School Committee OKs $91,000 For New Data System

The Johnston School Committee unanimously approved a payment of $91,000 to update the district's student information system at its Feb. 15 meeting, held at .

Aspen Development Corporation, the new vendor, is expected to improve the computerized data system and help the district meet guidelines under the federal Race to the Top grant program. Rhode Island recently received $75 million under the funding system.

Supt. Bernard DiLullo indicated that current system for information management is not user-friendly.

“SchoolMax, our current software, is difficult — it requires our staff to remember certain screen numbers in order to bring up information and has frequent down time,” DiLullo said.

Although the initial investment is an additional $91,000, Mike Nebauer, the Director of Technology for the said: “[I] feel very comfortable recommending this program.”

Neubauer noted that the initial investment is actually $61,000, because about $30,000 in add-ons would be needed to improve SchoolMax to the same standards as Aspen’s program.

Neubauer added that the district cannot afford not to sign on board with Aspen, especially with the promised improvement in accessing data and the need to match Race to the Top standards.

Neubauer said he strongly feels this will elevate student achievement in the long run, and explained that the Aspen system also incorporates applications for data regarding special education students, tracking of professional development for certified and non-certified staff, and standardized test results including the NECAP.

All Johnston High School spring sports coaching reappointments were unanimously approved; member Lorraine Iafrate (Dist. 2) recused herself from the vote on coach Brian Iafrate because they are related.

Reappointed to spring sports coaching positions were:

• Stephen DeMeo, Head Baseball Coach
• Brian Iafrate, Assistant Baseball Coach
• Jason Corsini, Head Golf Coach
• David Iannuccilli, Head Girls’ Softball Coach
• Edward Tutalo, Assistant Girls’ Softball Coach
• , Girls’ Outdoor Track Coach

The vacant middle school girls’ softball coach position left by Greta Lalli was also acted upon, with middle school wrestling coach Mario Nasisi appointed to lead the Lady Cougars at Ferri. 

Nasisi's wrestling squad recently placed second at the Rhode Island Principals’ Committee on Athletics Varsity State Wrestling Tournament.

After the meeting, Arthur Moretti Jr., who described himself as a former candidate for the coaching position taken by Nasisi, expressed concern in Nasisi’s ability to coach the team.

“I have over 26 years coaching experience, he [Nasisi] has never been seen on a field," said Moretti, a retired Johnston firefighter and longtime volunteer coach for the recreation department. "This is going to be a serious disadvantage to the kids.”

Also Tuesday night:

• The committee approved tabled transfer of $93,487 from the general fund to the nutrition enterprise fund. The school meals program is currently running a deficit.
• The district's contract with Ohio Pile Prints to sell official  athletic wear and gifts passed — but with resistance. Joseph Rotella (Dist. 4) and (Dist. 5) voted against this contract. Rotella indicated local businesses should be given the opportunity to match the proposal offered by an out-of-state company before the committee signs on.
• Since representatives from National Grid were not present, the agenda item regarding conversion of the high school’s heating system to a more efficient gas-powered system was tabled.

The next school committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 8 in the middle school library. 

Correction: An earlier version of this article included an incorrect spelling of Mr. Moretti's name. We apologize to Mr. Moretti, and thank him for bringing this error to our attention.