South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

 

 

South Kingstown High School Cafeteria

215 Columbia Street

Wakefield, RI  02879

 

Attendees - Voting Members

Roland Benjamin - Chair

Kate Macinanti

Raissa Mosher

Michelle Brousseau

Emily Cummiskey

 

Absent voting Members

Stephen (Scott) Mueller - Vice Chair

Alycia Collins

 

Attendees - Other

Kristen Stringfellow - Superintendent

Pauline Lisi - Assistant Superintendent

Maryanne Crawford – CFO

 

David Abbott – legal counsel

Joseph Cooper – legal counsel

 

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. Litigation (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)) -discussion regarding Markey v SKSD APRA Complaint

C. Collective Bargaining - discussion of MOA with NEASK (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2))

 

Roland Benjamin called the September 11, 2018 school committee meeting to order at 6:05 PM.

 

Unanimous roll call vote to enter executive session for the purposes of discussion regarding matters of security, litigation, and collective bargaining at 6:05 PM. 

 

2.         7:00 PM - Call to Order

 

A. Call to Order

 

Mr. Benjamin called the September 11, 2018 School Committee Meeting back to order at 7:01 PM.

 

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

 

Mr. Benjamin advised that there were two votes taken in Executive Session to report out on.

 

A motion to approve the updated security plan.  The motion was made by Michelle Brousseau, seconded by Kate Macinanti.  The vote was 6-0-0 (Ms. Collins was present for this vote).

 

A motion to accept an MOA with the NEASK.  The motion was made by Emily Cummiskey, seconded by Raissa Mosher.  The vote was 6-0-0 (Ms. Collins was present for this vote).  

 

C. Seal the minutes of the executive session

MSV (4) move to seal the minutes of the September 11, 2018 Executive Session.

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

D. Chair - Agenda review

Mr. Benjamin reviewed the agenda.

 

Mr. Benjamin asked that a moment of silence be observed due to the remembrance of September 11th, 17 years ago.

 

3.         Delegation

 

A. South Kingstown Teacher of the Year

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that the South Kingstown Teacher of the Year Program is the district component of the Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Program, which is a state affiliation of the National Teacher of the Year Program.  Dr. Stringfellow stated that it was an honor to acknowledge Karen Murphy as teacher of the year.  Ms. Murphy served as a PE/Health Teacher for years and is now our Social Emotional Learning Coordinator.  Dr. Stringfellow read a press release and Mr. Benjamin read a commendation presented to Ms. Murphy.    

 

Karen Murphy acknowledged her parents and noted that they instilled in her to "give back."  Ms. Murphy stated that she is honored to represent the awesome educators in our district; and hopes to make the Committee proud in her new role.  

 

Brief recess from 7:11 PM to 7:22 PM to celebrate.

 

4.         Superintendent's Report

 

A. Meeting Calendar

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that the meetings are listed on BoardDocs.

 

B. Spotlight: District Crisis Committee

 

Coleen Smith, Crisis Committee Co-chair, shared information, via a PowerPoint presentation, regarding the work of the district Crisis Committee.  She spoke about Collaboration; School Safety; RIGL 16-21 et al ...; Plain Language; Lockdown; Evacuation; and Shelter in Place.  Committee members asked Ms. Smith questions about when procedures are reviewed with staff and if subs are trained. 

 

C. Water Emergency Update

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that there are folks who made sure children and staff were able to come to school on September 4^th.  She advised that there were no medical emergencies.

 

D. Recognition of staff service during water emergency over Labor Day weekend

 

Dr. Stringfellow recognized South Kingstown staff members who went above and beyond the scope of their regular responsibilities during the water emergency over Labor Day weekend:  Maryanne Crawford; Maria Parrillo; Mary Ellen Murano; and Russell Hill.  She also acknowledged members of the district maintenance and custodial staff, who were presented with certificates and will have a copy placed in their personnel files:  James Simmons; John Gould; Antimo DiBiasio; David Cook; Carol Leahy; Stephen McNiff; James Patton; Tonya Karpinnen; Terry Cook; George Gardiner; Michael Knox; and Timmy Camerlin.

 

E. Preparedness for the First Day of School

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared information involving the preparedness for the first day of school regarding technology, transportation, and the summer work projects by the Maintenance Department.  

 

F. Unofficial Enrollment Figures

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared the unofficial enrollment numbers that were pulled as of September 5, 2018.  She advised that the official enrollment numbers are pulled by RIDE at the end of October.  Dr. Stringfellow noted that there were 52 students absent on the first day of school.  

 

G. SK Insights

 

Dr. Stringfellow introduced and shared a short video known as "SK Insights" as an additional communication effort for families and members of the community to be aware of what is going on in the district.  SK Insights videos will be shared on a monthly basis and will be archived on the district website.  The video for September focused on Social Emotional Learning.

 

H. Boys and Girls Club Partnership

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding a pilot program that was launched on September 10, 2018 at Curtis Corner Middle School, which is a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club and the Johnnycake Center.  She advised that the informational flyer is posted on Board Docs.  

 

I. MS & HS Revised Student Dress Code

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that a parent recently brought to her attention some inconsistencies in the middle school and high school dress codes.  Dr. Stringfellow stated that we want to create a universally designed dress code to make sure all students are supported.  She stated that we are inviting participation on the committee.  If any middle school or high school parent is interested, they should contact Kathy Egan or Tammy McNeiece.  

 

J. ALICE Training

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that staff will receive ALICE Training (Active Shooter Civilian Response Training) this year.  She advised that last year Jennifer Enck was trained so the district will have a train the trainer model.  She hopes the staff will be fully trained by June 30, 2019. 

 

K. KEYNOTE on Educational Equity

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared that the district hosted Dr. Barbara Mullen as the Keynote speaker on August 30, 2018, Orientation Day.  She shared information regarding Dr. Mullen, as well information Dr. Mullen shared on equity.  Dr. Stringfellow stated that it was a very uplifting message to start the school year.

 

L. Superintendent Presenting to RIASC and RILC&T- RI Model of Schools and Town Cooperation

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that she has been asked to present with the South Kingstown Town Manager in January at Bryant University to the RI Association of School Committees and the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns on school district/town cooperation.

 

 

M. Immigration Protocol

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that the Immigration Protocol was shared with the principals during the first week of school.  

 

N. Baseline Data as of 9/1/18

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared the annual Baseline Data as of September 1, 2018.  She advised that this is a living document and is always being updated.

 

O. Financial Update

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared that the district is running an $18,000 lunch balance.  She advised that the principals are making personal contact with the families that are in arears.  

 

P. Accept the Superintendent's Report

 

MSV (5) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent's report.

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Raissa Mosher

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

5.         Consent Agenda

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that she had a hand-carried item for the agenda, which is the appointment of Ashley Heeder, Peace Dale Dean of Students, for one year only.

 

Mr. Benjamin reviewed the Consent Agenda.

 

A. Approval of Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 8/14/18 and 8/28/18

B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meetings of 8/14/18 and 8/28/18

C. Personnel Actions

D. Expenditure over 10,000 - Smartnet Services-eplus Technologies MPA #308

E. Home Schooling Request(s)

F. Approve Consent Agenda

 

MSV (6) move to approve the Consent Agenda.  

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Emily Cummiskey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

6.         Comments from the Community

 

A. Comments from the Community

 

Jill O'Sullivan, middle school parent and Transportation subcommittee member, commented that there are issues with transportation.   

 

Carol Stockard, Immigration Task Force member, spoke in support of the immigration policy.

 

Tia Beckman, Immigration Task Force member, spoke in favor of the immigration policy.

 

Ted West, resident and Immigration Task Force member, spoke in favor of the immigration policy.

 

Tim Murphy, Immigration Task Force member, spoke in favor of the immigration policy.

 

Jacy Northup, parent, read a statement about the Casino Night that she and fellow Wakefield PTO leaders organized.  She also spoke about the fundraising policy.

 

Carol Vetter asked Maryanne Crawford a question about the budget offset for the Dean of Students position.

 

Dorald Beasley spoke about the facilities plan.

 

7.         School Committee Business

 

A. First Reading of Policy - Immigration Policy

 

Attorney Joe Cooper, district legal counsel, spoke about the major points in the Immigration Policy draft:  enrollment procedures, confidentiality of records, and law enforcement or calls for student information.  He noted that the protocols are to keep the student safe.  Discussion followed.  

 

B. First Reading of Policy Amendment - Fundraising Policy

 

Mr. Benjamin recapped what the School Committee had asked Mr. Abbott to do.  Mr. Abbott spoke about the policy changes to policy #2110, commenting on the changes in each paragraph.  Discussion followed regarding adult fundraising events that involve alcohol and gambling and more specificity.    

 

C. Approval of Capital Plan

 

Maryanne Crawford shared information regarding the South Kingstown School Capital budget and the Pay-As-You-Go Capital Budget.  

 

MSV (7) move to accept the Capital Improvement Plan.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

D. Concern raised on vehicle idling

 

Mr. Benjamin stated that the district has a policy on bus idling and questioned if the district should have a policy on vehicle idling.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that Principal Aull at CCMS sent a notice to parents asking them to turn their cars off.  

 

Ms. Mosher stated that it should be handled operationally.  Dr. Stringfellow stated that she could send a reminder to the principals twice a year (fall and spring) to ask parents to turn off their vehicles.

 

E. Committee Updates

 

Michelle Brousseau provided a legislative update.  She advised that the Senate Committee on Education is having their 7th annual summit on September 17, 2018 from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM on the ground level at One Capitol Hill cafeteria.  She advised that it is open to the public.

 

Kate Macinanti provided an update of the Transportation Subcommittee, advising that the subcommittee is in need of two more community members.  

 

Raissa Mosher provided an update of the Building Committee.  She advised of updating the stage 1 and 2 application, schedule and timeline document, review of high school and elementary specs.  

 

Roland Benjamin provided an update on the Contract Compliance/Contingency Committee.  He advised that the Committee met on August 31st and the next meetings will be focused on the large employers in town (hospital and URI).

 

Kate Macinanti and Pauline Lisi provided an update on the Wellness Committee.  Ms. Macinanti would like the transportation piece connected, and she also commented on a well-being survey.  Ms. Lisi advised that the Committee is so large that they broke into subcommittees.  Ms. Lisi said that good topics are the importance of play and also working with the food service people on how to present items in the food line.

 

Mr. Benjamin stated that the SELAC Committee will meet in October.    

 

8.         Comments from Committee Members

 

A. Comments from Committee Members

 

Emily Cummiskey expressed appreciation for Mr. Beasley's involved research.  She asked that we look into the traffic issues at drop off and dismissal at Peace Dale School.

 

Michelle Brousseau expressed appreciation to the administration and custodial staff for their work with the water situation.  She also advised that School Committee 101 is not just for newly elected officials; she recommended that anyone currently running for School Committee attend.  Kristen Stringfellow will be presenting this year.

 

Raissa Mosher also asked that we look into issues at drop off and dismissal at Peace Dale School.  She thanked staff for efforts during water emergency, and thanked teachers for their hard work and dedication, especially during the very hot first week of school this year.

 

9.         Adjournment

 

A. Adjourn meeting

 

MSV (8) move to adjourn at 10:07 PM.

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

 

                                                                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                            Kristen Stringfellow