Middletown Public Schools

Middletown, Rhode Island

 

Thursday, October 20, 2005

 

MICHAEL S. PINTO CONFERENCE ROOM

 

 

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

                                                Liana F. Fenton, Vice-Chair

                                                William Coogan arrived at 6:45 p.m.

                                                Edward K. Draper

                                                Theresa M. Spengler

 

Also Present:                          Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools

                                                Joseph R. Krupowicz, Assistant Superintendent

                                                Catherine McLeish, Business Manager

                                                Edward Collins, Director of Facilities Management

 

            Meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Chairman Michael Crowley.

 

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Edward Draper.  To go into Executive Session 42-46-5 (a) 1, 2,5,8,9 at 6:37 for negotiations.  Unanimous vote.

 

            Mr. Crowley announced that no votes were taken in Executive Session.

 

The regular School Committee Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Michael Crowley.  Administrative staff members present were Vincent Giuliano, Steven Ruscito, Michael Mancieri, Stephen Ponte and Gail Abromitis.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING

 

“Foundation for Portfolio Development”

 

Mrs. Janice O’Donnell discussed tasks and the multiple uses of tasks.  A task provides evidence of supporting the standards-based report card and ensures fair, accurate and useful assessments for all students.  The idea is to create a bank of common tasks.  This is a state-wide initiative that can be shared between districts.

            Susanne Supprock explained the “Self Portrait Series” of an art extended task. 

 

 

PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS

 

·         National School Bus Safety Week – Mrs. Trish Ferrebee represented the Bus Monitors and Mrs. Robin Joslyn represented the Bus Drivers.  Mr. Crowley read a proclamation for each.  School bus safety week is October 16 – 22, 2005.

 

 

(Minutes of October 20, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Two)

 

 

INFORMATION

 

·         Freshman Sports Issue

·         Katrina Support

·         Parent Leadership Team Agenda

·         Music Concerts

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

            No Correspondence for October 20, 2005.

 

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS

 

·         CURRICULUM – All students in grades 3-8 will be tested in reading and math this month.  Katrina students are exempt from testing.  Mr. Krupowicz is completing the Consolidated Resource Grant.  This grant has 18 different sections.  Article 31, which provides professional development funds for schools, is due by October 26th.  An AP Course report will be completed shortly.  Mr. Krupowicz has met with all school nurses to discuss the new diabetes policy, standing orders, CPR policy and Blood borne pathogens.

 

·         FINANCIAL – The budget is still being refined and final approval will be in November.  The number of Katrina students has been submitted to the state for reimbursement.  The average per pupil cost across the nation is being used for reimbursement.

 

·         FACILITIES – Mr. Collins reported that the greenhouse will be completed tomorrow.  The completion of the electrical services was pushed back due to rain.  CIP funds are being used to continue flooring and ceiling work at Gaudet School, paving and fire alarm systems.  The paving will be completed in the spring, the fire alarms during Christmas vacation and the floor and ceiling work will take place during Christmas vacation.  Regarding the noise from the roof of Gaudet School, a full jacket was not originally installed.  Mr. Collins will speak with Honeywell to have a full jacket installed, as it originally should have been.  Mr. Coogan questioned the dumping at the Drive-In site.  Mrs. Kraeger has contact Mr. Kempen, but has not yet heard back.

 

·         CHARTWELLS – Nancy Roberts, Chartwells Nutritionist spoke about the nutrition content and serving of low-fat moderately sugared chocolate chip cookie at the elementary and secondary schools.  By already having a Nutrition Policy, Middletown is ahead of other districts.  All school districts in the state need to have a policy by next July 1st.  To date, Middletown is only one of three districts in Rhode Island that have one.  The snack list will be reviewed by Chartwells in November.  Mrs. Spengler also said that there is not enough information on the long-term effects of sugar substitutes, such as Splenda.

(Minutes of October 20, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Three)

 

 

 

      Representatives from Chartwells spoke about competitive sales during lunch at Middletown High School.  The contract states that there will be no competitive sales.  In addition, what is being sold is in conflict with the Nutrition Policy.

      Mr. Brian Buck, Student Council Advisor, introduced Student Council members Megan Larcom and Ava Young who spoke about fundraising.  The funds generated are not just for Homecoming events, but are given to students for different reasons.  In order to generate more funds, different fundraisers were added.  Ice cream is sold once per month and this money goes to the senior class.  The junior class does a smoothie sale once per month and another class does a Del’s sale.  Representatives from Chartwells said that the two water machines are affecting the ability to expand their program, because they are using electrical outlets in the cafeteria, which are limited.

      Mr. Draper suggested partnering with Chartwells and working together on a solution.  Committee members suggested selling something other than food to raise funds.

      The issue of the school store was also addressed.  Mr. Ruscito said that the school store is run by the special education students and that this is part of their learning.  They go into the community to purchase items for the store and they interact with students when they make the sales.  Mrs. Kraeger suggested changing the product that the school store sells.

      Chartwells wanted to make it clear that the issue is with the Nutrition Policy and not with Chartwells.  Mr. Coogan does not think the school store should compete with Chartwells because we have a contract with them.  It comes down to competitive sales.  Mr. Ruscito said that the Nutrition Policy might need to be a little different for the high school.

 

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

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

Mr. Coogan recused himself from the vote.

 

·         Approval of Minutes of September 15, 2005 NEASC Workshop and School Committee Meeting

·         Approval of Minutes of September 21, 2005 NEASC Workshop Session

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated September 9, 2005, in the amount of $588,966.55

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated September 21, 2005, in the amount of $432,812.70

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated September 26, 2005, in the amount of $1,022.48

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated September 4, 2005, in the amount of $571,340.59

·         Approval of Invoice Register, dated October 7, 2005, in the amount of $2,096.99

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated September 8, 2005, in the amount of $17,032.66

(Minutes of October 20, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Four)

 

 

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated September 21, 2005, in the amount of $28,945.86

·         Approval of Special Grants Register, dated October 4, 2005, in the amount of $19,165.20

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION ON PERSONNEL

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION ON PERSONNEL

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

Tara O. Manion                                 .6 Elementary Librarian

Krista Lee Starnes                              3-Hour Teacher Assistant, Forest Avenue School

Elizabeth B. Coogan                          3-Hour Teacher Assistant, J.F. Kennedy School

C. Lynn Lombardi                             3-Hour Teacher Assistant, J.F. Kennedy School

 

RESIGNATION

 

Angela M. Nunes                               .5 Special Education Resource Teacher,

                                                            Aquidneck School (One Year Only)

Richard W. Quinn                             Chairman, Facilities Advisory Committee

 

LEAVE OF ABSENSE

 

Bethany Blackard                               Grade Two Teacher, Aquidneck School

                                                            From October 28, 2005 to the end of the 2005-2006 school year

Joanne Roggero                                  Teacher Assistant, Aquidneck School

                                                            From October 17, 2005 to November 7, 2005

 

 

EXTENSION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE

 

Valerie H. Long                                  Teacher Assistant, Middletown High School

                                                            To an undetermined date

 

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

 

Kristen Hughes                                  Grade Two Teacher, J.F. Kennedy School

                                                            From January 2, 2006 for 46 days

 

Wendy Dwyer                                                Math Teacher, Middletown High School

                                                            From November 28, 2005 for 56 days

 

Kerry Howell                                     Science Teacher, Middletown High School

                                                            From November 28, 2005 to May 1, 2006.

 

(Minutes of October 20, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Five)

 

 

Diane Lukowicz                                 Kindergarten Teacher, Aquidneck School

                                                            From February 11, 2006 to December 2006.

 

J.H. GAUDET SCHOOL ADVISORS FOR 2005-2006

 

Jill Armstrong                                     Yearbook Advisor

Ron Dumais                                       Computer Club

Sarah Nerone                                     Student Council Advisor

Kathleen Sonier                                  Art Club Co-Advisor

Chris Sisson                                        Art Club Co-Advisor

 

J.H. GAUDET SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB ADVISORS FOR 2005-2006

 

Meaghan Corr

Jacqueline Zahm

Raymond Perry

Christina Logan

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

·         SCHOOL COMMITTEE RETREAT – The retreat is now November 19th at East Bay Educational Collaborative.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

·         FOREST AVENUE SCHOOL DRAINAGE – There has been a proposal from contractor to assist Forest Avenue School with the draining issue, but Mr. Collins recommends that the town makes sure that the land is graded correctly first.  The contractor will donate fill, but we need to make sure that it is a quality fill.  This is a good idea if it is completed correctly.  There are a number of issues that need to be worked out, such as where the materials will be stored in the meantime.

 

·         VACCINATE BEFORE YOU GRATUATE – This is a state-wide effort run by the Department of Health that gives the opportunity to graduating seniors to receive any necessary immunization shots.

 

·         MET SCHOOL – Mr. Crowley and Mrs. Kraeger met with Mr. Dennis Litkey regarding the possible opening of the MET School on Aquidneck Island.  There would be a maximum of 120 students from the East Bay community.  This school would provides another opportunity for students besides ALP and Project Success.   Mr. Litkey will meet with all Superintendents in the East Bay and will then meet with School Committee members.

 

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

 

(Minutes of October 20, 2005 School Committee Meeting, Page Six)

 

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

CONTRACT EXTENSION – SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES

MOTION:  1) William Coogan, 2) Liana Fenton.  That the School Committee extend the snow removal services bid to J.A.M. Construction for the 2005-2006 school year.  Unanimous vote.

 

CONTRACT EXTENSION – ELECTRICAL SERVICES

MOTION:  1) Edward Draper, 2) William Coogan.  That the School Committee extend the electrical services bid to Coastal Electric, Inc. for the 2005-2006 school year.  Unanimous vote.

 

 

 

CONTRACT EXTENSION – PLUMBING SERVICES

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) Edward Draper.  That the School Committee extend the plumbing services bid to Custom Plumbing, Inc. for the 2005-2006 school year.  Unanimous vote.

 

NEGOTIATIONS TEAM FOR TEACHER CONTRACT

MOTION:  1) Liana Fenton, 2) William Coogan.  That the School Committee appoint Richard Updegrove, Esq., and Michael Crowley, Chair of the School Committee, to the negotiating team.  Unanimous vote.

 

HOME SCHOOLING

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler, 2) William Coogan.  That the School Committee approve Home Schooling 05-06-01, 05-06-02, 05-06-03 and 05-06-04.  Unanimous vote.

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

 

            Mrs. Fenton attended a R.I. Healthy School Coalition meeting

            Mr. Crowley announced that Mrs. Kraeger has been named Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year.  This is an honor to be selected by her peers.  Mr. Krupowicz was present at the announcement.

 

ADJOURN FROM MEETING

 

MOTION:  1) Theresa Spengler,  2) William Coogan.  To adjourn from School Committee Meeting at 9:05 p.m.  Unanimous vote.

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                        Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Clerk