South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

 

South Kingstown High School Cafeteria

215 Columbia Street

Wakefield, RI  02879

 

Attendees - voting members

Roland Benjamin - Chair

Stephen (Scott) Mueller - Vice Chair (Arrived at 7:04 PM)

Kate Macinanti

Raissa Mosher

Alycia Collins

Michelle Brousseau

Emily Cummiskey

 

Attendees - other

Kristen Stringfellow - Superintendent

Pauline Lisi - Assistant Superintendent

Maryanne Crawford - CFO

 

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. Personnel (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1)) - notice(s) of non-renewal

 

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

 

C. Matter relating to privacy of a student (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(8))

 

D. Litigation (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2))

 

Roland Benjamin called the May 8, 2018 school committee meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

 

Unanimous roll call vote to enter executive session for the purposes of personnel, collective bargaining, matter relating to privacy of a student and litigation at 6:00 PM.  The affected parties had been notified in advance in writing, and opted not to have discussion held in open session.

 

2.         7:00 PM - Call to Order

 

A. Call to Order

 

Mr. Benjamin called the May 8, 2018 School Committee Meeting back to order at 7:02 PM.

 

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

Mr. Benjamin reported on votes taken in Executive Session:

 

·       On April 24, 2018:  Vote to approve a MOA with NEASK.  The motion was made by Stephen (Scott) Mueller, seconded by Raissa Mosher.  The vote was unanimously approved.

·       Two votes taken on May 8, 2018:  vote to approve a MOA with SKESP.  Motion made by Raissa Mosher, seconded by Michelle Brousseau.  The vote was 5-0-1, Alycia Collins abstained; and vote to reject a MOA with NEASK.  Motion made by Kate Macinanti, seconded by Michelle Brousseau.  The vote was unanimously approved.   

 

C. Seal the minutes of the executive session

 

MSV (5) move to seal the minutes of the Executive Session of May 8, 2018. 

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

D. Chair - Agenda review

 

Mr. Benjamin reviewed the agenda.

 

Mr. Benjamin requested to move personnel actions up on the agenda to approve the appointment of the West Kingston Principal and the Literacy Coordinator to Item #C under Section #3 (Delegations) of the Agenda.

 

MSV (6) move to approve moving personnel actions up on the agenda.

 

Motion made by:  Raissa Mosher

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

3.         Delegation(s)

A. State Science Fair Award Winners

 

Dr. Stringfellow and the Committee recognized and congratulated the twelve South Kingstown science students who competed at the RI Science and Engineering Fair on March 17, 2018.  Dr. Stringfellow read the names of each student and Ms. Lisi presented the students with a certificate as follows:

 

Placing 3^rd in their categories were: Ian Lucht, Mitch Schulz, Rob Skokowski, Logan Pierce, Emma Tondre, Parker Smith and Justin Walker.

 

Placing 2^nd in their categories were: Abby Marcotte, Kacie Curran and Maggie Rodgers

 

Placing 1^st in their categories were Caden Guertin and Olivia Kelly.

 

Dr. Stringfellow also noted that Rob Skokowski and Logan Pierce received a special award from the US Metric Association, and Olivia Kelly received an amazing seven special awards for her environmental and sustainability project on oysters and the acidification of the ocean. 

 

B. Student Art Award Winners 2018

 

Dr. Stringfellow and the Committee recognized and congratulated the student winners who were honored at Rhode Island College January 14^th at the exhibit's Opening Ceremony.  The Gold and Silver winners were on display at the RIC Alex and Ani Center in January.  Dr. Stringfellow read the name of each student winner.  Ms. Lisi presented each student with a certificate.  The winners are as follows:

 

·       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 also advised that Mackenzie Fish had been awarded Fourth Place / Director's Award in the Wickford Art Association Scholarship Awards competition.

 

·       Personnel Action

 

Dr. Stringfellow announced the recommendation to appoint Soljane Martinez as West Kingston Elementary Principal.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding the interview committee and process, and Ms. Martinez' employment history and education.  

 

MSV (7) move to appoint Soljane Martinez as West Kingstown Principal.

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Alycia Collins

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

Ms. Martinez expressed her appreciation for the appointment and her enthusiasm to continue        the work at West Kingston.

 

Dr. Stringfellow announced the recommendation to appoint Andrea Davis as the district Literacy Director.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding the interview committee and process; Ms. Davis's employment history and education.

 

MSV (8) move to appoint Andrea Davis as the district Literacy Director.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

4.         Superintendent's Report

A. Meeting Calendar

 

Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar.  Dr. Stringfellow asked about Committee member participation at end of the year events.

 

 

B. Financial Update

 

Mr. Benjamin commented on the lunch balances, noting that it is trending in the right direction.

 

C. Monthly Student and Employee Recognition

 

"The Key is ME!" Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that "The Key is ME!" Award recipient for May is Eileen Daly, Kindergarten DLI-English Teacher at Peace Dale Elementary.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding her work history, certifications, education, and the rationale and nomination comments regarding Ms. Daly.  

 

 

"I Make a Difference" Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that the "I Make A Difference" Award recipient for May is Kim Whitaker, Supervisory Aide at Peace Dale Elementary.  Dr. Stringfellow shared Ms. Whitaker's work history, education, and the rationale and nomination comments supporting Ms. Whitaker's nomination.

 

"You Inspire Me" Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that the "You Inspire Me" Award recipient for May is Conor Messier, second grade student at Peace Dale Elementary.  A video was shared that showed Mike Farrelly, second grade Peace Dale teacher, reading his nomination letter for Conor to receive the "You Inspire Me" Award.

 

D. Grants-Applied for and Awarded

 

Dr. Stringfellow expressed appreciation to ESL/DLI Coordinator Lindy Fregeolle, who wrote for and was awarded a $20,000 grant by the RI Foundation for DLI Building Capacity and Culturally Responsive Practices while Supporting Program Growth and Development.

 

Dr. Stringfellow expressed congratulations to SKHS Assistant Principal Shivali Finkelstein and STEM Coordinator Chip McGair, who wrote for and were awarded $50,000 for a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Lab at South Kingstown High School.  She also advised that Ms. Finkelstein and Dr. McGair also wrote a Perkins grant proposal in excess of $20,000 for a Bio-Medical CTE Pathway Lab at South Kingstown High School; and are awaiting the results.  

 

E. Universal Pre-School Informational

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding interest in universal preschool for the district.  She provided information regarding the approximate expense of $2,973,249 for a 200-child cohort.  She explained the RIDE requirements regarding class size, staffing requirements, food service requirements, cot and bedding requirements, and transportation costs.  Committee members commented on locating preschool in our current elementary buildings, the cost analysis of providing an early childhood experience, servicing IEP students.  

 

F. Civic Engagement: A RI State and Local Overview of Running for and Serving on the School Committee and your roles and responsibilities

 

Newly elected and appointed School Committee candidates/members have urged the South Kingstown School Department to provide information prior to an election.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that since there is so much information regarding the role and position of school committee members, informational sessions will be offered for anyone interested in running for School Committee.  The sessions will be hosted by Tim Duffy, Executive Director of RIASC (RI Association of School Committees); Kristen Stringfellow, Superintendent; Pauline Lisi, Assistant Superintendent; Teresa Eagan, Pupil Personnel Director; and Maryanne Crawford, Chief Financial Officer on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the South Kingstown Administration Building, 307 Curtis Corner Road; and on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the South Kingstown Administration Building, 307 Curtis Corner Road.  She stated that anyone who is interested is welcome to attend one of the sessions.

 

Ms. Cummiskey recommended that the sessions be videotaped.

 

G. Accept the Superintendent's Report

 

MSV (9) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent's Report.

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

 

5.         Consent Agenda

 

Mr. Benjamin reviewed the Consent Agenda.

 

Dr. Stringfellow acknowledged the retirement of Stephanie Price, Administrative Secretary at Curtis Corner Middle School, and Mariann Hayward, district Math Coach/Interventionist.  She shared their work history and expressed best wishes in their retirement.

 

A. Approval of Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 4/24/18 and 5/2/18

 

B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meetings of 4/24/18 and 5/2/18

 

C. Personnel Actions

 

D. Bid Award - #2383 HS Medical Training Program

 

E. Approve Consent Agenda

 

MSV (10) move to approve the Consent Agenda.

 

Motion made by:  Raissa Mosher

Motion seconded by:  Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

 

6.         Comments from the Community

 

A. Comments from the Community

 

Veronika Kot, South Kingstown resident and Immigration Task Force member, urged the Committee to move forward with a policy regarding immigration of children and their families.   

 

Carol Czaja, South Kingstown resident Immigration Task Force member, commented on the need for a policy regarding immigration to keep children safe.  She asked that a policy be on the next agenda.

 

Timothy Murphy, South Kingstown resident and Immigration Task Force member, urged the Committee to put an immigration policy on the next agenda for passage.

 

Karen Roebuck made a comment about her concern about the DLI program. She spoke against the itinerant Spanish and health programs.

 

Kaitlyn Roebuck, parent, spoke in support of a language itinerant.

 

Laura Roebuck spoke against the district website redesign and spoke against the itinerant Spanish and health programs.  

 

Jess Jeremiah expressed support of a universal preschool and an itinerant for Spanish language.

 

 

7.         School Committee Business

 

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

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that the Internet Filtering Policy; Revision to Elementary Student Placement Policy #8135; and Revision to Student Suspension/Expulsion Policy #8305 were on the agenda for a second reading and adoption.  Dr. McGair responded to questions regarding the Technology Committee.  

 

MSV (11) move to adopt the Internet Filtering Policy, Revision to Elementary Student Placement Policy #8135, and Revision to Student Suspension Policy #8305.

 

Motion made by:  Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Motion seconded by:  Raissa Mosher

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

B. First Reading of Policy-Revision to Early College, Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Policy (8445)

 

Dr. Chip McGair reviewed the recommended revisions to the Early College, Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Policy #8445 and responded to Committee member questions.  

 

C. Resolutions - None

 

D. Augusta Hazard Scholarship Awards

 

Michelle Brousseau read the names of the new and renewal Augusta Hazard Scholarship award recipients for School Committee approval:

 

New - Emilia Curzake

New - Alexis Hawkes

New - Ean Kiely

New - Jaqueline Lindstrom

New - Kelly-Ann McAlice

New - Hannah Misto

New - Sierra Rowley

New - Joellyn Speredelozzi

New - Hossam Zaki

Renewal - Nicole Gennari

Renewal - Hailey Parente

Renewal - Hannah Southwick

 

MSV (12) move to approve the Augusta Hazard Scholarship Awards.

 

Motion made by:  Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

E. Update on Itinerant Spanish Language/Culture and Health Position(s) & Potential Vote

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared her recommendation to add two additional FTEs to support Spanish Language/Culture and Elementary Health for the 18-19 SY.  Ms. Lisi shared information about the initial plan and explained how it would work so not to interfere with art and music.  Discussion followed.  

 

MSV (13) move to adopt the Superintendent's plan with regard to itinerant staffing.

 

Motion made by:  Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Motion seconded by:  Emily Cummiskey

Vote:  

Roland Benjamin - No

Stephen (Scott) Mueller - Yes

Kate Macinanti - Yes

Raissa Mosher - Yes

Alycia Collins - Yes

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

Emily Cummiskey - Yes

 

F. RIASC Immigration Update

 

Mr. Mueller provided information regarding RIASC's recommendation for an Immigration policy.  He commented on adopting a parallel policy as recommended by the Immigration Task Force and as recommended by the Town Council.  Mr. Mueller advised that Tim Duffy is seeking legal guidance regarding a model policy.  Mr. Mueller advised that he anticipates getting direction from RIASC in the next month.

 

G. Committee Updates and Potential Votes on Committee process & membership

 

·       Contract Compliance Committee Update:

Mr. Benjamin provided an update of the Contract Compliance Committee and about transitioning to the Contingency Planning Committee.  He asked for input from Committee members regarding the addition of community members, expectations of the Contingency Planning Committee, defining outcomes, and time.  Discussion followed regarding the application to RIDE, triggers, sharing challenges, functional capacity, and enrollment.

 

MSV (14) move to accept the RGB proposal so we can move forward and get clarification regarding a charge. 

 

Motion made by:  Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  

Roland Benjamin - Yes

Stephen (Scott) Mueller - Yes

Kate Macinanti - Yes

Raissa Mosher - Yes

Alycia Collins - No

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

 

·       Membership of disposition of surplus buildings committee

 

Mr. Benjamin recommended moving the disposition of surplus buildings committee discussion to a future meeting.

 

·       Building Committee

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding the RIDE membership requirements of the Building Committee and the individuals who would be members of the Building Committee.

 

Raissa Mosher expressed interest on being a member of the Building Committee.  Kate Macinanti and Michelle Brousseau expressed interest on being a standby member.  

 

MSV (15) move to approve the Building Committee as recommended.

 

Motion made by:  Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Motion seconded by:  Emily Cummiskey

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

·       Legislative Update

 

Ms. Brousseau commented on the RIASC meeting that was held on May 5^th.  She also commented on legislation about school safety.  

 

·       Wellness Committee

 

Ms. Macinanti commented on the excellent workshop offered by the Wellness Committee on May 7, 2018 about "Raising Children in an Age of Anxiety".  She commented on the positive feedback and turnout.  She asked if the speaker, Ellen Flannery-Schroeder, could return to speak about anxiety.

 

8.         Comments from Committee Members

 

A. Comments from Committee Members

 

Michelle Brousseau expressed appreciation for the recent grant awards.

 

Alycia Collins asked for an update on the high school librarian position.

 

Kate Macinanti asked for a conversation regarding virtual reality goggles.  She also shared information from the RIASC meeting she attended.

 

Stephen (Scott) Mueller advised that Kate Macinanti and Michelle Brousseau were recognized at the RIASC meeting for their participation and training hours.  He also expressed appreciation to Dr. Stringfellow for her attendance at the RIASC meeting.

 

Roland Benjamin advised that community members asked for discussion regarding a secondary transportation subcommittee.

 

9.         Adjournment

 

A. Adjourn meeting

 

MSV (16) move to adjourn at 10:05 PM.

 

Motion made by:  Stephen (Scott) Mueller

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously approved. 

 

 

                                                                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                            Kristen Stringfellow