Quincy Public Schools

A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Coddington Building.  Superintendent Kevin Mulvey called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. Frank Santoro, Vice Chair.

Also present were:  Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Allison Cox, Mr. Brendan Cunningham, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Rebecca McInnis, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Julie Norton, Mr. Richard Ragusa, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

School Committee observed a moment of silence for the people of the Ukraine and the men and women of our armed forces at home and overseas.

Mr. Santoro read the following statement into the record:  Pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium.  Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unperceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.

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Regular Meeting

Vice-Chair Presiding

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting and Executive Session for March 9, 2022.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Approval of Minutes

Ms. Owens read two letters submitted for Open Forum:  Mrs. Allison Rosenthal requested that School Committee allocate funding for additional cameras and walkie talkies for North Quincy High School.  The Citywide Parent Council EDI Subcommittee submitted a letter urging consideration of adding Lunar New Year and Election Day as holidays on the 2022-2023 Quincy Public Schools School Year Calendar. 

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Open Forum

Superintendent Mulvey reviewed that Quincy Public Schools enrollment is 9,880 for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, an increase of 28 students since the March 9 School Committee Meeting.  For the 2022-2023 school year, 450+ Kindergarten students are pre-registered.

For COVID-19 statistics, there were 55 student and 22 staff cases in the two weeks ending March 22, an increase from the previous two weeks.  2,464 staff and students are participating in pooled testing, 21.6% of the district with a 0.49% positivity rate.  2,163 staff and students are signed up to receive home testing kits.  No significant change in vaccination rates for schools at this time.

Mrs. Lebo asked about KN95 masks for students, Superintendent Mulvey said that since the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) does not recommend this type of mask for students, they are not providing as a resource.

Superintendent Mulvey announced that an additional 50 North Quincy and Quincy High School seniors were recently awarded the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship based on their performance of the November MCAS administration.

On April 6, students in the skilled trades CVTE programs will participate in Women in the Trades Summit, where they will meet tradespeople in their fields and learn about opportunities for careers in the construction industry.

Superintendent Mulvey concluded his report by reviewing upcoming QPS Family Engagement events including a Parent Academy on Vaping: Helping Teenagers Make Health Decisions on April 5 at 6:00 pm via Zoom Webinar and the English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) meeting on April 26, 2022 at 6:00 pm on Zoom.

Mr. Gutro asked for attendance data for the Parent Academy webinars to be shared with School Committee at the end of the school year.

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Superintendent’s

Report

Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the 2022-2023 School Committee meeting calendar, seconded by Mrs. Hubley.  On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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Old Business

2022-23 School

Committee Meeting

Calendar VOTE

Executive Director of Career Vocational & Technical Education Keith Segalla presented Outstanding CVTE student of the year Antenella Ibrahim and finalists Nandan Nair and Maurice Capitulo-Ampane.  The students were interviewed by a panel of Quincy School~Community Partnership members representing the business community.  Each student reviewed their academic experiences throughout their Quincy Public Schools career and their future plans.

School Committee had the opportunity to congratulate the students and ask questions about their projects and future plans.

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New Business

Outstanding CVTE

Student of the Year

Mr. Segalla introduced the High School Career Support Liaisons, Mr. Brendan Cunningham from Quincy High School and Mr. Richard Ragusa from North Quincy High School.  Mr. Segalla thanked Mayor Koch for funding these positions which are new for the 2021-2022 school year and support students who will enter the workforce (including vocational trades and encouraging non-traditional program pathways) or military after graduation.  The Career Support Liaisons collaborate with the school administrators, educators, student support, and local labor unions, community partners, and the military.   The focus on strengthening partnerships with local labor unions, local businesses, and contractors has led to increasing apprenticeship, co-op, and employment opportunities. Representatives from all branches of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard have visited at each high school.  The Women in the Trades Summit event will be held on April 8 and focus on assisting female students in the skilled building trades to opportunities for career paths.

Mr. Gutro thanked the presenters, this is timely due to the federal infrastructure package that will be rolled out to states in the next few years.  Mr. Gutro asked about collaboration with AFJROTC Sgt. DeLorenzo, Mr. Ragusa said that he has been able to take on coordinating the military visits, freeing up Sgt. DeLorenzo from that administrative task.

Mrs. Cahill said that School Committee is also connected to the community and businesses and offered to assist.  Mr. Ragusa said the Chamber of Commerce has been a good partner already.

Mrs. Hubley complimented the internship opportunities and asked about the Women in the Trades Summit.  Mr. Cunningham said that 180 Freshman Seminar students will participate along with 40 Grades 10-12 students currently enrolled in Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, and Welding.

Mrs. Lebo said this is adding a richness to our CVTE programs, would like to see all of the trades have the opportunity to tour the building under construction in North Quincy.  Mrs. Lebo asked about the Career Liaisons and what led them to this work.  Mr. Ragusa said that after a long career in business, was laid off prior to the pandemic, loves coaching and mentoring, can see this program expanding further.  The trades are in need of skilled employees.  Mr. Cunningham said that he comes from a family involved in the trades, pleased to be able to give back to the school and community.  The businesses need the skilled employees and are eager to make the connections with Quincy Public Schools.

Mayor Koch thanked the Career Support Liaisons, there are many great opportunities for our students who may not be interested in pursuing secondary education.  There are many building projects coming up in the city, so much potential for expansion for connections to all kinds of businesses.  Military service is often the first step for careers in the fire and police departments.  Mayor Koch would like to see events like Career Day be established where members of the community can speak to students directly about their career paths.

Mr. Santoro thanked the two presenters, so many possibilities for our students to build successful careers.

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New Business

High School Career

Liaisons Update

Mayor Koch made the following motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Point Webster Middle School. 

Be It Resolved:  Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 25, 2022 for the Point Webster Middle School located at 60 Lancaster Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: 

Priority 5:  Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.  Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5:  The Point Webster Middle School was built in 1917 and renovated in 1998; the school’s windows were refurbished, but not replaced, during the renovation.  Given the innovations in window manufacturing technology since the windows were originally installed, the school’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of replacement windows.  New replacement windows would also increase the amount of natural light entering classrooms, creating a better learning environment.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

On the motion, Mr. Gutro asked about the grounds at Point Webster Middle School.  Mayor Koch clarified that grounds are not part of the MSBA process, but that he is working on securing funding from another sources for improvements.

Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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New Business

MSBA ARP SOI:

Point Webster Middle

School (VOTE)

Mayor Koch made the following motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Francis W. Parker Elementary School. 

Be It Resolved:  Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 25, 2022 for the Francis W. Parker Elementary School located at 148 Billings Road, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: 

Priority 5:  Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.  Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5:  The Francis W. Parker Elementary School was built in 1917 and renovated in 1955 and 1995.  Given the innovations in HVAC technology since the building renovation was completed, the school’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of a replacement boiler.  In addition, sections of the school’s roof are in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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New Business

MSBA ARP SOI:

Parker Elementary

School (VOTE)

Mayor Koch made the following motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Broad Meadows Middle School. 

Be It Resolved:  Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 25, 2022 for the Broad Meadows Middle School located at 50 Calvin Road, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: 

Priority 5:  Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.  Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5:  The Broad Meadows Middle School was built in 1957 and has been recently renovated to address mechanical and cosmetic damage following a severe coastal flooding event in 2018.  Sections of the school’s roof are in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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New Business

MSBA ARP SOI:

Broad Meadows

Middle School (VOTE)

Mayor Koch made the following motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Wollaston Elementary School. 

Be It Resolved:  Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 25, 2022 for the Wollaston Elementary School located at 205 Beale Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: 

Priority 5:  Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.  Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5:  The Wollaston Elementary School was built in 1912 and was renovated in 1987.  Sections of the school’s roof are in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

Mrs. Cahill seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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New Business

MSBA ARP SOI:

Wollaston Elementary

School (VOTE)

Mayor Koch made the following motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Montclair Elementary School. 

Be It Resolved:  Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 25, 2022 for the Montclair Elementary School located at 8 Belmont Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: 

Priority 5:  Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5:  The Montclair Elementary School was built in 1912 and was renovated in 1930 and 1952.  Sections of the school’s roof are in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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New Business

MSBA ARP SOI:

Montclair Elementary

School (VOTE)

Mrs. Lebo made a motion for Quincy Public Schools to withdraw from School Choice for the 2022-2023 school year.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it. 

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School Choice

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to refer School Committee Policies 10.5 Student Attendance; 10.5.1 Compulsory Attendance Ages; 10.5.4 Admissions, Residency, & Parental Responsibility; 10.6 Middle and High School Attendance and Tardiness to the Policy Subcommittee for review and update to reflect new DESE guidance. 

Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

Referral to Policy

Subcommittee

Superintendent Mulvey said that Margaret “Peggy”Doyle, a lifelong resident of Quincy and 1957 graduate of North Quincy High School passed away in September 2020.  Quincy Public Schools was recently notified that Ms. Doyle left a significant gift to Robotics program and School Committee is asked tonight to accept the legacy of $46,000.00.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the gift of $46,000.00 on behalf of the Quincy Public Schools Robotics program.  Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

Gift

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Atlantic Middle School Grade 8 to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire on June 16, 2022.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of South~West Middle School Grade 6 to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire on June 17, 2022.  Mrs. Cahill seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

Out of State Travel

Mr. Santoro asked School Committee to consider an additional time-sensitive travel request for the QPS Robotics team.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel of the Quincy Public Schools Robotics Team to the New England Robotics Championships in Springfield, Massachusetts from April 13 through April 17, 2022.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Additional Business

Overnight Travel

Mr. Santoro noted that School Committee Regular Meetings will be held on April 13, 2022; May 4 & 18, 2022; and June 15, 2022, all at 6:30 pm in the Coddington Building.  Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings include Athletics & Wellness on March 29, 2022 and Special Education and Policy on March 31, 2022, beginning at 6:00 pm.

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Communications

Mr. Santoro noted that Subcommittee minutes are published on the School Committee page of the Quincy Public Schools website (quincypublicschools.com)

Mrs. Lebo reviewed the March 21, 2022 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meeting where Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins and Senior Curriculum Director Madeline Roy presented on Culturally Responsive Teaching.  Mrs. Lebo also reviewed that the Superintendent’s Goals have been in Subcommittee since November and suggested they be moved to the full School Committee for approval. The final item on the agenda was a review of items in the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee and a number of items were removed and priorities set for topics to be reviewed by the end of the school year.

As there were no changes, the minutes of the March 21, 2022 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee were accepted as presented.

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Reports of

Subcommittees

Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 8:00 pm, seconded by Mrs. Hubley.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Adjournment