Jan. 18, 2024 - Regular Meeting
Middletown
Minutes · January 18, 2024
MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MIDDLETOWN, RHODE ISLAND
January 18, 2024
Members Present: Theresa Spengler, Chair
Tami Holden, Vice-Chair
William O’Connell
Greg Huet
Wendy Heaney
Also Present: Rosemarie Kraeger, Superintendent of Schools
Michelle Fonseca, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Lori Miller, Interim Business Manager
Lisa Birkett, Director of Student Services
David Annese, Director of Technology
Poe George, Director of Facilities, Transportation, and Safety
The Middletown School Committee Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair Theresa Spengler. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Administrative staff members present were Donna Sweet, William Niemeyer, Kaitlin Gibbins, Erica Bulk, and Rebecca Silveira.
· Dr. Victor Mercurio and Dr. David De Ruosi, Jr. of NESDEC explained the process and timeline for the Superintendent search.
o Greg Huet was appointed NESDEC Liaison
Mr. Huet asked how many applicants Middletown can expect to receive and how many the School Committee should forward to the Screening Committee.
Dr. De Ruosi said that Natick had received 31 applicants, and a district in New Hampshire had received 18, while another had received 13. He recommended 4 or 5, or as many as they would like to move forward but cautioned against more than 9.
Mr. Huet asked what role the Screening Committee played in the process and why it was important to have someone from the School Committee on the Screening Committee.
Dr. De Ruosi stated the Screening Committee screens the candidates and selects those that move on to the School Committee for further consideration. It is common practice to have a School Committee member on the Screening Committee. He also suggested having the representative from the Teachers’ Union on the Screening Committee to cover the Union.
Vice Chair Holden asked if focus groups are only involved in the beginning of the process which Dr. De Ruosi confirmed.
Mr. Huet inquired if the focus groups had to be remote.
Dr. De Ruosi explained that it was up to the School Committee.
A recess was taken at 4:19 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 4:25 p.m.
· Brook Darcy, 1474 Wrapping Road, voiced concern over the lack of a Reading Specialist at Aquidneck Elementary.
· Kate McGraw, 2 Sherwood Road, voiced concern over the lack of an elementary Reading Intervention Specialist at Aquidneck Elementary.
· Liana Fenton was recognized by Superintendent Kraeger for her service to Middletown Public Schools. Lee was a School Committee member for over 23 years and was President of RISCA for two years. She started Newport County’s first Robotics Club and served as Middletown’s Advisor for many years, winning numerous awards. Lee was also an instrumental educator and an advocate for legislation and funding for schools. She worked to get education as a right in Rhode Island just as it is in Massachusetts.
· Gaudet Learning Academy School Showcase was presented by Principal, Kaitlin Gibbins, and the GLA Student Leadership Team made up of six 4th grade students and six 5th grade students.
o GLA Student Leaders were nominated by classroom teachers at the start of the 2023 – 2024 school year
Ø Attend monthly leadership trainings with Mrs. Gibbins
o Anchored4Life
Ø Partnership provides opportunities and resources for students to enhance social skills, learn leadership skills, improve self- esteem, and integrate into community
Ø Partnership also provides Deployment, Divorce, and Grief Kits
o New Students
Ø Greeted by Team leader (one in every homeroom)
Ø Receive tour of building
Ø Receive lunch partner & classroom buddy
Ø Receive Welcome Bag: welcome journal, family guidebook, GLA swag
Ø Military students receive Together Again Kit: guidebook for military families, post cards, journal, support bear
o Kindness Box
Ø Each classroom has a box
Ø Students write something kind about another student
Ø Teacher reads an entry once a week
o Future Initiatives
Ø Food drive competitions
Ø Morning announcements
Ø Application process for future team leaders
Ø Study groups
Ø Meeting with new students for support, ideas, and more initiatives
Vice-Chair Holden asked how Mrs. Gibbins came up with Anchored 4 Life.
Mrs. Gibbins stated the organization contacted her. She had a virtual meeting with them and decided to leverage their offerings. They provide leadership training for future leaders in addition to the backpacks.
Mrs. Fonseca asked if the current 4th grade leaders would become 5th grade leaders.
Mrs. Gibbins said the students are interested in designing an application process and are looking into how they would like to proceed for next year.
Mrs. Kraeger suggested a video be created highlighting the program at GLA that she could share at the MIC3 Spring Conference in March.
A recess was taken at 4:57 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 4:59 p.m.
RIDE Graduation Requirements Class of 2028 was presented by Middletown High School principal Donna Sweet.
· Link to presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nzoWxACp4W6ujXY9AhLS7iShw-g4V0qP/view?usp=drive_link
Mrs. Sweet stated that RIDE would be providing Professional Development on the 2028 Graduation Requirements at the high school on February 7th. She said the high school needs to do an analysis of its classes to see what courses match the graduation requirements. RIDE does not expect districts to accomplish this overnight, and they want to provide them with latitude. We can accomplish this.
Vice Chair Holden asked how many students are not taking Algebra. Is it a quarter of all students? Half? Is this going to be a struggle for our students?
Mrs. Sweet responded that less than one third of all students do not take Algebra. Algebra 1 Part A and Algebra 1 Part B are two courses according to the regulations. She would like to see students take Algebra 1 all year their Freshman year, instead of two years. Financial Literacy has become part of the Math track and students are taking that instead of Algebra 1 Part B which is part of the current problem.
We need to ensure that Algebra 1 and World Language are showing up on the high school transcripts of those students who took the courses in 8th grade.
We also need to lobby for a CTE Director to help record our data and provide work-based learning opportunities. RIDE wants to see kids involved in WBLs. This can occur over summer break, as well.
Financial literacy can be accomplished via an economics course.
Chair Spengler asked if students would be ready to commit to the college path by the second half of Sophomore year and if student athletes and those involved in marching band could be excused from the PE requirement.
Principal Sweet said some students might take World Language Junior and Senior year so they may not be ready to commit by their Sophomore year. Many do not mature until Junior or even Senior year. Unfortunately, RIDE does not allow students to be excused from the PE requirement.
Mrs. Kraeger stated that a waiver process would have to be put into place for those students who will be opting out of the college readiness path.
Chair Spengler asked Mrs. Sweet to incorporate the 2028 graduation requirements into a presentation with slides from the presentation on CTE and Pathway Academies for the joint Town Council/School Committee meeting on February 26th. The town Council has many questions about the high school curriculum that would be answered by these presentations.
**Principal Sweet ** stated that she had spoken to the Building Committee and asked they keep the new CTE space open ended enough to meet future needs. The Career Tech Director is the key to this success.
Chair Spengler reminded Mrs. Sweet that the Town Council needed to hear her rationale for the Career Tech Director position.
Mrs. Fonseca said the position will easily pay for itself by recruiting students into Middletown’s programs.
· Strategic Plan
** MOTION**: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet.
School Accountability Report 2023 was presented by Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Michelle Fonseca.
· Link to presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qrNOPpHinM1O-kKSNrshTZ25cJCJAHan/view?usp=drive_link
Chair Spengler commented that the public needs to realize that ELL means English Language Learner/Multi-Lingual Learner. There needs to be money available for these teachers.
Mrs. Heaney asked if the district would see and increase in Growth in Math and Exceeding Expectations in Math as a result of the new Math curriculum.
Mrs. Fonseca stated that schools had spent the last four years working on ELA and have seen the growth. There has only been half a year spent on Math. With time we will see results, but if students cannot speak English and they are sitting in our core classes without the support they need, it will be hard to break that barrier.
Mrs. Fonseca reminded everyone that the overall star rating of a school was not a truthful picture of the school. It is important to look at their achievement and growth scores, as well.
Mrs. Kraeger stated that 32 districts dropped in their star ratings.
** MOTION**: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet.
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| 1113 | 12/15/23 | $341,061.74 | 24 |
| 1114 | 7/13/23 | $230,470.50 | 24 |
| 1115 | 7/5/23 | $381,319.79 | 24 |
| 1116 | 8/9/23 | $230,470.50 | 24 |
| 1117 | 8/9/23 | $405,545.36 | 24 |
| 1118 | 9/5/23 | $407,775.03 | 24 |
| 1119 | 10/6/23 | $402,083.08 | |
| 1120 | 10/6/23 | $263.50 | 24 |
| 1121 | 11/1/23 | $398,629.31 | 24 |
| 1122 | 12/4/23 | $400,424.72 | 24 |
| 1123 | 7/18/23 | $6,333.07 | 24 |
| 1124 | 8/14/23 | $6,477.57 | 24 |
| 1125 | 9/7/23 | $6,377.21 | 24 |
| 1126 | 10/11/23 | $6,459.42 | 24 |
| 1127 | 11/3/23 | $6,446.65 | 24 |
| 1128 | 12/6/23 | $6,446.61 | 24 |
| 1129 | 12/15/23 | $3,103.38 | 24 |
| 1130 | 12/19/23 | $129,970.03 | 24 |
| 1131 | 12/19/23 | $47,345.53 | 24 |
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· Review 2024 School Committee Calendar
· Review FY25 Budget Workshop Dates: Feb. 13th, Feb. 27th, and March 5th at 3:30
(March 14th at 4:30 p.m. – alternate date if needed)
HOME SCHOOLING
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve Home Schooling Request 24-35, 23-24-36, and 23-24-37. Unanimous vote.
RHODE ISLAND STUDENT SURVEY
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the That the School Committee approve the administration of the 2024 Rhode Island Student Survey. Unanimous vote.
BUILDING COMMITTEE CHAIR
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee table the appointment of the Building Committee Co-Chair. Unanimous vote.
BUILDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee table the appointment of Building Committee Members. Unanimous vote.
FACILITIES TRUCK
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the purchase of a Facilities Truck with Plow not to exceed $65,000.00 in price. Unanimous vote.
SURPLUS COPIER
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve to surplus the Aficio MP7502SP copier at Aquidneck Elementary School. Unanimous vote.
MAINTENANCE TECH – GROUNDS JOB DESCRIPTION**__
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee table the approval of the Maintenance Tech – Grounds Job Description. Unanimous vote.
MAINTENANCE TECH – MEP JOB DESCRIPTION
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee table the approval of the Maintenance Tech – MEP Job Description. Unanimous vote.
FY24 SPECIAL REVENUE BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee table the FY24 Special Revenue Budget Adjustments until the March meeting. Unanimous vote.
FY24 GENERAL FUND ADJUSTMENTS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the FY24 General Fund Adjustments. Unanimous vote.
RESIGNATIONS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee approve the following resignations:
Unanimous vote.
o Rebecca Machado, 4 Hour Teacher Assistant, FA, 1/2/2024
o Charlie Roberts, School Building Committee Co-Chair, 12/20/2023
o Chelsea Kearnes, Attendance Clerk, MHS, 1/8/2024
· Personnel
Report on recent personnel actions by the Superintendent
HIRE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2, 2024
Donna Colucci .5 PreK Special Education Teacher, AQE
MOVES WITHIN DISTRICT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 8, 2024
Daniel Toner Maintenance and Grounds Supervisor, MPS
Kathryn F. Homer Special Education Teacher Assistant, JHG
Carlie Rodrigues Baptista Building Based Substitute Teacher, GLA
HIRE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 11, 2024
Brittanie Clarke Beyond the Bell Teacher K-8, GLA
HIRE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 16, 2024
Isabella Buonaugurio Beyond the Bell Teacher K-8, GLA
HIRE EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 12, 2024
Casey Rapp Speech and Language Pathologist
· Enrollment Report
o AQE 311, FA 312, GLA 283, JHG 456, MHS 558, Total: 1,917
o CTE/Charter – Out 65, CTE – In 13, Outplaced 42, Home School 74,
· Financial
o There is a -$83,250.00 variance on the Expense Report. The School Committee approved a transfer to cover this, which will zero it out next month.
o There was a transfer made to cover Nursing Services which will also zero out next month. Moving forward if a nurse or bus is needed, money will be moved to cover these expenses.
o MPS is showing a +$2M variance. Currently in good shape.
o The Town of Middletown recently completed the audit.
o Tow of Middletown has been helpful getting the district’s budgets into their accounting system. Their payroll system will also be a help to us.
o Business Office is uploading budget workbooks from building principals.
Chair Spengler asked if there will ever be enough money in the 2023 – 2024 budget to fund a part-time position for the remainder of the year.
Mrs. Kraeger responded that the district was advertising for an additional ELL Teacher. If they were to post for a Reading Specialist, it would only be part time due to the Title I piece.
· Curriculum
o 5 Year $8M Van Buren Grant Proposal – Ensuring Success for our MLL Students
Ø Building Capacity PK – 12
Coaching for K – 12 teachers
Endorsement and certification opportunities (scholarships available)
SIOP - Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol modeled by Instructional coaches for all classroom and content teachers
Extended learning – mentors, tutors, BTB
Ø Newcomers Academy 9 – 12
Small group intervention
High quality curriculum
ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies instruction from ELL teachers
2 months – 2 years (time in program)
Ø MLL Collaborative
Family engagement - Parent Council, Parent Workshops, Wrap round Services, 15 Community Partners
Vice Chair Holden asked when grant award winners would be notified, and if partial funding was a possibility.
Mrs. Fonseca stated they should know by May 2024 if they will receive full or partial funding. van Beuren has been receptive. They have been meeting with them since last year and they are invested.
She has teachers currently enrolled in ELL certification through RWU and have seven who will be enrolling for 2024 – 2025. If they are awarded this grant they would have as many as 40 teachers certified and/or endorsed at the end of the 5 years.
Mrs. Heaney asked if the MLL Teachers would have their own classrooms or work with several classrooms.
Mrs. Kraeger said it would depend.
Vice Chair Holden inquired about the difference between the terms “requirement,” and “compliance” in reference to number of ELL teachers per student population.
Mrs. Kraeger stated that she thinks RIDE sees MPS like many other districts. RIDE appreciates the effort they are putting in and will look favorably and provide MPS with a generous timeline.
· Student Services
o A new AM preschool class started January 9th at Aquidneck. Students will be added as the semester progresses.
o Out of district placements continue to be reviewed as the 2024 – 25 budget is being prepared.
o Working closely with nurses throughout the district to ensure procedures are consistent.
o Unified Basketball Team at MHS will be starting soon. Gaudet is gathering a team, as well.
· Technology
o Conducted a thorough inventory of various equipment, performing routine maintenance on technology infrastructure, and implementing
necessary upgrades over December break.
o Actively refining our budget by working with vendors to negotiate
proposals and lock in pricing for the upcoming fiscal year.
o Revamping district website to improve user experience and navigability
· Facilities
o Working with the Building Committee for site borings, blueprint requests, data on repairs, etc.
o Recent weather situations
Ø New salt driver at Aquidneck Elementary did not put enough salt down, leading to dangerous conditions
Ø Forest Avenue had a leak in the main lobby caused by the wind
Ø Aquidneck Elementary had flashing come off which caused a leak and damage to data equipment which Cox was able to repair
o New salt truck will save money - currently paying 4 charges per vehicle /plow
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS
1)Tami Holden. 2) Greg Huet. That the School Committee receive the Superintendent’s Reports. Unanimous vote.
· Building Committee
· Chair Spengler stated the committee is working to prepare the Stage II submission for RIDE. Once the draft is approved at the joint Town Council/School Committee/Building Committee meeting on February 5, 2024, Collier will submit it to RIDE on February 13th.
· Middletown Prevention Coalition
· Mrs. Heaney stated that the Middletown Prevention Coalition is preparing for Wellness month in March.
** MOTION**: 1) Tami Holden, 2) Greg Huet
Respectfully Submitted,
Theresa Spangler, Chair