Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - May 12, 2010
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
May 12, 2010 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall. Present were: Mr. Dave
McCarthy, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Elaine Dwyer, Mrs. Jo-Ann
Bragg, Mayor Thomas P. Koch and Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Vice Chairman.
Vice Chairman
Presiding
- - -
The Superintendent called the roll and all members were present. Also present
were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Mrs. Tefta Burrelli, Clerk; Messrs.
Mullaney, Draicchio, and Keith Segalla; Ms. Roberts, Tenaglia, Todd, and Hughes.
Paul Phillips, QEA President; Ms. Tracey Christello, Citywide, Lawrence
Liuzzo, and Darius Varmahmoodi High School Student Representatives.
- - -
Reg.Mins Approved 4/7/2010
On a motion by Mayor Koch, seconded by Ms. Isola, the Committee
approved the regular session minutes for April 7, 2010. On a roll call vote,
the motion passed unanimously 7-0.
- - -
The high school graduations will be held on June 7 (QHS) and June 8
(NQHS) at Veterans Memorial Stadium. With regard to the Race To The
Top (RTTT) Initiative, the Superintendent will again contact Paul Phillips,
QEA President.
Mrs. Roberts appointed Asst. Supt. of Schools
Interviews were held this morning for the Assistant Superintendent’s position.
The Superintendent is recommended Ms. Colleen Roberts, a woman who excels
in leadership, has tremendous work ethic, a former teacher, assistant principal
and principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. On a motion by Mrs.
Dwyer, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee appointed Ms. Colleen
Roberts Assistant Superintendent of the Quincy Public Schools. On a roll
call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.
- - -
Open Forum
Ms. Emily Hajjar, Quincy High School Senior Class President, asked that the
graduation exercises be held at the Adams Field. The students believe that
Adams field is a better location. The field makes the graduation more personal.
The students would like the Committee to take this into consideration.
Mr. Bill Zamzow again asked the QEA to vote in favor of the RTTT. The key
issue for the rejection was standardized testing. They failed to offer compelling
reasons to refuse the RTTT funding. Mr. Zamzow asked the QEA to take a
deferment to save the schools. The current disaster is not the School Committees,
he said, but Mayor Koch’s for not raising the taxes. (Laura Kelley gave up her
four minutes) Mr. Zamzow went on to offer several suggestions to raise the
funds needed.
North Quincy students Ryan DeAngelo, Tim Marks, Robert Hudson, Sydney
Huynh, Sean Feeney and Bob Harding asked the Committee to keep Mr. Burke’s
carpentry class at North Quincy and not eliminate it.
Students Zach Dwyer, Josh Kaplan, Casey Smith, Yassar Mahmoud, Maureen
Mullally, Emma Smith, Daniel Paschall, Jeremy Mele, Cynthia Nelson, Ryan
Pound, Kayla Pendleton, Noelle Gobbi, Ciana Bonfiglioli, Mark Rogers Abigail
Egan, Danielle Woods, Jeremy Mele, Dan Hennessey, Evan Detwiler, Edward
Harris asked the Committee not to cut the Renaissance Program or the Drama
Club. Theatre, photography, journalism, drama, and the arts, keep those students
that do not participate in sports involved in after school activities. They were
very passionate about keeping all the theatre programs.
Stephen Markarian, a former Quincy student is now a music/theatre major at
Boston Conservatory of Music, spoke and asked the Committee not to cut the
arts. Wendy Arsenault asked the Committee to keep the Renaissance Program,
and recognize the children. Jonathan Mendez, who owns a store on 188 Sea
St. was an art/drama student in Quincy. He asked the Committee not to cut the
arts.
Students Brittany Meehan and Donna Roche asked the Committee to keep
the Cheerleading club. Cheerleading is a big part of the school. These
students pay for their own bus and their parents drive them to games.
Robin Gardiner suggested finding a less expensive ways to cut the grass
and keep woodworking and the Renaissance Program instead.
Pamela Bonfiglioli ,Victoria Samsel challenged the Committee to think from
the ground up. All programs matter to students. Reconsider cutting any
programs.
Laurel Blanchard, a Quincy Public School bus driver for five years, suggested
charging a fee for busing. She warned that students will hang out after school
and get in trouble if the Committee cuts sports, drama, etc. They need to rethink
their cuts.
.
Kyle Waldron and Alicia Amato asked the Committee not to cut the deans.
Brianne Phelan, Quincy High, told the Committee not to allow the Mayor to
make these cuts. This will be wiping out students’ dreams.
Amanda Burke, Beechwood Knoll School, told the Committee that they would
be cutting their future if they make all these cuts.
Kathleen Tracey, Chris Chetwyn, Debbie Cerdone asked the Committee to
reconsider cutting full-day Kindergarten. This program creates proficient
readers by the third grade. Charging a fee would create an inequity for those
who can’t pay. Losing full-day Kindergarten is a disservice to Quincy.
Cindy Conley, Gina Christo, Victoria Wallace, Laurel Dane, Theresa Riordon,
Christine Hyslip (Lacrosse) said that sports and extra curriculum keep students
off the streets. They are deeply disturbed by cutting freshman and Jr. Varsity
sports.
Mr. Carl Gus Soden, a Quincy realtor, told the Committee that they would be
cutting their nose to spite their face. This would ruin the City by cutting all
these school programs. Instead, he suggested doing some tax levy. .
Michael Wolles said that education should be the last thing cut. Laura Keeley
said not to blame the School Committee, but to blame City Hall. Michelle
Williams a 2007 graduate from Quincy High said that the after school programs
are very important. Reconstructing Southern Artery is not. Kids are more important.
Kids need the money. Everything else can just wait!
Larry Chretien said he would support a property tax increase. He would pay
fees. The Committee needs to do work with the Mayor and the QEA. Sue
Hersey, a third grade teacher, asked them to think outside the box. She agreed
with Mr. Chretien. She would be willing to up her taxes.
Jack Kozlowski suggested cutting the Parks Department and put some money
into the drug unit.
Tracey Christello asked the members to look at the whole child and not lose
what we have worked so hard to accomplish.
Paul Phillips, QEA President, stressed again, that the QEA voted that he be
not sign an additional grant of the RTTT. At the MTA annual meeting
in regard to the RTTT they voted to: one, continue to talk to the DESES on
the issues and, two, that the MTA will support the Massachusetts RTTT
application only if the following criteria are met, One, results of standardized
tests will not be a mandatory measure of teacher performance, Two, punitive
measures including mass firings and school closure plans are removed from
the proposal, and three, control over any resulting funds that come to local
districts will be subject to bargaining between the local of the MTA and the
local school committee, and D, Each local of the MTA will retain the immediate
and permanent right to withdraw from RTTT at any time. If they don’t meet that,
they will not be signing it as a state. The MTA will withdraw as the AFT
Massachusetts has already done.
The QEA understands by letter today from the Mayor that their offer was
rejected. At a general membership meeting on the 26th, the members by vote
directed offering a wage deferral that was more than any other union in this City.
They also offered a secondary deferral next year and in return for that they asked
for some considerations in the future. The School Committee has refused that. .
The general membership has submitted to him a petition of 50 signatures, asking
for another general membership meeting. He will schedule that on May 24.
The annual meeting will be on May 26.
Mr. Phillips also expressed concern that the QEA was given only 10 days to
read the original round of the RTTT which was a 180 page document. They
were not given a chance to have a general membership meeting and discuss
this with the QEA members. They said no because their members didn’t know
what’s in it. When the next round comes, supposedly this week, and if they
have to vote on it by May 24, less than 10 days to approve the application which
will be larger than the previous 180 pages, they will not sign it. The members
have been very clear. Also, Senator Harkins has filed a bill in the Federal
Government. to have an additional ARRA funding. People can go on line
and support that.
Finally, as a citizen, Mr. Phillips asked the Mayor to please raise his property
taxes.
Samantha Akoury, Paul Smith, and Tim McAloon all asked the Committee
to try and compromise. Everybody should work in partnership. Everybody
give a little bit.
Members Answer the public
The members said they were all moved by the speakers. They haven’t cut
anything yet to meet the bottom line given by the Mayor. Many programs
are on the chopping block. They have a number they have to work with.
They are not trying to pit one program against the other. Core courses need
to be in place. Students need to pass MCAS. .
The Committee thought going back to the City Council and see if there is
any way they can get the $9 million decreased. The QEA asked Mr. Phillips
to go back at a meeting and lobby his people for a deferment which means a
.0%. Mr. McCarthy asked the QEA members to vote and to do the right thing,
not the political thing.
The Mayor said he was very proud of the students but this is the most difficult
year he has had to date. We are in very difficult times. All of our unions have
taken a wage deferment. We can’t continue to sustain our growth.
Mrs. Mahoney thanked everyone for coming out. They understand times
would not be easy. She was so proud of all our students. Leadership is
needed on all sides. The Quincy Public Schools needs to work with the
QEA and the City. She would welcome taxes and fees if it would offset
these cuts. Deferrals only solve problems short term. We need to find a
way to solve our situation.
- - -
Budget Presentation FY2011
After a brief recess, the Committee we on with the budget presentation for FY11.
|
Requested Budget for FY2011 |
$89,330,061 |
| Negotiated Increases |
5,083,448 |
| SPED Tuitions |
475,000 |
| SPED Transportation |
200,000 |
| TOTAL NEEDED |
$94,140,839 |
| Less Circuit Breaker |
1,500,000 |
| IDEA Funding Available |
671,157 |
| Increased User Fees |
387,000 |
| Appropriation Needed from City |
$91,582,682 |
This leaves the school system with a shortfall of
$9,169,525.
The Superintendent and his team reviewed the options and prioritized possible
areas of reduction. After suggestions from the members, they will rework the
options and come back at the next meeting with the Committee’s suggestions.
The Superintendent is recommending the following Budget adjustments to
address the shortfall:
|
Academic Classrooms Teachers |
|
89.5 |
| Academic Programs |
|
35.6 |
| Academic Support |
|
35.8 |
| Non-Academic Support |
|
40.5 |
| Total Budget Adjustments are staff reduction |
|
201.4 |
| Non Academic Expenses: |
|
|
| Reduction in repairs |
|
$51,000 |
| Reduction in ice rentals |
|
8,050 |
| Reduction in Legal Services |
|
11,250 |
| Reduction in Professional Services |
|
18,000 |
| Reduction in Officials Fees |
|
23,100 |
| Reduction in Gasoline |
|
101,008 |
| Reduction in health Supplies |
|
2,250 |
| Reduction in Athletic supplies |
|
14,350 |
| Reduction in DP Supplies |
|
1,400 |
| Reduction in Dues |
|
8,750 |
| Reduction in Insurance |
|
26,625 |
| Reduction in Acquisition of Furniture |
|
1,500 |
| (Furniture from the old QHS will be used) |
|
Total |
|
$193,033 |
| |
|
|
| Academic Expenses: |
|
|
| Reduction in repairs |
|
$6,135 |
| Reduction in Staff Development |
|
11,073 |
| Reduction in Medical Screening |
|
8,250 |
| Elimination of Substitute Calling |
|
15,000 |
| (Principal and Asst. Principals will do) |
|
|
| Reduction in Testing |
|
6,000 |
| Reduction in Library Books (50% cut) |
|
20,000 |
| Reduction in Supplies |
|
3,232 |
| Reduction Textbooks and Learning materials |
|
99,524 |
| (23% cut) |
|
|
| Reduction in Educational Software |
|
9,000 |
| Reduction in Instructional Technology |
|
7,500 |
| Total |
|
$314,285 |
| |
|
|
| Non Academic Support: |
|
|
| Reduction in clerical positions |
7.5 |
$270,000 |
| Reduction of custodians |
5.0 |
175,000 |
| Reduction of maintenance |
2.0 |
80,000 |
| Reduction of security positions |
1.00 |
40,000 |
| Elimination of office aides |
|
|
| Elementary & Middle |
17.0 |
255,000 |
| Reduction of office aides high school |
3.0 |
45,000 |
| Reduction of Bus Drivers - 2 mil |
5.0 |
185,000 |
| Reduction of bus drivers - Athletics |
|
29,000 |
| Reduction of Athletic Field Help |
|
9,450 |
| Reduction of Athletic Coaches |
|
99,181 |
| Reduction of Overtime - 25% cut |
|
69,125 |
| (Custodians, security, maintenance & Trans.) |
|
|
| Total |
|
$1,257,429 |
| |
|
|
| Academic Support: |
|
|
| Reduce Guidance |
5.0 |
$265,000 |
| Reduce Nurses |
1.0 |
53,000 |
| Reduce IT Tech Positions |
1.0 |
30,000 |
| Eliminate Curriculum Director |
0.6 |
75,147 |
| Reduction in District Wide Dept. |
3.2 |
269,600 |
| Chairs (go back to teaching full time) |
|
|
| Eliminate high school deans |
8.0 |
692,000 |
| Add 4 Asst Principals @ High Schools |
|
|
| Reduction of Middle School Asst. Princ. |
1.0 |
92,000 |
| Eliminate Asst. Principals Elementary |
|
16,000 |
| Eliminate Extra Curr - Middle School |
|
52,250 |
| Eliminate Extra Curr - High School |
|
42,900 |
| Eliminate full day Kindergarten aides |
20.0 |
300,000 |
| Total |
35.8 |
$1,407,897 |
| |
|
|
| Academic Programs: |
|
|
| Eliminate Academic Talent program (ELC) |
1.0 |
$53,000 |
| Reduce Music Teachers |
4.5 |
238,500 |
| Reduce Art Teachers |
1.7 |
90,100 |
| Reduce Career and Tech Teachers |
3.6 |
190,800 |
| (Reclassify MS Health Teacher in Phys Ed Line) |
|
|
| Reduce/reclassify phs ed teachers |
5.8 |
307,400 |
| Eliminate high school health |
2.0 |
106,000 |
| Eliminate Literacy Program |
11.5 |
609,500 |
| Eliminate Elem. & MS Media |
7.8 |
413,400 |
| Reduce SPED Teachers |
6.0 |
313,152 |
| Total |
35.6 |
$1,881,952 |
| |
|
|
| Academic Classroom Teachers: |
|
|
| Reduction in staff - Elementary |
16.0 |
848,000 |
| Elimination of Full Day Kindergarten |
16.5 |
874,500 |
| Reduction of MS staff |
4.0 |
212,000 |
| Elimination of MS Reading Teachers |
12.5 |
662,500 |
| Eliminate MS Foreign Language |
5.5 |
291,500 |
| Elimination of MS Technology |
5.0 |
265,000 |
| Reduction in high school staff |
30.0 |
1,590,000 |
| Total |
89.5 |
4,743,500 |
The total RIFs are 201 staff members. The FTE may go beyond that because
there are people on grants. There may be an additional 30-40 positions cut.
Subsidized Services: Listed were two options to raise the cost of meals.
However, there has been a significant decrease in the amount of lunches
being purchased since the price was raised last year. The money would be
the same because lunches purchased are less. This is not a suggestion.
Mr. Mullaney presented an increase (3 more options) in school rentals. The
cost of the custodian overtime is anywhere from $33-$42 and a security guard
would be around $40-$50. The main cost the Quincy Public Schools would
incur is the overhead – utility fees, etc. As we increase the fees, we lose usage.
Athletics: The Superintendent is recommending $199,904 in cuts in Athletics.
| Eliminate Freshman Sports |
$40,243 |
| Eliminate Jr. Varsity |
4,541 |
| Reduce Varsity Non-League Games |
30,000 |
| Reduce Varsity Coaching Staff |
25,120 |
| Total |
$199,904 |
Unless additional revenue are found, Freshman sports, Jr. Varsity, and non
league Varsity games will be cut.
Transportation: The Superintendent is recommending the 2 mile limit. We
would have 60 students and require 2 buses. If there was space available we
could pick up more students.
Full Day Kindergarten would be eliminated. We are looking at a half day
and enrichment programs. We are also looking at a fee. Those people on
free and reduced lunches would not have to pay. You would need to raise
the fees for the others to subsidized it.
Mrs. Bragg expressed concern with what would happen to PTOs if we cancel
rentals. The Superintendent said they would have to meet at a school when
there is a custodian on duty. Parent councils provide additional revenue in
the fund raising that help our kids. I want us to be sensitive to their needs.
Mr. McCarthy asked for a list of proposed changes. He would like to see one
Lacrosse team-citywide. He will sit down with Kevin Segalla and firm up some
thoughts.
Mrs. Isola asked before there was full day Kindergarten, how many parents
kept their children at extended day care schools and paid for it? Do we have a
figure when it comes to rentals as to what the profit after school caretakers make
using school facilities? Look into the 3-tier start up for transportation. What
is the cost of maintaining the Renaissance Program.
Mrs. Bragg asked Mr. Mullaney to compute what the breakeven point is for
each sport.
- - -
Mrs. Bragg made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Lebo, due to the hour, to table
everything on the agenda until next meeting. The ayes have it.
Mrs. Isola asked our City Council and state representatives to urge the Governor
to relook at the foundational budget.
To answer the request by Emily Hajjar, Mayor Koch said that the graduations
were held at Adams Park because the Veterans Stadium was under construction.
Now that the Stadium is completed, graduations can be held there. Adams Field
takes more man hours to set up and get ready for the ceremonies.
- - -
BM to Camp Wing Approved
On a motion by Mayor Koch, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee approved
the trip for Broad Meadows to Camp Wing, in Duxbury from June 9 – June 11,
2010. The ayes have it.
CMS to NY City Approved
On a motion by Mayor Koch, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee approved
the trip for Central Middle School to New York City from June 10 – June 11, 2010.
The ayes have it.
- - -
Retirements
The Committee noted the following retirements:
Teacher: Lynn Rowe
- - -
Adjournment
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mrs. Lebo, the Committee adjourned
for the evening at 11:20 p.m. There was no Executive Session.