South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

 

South Kingstown High School Cafeteria

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

Kristen Stringfellow - Superintendent

Pauline Lisi - Assistant Superintendent

Maryanne Crawford – CFO

Andrew Henneous-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. RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) Negotiations/Collective Bargaining C94

B. RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) Negotiations/Collective Bargaining ESP

C. RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) Hoddersen v. South Kingstown School Committee RIDE Litigation and legal advice related thereto

D. RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) Salvatore v. South Kingstown School Committee Superior Court case WC14- 0481 Litigation and legal advice related thereto

 

Stephanie Canter called the January 8, 2019 School Committee meeting to order at 6:00 PM.  Unanimous roll call vote to enter executive session for the purposes of negotiations/collective Bargaining C94; negotiations/collective bargaining ESP; Hoddersen v. South Kingstown School Committee RIDE litigation and legal advice related thereto; and Salvatore v. South Kingstown School Committee Superior Court case WC14-0481 litigation and legal advice related thereto.

 

2.         7:00 PM - Call to Order

 

A. Call to Order

 

Stephanie Canter called the January 8, 2019 School Committee meeting back to order at 7:00 PM.

 

B. Reporting of vote(s) taken in executive sessions of 1/3/19 and 1/8/19

 

Stephanie Canter reported out on vote taken in execution session of January 3, 2019:  A motion to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent on a matter related to the privacy of a student.  Motion made by Kate Macinanti, seconded by Michelle Brousseau.  The vote was 7-0-0. 

 

C. Seal the minutes of the executive sessions of 1/3/19 and 1/8/19

 

MSV (2) motion to seal the minutes of Executive Sessions of January 3, 2019 and January 8, 2019. 

 

Ms. Markey advised that she would abstain from the vote, as she recused herself from a vote in Executive Session.

 

Motion made by:  Stephanie Canter

Motion seconded by:  Alycia Collins

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey – Abstain

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Michelle Brousseau – Yes

Alycia Collins - Yes

 

D. Chair - Agenda review

 

Ms. Canter advised that the agenda is listed on BoardDocs.

 

3.         School Committee Business I

 

A. Presentation on Facilities by Christine Lopes-Metcalf of RIDE

 

Christine Lopes-Metcalf from the Rhode Island Department of Education provided information about the school construction process to help inform the Committee and community on facilities.  She shared information about costs, Stage I and II applications, and timelines.  There were no community comments regarding facilities. 

 

B. Approval of South Kingstown Schools Stage I & Stage II Updated Demographics Study RGB#6420-2

 

MSV (3) moved to approve South Kingstown Schools Stage I & Stage II Updated Demographics Study RGB#6420-2.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

4.         Comments from Community Regarding Facilities

 

A. Comments from the Community Regarding Facilities – None

 

5.         Superintendent's Report

 

A. Meeting Calendar

 

Dr. Stringfellow reviewed the meeting calendar.

 

B. School Classifications

 

Pauline Lisi shared information, via PowerPoint, regarding the school classifications.  Information was shared regarding the Rhode Island Department of Education’s release of school report cards included STAR rating; school STAR rating charts; report card performance; link to RIDE website; how to find the district’s report cards; next steps for ELA and math in grades 3-8; and next steps to improve high school performance.  Discussion followed regarding district curriculum.  

 

C. Financial Update

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that Maryanne Crawford was available to answer any questions regarding the financial update provided.  Ms. Cummiskey asked if letters had been sent out regarding the lunch balances. 

 

D. Monthly Student and Employee Recognition

 

“The Key is ME!” Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that “The Key is ME” Award recipient for January is Karin Campbell, Special Education Teacher at West Kingston Elementary School.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding her work history and the various rationale and nomination comments regarding Ms. Campbell. 

 

“I Make a Difference” Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that the “I Make a Difference” Award recipient for January is Lucille Lindsay, South Kingstown High School Teacher Assistant.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding her work history, and the various rationale and nomination comments regarding Ms. Lindsay.

 

“You Inspire Me” Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that the “You Inspire Me” Award for January is Curtis Corner Middle School student, Annika “Ani” Fournier.  A video was shared that showed Ryan Borden, Curtis Corner Middle School Special Educator and Katelyn Devine, Speech and Language Pathologist reading their nomination letter to Ani. 

 

E. 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:  Sarah Markey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

6.         Consent Agenda

 

Ms. Canter reviewed the Consent Agenda.  Ms. Markey asked that item B be pulled for a separate vote.

 

A. Approval of Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 12/11/18, 12/20/18, and 1/3/19

B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meetings of 12/11/18 and 1/3/19 – Moved to School Committee Business

C. Personnel Actions

D. Approval of 2019 Augusta Hazard Scholarship Application

E. Appointment of staff and community member(s) to Marketing Sub-committee per Chair's recommendation

F. Approve Consent Agenda

 

MSV (5) move to approve the consent agenda as amended.

 

Motion made by:  Stephanie Canter

Motion seconded by:  Alycia Collins

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

7.         Comments from the Community

 

A. Comments from the Community

 

Laura Roebuck, parent, expressed concern about teacher absence at Matunuck, stating that she had witnessed it firsthand. She asked that teachers not be pulled out of classrooms for training.

 

Liz Gledhill expressed interest in continuing on the Building Committee as a community member.  She asked for the Committee’s consideration.

 

Raissa Mosher commented on the Committee’s motion to terminate the previous legal firm at the November meeting due to legal expenses; and the decision to appoint the current legal firm as interim until January 15, 2019.  Ms. Mosher asked if an RFP had been developed, if any interviews had been held, and urged the Committee not to overlook this matter. 

 

Mr. Beasley asked if there would be any voting regarding facilities this evening. 

 

8.         School Committee Business II

 

A. Kingston Hill and Compass expansions

 

Stephanie Canter stated that some information had been brought to her attention about some expansions underway for Kingston Hill Academy and Compass School.  She asked what the Town’s stance was about the expansions and questioned if the expansions were legal.  Discussion followed regarding the district’s obligation, charter school enrollment, charter school tuition, and the possibility of the Town delaying the expansion of KHA and Compass School. 

 

MSV (6) move to draft a letter to the Town Council to request that they delay the interim expansion of the Kingston Hill Academy until appropriate documentation, traffic safety studies, and fire safety studies have been completed. 

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey – Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Michelle Brousseau – Yes

Alycia Collins - No

 

•    Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meetings of 12/11/18 and 1/3/19 – Moved from Consent Agenda Item “B”.

 

MSV (7) approve the Executive Session Minutes of 12/11/18 and 1/3/19.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey – Not Present at the Time of the Vote

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Michelle Brousseau – Yes

Alycia Collins - Yes

 

B. Budget

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared various budget information via PowerPoint.  The information included:  UCOA and district comparison information; per pupil expenditures; enrollment, staffing; “other educators” per RIDE; graduation rate; school classifications; winners and losers in the funding formula, Rhode Island funding formula, % change in the town tax levy; UCOA FY 16 actuals; UCOA FY 16 level 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%.  She continued with Budget Questions and Requests for Information from School Committee members.  Dr. Stringfellow completed her presentation with information regarding the School Committee 2019-2020 Budget Development, sharing new slides that included the Joint Town Council Work Session; Status of grade 5 & 6 configuration for SY 2019; RI Law for Certified Staff layoff; Draft budget options; Draft non-personnel reductions; Draft personnel options; If the PTT is reduced even further after personnel options; Required additions in the aforementioned reduction scenarios; Approximate personnel savings; and Approximate district staffing % after reductions. 

Discussion followed after each presentation.  Dr. Stringfellow requested that the Committee members bring their ideas of what they would like to cut to the Budget Work Session on January 22, 2019.

 

C. Capital Budget

 

Maryanne Crawford shared the Capital Budget Presentation to the Town Council for January 9, 2019.  The information included:  School Department Capital Plan; Definition of capital improvement plan; School housing aid definition; Article 9 fiscal 2019 State budget; Necessity of construction; RIDE necessity of construction Stage I and II; Current time line for Stage I and II; RIDE necessity of construction Stage III, IV, V; Long term education and facilities plan; Long term projects (each building); District paving projects; and School department total. 

 

D. Discussion and possible vote on the wording of the parent survey on school calendar

 

The Committee reviewed the wording of the parent survey regarding the school calendar.  Ms. Cummiskey recommended explaining what NEASK means, advise that the teachers are in support of the calendar, and that the Committee would like parent/guardian/family voice.  She also recommended removing question #5.  Ms. Canter suggested asking parents if they agree with moving the February vacation to a couple of days and if they agree with when teacher conferences are held.   

 

MSV (8) move to approve the parent survey with the edits as discussed.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey – Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Michelle Brousseau – Yes

Alycia Collins – Not Present at the Time of the Vote

 

E. Set next meetings for the Contract Compliance Committee

 

Ms. Canter advised that she had not yet provided a calendar.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that meetings are held monthly and she also advised Ms. Canter about the RIDE requirements for an owner’s project manager.  Ms. Northup asked about RIDE mandates. 

 

F. Discussion and possible vote for the discontinuation of the Contingency Committee

 

Ms. Cummiskey recommended talking to the Town Manager to watch things that may affect enrollment and then have them be responsible for reporting back to the School Committee about any factors.  She stated that we need to monitor what will impact our enrollment.  Town Manager, Robert Zarnetske, was present in the audience and was in agreement.

 

MSV (9) move to discontinue the Contingency Committee and to transfer responsibility to the Town of updating the School Committee of any factors that may influence enrollment. 

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

G. Appointment of Liz Gledhill to the Building Committee as a member of the community with firsthand knowledge and experience in the RIDE application process.

 

Ms. Macinanti reminded the Committee that if they appointed another community member, then the Town Council would need to make another appointment as well.  Mr. Zarnetske advised that the majority of appointments have to be made by the Town Council.  The Committee discussed if there was a need to add another member to the Building Committee or not.  Stephanie Canter stated that if the School Committee were to appoint an additional member it should probably be Raissa Mosher and the Town Council may then appoint Liz Gledhill. The chair referenced the emails of Ms. Mosher and Ms. Gledhill.

 

MSV (10) move to appoint Liz Gledhill to the Building Committee as a member of the community.

 

Motion made by:  Alycia Collins

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – No

Sarah Markey – Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – No

Jacy Northup – No

Michelle Brousseau – No

Alycia Collins – Yes

 

Motion failed.

 

9. Comments from Committee Members

 

A. Comments from Committee Members

 

Ms. Cummiskey commented that this was a very productive meeting.

 

Ms. Macinanti requested that the appointment of another Committee member to the Wellness Committee be placed on the next agenda, as the Wellness Committee is planning a Wellness Day. 

 

Ms. Northup expressed appreciation for the amount of work that was put into collecting the information presented this evening.  

 

Ms. Brousseau responded to comments made online.  She clarified what she brings to the table as a member of the School Committee; and she also expressed concern regarding emails from the Chair regarding the Communication Policy.  Ms. Brousseau recommended that the Communication Policy be placed on a future agenda if the Chair would like to make revisions. 

 

10.       Adjournment

 

A. Adjourn meeting

 

MSV (11) move to adjourn at 10:45 PM.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

                                                                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                            Kristen Stringfellow