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South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 15, 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
Alycia Collins
Members Absent:
Michelle Brousseau
Attendees – other
Linda Savastano - Superintendent
Maryanne Crawford – CFO
Michael Polak - Attorney
Robert Hicks
Breta Combs
Chip McGair
Jennifer Enck
Agnes Pelopida
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 regarding matters of security (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(3))
B. Collective Bargaining (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)) - Negotiations - NEASK; PLC MOA and Transfer Language MOA
C. Collective Bargaining (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)) - Negotiations - Council 94
Ms. Canter called the October 15, 2019 School Committee meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
MSV (1) move to enter executive session for the purposes of discussion regarding matters of security and collective bargaining.
Motion made by: Jacy Northup
Motion seconded by: Sarah Markey
Vote: Unanimously Approved
2. 7:00 PM - Call to Order
A. Call to Order
Ms. Canter called the October 15, 2019 School Committee meeting back to order at 7:03 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 asked the Committee to review the Agreements, stating that it is a good reminder for the School Committee and community to keep in mind.
D. Reporting of vote(s) taken in executive session
Ms. 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 of executive session.
Motion made by: Sarah Markey
Motion seconded by: Jacy Northup
Vote: Unanimously Approved
Ms. Canter acknowledged Dr. Hicks and thanked him for his commitment to the district; he was presented with a gift.
F. Chair - Agenda review
Ms. Canter asked if there were any questions regarding the agenda as posted.
3. Superintendent's Report
A. Celebrate SK - an opening update from SKHS on Senior Projects
Ms. Savastano advised of focusing on celebrations; and the focus this evening is regarding SKHS senior projects. Dr. Chip McGair, Agnes Pelopida, and Cathy Fogarty provided a brief overview, via PowerPoint, which included information regarding NEASC accreditation, new curriculum pilot, senior paper and senior projects. Six students shared their senior projects.
Jacques Schold, student, shared information regarding his project of Police Canine exhibition show.
Ella Zalewsky, student, shared information regarding water-quality data analysis.
Jess Macinanti, student, shared information regarding her project on documenting of LBGTQ students and the struggles they face.
Iona Buffum, student, shared information regarding her project to travel to India teaching art classes to a small school in India.
Rachel Sokolow, student, shared information regarding her project to interview seniors about their lives and their defining moments.
Lucas Serafin, student, shared information regarding his project about creating a compost at the South Kingstown High School garden.
B. Meeting Calendar
Ms. Savastano reviewed the School Committee meeting calendar. She advised of a School Building sub-committee meeting on October 23, 2019 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall.
C. Enrollment Update - Oct. 1, 2019
Ms. Savastano reviewed the October 1, 2019 enrollment numbers; advising that the official number will be final on October 18, 2019. She noted that enrollment is down by 99 students from last year, which is a similar drop from the previous year; and the exit reasons will be finalized in the next four to five weeks.
D. DLI Committee Update
Dr. Hicks provided a review of the work of the DLI Committee and shared the proposed four agreements (#1-3 agreed upon; not so much agreement on #4): 1) fix the lottery; 2) there will be four DLI sections per grade at the elementary schools; 3) invest in monolingual classrooms to make sure they are as desirable; and 4) middle school – DLI students will be assured of one Spanish class per day with the second class being phased in as vacancies arise. Dr. Hicks recommended the Committee adopt the first three decisions and send the fourth to the DLI sub-committee.
E. Intramural Update
Ms. Savastano advised that we reinstated intramurals; there are 39 teams at the middle school and 17 at the high school.
F. Assessment Results Released
Ms. Savastano shared the SKHS PSAT and SAT results in comparison with the State.
G. Town/School Collaboration-Procurement
Ms. Savastano advised that she and Ms. Crawford have been working with the Town Manager and the Director of Finance on collaboration and shared services, focusing on procurements.
H. Vision/Planning - New Superintendent's commitments
Ms. Savastano advised that she has spoken to community members, will meet with PTOs over the next few months, and she is scheduling meetings with the staff. She shared information, via PowerPoint, regarding her commitment to student learning; a collaborative culture, and continuous improvement. She also shared links to learn more.
I. Financial Update
Ms. Crawford provided the financial update related to the school lunch balances and the year end to date (fiscal year 2020) projection report.
J. Potential certified staffing/unfilled position changes
Ms. Savastano shared the need for certified staffing/unfilled position changes: .9 to 1.0 at South Kingstown High School to support credit recovery and interventions; .5 to 1.0 at Curtis Corner Middle School to support special education; and .7 to 1.0 physical therapist.
Ms. Savastano also advised that the Assistant Superintendent position will not be filled right now; however, a Director of Curriculum/Learning position has been posted. Discussion followed.
K. Accept the Superintendent's Report
MSV (4) move to accept and place on file the Superintendent’s report.
Motion made by: Jacy Northup
Motion seconded by: Sarah Markey
Vote: Unanimously Approved
4. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Open Session Minutes - Meetings of 9/10/19 and 9/24/19
B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes - Meeting of 9/10/19
C. Personnel Actions
D. Home Schooling Request(s)
E. Expenditure over 10,000 - Teachers College/Sole Source - Professional Development for teachers using classroom visits
F. Bid Award - # 2402 Replacement Compressor – Library SKHS
G. PTO Fundraisers
H. Approve Consent Agenda
MSV (5) move to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
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 Comments from the Community.
Candence Hansen, parent, expressed concern that parents and students do not know where they will be next year. She stated that communication needs to happen now so that parents and students can move forward.
Ms. Weinstock expressed appreciation for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Martha Badigian expressed thanks for changing the name of the holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Beth Violette, DLI parent, asked what change will be done with the curriculum regarding the change of the holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Ms. Violet also thanked Dr. Hicks for the four DLI agreements.
Dina Praetou, parent, spoke about the DLI program and expressed support of the four DLI agreements.
Valerie Speredelozzi, parent, stated that there are some issues with each of the DLI agreements: the weighted lottery and DLI at the middle school level. She added that K- 8th grades were promised.
Josh Daly, DLI parent, agreed with comments made and expressed that we need to publicly know that the commitment and clarity is there for the DLI program.
Katie Garvin, parent, asked that parents be made aware of the plan for redistricting as soon as possible.
Jason C., parent, spoke about a dichotomy with DLI and monolingual. He suggested that we get away from the word “monolingual.”
Mary Petrichko, parent, requested the support of the Committee to increase the .5 special education position to full time.
6. School Committee Business
A. Discussion/First Reading-Revision to Mandatory Reporting Policy
MSV (6) move to discuss the Revision to Mandatory Reporting Policy.
Motion made by: Emily Cummiskey
Motion seconded by: Jacy Northup
Vote:
Stephanie Canter – Yes
Sarah Markey – Out of the room at the time of the vote
Kate Macinanti – Yes
Jacy Northup – Yes
Emily Cummiskey – Yes
Alycia Collins – Yes
Ms. Cummiskey had a question regarding the work “immediate” in step one.
B. Discussion/First Reading-Threat Assessment Team Policy
MSV (7) move to discuss the Threat Assessment Team Policy
Motion made by: Emily Cummiskey
Motion seconded by: Kate Macinanti
Vote:
Stephanie Canter – Yes
Sarah Markey – Yes
Kate Macinanti – Yes
Jacy Northup – Out of the room at the time of the vote
Emily Cummiskey – Yes
Alycia Collins – Yes
C. Discussion/First Reading-Personnel Hiring Policy
MSV (8) move to discuss the Personnel Hiring Policy
Motion made by: Emily Cummiskey
Motion seconded by: Jacy Northup
Vote: Unanimously Approved
D. Discussion/Sub-committee Reports
Building Sub-committee – Jacy Northup provided an update on the work of the Building sub-committee, advising that things are going well. She noted that they are not looking to move any grades until they are through with the Stage II process. Discussion followed.
Marketing Sub-committee – Stephanie Canter provided an update on the work of the Marketing sub-committee, advising that they met with a team of administrators to discuss how we can move forward with branding/communicating celebrations in the district.
Wellness Sub-committee – Emily Cummiskey advised that she and Ms. Macinanti discussed planning community efforts. They want to get back to what the charge is for the sub-committee and focus on policy and how to implement that.
Transportation Sub-committee – Kate Macinanti provided an update on the work of the Transportation sub-committee, advising that they have completed a few pilot groupings stops; and they want to make sure everyone is safe, and will review the data. Discussion followed.
Sustainability Sub-committee – Sarah Markey provided an update on the work of the Sustainability sub-committee, advising that it is a work in process. She noted that a URI intern will be looking at food sorting and waste; RI Resource Recovery will come to the school assemblies; and the sub-committee’s next meeting is November 5th (students are welcome).
E. Discussion/Action-Creation of additional subcommittees-budget & policy
MSV (9) move to discuss the Creation of additional subcommittees.
Motion made by: Jacy Northup
Motion seconded by: Sarah Markey
Vote: Unanimously Approved
Ms. Canter advised that she spoke with Attorney Henneous about additional sub-committees, like other districts, for budget and policy to efficiently and effectively address the budget.
MSV (10) move to approve the creation of additional subcommittees for budget and policy.
Motion made by: Emily Cummiskey
Motion seconded by: Jacy Northup
Vote: Unanimously Approved
F. Discussion-Introduction of Assistant Principal
MSV (11) move to introduce the Assistant Principal.
Motion made by: Jacy Northup
Motion seconded by: Sarah Markey
Vote: Unanimously Approved
Dr. McGair shared about the large interview committee and then introduced Jonathan Rapport as the
new Assistant Principal at South Kingstown High School.
Mr. Rapport expressed appreciation for the appointment.
G. Discussion/Action regarding DLI agreements
Committee members discussed the agreements 1-3 and then have the DLI Coordinator work on #4.
MSV (12) move to adopt the agreements 1-3 and to have agreement #4 be addressed by re-convening the DLI committee, which will be led by the DLI Coordinator; adopt the recommendations by Dr. Hicks.
Motion made by: Sarah Markey
Motion seconded by: Jacy Northup
Vote: Unanimously Approved
H. Discussion/Action regarding renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day
MSV (13) move to combine items H and I.
Motion made by: Jacy Northup
Motion seconded by: Kate Macinanti
Vote: Unanimously Approved
I. Discussion/Action-Resolution on Indigenous Peoples' Day
MSV (14) move to adopt the Resolution on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Motion made by: Sarah Markey
Motion seconded by: Jacy Northup
Vote: Unanimously Approved
Committee members shared their thoughts on renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
J. Discussion/Action-Contract Extension with RGB
MSV (15) move to approve the contract extension with RGB.
Motion made by: Sarah Markey
Motion seconded by: Jacy Northup
Vote: Unanimously Approved
K. Discussion/Action-Contract Extension with OPM Peregrine
MSV (16) move to approve the contract extension with OPM Peregrine.
Motion made by: Sarah Markey
Motion seconded by: Jacy Northup
Vote: Unanimously Approved
L. Discussion/Action-Vote on NEASK PLC MOA and Transfer Language MOA
MSV (17) move to approve the MOA pertaining to NEASK PLC as well as MOA of Transfer Language between NEASK and SKSD.
Motion made by: Jacy Northup
Motion seconded by: Alycia Collins
Vote:
Stephanie Canter – Yes
Sarah Markey – Recused
Kate Macinanti – Yes
Jacy Northup – Yes
Emily Cummiskey – Yes
Alycia Collins – Yes
M. Discussion/Action - Potential certified staffing/unfilled position changes
MSV (18) move to approve the certified staffing/unfilled position changes.
Motion made by: Jacy Northup
Motion seconded by: Sarah Markey
Vote: Unanimously Approved
7. Adjournment
A. Adjourn meeting
MSV (19) move to adjourn at 9:26 PM.
Motion made by: Sarah Markey
Motion seconded by: Jacy Northup
Vote: Unanimously Approved
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Savastano