Middletown Public Schools

Middletown, Rhode Island

 

Thursday, January 19, 2006

 

MICHAEL S. PINTO CONFERENCE ROOM

 

BUDGET WORKSHOP

 

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

                                                Liana F. Fenton, Vice-Chair

                                                Edward K. Draper

                                                Theresa M. Spengler

 

Member Absent:                     William Coogan

 

Also Present:                          Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools

                                                Joseph R. Krupowicz, Assistant Superintendent

                                                Catherine McLeish, Business Manager

                                                Edward Collins, Director of Facilities

 

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton.  The Budget Workshop was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Michael Crowley.  Unanimous vote.

 

            Four budget goals were proposed:

 

I.                    All budget decisions will be filtered through the district’s focus of “Reaching Higher Standards” for all, as well as the five main district goals.

            The five Budget Goals are:

1.            By 2007, all Middletown students will be assured of the opportunity to achieve high educational standards.

2.            By 2007, all staff will participate in collaboratively designed district and building level professional development and evaluation activities designed to support improved student learning as targeted by the SALT, NEASC, district and state assessment data.

3.            By 2007, all Middletown schools will manage and utilize all available resources to improve student achievement.

4.            By 2007, all Middletown schools will be safe, orderly, accessible, attractive, substance abuse free, creative learning environments that promote productivity and stimulate learning.

5.            By 2007, all Middletown schools will increase involvement by parents, students, family and community in decision-making and support for student learning.

II.                 Maintain a systemic approach to long-term building maintenance, facilities, custodial services and capital improvement items.

III.               Support instructional programming in the following areas:

a.      High School Regulations

b.      Professional Development

c.       Curriculum Development

d.      Alternative Education

e.       Technology Integration

f.        Special Education Services

g.      Instructional Practices

(Minutes of January 19, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Two)

 

 

IV.              Provide a budget guidebook describing the budget process, timelines, spending trends and other information that will enable better understanding behind the budget requests and decisions.  Enrollment projection explanation will be included this year.

 

            There are a number of challenges as we develop the 06-07 budget; enrollment decline, level funded State Aid and increases in certified and non-certified retirement.

 

            The Budget Workshops will be held on the following dates:

 

February 2, 2006                    5:30 p.m.         Aquidneck School

February 9, 2006                    5:30 p.m.         J.H. Gaudet School

February 16, 2006                  5:30 p.m.         Budget Workshop

                                                7:00 p.m.         Regular Meeting at Oliphant Administration

March 16, 2006                      5:30 p.m.         Budget Workshop

                                                7:00 p.m.         Regular Meeting at Oliphant Administration

March 23, 2006                      5:30 p.m.         Adopt Budget at Oliphant Administration

 

            Mrs. Kraeger met with the Building Principals today to update them on the budget.

            Mr. Crowley would like to combine all the elementary school presentations into one budget meeting and the middle and high school presentations into one meeting.

            Mrs. Spengler said that even though the budget would probably not support any new requests, principals should be able to voice their needs because they will have to be addressed in the future.

 

REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

 

            The Regular School Committee Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  All members present, with the exception of Mr. Coogan.  Administrative staff members present were Vincent Giuliano, Steven Ruscito, Gail Abromitis and Stephen Ponte.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING

 

There was no “Spotlight on Teaching and Learning” for January 19, 2006.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS

 

·         Student Awards were presented in the following categories:

§         Newport Daily News Student of the Week

§         Newport Daily News Athlete of the Week

 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

 

There were no Student Activities for January 19, 2006.

 

 

 

 

(Minutes of January 19, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Three)

 

 

INFORMATION

 

·         At the Parent Leadership Team meeting on January 9th, goals were developed.  One goal is to develop a link on the school website with common school terms, to assist parents in understanding terminology used.

 

·         Letter received from Dennis Litkey, Director of the MET School, informing the school department that a freshman class will begin on the island in September.  A group from EBEC will visit the MET School in Providence on January 25th.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

Letter from John McDevitt, Athletic Director, requesting that representatives from the Middletown Athletic Boosters address the School Committee regarding the possibility of offering Freshman Baseball and Basketball.

 

MOTION:  1) Edward Draper, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee receive the communication.  Unanimous vote.

 

            Mr. John McDevitt, Athletic Director, updated the committee on the consolidation of the sports program.  Freshman baseball and basketball were dropped last year because of a realignment of coaches.  Mr. McDevitt is requesting that freshman baseball be reinstated this spring, with the cost of coaches and transportation covered by funds remaining from a parent group.  There would be a minimal cost in the following years, but it would allow many students the opportunity to play.

            Freshman basketball could be reinstated next year for a minimal cost.  Mr. McDevitt said it would be possible to move a coach from one sport to cover basketball.  Volunteer assistant coaches are also a possibility.

            Mrs. Spengler asked if there are other teams to play against.  Mr. McDevitt said that Rogers, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Mt. Hope all have freshman teams.

 

Letter from Claudia Vars, Director of Fine Arts, requesting funds to help offset the cost of a Middletown High School student attending the American Choral Directors Association High School Honors Choir in New York City on February 15-18, 2006.

 

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) Edward Draper.  That the School Committee receive the communication and move to an Action Item.  Unanimous vote.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS

 

·         CURRICULUM – The new Program of Studies has a few subtle, positive changes.  Mr. Krupowicz thanked Mr. Ruscito and his staff for all the effort in developing the booklet.  On January 23rd, all administrators will participate in the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Learning workshop in Warren.  The Gaudet School Spelling Bee will be held that same day.  MET School visit will be on January 25th.  Workshops continue for KITES, HELMS, Science Notebooks, 7 Keys to Comprehension, and monthly meetings with All Saints Academy (Title I).  An LLT meeting will be held on February 9th.  The Homeless Grant for $100,000 will be filed on Monday or Tuesday.  There are 57 homeless students in Middletown.  This includes Katrina/Rita evacuees.

(Minutes of January 19, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Four)

 

 

·         FINANCIAL – The School Department was approached to file a $100,000 McKinley Homeless Grant.  There is also Federal emergency aid for displaced students.  There is approximately $6,000 for each displaced student and $7,500 for students with disabilities.  The budget process and workshops have begun.  To date, 39.14% of budget has been expended, which is in line with previous years.  Certified pensions will increase from 9.72 to 11.62% and non-certified pensions will increase from 2.42 to 9.54%.

 

·         RECREATION COLLABORATION – Mrs. Kraeger recently met with Recreation Director Tim Shaw and developed three goals:  1) To implement a “Schools Out” program for February and April vacations, 2) After-School Program at Gaudet School funded by the Town and, 3) A Summer School Recreation Program.  Fliers for a February school vacation “Winter Wonderland” program at Kennedy School have been given to students.

 

·         OTHER REPORTS – Steven Ruscito reported that the NEASC Report still needs to be approved at end of month.  It was delivered to staff this week.  A Press Release will go out next week.  In March, we will receive approval.  Mr. Ruscito read excerpts from the report.

 

·         FACILITIES – Mr. Collins reported that from July through November, the cost of overtime has decreased $18,000.  The entire cafeteria roof and a part of the foyer roof at Middletown High School were lost during a recent windstorm.  The cafeteria sub-roof is still in tact, but the foyer is covered with a tarp.  Interior painting at Aquidneck School will begin next week.  There is concern among staff about the product being used.  A letter of assurance that the paint is safe has been sent to all staff.  There was Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, January 18th.  An interview team of four committee members was put together to interview companies for the RFQ.

 

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

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

·         Approval of Minutes of November 17, School Committee Meeting

·         Approval of Minutes of November 17, 2005 Executive Session

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated November 15, 2005 in the amount of $508,546.77

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated November 18, 2005, in the amount of $179,924.45

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated December 6, 2005, in the amount of $441,718.38

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated December 9, 2005, in the amount of $221.35

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated December 16, 2005, in the amount of $209,963.76

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated December 19, 2005, in the amount of $1087.23

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated December 23 2005, in the amount of $287,525.76

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated January 3, 2006, in the amount of $880.97

 

(Minutes of January 19, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Five)

 

 

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated January 10, 2006, in the amount of $478,186.91

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated November 16, 2005, in the amount of $30,180.23

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated November 30, 2005, in the amount of $38,147.73

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated December 7, 2005, in the amount of $6,000.00

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated December 15, 2005, in the amount of $30,347.53

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated December 29, 2005, in the amount of $13,286.63

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated January 10, 2006, in the amount of $58,188.31

·         Approval of Financial Report, dated November 30, 2005, in the amount of $9,743,922.22

·         Approval of Financial Report, dated December 31, 2005, in the amount of $12,230,199.70

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION ON PERSONNEL

 

RESIGNATION

 

Steve Croughan                                             Girls Varsity Track & Field Coach

                                                                        Varsity Cross Country Coach

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

 

Tracey Whitehead                                          Social Studies Teacher, J.H. Gaudet School

                                                                        From December 11, 2005 until December 11, 2006

Mary Donaldson                                            Teacher Assistant, J.F. Kennedy School

                                                                        To the end of February 2006

 

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

 

Susan Cunningham                                       Science Teacher, Middletown High School

                                                                        From January 9, 2006 for 67 days

 

Ramona Bessinger                                          English Teacher, Middletown High School

                                                                        From January 20, 2006 until the end of the                                                                                     2005-2006 School Year

 

FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

 

Renee Kaminitz                                              Librarian, J.F. Kennedy School

                                                                        From January 17, 2006 to January 20, 2006

 

WINTER COACHING APPOINTMENTS

 

Michael Clancey                                            Boys’ Varsity Basketball

David MacGregor                                          Boys’ Assistant Varsity Basketball

Raleigh Brennan                                            Boys’ 6/7/8 Grade Basketball

Christine Martin                                            Girls’ Varsity Basketball

Justin Buffman                                               Girls’ Assistant Varsity Basketball

Heidi Gauch                                                   Girls’ 6/7/8 Grade Basketball

Russell Forgue                                                Varsity Wrestling

Richard Francis, Jr.                                        Assistant Varsity Wrestling

Andrew Bulk                                                  6/7/8 Grade Wrestling

Heather Markman                                         Varsity Swim

(Minutes of January 19, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Six)

 

 

Tara Donovan                                                            Assistant Varsity Swim

Elizabeth Scott                                               Varsity Gymnastics

Stephen Saunders                                          Varsity Hockey

Eric Godin                                                      Assistant Varsity Hockey

Kimberly Tibor                                               Cheerleading Advisor

Kelly McCarthy                                              Cheerleading Advisor

 

WINTER VOLUNTEER COACHING APPOINTMENTS

 

David Biestek                                                 6/7/8 Grade Wrestling

Dustin Almeida                                              6/7/8 Grade Wrestling

William Nash                                                 Varsity Hockey

 

The School Committee voted to extend the contract for Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Business Manager to 2009.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

·         STUDENT COUNCIL/CHARTWELLS – Mrs. Kraeger met with members of the Student Council, Mr. Brian Buck, Student Council Advisor, and representative from Chartwells to discuss items.  Chartwells then met with Mrs. McLeish and Mrs. Kraeger to develop a plan.  The Student Council will receive 10% of water sales.  Another vending machine will sell Healthy Choice ice cream and 10% of the profits will go to the Student Council.  Chartwells sells Cool Tropics drinks, of which 15% of the profits the Student Council will receive.  Mrs. Spengler expressed concern that the products sold do not contain chemicals, such as Aspartame.  The School Store will be the next topic of discussion.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

There was no New Business for January 19, 2006.

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

SNOW REMOVAL CONTRACT

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) Edward Draper.  That the School Committee award the Snow Removal Contract to Peckham Brothers Co., Inc.  Unanimous Vote.

 

PEST CONTROL BID

MOTION:  1) Edward Draper, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee award the Pest Control Bid to Terminex.  Unanimous vote.

 

LAIDLAW CONTRACT

MOTION:  1) Edward Draper, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee approve the amended Laidlaw contract for an additional two years.  Unanimous vote.

 

AUTHORIZE THE SUPERINTENDENT TO APPLY FOR HR6 – TITLE 8 – 874 IMPACT AID

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee authorize the Superintendent to apply for HR6 – title 8 – 874 Impact Aid.  Unanimous vote.

 

(Minutes of January 19, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Seven)

 

 

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING DATES

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

 

SCHOOL COMMITTEE POLICY (1st Reading)

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) Theresa Spengler.  That the School Committee approve the School Committee Policy, Part II “Administration” and Appendices I, II, III and Software Policy (1st Reading).  Unanimous vote.

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Edward Draper.  That the School Committee approve the recommended capital improvement projects and forward to the Town Council.  Unanimous vote.

 

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) Theresa Spengler.  To allocate $250.00 to offset the cost of a student competing in New York City in February.  1) Liana Fenton, 2) Theresa Spengler.  Unanimous vote.

 

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

 

Edward Draper – The Safety Advisory Committee has had two very productive meetings.  The committee is supported by the Town with police presence and various townspeople.  One focus area is the transition age from middle school to high school and how these students can best be reached.

 

Mr. Draper reported that the Technology Committee has met.  There is town/library/school collaboration.  There is a need to find common areas where these three groups can share talent and resources.

 

Liana Fenton – Business Education Partnership – Middletown High School is working to develop business partnerships.  There are currently three students ready to participate in a partnership in a month or two.

 

Mrs. Kraeger said that the High School Administration and Guidance Counselors met with Grade 8 teachers and counselors to schedule students.  The students chose their classes for next year electronically.

 

ADJOURN FROM MEETING

 

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton.  To adjourn from the School Committee Meeting at 8:25 p.m.  Unanimous vote.

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                        Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Clerk