South Kingstown School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

 

South Kingstown High School Cafeteria

215 Columbia Street

Wakefield, RI  02879

 

Attendees - voting members

Stephanie Canter - Chair

Sarah Markey - Vice Chair

Emily Cummiskey

Jacy Northup

Kate Macinanti

Michelle Brousseau

Alycia Collins

 

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)) -discussion of job performance and recommendation to issue notice of non-renewal to one (1) non-tenured NEASK member

B. Personnel (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1)) -discussion of administrator agreement

 

Stephanie Canter called the February 12, 2019 School Committee meeting to order at 6:00 PM.  Unanimous roll call vote to enter executive session for the purpose of personnel.  The affected parties had been notified in advance in writing, and opted not to have discussion held in open session.

 

2.         6:45 PM - Call to Order

 

A.         Call to Order

 

Stephanie Canter called the February 12, 2019 School Committee meeting back to order at 6:46 PM.

 

B.         Mindfulness Session

 

Karen Murphy, Social-Emotional Learning Coach, explained social-emotional learning and about five competency teaching to students.  She spoke about teaching a moment of pause and breathing.  She read a poem by Judy Brown.  Ms. Murphy then did an exercise with the School Committee members. 

 

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

 

Ms. Canter advised that there were no votes from executive session to report out on.

 

D.         Seal the minutes of the executive session

 

MSV (2) motion to seal the minutes of Executive Session of February 12, 2019. 

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

E.         Chair - Agenda review

 

Ms. Canter advised that the agenda is on BoardDocs.

 

 

3.         Open Session

 

A.         Discussion / Action: approve administrator agreement and resignation

 

MSV (3) move to approve the administrator agreement and resignation.

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

 

4.         Superintendent's Report

 

A.         Meeting Calendar

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that the School Committee calendar is online.

 

B.         Audit Presentation

 

The audit presentation was shared later in the agenda, as the auditor had not arrived at this juncture.

 

C.         Financial Update

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that Maryanne Crawford was available to answer any questions regarding the financial update provided. 

 

D.         Monthly Student and Employee Recognition

 

“The Key is ME!” Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that “The Key is ME” Award recipient for February is Eric Swanson, Technical Education Teacher at South Kingstown High School.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding his work history, education, and the various rationale and nomination comments regarding Mr. Swanson. 

 

“I Make a Difference” Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that the “I Make a Difference” Award recipient for February is Margaret McGregor, 1:1 Special Education Teacher Assistant at South Kingstown High School.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding her work history, education, and the various rationale and nomination comments regarding Ms. McGregor.

 

“You Inspire Me” Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that the “You Inspire Me” Award for February is Madison Miller, a South Kingstown High School student.  A video was shared that showed Jeff Taber, South Kingstown High School Counselor, sharing reasons for his nomination of Maddy for the “You Inspire Me” award. 

 

E.         Updated Demographics from McKibben

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that the information was on BoardDocs and that the information was submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Education. The Chair has asked McKibben to provide a rationale but it has not been received yet. When it is received it will be shared with the School Committee.

 

•          Audit Presentation

 

A representative from Blum Shapiro shared a brief presentation, via PowerPoint, regarding the recent audit and went over the highlights.  He explained that this was an audit of the Town of South Kingstown and that the school department is a portion of that.  The information shared included Audit objectives and reporting; Audit highlights; Budgetary highlights – general fund; Operations highlights (GAAP basis) – general fund; Fund balance; Employee’s Retirement System of the State of Rhode Island – teachers; Town of South Kingstown other post-employment benefits (OPEB) plan; Federal single audit – school department; and AUP – UCOA report. 

 

 

F.         Update on Facilities Project

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that on February 7, 2019 she and members of the School Building Committee (SBC) participated in a pre-submission review with RIDE. Dr. Stringfellow shared her observations and provided a summary of the meeting.  She advised that we are on schedule and on target for submission for February 15, 2019.  There are 3 more RIDE meetings for members of the SBC prior to submission on February 15, 2019.

Discussion followed regarding enrollment numbers and the McKibben and NESDEC numbers. 

G.         Personnel Assignment Team Update

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared that they were asked to put into words, the personnel assignment team process.  She advised that the document is available on BoardDocs.

 

H.         Update on the MS and HS Dress Code Committee

 

Dr. Stringfellow expressed thanks to the parents who brought to our attention this past summer that the dress code procedure did not align with the South Kingstown School Department Transgender and Equity policies.  She stated that the MS and HS Dress Code Committee is soliciting feedback from teachers and administrators.  The Committee will need to discuss how parents and teachers will be informed and how it will be enforced; and when ready, we will get feedback from legal and then share it with the School Committee.  

 

I.          Accept the Superintendent's Report

 

MSV (4) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. 

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

5.         Consent Agenda

 

Maryanne Crawford advised that the information was not received for the Wakefield fundraiser.  Ms. Markey asked that item “F” be pulled for further discussion. 

 

MSV (5) move to table item “K” to the March agenda.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:

Stephanie Canter - Yes

Sarah Markey - Yes

Emily Cummiskey - Yes

Jacy Northup - Yes

Kate Macinanti – Not present at the time of the vote

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

Alycia Collins – Yes

 

MSV (6) move to pull item “F” for further discussion.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Alycia Collins

Vote:

Stephanie Canter - Yes

Sarah Markey - Yes

Emily Cummiskey - Yes

Jacy Northup - Yes

Kate Macinanti – Not present at the time of the vote

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

Alycia Collins – Yes

 

A. Approval of Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 1/8/19, 1/10/19, 1/22/19, and 2/4/19

B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meeting of 1/8/19

C. Personnel Actions

D. Appointment of staff and community member(s) to Sustainability Sub-committee per Chair's recommendation and change to the Co-Chair of the Wellness Committee

E. Expenditure over 10,000 - E911 Responder

F. Expenditure over 10,000 - Teachers College/Sole Source – Moved to School Committee Business.

G. Bid Award - #2389 Pole Vault Pit

H. Bid Award - #2390 Postage Meters

I. Bid Award - #2391 Student Agendas

J. Home Schooling Request(s)

K. Approval of Fundraiser(s) – Item Tabled to the March Agenda.

L. Approve Consent Agenda

MSV (7) move to accept the consent agenda as presented.

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

6.         Comments from the Community

 

A. Comments from the Community

 

Brian Nelson, NEA-SK President, commented on the Personnel Action Team policy, stating that it has flaws and is unclear and confusing to teachers.  He encouraged the Committee to look at other districts to determine how they handle the Personnel Action Team process. 

 

Jonathan Daly-LaBelle, resident, commented on enrollment; and stated that the Town Council will have say on how housing will look in the future in South Kingstown. 

 

Chris Hubbard, Peace Dale parent, expressed concern about the rhetoric he hears regarding the DLI Program.  He shared that it is an amazing program and will keep his family in the district.  He asked that the Committee be very clear on their intentions.  Mr. Hubbard also stated that he did not like the animosity of the School Committee regarding administrators; and urged them to work as a team. 

 

Mick Lefort, NEA-SK Vice President, expressed teachers’ concerns about Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Program and asked the Committee to consider cutting the Literacy Coordinator.

 

Dorald Beasley, resident, spoke about the demographic studies and about getting the demographics right.  He also commented on sending Phase 2 to RIDE that does nothing for the elementary schools. 

 

Alicia Monnes, Peace Dale parent, commended the Committee on the transparent, open discussion at the last meeting; and she spoke about the budget. 

 

7.         School Committee Business

 

•          Expenditure over 10,000 - Teachers College/Sole Source (Moved from Item #F of the Consent Agenda):

 

Ms. Markey stated that she had received emails advising that Teachers College is great in the elementary schools but may be problematic at the middle school.  She asked what Committee members thought. 

 

Ms. Lisi advised that we are required by RIDE to utilize reading and writing programs that are Common Core Standards aligned and that are vetted through Ed Report.  She believes there are only 2 or 3. Teacher’s College Reading & Writing Project (TCRWP) is one of the best curriculum materials in the nation and she has shared the SK student data with the Committee. Dr. Stringfellow spoke about the importance of having the same reading curriculum K-8 for alignment, articulation and common planning time data discussions.  TCRWP is a national model program and it is working well for students in SK. Other districts in the state visit SK to learn about it. To transition to another program would be extremely costly and would be a drastic change for students and teachers.

 

Mick Lefort shared results of a teachers’ survey regarding Teachers College that he had emailed to the School Committee.  Ms. Markey recommended that administration look at the surveys to see if there can be some “tweaks” and so that teachers can have more autonomy.  Discussion followed.

 

MSV (8) move to approve item “F” from the Consent Agenda – payment to Teachers College. 

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

A.         Budget Adoption

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised the Committee that currently, there would be a 2.66% property tax transfer (PTT) request of the Town Council. She reminded the Committee that by Town Charter the Committee is required to approve a budget prior to February 14, 2019.

Lengthy discussion followed as members considered various reductions and additions.

 

Committee members discussed the elimination of the Literacy Coordinator, the importance of teacher assistants, custodians and guidance counselors. They discussed the teacher survey administrated by NEA-SK. They discussed the administrator position at BRMS.

 

The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent expressed concern in implementing a K-8 Reading and Writing program in compliance with RIDE regulations without the support of 3 literacy coaches and a full time Literacy Coordinator. TCRWP is not a textbook approach to reading and the Committee has already eliminated the professional development from TCRWP. SK will be required to implement a grades 9-12 Common Core aligned curriculum material and that will be nearly impossible to do without a Literacy Coordinator. They expressed concerns about who would train new teachers and teachers new to a grade level.

 

The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent also expressed concern about one technology coach being able to adequately support all 7 schools (approximately 3,000 students and approximately 300 teachers). They asked the Committee to consider other cuts that would be less impactful to student core curriculum especially in the area of reading.

 

The final budget reduction plan included a .5 reduction of the literacy coordinator and removing the social/emotional coach position. It also included removing a literacy coach and a technology coach and adding back needed teacher assistant positions. The Committee also added back the BRMS Assistant Principal and removed the Dean of Students.

 

Maryanne Crawford advised the PTT would be approximately 2.5%.

 

MSV (9) move to approve the budget in the amount of $61,797,342. 

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

 

B.         Approval of 2019-2020 School Calendar

 

MSV (10) move to approve the 2019-2010 School Calendar.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Alycia Collins

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

C.         Legal Representation

 

Ms. Brousseau commented that her understanding was that the Committee was going to put out an RFQ and interview legal counsel to have choices among multiple firms. 

 

MSV (11) move to appoint Henneous Carroll Lombardo LLC as legal counsel to the School Committee contingent upon the documents Mr. Henneous gave to the School Committee in the amount of his hourly rate and retainer. 

 

Motion made by:  Alycia Collins

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:

Stephanie Canter - Yes

Sarah Markey - Yes

Emily Cummiskey - Yes

Jacy Northup - Yes

Kate Macinanti – No

Michelle Brousseau - No

Alycia Collins – Yes

 

D.         Donation of Van to Jonnycake Center

 

MSV (12) move to donate the van, as we have no driver, to the Jonnycake Center.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

E.         GEMS-Net Research Request: PBS Kids-The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That

 

Ms. Lisi explained that this is the same group who works with our science kits; and they have coordinated with URI and PBS.  They are looking for 100 preschool students to do their research on and at the end they make a scientist avatar.  Ms. Lisi explained the requirements and noted that parents can choose to not have their child participate. 

 

MSV (13) move to approve the GEMS-Net Research Request.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

F.         Resolutions

 

Ms. Brousseau shared information about House Bill #H5181, which requires a representative from the public district to sit on the board of the local charter schools.  She advised that the bill will come up tomorrow at the legislative session. 

 

MSV (14) move to pass the Resolution on House Bill #H5181.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Alycia Collins

Vote:

Stephanie Canter - Yes

Sarah Markey - Yes

Emily Cummiskey - Yes

Jacy Northup – Not present at the time of the vote.

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

Alycia Collins – Yes

 

8.         Comments from Committee Members

 

A.         Comments from Committee Members

 

Alycia Collins stated that she appreciated everyone’s input, as this was a hard meeting.

 

Michelle Brousseau commented that she heard that the high school theater performance over the weekend was wonderful.

She also shared information that she and Ms. Markey met with bus drivers at their request. They will bring to a future meeting the information from that meeting.  She felt that type of meeting is not appropriate for SC members, it should be discussed in a public meeting so that it is transparent. She further commented on decision-making of the Committee, the Committee’s comprehensive communication plan, and transparency. She suggested that the Committee either follow their own Policy on Communications or change the policy in an open meeting with full transparency. She suggested having a work session with a RIASC trainer on School Committee best practices and that the SC members read the “Key Work of School Boards” which was provided to them. She also reminded the Chair that she works at the direction of the SC not the other way around.

 

Sarah Markey commented that she and Michelle have a difference of opinion on the SC communications policy and engagement. She commented on the hard conversation tonight and is grateful everyone engaged in it.  She shared that it is hard to cut programs and staff and that everyone is passionate about programs.  A speaker said earlier that there is animosity between the SC and the administration but none of that is anything but professional disagreements. She stated she has a lot of respect for Dr. Stringfellow and her administrative team.

 

Jacy Northup commented on Mr. Hubbard’s comment about animosity with administrators and the Committee.  She stated she has been more than pleasantly surprised by the administrators. She expressed that she feels that there is no animosity and that the rapport is genuine. She thanked the teachers who came forward in the survey from TCRWP the survey was extremely helpful. She also remarked on the wonderful Addams Family production at SKHS.

 

Kate Macinanti commented that the Addams Family production at the High School was amazing.  She shared how comments were shared that people felt like they were at a performance at PPAC.  Ms. Macinanti shared that everyone participated in this authentic learning experience; and that the kids owned it! She complimented the teachers and students involved in the performance.

 

Emily Cummiskey agreed with the comments about the production and noted that the play was inclusive. She thanked administrators for their hard work on the budget and she stated that the administrators all work very well together.

 

Stephanie Canter stated that it was a great idea to get a trainer from RIASC for the Committee. 

 

Michelle Brousseau offered to reach out to RIASC on the SC’s behalf. Ms. Brousseau reminded the Committee of the RIASC training on February 23rd. 

 

Stephanie Canter commented that she needs feedback because she is learning every day in this role. If people do not feel their voice is heard please call or email her. She commented on the perceived SC animosity toward administrators and stated that she does not think you can have collaboration without conflict.  She stated nothing good comes from being afraid of conflict as long as you do it in a way that honors the other person’s expertise. She stated that did not know what to expect from administration when she was first elected. She and the Superintendent went to coffee together and she has really enjoyed working with Dr. Stringfellow and her team. It is unfortunate that is the perception. She stated that the SC members all have bold personalities and they speak their mind. Ms. Canter clarified her comment about charter schools, stating that she wants to be sure they are ethical, legal, and safe.  Charter schools are small local businesses. Every single person in this town is an investor in charter schools with their tax dollars. Ms. Canter commented on the wonderful experience at the parent teacher conferences last week.  She also expressed appreciation for everyone’s hard work. It’s not fun.

 

9.         Adjournment

 

A. Adjourn meeting

MSV (16) move to adjourn at 11:16 PM.

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                Kristen Stringfellow