Chariho School Committee Meeting Regular Session Minutes February 13, 2018

Transcription

1 Chariho School Committee Meeting Regular Session Minutes February 13, 2018 Committee Members Present: Chair Sylvia Stanley, Vice Chair Ryan Callahan, Ronald Areglado, Donna Chambers (arrived at 6:29 PM), Murat Dymov (arrived at 6:30 PM), Catherine Giusti, Stephen Huzyk, Clay Johnson, Craig Louzon, Lisa Macaruso and Georgia Ure. Absent: Melania van der Hooft. Administrators in Attendance: Superintendent Barry Ricci, Assistant Superintendent Jane Daly, Director of Administration and Finance Susan Rogers, High School Assistant Principal Andrea Spas and Ashaway School Principal Jeffrey Scanapieco. Also in Attendance: Attorney for the School Committee Jon Anderson, NEA Union President Vin Levcowich, Hopkinton Town Council Member Barbara Capalbo, Westerly Sun Reporter Cynthia Drummond and School Committee Clerk Donna Sieczkiewicz. I. Meeting Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance/Silent Meditation Chair Stanley called the meeting of the Chariho School Committee, which was held in the High School Library, to order at 6:20 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silent meditation. II. Motion/Vote to go into Executive Session Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Stephen Huzyk and it was VOTED: That the School Committee go into executive session under the authority of R.I. General Laws Section (a)(1) for the purpose of discussion and/or action pertaining to an individual s job performance or character (Pre-deprivation Hearings/Non-Renewal of Teacher Contracts); under the authority of R.I. General Laws Section (a)(4) for the purpose of discussion pertaining to any investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct, either civil or criminal (Employee Misconduct); and under the authority of R.I. General Laws Section (a)(8) for the purpose of reviewing and/or approving matters which relate to the privacy of students and their records (Approval of Home Instruction Requests and Approval of Executive Session Minutes of January 16, 2018 Approval of Home Instruction Requests); any persons to be discussed have been so notified. In favor: Unanimous (Chambers and Dymov were not in attendance for the vote). The Committee returned to open session at 7:06 PM and Chair Stanley reconvened the meeting at 7:08 PM. III. Closing/Sealing of Executive Session Minutes 1. Superintendent Ricci recommended that minutes pertaining to the privacy of students and their records (Approval of Home Instruction Requests) remain sealed. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Stephen Huzyk and it was VOTED: That minutes pertaining to the privacy of students and their records (Approval of Home Instruction Requests) remain sealed. In favor: Unanimous (Giusti was not in attendance for the vote). 2. Superintendent Ricci recommended that minutes pertaining to an individual s job performance or character (Pre-deprivation Hearings/Non-Renewal of Teacher Contracts) remain sealed. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Stephen Huzyk and it was VOTED: That minutes pertaining to an individual s job performance or character (Pre-deprivation Hearings/Non-Renewal of Teacher Contracts) remain sealed. In favor: Unanimous (Giusti was not in attendance for the vote). 3. Superintendent Ricci recommended that minutes pertaining to any investigative proceedings remain sealed. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Stephen Huzyk and it was VOTED: That minutes pertaining to any investigative proceedings remain sealed. In favor: Unanimous. IV. Disclosure of Executive Session Votes 1

2 Vice Chair Callahan reported there were a number of votes taken in executive session. The first related to a Home School approval. The vote passed with 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention and 0 recusals with Areglado, Callahan, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso and Stanley voting in favor and Ure abstaining. The second vote, a home school request, passed with 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention and 0 recusals with Areglado, Callahan, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso and Stanley voting in favor and Ure abstaining. The third vote, related to a home school approval, passed with 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention and 0 recusals with Areglado, Callahan, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso and Stanley voting in favor and Ure abstaining. The fourth vote, another home school approval, passed with 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention and 0 recusals with Areglado, Callahan, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso and Stanley voting in favor and Ure abstaining. The fifth vote, approval of executive session minutes of January 16, 2018, passed with 9 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention and 0 recusals with Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Giusti, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso, Stanley and Ure voting in favor and Huzyk recusing due to absence. Then there were 21 votes related to non-renewal of contracts with all votes identical; 11 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions and 0 recusals with Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Dymov, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso, Stanley and Ure voting in favor. The final vote was to adjourn executive session and return to open session. The vote passed unanimously with 11 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions and 0 recusals with Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Dymov, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso, Stanley and Ure voting in favor. V. Recognition The following were congratulated: 1. Middle School Student Anna LaCroix who was selected to speak at TEDxURI. Anna spoke on Saturday and was the youngest presenter. Her vision pertains to a better way to teach Middle School students about sexual assault (this was presented to Chariho 8 th grade students as well). She may be asked to attend a future School Committee meeting to present. 2. Middle School Student Andrew Lindelow, the winner of the District Spelling Bee. 3. High School Junior Avery Moody for winning the 2018 Annual Shakespeare School Competition. He may be asked to come to a future meeting to present. 4. High School Sophomore Jasmine Lerner for winning the Poetry Out Loud School Competition. Avery Moody was Runner-Up. She may come to a future meeting as well. 5. High School Senior Tommy Wrzesien for breaking the school wrestling record with 145 wins; Ben Dougherty earned his 100 th win and Kyle Merritt tied his dad, Scott, for the school record for the fastest pin in 7 seconds. 6. High School Wrestling Team for capturing the Northeast Duals Title, Mounties Invite Title, the Smithfield Invitational and Division I South Wrestling Title. The team is now competing for State honors. Ron added that The Providence Journal wrote a nice article about Chariho wrestling. 7. Richmond School Teacher Michele Leclerc, the recipient of the Golden Apple Award. 8. High School Senior Matt Stanley, winner of the 100M Breaststroke at Read-Watmough Invitational. 9. High School Freshman Hannah Benavides won two events at the Bay View Girls Swimming Invitational in January. She was named Freshman Swimmer of the Meet. 10. National Council for Home Safety and Security named Chariho as one of the top 500 School Districts in the USA. 11. Gary Gardiner (180 lbs) and Alexandra (Allie) Nelson (140 lbs) won Middle School State Wrestling Titles. Allie was also named Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament. She is the first Chariho female to win a state wrestling title and third female in the state to win a state title. 12. CHS Sophomores Andrew Ackroyd and Chloe Shilale composed two of the top twenty entries in the Write Rhode Island State Competition; their works will be published in the 2018 Write Rhode Island 2

3 Anthology. Andrew is the only student in the state to have his story chosen for last year s anthology and this year s anthology. VI. Public Forum Nothing to report. VII. Policy A Political Activities Policy (First Reading) Superintendent Ricci stated that the Committee should have voted to approve the first reading at the last meeting and not just a consensus so he has brought this back with revisions that were recommended by the ACLU. He recommended approval of the first reading. If approved, this will be on the next agenda for adoption. Ronald Areglado made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the first reading of the Political Activities Policy with the revisions as noted. In favor: Unanimous. B. Student Internship Program Policy (First Reading) The Superintendent noted that the same applies to this policy. A vote will need to be taken on the first reading and he recommended approval. If approved, this will be on the next agenda for adoption. Donna sked if there was criteria for an internship site to which the Superintendent replied that the District has an Internship Handbook on the website. Lisa questioned if it is the responsibility of the workplace or the District to make accommodations for a student with disabilities. Jon responded that it is the school s responsibility; this is state law. Lisa asked if they should add something to the policy to which it was noted that this is not necessary as they are required to follow state law. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ryan Callahan and it was VOTED: To approve the first reading of the Student Internship Program Policy. In favor: Unanimous. VIII. Business A. Field Trip(s) 1. Superintendent Ricci recommended approval of the request of Cosmetology Instructors Denise Carneiro and Gina Morgan for 19 students and 6 chaperones to travel to the Javits Convention Center in New York for the International Beauty Show on March 5, Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Stephen Huzyk and it was VOTED: To approve the request of Cosmetology Instructors Denise Carneiro and Gina Morgan for 19 students and 6 chaperones to travel to the Javits Convention Center in New York for the International Beauty Show on March 5, In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Dymov, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso and Ure. Abstained: Stanley. The motion carried by a vote of 10 in favor with 1 abstention. B. Discussion of Open Meetings Act Litigation: (WC ) Gardiner, Ure, Thompson, Michaud v. Chariho School Committee, Louzon, Day, Chambers, Huzyk, Stanley, Macaruso, Areglado, in their official capacities AND (WC ) Miller, Ure, Gardiner, Johanson, Buck, Thompson, Michaud, Van der Hooft v. Chariho School Committee, Louzon, Callahan, Chambers, Macaruso, Giusti, Areglado, in their official capacities AND (WC ) Gardiner, Ure v. Chariho School Committee, Louzon, Callahan, Chambers, Macaruso, Giusti, Areglado, in their official capacities Superintendent Ricci stated that he included in the packet notes that he has taken for himself; the Committee can choose to use them or not. Ryan explained why he requested this as a public agenda item. There have been multiple cases brought against the District with the same commonality filed by the same attorney with some of the same plaintiffs. He has asked Jon to provide a review of each suit and would like to touch on one point in respect to their budget which includes an additional $88,000 for attorney fees. The time Jon is spending on these frivolous lawsuits he is not spending on critical District cases. The public needs to be aware with respect to validity. He then asked Jon to walk through each case. Clay stated that he wants to understand why these three cases are special and not the others that the District has filed and involve people who are up for re-election. Jon explained that these three cases are by far taking the most time and money against the District. Chair Stanley asked how can some members be 3

4 listed when they were not on the Committee for part of the complaint? Jon replied that these events go far back to meetings that included members who are no longer on the Committee. The complaints are linked together and involved about ten different meetings so while a member may be listed on one complaint but not another that is because of who was on the Committee during the meeting that has been cited. The Attorney General has rejected all but two concerns; the first was a vote recorded by the clerk that was recorded incorrectly and the second involved a vote that was taken on supplying a paper packet to a Committee member with the vote not taken at the correct time (not duly noted on the agenda). The Committee corrected this at its next meeting. These two were cut and pasted to another claim in Washington County Superior Court and one of these was when Chair Stanley was first elected. Jon explained the rationale being used by the plaintiffs for filing these suits. We are currently in the process of discovery; parties can ask for information from the other party and statements can be taken. Ron asked if these will be going before a jury or a judge to which Jon responded that they have asked for a jury. This hasn t been decided yet. Discussion ensued on the path these suits have taken since being filed with the Attorney General s office. Ron asked when the Judge will decide on whether or not it will be a jury trial. Jon explained that if the cases are still around after the discovery process, he will ask then. He is asking the Judge to dismiss some, if not all, of these. They have had success in regards to case #0073 complaint about the way agendas are posted and they don t like the way the Committee begins its meetings. They claim the format is misleading to the public. The Court said it was very clear the way the agenda is laid out. In case #0073, Jon noted that they posted the meeting in executive session at which time he met with the Committee to explain, after eight years with the same law firm, that he was changing positions. He wanted to inform the Committee as his contract was coming up for renewal so he and the Superintendent felt the Committee should be informed prior to this going public. Judge Taft Carter has thrown out the agenda claim (not posted correctly). The plaintiffs have chosen to sue particular members on the way they voted. This is an infringement of First Amendment rights. Donna added that it is important to note that people were cherry picked; not all School Committee members were named as defendants. Catherine noted that the School Committee did vote to mediate these rather than go through the costly hearings; the other party did not want to mediate. They did not do anything wrong. What happens if the Judge agrees to which Jon responded that either party has the right to appeal to the Rhode Island Supreme Court in Providence. Donna wondered if they will have the right to recoup legal fees to which Jon replied Yes, but it is extremely hard as courts do not like to do this. Craig noted this befuddles him as everyone participated and those who voted yea were sued but those who voted nay were not. Ron asked if they lose money would this be covered by The Trust? Jon answered that these three cases are not covered by The Trust. Ron wanted the public to know that this money will come from the budget (the taxpayers). Steve asked how the District came up with an additional cost of $88,000? Jon replied that this is based on an estimate that was discussed between him and the Superintendent. This is expensive litigation and he works on a fixed fee. He believes he is being deliberately taken advantage of. He is not in a position to subsidize politics. He represents School Committees all over the state and this is the only district where he has members suing other members. The Superintendent added that the increase of $88,000 is not related to just these three cases. He provided information at a budget workshop and will forward this information to Steve as he was not in attendance. Donna noted a concern that some of the information that is discussed in executive sessions is being shared with others. One of the individuals suing is not on the Committee yet is suing over executive session discussion. She felt it was a shame that Jon is being victimized. These are very frivolous considering the Attorney General s office has already ruled on this. Chair Stanley added that there are also two members from the Hopkinton Town Council and two members from the Richmond Town Council listed. They will be responsible if we lose these. To have Town Council members suing is very distasteful. They don t even come to the meetings. Clay stated that he doesn t have a dog in this fight but the largest component of this $88,000 is related to another lawsuit. He believes that all the lawsuits coming in and those we launched are unnecessary. Barbara Capalbo commented that it is appalling that we have to raise the budget as she always fights to cut the budget and the Committee usually supports that. Ryan noted that he is satisfied with Jon s remarks. The Superintendent questioned if it would serve any purpose to again request mediation. Jon explained the mediation process and noted that Judge Lanphear suggested mediation. The School Committee voted to go this route but the other party rejected it. It is pretty straight forward with both sides splitting the cost of the mediator. Mediators come up with creative solutions. He would be happy to propose it again. Jon was asked what is it the other side wants to which he responded they are looking to have votes invalidated, fine the School Committee members and have all their legal fees paid. Murat stated that he 4

5 finds it troubling that they are discussing ongoing lawsuits in open public; it sounds like this is attorney/client discussion. Superintendent Ricci recommended that the Committee authorize Jon to again reach out to opposing counsel and agree to mediation. Lisa asked if they could introduce parameters to which Jon replied, Yes, he will recommend the same if it is about public transparency; it shouldn t be about legal fees. Ronald Areglado made a motion, seconded by Clay Johnson and it was VOTED: To authorize Jon to again reach out to opposing counsel and agree to mediation. In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso and Stanley. Abstained: Dymov and Ure. The motion carried by a vote of 9 in favor with 2 abstentions. C. Discussion of Restoration of School Committee Compensation This item was on the agenda at the request of Craig Louzon. Included in the packet was relative language from the Chariho Act. Craig stated that this was discussed at the last meeting. Two-thirds of the seats on the Committee will be available in November and this is an avenue to reinstate the stipend; he does not want to deter public from running. He would like to let the voters decide. He made a motion, seconded by Steve and Ron, to include restoration of School Committee Compensation on the March 6, 2018 Annual District Meeting Warrant for a decision of the voters. Lisa reiterated her comments from the last meeting; she cannot support the motion as she feels the Committee has already rectified this matter. In 2020 all positions at the table will be voted on. They are in the process of bringing a budget to the public and she cannot see adding over $20,000; she can t see how this will fit into getting a budget passed. Craig noted that it is Mr. Ricci s responsibility to find the money; he never said they had to add $20,000+ to the budget. He told the Committee, when the vote was taken to eliminate the stipend, that they were doing something legally wrong but he voted as he thought that was what he needed to do to get the budget passed. Catherine questioned if the public votes no, will this self-correct in 2020? Jon replied that the Committee has taken a vote to have the Superintendent include this in the 2020 budget so it will happen unless some School Committee members vote to not include it. Donna commented that she cannot support this either. Money should not deter anyone from running; being sued, however, might deter people. Steve urged all Committee members to vote for this and not think about themselves; think of those who are coming after you. It is never a good time to add it. It was a terrible decision to take it off. Murat noted that they don t get stipends for other Committees they serve on in Richmond so he will not support this. Ron stated that had he been at the meeting when stipends were eliminated, he would not have supported it. No one is doing it for the money. He agrees with Donna that it is much more problematic to get people to run when you are constantly being sued. If you are going to run for School Committee, you need to keep your eye on the prize which is student success. Chair Stanley noted that she was shocked when she found out she was getting paid; she did not run for School Committee for pay. She did it because she felt she had something to offer. She cannot support the motion if it means adding money to the budget. Craig voiced his agreement that it is not about the money and he doesn t like the inference. He is trying to right a wrong. Barbara Capalbo commented that she doesn t mind which way the Committee votes but some people who do run have children. They have to pay sitters so they can attend all the meetings and also feed them so while $2,000 may not be much for those who can afford, there are some who may need it. She also stated at the time the vote was taken to eliminate the stipend that it was a massive mistake. She hopes it gets put back in. Steve noted that regardless of which way Committee members vote, he feels this was one of the best open meetings discussions they have had in a long time. This is what he truly misses. When they went down the path of lawsuits,that is when good discussion stopped. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Stephen Huzyk and Ronald Areglado and it was VOTED: To include restoration of School Committee Compensation on the March 6, 2018 Annual District Meeting Warrant for a decision of the voters. In favor: Callahan, Huzyk and Louzon. Opposed: Areglado, Chambers, Dymov, Giusti, Johnson, Macaruso, Stanley and Ure. The motion failed by a vote of 3 in favor with 8 opposed. D. FY19 Budget 1. Potential Adjustments to the FY19 Budget The Superintendent stated that enclosed in the packet was Budget Update #4 which included potential adjustments to the FY19 Budget in light of further reductions in state aid (a total of $74,989.00). If adjustments are considered, you may vote on individual 5

6 items or on the package of adjustments as a whole. There is nothing being recommended that impacts instruction and he noted that the 2 nd item (light tubes) will not be purchased as we are having an energy audit done. With this reduction, the budget will be where the Committee left it at the last budget workshop. The Superintendent recommended the Committee reduce the budget on the expense side by a total of $74,989 as referenced in item #4 of Budget Update #4. Ron made a motion, which was seconded by Craig, to approve the Superintendent s recommendation. Ron questioned the waiver to which the Superintendent explained that the waiver they got is through June 30 th ; he is confident they will get another waiver. Ron stated that in the spirit of optimism, he will support this in hopes they get the waiver. Murat questioned the reduction in Unemployment Compensation as he thought they could not reduce this. Sue explained that the District has been running lower in this line item as they are not laying off any staff and are hopefully not scheduled to lay off any. Catherine noted a concern she has with the 5% reduction in library books across the board. She wondered if an item could be removed from the list through an amendment to the motion. The Superintendent noted that this item can be considered at a future date. If the Committee changes the motion, they will have to take a recess so they can recompute the numbers. Craig clarified that this becomes their budget if they approve it so they can make changes to which the Superintendent responded yes. Ronald Areglado made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To reduce the budget on the expense side by a total of $74,989 as referenced in item #4 of Budget Update #4. In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Dymov, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso and Stanley. Abstained: Ure. The motion carried by a vote of 10 in favor with 1 abstention. 2. Approval of FY19 Budget Superintendent Ricci stated that the cover sheet labeled 3C aligns with the action the Committee just took. He recommends approval of the FY2019 budget in the amount of $60,126, (total budget including federal grant expenses and debt service) with the member towns contribution to be $52,637, (includes debt service); an increase of 1.59%. He noted that they will need some time to adjust budget numbers if the Committee chooses to do anything other than 3C. If approved, this is the budget that will be presented at the Public Budget Hearing. Ronald Areglado made a motion, seconded by Craig Louzon and it was VOTED: To approve the FY2019 budget in the amount of $60,126, (total budget including federal grant expenses and debt service) with the member towns contribution to be $52,637, (includes debt service); an increase of 1.59%. In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Dymov, Giusti, Huzyk, Louzon, Macaruso and Stanley. Opposed: Johnson. Abstained: Ure. The motion carried by a vote of 9 in favor with 1 opposed and 1 abstention. E. High School Student Program of Studies Handbook Approval for Superintendent Ricci publicly thanked Andrea Spas for all her work on this. This is a fluid document so policies change, this will be updated. He recommended approval of the High School Student Program of Studies Handbook for Catherine thanked Andrea as well. She has made it much easier to read and go through with her son. Donna agreed and added that it was very well done with an exciting list of courses. Kids have a great opportunity for electives. Andrea commented that Department Heads were clear with descriptions. They helped her with this. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ryan Callahan and it was VOTED: To approve the High School Student Program of Studies Handbook for In favor: Unanimous (Areglado was not in attendance for the vote). F. Administrative Contracts Superintendent Ricci noted one change to the Administrative Letters regarding health insurance. This has been aligned to the teacher s contract. He recommended approval of the following Administrative Letters of Agreement effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020: Jennifer Durkin (Director of Special Education), Dorothy Fitzgerald (Data Specialist), Mary Beth Florenz (Middle School Assistant Principal), Daniel LaBelle (Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds), Craig MacKenzie (High School Principal), Eric O Brien (Systems Administrator), Jennifer Poore (Charlestown School Principal), Susan Rogers (Director of Administration and Finance), Jeanne Ross (Director of Alternative Learning), Jeffrey Scanapieco (Ashaway School Principal), Donna Sieczkiewicz (Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent). Craig made a motion, which was 6

7 seconded by Catherine and Steve, to approve the Superintendent s recommendation. Clay commented on the allowance for professional development and suggested to change it from $2,000 to $1,000 per administrator to which Donna noted that this covers conferences as well. She does not know of any conference that would go for that amount. She feels these are important for them to attend. Lisa agreed. She just attended one and $1,000 won t cover them. Ron asked if this included memberships to which the Superintendent clarified that this is a different line item. Ron noted his appreciation for his colleagues intent but he could not support the cut. Clay Johnson made an amendment to the motion, seconded by Georgia Ure and it was VOTED: To reduce the professional development amount from $2,000 to $1,000 per administrator. In favor: Johnson and Ure. Opposed: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Giusti, Huzyk, Louzon, Macaruso and Stanley. Abstained: Dymov. The amendment failed by a vote of 2 in favor, 8 opposed and 1 abstention. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Catherine Giusti and Stephen Huzyk and it was VOTED: To approve the following Administrative Letters of Agreement effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020: Jennifer Durkin (Director of Special Education), Dorothy Fitzgerald (Data Specialist), Mary Beth Florenz (Middle School Assistant Principal), Daniel LaBelle (Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds), Craig MacKenzie (High School Principal), Eric O Brien (Systems Administrator), Jennifer Poore (Charlestown School Principal), Susan Rogers (Director of Administration and Finance), Jeanne Ross (Director of Alternative Learning), Jeffrey Scanapieco (Ashaway School Principal), Donna Sieczkiewicz (Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent). In favor: Unanimous. G. Grant Proposals 1. Teachers of Critical Languages Program (TCLP) Application for U.S. Host Schools 2018 Superintendent Ricci recommended approval of the submission of the TCLP Application for U.S. Host Schools 2018 Grant Request. Barbara Capalbo asked the Superintendent to please explain what this was for to which he replied that it will cover the cost for a teacher of Mandarin. We will submit the application and, if successful, a teacher will be here for a year under this grant. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and it was VOTED: To approve submission of the TCLP Application for U.S. Host Schools 2018 Grant Request. In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Dymov, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson and Stanley. Opposed: Ure. The motion carried by a vote of 8 in favor with 1 opposed (Louzon and Macaruso were not in attendance for the vote). 2. Steelcase Education Active Learning Center Superintendent Ricci noted that the submission deadline was February 2, 2018, so this Active Learning Center grant proposal has been put forward by the Middle School. He is recommending that the Committee endorse this submission. If you do not approve, we will pull our application. This will be used to outfit a classroom of furniture at the Middle School. Catherine Giusti made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and Stephen Huzyk and it was VOTED: To endorse submission of the Steelcase Education Active Learning Center Grant. In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Dymov, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Macaruso and Stanley. Abstained: Ure. The motion carried by a vote of 9 in favor with 1 abstention (Louzon was not in attendance for the vote). H. District Audit Approval Included in the packet were copies of the approved minutes of the January 24, 2018 meeting and draft minutes of the February 5, 2018 meeting of the Audit Subcommittee. The Subcommittee approved the audit at its February 5 th meeting. The Superintendent recommended the Committee approve the District Audit and place it on file. Ron made a motion, seconded by Ryan, to approve the District Audit and place it on file. Superintendent Ricci introduced Jim Wilkinson from Marcum and thanked him for his patience. Jim thanked the Committee for inviting him and management and the Audit Subcommittee for all of their work. He discussed risk assessments and results and encouraged all to spend time reading the introduction. He reviewed what was included in the audit packet. The District does carry forward a fund balance that will be used to reduce the budget next year. 7

8 Ron noted that recommendations have been made to the District in the past to clarify issues but he does not see any this year. Jim replied that is because there were no recommendations this year. Ron added that it sounded like they had a very positive audit to which Jim replied the District is on the Honor Roll. The Superintendent thanked Sue and Gail as this was both administrators first time dealing with the Audit. He then thanked Jim for the thoroughness of his firm. Ronald Areglado made a motion, seconded by Ryan Callahan and it was VOTED: To approve the District Audit and place it on file. In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso, Stanley and Ure. Abstained: Dymov. The motion carried by a vote of 10 in favor with 1 abstention. IX. Consent Agenda Items Chair Stanley requested items to be pulled. Steve pulled A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4; Craig pulled H-1 and Georgia pulled C. Craig recognized the donation and thanked the donor. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and it was VOTED: To move the remainder of the Consent Agenda items. In favor: Unanimous. IX. Consent Agenda Items B. Transfers Approved. D. Budget Summary None at this time. E. Treasurer s Report None at this time. F. Personnel Actions 1. Appointed Sheri McCue to the position of 1.0 FTE Special Educator (assigned to Richmond School) effective February 14, 2018 on salary step 8 (Master s Degree in Area Directly Related to Posted Position) of the certified staff collective bargaining agreement. 2. Accepted the maternity leave of absence request of Sara Toso from the position of 1.0 FTE District Reading Specialist (assigned to the High School) effective on or around March 23, 2018 and for six to eight weeks following the birth of her baby (unless otherwise directed by her doctor) in accordance with Article 17, Section C of the certified staff collective bargaining agreement. 3. Accepted the resignation request of Erica Ball from the position of Middle School Track Assistant Coach and recommend her appointment to the position of Middle School Track Head Coach for the season. All required certifications are on file. 4. Appointed Natalie Baggesen to the position of High School Girls Outdoor Track Assistant Coach for All required certifications are on file. 5. Appointed Gillian Buckler to the position of High School Boys Volleyball Assistant Coach for 2018 contingent upon receipt of all required application materials and certifications. 6. Accepted the resignation request of Jonathan Kelly from the extracurricular position of High School Portfolio Support Team English effective February 9, Appointed Erica Sousa to the extracurricular position of Middle School National Junior Honor Society Advisor effective through June 30, Reappointed the following coaches to the positions as noted through June 30, 2018: Name Position Location a. Andrew Fales Girls Track, Head Coach High School b. Adam Champlin Baseball, Assistant Coach Middle School c. Michaela Carrier Intramural Field Hockey Coordinator Middle School G. Permission to Issue Bids/Request Quotes None at this time. I. Home Instruction Action taken in executive session. J. Grants Action taken under Business. K. Donations Accepted the following: 1. Donation from Douglas Boisclair, Charlestown, RI of one (1) Starcaster Drum Set, valued at $150, to the Middle School Band. A-1. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and it was 8

9 VOTED: To approve the Regular Session Minutes of December 12, 2017 as revised. In favor: Areglado, Chambers, Giusti, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso, Stanley and Ure. Abstained: Callahan, Dymov and Huzyk. The motion carried by a vote of 8 in favor with 3 abstentions. A-2. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and it was VOTED: To approve the Regular Session Minutes of January 16, In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Giusti, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso, Stanley and Ure. Abstained: Dymov and Huzyk. The motion carried by a vote of 9 in favor with 2 abstentions. A-3. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and it was VOTED: To approve the Budget Workshop Minutes of January 18, In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Giusti, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso, Stanley and Ure. Abstained: Dymov and Huzyk. The motion carried by a vote of 9 in favor with 2 abstentions. A-4. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and it was VOTED: To approve the Budget Workshop Minutes of January 25, In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Giusti, Louzon, Macaruso, Stanley and Ure. Abstained: Dymov, Huzyk and Johnson. The motion carried by a vote of 8 in favor with 3 abstentions. C. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and it was VOTED: To accept the Bill Review. In favor: Areglado, Callahan, Chambers, Dymov, Giusti, Huzyk, Johnson, Louzon, Macaruso and Stanley. Abstained: Ure. The motion carried by a vote of 10 in favor with 1 abstention. H. Permission to Award Contracts 1. Ashaway and Hope Valley Window Replacement Base Bid Craig stated that when they first discussed this a few years back, it was under $500,000. He questioned the cost to which the Superintendent explained that Ashaway came in lower and this price also includes new shades for Hope Valley. We are actually doing the project for under what we thought it would cost and he recommended the award of Bid, along with Alternate I, Alternate 2 and Alternate 3, to Martone Service Company, Inc., Narragansett, RI in the amount of $539,473. Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and it was VOTED: To award the Ashaway and Hope Valley Window Replacement Bid, along with Alternate I, Alternate 2 and Alternate 3, to Martone Service Company, Inc., Narragansett, RI in the amount of $539,473. In favor: Unanimous. X. Reports A. Subcommittee Reports 1. RYSE School Building Committee met on January 22, 2018 and took a tour of the building. Some of the exterior curtain will be coming down so the brick can be washed. 2. Health and Wellness Subcommittee will meet on Tuesday March 6, 2018 at 4:00 PM in the Administration Building Conference Room. B. Superintendent s Report 1. Kindergarten Registration will be held on March 13 and March 15. He shared with the Committee the Kindergarten Registration gift for the class of These were purchased with Community 2000 grant money. 2. Key Work of School Boards PD Credit The Committee can received PD credit for Key Works. Jane has offered to facilitate but the Superintendent stated that he would like her to be able to participate so they are looking for another person to facilitate this. 4. Energy Audit We are delaying the light tube project as we are having free energy audits done of all the buildings. The Elementary Schools may not qualify as we upgraded them four years ago but the campus buildings may. Clay noted that he has been involved in four of these and it is positive cash flow as they will finance it. C. Coming Events were highlighted. 9

10 XI. School Committee Requests for Future Agenda Items of Legal Opinions Murat requested, for the next agenda, a list of ongoing Chariho lawsuits with amounts (whatever is budgeted for potential losses). Clay noted that he would like to discuss changes to sexual harassment within the Health Curriculum based on Anna LaCroix talk. Ryan would like a review of the five-year capital plan; what is spent and what we need to spend and the financial impact if we don t meet this. XII. Adjournment Craig Louzon made a motion, seconded by Ronald Areglado and it was VOTED: To adjourn at 9:14 PM. In favor: Unanimous. Donna J. Sieczkiewicz, Clerk 10