Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – March 4, 2015
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
March 4, 2015 at the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli,
Mr. Noel DiBona, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mayor Thomas Koch, 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. Ron Adams,
Mr. Nicholas Ahearn, Mrs. Diane Babcock, Ms. Christine Barrett, Ms. Christine
Flynn, Dr. John Franceschini, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mr. Daniel Gilbert, Ms.
Beth Hallett, Ms. Courtney Mitchell, Mrs. Robin Moreira, Mrs. Joanne
Morrissey, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs.
Erin Perkins, Ms. Jacqueline Principi, Ms. Madeline Roy, Ms. Aliza Schneller,
Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Judy Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy
Education Association; Mr. Scott Alessandro, Citywide Co-President and
Student Representatives to School Committee Ms. Isabella Cobble (Quincy
High School) and Michael Mullaney (North Quincy High School).
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There was a moment of silence for service members serving overseas.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
1/14/15
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Ms. Isola, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for January 14, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Special Meeting Minutes Approved
2/3/15
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Ms. Isola, to approve the Special
Meeting minutes for February 3, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Public Hearing Minutes Approved
3/2/15
Mr. Bregoli made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, to approve the Public
Hearing minutes for March 2, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Mrs. Courtney Perdios spoke on the online survey for School Year Calendars, the
extensive outreach was remarkable. By contrast, outreach was not the same for
proposal for the proposed Sterling grade level change proposal entertained last
year.
Mr. Scott Alessandro, speaking as a parent, would like to maximize educational
time on learning. Supports the idea of blizzard bags but not as a replacement for
time in front of teachers and starting school before Labor Day, ending earlier in
June.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by introducing the Inspire
Quincy video, featuring Lincoln Hancock Literacy Night, the North Quincy High
School Quiz Show Team, Peer Tutoring at Broad Meadows, Project 351
Ambassadors, Middle School Competitive Swimming Skills Clinic, CPR/AED
Training, Read Across America, Motor Skills Development at Squantum, and the
Food Services Staff.
This year’s Grade 8 Project 351 Ambassadors were recognized: Chase Reardon
from Broad Meadows, Garell Willis from Sterling, and Brian O’Connor from Point
Webster. Project 351 Alumni Leadership Council member Noor Al-Saad from
Quincy High School (and a Broad Meadows alum) was also recognized.
Food Services Staff members with 20 or more years of service were recognized by
School Committee: Sandra Bernstein (21 years); Georgianna Bonnie (21 years);
Diane Bowes-Deagle (22 years); Mary Lou Camerlin (23 years); Donna Costa (32
years); Debra Elder (23 years); Fritz Gerstenecker (26 years); Mary Ann King (29
years); Mary Kintigos (22 years); Florence Mackie (20 years); Mary McCann (39
years); Judith McNaught (27 years); Food Services Director Joanne Morrissey (21
years); Susan Mullen (21 years); James Nee (25 years); Joseph O'Neill (20 years);
Anthony Priscilla (20 years); Debbie Russo (25 years); and Gladys Shaheen (28
years).
After a brief recess, Superintendent DeCristofaro resumed his report.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that School Committee has not held a regular meeting since
January 14, due to the unprecedented amount of snow that fell in Quincy over the
five weeks beginning January 26. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Department of
Public Works, Public Buildings & Maintenance, Custodial Services, and Parks
Department, all who worked incredibly hard to remove the snow safely from
public buildings and city streets. Special thanks to the Quincy Police Department,
who provided many days of coverage, the Quincy Fire Department, the roofing
contractors who worked within the city with the Principals, Deputy
Superintendent Mulvey, and the Mayor’s Office Staff.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that the Quincy Education Association has notified
School Committee of its Request to Bargain a successor agreement to the current
Collective Bargaining Agreement dated September 1, 2012-August 31, 2015.
Kindergarten Registration began March 3, 2015, and preliminary enrollment
figures are consistent with past years. Kindergarten Enrollment will be updated
at subsequent School Committee meetings.
Several Parent Academy evenings are planned for March: Middle School Tools &
Strategies will be held March 5 at Point Webster; Opiate Knowledge Night is
scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at Central for middle and high school parents;
and the Grade 8 Course Selection nights are scheduled for March 23 at North
Quincy High School and March 26 at Quincy High School. Many staff members
participate in the planning of these events, develop special presentations, and
welcome the opportunity to work with parents.
The FY2015 Grant Booklet was shared with School Committee and can be
presented at the next Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee.
At the Kiwanis luncheon held earlier today, $25,000 was donated to different
Quincy Public Schools programs. The Kiwanis of Quincy will be recognized at the
March 18 School Committee meeting.
Thanks to Lisa McBirney from the Mayor’s Office, seventy students from both
Quincy and North Quincy High School will be participating in piloting the
interactive experience at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States
Senate, prior to opening to the public on March 31.
During the first week of February, Fallon Ambulance and Quincy Public Schools
Health Services staff provided all Grade 8 students in school with an overview of
cardiac health and CPR basics. On Saturday, February 7, Fallon Ambulance staff
fully certified over 100 students and parents in CPR/AED training at Central
Middle School.
A Varsity Coaches Summit was held on January 22 and provided an opportunity
for meaningful discussion on issues facing the teams at both high schools and the
Patriot league.
The Elementary Laboratory Center admission process was reviewed at the
Teaching and Learning Subcommittee on February 3, 2015. Admission to the
program is based on the top 20% of cumulative Grade 3 MCAS performance.
Those students were then administered the Reasoning subtest on February 28 or
March 3. Students and families will be notified of the results in late April. This is a
system-wide program and will hopefully lessen the anxiety around the entrance
process for the program. With a clear criteria and defensible data, this limits over-assessing students and ensures the most appropriate candidates are brought
forward. Dr. DeCristofaro noted that there were questions around students who
are eligible and do not complete the program and these will be explored further.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the City Council for authorizing filing the Statements of
Interest for Squantum in the Core Program and Beechwood Knoll (windows,
doors, and roof), Merrymount (roof) through the Accelerated Repair Program.
Both high schools recently hosted Science Fairs, with over 200 projects submitted.
23 students moving on to the Regional Science Fair.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Special Education Director Judy Todd for the Special
Olympics program recently held at Squantum, staff were assisted by volunteer
students from North Quincy High School.
The revised Assessment calendar was shared, reflecting that DESE has extended
the MCAS window in response to this winter’s weather and the volume of school
cancellations.
Peabody Public Schools staff visited several sites this week at DESE’s
recommendation to observe our exemplary English Language Learner program in
preparation for their Coordinated Program Review.
Home-School Connections for the Atherton Hough, Beechwood Knoll, and
Wollaston Elementary Schools were shared with the School Committee.
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Old Business
2015-2016 School Year
Calendar
Mrs. Hubley opened the discussion of the School Year Calendar for 2015-2016. Mr.
Bregoli noted parent and staff input on the recent online survey, with almost 5,000
responses. Mr. Bregoli would like to entertain the possibility of starting school
before Labor Day, particularly this year when Labor Day falls on September 7.
Mr. DiBona echoed Mr. Bregoli’s remarks, this is a unique year and many other
school systems have already moved to this model. He is not suggesting this is for
every year. Thanked Superintendent DeCristofaro for his consideration for student
and staff safety in calling school off on eleven school days. He also introduced the
idea of replacing the February and April vacations with one in March; he is not
suggesting a combination of both options.
Mr. McCarthy said that he is a traditionalist, noting that historically, we have had
many years with two or fewer snow days. He would like to leave the school year
calendar as is. In the past, parents have not been in favor of starting before Labor
Day. He is not in favor of adjusting vacations, especially in reaction to the weather
pattern of this year.
Mrs. Mahoney agrees with Mr. McCarthy, this is a reaction to this year’s weather.
This was discussed at earlier meetings in January, before the snowy season began
and School Committee decided that it was too short notice to change next year’s
calendar. The one vacation in March idea may put QPS at a disadvantage in terms of
the standardized testing schedule. Would like to see DESE make uniform
recommendations about vacation time so school systems are making decisions
across the state. Going forward, Mrs. Mahoney would like to discuss creative online
learning options and “blizzard bags” to provide some structure during long
stretches out of school. If starting school before Labor Day is beneficial to the
community, School Committee has to give notice for change.
Ms. Isola said that in reviewing the survey results, most responders were neutral or
against beginning before Labor Day. In thinking what makes the most sense
educationally, the discussion should begin in Fall 2015 for the following year.
Ms. Isola would like to add to the agenda for an upcoming Teaching & Learning
Subcommittee some type of supplemental education options for home, although
nothing can replace time with a teacher in the classroom.
Mrs. Hubley agrees with Ms. Isola, in conversations with parents, their voice echoes
the survey results. Parents seem to be divided on the one vacation idea.
Mr. Bregoli clarified that he would not want to combine the February and April
vacations. He is interested in starting before Labor Day start as an opportunity for
students to get acclimated. He understands that this is a short time frame for
parental notification, but feels it does make sense educationally.
Mayor Koch recalled that when this was raised several years ago, parent opposition
was clear, long lines at Open Forum of speakers against the idea. Mayor Koch will
support the calendar as presented, but is open to discussion for later years.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the School Year Calendar for 2015-2016 as
presented. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it,
5-2. Mr. Bregoli and Mr. DiBona voted NO.
2015-2016 School
Committee Calendar
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the School Committee Calendar for 2015-
2016. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it 7-0.
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New Business
Mrs. Hubley requested School Committee’s indulgence to take the agenda out of
order and move to New Business, Item B.
2014-2015 School Year
Calendar
Mr. Bregoli requested that Superintendent DeCristofaro update School Committee
on the waiver request status. Dr. DeCristofaro said that we learned definitively
today from Commissioner of Education Mitchell Chester’s office that the requested
three-day waiver for the State of Emergency days was denied.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that with eleven days of school cancelled, the last day of school
is scheduled for June 30th, with one day to make up. The next item of importance is
the decision on how to make up the 180th day. The Commissioner has indicated that
this must be through scheduling a school day on Good Friday, April Vacation, or a
Saturday. We have submitted a request for extended day option to make up
additional days and if granted, school could end before June 30, unless we have
additional snow days.
Mr. Bregoli said he is disappointed in today’s decision, it shows no courage and
vision, consideration of students and families, and the financial burden on
communities. Waivers were granted in the Blizzard of 1978, so there is precedent.
Mrs. Mahoney asked if the extended day option could be denied and Dr.
DeCristofaro confirmed this. Mrs. Mahoney said the Commissioner should take into
account the special safety considerations of this city, would like to know what other
communities are in a similar situation. Dr. DeCristofaro said we should know next
week whether extended days will be an option.
Ms. Isola echoed Mr. Bregoli’s comments; these three days were states of emergency
when no travel was allowed. Objects to the summarily dismissive way the waiver
request was handled. Exceptions to rules and regulations must be looked at
carefully; not to provide an explanation is disrespectful to the Mayor, School
Committee, Superintendent, parents, students, and staff.
Ms. Isola made a motion that School Committee send a letter to Governor Baker
requesting that he review our waiver request. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion.
On the motion, Mayor Koch noted that he spoke with Lieutenant Governor Polito
last week and would like to expand our focus. Quincy is in a unique situation and in
addition to communicating with the Governor, Mayor Koch suggests contacting the
Senate President, and the Speaker of the House. He is very disappointed with the
arrogance of the denial.
Mayor Koch amended the motion to be that School Committee send a letter to
Governor Baker, Speak of the House DeLeo, and Senate President Rosenberg
requesting that they review our waiver request. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Isola.
On the amended motion, Mr. DiBona would like the letter to stress the complexity of
managing our 19 school buildings; other towns on the South Shore do not have the
same number of sites.
Mayor Koch said that the bar continues to be raised on snow removal and safety
continues to be paramount. We are doing more than ever to ensure student safety,
in collaboration with the DPW and QPS: bus routes, walking routes, sidewalks and
crosswalks. Mayor Koch said it can’t be emphasized enough that we have broken all
the records; state senators visited from other parts of the state and were in awe of
our snow. The Commissioner should answer for his lack of understanding.
Mr. Bregoli said the Commissioner’s arrogance towards Quincy and other South
Shore towns, including delegating the phone calls to the DESE Chief of Staff, is
infuriating.
On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
Mayor Koch requested that the Superintendent draft a letter for School Committee
review.
Mr. Bregoli said that to address the one day to be made up, suggested an early
release day on Good Friday would be the best option. Mr. Bregoli asked for
clarification on the cost: $51,000 for an early release holiday. For extended day
option, 12 days with an additional 30 minutes would cost $51,000.
Mr. DiBona expressed his opposition to scheduling a makeup day on a Saturday.
Families with shared custody may be affected and it cuts into family time.
Mr. McCarthy agrees that extended day would be a good option, if DESE gives us the
option. Mr. McCarthy is opposed to Good Friday as an option for rescheduling, this
is a very important day to many families. Would consider a Saturday option, but
prefers extended day.
Mayor Koch agreed that there is no right and wrong in different School Committee
member’s opinions. Agrees with Mr. McCarthy, this would be changing a longstanding tradition and affect many families who don’t view this as a holiday.
Dr. DeCristofaro clarified that DESE may not allow extended days to make up for the
one day that we are beyond June 30.
Mr. McCarthy asked for clarification on when the vote would take place; the next
meeting is the first opportunity to vote on the issue.
Mayor Koch suggested that School Committee can suspend their operational rules,
we shouldn’t get caught up in the details of the process.
Ms. Isola asked if School Committee could agree to suspend normal rules and vote
tonight and Mayor Koch agreed.
Mr. Bregoli asked if we agree to schedule school on a Saturday, would that signal the
Commissioner we are giving up on the extended day option.
Mrs. Mahoney reviewed that we need to make up one day, but asked what will
happen if we don’t. Dr. DeCristofaro said there are not specific penalties, but it
could make us ineligible for certain state grant funding.
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion that the makeup day be scheduled on Good Friday, an
early release day.
Mayor Koch suggested the motion to suspend School Committee’s rules should
happen first.
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to suspend School Committee’s rules of process,
seconded by Ms. Isola. On the motion, Mr. McCarthy asked if we should wait for a
response on the extended day waiver before voting on the makeup day.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to table the discussion on the 2014-2015 School Year
Calendar.
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2014-2015 QPS
Initiatives
Dr. DeCristofaro presented his review of 2014-2015 Initiatives, based on the District
Improvement Plan principles of contributory decision-making across Quincy Public
Schools. Ms. Todd reviewed the Math Reteach teams, a collaboration of Special
Education and regular education Math teachers. Ms. Roy presented about the
Digital Learning team, a refocus of the Educational Technology team to move the
focus aware from hardware to classroom implementation across all content areas,
including training. Mrs. Papile presented about the Discipline & Attendance Team,
made up of high school deans, supervisors of attendance, and middle school
assistant principals. The group is looking at the barriers to student learning in the
middle and high school levels. The team is integral to the Substance Abuse
Prevention initiative, specialized training for interventions for students at risk. Mrs.
Perkins and Ms. Hallett presented on the Grades K-5 High Needs ELL Team,
established to create a draft protocol for identification of ELL students with
additional needs. A collaboration of Special Education, ELL, Guidance, and Literacy
staff, the focus is on early intervention at Wollaston, Parker, Lincoln Hancock,
Clifford Marshall, and Montclair.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Curriculum and Management Team for all of their
efforts. He then went on to review the program designs for each standard.
Standard 1 encompasses the Budget, School Committee connections to the
organization through Subcommittees. Dr. DeCristofaro outlined the upcoming
School Survey initiative, working with principals and school councils. The first
piece has already been completed, a survey of Grade 9 students and their transition
from middle school to high school.
For Standard 2, the Common Core Implementation is evident at every grade across
the school system, with teams of teachers working on curriculum mapping. The
Parent Academy schedule for the spring was shared, along with updated timelines
for Elementary Report Cards and DSAC Collaboration.
For Standard 3, updates on the Next Generation Assessments, Increasing Staff
Access to Data, Benchmark Data Collection, the MKEA, and DDMs were shared. The
Curriculum and Management Team is managing the transition to online
assessments and managing the data streams through these initiatives.
Under Standard 4, Educator Evaluation encompasses classroom, program, and
support staff, principals, and the leadership team. In conjunction with this, the
QPS/QEA Educator Evaluation Workgroup collaborate to integrate the details of this
requirement with the evolving process. The RETELL initiative guided 400 staff
members to completing this core content requirement. The Mentor Team pairs new
and veteran staff members to ensure a successful first year as a QPS employee
through the modeling of best practices.
For Standard 5, initiatives such as PBIS, Alliance for a Healthier Generation,
Substance Abuse Awareness/Prevention are affecting outcomes for all students,
especially those at risk. New this year, a review of the Advanced Placement
program from Grades 6 through 12 will focus on the APC program at Central,
defining the program, managing the transition to high school, and expansion of
advanced programs at all middle schools. An Advanced Placement Pathway booklet
will be created to outline educational expectations and outcomes. Next year, the
focus will be on the Grades 5-6 transition.
The Program of Studies teams focus on the Elementary, Middle, and High School
programs and scheduling. An outgrowth of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee that met last
fall, and parent concerns about Grade 5 at Point Webster and Sterling Middle
Schools, comparisons between the elementary Grade 5 and the middle school Grade
5 were explored. Staffing configuration changes at Sterling allowed for the
development of an elementary school model for the Grade 5 students. (Two
teachers for all core subjects, rather than 4 or 5 different core teachers.) Dr.
DeCristofaro reminded School Committee that Title I funding is not allocated for
Grade 5 at any school due to long-standing funding cut. Dr. DeCristofaro met with
Grade 5 Sterling parents about the transition and perspectives for their families. Dr.
DeCristofaro also met with the Sterling staff to assess their feelings about the
schedule pilot, mostly positive feedback and looking forward to the 2nd year. Dr.
DeCristofaro met with the Point Webster Grade 5 staff to review the transition to
elementary scheduling for next year. The Sterling and Point Webster principals are
now part of the elementary scheduling team and are moving towards a pilot for
Point Webster next year. Additional professional development and collaboration
time will be planned with Grade 5 teachers citywide.
In addressing the grading concerns, in conjunction with the development of the new
elementary school report cards, students at Point Webster and Sterling will be
graded under the elementary rubric beginning in September 2015. Middle School
principals will be working on the transitional meetings and activities for Grade 4
students moving up in June.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mr. McCarthy for his leadership on the Ad Hoc
Subcommittee and the parents for their input. Dr. DeCristofaro noted that Grade 5
student council members across QPS will be recognized at the Student Leadership
summit on April 16. The Presidents Cup Robotics tournament will be expanded to
include elementary school Lego Robotics teams for Grade 5 students. The School
~Community Partnership is sponsoring coaches and materials.
For Dual Enrollment, QPS is working with Quincy College on a plan for
opportunities for college credits at minimal cost to our students.
For Standard 6, Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the continuing Aspen Implementation,
additional modules will be implemented next year. Planning for Technology, MSBA
project timelines were shared. For the Accelerated Repair Program projects,
windows & doors have been ordered for North Quincy, Wollaston, Merrymount and
will be ordered within two weeks for Lincoln Hancock and Parker. Installation for
all five schools is scheduled for Summer 2015. The Quincy School~Community
Partnership events continue throughout the year.
Ms. Isola thanked Dr. DeCristofaro and the Superintendent’s Leadership Team, the
presentation provided much evidence of collaboration and hard work. Mrs.
Mahoney asked for clarification on the Grade 5 scheduling; Sterling’s schedule
evolved due to a staffing change and has been very positive for the students. Mrs.
Mahoney is glad to see the pilot will be expanded to Point Webster as well and that
the elementary grading system will be implemented.
Mrs. Mahoney asked for more information about the Dual Enrollment initiative. Dr.
DeCristofaro said this is an opportunity for high school students to enroll in college
courses that are not offered otherwise for a nominal cost. We have had preliminary
discussions with Quincy College and are exploring other options. The goal is for this
to be available in September 2015. Mrs. Mahoney said this is an exciting
opportunity and wanted to call attention to it.
Mr. DiBona thanked Dr. DeCristofaro for his leadership in integrating the
suggestions of School Committee, including expansion of advanced level classes at
all middle schools.
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Out of the Country
Travel
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of the Country Travel of North
Quincy High School to France from April 14 to April 24, 2015. Mr. McCarthy
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of the Country Travel of Quincy High
School to France and Spain from April 16 to April 23, 2015. Mr. Bregoli seconded
the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Overnight Travel
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel of Quincy High School
Student Council to the MASC Annual Conference in Hyannis, Massachusetts from
March 11 to March 13, 2015. Mr. McCarthty seconded the motion and on a voice
vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
There was no additional business.
- - -
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: School Committee on March 18, 2015; and
April 8, 2015 and Subcommittee Meetings: Special Education on Wednesday, March
25, 2015; Teaching & Learning on Monday, March 30, 2015; and Facilities & Security
and Quarterly Budget & Finance on Monday, April 13, 2015.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Hubley noted that full Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online on the
School Committee page at www.quincypublicschools.com.
Policy Subcommittee
Special Education
Subcommittee
Quarterly Budget &
Finance Subcommittee
Teaching & Learning
Subcommittee
Health, Transportation,
& Safety Subcommittee
Ms. Isola made a motion to waive reviewing the minutes and approve all minutes.
Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
As there were no corrections, the minutes to the January 14, 2015 and February 15,
2015 Policy; January 21, 2015 Special Education; February 3, 2015 Quarterly
Budget & Finance; February 3, 2015 and February 23, 2015 Teaching & Learning;
and February 25, 2015 Health, Transportation & Safety Subcommittee meetings
were approved.
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Adjournment
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 10:05 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.