Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - December 10, 2008
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
December 10, 2008 in the City Council Chambers. Present were Mr. Ron
Mariano, Mrs. Jo-Ann Bragg, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mrs. Elaine Dwyer, Mr.
Nicholas Puleo, and Mayor Tom Koch, Chairman.
Chairman
Presiding
- - -
The Superintendent called the roll and Mr. McCarthy was absent. Present were:
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary, Mrs. Tefta Burrelli, Clerk. Messrs.
O’Brien, Mullaney, Draicchio, Keith Segalla, Ms. Roberts, Dr. Sylvia Pattavina.
Ms. Tracey Christello, Citywide, and Mr. Paul Phillips, QEA. The Committee
observed a moment of silence for Helen Murphy, Warren Houghton, Frank Mullen,
George Page, and Millie Cusser.
- - -
Reg. Mins.Approved 11/13/2008
On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mrs. Dwyer, the Committee approved
the regular session minutes for November 13, 2008. The ayes have it.
- - -
Supt’s Report
Superintendent DeCristofaro thanked administrators, high school principals,
coaches, players, Jim Rendle, and over 3,000 fans that came to the Thanksgiving Day football game. He thanked the band members, Rich Kenneally
and Tracey O’Sullivan, for the music. Thanks also went to Andy Bell and
his students for the float in Quincy’s Christmas parade.
Staff & Student Recognition
The Superintendent recognized Ms. Tracey O’Sullivan, the combined high
school chorus, for Tis the Season… held at the Marriot. He thanked Harvard
Pilgrim for giving 60+ tickets to students for the performance. The Committee
recognized Amanda Lee who played the violin. Thanks went to Keith Segalla
and Janice Erler for coordinating the concert.
Robotics
Mr. Keith Segalla introduced Jane Bowe, Central’s Technical Ed teacher,
and members from Team Hyper, the middle school robotics team. In all,
Central had 56 students participating. A competition was held on December 6
at North Quincy High School. Over 40 teams participated. All of the Quincy’s
middle schools took part and will participate in the state finals.
Quincy’s bus drivers, had their Professional Development class from the
Registry of Motor Vehicles which was well received by the bus drivers.
It stressed driver safety education.
Drop Out Figures
The Committee received the 2007-2008 Preliminary Student Drop out
figures for their review. Mrs. Janet Powell, Student Support Services, and
her team will take a look at every student and the Superintendent will
share with the Committee some of the details.
Mr. Puleo asked if we have data as to why the drop out rates have picked up.
The Superintendent answered there are a lot of different elements. Mrs.
Powell and her staff will study that and then come back and share
the details with the Committee.
Channel 22
Improvements have been made in Channel 22. Principals have been asked
to consistently give Brian Smith any information from their PTOs, their
councils, anything they are doing in their schools. We have enhanced the
amount of community access to Channel 22.
Sterling Middle School
The Refreshed Statement of Interest for Sterling was submitted to the MSBA
to make sure we are in the queue for further funding for renovation at Sterling
Middle School. The refreshing piece focused on how the building deficits
affect the education.
The Superintendent reminded everyone about the students’ concerts and invited
them to attend any of them.
The members received poinsettias from the leadership team for a Happy Holiday.
Mayor Koch congratulated all the volunteers and everyone for a terrific job
at the holiday concert Tis the Season…...
- - -
Open Forum
At the Open Forum, Mr. Chris Chapman said he had attended the Mayor’s press
conference and the proposed savings of $45 a year on the tax rate is not enough
to justify the loss of school services. The teachers contract was changed and
$300 to all employees. This will add $700,000 to the school budget. A lot
of money will be taken out of the school budget and it is not worth a savings
of $45.
Paul Phillips, QEA President, handed out an article from Education Week to the
members regarding Ed Reform efforts and MCAS.
- - -
New QHS Update by Mrs. Dwyer
At this time, Mrs. Dwyer introduced Jim Driscoll and Mr. Kincade (Gilbane)
Eugene Caruso, Ed Frenette, (SMMA) and Principal, Frank Santoro. On
February 23 students will enter into a new Quincy High School science
technology academy. They gave an update on the moving process, furniture,
and technology equipment budget.
Jim Driscoll - The new Quincy High is on schedule. There was an issue
yesterday, however, while planting trees, a worker broke a gas line. The high
school had to be evacuated. Now, before anyone puts a shovel in the ground,
they need to check with the project managers. Mr. Santoro narrated slides of
the classrooms, the cafeteria, the restaurant, and labs. Mr. Puleo suggested
putting a sign in the area noting the gas line so that people know where it is.
Eugene Caruso - We are in the process of moving into the new site. The shops
have all been relocated out of the fourth floor. He commended the Maintenance
staff for their work. The vocational equipment will be transferred into the new
building around January 12. New vocational equipment is scheduled to be
delivered from January to early February. Furniture will be relocated into the
gym during the February break.
Ed Frenette - The new furniture was bid at in one lump sum for phase delivery.
The rest of the furniture will be coming in over two years. Shop equipment
was bid in phase delivery. Computer equipment, smart boards will be bid twice.
We are on budget, on schedule, and deliveries are being coordinated. Some
of the other schools that are in need of furniture will get some of the older furniture
Mr. Puleo inquired about the Smart Boards as sometimes they go unused
because people don’t understand how to use them. Mr. Santoro reported that
all staff will be trained on January 13 and every classroom will have a smart
board (Inter Write),
The new building will open first and then two weeks later, Mr. Santoro is
planning fly-up dates. He will hold fly-ups in the day time for students and
night time for parents.
Mrs. Mahoney inquired as to how long to take down the old CTE building.
Mr. Driscoll answered 4-6 weeks for asbestos removal. At the end of April, the
building will come done and 90% of the building will be recycled. They don’t
anticipate any problems.
Mrs. Bragg requested that the plaque for Dr. Carol Lee Griffin be kept in storage
and the Tot Playground equipment in safe keeping. Mr. Santoro said they have
preserved all the plaques and the tot playground has been dismantled.
Mrs. Bragg received a letter from Kevin Madden about a council hearing
on December 5 regarding the responsible employee ordinance. There is
supposed to be a written report to the City Council and she asked that it is
submitted to the School Committee members.
Mrs. Dwyer complimented the work of SMMA, Gilbane, and Tishman. She is
very proud of the staff at the high school. Also, Maintenance, our custodians
and Lou Ioanilli who has coordinated the entire move.
The Superintendent thanked Mrs. Dwyer for her leadership and her persistance
and the QHS Building Committee. Thanks also went to Gary Cunniff.
- - -
Bldg. Update
Mr. Kevin Murphy reported that the Atherton Hough PA system is now working.
Atlantic is next. The Squantum generator has been wired and tested. The North
Quincy High School Carpentry Shop is working. Electrical wiring at the new
Maintenance Shop is almost complete. The North Quincy atrium glass has
been repaired. The exterior lights at North Quincy should be installed by
National Grid tomorrow. The first phase out of the CTE building into Sterling
has been completed.
Mr. Puleo asked about the temperature concerns at Wollaston. Parents
complained a thermometer was reading 90° during the day. Mr. Murphy
said they are working with Honeywell on this problem to iron out the kinks.
Mr. Puleo wanted to know if this was a mechanical issue or a training issue.
Mr. Cunniff said Honeywell is looking at it on several levels --both the
dollar figure, energy use and cost. They have presented a range of
$600,000 in savings from July 2007 through September 2008. They can
show usage. It is a performance base contract. They will tell us if they
are doing a good job.
Mr. Puleo asked if there is a projected break even point where our savings
on the utilities is equal to what we paid for the system. Mr. Cunniff said
yes, but it is a number of years down the road.
Mrs. Mahoney thanked Mr. Murphy for the hinges. The sink in the photo
lab at North Quincy is back ordered. He is hoping to get to it next week. He
has to get a permit from the Fire Department. Mrs. Mahoney asked
him to notify her when it is fixed.
- - -
Central Update by Mrs. Bragg
Mrs. Bragg reported that the Project Manager position for the new Central
has been advertised. There should be one on board by March.
- - -
ELL Assessments
Dr. Pattavina gave a brief report on Quincy’s assessment information for
ELL students. It was administered in grades K-12. These tests determine
fluency achievements for students. There were 855 students who participated
in the testing. Seventy-four percent of Limited English Proficient (LEP)
students in Grades K-12 showed progress on the Mass English Proficiency
Assessment (MEPAS) and or IDEA Proficiency Test (IPT) from 2007-2008.
There were a total of 558 students. Fifty-nine percent of Grade 3-12 LEP
students scored at the Transitioning performance level on the spring 2008
MEPA or Grade K-2 students who scored Step 4 or 5 on three of the four
assessments in MELA-O Speaking, MELA-0 Listening, IPT Writing and
IPT Reading. For overall K-12 attainment, Quincy’s performance was 59%.
741 students participated in that measure. We did not achieve the AMAO
objective for English but for we did for Math. This is a big accomplishment
as they are English language learners so it is very hard measure for them to
achieve.
Quincy has trained over 300 teachers in oral language acquisition culture,
curriculum, assessment of ELL, and teaching of reading and writing to ELL
students.
- - -
Gift - Families In Need
On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Mariano, the Committee
accepted a gift of $2,000 donated by the Masons Rural Lodge A.F. & A.M.
to benefit Quincy Public School’s families in need. The ayes have it.
- - -
Gift to CASASTART
On a motion by Mr. Puleo, seconded by Mrs. Mahoney, the Committee
approved a gift of $376.72 donated by the Margaritas Restaurant/Riverway
Restaurant Group, Inc. to benefit the CASASTART Program of Quincy
Public Schools. The ayes have it.
- - -
Trip to NY for QHS students
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee
approved a trip to New York City for Quincy High School students on
January 16, 2009 to January 19, 2009. The ayes have it.
- - -
Appointments/Nurse Approved Laura A. Sullivan
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the Committee
approved Laura A. Sullivan, R.N. as a part-time (.4) school nurse
in the Quincy Public Schools. On a roll call vote, the motion passed
6-0. Mr. McCarthy was absent.
- - -
Additional Business
Mr. Puleo received concerns about teacher absences. Some teachers are
out one or two weeks. Parents would like to be informed when they
are going to be out. He would like to look at policy about short and
long term absences. The Superintendent said teachers have privacy
issues. For any extended period of illness, most principals will share
that information to the parents to the extent that they can. Mr. Puleo
asked if we could tell parents when a teacher is coming back, not why
the teacher is out. The Superintendent will speak to the principals and
share the concern that there should be some guidelines.
Mrs. Bragg noted the Quincy Teen Mothers Annual Report. This is
their 30th Anniversary. She also noted that Pam Mateu and Isabel
Ventre are retiring.
Mr. Puleo made note of the Quincy Music Notes the Committee received-
a very successful newsletter about concerts, schedules, and big events.
- - -
Policy Subcommittee Report by Mrs. Bragg
Mrs. Bragg reported that the Policy Subcommittee met on November 18
2008 and reviewed the Atherton Hough and Wollaston, School Improvement
Plans. On a roll call vote, the Committee approved the Atherton Hough
and Wollaston School Improvement Plans. The ayes have it.
The Subcommittee worked on Policies 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.7, 10.7.1, and 10.8.7.
The revised policies will come up for final approval. We are now half way
through the last section for approval of the entire manual.
The Subcommittee also discussed the business warrants. Along with
information Jim Timmins sent on the procedure for weekly warrants and
the law, they decided to make it more in line with what is done with the payroll.
They authorized the Superintendent and Business Manager to draft a policy
covering a single warrant system and come back to the Committee for
approval. They feel strongly that there should be four signatures, but the
recommendation is that the School Business Manager, one School Committee
member, the Mayor, and the City Auditor will sign.
Mrs. Bragg made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mariano, to approve the minutes.
The ayes have it.
- - -
Health, Safety & Security Subcommittee Report by Mr. Puleo
Mr. Puleo reported that the Health, Safety & Security Subcommittee met
this evening to discuss the lockdown policy. There was an incident where
police action occurred in the area of one of our elementary schools when
students were coming out. There was some conversation as how the lockdown
policy works when students are getting out. We have a policy for when a
lockdown is necessary at the close of school. It will work similarly to a
reverse lockdown. A horn will sound and we will retake attendance to make
sure all students are there to avoid confusion. Mr. Puleo took this out of
Committee
The second item discussed was the daily tasks for security guards at the high
schools. Mr. Draicchio reported that the security guards take their directions
from their principal. There are issues that happen on a daily basis, but every
day is different.
Traffic Safety. While the School Committee does not fund or control traffic
signage, it is our responsibility to tell city hall where are concerns are. North
Quincy High has a continuous problem. We have had a great deal more
help with police presence. There are complaints from Atlantic and Wollaston
regarding traffic safety. Mr. Draicchio has done a wonderful job in a short
period of time assessing where all of our school related traffic issues are
and designing safety issues into our School Improvement Plans. Mr. Puleo made
a motion to forward a list from Mr. Draicchio to the Traffic Department and
City Council. All our elected officials will know what our traffic issues are.
Mr. Puleo kept North Quincy traffic in Subcommittee but change the name
to School Zone, Traffic Safety Concerns.
On a motion by Mr. Puleo, seconded by Mrs. Dwyer, the Committee
accepted the report in totality. The ayes have it.
- - -
Budget Subcommittee Report by Mr. Mariano
Mr. Mariano reported that the Budget Subcommittee met earlier this evening.
After much discussion a motion was passed 4-2 to work with the Superintendent
and his team to prepare some alternatives that would cut as much as $150,000
in this year’s school budget. He hoped the City Council understood that this
process was done before in the spring and was very difficult. There is still
discussion of potential cuts from the State budget this fiscal year. It is possible
that Chapter 70 and local aide could be cut further. On a motion by Mr. Mariano,
seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee accepted the report.
Mr. Puleo added that the state had to lay off 1,000 employees. He thought we
should wait until the Chapter 70 information comes out. He thought we should
look at deeper cuts and that means the school system will get more cuts than what
was discussed tonight. It is his feeling that more relief is needed for the taxpayers.
Mrs. Mahoney added she had issues with coming up with a number before
looking at what we can cut out of the budget. The subcommittee met and in
15 minutes they had to come up with a figure.
M. Mariano made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, that the School
Committee work with the Superintendent towards a goal of cutting $150,000.
On a roll call vote, the motion passed 4-2. MRS. DWYER and MRS.
MAHONEY voted NO. Mr. McCarthy was absent.
- - -
Retirements
The Committee noted the following retirements:
Asst. Principal: Pamaela Mateu
Homeless Coordinator: Isabel Ventre
Resignations
The Committee noted the following resignations:
Mechanic & Bus Driver: Peter Brown
Paraprofessional: Julianne Fonseca
Leaves of Absence
The Committee noted the following leave of absence:
Teacher: Kathryn Burns
Appointments
The Committee noted the following appointments:
Teachers: Charles O’Brien, Elise Higgins Steele, Leslie Wagner
Paraprofessionals: Jeanne Carnell, Andrea Glasheen
Master Electrician: Edward Davis
- - -
Policy Subcommittee
Mrs. Bragg took the Homeless Policy out of the Policy Subcommittee.
- - -
Adjournment
On a motion made by Mrs. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the Committee
adjourned for the evening at 9:10 p.m. There was no executive session.