School Committee Meeting Minutes EAST PROVIDENCE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT East Providence City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue East Providence, Rhode Island 02914 School Committee Meeting January 10, 2006 Open Session Mr. Gouveia called the meeting to order at 6:30PM. All School Committee Members were present: Robert Faria, Eileen Lovett, David Medeiros, Mildred Morris, Antone Gouveia. Also present: Manuel Vinhateiro, Superintendent of Schools and Andrew Thomas, Esq. A motion was made by Mr. Medeiros to move to Executive Session in accordance with RI General Laws, Section 42-46-5 (a) (1) Personnel, (a) (2) Litigation, seconded by Mrs. Lovett. Vote 5-0. The School Committee returned to Public Session at 7:30 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mr. Medeiros and a Moment of Silence was observed. A motion was made by Mrs. Morris to seal the minutes of the Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Medeiros. Vote 5-0. Record of Previous Meetings – A motion was made by Mrs. Morris to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2005 meeting, seconded by Mrs. Lovett. Vote 5-0. Chair’s Report John Butler, Student Liaison, presented a report: some of the highlights: Student Council preparing the Feinstein Newsletter, which will be available on the website; mid-terms the week of January 16th; Parent Group will meet on January 19, 2006 at 7:00PM at the High School; students are excited about the new Physics First Program; students like the ConnectED system. Check out the website for further details and information. Mr. Gouveia announced the retirement of Mr. Manuel Vinhateiro, Superintendent of Schools, in October 2006. He related that under the leadership of Mr. Vinhateiro, the budget has been right on target and through the Superintendent’s regular meetings with the City Manager; the School Department has received unprecedented support from the City, particularly during the Orlo Avenue School roof crisis; the wall problem at Silver Spring School. Also recent events at the Middle Schools and High School have showed again how much of a leader he is in an unassuming way and he has restored dignity and integrity to the School Department. A public vote (vote taken in Executive Session) regarding the NESDEC proposal was taken. A motion was made by Mrs. Morris to engage the services of New England School Development Council (NESDEC) to conduct the search for a School Superintendent, seconded by Mr. Faria. Roll call vote: Mr. Faria, aye; Mrs. Lovett, aye; Mr. Medeiros, aye; Mrs. Morris, aye; Mr. Gouveia, aye. Mr. Gouveia advised that the School Committee hopes to have a Superintendent in place by July 1s, 2006; however, Mr.Vinhateiro has agreed to stay on during the transition and will assist with budget preparation and other matters. Mr. Gouveia wished him well. Mr. Faria related that Mr. Vinhateiro has been most honorable and he will remember him for that; Mr. Medeiros felt that Mr. Vinhateiro has been incredibly valuable to the School Department and has had an impact on the School Department, enjoying a very positive relationship with students, parents and employees. Mrs. Lovett thanked Mr. Vinhateiro for his service. Mrs. Morris said this is a very difficult time for her as she has known Mr. Vinhateiro for quite a long time and worked with him when he was a teacher and Assistant Principal; she will miss him dearly; he has done a fine job and has worked hard for the School Department for which she will be forever grateful. She wished him good luck and good health. Hearings - None Reading of Communications - None Report of Superintendent and Staff Showcase of Schools – Martin Middle School – Mr. Frank DeVall presented a report on the unified arts program at Martin Middle School and members of the band and dance programs performed. Awarding of Bids – None Personnel Recommendations - Dr. Jacqueline Forbes, Assistant Superintendent, presented the following personnel items: Retirement Manuel Vinhateiro, Jr. (36.5 years) Superintendent of Schools Effective October 27, 2006 Motion by Morris with deep regret/Second: Mrs. Lovett. Roll Call vote: Mr. Faria, aye; Mrs. Lovett, aye; Mr. Medeiros, aye; Mrs. Morris, aye; Mr. Gouveia, aye. Dr. Forbes thanked Mr. Vinhateiro for his stewardship and educational leadership. Cynthia Thomsen (16 years) Physical Therapist Effective December 30, 2006 Motion: Morris/Second: Medeiros. Vote 5-0. Family & Medical Leave Laura Laviano Teacher, Special Ed, Self Contained Martin Middle School Effective approx May 5, 2006 Motion: Morris/Second: Medeiros. Vote 5-0. Personal Leave of Absence Jane Watson Secretary, Library, East Prov. High School January 16, 2006 to end of 05-06 school year Motion: Morris/Second: Medeiros. Vote 5-0. Parental Leave Kerri Scandura Physical Education Teacher Effective Jan. 30, 2006 to end of 05-06 school year Motion: Morris/Second: Medeiros. Vote 5-0. Facilities Update – Mr. Harry Muttter reported that the RISE Program will be reinstated around the end of January and they have been contracted to upgrade the lighting in the gymnasiums at Riverside Middle School and Waddington School. All shrubbery has been removed from the front of Orlo Avenue School; unfortunately, the weather has curtailed the project and the city will continue to work on the wall project in the spring. At Oldham School, the outside lighting needs to be repaired as a result of vandalism. Also, Riverside Middle School has a water problem in the circle (turnaround); the City engineer will have the area surveyed and propose a remedy/permanent solution. Field Trip Requests –Mr. Vinhateiro recommended that the School Committee approve a request from Martin Middle School for seventh grade students (House C) to attend a two-day (overnight) educational trip to URI Alton Jones Campus in West Greenwich, on February 6 and 7, 2006 and a request from the High school Ski Club for 3-5 ski-trips for high school students (dates to be determined in January, February and March). A motion was made by Mr. Medeiros to approve both field trips, seconded by Mrs. Lovett. Roll call vote: Mr. Faria, aye; Mrs. Lovett, aye; Mr. Medeiros, aye; Mrs. Morris, aye; Mr. Gouveia, aye. Report of Sub-Committees – Family Involvement Committee - Mrs. Lovett advised that the next meeting of the Family Involvement Team will be held on January 25, 2006 and the public is invited to attend a grant writing workshop sponsored by RIPIN on January 30th. Mrs. Lovett would like every school to be represented. Mrs. Lovett related that another Townie Pride citywide event is being planned in the spring, as an Earth Day Event; more details will be forthcoming. Unfinished Business - Health Care Buybacks – Mr. Gouveia asked that the School Committee table this item and place it on the next agenda. New Business - Mr. Vinhateiro advised that the School Committee received four additional names to be added to the Local Advisory Committee for Special Education. Co-President, Mr. Moore, was present to answer any questions and introduced Mrs. Pezzullo, Co-President. Both were thanked for their hard work. A motion was made by Mr. Medeiros to approve, seconded by Mr. Faria. Vote 5-0. Payment of Bills Local Operating Bill List: Warrant #000619 12/15/05 $1,194,587.60 Motion: Morris/Second: Medeiros. Vote 5-0. Warrant #000621 12/29/05 $ 205,400.11 Motion: Morris/Second: Medeiros. Vote 5-0. Federal Bill List: Warrant #000622 1/5/06 $ 257,284.07 Motion: Morris/Second: Medeiros. Vote 5-0. Question and Answer Period – Mr. Gouveia advised that when the final report is made public by the auditors, Bacon & Edge, recommendations for adjustments to the budget will need to be made. Mr. Vinhateiro will present the recommendations of the audit and present a financial report at that time. The report should be presented to the City Council soon; as it is in the draft stages. Mr. Vinhateiro assumes that will take place next month. Mr. Gouveia said his fear is going too far into the budget cycle which will make it harder to make adjustments, but he hoped the audit results will not be too devastating to either side. Mr. George Page and Mr. Henry Shelton from the Wiley Center asked to speak regarding the campaign against childhood poverty. They explained that their mission is to see that breakfast is provided for the children of East Providence. Mr. Gouveia informed them that he believed the School Committee would entertain a request from their group to make a presentation at the next meeting. The Open Meeting Law prohibits the School Committee from discussing an item which is not on the agenda. The School Department attorney, Andrew Thomas, confirmed that the School Committee cannot engage in a discussion on this item because it is not on the agenda. Mr. Wiley asked that a pilot program be started in a couple of schools the last week of February through June, with no obligation A motion was made by Mr. Medeiros to adjourn at 8:50PM, seconded by Mr. Medeiros. Vote 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Patricia A. Iannelli, Executive Secretary David A. Medeiros, Clerk of the Committee