLI and Universal Pre-School

 

Stacy Bodziony, parent, urged the School Committee to add members of Town Council to the planning committees.

 

Lauren Weinstock commented on the time line, expressed concern regarding the various points of entry at the high school with construction through the school year, and asked the Committee to think carefully about phased planning and school safety.

 

Sean Krueger, parent, commented on McKibben’s enrollment numbers, utilization, and functional levels.  

 

Elizabeth Berman, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the economic impact on the community with closing Wakefield Elementary School.

 

Dorald Beasley asked about securing a petition asking the School Committee to request the Town Council to add an additional $4 million to this year's budget to secure the buildings.   

 

Michelle Neri asked what the plans would be with the schools that are planned for closure.  Ms. Neri urged the Committee to do things in stages.  

 

Nicole Mulanaphy commented on the timeline for the DOE and discouraged implementing a two-phase approach.  She also discouraged the expansion of the DLI program.

 

Charles Roberts, parent, expressed support for the expansion of the DLI program.

 

Nicole Mulanaphy wondered if incoming kindergarten families were made aware of the STEAM program, and spoke about DLI and STEAM.

 

Tara Apperson asked the School Committee to revisit the enrollment. She is concerned about empty buildings. She expressed concern about DLI.

 

Dorald Beasley shared his suggestion for a town-wide PK-1 school where Wakefield Elementary School is.  

 

Jennifer Krueger expressed support of the universal preschool.  She also had questions regarding the building committee for Stage I.  

 

9.         School Committee Business Part II

 

A. Long Range Facilities Plan

 

Mr. Benjamin reviewed the Long Range Facilities Plan for the Committee's consideration.  He shared the next steps and suggested a discussion regarding triggers associated with the School Committee's vote for Option B.  Discussion followed regarding triggers, re-districting, contract compliance committee, "Disposition of Public Property Committee", and establishing a school building committee at the May 8, 2018 meeting.  

 

B. Possible Vote on Expansion of Dual Language Immersion for Kindergarten 2018

 

Dr. Stringfellow provided a background and shared expressed concerns.  The Committee was provided with information regarding DLI enrollment and registration; MS world language expansion; DLI Community Conversation of 9/26/17 PowerPoint presentation and parent survey responses; DLI enrollment and Monolingual enrollment K-2; and DLI data.  Discussion followed.

 

MSV (10) move to not expand the DLI Program.

 

Motion made by: Raissa Mosher

Motion Seconded: Emily Cummiskey

Vote: Unanimously Approved

 

C. Universal Pre-School - Not Addressed-Add to May Meeting

 

10.       Comments from Committee Members

 

A. Comments from Committee Members 

 

Emily Cummiskey spoke of attending the upcoming annual RIASC conference. She also spoke of NSBA and making sure that all School Committee members are aware of it.

 

Raissa Mosher told Emily Cummiskey that she was made aware of NSBA at her School Committee orientation, as all School Committee members are.

 

·        Return to Executive Session

 

MSV (11) move to return to Executive Session.

 

Motion made by: Kate Macinanti

Motion Seconded: Michelle Brousseau

Vote: Unanimously Approved

 

The Committee recessed to Executive Session at 11:35 PM.

 

The Committee returned to Open Session at 11:40 PM.

 

MSV (14) move to seal the minutes of the Executive Session.

 

Motion made by: Michelle Brousseau

Motion Seconded: Kate Macinanti

Vote: Unanimously Approved

 

11.       Adjournment

 

A. Adjourn meeting

 

MSV (15) move to adjourn at 11:41 PM.

 

Motion made by: Michelle Brousseau

Motion Seconded: Kate Macinanti

Vote: Unanimously Approved

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                Kristen Stringfellow