South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, May 14, 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

Robert Hicks – Interim 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. Collective Bargaining (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)) - Discussion on NEASK Layoffs

B. Collective Bargaining (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)) - Council 94 Negotiations

 

Stephanie Canter called the May 14, 2019 School Committee Meeting to order at 6:03 PM.

 

MSV (1) move to enter executive session executive session under RIGL 42-46-58.2 for reasons of collective bargaining and NEASK layoffs

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

 

2.         7:00 PM - Call to Order

 

A. Call to Order

 

Stephanie Canter called the May 14, 2019 School Committee Meeting to back to order at 7:01 PM.

 

B.  Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

 

Stephanie Canter lead the Committee and community in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

C. South Kingstown School Committee Proposed Agreements

 

Dr. Hicks reviewed and explained the proposed agreements with the School Committee, noting that they are ground rules that will show how we should be working together as a team to help improve our practices.  The proposed agreements are:  1) Own your impact; 2) Be fully present and prepared; 3) Trust the process; 4) Maintain confidentiality; 5) Support universal participation; and 6) Challenge ideas, respect people. 

 

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

 

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

 

E. Seal the minutes of the executive session

 

MSV (3) move to seal the minutes in executive session.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

F. Chair - Agenda review

 

Ms. Canter advised that the agenda is on BoardDocs.

 

3.         Superintendent's Report

 

A. Meeting Calendar

 

Dr. Hicks reviewed the meeting calendar.

 

B. Enrollment Update

 

Pauline Lisi provided an enrollment update; and noted that the current enrollment is listed on BoardDocs.  She advised that they are specifically looking at the elementary numbers; looking at split levels at each building. 

 

C. Financial Update

 

Maryanne Crawford shared the budget projections and lunch balances.

 

D. Monthly Student and Employee Recognition

 

“The Key is ME!” Award:  Dr. Hicks advised that “The Key is ME” Award recipient for the month of May is Deirdre Carlino, Curtis Corner Middle School Library Media Specialist.  Dr. Hicks shared the rationale and nomination comments regarding Ms. Carlino. 

 

“I Make a Difference” Award:  Dr. Hicks advised that the “I Make a Difference” Award recipient for the month of May is Brandon Pearse, Technology Support Clerk.  Dr. Hicks noted that Brandon is a South Kingstown High School graduate.  He also shared the various rationale and nomination comment regarding Mr. Pearse. 

 

E. Graduation Rate

 

Dr. Hicks shared information regarding the graduation rate, noting that the rate has gone up 10% from 2011.  He advised that we are graduating 95% of our students, noting that the work begins at preschool through high school as we give students skills to successfully complete their program. 

 

Ms. Brousseau stated that due to our overwhelming enrollment declines, she requested a breakdown of the enrollment numbers, grade by grade, for the past two or three years.

 

F. 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:  Emily Cummiskey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved 

 

4.         Consent Agenda

 

A.  Approval of Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 4/9/19, 4/26/19, 5/3/19, and 5/8/19

B.  Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meetings of 2/12/19, 2/27/19, 3/12/19, 3/26/19, 4/9/19, 4/26/19, and 5/3/19

C.  Personnel Actions

D.  Expenditure over 10,000 - Renaissance Learning

E.  Expenditure over 10,000 - MPA for Security Upgrades

F.  Expenditure over 10,000 - Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

G.  Approval of Fundraiser(s)

H.  Approval of DLI Committee Membership

I.   Approval of Home Schooling Request(s)

J.   Approval of Placement of Exchange Student(s)

K.  Approval of Field Trip

L.  Approve Consent Agenda

 

MSV (5) move to approve the Consent Agenda. 

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved 

 

5.         Comments from the Community

 

A. Comments from the Community

 

Ms. Canter reviewed the protocol for community comments.

 

Sophia Brown, 2016 SKHS graduate, shared what she learned while at SKHS in her French class.  She urged the Committee to reconsider cutting the French program so that students can benefit as she has.

 

Hailey Bates, student, urged the Committee not to cut the French program from SKHS.  She shared that French is the 6th most spoken language in the world.  Ms. Bates spoke highly of her French teacher and shared what she has learned. 

 

Peter Fitzpatrick, parent, commented favorably of the DLI program and expressed hope that Kelly Harrington’s position can be saved so that his son can continue learning Spanish.

 

Mr. Erickson, URI professor of French, stated that cutting French at SKHS would be a mistake; noting that it is important to offer a variety of languages to add diversity. 

 

Raissa Mosher commented on the accelerated closing of Curtis Corner Middle School and expressed concern about moving 8th graders to the high school.  She also expressed concern that she has not heard any talk about including the community in the planning.

 

Wendy Bucci advised that there is a growing concern from the community of what they are reading and hearing about school community.  Ms. Bucci read a resolution that had been signed by 50 community members, requesting a commitment by the School Committee for increased transparency.   

 

Jason Ralph, Matunuck parent, expressed concern regarding the change of the facility plan for a new high school.  He stated that we need to safeguard so that we do not go bankrupt.  

 

Mr. Greer, student, spoke on behalf of the teachers of the music and art department at SKHS; and urged the Committee not the fire them. 

 

Kelly Harrington, teacher, shared that South Kingstown is on the forefront with the DLI program, and advised that it is difficult for students to learn another language, if not exposed until middle school or high school.  She requested that the Committee provide world language opportunities for all students K-12. 

 

Louise Scofield, student, shared how important the music program is to her; and asked that the Committee not cut the music program. 

 

Aiden DeLeo, student, spoke on behalf of the students in the music program at SKHS.  He asked the Committee not the take the teacher away from his educational environment so that he can continue to learn from him and for students to follow. 

 

Christian Hernandez, student, spoke in support of the art and CTE programs at SKHS.  He stated that he believes the art program as a fundamental course that helps students to relieve stress in their day.

 

Jen Collins, teacher, expressed pride of the high school music students.  She expressed concern regarding the cut of a musical educator in the district as educators would be stretched too thin.  She commented that it is important to keep Mr. Muir. 

 

Ms. Englander expressed congratulations to the SMILE 2019 scholarship winner, Olivia Santucci, who will be going to URI as a nursing student. 

 

Abby, student, shared how the French class at SKHS has positively impacted her life.

 

Heather Tobin, parent, commented on the arts and music programs.  She shared that 4.8 million Americans work in the arts and music industry; and noted that it is a career that students can do into.  She urged the Committee not to cut anything in the arts and music programs.

 

Jessica Jeremiah, parent, expressed disappointment about comments from community members.  She stated that she believes that transparency has increased with this Committee.  Ms. Jeremiah expressed confidence that the Committee’s plans will reap benefits and that there will be cost savings. 

 

Stacy Bodziony, parent, expressed concern regarding the bonding for more money. 

 

Deb Bergner expressed appreciation of the students who spoke about their great experiences.  She commented on the change in the PAT policy and the suspension of the bylaws; noting that Mr. Muir will be impacted by that decision, as well as our children. 

 

Anna Blaney, student, shared how Mr. Muir’s cut will affect students. 

 

Lisa M., commented on the closing of CCMS, noting that it would be detrimental to our students if you close early.

 

Brian Nelson, teacher and NEASK President, commented on the changed in the PAT process; advising that when cuts are made due to enrollment, State law states we have to cut by seniority.  He explained why the change was made and how it benefits everyone. 

 

Raissa Mosher commented on the PAT policy, stating that it is not how the people are laid off or displaced, it is about how to bring them back by interview. 

 

Sharon Dunn, parent, urged the Committee to reconsider cuts to the arts program at the high school.

She stated that anxiety can be addressed through the arts.   She asked the Committee to not do any further cuts in the arts or mental health staff.  

 

Mark Levitt, parent, stated that the School Committee is facing huge cuts, but they are responding to the Town Council cuts.  He commented on voting in people who are not so worried about budget cuts.

 

Tara Apperson, commented on the PAT policy change, noting that it shows support of teachers; and when teachers are supported, you support students. 

 

Babbit Aleana, advocate of the arts in the schools, shared how students who are involved in arts K-12 perform, overall, above their peers and are more likely to graduate. 

 

Leah Skeffington, French and music student, urged the Committee not to jeopardize the programs.   

 

SKHS student, shared her thoughts regarding the firing of teachers.  She spoke about how Mr. Muir has made the arts program flourish and that if Mr. Muir is cut, it will affect many students. 

 

6.         School Committee Business

 

A. Approval of Augusta Hazard Scholarship Awards

 

Michelle Brousseau advised that she and Ms. Cummiskey read through the applications, stating that the applications did not have any names on them.  Ms. Brousseau stated that the decisions were made based on class rank, GPA, and essay.  Ms. Brousseau read the names of the new and renewal award recipients for School Committee approval:

 

New	Renewal
Johna Burton	Ashley Cromack
Alexander Crudale	Emilia Curzake
Andrew Estus	Nicole Gennari
Broc French	Hannah Misto
Allison Haberlin	Hailey Parente
Olivia Kelly	Hannah Southwick
Madison Miller
Catherine Rekos
Robert Skokowski

 

Ms. Cummiskey noted that each application had rich experiences.  Congratulations!

 

MSV (6) move to approve the Augusta Hazard Scholarship Awards.

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved  

 

B. Discussion/Possible Vote on the Closing of CCMS 2020-2021

 

Dr. Hicks advised that he is researching a lot of questions that have come up, looking at data, in September begin the community engagement process, and by October present with a recommendation so it could be in the 20-21 budget.  Discussion followed.

 

MSV (7) move to ask administration to formally investigate the potential of the early close of Curtis Corner Middle School for September 2020. 

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved  

 

C. Budget

Maryanne Crawford reviewed the budget and provided an update on the State aid numbers.  She also commented on the work of getting resolution regarding a student who attended the Training School years ago and the family no longer lives in district; noting that the State is making the districts responsible for the cost of students attending the Training School by reducing State aid, which is new this year. 

D. Discussion/Possible Vote on Superintendent Search Process

 

Dr. Hicks shared an outline of the superintendent search process that was used in 2002 and 2009 for the Committee’s consideration as a starting point. 

 

Discussion followed on using a facilitator, whether to hire an outside agency, and the length of the process. 

 

MSV (8) move to utilize the former process for the superintendent search to begin a search for a Superintendent

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Stephanie Canter

Vote:  Unanimously Approved 

 

E. Bylaw review

 

Stephanie Canter asked if there was interest in changing the bylaws that currently reflect that the School Committee meetings are to be held the second Tuesday of every month, in order to allow for more flexibility for the Committee to have legal support.  Discussion followed. 

 

F. Field Trip Policy

 

Pauline Lisi advised that there was recently some legislation regarding field trips and funding of field trips.  She advised that our current policy does not have the new language.  Ms. Lisi advised that a revised field trip policy from our legal team will be coming forward. 

 

G. Discuss Proposed Option for Facility Application Change Recommended by Building Committee

 

The Committee discussed having the Building Committee investigate the construction of a new high school building, it’s location, and the legacy plan to renovate the current high school.

 

MSV (9) move to authorize the School Building Committee to pursue an investigation regarding construction of a new high school building at the site currently occupied by Curtis Corner Middle School or South Road School.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote: (4-3-0)

Stephanie Canter – No

Sarah Markey – No

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Michelle Brousseau – Yes

Alycia Collins - No

 

H. Vote on Modification to the RIDE District-wide Health and Safety Projects/Wakefield Elementary School from Reconstruction of Parking lot to Resurfacing and Relining of Parking lot

 

Jacy Northup explained the reason for the modification to the RIDE district-wide health and safety projects at Wakefield Elementary.  She noted that originally the plan was to address congestion and mingling of the buses; however, since enrollment is down and there are three buses that go to Wakefield Elementary, the modification is recommended. 

 

MSV (10) move to modify the RIDE District-wide Health and Safety Projects to Wakefield Elementary School to only get resurfacing and relining of the parking lot.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  Unanimously Approved 

 

I. Resolution(s)

 

Michelle Brousseau advised that there were no Resolutions to present this evening.

 

J. Health Itinerant Discussion

 

Jim Champion spoke about the need to keep the health itinerant who is part of the Health Wellness program, PE, and advocate for health in the district.  He introduced Susan Clark, Health Program Director at Rhode Island College. 

 

Susan Clark, Health Program Director at RIC and South Kingstown parent, shared what she teaches at Rhode Island College and also shared the state regulations for each student to have an average of 100 minutes of PE and health each week.  Ms. Clark shared that health and learning are inseparable. 

 

Mr. Champion how much time South Kingstown students receive each week of PE and health. 

 

Karen Hume shared that she teaches in Cranston and teachers were asked to add five minutes to their day so that they could make a 70-minute block each week due to the State mandate; and it has been successful for three years.  She explained how the scheduling works. 

 

After discussion, the Committee recommends that this item come back at the next meeting and for administration to bring more information. 

 

K. Sub-committee Reports

 

1.   Augusta Hazard Scholarship – Scholarships announced earlier

2.   Building Committee – Nothing to Report

3.   Contract Compliance - Ms. Canter advised that the Building Committee is in limbo with the existing contract with RGB.

4.   District Crisis Committee – Nothing to Report

5.   Dual Language Immersion Program committee (listed twice) – Nothing to Report

6.   Legislative – Ms. Brousseau push by the RIASC to have the amendment to the constitution is still out there.  I’m trying to get clarification from regarding the contract continuation that recently passed. 

7.   Marketing – Ms. Canter advised that a meeting is scheduled for next week; and that they are working on a high-quality repository for marketing images and videos that can be shared out.

8.   NSBA and RIASC – Nothing to Report

9.   SELAC – Nothing to Report

10. Sustainability – Ms. Markey advised that the Sustainability Committee is in the process of creating a SP to bring before the school committee in the fall. 

11. Transportation – Ms. Macinanti advised that they have published FAQ to go out to the public.  Ms. Crawford shared that they have talked about depot stops and door-to-door kindergarten. 

12. Wellness – Ms. Macinanti advised that they are looking at focusing on two goals – district wellness day (put on hold currently) and introducing a film series for the 19-20 school year.  A Wellness report will be provided to the School Committee. 

 

7.         Comments from Committee Members

 

A. Comments from Committee Members

 

Michelle Brousseau advised that RIASC is looking to put together a session with the new Commissioner; she recommended that the members look for information regarding that. 

 

Kate Macinanti spoke about the discussion about the health itinerant, students’ devotion to music, arts, the French program, noting that they all revolved around meeting the students’ social emotional health needs.  She stated that the responsibility of the School Committee is to look at policies and put programs in place that support our children.  Ms. Macinanti stated that we need to make sure the Committee puts the interest of our students first and foremost and to make sure when we make decisions, that we keep that in mind when decisions are made over the next several weeks. 

 

Emily Cummiskey stated that she believes all seven members are extremely committed to putting students first.

 

Alycia Collins stated that she was impressed with the Committee’s ability to put kids first and to not engage in behavior that pits students against other School Committee members. 

 

8.         Adjournment

 

A. Adjourn meeting

 

MSV (11) move to adjourn at 9:46 PM.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                Robert Hicks