Middletown Public Schools

Middletown, Rhode Island

 

Thursday, November 18, 2004

 

5:30 p.m.

Workshop – New Superintendent’s Evaluation

 

            The Superintendent’s Evaluation Workshop was called to order at 5:37 p.m.

 

Members Present:                   Liana F. Fenton, Chairman

                                                Michael F. Crowley, Jr., Vice-Chairman

                                                William R. Coogan

                                                Claire M. Pimentel

                                                Theresa M. Spengler

 

Also Present:                           Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools

                                                Joseph R. Krupowicz, Assistant Superintendent

 

            School Committee Members reviewed many different evaluation plans, but favored the format of the Oregon evaluation, with a 1-5 rating scale.  As part of the Superintendent’s evaluation, evidence of accomplishments would have to be shown by way of a portfolio.  The seven School Committee Goals would be used as strategies.  The evaluation would have to meet the needs of the educational community.

            School Committee members will use the Strategic Plan, School Committee Goals, standards and indicators to develop the evaluation.  It was suggested to take pieces of different plans and put them together into one and create a draft evaluation.

Mr. Crowley asked if there are any Superintendents in the State using performance based evaluation.

 

MOTION:  1) Michael Crowley, 2) William Coogan.  To adjourn from the Special School Committee Workshop at 6:40 p.m.  Unanimous vote.

 

REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

 

            The regular School Committee Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.

 

Members Present:                   Liana F. Fenton, Chairman

                                                Michael F. Crowley, Jr., Vice-Chairman

                                                William R. Coogan

                                                Claire M. Pimentel

                                                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

(Minutes of November 18, 2004 School Committee Meeting, Page Two)

 

            The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Administrative staff members present were Vincent Giuliano, Steven Ruscito, Gail Abromitis and Stephen Ponte.

 

SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING

 

“East Bay Smiles”

 

“East Bay Smiles” is a collaborative program between the Newport and Middletown School Departments and New Visions for Newport County.  With permission of parents, students would receive dental screenings at school.  Dentist appointments would also be scheduled at the school.  Forest Avenue School and J.F. Kennedy School have been targeted as schools that would receive these services.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS

 

·        Outstanding R.I. Biology Teacher – Mr. Brian Buck introduced Mrs. Lisa Ferreira as recipient of the Outstanding R.I. Biology Teacher.  Mrs. Ferreira is a Middletown High School graduate who now teaches Biology and AP Biology at Middletown High School.

 

·        American Education Week – “Celebrating the American Dream” is the theme this year.  Proclamations were presented to the Principal of each school.

 

The School Committee honored Mrs. Claire Pimentel for her dedication and eight years of service to the children of Middletown.  Mrs. Kraeger said that Mrs. Pimentel has always set her standards high.  Mrs. Pimentel thanked all she served with a said she has great respect for all.

 

·        Student Awards/Recognition

o       2005 Merit Scholarship Competition

o       Girls Division III RI State Soccer Championship

o       Boys Division II RI State Soccer Championship and Division III Championship

 

A brief recess was taken.  The meeting reconvened at 7:51 p.m.

 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

 

There are no student activities for November 18, 2004.  Mrs. Kraeger said that she met with the high school Student Council today and they will be having a member come to the next School Committee Meeting.  The students talked about joining the State Student Council.

 

 

 

 

(Minutes of November 18, 2004 School Committee Meeting, Page Three)

 

INFORMATION

 

·        A list of upcoming School Committee workshops and their purpose.

·        Summary of Newport Career Technical Center – 21 students are currently attending.

·        Leadership training about the role of the School Committee Chair.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

Letter from Colleen Santos, representing Middletown School Lunch Workers and Local 217, requesting to speak before the School Committee to notify them of their intent to unionize.

 

MOTION:  1) Claire Pimentel, 2) Theresa Spengler.  That the School Committee receive the communication.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mrs. Colleen Santos and a group of food service workers spoke about their desire to unionize and issues that have arose since Chartwells has taken over the food service program.

 

MOTION:  1) Claire Pimentel, 2) Michael Crowley.  That the school committee contact Chartwells and extend to them that the School Committee is in full support of the Middletown School Lunch Workers Local 217 for entrance and recognition into the union.  Unanimous vote.

 

The Superintendent will send a letter to Chartwells notifying them that the School Committee supports the Middletown School Lunch Workers entrance into the union.

 

Letter from Claire M. Pimentel, seeking appointment to the Facilities Advisory Committee as a citizen of the town of Middletown.

 

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Michael Crowley.  That the School Committee receive the communication.  Unanimous vote.

 

Letter from Jeremiah O’Connor, Assistant Executive Director/NEARI, notifying the School Committee that the Middletown Educational Support Personnel/NEARI/NEA wish to meet and confer for the purpose of negotiating a successor agreement to the current contract, which expires on August 31, 2005.

 

MOTION:  1) Michael Crowley, 2) William Coogan .  That the School Committee receive the communication to meet and confirm for the purpose of negotiating a successor agreement to the current contract, which expires on August 31, 2005.

 

 

 

 

(Minutes of November 18, 2004 School Committee Meeting, Page Four)

 

Letter from John McDevitt, Athletic Director, requesting funds to offset the cost of purchasing Championship Jackets for the soccer teams.

 

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Claire Pimentel.  That the School Committee receive the communication requesting funds to offset the cost of purchasing Championship Jackets for the soccer teams, and move it to an action item.  Unanimous vote.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS

 

·        CURRICULUM – Mr. Krupowicz reported that he continues to receive requests from the high school for NEASC data.  The deadline for high school draft written report is February.  Gloria Howard is meeting with each department to facilitate curriculum mapping.  Notice was received today that the State is on the fast track for writing a State curriculum in ELA and math.  They want a draft for K-12 by September 2005.

 

·        FINANCIAL – The budget process will begin after the new School Committee is sworn in.  The budget workshop dates will be established first.  The School Committee and Superintendent will talk with the Town Council to see what percentage of increase for the budget they are considering.  There are many challenges to consider, such as retirement costs rising approximately $400,000, Workman’s Compensation going up drastically and the military count being down, which means less Impact Aid funds.

 

·        FACILITIES – The department continues to have personnel out for extended periods of time (6-8 weeks).  There is discussion about decreasing overtime.  Reorganization within the department will help.

 

·        FACILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Mr. Quinn spoke about the draft report the Facilities Advisory Committee compiled.  Individual committee members volunteered to write an overview of particular schools.  All members of the committee will be in total agreement with the document.  The next meeting will be on Monday; November 29th at 5:30 p.m.

 

MOTION:  1) Claire Pimentel, 2) William Coogan.  That the School Committee receive the Superintendent’s Reports.  Unanimous vote.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

 

 

 

(Minutes of November 18, 2004 School Committee Meeting, Page Five)

 

·        Approval of Minutes of October 21, 2004 School Committee Meeting

·        Approval of Minutes of October 21, 2004 Executive Session

·        Approval of Financial Report, dated October 31, 2004, in the amount of $6,595,165.52

·        Approval of Special Grants Register, dated October 19, 2004, in the amount of $118,804.69

·        Approval of Special Grants Register, dated November 2, 2004, in the amount of $79,176.83

·        Approval of Invoice Register, dated October 27, 2004, in the amount of $457,717.81

·        Approval of Invoice Register, dated November 4, 2004, in the amount of $531,750.06

·        Approval of Invoice Register, dated November 8, 2004, in the amount of $3,771.79

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION ON PERSONNEL

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

Kristin M. Pachico                               COZ Coordinator

David P. Leys, Jr.                                .8 Business Teacher, Middletown High School

 

JOB SHARE

 

Cynthia Kendall                                  Forest Avenue Kindergarten (One Year Only)

 

ADVISOR RESIGNATION

 

Jacqueline Gorman                             Gaudet Dramatics Club Co-Advisor

 

MATERNITY LEAVE - ARTICLE XIV, C, OPTION #1 (NEA/Middletown)

 

Keri Brandariz                                     From December 17, 2004 to February 28, 2005

 

FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

 

Beth Spooner-Willis                            Guidance Counselor, Forest Avenue School

                                                            From November 15, 2004 to January 10, 2005

 

EXTENSION OF FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

 

Mark Sullivan                                      Elementary Physical Education Teacher

                                                            From November 15, 2004 through November 19, 2004.

 

2004-2005 WINTER COACHING APPOINTMENTS

 

Michael P. Clancey                             Boys’ Varsity Basketball

David G. MacGregor                          Boys’ Assistant Varsity Basketball

Michael A. Yates                                 Boys’ Freshman Basketball

Charles E. Russ, Jr.                             Boys’ 6/7/8 Grade Basketball

Robin Ramey                                      Girls’ Varsity Basketball

(Minutes of November 18, 2004 School Committee Meeting, Page Six)

 

Christine M. Elliott                             Girls’ Assistant Varsity Basketball

Christine M. Benoit                             Girls’ Freshman Basketball

Heidi Gauch                                        Girls’ 6/7/8 Grade Basketball

Russell Forgue                                    Varsity Wrestling

Richard Francis, Jr.                              Assistant Varsity Wrestling

Dustin Almeida                                  6/7/8 Grade Wrestling

Lisa Ferreira                                        Varsity Swim

Stephen Saunders                               Varsity Hockey

Eric P. Godin                                       Assistant Varsity Hockey

Kelly McCarthy                                   Cheerleading

Kimberly Tibor                                   Cheerleading

Reyanna Joy Klein                               Head Varsity Gymnastics

Raleigh A. Brennan                             6/7/8th Grade Boys’ Basketball

 

MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ACTIVITIES  2004 - 2005

 

Senior Class Advisors                         Wendy Broome

                                                            Stephen Fagan 

Junior Class Advisors                         Kristin Simpson

                                                            Anita DeLima

Sophmore Class Advisors                  MaryBeth Murphy

                                                            Deanna Smith

Freshman Class Advisors                   Kendra Lanzire

                                                            Michele Oliveira

Math League Advisor                         Stephen Fagan

Debate Team Advisorship                  Keith Holebusko

Fall Dramatics Directorship                James Ascoli

Spring Dramatics Directorship           James Ascoli

Student Council Advisorship             Brian Buck

Tempo Directorship                            Gretchen Lendrum

Tempo Art Advisorship                     Susanne Suprock

Band Directorship                               Frances Brown

Choral Directorship                            Claudia Vars

Model Legislature                               David Picard

Academic Decathon Advisors            James Ascoli

                                                            Kevin Zahm

National Honor Society                      Samantha Hines

Natural Helpers                                  Timothy Sunn

Mock Trial Advisor                             Michaela Kennedy

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

·        NEASC UPDATE – Mr. Ruscito updated the committee on NEASC.  They are fully on schedule.  There is currently no information on who the visiting team will be.

 

(Minutes of November 18, 2004 School Committee Meeting, Page Seven)

 

·        Y.E.S. PROGRAM (Youth Engaged in Service) – An additional staff member could be required to oversee this program.  The position would consist of coordinating students community service projects, tracking and logging the hours and making assessments regarding evaluation of projects.  Every student will be involved in 40 hours of community service.  This program is for present freshman and sophomores.  The program requirements are divided up over the four years of high school.

 

MOTION: 1) William Coogan, 2) Michael Crowley.  To extend meeting past 9:00p.m.  Unanimous vote.

 

·        SCHOOL PROPERTIES – Mr. Antone Viveiros had requested to speak regarding the use of the drive-in site for dumping of asphalt material on the site.  Mr. Viveiros spoke to Mr. O’Loughlin earlier in the day and was informed that the issue would be resolved.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

·        CELEBRATE SUCCESS NIGHT – Mrs. Kraeger would like to work with the teachers union to plan a community night to celebrate the success of the State testing scores.

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

ELEVATOR AND LIFT RFP

MOTION:  1) Claire Pimentel, 2) Michael Crowley.  That Hontz Elevator Co. of Pawtucket be awarded a two-year contract to do regular inspections, preventive maintenance and repairs on all elevators and lifts District Wide.  Unanimous vote.

 

HOME SCHOOLING

MOTION:  1) Claire Pimentel, 2) William Coogan.  That the School Committee approve home schooling #04-05-11, #04-05-12, #04-05-13, #04-05-14, #04-05-15, and #04-05-16.  Unanimous vote.

 

There is no requirement for students who are home schooled to participate in the State Testing Assessments.

 

IN$ITE REPORT

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) William Coogan.  That the School Committee approve the In$ite Report.  Unanimous vote.

 

RFP COST ANALYSIS/CONSULTANT

MOTION:  1) William Coogan, 2) Michael Crowley.  That the School Committee prepare an RFP for Cost Analysis/Consultant.  Unanimous vote.

 

 

(Minutes of November 18, 2004 School Committee Meeting, Page Eight)

 

SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP JACKETS

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Claire Pimentel.  That the School Committee allocate $500 to the Boosters Club for boys’ and girl’s championship soccer jackets.  Unanimous vote.

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

 

Mrs. Pimentel attended the Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting on Monday, November 15th. The committee is moving towards a consensus on the draft report.  Mrs. Fenton and Mr. Crowley attended a Collective Bargaining Seminar on October 23rd sponsored by the Rhode Island Association of School Committees.  Mrs. Fenton and Mr. Crowley attended a legislative breakfast at the Pell center.  On November 16th, Mrs. Fenton attended a School To Career State Board Committee Meeting.

 

ADJOURN FROM MEETING

 

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) William Coogan.  To adjourn from the School Committee Meeting. at 9:20 p.m. Unanimous vote.

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                        Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Clerk