South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, March 12, 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

Teresa Eagan – Director of Pupil Personnel Services

 

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 / Action: NEASK Early retirement incentive proposal (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2))

B.   Discussion / Action: Administrator Early retirement incentive proposal (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1))

 

Stephanie Canter called the March 12, 2019 School Committee meeting to order at 6:04 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

 

Stephanie Canter called the March 12, 2019 School Committee meeting back to order at 7:02 PM.

 

Kate Macinanti asked for everyone to take a moment of silence to reflect on what happened this past weekend; and to send our thoughts and prayers to the students, families, and community members affected by what happened on Friday.

 

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

 

Stephanie Canter advised that no votes were taken in executive session.

 

C.   Seal the minutes of the executive session

 

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

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

D.  Chair - Agenda review

 

Stephanie Canter asked if anyone had questions on the agenda as posted.

 

Michelle Brousseau requested that item #I under School Committee Business be moved up on the agenda, do address the Resolution to Oppose Legalization of Recreational Marijuana.

 

MSV (3) move item “I” (Resolution to Oppose Legalization of Recreational Marijuana) to just before the Consent agenda and after acceptance of the Superintendent’s report. 

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

3.         Open Session

 

Stephanie Canter advised that the Committee had some extensive discussion with NEASK about a potential early retirement incentive that might produce some overall budget benefits.  Although the leadership team worked hard, the Committee went through a thorough financial analysis; however, there were no savings to the option, so the Committee is unable to recommend an early retirement incentive.

 

A.   Discussion / Action: NEASK Early retirement incentive proposal

 

MSV (4) move to regretfully decline the early retirement separation offer from NEASK.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

B.   Discussion / Action: Administrator Early retirement incentive proposal

 

MSV (5) move to regretfully decline the early retirement separation offer that was applicable to administrators. 

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

4.         Superintendent's Report

 

A.   Meeting Calendar

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that the meeting calendar is on BoardDocs.

 

B.   Financial Update

 

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

 

C.   Monthly Student and Employee Recognition

 

“The Key is ME!” Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that “The Key is ME” Award recipient for March is Stacie Zamperini, Health/Physical Education/APE Teacher at South Kingstown High School.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding her work history and the various rationale and nomination comments regarding Ms. Zamperini.

 

“I Make a Difference” Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that the “I Make a Difference” Award recipient for March is Nicole Nieves, Special Education Teacher Assistant 1:1 at Broad Rock Middle School.  Dr. Stringfellow shared information regarding her work history and the various rationale and nomination comments regarding Ms. Nieves. 

 

“You Inspire Me” Award:  Dr. Stringfellow advised that the “You Inspire Me” Award for March is Emily Redmond, a South Kingstown High School student.  Dr. Stringfellow read letter written by Fritz Benz, Instrumental Music Director at South Kingstown High School, nominating Emily Redmond for the “You Inspire Me” Award. 

 

D.  Kindergarten Registration Update

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared the kindergarten registration numbers as of March 12, 2019.  She also advised that the DLI lottery has been pulled.  Additional information was shared, via PowerPoint, showing the breakdown per school; as well as a comparison of previous years compared to actual October 1st enrollment figures. 

 

E.   Accept the Superintendent's Report

 

MSV (6) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s Report. 

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

•    Resolution to Oppose Legalization of Recreational Marijuana – Moved from Item “I” Under School Committee Business

 

Michelle Brousseau shared information regarding the Resolution to oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana that the Governor has proposed. 

 

Heidi Driscoll, Director of South County Prevention, provided packets of information to educate people on the effects and stats of marijuana use.  Discussion followed.

 

MSV (7) move to approve the Resolution to Oppose Legalization of Recreational Marijuana.  

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter - Yes

Sarah Markey - No

Emily Cummiskey - Yes

Jacy Northup - Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

Alycia Collins – No

 

5.         Consent Agenda

 

MSV (8) move to pull item “B” from the Consent Agenda.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

A. Approval of Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 2/12/19, 2/26/19, and 2/27/19

B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meetings of 2/12/19 and 2/27/19 – Pulled from the Agenda

C. Personnel Actions

D. Bid Award - #2392 On-Call, Periodic & Emergency Services

E. Approval of Fundraiser(s)

F. Approve Consent Agenda

 

MSV (9) move to accept the Consent Agenda absent item “B”.

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

6.         Comments from the Community

 

Stephanie Canter reviewed the rules for community comments.

 

A.   Comments from the Community

 

Raissa Mosher commented that it is important to make it clear, as a Committee and district, that drugs of any kind are unacceptable.  She spoke about the work of the Partnership and to make sure that kids get the message from leaders.  Ms. Mosher also spoke about the development of the PAT policy.

 

7.         School Committee Business

 

A.   Personnel Assignment Team (PAT) Discussion

 

Ms. Canter advised that Attorney Henneous provided information from other districts about personnel assignment; and the process runs very smoothly because it felt like a collaborative agreement.  Ms. Markey stated that she believes there are problems with the current PAT policy and disruption in the system of layoffs.  Ms. Markey suggested the policy be revised so that it works equitably for all.  Committee members shared their thoughts and discussed how to move forward.

 

MSV (10) move to direct Andrew Henneous to work with Mary Barden to revise the PAT policy.

 

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 – Abstained

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

Alycia Collins – Yes

 

B.   Hiring Top Step Teachers Discussion

 

Dr. Stringfellow explained that any teacher that is certified can apply for a position; the interview team chooses the best candidate; and if there are two candidates with similar skills, they would hire the lower step individual.  She further stated that if the Committee wanted a policy that states that we have to hire the top step teacher, then she said you would need to get legal advice.  After discussion, the Committee agreed that the district hires the best teacher for the position, not the most experienced or highest step individual. 

 

C.   Revision to Policy 5141 - Medication Policy - First Reading

 

Pauline Lisi advised that Department of Health medication regulations changed in 2014 and the district has been practicing the change; however, it was not in our policy.  Therefore, the changes have been made to Medication Policy #5141 and is brought before the Committee for approval. 

 

MSV (11) move to revise Medication Policy #5141.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

D.  DLI Committee

 

Stephanie Canter asked if any Committee member was interested in Chairing the DLI Subcommittee.  Ms. Markey expressed interest; and Ms. Cummiskey stated she would be happy to help.

 

Ms. Cummiskey suggested creating a questionnaire to send out to parents, teachers, and administrators to get opinions on what is working and what is not working with the DLI program.  Discussion followed about a mission for the subcommittee, the availability of DLI certified teachers, and that the program is drawing families into the district.

 

MSV (12) move to approve Sarah Markey to Chair the DLI Subcommittee.

Motion made by:  Alycia Collins

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

E.   Letter to Town Council from School Committee on Matunuck HVAC project

 

Maryanne Crawford explained the need to send a letter to the Town Council from the School Committee requesting they waive the fees for the HVAC project at Matunuck. 

 

MSV (13) move to approve sending the letter regarding Matunuck HVAC project.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

F.   Budget Reduction Plan

 

Dr. Stringfellow shared the draft budget reduction plan at 2.5% PTT, as a Committee member asked that it be added to the agenda to finalize.  Dr. Stringfellow advised that each of the principals have stated that these reductions will be difficult.  Discussion followed regarding communication received regarding a cut at BRMS. 

 

G.  Town Council Joint Budget Meeting Discussion

 

Dr. Stringfellow reviewed information, via PowerPoint, to be presented at the Town Council joint budget meeting to find out what the Committee would like to add or remove from the presentation.  Discussion followed. 

 

H.  Facilities Update

 

Dr. Stringfellow advised that correspondence received from Christine Lopes-Metcalfe from the R.I. Department of Education states that our facilities project will be considered for November 2019 approval.

 

I.    Resolution(s)

 

Michelle Brousseau advised the Committee of the following resolutions for discussion and/or approval.

 

•    Resolution Relative to Binding Arbitration

 

MSV (14) move to approve the Binding Arbitration Resolution.

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter - No

Sarah Markey - No

Emily Cummiskey - No

Jacy Northup - No

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

Alycia Collins – No

 

•    Resolution on Contract Continuation

 

MSV (15) move to pull the Contract Continuation Resolution and to have Michelle Brousseau and Sarah Markey come back with a revised resolution.

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

•    Resolution Relative to Exclusion of Student Transportation in the Aid to Education Funding Formula

 

MSV (16) move to support the Transportation Funding Formula Resolution.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Not Present at the Time of the Vote

Sarah Markey – Yes

Emily Cummiskey - Yes

Jacy Northup - Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

Alycia Collins – Yes

 

•    Resolution on McCrink Concept of the Teacher Tenure Act

 

MSV (17) move to support the McCrink-Teacher Resolution.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

•    Resolution Opposing House Bill 5266

 

MSV (18) move to support the Resolution to Oppose H2566.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

•    Resolution to Oppose Legalization of Recreational Marijuana – Addressed previously in the Agenda

 

•    Resolution on Group Home Aid

 

MSV (19) move to support the Group Home Aid Resolution.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Alycia Collins

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

J.    Sub-committee Reports

 

•    Hazard Scholarships

 

Michelle Brousseau advised that they need to meet to go through the applications and they will bring to the May meeting a recommendation on the recipients. 

 

•    Building Committee

 

Jacy Northup advised that there was nothing more to add other than the facilities updates mentioned earlier.  Ms. Canter requested that meeting minutes be sent out the day after the meeting.

 

•    Contract Compliance

 

Stephanie Canter advised that they have not had any meetings on the calendar since May 2018.  Dr. Stringfellow noted that the Contract Compliance committee morphed into the Contingency Committee.  Dr. Stringfellow suggested that they ask the Town Manager and Mr. Ursillo to come back and provide an update.

 

•    District Crisis

 

Kate Macinanti advised that an informational meeting was held in February regarding fencing at the elementary schools. 

 

•    DLI – Addressed earlier in the Agenda.

 

•    Legislation – Addressed earlier in the Agenda.

 

•    Marketing

 

Stephanie Canter advised that they will be meeting next week to put a plan in place.  She noted that they want to showcase the good things happening at each school in a mini video.

 

•    NSBA and RIASC

 

Sarah Markey advised that she had a conversation with Tim Duffy and that each Committee member receives information from RIASC. 

 

•    SELAC

 

Teresa Eagan advised that there will not be a SELAC meeting in March; however, an Open House will be held at the ITA on Monday, April 1, 2019.  She noted that there will be a speaker to talk about guardianship. 

 

•    Sustainability

 

Sarah Markey advised that a meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2019.

 

•    Transportation

 

Kate Macinanti advised that the Transportation Committee is developing a FAQ for the community.  Maryanne Crawford advised that they need to get more data about bus routes and will probably come to the School Committee outlining what we would like to do next year for data research so that we can save money. 

 

•    Wellness

 

Kate Macinanti advised that the Wellness Committee’s next meeting is March 26, 2019.  She advised that they tentatively picked a Wellness Day; however, it was postponed.   Ms. Macinanti advised that the Wellness Day will probably be next school year to allow for better planning.  Pauline Lisi shared information about the action research project with 4th graders that was done by URI. 

 

K.   Approval of Kingian Non-violence Training

 

Committee members expressed support of the non-violence training; and discussed waiting on this until funding has been established due to the budget constraints. 

 

MSV (20) move to pull the Kingian Non-violence Training.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

8.         Comments from Committee Members

 

A.   Comments from Committee Members

 

Emily Cummiskey expressed thoughts and prayers with families that were affected by the situation this past weekend.  She expressed thanks to all of the individuals who assisted students and families.  Ms. Cummiskey requested that links be placed on the district website regarding the various school open houses to be held.

 

Kate Macinanti asked that an item be placed on the next agenda about starting the School Committee meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

Stephanie Canter thanked everyone involved with the GEAR production; and she commented on how impressed she was with the high school students who processed more than teenagers should have to process with the situation this past weekend. 

 

9.         Adjournment

 

A.   Adjourn meeting

 

MSV (21) move to adjourn at 9:41 PM.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kristen Stringfellow