Middletown Public Schools

Middletown, Rhode Island

Thursday, February 16, 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

William Coogan

Also Present: Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools

Catherine McLeish, Business Manager

The Budget Workshop was called to order at 5:37 p.m. by Chairman Michael Crowley. Administrative staff members present were Steven Ruscito, Gail Abromitis and Stephen Ponte. The Budget Sub-Committee presented a FY 06-07 budget with all FY 05-06 positions and programs funded. The total increase is 9.48% over last year.

Mrs. Spengler and Mr. Draper, Budget Subcommittee Members, presented the budget.

Section I of the budget pertains to ”Instruction” and includes certified teaching staff, teaching assistants, special subject teachers, purchased services, textbooks and supplies. There is no change in the funding for textbooks. This section outlines potential salary increases and career tech tuition increases.

Section II of the budget pertains to ”Instructional Development” and includes media/technology salaries, supplies and capital outlay.

Section III of the budget details “Special Education” and addresses programming for special need students. A middle school regional special education program is being explored for the next school year and would be housed in Tiverton. This program could potentially reduce out-of-district tuitions.

Section IV of the budget is for “General Services” and includes Guidance salaries.

Section V, “Life Support”, refers to building needs, as well as athletics, health services and maintenance personnel. The huge increase in fuel costs has driven the increase in this section. Defibrillators may be required at each school at a cost of $1,600 each.

Section VI, “Administration”, includes activities related to the administration of policy in connection with operating the school district. All increases in this section are for salaries.

Section VII of the budget, “Other”, includes expenses not directly related to the education of pupils, but provides services for the community as a whole. “Connect Ed” and “SchoolSpring”, a web-based parent notification program and a web-based human resources program component, are being explored collectively with other EBEC districts. This could be funded through savings in advertising costs.

(Minutes of February 16, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Two)

Section VIII of the budget, “Employee Benefits”, deals with all benefits for employees. These sections represent close to a $1 million increase overall.

Revenues – The State Aid increase of $410,000 is based on the Governor’s commitment to pension relief. Impact Aid has decreased because of the decline in military student enrollment. The Anchorage Housing will be a factor in enrollment. Mrs. Spengler commented that the enrollment has decreased by 200 students in two years, but we have the same number of staff.

Mrs. Kraeger requested direction as to the next step in the budget. Mr. Crowley asked to take a closer look to reduce line items more. The Town Council cannot increase the budget more than 5.5%. Mrs. Fenton would like to see the bottom line with a 3% increase, see what is needed and build upon that. Mr. Coogan said it is harder to take items away, so we present the budget we want and have the council make cuts.

Mrs. Spengler requested a budget at 6.5%. Mrs. Kraeger said that a budget with a 3% increase would compromise the entire educational program. Enrollment projections need to be evaluated.

It was decided to pare the budget request to a 6.5% increase.

MOTION: 1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton. To go into Executive Session 42-46-5 (a) 1,2,5,8,9 at 6:47 p.m. Unanimous vote.

REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

The Regular School Committee Meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. All members were present. Administrative staff members present were Steven Ruscito, Gail Abromitis and Vin Giuliano. Mr. Crowley announced that no vote was taken during Executive Session. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Mrs. Kraeger requested a moment of silence for the passing of two school department employees, Mrs. Patricia Quinn, Kennedy School Teacher, and Joseph Krupowicz, Assistant Superintendent.

MOTION: 1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton. Move the Reduction in Force Action Item to the beginning of the meeting. Unanimous vote.

Mrs. Kraeger explained the process for teacher layoff.

MOTION: 1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton. The Superintendent recommends to the School Committee the termination, effective at the end of the 2005-2006 school year, of teachers 1.A,B,C,D and E, (2/16/06), due to being reduced to less than full-time. Motion Passed 4 to 1.

YAE: Michael Crowley NAY: William Coogan

Edward Draper

Liana Fenton

Theresa Spengler

(Minutes of February 16, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Three)

MOTION: 1) Edward Draper, 2) Liana Fenton. The Superintendent recommends to the School Committee the termination, effective at the end of the 2005-2006 school year, of the teachers and substitute teachers 2.A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O and P (2/16/06), due to the expiration of their limited employment contracts, unless terminated sooner by a teacher returning from leave, as well as the uncertainty of sufficient local, Federal and State funding for programs for the 2006-2007 school year. Motion Passed 4 to 1.

YAE: Michael Crowley NAY: William Coogan

Edward Draper

Liana Fenton

Theresa Spengler

MOTION: 1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton. The Superintendent recommends that based on the uncertainty of sufficient local, Federal and State funding for programs for the 2006-2007 school year, the consequential program reductions, consolidation of classes, realignment of staff, possibility of funding a sabbatical, and elimination of positions to more effectively and efficiently use the school system’s assets, the termination of the teachers 3.A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I and J (2/16/06), effective at the end of the 2005-2006 school year, due to their present positions being recommended as eliminated. Motion Passed 4 to 1.

YAE: Michael Crowley NAY: William Coogan

Edward Draper

Liana Fenton

Theresa Spengler

MOTION: 1) Edward Draper, 2) Theresa Spengler. The Superintendent recommends that based on the uncertainty of sufficient local, Federal and State funding for programs for the 2006-2007 school year, the consequential program reduction, consolidation of classes, realignment of staff and elimination of positions to more effectively and efficiently use the school system’s assets, the Superintendent recommends to the School Committee the termination of teachers 4.A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K and L (2/16/06), effective at the end of the 2005-2006 school year, due to being displaced by a more senior teacher. Motion Passed 4 to 1.

YAE: Michael Crowley NAY: William Coogan

Edward Draper

Liana Fenton

Theresa Spengler

(Minutes of February 16, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Four)

MOTION: 1) Edward Draper, 2) Liana Fenton. The Superintendent recommends that based on the uncertainty of sufficient local, Federal and State funding for programs for the 2006-2007 school year, the consequential program reductions, consolidation of classes, realignment of staff and elimination of positions to more effectively and efficiently use the school system’s assets, the Superintendent recommends to the School Committee that teachers 5.A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K and L (2/16/06), effective at the end of the 2005-2006 school year, displace (bump) a teacher with less seniority due to position elimination, or be terminated. Motion Passed 4 to 1.

YAE: Michael Crowley NAY: William Coogan

Edward Draper

Liana Fenton

Theresa Spengler

MOTION: 1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Liana Fenton. The Superintendent recommends that based on the uncertainty of sufficient local, Federal and State funding for program for the 2006-2007 school year, the consequential program reductions, consolidation of classes, realignment of staff and elimination of positions to more effectively and efficiently use the school system’s assets, the Superintendent recommends to the School Committee that effective at the end of the 2005-2006 school year, teachers 6.A,B,C,D and E (2/16/06), return to their original 2004-2005 position. Motion Passed 4 to 1.

YAE: Michael Crowley NAY: William Coogan

Edward Draper

Liana Fenton

Theresa Spengler

MOTION: 1) Edward Draper, 2) Liana Fenton. The Superintendent recommends that based on the uncertainty of sufficient local, Federal and State funding for program for the 2006-2007 school year, the consequential program reductions, consolidation of classes, realignment of staff and elimination of positions to more effectively and efficiently use the school system’s assets, the Superintendent recommends to the School Committee that effective at the end of the 2005-2006 school year, teachers 7.A,B and C (2/16/06), return to a full-time position for which they are certified. Motion Passed 4 to 1.

YAE: Michael Crowley NAY: William Coogan

Edward Draper

Liana Fenton

Theresa Spengler

Mr. Coogan opposed the approval of layoffs saying he is anti-process, not anti-administration. He said administration has done a fantastic job, but the date for layoff notices to be mailed needs to be changed. Mrs. Spengler said all of the teachers are supported and the School Committee does not want to see anyone laid off. Mrs. Fenton

(Minutes of February 16, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Five)

commented that if nothing is done to change the notification date, we will be in the same place next year. Mr. Crowley said that it is State law that teachers are notified by March 1^st and there is nothing that can be done unless that date is changed. He said that all staff is absolutely essential, but we have to abide by State law. Mr. Draper said that pressure needs to be put on the state, not only for the date, but for a predictable state aid formula.

Mr. Crowley thanked all who came to show support and said that this support will be needed to go before the Town Council.

MOTION: 1) William Coogan, 2) Theresa Spengler. To return to original agenda. Unanimous vote.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING

No “Spotlight on Teaching and Learning” for February 16, 2006.

PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS

No Student Awards/Proclamations for February 16, 2006.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

No Student Activities for February 16, 2006.

INFORMATION

· Parent Leadership Team – Mrs. Kraeger said this is a great group of parents who meet monthly with her to discuss important district issues and initiatives.

· Laidlaw Recruitment – Due to the current shortage of drivers, Laidlaw is recruiting bus drivers to fill vacancies. Laidlaw will give the school PTG $1,000 for any PTG Member who completes the training and finishes 90 days of employment.

· Letter from John Mauer, Middletown High School student, thanking the committee for financial assistant to attend a choral presentation in New York City.

CORRESPONDENCE

No Correspondence for February 16, 2006.

(Minutes of February 16, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Six)

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS

· CURRICULUM – No Report for February 16, 2006.

· FINANCIAL – The McKinley homeless grant in the amount of $100,000 has been filed for Katrina/Rita evacuees. There will also be a second filing for emergency aid for displaced students. This is emergency Impact Aid. Administration will work toward a 6.5% budget increase in the next few weeks. Currently 46.36% of the budget has been expended, which compares favorably to other years.

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

CONSENT AGENDA

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

· Approval of Minutes of January 19, 2006, Budget Workshop & School Committee Meeting

· Approval of Minutes of January 19, 2006 Executive Session

· Approval of Minutes of January 23, 2006 Special School Committee Meeting

· Approval of Minutes of February 2, 2006 Budget Workshop

· Approval of Minutes of February 2, 2006 Executive Session

· Approval of Invoice Register, dated January 13, 2006 in the amount of $2,638.03

· Approval of Invoice Register, dated January 24, 2006, in the amount of $284,898.12

· Approval of Invoice Register, dated February 3, 2006, in the amount of $2,908.39

· Approval of Invoice Register, dated February 7, 2006, in the amount of $246,591.04

· Approval of Invoice Register, dated February 8, 2006, in the amount of $277,949.04

· Approval of Special Grants Register, dated January 27, 2006, in the amount of $69,716.00

· Approval of Special Grants Register, dated February 7, 2006, in the amount of $22,885.32

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION ON PERSONNEL

RESIGNATION

Fran L. Blaess Grade Two Teacher/Head Teacher, Aquidneck School

(Minutes of February 16, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Seven)

RESIGNATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RETIREMENT

Rosemary A. Davidson Guidance Counselor, J.F. Kennedy School

Elizabeth A. Flynn Special Education Teacher, Middletown High School

Robert W. Frye Dean, Middletown High School

Thomas R. O’Donnell English Teacher, J.H. Gaudet School

Emily Roberta Perry Home Economics Teacher, J.H. Gaudet School

Ralph M. Perry LSP Teacher, J.F. Kennedy School

David F. Picard Social Studies Department Chair, Middletown High School

Mary M. Rein Math Teacher, J.H. Gaudet School

Leonore L. Rizy Special Education Teacher, J.H. Gaudet School

Kathleen M. Sonier Art Teacher, J.H. Gaudet School

JOB SHARE FOR 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR

Michelle L. Fonseca Aquidneck School Principal

EXTENSION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE

M. Christine Pickens Teacher Assistant

Until the End of the 2005-2006 School Year

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

Robyn R. Borges Grade Two Teacher, J.F. Kennedy School

From April 24, 2006 to the end of the 2005-2006 school year

Kerri L. Ferreira Grade Eight Resource Teacher, J.H. Gaudet School

From April 5, 2006 for 21 days

Whitney Ruggeri Teacher Assistant, Aquidneck School

From May 12, 2006 until the end of the school year

CHANGE IN MATERNITY LEAVE

Kerry Howell Science Teacher, J.H. Gaudet School

Return date changed from May 1, 2006 to April 13, 2006

FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

Annie Kammerer English Teacher, Middletown High School

From February 2, 2006 to April 14, 2006.

(Minutes of February 16, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Eight)

SPRING COACHING APPOINTMENTS

Eric P. Godin Head Varsity Baseball

Michael A. Yates Assistant Varsity Baseball

Paul F. Reynolds JV Baseball

Brian J. Dahlheimer Freshman Baseball

Stephen C. Ponte 6/7/8^TH Grade Baseball

Robin Ramey Head Varsity Softball

Christine Elliott Assistant Varsity Softball

Heidi Gauch 6/7/8^TH Grade Softball

Patrick M. Aylward Boys’ Head Varsity Track & Field

Thomas Burns Boys’ Assistant Varsity Track & Field

James Morris .5 Boys’ Assistant Varsity Track & Field

Hubert “Ted” Hersey Girls’ Head Varsity Track & Field

Kristen A. Seyster Girls’ Assistant Varsity Track & Field

Angela Santa .5 Girls’ Assistant Varsity Track & Field

Lucien E. Forbes Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse

Mary “Lisa” Railey Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse

David Leys Boys’ Varsity Tennis

Robert Silvia Varsity Golf

VOLUNTEER COACH

Richard Formica Lacrosse

OLD BUSINESS

FRESHMAN SPORTS – John McDevitt introduced Mike Condry who spoke about freshman sports. Mr. Condry asked that freshman sports be considered for reinstatement.

Mr. Stu Springer, Vice-President of Gaudet Spring Sports Boosters, read a letter from the boosters thanking the School Committee for funding, and presented a check for $3,500 from their club to assist in funding freshman baseball. Mr. Ken Frannson said that freshman sports is a feeder program for the high school and the boosters will be there to assist.

Mr. McDevitt said he is in support of the school department funding all freshman sports and explained why it was removed. He will propose moving assistant coaches to other sports. Mr. McDevitt would like to get together a committee of parents and coaches to determine what is needed each year.

Mr. Coogan asked about volunteer coaches, but for contractual reasons, a volunteer cannot be utilized as a head coach. The Boosters do not want to independently fund teams. Mr. Crowley suggested forming a sub-committee to look further into this.

(Minutes of February 16, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Nine)

NEW BUSINESS

No New Business for February 16, 2006.

ACTION ITEMS

CONTRACT

MOTION: 1) William Coogan, 2) Theresa Spengler. That the School Committee approve the Middletown Teacher Assistants/NEARI/NEA Contract, pending ratification from the Teacher Assistant bargaining unit. Unanimous vote.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE POLICY (2^nd Reading)

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

HEATING AND COOLING MAINTENANCE BID

MOTION: 1) William Coogan, 2) Liana Fenton. That the School Committee award the Heating and Cooling Maintenance bid to The Trane Company. Unanimous vote.

FAC RECOMMENDATION

MOTION: 1) Edward Draper, 2) William Coogan . That the School Committee award the FAC Recommendation to Newport Collaborative to perform the needs study for the Middletown School Department. Unanimous vote.

Mr. Draper said we need to clarify with the Town Council the focus and scope and develop the facilities master plan with the Town. We need to look at all real estate and all facilities and how we can best maximize the value. Decisions made now will pay off later.

MOTION: 1) Edward Draper, 2) William Coogan. To amend the motion to include a communication from the School Committee asking the Town Council to consider other town properties along with the facilities master plan for schools. Unanimous vote.

Mrs. Spengler said we need to focus on the educational plan first.

(Minutes of February 16, 2006 School Committee Meeting, Page Ten)

MOTION: 1) Edward Draper, 2) William Coogan. That the School Committee award the FAC Recommendation to Newport Collaborative to perform the needs study for the Middletown School Department, as amended. Unanimous vote.

For clarification, Mrs. Kraeger said that Mr. Draper was suggesting giving the Town the opportunity to build on that study with any Town facilities. This wouldn’t stop what we are doing with regard to the study. It would change the nature of the RFQ and the scope of the work. Newport Collaborative would have to take a look at the scope of the work that might include Town facilities or parcels.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

Edward Draper – The Technology Committee has met regularly to discuss areas of mutual interest between the Town, School and Library. Collaboration opportunities have been found. Highlights include library activities within the schools and Town Library.

The Safety Advisory Committee includes student involvement, community participation and significant police involvement. The Committee has identified that when students leave Gaudet for Middletown High School, they are vulnerable. High School students are stepping forward and working with Gaudet students to pass on skills they have learned. The Middletown Police Department is involved in community oriented policing.

Liana Fenton – Attended a MET School meeting to talk about the possibility of a MET School in Middletown. This would start in the fall.

ADJOURN FROM MEETING

MOTION: 1) William Coogan, 2) Liana Fenton. To adjourn from School Committee Meeting at 8:40. Unanimous vote.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Clerk