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 - NEASK

B. Collective Bargaining (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2)) - Negotiations – SKESP

            Ms. Canter called the September 10, 2019 School Committee meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

MSV (1) move to enter executive session for the purpose of Collective Bargaining at 6:00 PM.

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 September 10, 2019 School Committee meeting back to order at 7:00 PM.

7.         School Committee Business

A.     High School Principal Appointment

Ms. Savastano expressed thanks to the screening committee for the High School Principal.  She advised that the committee had forwarded three finalists, from which she recommended the confirmation of Chip McGair as South Kingstown High School Principal.  She further explained the reasoning behind recommending Dr. McGair to this position.

MSV (7) move to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation and accept the appointment of Chip McGair as South Kingstown High School Principal.

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey 

Motion seconded by:  Alycia Collins

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

B.     Revision to Policy 7120 - Second Reading/Adoption

Ms. Canter advised the revision of Field Trip Policy #7120 was presented for a second reading and adoption.

MSV (8) move to approve the revision of Policy #7120.

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey 

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

C.     Expenditure over $10,000 - Gaggle - Sole Source

Ms. Canter advised that there were questions about whether it was necessary to have a third party screen our emails.  Doug Snow, Technology Director, was present to talk about student safety and privacy. 

Mr. Snow advised that the district has used Gaggle for the past three years and Gaggle’s effectiveness to notifying promptly of four major incidents last year.  Gaggle monitors specific words and is always up-to-date.  Gaggle has been very successful; it is expensive but a timesaver for student safety.  Discussion followed regarding pricing and archiving emails.

MSV (9) move to approve the expenditure over $10,000 – Gaggle – sole source.

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Jacy Northup

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

D.     Budget Actions

Ms. Collins asked for feedback of the impact on students with the cutting of the MTTS Coordinator and if there was any room in the budget to restore the position. 

Breta Combs stated that the work is valuable, as students need interventions.  The MTTS Coordinator is the person to lead some of the work with teachers, interventions, and PPS staff.  Ms. Combs noted that the person was a problem solver and it is a big loss losing the MTTS position.

E.     Approval of Capital Plan

Ms. Crawford shared information regarding the six-year Capital Plan and the Pay-As-You-Go Plan via a PowerPoint presentation.  Discussion followed regarding the Stage II application.  Ms. Macinanti expressed concern about the Stage II application and enrollment.

MSV (10) move to approve the Capital Plan.

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey 

Motion seconded by:  Emily Cummiskey

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey – Yes

Kate Macinanti – No

Jacy Northup – Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Alycia Collins – Yes

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

F.      Ratification of SKESP/SC Collective Bargaining Agreement

Ms. Crawford advised that the fiscal impact statement is available to the public.

MSV (11) move to approve the ratification of SKESP/SC Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Motion made by:  Jacy Northup

Motion seconded by:  Michelle Brousseau

Vote: 

Stephanie Canter – Yes

Sarah Markey - Recused

Kate Macinanti – Yes

Jacy Northup – Yes

Emily Cummiskey – Yes

Alycia Collins – Yes

Michelle Brousseau - Yes

·       Expenditure over $10,000 - American Reading Company - Sole Source – Moved from the Consent Agenda (Item E)

·       Expenditure over $10,000 - Hexagramm Books - Sole Source – Moved from the Consent Agenda (Item F)

       Ms. Canter advised that items E and F were pulled from the Consent agenda to address questions

       from the community to understand the incremental expenses as the DLI cohorts move through the 

       grades, as it was presented as cost neutral.  Ms. Savastano advised that she did not have the history,

       but believed that it would be a reallocation of curriculum resources.  Discussion followed regarding

       providing resources equitably for all students.  

MSV (12) move to approve the expenditure over $10,000 – American Reading Company – Sole Source.

Motion made by:  Kate Macinanti

Motion seconded by:  Sarah Markey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

MSV (13) move to approve the expenditure over $10,000 – Hexagramm Books – Sole Source.

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Emily Cummiskey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

·       Field Trip Approval - SKHS Choir Retreat – Moved from the Consent Agenda (Item M)

       Ms. Savastano asked that the SKHS Choir Retreat Field Trip be approved contingent on funding in

       accordance with the revised field trip policy.

MSV (14) move to approve the SKHS choir retreat field trip contingent upon funding procured with the policy (#7120) that was recently passed.

Motion made by:  Sarah Markey

Motion seconded by:  Emily Cummiskey

Vote:  Unanimously Approved

8.         Comments from Committee Members

A.     Comments from Committee Members

Kate Macinanti asked for discussions, not only about exit interviews with families that may be disenrolling, but also the status of exit interviews with administrative staff and in what format the information would be brought back.  Ms. Macinanti also asked about the status of funding for intramural sports. 

Dr. Hicks responded that they were waiting for feedback from counsel on how to present the feedback so as not to violate personnel matters.

Ms. Savastano advised that she is working with the Athletic Director and will have more information next week regarding intramural sports.

Emily Cummiskey expressed appreciation for all the new administrators and staff that got the new school year off to a great start. 

Stephanie Canter responded to an earlier comment regarding the facilities plan.  She advised that she spoke to the Superintendent about putting a place holder on the agenda regarding the plan.  Ms. Canter also thanked everyone for a great kick off to the school year.