Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – May 20, 2015
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
May 20, 2015 at Central Middle School. 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 Mrs. Mahoney was absent (but
arrived at 6:35 p.m. during Executive Session). Also present were: Dr.
Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Michael
Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Molly Good, Deputy Superintendent
Kevin Mulvey, Mr. James Mullaney, Mrs. Maura Papile, Ms. Cara Pekarcik, Ms.
Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms.
Judy Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy Education Association.
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There was a moment of silence in honor of members of the armed forces
serving overseas.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to take the agenda out of order and move to
Executive Session. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote,
the ayes have it, 6-0. Mrs. Mahoney was absent.
Mrs. Hubley noted that School Committee would return to the Regular
meeting after the Executive Session.
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School Committee resumed the Regular meeting at 7:00 pm.
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
5/6/15
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bregoli, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for May 6, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As there was no one who wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee
moved to the next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by welcoming the members
of the Class of 2015 who have been inducted into the National Honor Society.
The four pillars of National Honor Society are Scholarship, Character, Leadership,
and Service.
North Quincy High School: Marguerite Belcher, Emily Bryson, Julia Bryson,
Courtney Campo, Amy Chan, Wai Ki Chan, Cindy Chau, Alex Chen, Alicia Chen, Emily
Chen, Hong Gao Chen, Lisa Chi, Jessica Diep, Jessica Eynatian, Li Wen Wong Fang,
Cassandra Feeney, Gabrielle Flaherty, Ciara Forde, Egista Gjini, Madison Hally, Jenny
Kung, Yamin Mu Han, Yamin Phyu Han, Amanada Huang, Victoria Jiang, Jason Lee,
Samantha Lee, Deanna Leung, Shiqing Liang, Jiayin Luo, Kelly Luo, Emily Luu,
Sumire Maki, Olivia McEvoy, Patrick Mei, Julia Mendros, Sarah Molloy, Michael
Mullaney, Cindy Nguyen, Eliza Song-Givens, Kyi Thwin, Vincent Tran, Shanshan Wu,
Johanna Yu, Emily Zheng, Xue Ling Zou
Quincy High School: Amira Abdelaziz, Marisa Abundis, Ralph Besid, Ursula Biba,
Yversen Boutin, Carly Brilliant, Christopher Buzzell, Marina Chafa, Michelle Chen,
Jeanne Chin, Isabella Cobble, Lydia Culp, Madison Davis, Justina Dearden, Katy Deng,
Kassandra Dineen, Nya Domkam, Aaron Ha, Mark Hajjar, Emily Hatfield, Jennifer
Hong, Maxwell Hurley, Cristian Isalguez, Emma Kelly, Emma Kimmell, Aurelie
Lafontant, Michelle Le, Kunyi Li, Jerod Lin, Emily Lo, Maryanne Ly, Monica Ly, Mary
Lynch, Colleen Madden, Steven Marstjepovic, Lauren Matthies, Angela McDonald,
Emma Papile, Kerry Phelan, Noreen Plabutong, Sabrina Rauch,
Robert Salvucci, Jessika Santos, Hiba Senhaj, Anastacia Silveira, Tatiana Silveira,
Nicole Strauss, Christine Tam, Jenny Tam Thi, John Traynor, Lily Vo, Nicole Welliver,
Henry Yip
Ms. Isola thanked students for their accomplishments, their teachers for guiding
them, and their parents and family members for supporting students. Mrs.
Mahoney told the students to take pride in their accomplishments as we all do.
Mr. Bregoli noted several of his former players being recognized, dedicated
students and athletes. Mrs. Hubley congratulated all of the students.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that many of the students have been Quincy Public Schools
students since elementary school. They have forged connections and
relationships with their peers and have many accomplishments, thanks in part to
their dedicated teachers. Dr. DeCristofaro said he is incredibly proud of these
soon to be graduates; that this is just the beginning of all the great things they will
do. Dr. DeCristofaro concluded by thanking the National Honor Society advisors
and principals.
After a brief recess, School Committee resumed the meeting with the Inspire
Quincy video, featuring Hairspray at Atlantic Middle School, the John & Abigail
Adams Orchestra, Spring Concerts, Quincy Retired Teacher Association
Scholarships, Germantown Neighborhood Community Center, Community Service
initiatives at Atherton Hough, Quincy High School, North Quincy High School, the
ACES Project at Clifford Marshall, Point Webster Students of the Month, Squantum
Elementary School Outdoor Garden Dedication, Quincy High School Fashion Show,
Lincoln Hancock Lego Math Night, Beyond the Bell events at multiple schools, the
QPS Walk for Wellness, and the Adams Cup Robotics Challenge for Grades 5-8.
The North Quincy High School Senior Prom was Friday, May 15 and was a
successful event capped by the Senior Stay Out. Many parents were involved in
keeping students safe by organizing this all-night party for seniors and their dates.
The Quincy High School Senior Prom and Senior Stay Out is Friday, May 29.
The Quincy Retired Teachers Association presented seniors from the Class of 2015
with over $30,000 in scholarships at a ceremony on May 12. Graduation is
Monday, June 8 (North Quincy High School ) and Tuesday, June 9 (Quincy High
School), both held at Veterans Stadium at 6:00 pm.
The annual JRDF Walk will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 10:00 am beginning at
Beechwood Knoll.
Thanks to Principals Ruth Witmer, Robin Moreira, and Dan Gilbert who worked
with Erin Perkins and Madeline Roy to create school surveys for elementary and
middle schools. These online surveys have been shared with parents for
completion by the end of May.
The Squantum Elementary School Outdoor Classroom Dedication was held on May
18. Thanks to Principal Steve Sylvia and Mrs. Maureen Geary, Mayor Koch, and
the Community Preservation fund for the creation of this beautiful space.
85 members of the John & Abigail Adams Orchestra performed on Monday, May
11 at Quincy High School under the direction of Mike DeMarco and Jane Aiello.
Students from both high schools took part in the recent Music in the Park festival;
high school choral and band students competed with programs from across New
England and the North Quincy High School chorus placed 2nd overall.
For Quincy School~Community Partnership events, over 270 students from
Grades 5-8 participated in the Adams Cup on May 15. Thanks to Ed Smith, Mike
Marani, Keith Segalla, and volunteers from the high school robotics team.
Upcoming events include the Community Service Learning breakfast on
Wednesday, May 27; the Student Athletic Summit on Wednesday, June 3 at Granite
Links for incoming captains of athletic teams from both high schools; and Flag
Day at Lincoln Hancock on Wednesday, June 10. NAGE has made their annual
donation of 20 American flags for all Quincy Public Schools buildings.
Quincy High School’s Skills USA students competed at the Massachusetts State
Conference under the direction of Ed Holmes. Medal winners were: Samantha Le,
Grace Hall, Jane Kuang, Michael Fernald, Bernardo Teixeira, and Mario Ragusa
(Bronze Medal ~ Team ~ Parliamentary Procedure); Brianna McCombs (Bronze
Medal ~ Criminal Justice); Ming Quan Li (Silver Medal ~ Related Technical Math).
A Parent Academy was held on Monday, May 18 for the new Elementary Report
Card. Thanks to Ellen Hunter, Erin Perkins, and Keith Segalla for organizing the
event and the many teachers and administrators who volunteer to be part of these
presentations. Additional parent information events will be held on the new
elementary report card in the fall.
For the Sterling Middle School project, there was a Designer Selection meeting at
the Massachusetts School Building Authority on May 19 with representatives from
the Sterling Building Committee. The two finalists, SMMA and Ai3 both presented
and Ai3 (designer of Central Middle School) was selected. At the June 10 meeting,
the Owner’s Project Manager Joslin Lesser and Designer Ai3 will present.
Beyond the Bell has far exceeded expectations, with classroom and program
teachers and community partners sponsoring many different events: the Walk for
Wellness, collaboration of SADD and Health Services staff; Literacy programs;
Student Artists in the Community Event on May 30 at the Art Spot; Hoops for
Health at Quincy High School; therapeutic activity days at Snug Harbor, Squantum,
and Sterling included Occupational and Physical Therapists; and a Lego activity
day at the Parker Elementary Schools sponsored by the Quincy Parent Advisory
Council to Special Education.
Home-School Connections for the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center, Atherton
Hough Elementary School; and Quincy High School Technology program were
shared with the School Committee.
Mrs. Mahoney left the meeting at 7:55 pm.
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Old Business
Physical Restraint
Policy Review
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to amend the Physical Restraint Policy by adopting the
new law in its entirety. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the
ayes have it 6-0. Mrs. Mahoney was absent.
Emergency Response
Policy Review
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to amend the Emergency Response Policy as
presented. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-
0. Mrs. Mahoney was absent.
Facilities Dedication:
Atlantic Middle School Fields
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to dedicate the Atlantic Middle School Fields in honor of
Joseph Koch. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it
5-0. Mrs. Mahoney was absent; Mayor Koch abstained.
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New Business
Mrs. Hubley asked to take the agenda out of order and moved to Item B, Parks
Department Update.
Parks Department
Update
Mr. Cassani presented his semi-annual update on school grounds and athletic fields.
The extensive winter snowfall delayed the start of a number of projects, mowing
began at the end of April. Cleaner Greener Quincy was tremendously helpful and it
was very inspiring to see the students participate. The efforts in cleanup and
spreading mulch was instrumental in getting the school grounds ready for spring.
The Coddington Building landscaping was affected by the winter but has been
restored.
At Snug Harbor, the courtyard and left hand side of the building have received
special attention. Safety fiber has been installed at a number of playgrounds and
equipment at playgrounds across the city evaluated for national safety codes.
At Broad Meadows, the History Girls project is culminating on June 24 with the
dedication of the Passamagessett Knoll at Broad Meadows Marsh. Thanks to the
students’ work and the guidance of teacher Ron Adams, we are able to acknowledge
the earliest residents of Quincy.
The old Quincy High School green space project is one of the most ambitious ever
undertaken. City workers have done 90% of the grading work and landscape
designer Paul Franz has served as general contractor. Tree and shrub installation is
underway, sod has been laid. Mr. Cassani thanked Greg McMillen for his efforts, the
project should be completed within the next four weeks.
At Teel Field, the project is underway as of Monday, May 15. This is a very complex
project, meant to address drainage and flooding in the neighborhood. Pre-load will
take four to six months and turf will be installed next spring. This project is a longterm investment in the children of Quincy.
Therrien Field will receive an overhaul, irrigation, and new sod. All athletic fields
will have been upgraded when this project is complete.
Mr. McCarthy asked whether Teel Field will be enclosed and locked as the stadium
is and Mr. Cassani confirmed this. Mr. McCarthy said the open space next to Quincy
High School will be a welcome addition, thanks also to Joseph Koch for his work.
Mr. McCarthy mentioned that the back hill on Huntley Road is not consistently
mowed and Mr. Cassani said that the summer help begins next week.
Mr. McCarthy said that the grass outside the principal’s office at Quincy High School
has been an issue; needs irrigation or perhaps replacement with shrubbery or
mulch. Mr. Cassani said this can be evaluated over the summer.
Mr. McCarthy said the playgrounds across the city all look great and there is
tremendous use at all sites. Outside the schools, Adams Field and Mitchell McCoy
are dusty, is there a way to adjust the irrigation schedule. Mr. Cassani said it was
amazing how fast we went from too much moisture to the fields being dry.
Mr. McCarthy thanked the Parks Department for their work on snow removal. It
was a tremendous effort, working with the Department of Public Works and school
custodians, week after week. The efforts really made a difference in keeping school
grounds, streets, and sidewalks safe.
Mr. Bregoli seconded Mr. McCarthy’s thanks. The winter was a monumental amount
of snow. Looking around the city, there are so many projects to enhance
playgrounds and facilities, and he hopes everyone will have patience. The end
result will be worth the effort and the time invested.
Mayor Koch thanked Mr. Cassani for his leadership and patience with his interest
and oversight in the department. The quality of parks and playground has been
supported by the infusion of Community Preservation funds, and Mr. Cassani’s
management. Mayor Koch said the plans are still developing on memorializing
former Quincy High School English department chair Bruce MacDonald in the new
green space next to the school.
Mr. DiBona said that the Parks Department does a great job managing the many
projects and maintaining schools and parks to benefit our students.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mr. Cassani for his responsiveness and relationship with
all of the principals, Quincy Public Schools is in good hands with the Parks
Department staff.
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FY2016 Quincy Public
Schools Budget
Dr. DeCristofaro and Mr. Mullaney presented a review of the proposed FY2016
Budget. Budget & Finance Subcommittee meetings were held on May 11 and May
18 to review both the expenses and subsidized services. Dr. DeCristofaro presented
an overview of building, restoring, and expanding that has been possible under the
budgets of the last few years. In the last few years, at least 20 Academic Classroom
Teacher positions have been created, free Full-Day Kindergarten maintained and
full-day Aides restored; Literacy, English Language Learner, Art, Music, and
Instrumental programs have all been increased; Middle School Library and
Technology and High School Health Interventionists restored; Middle and High
School Advanced Placement, Middle School Foreign Language, Elementary School
Library, Occupational and Special Education have all been expanded.
For Academic Support, positions have been added for Guidance, Psychologists,
Attendance Officers, Special Education and ELL Aides, Extra-curricular programs at
all levels, and Professional Development facilitators for Physical Education, Health,
Music, Art, Speech, and Library. Non-academic support includes increased positions
for Custodial Services, Office Aides, and Athletics. Academic Expenses include
increased appropriations for repairs, screening and medical, testing, textbooks, and
instructional equipment purchases. For non-academic expenses, increased funding
has provided for the acquisition of vehicles and plant equipment.
As always, the budget process keeps students in the center. The Superintendent
works with Principals and members of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team to
identify areas of consideration and address possible areas of impact. The
Superintendent requests School Committee input for creating priorities and options
and then acts on those priorities to create a proposed draft budget and finalize it
through discussion and public comment.
Mr. Mullaney introduced the FY2016 Budget of $99,259,723, a 2% increase over the
FY2015 funding. The budget is made up of the Mayor’s appropriation of
$95,587,723 and projected Circuit Breaker Funding of $3,672,000. This levelservice funded budget allows for QPS to meet all contractual obligations including
percentage raises and step/level increases, cover the gap from the elimination of
the Full-Day Kindergarten grant at the state level. The funding also allows
anticipated increases in Special Education tuitions and transportation. With 16
professional staff members retiring, there is anticipated breakage of $584,000. The
bottom line after meeting all current staffing and program requirements is
$1,376,300 available for budget building.
Projected enrollment and trends are carefully analyzed to ensure that class sizes are
well within School Committee guidelines. Recommended additions for the FY2016
budget are an academic classroom teacher at the elementary level, a middle school
Technology Engineering teacher, two English Language Learner teachers, one
Instrumental Music teacher, fully funding Kindergarten Aides in the QPS budget,
increasing Special Education aides by 20 positions. Increased funding for
Elementary School Extracurricular, Professional Development, Special Education
tuitions and transportation, technology acquisition.
For Subsidized Services (Food Services, Athletics, Transportation, and Building
Rentals), the recommendation is for all fees to remain as is for FY2016.
Mr. McCarthy noted that this is his last budget as a School Committee member. As
always, the Superintendent’s Leadership Team has done a great job preparing
School Committee, with information readily available. It has been a pleasure to
work on these budgets over the years, especially those that restored and expanded
services for Quincy Public Schools.
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Elementary School
Above Level Students
Ms. Isola made a motion to move Elementary School Above Grade Level Students to
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: School Committee on June 10, 2015; a Public
Hearing for the FY2016 Budget on Monday, June 1; Subcommittee Meetings:
Special Education on Thursday, May 28, 2015.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Hubley noted that all Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at
www.quincypublicschools.com.
As there were no corrections, the minutes of the May 11, 2015 and May 18, 2015
Budget & Finance and May 11, 2015 Health, Transportation, and Safety
Subcommittee meetings were all approved as presented.
Mr. Bregoli removed the three items from Policy Subcommittee: Physical Restraint,
Emergency Procedures, and Facilities Dedication.
Mr. Bregoli proposed a Policy Subcommittee on Thursday, June 4 to review
residency issues at year end and also the unique programs at each high school.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 9:00 p.m. The motion was
seconded by Mr. McCarthy and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.