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.
Letters received:
• From a group of parents, teachers, and the director of the Autism Support Center, letters requesting the rescinding of the non-renewal (pink slip) notice received by a teacher.
• From Renie Sullivan, the annual report on services delivered by the school nurse.
• From Bucky Brennan, a USA Today article on mobile science labs.
• Via Julie Kallfelz, communication with Kids First about a Sodexho-Kids First initiative to offer a vegetarian menu day in September featuring locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
• Via Bucky Brennan, an email from NK Superintendent Phil Thornton outlining that district’s plan to improve instructional practices and NECAP scores.
Consent Agenda: The committee approved the minutes of May 7 and 21; and payment of bills. The committee also approved for the 2009-2010 school year the appointments of Thomas Carney as boys’ soccer coach, Sean McAdams as girls’ soccer coach, Lisa Casey as Melrose tech coach and Renie Sullivan as yearbook advisor. The committee also approved notification to Andrea Brayman that she will be reinstated to the position of physical education teacher in a 0.5 position. The committee accepted with regret the retirement of Terry Guido following 23 years of service in Jamestown Schools.
Food Service Update: Superintendent Marcia Lukon shared the latest figures on the number of meals sold. The committee discussed with Sodexho representative Solange Morrisette and “Chef Chris” the reasons for the decline in meal sales at Lawn School. Ms. Morrissette reported that she and Chef Chris meet bi-monthly with the 5th grade “board of directors” to evaluate and endorse menu choices and that they hope the 5th grade enthusiasm will spread to the upper grades. The school committee endorsed Sodexho’s plan to offer a vegetarian menu in September featuring locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
2010 Budget: Dr. Lukon shared education aid figures included in the House of Representatives budget. She cautioned that while the preliminary figures are better than expected, many questions remain about how the stimulus funds can be used.
1st Reading – Special Education Staffing Policy: The committee tabled the reading to allow the policy sub-committee the opportunity to meet with SELAC (Special Education Local Advisory Committee) to reconcile two versions of the policy.
Summer Meetings: The committee changed its July 9 meeting date to July 16. The committee decided to postpone its summer retreat meeting until after the November election.
Food Vendor Bid Award: By unanimous vote, the committee awarded the food vendor contract to Sodexho and gave the superintendent the authority to decide between two employee options. Director of Finance Jane Littlefield reported that the Sodexho included an incentive program based on increased participation and that Sodexho had reduced its management fee from $10,301 to $2421. The state vendor, Aramark, did not submit a bid.
Home Schooling Request: The committee approved a home schooling request by unanimous vote.
Information and Proposals:
Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Lukon reported on the statewide transportation system mandated for special education, non-public and other students who travel to education programs outside their home districts. The first phase will begin in July 2009 with special education students from seven districts; in September eight districts, including Jamestown, will be added, with busing for out-of-district special education, non-public, vocational and charter school students. Program organizers estimate an initial savings of 10-15% for school districts. However Dr. Fricklas reported that other sources predict that due to start-up expenses the first year costs may actually exceed districts’ current expenditures.
Principal’s Report:
Principal Kathy Almanzor reported on the 2nd grade farm unit, preparations for the pre-K and kindergarten “graduations,” a change of venue for the 8th-grade post-graduation party (moved to the Teen Center), and the student advisory “send-off” for Mrs. Sweet. Ms. Almanzor also reported that Melrose classes visited the current Island Schools Exhibit at the Jamestown Museum, which includes research contributed by the 7th and 8th grades.
Committee Reports:
Melrose School Improvement Team: No meeting.
Lawn School Improvement Team: Lawn SIT reviewed the year’s accomplishments, which included the expansion of the Volunteers in Education program and the development by Ann Zainyeh of a powerpoint with answers to commonly asked questions about the grading system (soon to be on the website). The group also reviewed the responses to the staff technology survey; made minor changes in the 5th and 6th grade report cards; and planned the reinstatement of the Junior National Honor Society for the 7th and 8th grades.
SELAC: The group commended the current chair, Jill Ball, and also Terri Tamase for her work in securing a Jamestown Education Foundation grant for the extension of ESY (extended school year). The group had questions about the transition plans for 8th graders and staffing for next year. The group discussed the importance of having SELAC volunteers to serve on the interview committees for special education positions.
Facilities Committee: No meeting.
North Kingstown: Mr. Brennan reported on Superintendent Thornton’s plan to use benchmark assessments to improve student achievement and NECAP scores. Mr. Brennan also commended the efforts of a teacher and group of students who proposed to the N.K. School Committee that the calendar be revised to minimize disruption to instruction by eliminating religious holidays, moving professional days to Mondays rather than mid-week, etc.
SORICO: The SORICO board meeting featured a presentation on using technology in the classroom.
Legislative: Ms. Kaiser attended the hearing on the education adequacy act, a funding formula that holds districts harmless.
Policy: See above.
Teacher Evaluation Committee: B.J. Whitehouse and Dr. Fricklas reiterated that the committee expects to have an evaluation tool for school committee consideration at one of the summer meetings.
Health and Wellness: No report.
The next meeting of the Jamestown School Committee will be on July 16. All meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the Melrose Multi-Purpose Room.