Middletown Public Schools

Middletown, Rhode Island

 

Thursday, January 18, 2007

 

MICHAEL S. PINTO CONFERENCE ROOM

 

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

 

Members Present:                   Michael F. Crowley, Jr., Chairman

                                                Liana F. Fenton, Vice-Chair

                                                William Coogan

                                                Edward K. Draper

                                                Theresa M. Spengler

 

Also Present:                          Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools

                                                Joseph P. Maruszczak, Assistant Superintendent

                                                Catherine M. McLeish, Business Manager

                                                Edward Collins, Facilities Director

 

            The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Chairman Michael Crowley.  Administrative staff members present were Stephen Ponte, Gail Abromitis and Michelle Fonseca.

 

SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING

 

No “Spotlight on Teaching and Learning” for January 18, 2007.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS

 

·         Student Awards – The School Committee honored the Division IV State Championship football team.  Steve Ponte introduced each player, who was presented with a patch or medal from the School Committee.  Coach Andy Leys was named Coach of the Year for the second time. 

 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

 

No “Student Activities” for January 18, 2007.

 

INFORMATION

 

Mrs. Kraeger noted items of information from the School Committee package:

 

·         Article 31 dollars have been approved.

·         A joint information session hosted by EBEC with area legislators will be held on February 2nd.

 

(Minutes of January 18, 2007 School Committee Meeting, Page Two)

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

No Correspondence for January 18, 2007.

CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

·         Approval of Minutes of December 19, 2006 School Committee Meeting

·         Approval of Minutes of December 19, 2006 Executive Session

·         Approval of Financial Report, dated December 31, 2006, in the amount of $11,645,746.83

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated December 14, 2006, in the amount of $1,946.91

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated December 18, 2006, in the amount of $740.99

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated December 22, 2006, in the amount of $42,814.68

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated December 28, 2006, in the amount of $16,320.63

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION ON PERSONNEL

 

APPOINTMENT

 

Stephen Tetzloff                                             Custodian II, Floater

 

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

 

Keith A. Holubesko                                       History, Middletown High School

                                                                        Change in start date to February 26, 2007

Diane Lukowicz                                             Kindergarten, Aquidneck School

                                                                        Return date changed from December 2006                                                                         to January 2007

 

FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

 

Patricia King                                                  Guidance Counselor, Aquidneck School

                                                                        From January 18, 2007 to March 1, 2007

 

 

 

 

(Minutes of January 18, 2007 School Committee Meeting, Page Three)

 

 

TRANSFER

 

David Beebe                                                   Facilities Management Department

                                                                        From Gaudet School Night Custodian II to                                                                                     Forest Avenue School Night Custodian II

Michael Dinagen                                            Facilities Management Department

                                                                        From Forest Avenue School Night Custodian II to                                                                         Gaudet School Night Custodian II

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

HIGH SCHOOL POLICY – 1ST READING

MOTION:  1) William Coogan, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee approve the High School Policy – 1st Reading.  Unanimous vote.

 

            Mr. Maruszczak reported that this was an area where the high school was lacking as noted by the peer review.  For a community to have a diploma certified by 2008, there needs to be School Committee policy.  The policy will detail what the requirements are as to the number of Carnegie units and community service requirements.  The policy will clearly outline how transfer students will meet Graduation by Proficiency requirements.  The appeal process is also outlined.  If a student is denied a diploma, a detailed policy needs to be in place.  Mr. Coogan asked if the policy addresses the number of hours each year a student must perform community service.  Mr. Maruszczak will meet with Michaela Kennedy, School-Based Coordinator, next week to review the community service requirements for each grade.  Mr. Draper asked if the electronic portfolio is compatible with other districts.  Mr. Maruszczak said it is portable in 22 other district in the state.

 

TITLE I PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY – 2ND READING

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee approve the Title I Parent Involvement Policy - 2nd Reading.  Unanimous vote.

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) Theresa Spengler.  That the School Committee approve the Capital Improvement Program.  Unanimous vote.

 

            Mrs. Kraeger provided backup on each project.  Mrs. McLeish said a new program, “Planet”, collates all aspect of the Capital Improvement Program in a way that is easier to understand.

 

APPOINTMENT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE CLERK

MOTION:  1) William Coogan, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee appoint Rosemarie K. Kraeger as Clerk to the School Committee.  Unanimous vote.

 

 

(Minutes of January 18, 2007 School Committee Meeting, Page Four)

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

No Old Business for January 18, 2007.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

·         BUDGET WORKSHOP DATES/GOALS – The following tentative budget dates have been provided until they are approved by the School Committee:

 

Thursday, February 1, 2007              5:00 p.m.         Budget Workshop

 

Thursday, February 15, 2007                        5:00 p.m.         Budget Workshop

                                                            7:00 p.m.         Regular School Committee Meeting

 

Thursday, March 15, 2007                5:00 p.m.         Budget Workshop

                                                            7:00 p.m.         Regular School Committee Meeting

 

Thursday, March 22, 2007                5:00 p.m.         Approval of Budget

 

·         ATHLETIC POLICY REGARDING SPORTS TEAMS – Mr. Draper has researched and found many policies on coaching and volunteer coaching.  A subcommittee will be developed to explore the problematic issues with coaching assignments.  If there are volunteer coaches, a policy needs to be developed on selection, supervision and other issues that might arise.  Feedback from parents and students will be utilized.  There was a question as to whether the volunteer policy should be for all school clubs or just for sports.  It was suggested that the policy have subcategories for sports and clubs.  The ratio of athletes to adults needs to be reviewed for safety reasons.  There will be a first reading of this policy at the February 15th School Committee Meeting.  Mr. Draper said that according to State statute, “Duties of Coach – Preseason Lecture”, the head coach is required to give a lecture about alcohol/ substance abuse.  A waiver or sign-in sheet should be used to verify that all athletes have attended the lecture.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS

 

·         CURRICULUM – Mr. Maruszczak reported that the High School Math Department will work to prepare the 11th grade students for the March State Assessment.  175 copies of math and ELA State Assessments practice tests have been ordered.  They will be administered as an instructional tool.  “Plato”, an on-line math support, will be used to do intensive work targeting students with IEP’s.  Mr. Maruszczak is investigating a math ramp-up program for Fall implementation.

 

 

(Minutes of January 18, 2007 School Committee Meeting, Page Five)

 

 

·         FINANCIAL – Mrs. Kraeger thanked Mr. Collins and his custodial staff, as well as the school nurses, for their assistance in preparing the schools for the possibility of flu outbreak.  The custodial staff installed hand sanitizer dispensers in every classroom on Sunday afternoon.

 

As of December 31st, 34.65% of the budget has been expended.  The School Committee and Town Council were briefed last night regarding the new impact of the 5.25% tax levy.  Lower revenues are expected due to decreased Impact Aid funding.  Impact Aid is the biggest loss of revenue with an expected $1.3 shortfall.  The military count is significantly down with the Anchorage Housing being privatized.  Mrs. Kraeger thanked Mrs. McLeish and Mr. Brown for their work on the school and municipal budget.

 

·         FACILITIES – The Core Facilities Committee met on January 29th and is working on a vision statement.

 

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

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

 

Mrs. Fenton – Attended a Career Tech Meeting on January 12th, where they discussed the NEASC Report and concerns about the facility and the future of the Career Center.

 

On January 24th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m., Mrs. Fenton will attend a Career Tech Forum.

 

Mrs. Fenton has been a Capstone judge at Middletown High School.

 

Mr. Draper attended a Safety Advisory Committee Meeting.  The committee reviewed  data on alcohol and drug use in the town, presented by Mr. Maruszczak.  The committee will work with the Middletown Substance Abuse Task Force to combine efforts.  A MSATF Coordinator will be hired shortly. 

ADJOURN FROM MEETING

 

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) William Coogan.  To adjourn from School Committee Meeting 8:06.  Unanimous vote.

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

 

                                                                        Rosemarie K. Kraeger

                                                                        Clerk