approve 06/14/2011. 5.1 newport school...

Newport School Committee Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 7:00 p.m.

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Approve 06/14/2011. 5.1

NEWPORT SCHOOL COMMITTEE Regular Meeting

Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 7:00 p.m.

MINUTES 1.0 OPENING ITEMS.

1.1 Call to Order. Chairperson Patrick K. Kelley called the Regular Meeting of the Newport School Committee to order at 7:02 p.m. at the Newport Public Schools’ Administration Center, in Room 924.

1.2 Roll Call. Attendance was as follows: School Committee Members:

Chairperson Patrick K. Kelley, Vice Chairperson Rebecca Bolan, Sandra J. Flowers, Ph.D., Jo Eva Gaines, Robert J. Leary, Thomas S. Phelan, and Dr. Charles P. Shoemaker (arrived at 7:03 p.m.). School Department: Superintendent of Schools John H. Ambrogi, Ed.D., Director of Property Services Paul Fagan, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Caroline Frey, Ed.D., Director of Grants, Professional Development, and Community Involvement Jacqueline Naspo, Ed.D., and Rogers High School Principal Patricia DiCenso.

1.3 Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 1.4 Moment of Silence. Moment of Silence was presented, as follows:

• Barbara M. McCarthy: who passed away on Sunday, April 10,

2011. She was the wife of the late John F. McCarthy of Newport. After graduating from Rogers High School in 1950, she worked for the Newport Public Schools for 20 years in the Grants Program Office and as a secretary at Rogers High School. Mrs. McCarthy is survived by her five children, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves two brothers, Richards Haggis and his wife Dorothy of Newport, John Haggis of Middletown, and one brother-in-law, James McClanahan, of Trenton, New Jersey. She was also the sister of the late Dorothy (Haggis) McClanahan and sister-in-law of the late Marcia Haggis.

• Manuel P. Medeiros: who passed away on Monday, April 11,

2011, at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of Anna (DeCosta) Medeiros of Newport. After serving in the United States Air Force, he worked as custodian for the Newport Public Schools


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for 30 years and also served as the groundskeeper at Jesus Savior Church for many years. Besides his wife of 63 years, he is survived by his four children, 7 grandchildren, and one soon-to-be great grandson.

• Frances Mary Williams: who passed away on May 1, 2011. She

was the wife of the late William W. Williams. Born in Newport, she worked as a Guidance Aide at Cranston-Calvert School and as both a Teacher Aide and Lunch Aide at various elementary schools throughout her 23 years of service with the Newport Public Schools, before retiring in June of 2004. Mrs. Williams leaves seven children, eight grandchildren, one sister, Edith Carter, of Nevada, one brother-in-law, Constant Williams, two sisters-in-law, Marie Williams and Sylvian Williams, of France, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sisters Hilda Lopes and Johanna Anderson and her brothers Matthew and Johnny Lopes.

2.0 PUBLIC COMMENT.

2.1 Public Comment was received from Newport Resident and Bicycle Program Coordinator Bari George, highlighting the progress made to date regarding the Newport Bike to Work Day and Community Bike Fair Initiative. Ms. George requested the Committee’s participation and requested the District to register as an Employer. School Committee Vice Chairperson Rebecca Bolan stated that she would be promoting this Initiative throughout the District. At the request of the Committee, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi stated that he would request the participation from all Newport Public Schools’ staff regarding the Initiative and share results of the districtwide student bicycling survey. Ms. George further stated that more information regarding this Initiative could be obtained by visiting website—www.bikenewport.me.

3.0 Resolutions and Certificates of Achievement. Resolutions were presented,

as follows:

3.1 Rhode Island Counselor of the Year—Linda Moitoza 3.2 Rhode Island National History Day—Teacher of the Year—

Coleen Hermes 3.3 Rhode Island Secondary School Chemistry Teacher Award—

Emily Winsor Zilly

Each of the recipients thanked the Committee and provided a brief overview of their accomplishments. Mrs. Gaines made a motion to pass the above-


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named Resolutions, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

4.0 STUDENT ACTIVITIES. 4.1 Student Council Update: Cassandra McCarthy. Student Council

President and School Committee Representative Cassandra McCarthy provided the Committee with an update on year-end Student Activities of the Student Council.

5.0 CONSENT AGENDA.

5.1 Approval of Minutes.

5.1.1 Special Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, April 6, 2011. Mrs. Gaines made a motion to consent to the approval of the Special Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, April 6, 2011, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

5.1.2 Regular Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Mrs.

Gaines made a motion to consent to the approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, April 12, 2011, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

5.1.3 Special Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, April 13, 2011. Mrs.

Gaines made a motion to consent to the approval of the Special Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, April 13, 2011, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

5.1.4 Special Meeting Minutes of Monday, April 18, 2011. Mrs.

Gaines made a motion to consent to the approval of the Special Meeting Minutes of Monday, April 18, 2011, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

5.2 Personnel Actions.

5.2.1 Appointments.

• Mrs. Gaines made a motion to consent to the approval of the Appointment of: Mary Aswell, Girls’ Assistant Track Coach, Rogers High School, effective May 11, 2011, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

• Mrs. Gaines made a motion to consent to the approval of

the Appointment of: Mary Aswell, Girls’ Varsity Soccer


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Coach, Rogers High School, effective May 11, 2011, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

• Mrs. Gaines made a motion to consent to the approval of

the Appointment of: Katelyn Zerba, Para Educator, Sullivan School, effective May 11, 2011, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

• Discussion followed. Mr. Leary requested a separate vote

on this professional appointment, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi briefed the Committee on the recommended candidate’s accomplishments. Mrs. Gaines made a motion to consent to the approval of the Appointment of: John McNamee, Director of Administrative Services/Business Manager, effective June 20, 2011, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

5.3 Bid: Rogers High School Auditorium Stage Drapery. Mrs. Gaines

made a motion to award the Bid for Rogers High School Auditorium Stage Drapery Replacement to Walker Specialties of Boston, Massachusetts, in the total amount of $19,862, as presented. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

6.0 ACTION.

6.1 Elementary Mathematics Series—Program Selection—2011-2012. At the request of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi, Curriculum and Instruction Director Dr. Caroline Frey stated that the Curriculum Steering Committee and the Math Vertical Team recommended the purchase and implementation of a new Mathematics Program—Envision Mathematics Series, as a result of piloting two alternatives last year. Discussion followed. Ms. Bolan made a motion to approve the K-5 Curriculum in Mathematics, as supported by the Envision Mathematics Series. Mrs. Gaines seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

6.2 HMFH Architects—Contract—Approval of Professional Services

Supplements. At the request of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi, Owner’s Representative Jon Winikur reviewed the additional Professional Services Supplements required to continue with the New School Construction Project. Discussion followed. Ms. Bolan made a motion to approve Professional Services Supplements agreed to between the Newport Public Schools and HMFH Architects—No. 11, No. 12, and No. 13. Mrs. Gaines seconded the motion, which carried (6-1). Voting against the motion was: Robert J. Leary.


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6.3 Approve Offer by Sodexo to Compensate the District for Past Contract Issues. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi reviewed the Offer by Sodexo to compensate the district for past contract issues. Dr. Ambrogi recommended the Committee approve the Offer by Sodexo of a payment of $12,000, in consideration of the dispute relating to the Management Agreement between Sodexo and the Newport Public Schools from the Contract dated July 1, 2005. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of holding Sodexo liable for the total amount of $27,000. Mrs. Gaines made a motion to approve the Offer by Sodexo of a payment of $12,000, in consideration of the dispute relating to the Management Agreement between Sodexo and the Newport Public Schools from the Contract dated July 1, 2005. Dr. Flowers seconded the motion, which carried (4-3). Voting against the motion were: Robert J. Leary, Rebecca Bolan, and Thomas S. Phelan.

7.0 DISCUSSION ITEMS.

7.1 Pell School Building Committee—Update. Subcommittee Chairperson Mrs. Gaines briefed the Committee on today’s meeting held with Physical Education Teachers and City Officials regarding playground apparatus. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi stated that on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at 5:30 p.m., there would be another Pell Building Committee Meeting to review the progress and make recommendations to the School Committee regarding the construction of the new school for submitting to the Committee, at their June Meeting, the final design recommendation. Discussion followed. Dr. Ambrogi then provided an update to the Committee on the status of the pending Citizens Complaint. Discussion followed.

7.2 Sullivan School Students to Triplett School—Transition Plan—

Update. At the request of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi, Director of Property Services Paul Fagan outlined the progress made to date regarding the move of Sullivan School to Triplett School for next year—a successful variance appeal was held in Cranston at the Rhode Island Sate Fire Board on May 3, 2011, and the district’s Plan of Action to answer violations was approved; a bid package for a PVCP Sprinkler system at the lower level of Triplett school has been prepared and advertised; and Astro Movers attended a staff meeting at Sullivan School earlier today to enlighten staff members on their plan of action for the move to Triplett School. Discussion followed. Mrs. Gaines requested that a special celebration would be held for the closing of Sullivan School at the end of this academic year and urged that all Committee Members and Superintendent attend this event when the specifics are detailed and a date and time determined.


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7.3 Newport Area Career and Technical Center Building Acquisition—Update. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi stated that he had contacted the Rhode Island Department of Education to express the concerns the City Council had regarding the discrepancy between the amount of money they offered to the district and the cost outlined in the Robinson Green Berretta Report, indicating that they would be reviewing the documentation and anticipates a meeting with them within the next few weeks. Discussion followed. At the request of the Committee, Dr. Ambrogi would request additional compensation from the Rhode Island Department of Education and identify needed repairs within the $1M Offer versus those that might be cosmetic.

7.4 Student Dress Code Policy—Next Steps. As a result of the

Committee’s Community Forum on Student Dress Code last Wednesday, May 4, 2011, and the recognition that the ACLU would probably mount a legal challenge to the dress code the way it was fashioned, discussion followed as to next steps on this issue. Mrs. Gaines suggested that the District enforce more stringently the current Dress Code Policy. Dr. Flowers echoed Mrs. Gaines suggestion and, as well, suggested that the Policy be aligned to reflect each of the three levels and to encourage the Administrators to enforce the Policy. Mrs. Gaines requested that students be polled as to their thoughts, specifically at the middle school level. At the request of Chairperson Mr. Kelley, Dr. Ambrogi stated the necessity of strictly enforcing a common code of dress relative to curbing student behavior. The Committee agreed to discontinue moving forward with the proposed policy amendment and to refer this matter back to the Policy Subcommittee for bring forward a newly amended Policy proposed to reflect enforcement of a common code of dress based on this evening’s suggestions.

7.5 Staff Dress Code—Consideration. At the request of Ms. Bolan,

discussion followed regarding the consideration of a staff dress code. Mrs. Gaines suggested reviewing the Rhode Island Department of Education’s Professional Code of Conduct. Dr. Shoemaker suggested the establishment of a Staff Committee to address this issue. At the request of Chairperson Mr. Kelley, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi stated that all staff should be surveyed regarding this issue. But, he further indicated that parameters must be considered before next steps are considered for the implementation of a staff dress code.

7.6 Subcommittee Reports. No Subcommittee Reports were presented.


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8.0 REPORTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF.

8.1 Expenditure and Revenue Reports. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi reviewed the Expenditure and Revenue Reports, as of April 30, 2011. Dr. Flowers made a motion to accept the Expenditure and Revenue Reports, as presented. Mr. Leary seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

8.2 Enrollment Reports. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi reviewed

the Enrollment Reports, as of April 29, 2011. Dr. Flowers made a motion to accept the Enrollment Reports, as presented. Mr. Leary seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

8.3 Damage Reports. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi reviewed the

Damage Reports regarding three incidents, of which occurred last month, at the following school facilities: (1) Administration/Newport Area Career and Technical Center Building—Spray painted with Graffiti on the front right side of the building; (2) Sullivan School Playground—Small fire set in garage can, wooden trash can container was destroyed, and bench seat was detached and damaged; and (3) Underwood School—Storage Shed was broken into, but nothing appeared to be missing. Dr. Flowers made a motion to accept the Damage Reports, as presented. Mr. Leary seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

8.4 Superintendent’s Update. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi listed

for the Committee his activities to date:

1. Regionalization Meeting with NESDEC and Island Superintendents (04-11-11) 2. NSC/NCC Liaison Subcommittee Meeting (04-12-11) 3. Pell Meeting—Emergency Shelter (04-12-11) 4. Pell Building Committee Meeting (04-12-11) 5. RI Public Expenditure Council Regionalization Meeting (04-13-11) 6. Commissioner Gist Visitation to Sullivan School Classroom (04-13-11) 7. Newport Partnership for Families Annual Breakfast Meeting (04-28-11) 8. Pell Building Committee Meeting with RIDEM @ Sullivan School (04-28-11) 9. Pell Building Committee Meeting re: Playscapes and Landscapes (04-28-11) 10. Newport Public Education Foundation Annual Showcase (04-28-11) 11. Annual Arbor Day Ceremony with Cranston-Calvert School – Fourth Grade

Students (04-29-11) 12. Newport Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force Annual Awards Luncheon

(04-29-11) 13. NACTC Meeting with Automotive Youth Educational System’s National Field

Operations Manager (04-2911) 14. Meeting with City Finance Director re: Pell School Bonding (05-03-11) 15. Meeting with RI State Fire Code Board of Appeal and Review re: Facilities

(05-03-11) 16. Regionalization Forum sponsored by American Association of University Women

(05-03-11) 17. RI Public Expenditure Council Regionalization Meeting (05-03-11)


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18. Pell School Meeting re: Technology (with Owner’s Rep and HMFH Architects) (05-03-11)

19. NSC Community Forum – Dress Code (05-04-11) 20. Bicycle Program – Photo Op (05-05-2011) 21. Annual JROTC Ball @ Rotunda (05-06-11) 22. Men Who Make a Difference Fundraiser @ Hotel Viking – Sponsored by Women’s

Resource Center (05-07-11)

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ambrogi stated that, by far, of all the events he attended this past month, the Annual JROTC Ball has always been the most enjoyable event. Committee Member Dr. Shoemaker briefed the Committee on Baby Steps Program and Regionalization. Dr. Flowers made a motion to accept the Superintendent’s Update, as presented. Mr. Leary seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

9.0 SUGGESTED MEETING DATES AND AGENDA ITEMS.

9.1 Meeting and Agenda Requests. The Committee reviewed Meeting and Agenda Requests for: (1) Fiscal Year 2012 School Budget; (2) Liaison Subcommittee; and (3) Pell Building Committee.


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10.0 EXECUTIVE SESSION.

10.1 At 8:50 p.m., Ms. Bolan made a motion to go into Executive Session under jurisdiction of Rhode Island State Law, Chapter 46, 42-46-5 – Exceptions (a)(1) Personal Matters, and the person or persons affected have been notified in advance in writing and advised that they may require that the discussion be held in an open session; and (a)(2) Collective Bargaining and Litigation. Dr. Shoemaker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).


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EXECUTIVE SESSION

SEALED MINUTES—CONFIDENTIAL

OPEN SESSION

At 9:18 p.m., the meeting was called in Open Session. 11.0 ADJOURNMENT.

At 9:20 p.m., Mr. Phelan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Gaines seconded the motion, which carried unanimously (7-0).

______________________________ _______________________________ Patrick K. Kelley John H. Ambrogi, Ed.D. Chairperson Clerk

NEWPORT SCHOOL COMMITTEE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS: Linda Halliday Moitoza was awarded the 2011 Rhode Island School Counselor of the Year by the Rhode Island School Counselor Association; and

WHEREAS: Linda Halliday Moitoza was honored for her advocacy for students, collaborative

efforts with colleagues and leadership in changing the cultures of the Guidance Department at Rogers High School; and

WHEREAS: Linda Halliday Moitoza, through her efforts, has helped create a Guidance

Department lauded as a comprehensive model of excellence, aligned to both state and national standards, resulting in students receiving personalized attention throughout their educational careers; and

WHEREAS: Linda Halliday Moitoza has established herself as a leader in many areas including:

building representative for the district Response to Intervention (RTI) Team, cooperating teacher mentor counseling students from Providence College; and

WHEREAS: Linda Halliday Moitoza was an active committee member in the Commissioner’s

Review and the recent NEASC reaccreditation evaluation; and WHEREAS: Linda Halliday Moitoza serves as a liaison to group homes, and advisor to the

National Honor Society; and WHEREAS: Linda Halliday Moitoza has worked diligently with the technology director to advance

the Guidance Department in technology regarding on-line ILPs, transcripts, college applications and scheduling ; and

WHEREAS: Linda Halliday Moitoza has been instrumental in increasing parent access to information regarding financial aid, college searches, high school success and social and emotional adolescent issues by sponsoring and promoting speakers to the high school for parent forums; and

WHEREAS: Linda Halliday Moitoza single-handedly coordinated junior class sessions with 25

counselors from the New England Association for College Admission Counseling Annual Meeting and Conference in partnership with Salve Regina University; THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: That Linda Halliday Moitoza be commended by the Newport School Committee as

the “2011 RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR”; THEREFORE BE IT ALSO

RESOLVED: That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official records of the Newport School Committee and the original to be presented to Linda Halliday Moitoza as an expression of our appreciation for her performance as a true professional and outstanding member of the educational community and as one who has gained the respect of those whom she has served so well.

WHERETO: The following bear witness:

_________________________________________ Chairperson, On Behalf of the Newport School Committee

_________________________________________________ Superintendent of Schools, On Behalf of the Newport Public Schools

Introduced by: Patrick K. Kelley, Chairperson Passed: May 10, 2011

NEWPORT SCHOOL COMMITTEE

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS: Coleen Hermes is the Social Studies Department Chair at Rogers High School; and

WHEREAS: Coleen Hermes was awarded the Patricia Behring National

History Day Teacher of the Year at the senior high school level; and

WHEREAS: Coleen Hermes was selected based on her development

of creative teaching methods that interest students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past; and

WHEREAS: Coleen Hermes was selected also for her exemplary

commitment to helping students develop their interest in history and recognize their achievements; THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: That Coleen Hermes be commended by the Newport School Committee as the “2011 Rhode Island National History Day Teacher of the Year at the Senior High School Level”; THEREFORE BE IT ALSO

RESOLVED: That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official records of the Newport School Committee and the original to be presented to Coleen Hermes as an expression of our appreciation for her performance as a true professional and outstanding member of the educational community and as one who has gained the respect of those whom she has served so well.


_________________________________________ Chairperson, On Behalf of the Newport School Committee



NEWPORT SCHOOL COMMITTEE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly is a teacher at Rogers High School and she teaches Chemistry and Physical Science; and

WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly is a laboratory instructor at Salve Regina University; and WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly has developed and implemented chemistry lessons based on

grade span expectations for grades 9-12; and WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly has created study materials for Newport Public Schools and

tutored students preparing for the Advanced Placement exam; and

WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly has designed laboratory experiments that enhance and enforce topics discussed in lecture; and

WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly differentiates these lessons for various reading and

comprehension levels; and WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly’s students participate in the University of Rhode Island’s annual

chemistry contest in Kingston; and

WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly fosters relationships with local universities which helps the students to gain perspectives about chemistry at the next level; and

WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly has developed lessons based on the requirements for freshman

Chemistry at Salve Regina University, as well as designing laboratory experiments coordinated with topics discussed in lecture while including data collection equipment using the Pasco system; and

WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly has developed lessons for Rhode Island College’s Early

Enrollment Program based on the requirements of freshman Chemistry; and WHEREAS: Emily Winsor Zilly was the University of Rhode Island laboratory technician for the

“Explosives Research Study” with the Department of Defense and collaborated with professors and graduate students to develop ways to counter and/or prevent terrorist attacks; THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: That Emily Winsor Zilly be commended by the Newport School Committee as the “2011 Rhode Island Secondary School Chemistry Teacher of the Year”; THEREFORE BE IT ALSO

RESOLVED: That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official records of the Newport School Committee and the original to be presented to Emily Winsor Zilly as an expression of our appreciation for her performance as a true professional and outstanding member of the educational community and as one who has gained the respect of those whom she has served so well.


________________________________________ Chairperson, On Behalf of the Newport School Committee



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