South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes

Monday, August 19, 2019

 

South Kingstown High School

215 Columbia Street

Wakefield, RI  02879

 

 

Attendees - voting members

Stephanie Canter - Chair

Sarah Markey - Vice Chair

Michelle Brousseau

Alycia Collins

Emily Cummiskey

Kate Macinanti

Jacy Northup

 

Attendees – other

Robert Hicks – Interim Superintendent

Linda Savastano – Assistant Superintendent

 

1.         6:00 PM - Call to Order

 

A. Call to Order

 

Stephanie Canter called the August 19, 2019 school committee meeting to order at 6:02 PM.

 

2.         Open Session

 

A. Superintendent Appointment

 

MSV (1) move to appoint Linda Savastano as superintendent.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey 

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

•    Jacy Northup spoke to the role of the superintendent, Linda Savastano’s experience, and stated that she’s the best among the finalists.

•    Emily Cummiskey said she is a standout candidate, consistently rated high, and that she is excited to have her as superintendent.

•    Alycia Collins read from Linda Savastano’s cover letter about her confident yet humble leadership.

•    Stephanie Canter stated that as a parent she has absolute confidence, looks forward to her children’s experience, and is grateful to the community for the process.

 

After the vote, Linda Savastano said she feels like part of the community, is honored and humbled, and looks forward to a collaborative culture.

 

Stephanie Canter reported votes taken in executive session on August 13, 2019:

 

•    To offer the superintendent position to Mark Prince (motion by Sarah Markey, second by Kate Macinanti) failed 3-4 (Stephanie Canter, Jacy Northup, Emily Cummiskey, and Alycia Collins voted no)

•    To authorize counsel to negotiate a contract as superintendent with Linda Savastano (motion by Jacy Northup, second by Alycia Collins) passed 6-1 (Michelle Brousseau voted no)

 

3.         Comments from the Community

 

A. Comments from the Community

 

Martha Badigian thanked everyone for their hours of work and said she hopes everyone can use their energy to support the new superintendent.

 

Tammy McNeiece thanked the school committee for the decision and said she is excited to have Linda as superintendent.

 

Rob Young said he’s worked with Linda over the past four years and is happy to have her here.

 

Abel Collins thanked the committee for their swift action and finding an able superintendent.

 

4.         Adjournment

 

A. Adjourn

 

MSV (2) move to adjourn at 6:21 PM.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup 

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                Robert Hicks