Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, December 7, 2015
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 6:30
pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Bregoli, Mr. Noel DiBona, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley,
Mrs. Anne Mahoney, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro,
Mrs. Rita Bailey, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms.
Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla; Quincy Education Association President Ms. Allison Cox; Mr. David
Blaton from the Citywide Parents Council, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Executive Director of Information Technology Keith Segalla presented the Technology and Training
Program Improvement Plan. The new Technology & Training Team collaborates with the Elementary
and Middle School/High School Digital Learning and Principal Teams on hardware and software
purchases, training for staff, and outreach to parents and families.
Goals for 2015-2016: (1) Design and develop the Quincy Public Schools Technology Plan for 2017-
2019, which is due to be submitted to DESE in June 2016. (2) Support the implementation of online
assessments, including MAP, Access 2.0, MCAS 2.0. (3) Provide and support a variety of technology
planning and training opportunities, Aspen, AESOP, curriculum support for Math Ideas, Eno and
Mimio whiteboards. (4) Increase funding opportunities for digital learning initiatives, including grant
opportunities, working with individual school PTOs, and corporate partners.
Mr. Segalla shared several appendices, including the Sterling Middle School Technology Survey
(Sterling staff); IT Director Survey (outside school districts); FY2016 Budget expenditures for QPS
hardware and software. Mr. Segalla shared the 2015-2016 Aspen training timeline, Aspen
Publications. Online resources include the QPS Technology Plan and Acceptable Use Policy.
Mr. DiBona asked about the Aspen implementation, how do we compare to other school districts.
Mr. Segalla said there is an upcoming check-in with Aspen, we have embraced the rollout and
implemented multiple modules in a short time. Mr. DiBona said the impact on parents is evident.
Mr. Blaton asked about how funding is allocated, Mr. Segalla said technology is assessed and areas of
need addressed in order of replacing the oldest student-facing technology.
Ms. Isola made a motion to accept the Technology and Training Program Improvement Plan. Mrs.
Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Bregoli introduced the review of the Concussion Policy. Mrs. Papile reviewed that in 2011-2012,
in response to the new regulations, we developed this policy in response to a new law. Quincy Public
Schools went above and beyond with establishing baseline testing expectations for students in Grade 8 prior to beginning high school sports. Training for all coaches, trainers, and health services staff
members in recognizing and managing concussion was completed. The school nurses have done an
amazing job of working with students and families in response to concussions.
Mr. Bregoli asked how teachers are apprised of student limitations when a student has been
diagnosed with a concussion. Mrs. Papile said a student diagnosed with a concussion is entitled to
receive a 504 plan. Accommodations are managed on a case-by-case basis; student support staff
work with students, families, and teachers on creating an individualized plan for a thoughtful return
to academic and athletic activity.
Ms. Isola made a motion to confirm the concussion policy has been reviewed and is approved without
amendment. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
The last item on the agenda is voter registration for high school students. Dr. DeCristofaro said that
we have had a preliminary discussion with the City Clerk’s office, voter registration at each high
school can be scheduled for the spring.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and
on a voice vote, the ayes have it.