Chariho School Committee Meeting Regular Session Minutes January 22, 2013

Transcription

1 Chariho School Committee Meeting Regular Session Minutes January 22, 2013 Committee Members Present: Chair Michelle Cole, Vice Chair Craig Louzon, George Abbott, Ronald Areglado, Amanda Blau, William Day, Gregory Kenney and Georgia Ure. Absent: Robert Cardozo, Stephen Huzyk and Andrew McQuaide. Administrators Present: Superintendent Barry Ricci, Director of Administration and Finance Brian Stanley, Technology Director Scott Burdick and Director of Special Education Jennifer Durkin. Also in attendance: School Committee Clerk Donna Sieczkiewicz, NEA President Robert Mayne and NEA Vice President Vin Levcowich. I. Meeting Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance/Silent Meditation Chair Michelle Cole called the meeting of the Chariho School Committee, which was held in the Chariho High School Library, to order at 6:30 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silent meditation. II. Executive Session Amanda Blau made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: That the School Committee go into executive session and close the meeting to the public under the authority of R.I. General Laws Section (a)(2)(4)+(8b) for the purpose of discussions pertaining to collective bargaining (approval of executive session minutes of December 11, 2012 and January 8, 2013 Certified Staff Negotiation Update and discussion of Certified Staff Negotiations) and litigation (approval of executive session minutes of December 11, Legal Update); for the purpose of discussions pertaining to any investigative proceedings (Vendor Review Update and approval of executive session minutes of December 11, Vendor Review Update); and for the purpose of reviewing and/or approving other matters which relate to the privacy of students and their records (approval of executive session minutes of December 11, Home Instruction Requests and approval of Home Instruction Requests); any persons to be discussed have been so notified. In favor: Unanimous. The Committee returned to open session at 7:15 PM and Chair Cole reconvened the meeting at 7:17 PM. III. Closing/Sealing of Executive Session Minutes 1. Superintendent Ricci recommended that minutes pertaining to the privacy of students and their records (Home Instruction Requests) remain sealed. VOTED: To seal the minutes pertaining to the privacy of students and their records (Home Instruction Requests). In favor: Unanimous. 2. Superintendent Ricci recommended that minutes pertaining to any investigative proceedings (vendor review update) remain sealed. VOTED: To seal the minutes pertaining to any investigative proceedings. In favor: Unanimous. 3. Superintendent Ricci recommended that minutes pertaining to collective bargaining (certified staff negotiation update) remain sealed until such time as an agreement is reached. 1

2 VOTED: That the minutes pertaining to collective bargaining (certified staff negotiation update) remain sealed until such time as an agreement is reached. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Kenney and Ure. Abstained: Cole, Day and Louzon. The motion carried by a vote of 5 in favor with 3 abstentions. IV. Disclosure of Executive Session Votes Chair Cole reported that there were five votes taken in executive session. The first vote, approval of executive session minutes of December 11, 2012 (Home Instruction Requests) passed by a vote of 8 in favor, 0 opposed and 0 abstentions with Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Cole, Day, Kenney, Louzon and Ure voting in favor. The second vote, approval of a home instruction request, passed with 7 in favor with 0 opposed and 1 abstention with Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Cole, Kenney, Louzon and Ure voting in favor and Day abstaining. The third vote, approval of executive session minutes of December 11, 2012 (Legal Update) passed by a vote of 8 in favor, 0 opposed and 0 abstentions with Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Cole, Day, Kenney, Louzon and Ure voting in favor. The fourth vote, approval of executive session minutes of December 11, 2012 (Vendor Review Update), passed with 7 in favor, 1 opposed and 0 abstentions with Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Cole, Day, Kenney and Louzon voting in favor and Ure opposing. The fifth vote, to return to open session, passed with 8 in favor, 0 opposed and 0 abstentions with Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Cole, Day, Kenney, Louzon and Ure voting in favor. V. Recognition Superintendent Ricci asked all to join him in congratulating the following: 1. Grade 11 student, Jocelyn Foraker, for volunteering to help fellow Rhode Islanders during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. She was invited to the December 13 th Volunteer Appreciation Day at the State House. 2. Ashaway School and Charlestown School tied as winners of the Harvest Reap Banner collecting the most cans per student in the District s Harvest Food Drive. There were 5,044 cans collected district-wide. A special thanks to Judy Cherenzia for coordinating this effort. 3. Senior Bryce Kelley for winning the Boys 800 meter race at the Rhode Island Classic Indoor Track Meet. Bryce s time was 1 minute, seconds; a new facility record at the Providence Career & Technical Academy track. Bryce also won the 1-mile run in 4:20.13 at the Dartmouth Relays which qualifies him for the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix Invitational on February High School Boys Indoor Track Relay Team consisting of Joe DiPalma, Zach Gardell, Bryce Kelley and Jake Kilcoyne won the Distance Medley Relay at the Dartmouth Relays. Also at the Dartmouth Relay, Senior Liz Hansen broke a school record in the High School Girls 2,000- meter run. 5. Middle School Girls Basketball Team for winning the Westerly Holiday Tournament by beating Westerly Middle School in the finals. 6. High School Wrestler Sal DeSantis won the 220-pound championship and James Costigan won the heavyweight division at the Haddam-Killingworth Tournament. 7. Postseason Honors Football: Austin McQuaide (Division IIA Offensive Back of the Year and First Team), Hayden Pryor (Division IIA First Team and All-Academic); Brandon Browning (Division IIA Second Team and All-Academic); Mike Pagliarini (Division IIA Second Team and All-Academic; Jesse Parenteau (Division IIA Third Team); Mitch Buerman (Division IIA Third Team); Stallion Collins (All-Academic); Chris Colucci (All-Academic); James Costigan (All- Academic); Jordan Damicis (All-Academic); Willie Flynn (All-Academic); Luke Harrington (All- Academic); Matt Heroux (All-Academic); James Joslin (All-Academic); Caleb McQuaide (All- Academic); Shane Steward (All-Academic); and Jake Whan (All-Academic). Fourteen members of the High School Football Team earned Division IIA All-Academic Honors! 2

3 Cross Country: Bryce Kelley (First Team Class A and All-State); Jake Kilcoyne (First Team Southern Division; All-State and Academic All-State); Chris Clarkin (Second Team Southern Division); Matt Tierney (Third Team Southern Division); Matt Drummond (Third Team Southern Division); Stephen Gencarelli (Third team Southern Division); and Jung Kim (Third Team Southern Division). VI. Public Forum Nothing to report. VII. Policy A. Kindergarten and First Grade Eligibility Superintendent Ricci recommended approval of the revisions to this policy which will allow students, on a case-by-case and space-available basis, to begin kindergarten so long as they are five years of age by December 1 st. The Superintendent will make the determination. This parallels the first grade eligibility policy. Ron asked what criteria will be used to determine this to which the Superintendent replied that the Early Childhood Screening Team will look at factors such are literacy, mathematics, language, social/emotional, and fine and gross motor skills. VOTED: To approve the revisions to the Kindergarten and First Grade Eligibility Policy. In favor: Unanimous. B. Disposal of School Property The Superintendent noted that the revisions to this policy will bring it in line with current practice and he recommended approval of the revised policy. VOTED: To approve the revisions to the Disposal of School Property Policy. In favor: Unanimous. VIII. Business A. Acceptance of Annual Audit - The Audit Subcommittee has met and has approved the FY12 Audit. The Superintendent recommended that the Committee also approves the FY12 Audit and places it on file. Greg Kenney made a motion, which was seconded by Craig Louzon, to approve the FY12 audit and place it on file. Georgia asked if this vote could be put off as the auditor is usually in attendance to answer questions and she has questions to ask. Brian responded that the auditor was stuck in Washington and could not attend this evening. The vote cannot be delayed as we are already late in submitting this. Amanda asked if there was anything mentioned relative to federal debt conversations (any forecasting) to which Brian replied that this topic was touched upon but is not germane to the audit. If the fiscal cliff occurs, it could impact the future. Ron referenced the letter from the auditor (second to last paragraph on page 55). Brian noted that this refers to the letter included in the Committee s packet regarding the organization of the finance department. There are no accounting deficiencies. Georgia asked if minutes were taken at the Audit Subcommittee Meeting and does the Committee have access. Brian answered that Deb Carney took minutes and the Committee can access them if they wish. Georgia asked if there were any objections by the Subcommittee to the audit to which Brian replied that one person objected. Georgia stated that she could not vote on this tonight. Amanda asked what the ramifications would be if they postponed the vote. Brian stated that the audit was due to the Auditor General by December 31 st. We had to ask for an extension which was granted. We have until Friday to submit it. Neither the School Committee nor the auditors can change the audit. George asked for an explanation of the $7,207,854 that is fully collateralized. Brian noted that there is a requirement that we have at least 102% of funds to back up FDIC insurance. We are 103% covered if anything should happen. Investments are set aside in Chariho s name. Georgia questioned what would happen if they don t approve this by Friday to which Brian replied that he could not answer this. We already asked for and received an extension. The five-member Audit Subcommittee has 3

4 approved it. Ron asked if the objection by one of the Subcommittee members was procedural or an accounting concern to which Brian noted that it was on another issue that he cannot speak about. It was not an accounting concern that this individual had an issue with; definitely not an accounting error. Craig asked if the motion could be moved. Georgia made an amendment to the motion that the auditor will be available to come to a meeting after the Committee approves it. Bill stated that he cannot support the amendment as the District has an Audit Subcommittee that has already approved it. Ron asked if there would be a cost associated with the auditor s attendance. Brian commented that the auditor has always been in attendance but, unfortunately, he was stuck in Washington and could not attend this evening. Georgia Ure made an amendment to the motion, seconded by George Abbott and it was VOTED: That the auditor will attend a meeting to discuss the audit after the Committee approves it. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Blau and Ure. Opposed: Cole, Day, Kenney and Louzon. As the vote was tied 4-4, the amendment failed. Gregory Kenney made a motion, which was seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the FY12 audit and place it on file. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Cole, Day, Kenney and Louzon. Opposed. Ure. The motion carried by a vote of 7 in favor with 1 opposed. B School Calendar Superintendent Ricci recommended approval of the school calendar. Students will return after Labor Day. Graduation is scheduled for Friday, June 13, 2014; the date has been confirmed with URI. VOTED: To approve the School Calendar. In favor: Unanimous. C. Home Instruction/Charter School/Private School Trends - This item was requested by Georgia Ure. Data was included in the Committee s packet. Ron questioned if the data could be disaggregated by town; he feels this would be more helpful to understand. In terms of enrollment, do we do exit interviews? The Superintendent responded that most of the changes occur during the summer. Carol does meet with home school parents and the main reason for this request is for religious purposes. We did do a survey a few years ago regarding Charter School enrollment. The main reason for parents choosing this for their children was that, at that time, Charter Schools offered full day kindergarten and we did not. Another issue is around sustainability. Ron suggested that a subcommittee be formed to come up with a process to survey parents to see why students are leaving. Maybe there are things we are missing. About 13% have exited the District and if we could reverse this number, it would be to our advantage. George thanked Georgia for bringing this up. D. National School Board Association Presentation - This item was requested by Amanda Blau. Amanda explained that she asked and received direction from the School Committee about presenting a proposal to NSBA regarding TE@CH. The proposal was accepted by NSBA and she now needs to know whether or not the Committee wants to proceed. Ron asked where the conference was and what the cost would be. Amanda replied that the conference is being held in San Francisco. Last year she and Jim Sullivan attended the conference in Boston. Michelle asked if Amanda would be presenting TE@CH to which Amanda replied yes. Ron noted that in the past, these groups just listen and say thank you. Amanda stated that she is not asking the District to cover her cost but if others are asked to join her, she feels their expenses should be covered. Georgia noted that the Committee is in the process of budgeting and feels this should be put on hold for now. Amanda asked if the Committee wanted her to withdraw the proposal. She will not be presenting the District s proposal on TE@CH to this group by herself; she would like representatives from the District to present it. Ron stated that he agreed with Amanda but would need to know what the cost would be. He felt it was good for Districts to come together and for School Boards to interact. Amanda added that there is also a timing 4

5 issue as the conference is being held in April. Bill noted that Ron had a good point about cost. He is not sure it will be a benefit to the District to send a number of people away from the schools for something that may be thrown on the back shelf. He would need more information before he could make a decision. Ron suggested that maybe those who are interested could contact the Superintendent. George questioned in what capacity was Amanda acting to which Amanda replied that she received an (as did other Committee members) requesting proposals from School Boards. She asked the other members of the Committee for their approval to submit TE@CH. The Superintendent added that this was discussed publicly and the School Committee supported it. He felt it would be a great honor for the District but we are looking at several thousand dollars per person. Craig stated that he understands the prestige but we have just asked the Superintendent to cut the budget by $400,000 and Richmond is requesting that more be cut. He would really like to know what the cost will be. Amanda asked the Superintendent if anything had been budgeted last year for staff to attend conferences. The Superintendent replied that professional development had been budgeted for administrators per their agreement but this was all that was budgeted. Chair Cole noted that it seems that the consensus is that Amanda should come back with numbers. Amanda was asked if NSBA could wait to which she replied that they will hold the presentation spot until we decline. E. Comprehensive Local Assessment System - Carol has prepared a presentation and given the fact that she was not able to attend this meeting, the Superintendent is recommending that the Committee postpone this item until Carol is present. Amanda Blau made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To postpone this item until a future agenda when Carol will be present. In favor: Unanimous. F. New High School Courses The Superintendent recommended approval of the following new courses: 1. High School Course Proposal - Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics. Bill asked why the School Improvement Team did not approve this. The Superintendent noted the following were given as reasons: 1) it did not meet a deadline; 2) not enough help for students who struggle; and 3) it was not proposed by a teacher. Bill stated that he is upset that the School Improvement Team would approve the next one which is less vital. Georgia asked what the cost would be to which it was noted that the cost for summer training is about $1,000 and textbooks will cost about $100 each. The cost would be dependent on the number of students that participate but we plan on about eighteen students. Craig asked if there was any merit to the School Improvement Team not approving this. The Superintendent explained that this process was put in place when he was Assistant Superintendent so that all players would know what was going on. He would encourage the Committee to continue this process and he will then forward to the Committee his recommendation. Ron asked what the class limit would be to which the Superintendent responded that the cap in the contract is 18. We are almost at capacity with the number of AP classes we can offer. Georgia questioned if there would be an added expense for the teacher to which the Superintendent detailed the process. During spring, High School students select courses for the next school year. We then staff according to this which might result in a shift of teachers but there will be no added cost for a teacher. Amanda asked if this would be the last set of course proposals before the Strategic Plan is reviewed to which the Superintendent responded yes. Gregory Kenney made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the addition of the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics course. In favor: Unanimous (Abbott was not in attendance for the vote). 2. High School Course Proposal Mysteries & Thrillers. Bill noted that the request states that implementation would be in the fall of school year; should this be to which the Superintendent acknowledged that implementation would be for the

6 school year. Bill stated that he is not enthusiastic about using video clips as he is opposed to using movies to teach kids this junk. Superintendent Ricci noted his support as the more we can engage kids, the better. This will be aligned to the Common Core Standards. There will be planned engagement of students with the clips. Georgia questioned the expense to which the Superintendent replied that the cost for this course could be found on the second to last page of the proposal ($750.00). Ron stated that he appreciates the value of showing clips but questioned the filter. Vin Levcowich took offense to the reference made that this was junk. He plans to use movie clips from the CTC Criminal Justice Program and have students write about them. Ron noted that he did not mean to be offensive and apologized if Vin was offended by any of his comments. Bill stated that he did read the proposal but did not read where the class would be using clips from the CTC Criminal Justice Program. He did not feel he needed to apologize as this information was not detailed in the proposal. Amanda Blau made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the new High School Course Proposal Mysteries & Thrillers for the school year. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Cole, Louzon and Ure. Opposed: Day and Kenney. The motion carried by a vote of 6 in favor with 2 opposed. G. Procedures for Lay-Off of Certified Personnel The Superintendent explained that the Basic Education Program requires that each LEA shall maintain control of its ability to recruit, hire, manage, evaluate, and assign its personnel. Further, the Commissioner has ruled that no system that bases teacher assignments solely on seniority can comply with this regulation. To confirm the Commissioner s intent, he personally and specifically inquired of her regarding our unique situation (expired contract). Given the intent of the BEP and the Commissioner s confirmation of the same, it s apparent to him that the District cannot continue to lay off certified personnel based solely upon seniority. He has reached out to the Union to determine their interest in signing a Memorandum of Agreement; they have declined. Therefore, he believes that it would show good faith on the School Committee s part to honor the tentative agreement related to lay-off. He recommends that the Committee approves the Interim Procedures for Layoff of Certified Personnel with the understanding that they remain in effect until such time as a collective bargaining agreement is ratified. NEA Union President Bob Mayne clarified, for verification purposes, that the Superintendent discussed in open session collective bargaining pieces and that we have a tentative bargaining agreement on something that is still in negotiation. The Superintendent replied that is correct. Bob stated that he wanted to make it perfectly clear that NEA did not want to sign a memorandum of agreement of any kind because they are not going to piecemeal a contract together. They are not going to sign this part of that part, yet still not have a collective bargaining agreement. We have been doing this for over a year and four months. The procedure for lay-offs must be negotiated and if the School Committee continues in this direction, it is unilaterally implementing again. There was a similar case in Portsmouth which is before the courts. Superintendent Ricci noted one correction to the example given; Portsmouth attempted to use procedures that were not tentatively agreed to. With Portsmouth s thinking you can implement any plan you want to. We are between a rock and a hard place. We cannot lay-off based solely on seniority. The Committee should agree to stand by something they have tentatively agreed to. Bob Mayne replied that a tentative agreement is a tentative agreement until the contract is ratified. Amanda asked if the Union had a position it wanted to take to which Bob responded that the Union s position agrees with the procedures established in the expired contract. Amanda asked if the Union had reached out to the Commissioner to discuss this matter. Bob responded no ; they would like to continue with the process in place. Amanda Blau made a motion, seconded by Gregory Kenney and it was VOTED: That the School Committee approves the Interim Procedures for Lay-off of Certified Personnel with the understanding that the procedures remain in effect until such time as a collective bargaining agreement is ratified. In favor: Blau and Kenney. Opposed: Abbott and Ure. Abstained: Areglado, Cole, Day and Louzon. As the vote was tied, the motion failed. 6

7 H. Superintendent s Goals The Superintendent recommended approval of his goals. He thanked Bob Cardozo and Greg Kenney for assisting with this process. Ron noted that the goals are general and asked if there would be any formative assessments associated with them. Superintendent Ricci replied that in the spring he will give the Committee an assessment with data supporting this. Ron asked in terms of improving communication, what does it do beyond this what is the effectiveness? Do student learning objectives apply here? The Superintendent noted that they have not been that specific in the past but can provide this. Georgia asked what would be used as a benchmark to which the Superintendent answered the classification system by RIDE and attendance. Georgia stated that she would like more specifics (i.e. what improvements have been made?). Ron stated that he wants to add clarity. The District is doing a lot of good things here. He asked about smart goals; apply this paradigm to goals to provide clarity. He has no problem with the goals; he just wants to know what will be used to get there. Superintendent Ricci commented that this is different than SLOs but they could go in that direction. The first one is based on achievement data. Much of what is seen here came from the Subcommittee. He offered to discuss this in more detail on Friday when he meets with Ron. Craig added that there is a vacancy on this Subcommittee if Ron is interested. Gregory Kenney made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the Superintendent s goals. In favor: Unanimous. IX. Consent Agenda Items Chair Cole requested quick clarification or items to be pulled. She noted that she will need to recuse from voting on the GZA bill; Amanda asked that items A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5 be pulled; Bill stated that he will need to recuse from voting on the Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire District bill and Georgia asked that item H-2 be pulled. As Deb Carney is no longer a member, Chair Cole recognized the donors and donations noted below. VOTED: To move the balance of the Consent Agenda. In favor: Unanimous. A. Minutes Approved the following: 1. Regular Session Minutes of December 11, B. Transfers Approved. C. Bills Approved payment of bills with the exception of the GZA and Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire District invoices. D. Budget Summary As per enclosed. E. Treasurer s Report As per enclosed. F. Personnel Actions 1. Accepted the resignation request of Michelle Barber from the position of Charlestown School Clerk (4-hours per day, 190 days per year) effective January 4, Approved the paternity leave of absence request of David Caplette from his position as Math Specialist for Richmond and Ashaway Schools effective May 17, 2013 (or date of delivery if earlier) through June 14, 2013 in accordance with Article 17, Section C of the collective bargaining agreement. 3. Approved the maternity leave of absence request of Jessica Witham Rivard from the position of Middle School Social Studies Teacher effective on or around April 27, 2013 for 35 teaching days after the birth of her baby in accordance with Article 18, Section C-1 of the collective bargaining agreement. G. Permission to Issue Bids/Request Quotes Granted permission to issue the following: 1. Request for Proposals - Sale of Excess Equipment Water Treatment System Parts H. Permission to Award Contracts Awarded the following: 1. Marine Technology Tool Bid to Snap-On Industrial, Crystal Lake, IL, in the amount of $7, (funded through the Perkins Grant). 7

8 I. Home Instruction Action taken in executive session. J. Grants None at this time. K. Donations Accepted the following: 1. Donation from United Builders Supply (UBS) of framing lumber to the CTC Construction Technology (Carpentry) Program. 2. Donations for start-up costs for the High School Boys Lacrosse Team as noted: Shemenski Foundation Endowment Fund ($1,500) Westerly Community Credit Union ($1,000) Pat s Power Equipment ($300 in gift certificates and covered the cost to rent the kitchen for a spaghetti fundraiser) Westerly Area Youth Lacrosse ($500) South County Youth Lacrosse ($500) Dick s Sporting Goods ($350 in gift certificates) Brada Manufacturing ($200) Dr. Richard Walsh and Family ($200) Mr. James Stallman ($200) TNE Builders/Roof Rite ($100) Westerly Auto Body ($100) Comolli Granite ($25) And many unnamed Chariho/Westerly businesses that supported the Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser. A-2. Gregory Kenney made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the Regular Session Minutes of January 5, 2013 Budget Workshop. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Cole, Day, Kenney, Louzon and Ure. Abstained: Blau. The motion carried by a vote of 7 in favor with 1 abstention. A-3. Gregory Kenney made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the Regular Session Minutes of January 8, 2013 Budget Workshop. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Cole, Day, Kenney, Louzon and Ure. Abstained: Blau. The motion carried by a vote of 7 in favor with 1 abstention. A-4. Gregory Kenney made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the Regular Session Minutes of January 15, 2013 Budget Workshop. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Cole, Day, Kenney, Louzon and Ure. Abstained: Blau. The motion carried by a vote of 7 in favor with 1 abstention. A-5. Gregory Kenney made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the Regular Session Minutes of January 16, 2013 Omnibus Meeting. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Cole, Day, Kenney, Louzon and Ure. Abstained: Blau. The motion carried by a vote of 7 in favor with 1 abstention. VOTED: To approve payment of the GZA invoice. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Day, Kenney, Louzon and Ure. Recused: Cole. The motion carried by a vote of 7 in favor with 1 recusal. Amanda Blau made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve payment of the Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire District invoice. In favor: Abbott, Areglado, Blau, Cole, Kenney, Louzon and Ure. Recused: Day. The motion carried by a vote of 7 in favor with 1 recusal. 8

9 H2. Clinical Services RFP Superintendent Ricci recommended award of this bid as noted on the memorandum from Special Education Director Jennifer Durkin; Initiative #1 and Initiative #3 to Community and School Support Services, Inc. (CSSS) and Initiative #2 to Dr. Patricia Meinhold, PhD. All initiatives are in the amounts referenced in the memo for the contract period of three years. Ron questioned if it is more financially efficient to contract these services than provide them in-house to which the Superintendent explained that the nature of these services requires staff to be available 24/7. They work evenings and weekends, if necessary. The decision was made to contract rather than hire staff and this arrangement has worked well for the students. Georgia asked if there would be a savings. Jennifer Durkin noted that Initiative #1 will result in a savings of $100,000. The other is based on an hourly basis but she feels it will be considerably less than what we have spent. It was a fixed rate of $72,000 per year; now we will be billed on an hourly rate basis. Georgia asked how they will know if the services are provided. Jennifer explained that she sits in on all the meetings. The Superintendent added that vendors are required to sign in and out of buildings. This will be checked against an invoice. Georgia questioned the credentials to which Jennifer stated that there will be a licensed clinical social worker and one with a masters. The doctor has been working with the District for seven years. Georgia asked, for continuity purposes, if it will be the same people to which Jennifer responded yes. George asked if the rates for the diagnostic evaluations will remain the same for three years to which Jennifer noted they would remain the same. George then questioned who would prescribe medications. Jennifer replied that the District does not prescribe medications; they refer families to doctors for medication. The clinical team would communicate with the doctor. George asked if the parents generally cooperate to which Jennifer noted they do. Ron added that school districts never make recommendations for medications. Georgia was concerned with who would be responsible for approving bills and are these vendors associated with the old one? Jennifer stated that she would be responsible for approving the bills and the Superintendent commented that these individuals are current employees who have formed a new corporation. They will not be associated with the current vendor after July 1 st. Amanda Blau made a motion, seconded by Gregory Kenney and it was VOTED: To award this bid as noted on the memorandum from Special Education Director Jennifer Durkin; Initiative #1 and Initiative #3 to Community and School Support Services, Inc. (CSSS) and Initiative #2 to Dr. Patricia Meinhold, PhD. All initiatives are in the amounts referenced in the memo for the contract period of three years. In favor: Areglado, Blau, Cole, Day, Kenney and Louzon. Opposed: Abbott and Ure. The motion carried by a vote of 6 in favor with 2 opposed. X. Reports A. Subcommittee Reports 1. Finance Committee met on January 16, 2013 (prior to the Omnibus Meeting). Minutes of the January 21, 2012 meeting were included in the packet. B. Superintendent s Report 1. Chiefs of Police The Superintendent wanted to again thank the three Chiefs of Police for their support after the Sandy Hook tragedy. 2. Strategic Plan Update Volunteers to work on the Strategic Plan should contact the Superintendent s office. 3. Post-Grad Volunteers The Post-Grad Committee is in need of volunteers. 4. Ocean State Workcamp Chariho will again host the Ocean State Workcamp this summer. Volunteers will assist local residents in need of repair to their property and/or homes. BCI - The Superintendent stated that Senator McNamara will be submitting legislation that will require volunteers to be screened and will be using some of our language for this. 5. Coming Events were highlighted. Superintendent Ricci advised the Committee that he has been invited to the Charlestown Town Council Meeting in February to discuss his proposal on Charter School legislation. A representative from a Charter School has also been invited. C. Building Committee - The next meeting is scheduled for February 4,

10 XI. School Committee Requests for Future Agenda Items or Legal Opinions Georgia requested that the auditor be present at a School Committee meeting in the near future. George noted that, at a previous meeting, he requested discussion on the roles of the Audit Subcommittee and Finance Committee. The Superintendent stated that this item is scheduled for the next agenda. He had to do a bit of research on this. Georgia commented that the School Committee should have minutes of the Audit Subcommittee meetings. XII. Adjournment VOTED: To adjourn at 8:34 PM. In favor: Unanimous. Donna J. Sieczkiewicz, Clerk 10