Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – May 7, 2014
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
May 7, 2014 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Present were
Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Noel DiBona, Ms. Barbara Isola,
Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
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The Superintendent called the roll and all were present. Also present were:
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Michael
Draicchio, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs.
Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Ms. Judy
Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy Education Association.
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There was a moment of silence for members of the military serving overseas.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
4/9/14
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bregoli, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for April 9, 2014. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Hank Dondero spoke of his concerns about the proposed grade configuration
for Sterling. He is also concerned about Common Core State Standards; the
standards are not as rigorous and there are too many unanswered questions.
Lori Hagborg, Renee Czaikowski, and Annette Donohue spoke about enhancing the
instrumental music program, scheduling time for band instruction during the school
day, supporting the purchasing of percussion instruments, and providing additional
staffing.
Bill Zamzow is concerned that the 3.2% increase budget for Quincy Public Schools is
not equivalent to the 4.7% increase for other departments in the city. Quincy Public
Schools budget cuts from earlier years have not been fully restored.
Students Timothy Nguyen, Shrina Pahla, Cindy Trang, and Rachel Holley all spoke in
support of additional time for instrumental instruction and practice. More
opportunities for students to attend as they balance academic performance and
activities would be helpful. They also asked for assistance in purchasing instruments
to expand the pool of students able to participate.
Bernazzani Elementary School Grade 3 parents Elaine Cronin, Joanne Petrongolo,
Christina Dunn, Kendra Demopolous, Jenny Tobin, Mary Copp, Cynthia Donohue, and
Kate Campbell all spoke in support of having an additional Grade 4 teacher at
Bernazzani next year. The parents are concerned about class size and students on
IEPs and 504 plans in the two classrooms.
Kathy Hogan spoke about learning Physics through Sports, an area that is
underserved in helping students learn.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent's Report with an Inspiring Quincy
video, featuring Annie at Atlantic Middle School, the Central Middle School Science
Fair, Montclair’s Anti-Bullying, the Community Service Learning Celebration, and
Wollaston's 100th Anniversary celebration.
Senior Director of Student Support Services and Special Education Maura Papile
introduced Dave Smith and Jacob Yanovich from the Rural Lodge of Masons for
recognition for their generosity to the Quincy Public Schools through the
School~Community Partnerships. The Masons have an unwavering commitment to
the students and families of Quincy Public Schools, including funding Rachel's
Challenge for all Grade 7 students, the Chris Herren presentation for high school
students, and generous donations for families in need during the holidays, gifts and
meals. The Masons also funded Credit Recovery for 10 students, a life-changing
event for these students allowing them to graduate with their classes. Mr. Yakovich
spoke on behalf of the Masons that they are glad to benefit the students of Quincy;
being of service to the community most important part of their mission.
North Quincy High School Principal Rob Shaw introduced the NEASC Preliminary
Accreditation Report; both the full report and a summary were shared with the
School Committee. A follow-up committee will be created at the end of the school
year to begin work on addressing the recommendations. Mr. Shaw expressed his
appreciation for School Committee support during the process.
Ms. Isola congratulated Mr. Shaw and the NQHS staff for their preparation for the
process. She enjoyed the opportunity for School Committee to participate and
noted that the recommendations are items that are easily integrated into the school.
Cleaner Greener Quincy was held on May 3 with QPS participation across the city,
parents and students assisted staff in beautifying school and park grounds. The
Community Service Learning Celebration was a showcase for the many tremendous
students of Quincy Public Schools and their consciousness towards the community.
A revised Spring Concert schedule was shared and Dr. DeCristofaro announced that
Central Middle School would be presenting Beauty and the Beast on May 8 and 9.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk will be held on Saturday, May 31,
at 9:00 am, beginning from the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School; 12 elementary
and middle schools will be part of this year’s walk.
Other items shared with School Committee included an updated Assessment
Calendar, Aspen Publication #12, and an example of Home-School
Connections: Monthly Newsletter from the Squantum Elementary.
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Old Business
Policy Update on
Athletic Eligibility
(9.8.5)
Mr. Bregoli said that at the May 5, 2014 Policy Subcommittee Meeting, the new
revision of the Athletic Eligibility Policy (9.8.5) was approved to move forward for
School Committee consideration and public comment. The revised policy will
appear on the May 21, 2014 School Committee Meeting agenda for a vote. The
revised policy is:
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.
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New Business
FY2015 Budget
Overview
Mayor Koch gave an overview of the City of Quincy FY2015 Budget, a proposed
appropriation of $268,540,406, a 4.1% increase over last year. The Quincy Public
Schools budget is an increase of $2.9 million. Other areas of budget increases
include Public Safety (Police and Firefighters) and Library (replacing state
funding). Incremental increases are planned for the Assessing Department, capital
outlay for computers, software, and vehicles. Quincy's debt is low compared to
other cities and towns, and the bond rating was just increased. Community
Preservation funds, the Hotel Tax, and the municipal Meals tax contribute to paying
down debt. Revenues are generated through property taxes (74%); state aid
(17%), and local receipts (9%). State aid has not recovered to the level of earlier
years, but is up slightly. Stabilization has increased over time and property tax
growth has continued to be substantially under state limits. Quincy has excess levy
capacity of $18.5 million, one of the highest in the state. Almost every city and town
taxes homeowners to the legal limit each year.
All City Departments, including Quincy Public Schools will appear before City
Council’s Finance Subcommittee. City Council can change the Quincy Public Schools
bottom line, but not individual line items. Mayor Koch said additional QPS funding
will give School Committee the opportunity to work with the Superintendent and
Leadership Team to make improvements and add value to existing programs.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mayor Koch for the Quincy Public Schools budget
appropriation. School Committee has worked to restore programs and services
from the budget cuts of several years ago. The budget allocation will allow us to
make appropriate decisions with students at the center of every decision. Dr.
DeCristofaro is grateful for the opportunity to continue to improve the educational
offerings to students and families.
He then reviewed that the budget process begins with the Superintendent meeting
with Principals and Superintendent’s Leadership about areas of consideration:
enrollment and class size, program and student supports. In a series of scheduled
meetings, a draft budget will be presented to School Committee, options are
reviewed and prioritized, there is a public hearing, and then a final vote on the
budget. Subcommittee meetings to be held on May 15, May 20, and May 28. The
Public Hearing will be held on June 4 and final presentation and vote at School
Committee on June 11.
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School Choice
Mayor Koch made a motion that the Quincy School Committee withdraws from School Choice
the obligation to enroll non-resident students in the Quincy Public Schools for the
2014-2015 academic year for the following reasons: (1) Continued projected
enrollment conditions at the elementary, middle, and high schools based on current
and projected enrollments; (2) Policy of the Quincy School Committee to adhere to
class size guidelines. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes
have it 7-0.
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Out of State
Travel
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Wollaston Elementary
School Grade 5 students to Canobie Lake Park, Windham, New Hampshire on June
16, 2014. Mr. McCarthy seconded to the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have
it.
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Additional Business
Mrs. Mahoney requested that Dr. DeCristofaro share with School Committee a list of
current Principals and Assistant Principals and their tenure in those positions. She
also requested the timeline for posting the Central Middle School principal position
that is going to be vacated July 1.
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Communications
Mrs. Mahoney announced the Special Education Subcommittee meeting will be held
on Wednesday, May 14 at 6:00 pm in the Teacher’s Dining Room at Quincy High
School.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Hubley noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted on the Quincy Public Schools website: www.quincypublicschools.com.
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Facilities and
Security
Subcommittee
Mr. McCarthy reviewed the Facilities and Security Subcommittee meeting that was
held on April 30, 2014. The Subcommittee discussed the preparation for the
Sterling Middle School feasibility study, received an update on the Coddington Hall
renovation, and reviewed the NQHS incident and high school lobby security.
For the Sterling Middle School project, city enrollment trends were reviewed,
Sterling Middle School proposed grade configurations were discussed, along with
the history of Della Chiesa, Lincoln Hancock, and Sterling current grade
configurations. The process for working with the MSBA was outlined: the Eligibility
Phase is in process right now and scheduled to conclude by October 30. In Module
2, a team of professionals is assembled including the Owner’s Project Manager and
Designer, and in Module 3, the feasibility of proposed configurations are studied. At
all stages of the process, the Building Committee and School Committee will meet
with parents and community members for input.
Mr. McCarthy noted that on May 13, Dr. DeCristofaro, City Solicitor James Timmins,
and Director of Public Buildings Gary Cunniff will meet with the MSBA about
Enrollment Certification. Mr. McCarthy said that we have discussed the grade
configurations as much as possible at this point, keeping in mind the desire for
neighborhood schools.
Mr. Walter MacDonald then presented an update on the Coddington Hall renovation
process. The project is on schedule and he is anticipating a late June/early July
completion date. Mr. Draicchio updated the Subcommittee on the incident at NQHS,
we had a quick and thorough response from the staff and the Quincy Police
Department; we are working on eliminating the human factor in these event. For
high school lobbies, procedures are in place for checking visitor identification, and
there are several ideas for further research and discussion.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 30, 2014 Facilities
and Security Subcommittee Meeting. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion,
On the motion, Mrs. Mahoney wanted it noted that she was not allowed to speak on
this topic at the last School Committee meeting, which is against procedure.
Mrs. Mahoney asked whether other configurations were submitted to the MSBA
beyond Grades 4-8 and 5-8. Dr. DeCristofaro feels that these are the viable
configurations and that is what will be discussed at the Enrollment Certification
meeting. The Building Committee will hold its inaugural meeting later in May and
will look to the next phase of hiring an Owners Project Manager and Designer to
assist with the feasibility study. Dr. DeCristofaro said that grade configuration and
possibly redistricting to alleviate pressure for other schools' neighborhood districts
will all be part of this discussion.
Mrs. Mahoney asked whether the Lincoln Hancock community has been
notified. Dr. DeCristofaro has spoken with the Ward Councillor Brian Palmucci,
Principal Ruth Witmer, and Lincoln Hancock PTO Board. Mrs. Mahoney objected to
the fact that no public forum took place before the enrollment projections were
submitted; we should have public conversations before it is too late. She stated that
Ward 4 has had several major issues impact the community with little public input.
Quincy Public Schools will be treating these students inequitably by having Grade 4
students in a middle school building and she is very disappointed that this is what
was submitted.
Ms. Isola said that School Committee has discussed this issue at three Subcommittee
meetings and two School Committee meetings. She objected to the inflammatory
way the question is being presented publicly and wants to reframe the discussion
about how best to meet the needs of the community. Ms. Isola is relying on the
expertise of Dr. DeCristofaro who has advised that this is a viable model. If there is
a 4-8 school, we have the ability through leadership and staff, to create a program
that provides the best opportunity for students. Framing this as throwing 4th
graders into middle school is doing a disservice to the parents in Quincy. There are
models that have K-8 in one building -- who are these 8th graders that we're afraid
of being near our 4th graders? Teachers will ensure that students are appropriately
exposed to age-appropriate ideas. Equitable does not mean completely the
same. Our schools are all unique, tailoring their programs to the needs of the
community. Sometimes we can provide things to our students that may look
different. Going forward, she wants to emphasize her trust in Dr. DeCristofaro's
expertise, knowledge, and caring. When the Grade 5 students moved to middle
school, people were initially apprehensive, but their fears were not borne
out. Going forward, she would like to have a conversation based on facts. We are
not suggesting a middle school model for Grade 4 students.
Mr. DiBona attended the Daniel Webster/Point Webster School which housed
Grades K through 8 in one building with separate entrances for elementary and
middle school grades. He would like to see the new Sterling Middle School have
separate entrances and different arrival and dismissal times. Mr. DiBona is very
opposed to the idea of housing Grades 4-5 for both schools at Point Webster and
Grades 6-8 at Sterling. The closeness of the new Sterling building to Lincoln
Hancock will be desirable for establishing a campus. Mr. DiBona said that Dr.
DeCristofaro has done the research and at the same time, he understands Mrs.
Mahoney's concerns. For Point Webster and Sterling, the elementary schools are
straight feeders to their middle school, which is already a difference from the rest of
the city.
Mrs. Mahoney said she has had many parents tell her that they are opposed to this
idea and that now is the time to have this conversation. Six weeks ago was the first
time it was presented to School Committee and she doesn't think we did our job in
vetting this idea.
Mrs. Hubley said that she attended the Lincoln Hancock PTC to hear parent
discussion on the topic; PTC president Kristin Perry is doing outreach to Lincoln
Hancock parents through meetings and emails.
Mr. Bregoli expressed his support for the Superintendent and for neighborhood
schools. The many buildings that were sold off during the 1980s showed a lack of
planning, especially in southwest Quincy. Mr. Bregoli feels confident that we are not
integrating Grade 4 students into middle school. He said that change is hard and
this is not an easy decision for everyone. He also doesn't want to jeopardize the
start of the project by adding other configurations to the discussion.
Mr. McCarthy said that when this was first proposed, his research showed the K-8
model without transitions is the most desired model. We have the opportunity to
design this building; current Grade 5 parent from Sterling or Point are not
concerned about the transition. If parents were concerned about this proposal,
there would be lines of people to speak at Open Forum. Full-day Kindergarten has
been very successful across the city. The neighborhood is ready for the change that
the new school will bring and we have the opportunity to create a 4-5
academy. Redistricting is definitely in the cards and all neighborhoods are on the
table. Cities change and numbers change, we have to be realistic. Mr. McCarthy is
feeling positive about working with the Building Committee.
Mrs. Mahoney said she is not afraid of change, but different neighborhoods react in
different ways. If this were suggested at Atlantic Middle School, parents would be
immediately concerned. While she appreciates Dr. DeCristofaro’s knowledge, Mrs.
Mahoney wants to see the research that supports this idea. The Clinton,
Massachusetts Grades 4-8 model is not a comparable since it is a much smaller
school district with one school at this level. Six weeks is not enough time to prepare
for a decision of this magnitude.
On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Teaching and Learning
Subcommittee
Ms. Isola reviewed the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting held on May
5, 2014. At this meeting, Foreign Language programs in other cities and towns were
reviewed, along with the current Middle and High School programs in QPS. This
was more about gathering information and beginning the conversation of adding
more support for foreign language at the middle school level.
Ms. Hallett presented an overview on the music and choral programs at elementary,
middle, and high school levels. Mrs. Fredrickson presented on the research done by
the Data Collection and Storage Team on systems that would work with Aspen
student
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee
Meeting Minutes for May 5, 2014 as amended by Mrs. Hubley. Mr. Bregoli seconded
the motion.
On the motion, Mr. DiBona said that he liked Ms. Isola's idea of a magnet program
for foreign language at the middle school level. Ms. Isola said that this was one of a
number of ideas to be explored further.
On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Policy Subcommittee
Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Policy Subcommittee meeting held on May 5, 2014. The
High School Principals and Community Service Coordinators presented their
statistics on completion rates for seniors, who are close to being finished.
The Athletic Eligibility Policy was revised as reviewed earlier in the meeting.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the minutes of the Policy Subcommittee
Meeting for May 5, 2014. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote,
the ayes have it.
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Budget and Finance
Subcommittee
Mrs. Hubley waived reviewing the Budget and Finance Subcommittee meeting held
on May 6, 2014 as the meeting was discussed under New Business.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the minutes of the Budget and Finance
Subcommittee Meeting for May 6, 2014. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. The motion was seconded by
Mr. McCarthy and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.