Middletown Public Schools

Middletown, Rhode Island

 

Thursday, March 17, 2005

 

MICHAEL S. PINTO CONFERENCE ROOM

 

5:30 p.m. - Budget Workshop

 

            The Budget Workshop was called to order at 5:40 p.m. by Chairman Michael Crowley.

 

Members Present:                               William R. Coogan

                                                            Michael F. Crowley, Jr.

                                                            Edward K. Draper

                                                            Liana F. Fenton

                                                            Theresa M. Spengler

 

Also Present:                                       Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools

                                                            Joseph R. Krupowicz, Assistant Superintendent

                                                            Catherine M. McLeish, Business Manager

                                                            Beth Perrin, Director of Facilities Management

 

            The budget needs to be transmitted tomorrow to come within the mandatory 100 day deadline, per Town Charter.  The objectives for this Budget Workshop are:

 

  • To review budget reductions for 2005-2006
  • To discuss overall impacts on the budget
  • To discuss concerns/challenges with the propose budget

 

            In January, the proposed 05-06 school budget was at an overall 6.12% increase, which is $1.8 million over last year.  The budget now has been trimmed to 4.1% increase over last year.  The pension increase is 36.26% or $418,870, which is 1.36% of the budget increases.  This “surcharge” is mandatory.  Mrs. Kraeger and Mrs. McLeish have met with the budget subcommittee members Mrs. Spengler and Mr. Draper.  Mrs. Spengler said they met and tried to find a way to bring back the guidance counselor position that had been eliminated.  Mr. Draper said that without digging into programs, there was no other way to bring back the counselor at this time.

            There could potentially be 120 students living at the Anchorage Housing.  This could mean the need for six additional teachers.  If these students are not connected to the military, they are considered “B” students and the school department receives approximately $1,100 from the government for each student.  If they are connected to the military, they are considered “A” students and the school department would receive approximately $4,000 per student.  The Town Council needs to recognize the impact that the additional students would have on the budget.  The proposed budget does not support these additional students.

 

(Minutes of March 17, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Two)

 

            School Committee members suggested putting an addendum or appendix with the budget regarding the impact that GMH will have on the schools.  The impact will not be just on the number of teachers, but also where to house the students, especially in the elementary schools.  It needs to be emphasized that our elementary schools are at maximum capacity.  The letter will contain “what if” scenarios and will tie in historically with the impact the Anchorage has had when it did have students.

            The School Committee had requested that a budget guide be developed.  It is currently in its third draft form.

            The School Committee will adopt the budget tonight in the amount of $135,035,580 with a tax increase request of $1,411,055.

            Mrs. Kraeger thanked all for their work in developing the budget.  The new budget subcommittee was also useful.  After the budget is adopted, the School Committee should visit each school and talk to personnel and PTG groups and conduct open forums to assist in gaining support and understanding of the budget.

            Mr. Crowley also thanked all for their hard work in developing the budget.  He said that the committee now needs to lobby council members and parent groups to gain support.

            Mr. Coogan suggested having an open meeting with the public before going before the Town Council.

 

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) William Coogan.  To adjourn from the Budget Workshop at 6:32 p.m.  Unanimous vote.

 

7:00 p.m. – Regular School Committee Meeting

 

Members Present:                               William R. Coogan left at 8:55 p.m.

                                                            Michael F. Crowley, Jr.

                                                            Edward K. Draper

                                                            Liana F. Fenton

                                                            Theresa M. Spengler

 

Also Present:                                       Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools

                                                            Joseph R. Krupowicz, Assistant Superintendent

                                                            Catherine M. McLeish, Business Manager

                                                            Beth Perrin, Director of Facilities Management

 

            The Regular School Committee Meeting was held in the Michael S. Pinto Conference Room and called to order at 6:56 p.m. by Chairman Michael F. Crowley, Jr.  Administrative staff members present were Vincent Giuliano, Stephen Ponte, Steven Ruscito and Gail Abromitis.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  There was a moment of silence in memory of Middletown High School student David Niedzwiedz.

 

 

 

 

(Minutes of March 17, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Three)

 

 

SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING

 

·        DISCIPLINARY LITERACY – Tracey Whitehead, Grade Seven Social Studies Teacher, and Daniel Segar, Grade Seven Social Studies Teacher, presented a lesson format using Disciplinary Literacy strategies.  These teaching strategies support the nine Principles of Learning.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS

 

·        STUDENT AWARDS – Student awards were given in the following categories:

 

o       Prudential Insurance State Honoree Silver Medallion Award

o       Newport Daily News Student of the Week

o       Newport Daily News Athlete of the Week

o       Middletown District Spelling Bee Winner

 

·        MIDDLETOWN EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE – Mr. Coogan introduced Mr. Shawn Bennett and Mrs. Karen Roarke who spoke about the Middletown Education Collaborative.  The following awards were presented:

 

o       $570 to J.H. Gaudet Teacher Tracey Whitehead to be used to transport students to mock trials

o       $1,700 to J.H. Gaudet Teacher Kimberly D’Arpino to bring French horn students to a performance at Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium

o        $337.50 to J.H. Gaudet Teachers Keri Howell and Janice O’Donnell to purchase two digital microscopes for 7th grade looping class

o        $350 to Aquidneck School Teachers Jeannine Magliocco and Melissa Bolton to purchase a biome aquarium for their classrooms

o       $250 to ALP Teacher David Pritchard to replace waders used in a DEM program “Salmon in the Classroom”

o       $350 to Middletown High School Teacher Andy Leys to partially fund a trip to the John Adams Museum for honors students

 

            Mr. Crowley thanked the Collaborative for all their help.

 

MOTION:  1) William Coogan, 2) Theresa Spengler.  To move the Action Item portion of the meeting before Superintendent’s Reports.  Unanimous vote.

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

BUDGET ADOPTION

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) William Coogan.  That the School Committee adopt the 2005-2006 Budget in the amount of $35,035,580.  unanimous vote.

 

(Minutes of March 17, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Four)

 

 

            The amount of increase requested came in at 2.75%, but we are faced with a “surcharge” – the pension payment of 1.36%.  Without this surcharge the budget would have come in where the Town Council requested, under a 3% increase.  School Committee Members and administration have attended meetings and lobbied with other districts to find some relief from the State for the increase in pension.

 

POLICY 5126 – HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT RECOGNITION AWARDS/STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (2nd READING)

MOTION:  1) William Coogan, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee approve Policy 5126 – High School Student Recognition Awards/State Championships (2nd Reading).  Unanimous vote.

 

POLICY 5126.5 – FUNDS – PARTICIPATION IN RECOGNITION PROGRAMS (2nd READING)

MOTION:  1) Edward Draper, 2) Theresa Spengler.  That the School Committee approve Policy 5126.5 – Funds – Participation in Recognition Programs (2nd Reading).  Unanimous vote.

 

PENSION REFORM RESOLUTION

MOTION:  1) William Coogan, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee approve the Pension Reform Resolution.  Unanimous vote.

 

            This requests legislation to address this pension issue.  It will be forwarded to the Town council then the state legislation.

 

2005-2006 SCHOOL CALENDAR

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee approve the School Calendar for 2005-2006.  Unanimous vote.

 

HOME SCHOOLING

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) William Coogan.  That the School Committee approve Home Schooling 04-05-18.  Unanimous vote.

 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

 

·        No Student Activities

 

INFORMATION

 

·        Joint Meeting of NEA and AFT on the new High School Regulations as part of local contracts through collective bargaining.  Wednesday, March 30th at 3:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

(Minutes of March 17, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Five)

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

·        No Correspondence for March 17, 2005.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS

 

·        KAESTLE BOOS PRESENTATION – Mrs. Kraeger introduced Bonnie DeSousa from Kaestle Boos. The review included assessing existing conditions and making recommendations regarding codes issues and modernization to Middletown High School and Gaudet School.  Kaestle Boos completed a physical plant survey, building plan documentation, high school schedule analysis, administration interviews and educational space evaluation.  These schools are used extensively by the community, which limits the time for maintenance.  The summary of findings is that the schools are structurally sound, but old.

 

Gaudet Middle School, built in 1967, has had façade improvements, roof replacement, site drainage, fire alarm and ADA upgrades.  New boilers, air conditioning, new piping, unit vents, bathroom fixtures, painting, and new windows have been upgraded.  There is no handicap accessibility at the front entrance.  The upgrades made have been to the core facilities and necessary code upgrades.

 

Middletown High School, built in 1961, has new boilers, toilet fixture replacement, new data and electrical wiring, two new science labs, new window and window glazing.  The fire alarms have been upgraded and there have been renovations to the child development classroom and weight room, as well as fitness lab conversions.

 

The single entrance road should be widened and a medium should be installed.  There is a need for an auditorium/performance space and larger classrooms

 

The next steps are to develop a long-range facilities plan by, 1) reviewing the district plan, 2) developing a space needs program for all schools, 3) prioritizing needs, 4) considering funding cycles, and 5) looking at required improvements and packaging them in terms of cost effectiveness and priority.

 

The code issues are the most challenging.

 

Antone Viveiros, member of the Facilities Advisory Committee, suggested developing a 5-6 year plan.  With the possible addition of students from the Anchorage Housing, a 300 student school is not big enough.

 

 

 

 

(Minutes of March 17, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Six)

 

 

·        ATHLETIC COMMITTEE – John McDevitt, Athletic Director, said that by April 1st he needs to submit to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League a list of sports that will be offered in Middletown.  Below is a summary of changes to be made:

 

To be added:         2 Varsity Hockey Coaches

                                    1 Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach

                                    1 Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach

                                    1 Gaudet Baseball Coach

                                    1 Gaudet Softball Coach

                                    1 Gaudet Boys’/Girls’ Cross Country Coach

 

To be dropped:     2 Boys’/Girls’ Indoor Track Coaches (lack of participation)

                              2 Boys’ Varsity/J.V. Volleyball Coaches (lack of participation)

                              2 Boys’/Girls’ Freshman Basketball Coaches (7-12 program)

                              1 Freshman Baseball Coach

 

 

            No coaches were dropped or added, just reorganized.  This eliminates self-funded sports and unifies all athletic booster clubs.  It will allow for better Title 9 compliance and increase athletic opportunities for Gaudet students.  A policy will be developed to outline a process for club sports to become funded by the school department.

 

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) Theresa Spengler.  To extend the meeting past 9:00 p.m.  Unanimous vote.

 

·        CURRICULUM – NEASC Reports have been written and are being read.  High School schedules for next year are being developed.   Ten Mexican students will arrive tomorrow with two teachers.  An International Festival will be held on March 30th at Middletown High School.  On April 21st the FIRST Team will be going to the Georgia Dome to compete in Nationals.  The school district accountability report is complete and ready for community distribution.

 

·        FINANCIAL – The budget has been adopted.  School Committee Members will now go to all schools to give presentations to staff and PTG’s.  To date, 54% of the budget has been expended.  This compares favorably to previous years.  Mrs. Kraeger will attend the Impact Aid conference in Washington in April.  Impact Aid funds will decrease because of enrollment.  Mrs. Kraeger will inquire about a schedule for payments.

 

·        FACILITIES – The OSHA Report has been received and there are code violations.  One area of concern is the horticulture area in the courtyard of the high school.  The report states that the courtyard needs to be closed immediately due to problems with

 

(Minutes of March 17, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Seven)

 

 

the roof and because the two egresses empty into the same hallway.  There are also fire code violations.  Mrs. Kraeger has written a letter asking for an extension until the end of the school year.  Mason Hawes said he has been making a request for a number of years to have the roof replaced.  He has received quotes for up to $20,000 and is looking for support from the School Committee to go ahead and look for best possible solution for the site.

 

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee receive the Superintendent’s Reports.  Unanimous vote.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) Theresa Spengler.  To approve the Consent Agenda.  Unanimous vote.

 

·        Approval of Financial Report, dated February 28, 2005, in the amount of $16,785,162.95

·        Approval of Special Grants Register, dated February 22, 2005, in the amount of $24,513.87

·        Approval of Special Grants Register, dated March 8, 2005, in the amount of $21,513.64

·        Approval of Invoice Register, dated February 18, 2005, in the amount of $3,373.62

·        Approval of Invoice Register, dated February 24, 2005, in the amount of $453,670.25

·        Approval of Invoice Register, dated March 8, 2005, in the amount of $381,752.02

·        Approval of Invoice Register, dated March 10, 2005, in the amount of $324,745.00

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION ON PERSONNEL

 

RESIGNATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RETIREMENT

 

James Vance                                        Science Teacher, Middletown High School

 

DENIAL OF EXTENSION OF  LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR THE 2005-2006 SCHOOL YEAR

 

Hannah Goodman                              English Teacher, Middletown High School

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

 

Fran Blaess                                          Grade Two Teacher, Aquidneck School

                                                            From April 25, 2005 to the end of the school year to                                                             serve as Acting Aquidneck School Principal.

 

FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

 

Dustin C. Almeida                              Health & Physical Education Teacher, J.H. Gaudet School                                                                From May 16, 2005 to June 6, 2005.

 

 

(Minutes of March 17, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Eight)

 

 

2005 SPRING COACHING APPOINTMENTS

 

Eric P. Godin                                       Head Varsity Baseball

Michael A. Yates                                 Assistant Varsity Baseball

Bob Mitchell                                        J.V. Baseball

John Cawley                                        J.V. Baseball

Brian J. Dahlheimer                             J.V. Baseball

Paul F. Reynolds                                 Freshman Baseball

Patrick M. Aylward                            Boys’ Head Outdoor Track & Field

Thomas Burns                                     Boys’ Assistant Outdoor Track & Field

Keith A. Holubesko                            Boys’ Assistant Outdoor Track & Field

Stephen G. Fagan                                Head Varsity Softball

Elizabeth M. Gill                                 Assistant Varsity Softball

Jesse Alvanas                                      J.V. Softball

Stephen Croughan                              Girls’ Head Varsity Outdoor Track & Field

Hubert C. Hersey                               Girls’ Assistant Varsity Outdoor Track & Field

Kristen A. Seyster                               Girls’ Assistant Varsity Outdoor Track & Field

Robert Silva                                         Varsity Golf

Mary Railey                                        Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse

Lucien Forbes                                     Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse

Stephen C. Ponte                                6/7/8 Grade Baseball

Heidi Gauch                                        6/7/8 Grade Softball

 

2005 SPRING VOLUNTEER COACHING APPOINTMENTS

 

Jeffrey Brant                                        Freshman Baseball

Ronald F. Viveiros                              Freshman Baseball

Veronica L. Hobbs                              Girls’ Varsity Outdoor Track

Alison Peter                                        Girls’ Varsity Outdoor Track

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

·        MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OF STUDY – Mrs. Kathy Barrette, Career Education Department Chair, submitted a more detailed description of the Construction Career Pathway.

 

·        NEASC UPDATE – Staff are voting on reports of four committee.

 

·        EBEC FUNDING MEETING – The next meeting will take place on Saturday, April 2nd at EBEC.

 

·        CONTRACT REVIEW – Mark Colburn is completing a compensation review of the Teacher Assistants contract.  The teacher contract will be reviewed next.

 

(Minutes of March 17, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page nine)

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

·        HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT – Mrs. Gail DeSisto, Health & Physical Education Department Chair, introduced the staff.  Mr. Draper requested more health & safety curriculum/programs.  Mr. Crowley suggested setting up a task force to brainstorm ways to increase Health Education for 11th and 12 graders.

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

 

No Reports of Officers and Committees for March 17, 2005.

 

ADJOURN FROM MEETING

 

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) Theresa Spengler.  To adjourn from School Committee Meeting at 10:20 p.m.

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                        Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Clerk