Jamestown Schools: A School-Community Partnership
"SCAN," issued by the Superintendent’s Office in conjunction with the School Committee, is designed to inform staff members and interested others of matters discussed and actions taken by the Jamestown School Committee at its most recent meeting. SCAN does not represent meeting minutes.
Executive Session: Ms. Kaiser announced two 4-0 votes taken in executive session: to approve a settlement agreement in a teacher suspension case; and to approve the addition of ten days to the superintendent’s current contract.
Recognition: Ms. Kaiser recognized the significant contributions of former school committee chair Fred Clarke, who died on April 23.
Letters received:
• From the RI Department of Education, informing districts of the need for an English language learners staffing policy.
• From RI Representative Brian Newberry, urging the introduction of a resolution to eliminate the straight party vote.
• From Bucky Brennan, a Newsweek article entitled “Autism and Education,” written by the mother of an autistic son and gifted daughter and subtitled “Who should we focus on – my disabled son or my gifted girl?”
Consent Agenda: The committee approved the minutes of February 2 and March 12 and 19; and payment of bills.
Food Service Update: The committee reviewed the monthly meal count report and Sodexho General Manager Solange Morrissette’s letter detailing monthly highlights. Finance Director Jane Littlefield outlined the timeline for the issuance of the food service vendor RFP and receipt of bids.
Discussion of FY10 Budget: The school committee voted 4-0 to approve the FY2010 budget totaling $11,767,907. The total represents a $151,126 decrease in the budget approved on Feb. 23 and assumes a $11,264,373 contribution from the town, a 0.9% increase over the FY2009 budget. The approved budget complies with the town council’s request for a $150,000 reduction to enable the town to achieve a 0% tax increase. Ms. Littlefield explained that the $151,126 reduction reflects lower-than-anticipated property insurance costs; a workers comp rate reduction combined with the issuance of workers comp dividends; a reduction in the retiree health benefits line; and a reduction in health insurance costs as a result of membership in the GHGRI health collaborative. Committee members expressed concern that the approved budget assumes level-funding in state aid and acknowledged that in the event of any loss of state aid, additional cost-saving measures will be needed in order to support the budget as approved. Director of Pupil Services Dr. Fricklas reported that the school department has learned that it is not eligible for Title I funds included in the governor’s proposed state aid allocation to Jamestown. Ms. Littlefield reported that Jamestown is one of six districts notified by the state of additional cuts in professional development funding; the $30,000 cut announced in February has been revised to $65,000.
New Business
Illegal Harassment Policy: The committee discussed a draft version of an employee illegal harassment policy. A 1st reading of the policy will be held at the May 7 workshop meeting, as will 1st readings of a student dating violence and sexual harassment policy, a kindergarten admission policy and a school parties and celebrations amendment to the student nutrition policy.
Summer School Tuition Rate: Committee members approved Dr. Fricklas’ recommendations for SY2009-10 tuition rates for the preschool program and the summer 2009 literacy and numeracy camp program. There will be no charge for students who participate in the summer program as peer models.
Teacher Evaluation Committee Report: B.J. Whitehouse and Dr. Fricklas provided an update on the revision of the teacher evaluation system. The committee, which includes four teachers, expects to have the new evaluation tool ready for review this summer.
Information and Proposals
Principal’s Report: Principals Kathy Almanzor and Carole Melucci reported on spring sports participation at Lawn; the upcoming grade 6 trip to Alton Jones; the upcoming grade 7 and 8 trip to Boston to view the Volvo Challenge boats (the culmination of a multi-disciplinary unit); plans for the grade 8 trip to Washington, D.C.; and the success of Reading Week at Melrose. The principals also reported that teachers at both schools are meeting to share their gold-sealed lessons and units; and that professional development facilitator Marilyn Hostetler will present a selection of these lessons to the school committee in June.
Committee Reports:
Melrose School Improvement Team: SIT discussed the success of Reading Week; continued its review of the SIT action plan for 2009; and agreed to appoint a SIT liaison to assist in the school-farm collaboration. The group also discussed the need for a letter to accompany report cards in the fall providing an explanation of standards-based grading.
Lawn School Improvement Team: Lawn SIT continued the discussion of report cards; differentiated instruction; the May 29 Island Treasures; and plans to re-introduce a Junior National Honor Society. At the next meeting, the group will look at examples of differentiated learning illustrated in student work.
SELAC: Guest speaker Cynthia Haddad will share information at the May 12 SELAC meeting on estate planning for parents of special needs children. The School Support System Monitoring Report is now available on the RIDE website. Dr. Fricklas explained the complexities of “disproportionality” and provided an update on the progress of the Consolidated Resources Plan.
Facilities Committee: No report.
North Kingstown High School: No report.
SORICO: Ms. Kallfelz reported that search committee expects to recommend the appointment of a new executive director in June.
Policy: See above.
Health and Wellness: No meeting.
The next workshop meeting of the Jamestown School Committee will be on Thursday, May 7. The next business meeting will be on May 21. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the Lawn Avenue School Library.