Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, May 5, 2014
A meeting of the Policy Subcommittee was held on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the 2
nd Floor
Conference Room at the NAGE Building. Present were Mr. Noel DiBona, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms.
Barbara Isola, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. Dave McCarthy, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Chair. Also attending
were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms.
Kerry Ginty, Ms. Beth Hallett, Mrs. Meg McMillen, Mrs. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith
Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Judy Todd; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Mr. Bregoli called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. The High School Principals and Community
Service Coordinators updated on the status of Grade 12 student completion of the Community
Service requirement. Mr. Shaw thanked both Meg and Kerry for their efforts, communication has
been the key to getting close to finishing. North Quincy High School has 6 students still to complete
their Community Service (2%) and Quincy High School has 46 (11%). Many of the students have
made contact about outstanding paperwork, there is a high level of awareness of the deadline.
Ms. Isola asked how parents feel about the program. Both principals agreed that they haven't heard
any complaints from parents about it. Mr. DiBona asked if a student mentoring program for
freshmen and new students would help with Community Service. Mr. Taglieri said there are
mentoring opportunities at the middle and elementary levels, but this is an interesting idea. Mr.
DiBona asked about recycling, could this be something done at athletic and other school
events. Mrs. McMillen said that the principals, deans, guidance, and home room teachers have
really helped to promote Community Service this year. She suggested an earlier deadline would help
surface issues, other cities and towns use the prom as an initial benchmark. Mr. Bregoli thanked the
Coordinators for their extraordinary efforts.
Mrs. McMillen asked what the plan will be for Community Service next year. Dr. DeCristofaro said
there will be a Policy Subcommittee meeting in June to discuss how to go forward. Mrs. Mahoney
suggested that Community Service Coordinators think of ways to simplify the process.
Mr. Bregoli then reviewed the Athletic Eligibility policy; the earlier version drafted in March had a
credit requirement which did not work for both high schools. The revised policy, based on
discussions with both principals and input from Guidance and the Athletic Directors simply states that
students may not fail more than one class and be eligible to compete athletically.
Mr. DiBona expressed concern that the further revision of the policy has pushed out into late in the
last semester and students are at a disadvantage not knowing about the change and the effect on Fall
sports eligibility. Mr. Bregoli said that for fall sports, these are based on full year grades. Mr. DiBona
asked for consideration of starting this policy in the fall. Mr. DiBona said he feels comfortable with
the revised policy, but not the timing of it.
Mr. Bregoli asked the two Principals for their thoughts. Mr. Shaw said that the fall eligibility being
based on full year grades is not new, and there are not a significant number of students that would
be affected by this change. Mr. Taglieri said he understands Mr. DiBona's concern, but agrees with
Mr. Shaw. Ms. Owens reminded the School Committee that the vast majority of student athletes are
not affected by this. An analysis of this past fall’s athletes showed that 50% of athletes are honor roll
students, 75% have a C average or better, and a very small number of students would have been
ineligible to play under this revised policy.
Mr. Bregoli said that receiving a passing a class in summer school would make a student eligible for
Fall athletics. Mr. McCarthy said that we have to start somewhere and this change is way
overdue. Mr. McCarthy said that he has spoken with parents and coaches and supports starting this
immediately. He supports this revised policy and wants to move forward.
Mrs. Hubley asked about core classes vs. electives. Mr. Taglieri said the wording as is would ensure
that a student cannot fail two core classes. Mrs. Mahoney said that the statistics are important and
also getting the information about summer school out there. She is glad to hear that the Athletic
Directors and Guidance department are supportive, our coaches are focused on academic success
and this will enhance our athletic programs. Ms. Isola asked for clarification that Fall sports eligibility
is based on full year grades, while winter and spring courses are based on the semester report
card. She supports the revised policy.
Ms. Isola made a motion to move revised language for School Committee Policy 9.8.5 to the full
School Committee. The revised policy will read:
To be eligible for high school sports, a student may not have more than one failing grade during the
last marking period preceding the contest. To be eligible for fall sports, a student may not have more
than one failing grade on the previous academic year final report card. All incoming grade 9 students
are eligible for fall sports. The academic eligibility of all students shall be considered as official and
determining only on the date when the report cards for that ranking period have been issued.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Ms. Isola made a motion to adjourn the Policy Subcommittee Meeting at 6:30 pm. Mrs. Hubley
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.