South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, November 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

Emily Cummiskey

Jacy Northup

Kate Macinanti

 

Members Absent:

Alycia Collins

 

Attendees – other

Linda Savastano - Superintendent

Maryanne Crawford – CFO

Michael Polak - Attorney

Tammy McNeiece

Ryan Borden

 

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)) - Negotiations - SKESP; MOA on TA filling vacancy

 

Ms. Canter called the November 12, 2019 School Committee meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

 

MSV (1) move to enter executive session for the purpose of Negotiations - SKESP; MOA on TA filling vacancy.

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

2.         7:00 PM - Call to Order

 

A.   Call to Order

 

Ms. Canter called the November 12, 2019 School Committee meeting back to order at 7:00 PM.

 

B.   Pledge of allegiance to the Flag

 

Ms. Canter led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

C.   School Committee Agreements (norms)

 

Ms. Canter reviewed the School Committee Agreements (norms).

 

D.   Disclosure of Executive Session vote from August 13, 2019 meeting

 

      Ms. Canter reported out on the Executive session vote from the August 13, 2019 meeting:  The Committee voted 5-0 with two recusals (Markey and Collins) to authorize our attorney, in conjunction with our insurer, to attempt to settle several litigation matters involving former employee, Deborah Salvatore, including WC2014-0481 and RICHR #15.  We disclose this vote now as the matters were officially resolved on October 23, 2019. 

 

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

 

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

 

F.   Seal the minutes of the executive session

 

MSV (2) move to seal the minutes of executive session.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

G.  Chair - Agenda review

 

Ms. Canter asked if there were any questions regarding the agenda as shown.  No questions noted.

 

3.         Superintendent's Report

 

A.   Celebrate SK - Broad Rock Middle School

 

      BRMS Principal McNeiece spoke about the wonderful day that was had at BRMS.  BRMS Assistant Principal Borden spoke about the opportunities the BRMS students have to explore the arts. 

 

      BRMS Music Teacher Ms. Theroux introduced the BRMS music students that were present and led them in two delightful performances. 

 

B.   Meeting Calendar

 

      Ms. Savastano review the meeting calendar and recommended that the School Committee not have the November 26th work session.  She also advised of the December 16, 2019 budget meeting with the Town Council at 7:00 PM.

 

C.   State Assessment Results

 

      Ms. Savastano advised that the accountability ratings will be coming out this week.  She briefly shared information, via PowerPoint, on how the administrative team will dig into the information, and look at the gaps, as we move forward.  Discussion followed about the PSAT and SAT participation rate; and low-income students.

 

D.   FY21 Budget Planning

 

      Ms. Savastano advised that administration team is doing a self-assessment to prepare for the 20-21 budget.  She shared information about best practices in school district budgeting.

 

E.   Update SKSD Building Our Future

 

      Ms. Savastano reviewed the South Kingstown School Building November, 2019 updated timeline document.  Discussion followed regarding the different school sizes. 

 

F.   Financial Update

 

      Ms. Crawford provided a financial update, the school lunch balances, as well as projects.  She advised that we should be ending the year with a small surplus.

 

G.  Official 10/1 Enrollment

 

      Ms. Savastano provided the official October 1st enrollment numbers reported to RIDE, as well as the numbers as of today, and the updated class sizes/grades at each building. 

 

H.  Facilities Inspection Report(s)

 

      Ms. Savastano advised that as facilities inspection reports come through, they will be passed on to Committee members and will also have them available on the website.  The mold reports and air quality reports were provided. 

 

I.    Accept the Superintendent's Report

 

MSV (3) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s report.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

4.         Consent Agenda

 

Ms. Savastano shared her recommendation to appoint Ginamarie Masiello as our new Director of Curriculum, Learning and Innovation. She shared information about her background and experience, as well as information that Ms. Masiello shared with the interview team.  Ms. Savastano introduced  Ms. Masiello who was present this evening. 

 

Ms. Canter advised that items A & B were being pulled (to be voted on separately).

 

A.   Approval of Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 10/15/19, 10/22/19, and 10/28/19

B.   Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meetings of 10/15/19 and 10/22/19

C.   Personnel Actions

D.   Expenditure over $10,000 - Ockers Touchview Boards MPA

E.   Expenditure over $10,000 - Microsoft Software Licenses-Renewal

F.   Home Schooling Request(s)

G.  PTO Fundraiser

H.  Approve Consent Agenda

 

MSV (4) move to approve items C through G of the Consent Agenda.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

MSV (5) move to approve the Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 10/15/19, 10/22/19, and 10/28/19

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Michelle Brousseau – Abstain

 

MSV (6) move to approve the Executive Session Minutes - Meetings of 10/15/19 and 10/22/19

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Michelle Brousseau – Abstain

 

5.         Comments from the Community

 

A.   Comments from the Community

 

Stephen Dahl, parent, spoke about his opposition to the use of smart boards, which will cause harm due to radiation.  He spoke about the need to get rid of Wi-Fi. 

 

Alicia Monnes spoke about field trips and recommended RIDE be asked to add a sentence to the school sponsored field trip law.  She advised that she will send the Committee the Resolution that was passed in Exeter-West Greenwich. 

 

6.         School Committee Business

 

A.   Discussion/Action-2020 School Committee Meeting Schedule Vote

 

MS (7) move to adopt the School Committee meeting schedule.

 

Ms. Brousseau noted a conflict with Primary Day, as the election will not be certified by November 10, 2020.  She suggested the School Committee meeting to November 17, 2020. 

 

MSV (8) move to change the School Committee business meeting from November 10, 2020 to November 17, 2020.

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

 

MSV (9) move to adopt the 2020 School Committee meeting schedule with the November 17th change. 

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

B.   Discussion/vote on SK Building our Future Planning/SY21 and Beyond Grade Placement and Redistricting

 

Ms. Macinanti made a motion to discuss the SK building our future planning/SY21 and beyond grade placement and redistricting.  Attorney Polak advised that the Committee could accept or deny the motion.

 

MSV (10) move to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for the SK building our future Planning.

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

Ms. Cummiskey advised that she has questions regarding the inequity between our schools … the sizes of the schools and the sizes of the classrooms.  She stated that it needs to be addressed as we move forward with this plan.

 

Ms. Savastano stated that it is difficult to answer in November but we will keep the Committee and public up-to-date on the plan as we walk through the process.  She stated that the first group of students would move to updated spaces in 2023.

 

Ms. Brousseau asked when we would get the reports from feasibility and traffic.  She expressed concerns about the high school being at the Curtis Corner site due to traffic and student parking with no off-site parking available. 

 

C.   Discussion/Action - Vote on direction to be given to School Building Committee regarding High School component of Stage 2 application

 

MSV (11) move to direct the School Building Committee to suspend the Columbia Street High School component of the Stage 2 application. 

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Michelle Brousseau – No

 

Discussion followed and Committee members shared their thoughts of suspending the Columbia Street High School component of the Stage 2 application. 

 

Ms. Brousseau asked what would happen if we suspend the planning for Columbia Street and then the report comes back that it is not feasible for the high school to be at the Curtis Corner site.  What would that do to our Stage 2 application. 

 

Ms. Savastano advised that we will not be able to meet RIDE’s February 2020 deadline and it will push us to a September 2020 deadline.  She stated that we will be submitting the application before September.

 

Ms. Northup added that the Stage 2 process was to investigate every possible option.

 

D.   Discussion/Action - Vote on SBC recommendation to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contracts for feasibility study on renovation/addition to CCMS

 

MSV (12) move to approve the SBC recommendation to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contracts for feasibility study on renovation/addition to CCMS.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

E.   Discussion/Action - Vote on RGB Proposal 6420-9004-2 (Sections II & III only)

 

MSV (13) move to approve the RGB Proposal 6420-9004-2 (Sections II & III only).

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

F.   Discussion/Action - Vote on RGB Proposal 6420-2

 

MSV (14) move to approve the RGB Proposal 6420-2.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

G.  Discussion/Action - Vote on Peregrine Proposal

 

MSV (15) move to approve Peregrine Proposal.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Kate Macinanti

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

H.  Discussion/Action-Revision to Mandatory Reporting Policy-Second Reading/Adoption

 

MSV (16) move to approve the revision to Mandatory Reporting Policy. 

 

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

I.    Discussion/Action-Threat Assessment Team Policy-Second Reading/Adoption

 

Ms. Canter advised that the adoption of the Threat Assessment Team policy will be tabled to the December business meeting.

 

MSV (17) move to Table.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

J.    Discussion/Action-Personnel Hiring Policy-Second Reading/Adoption

 

MSV (18) move to approve the Personnel Hiring Policy.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

K.   Discussion/Action-Revision to Naloxone Policy-First Reading

 

MSV (19) move to discuss the revision to the Naloxone Policy.

 

Motion made by:  Emily Cummiskey

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

Attorney Polak advised that there is a minor change in adjusting the level of dosage.  He also advised that it is required by law that it be administered by a school nurse. 

 

L.   Discussion-Sub-committee Reports

 

Marketing Sub-committee:  Ms. Canter advised that the sub-committee will be meeting on November 13th to discuss what we can do at the building level and how to put out information the South Kingstown messenger. 

 

Augusta Hazard Sub-committee:  Emily Cummiskey will join Ms. Brousseau on the sub-committee.

 

Sustainability Sub-committee:  Ms. Markey advised that they are working on setting up recycling examples in all schools and energy efficiencies.  She advised that they will be talking about curriculum in December. 

 

Transportation Sub-committee:  Ms. Macinanti advised that the sub-committee is discussing group stops and are awaiting data from the bus company. 

 

M.  Discussion/Action-Appointments to Building Committee

 

MSV (20) move to appoint Kate Macinanti to the School Building Committee.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

N.  Discussion/Action-Appointments to Budget Sub-committee

 

Ms. Markey asked what the makeup of the budget sub-committee would be.  Ms. Savastano advised that it would be a smaller working group. 

 

Ms. Markey made a motion to authorize the Superintendent to put together a budget sub-committee with Emily Cummiskey representing the School Committee and an invitation to Town Council to appoint a person, too.

 

MSV (21) move to appoint Emily Cummiskey and Kate Macinanti to the Budget Sub-committee. 

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

O.  Discussion/Action-Appointments to Policy Sub-committee

 

MSV (22) move to appoint Sarah Markey and Jacy Northup to the Policy Sub-committee.

 

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Emily Cummiskey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

P.   Discussion/Action-Vote on SKESP MOA on TA filling vacancy

 

MSV (23) move to approve the MOA with SKESP regarding TA filling vacancy. 

 

Motion made by:  Michelle Brousseau

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey – Recused

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Michelle Brousseau – Yes

 

7.         Adjournment

 

A.   Adjourn meeting

 

MSV (24) move to adjourn at 9:12 PM.

 

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

 

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                Linda Savastano