Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – December 7, 2016
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
December 7, 2016 at the Coddington Building. The Superintendent called the
roll and present were Mr. James DeAmicis, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley,
Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, and Mr. Paul Bregoli,
Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Mr. Michael Connor, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Dr. John Franceschini, Ms.
Beth Hallett, Mr. James Hennessy, Mr. Michael Joyce, Mr. Patrick Lane, Ms.
Margaret MacNeil, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Mrs. Renee Malvesti, Ms. Courtney
Mitchell, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Dr.
Maryanne Palmer, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy,
Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Steve Sylvia, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri;
Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; Quincy Parent Advisory
Council to Special Education Vice President Cassandra Beck; and Quincy High
School Student Representative Owen Doherty.
Mayor Koch was absent.
§
There was a moment of silence for men and women serving their country
overseas and in memory of the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
11.9.16
Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeAmicis, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for November 9, 2016. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee moved on to the
next item on the agenda.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with recognition of the
Fall Athletics MIAA Tournament Team captains from Quincy High School Girls
Volleyball and Boys Soccer and North Quincy High School Girls Volleyball.
Patriot League All-Stars include: Isabelle Flaherty, Remy Aucoin, Julia
Klincewicz, Sharon Yang (NQHS Volleyball); Shannan Kennedy, Stephen Cobble
(NQHS Soccer); Thomas Maranian (NQHS Golf); James Cannon, Devin Hiltunen
(NQHS Cross-Country); Ryan Manning, Thomas Koch (NQHS Football); Danielle
Parry, Jessie Lei, Shannon Foley (QHS Volleyball); Brianne Dane, Tristan
McCormick, Connor Porter, Kevin O’Shea, Paolo Soares (QHS Soccer); Abby
Murphy (QHS Cross-Country); Gustavo DeSouza (QHS Football).
American Education Week Essay/Poster/Video Contest finalists for 2016 were
also recognized for their response to the writing prompt Great Public Schools:
Our Rights and Responsibility.
Grades K-2: Ms. McLauglin, Ms. Noonan, and Ms, Wu’s Grade 2 classes, Parker
Elementary School (1st place); Ms. Lander’s Kindergarten Class, Wollaston
Elementary School (2nd place); Ms. Alcott and Ms. Kelly’s Kindergarten classes,
Snug Harbor (3rd Place)
Grades 3-5: Angelica Anousis, Grade 5, Squantum Elementary School (1st
place); Alex Galligan-Kuntupis, Nicholas Cerone, Preston Cavin, Grade 5,
Atherton Hough Elementary School (2nd place); Lola Affleck, Grade 4, Montclair
Elementary School (3rd place)
Grades 6-8: Athena Perry, Grade 7, Sterling Middle School (1st place); Supriti
Karki, Grade 8, Sterling Middle School (2nd place); Sierra Rodrigues, Grade 8,
Atlantic Middle School (3rd place)
Grades 9-10: Sara McDonald, Grade 10, Quincy High School (1st place); Samuel
Hwang, Grade 10, North Quincy High School (2nd place); Joanna Setow, Grade 9,
North Quincy High School (3rd place).
Ms. Isola thanked the students, teachers, and principals for attending tonight,
one of School Committee’s favorite meetings of the year. Dr. DeCristofaro
thanked the Curriculum Department, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Beth Hallett, and
Ms. Madeline Roy for organizing the contest and the parents for supporting
their students’ academic achievements. Mr. Bregoli thanked the staff and
principals for supporting the students as they do.
After a brief recess, the Superintendent resumed his report reviewing that
Quincy School~ Community Partner Granite City Electric once again sponsored
the ‘Tis the Season event was held on December 1, featuring the Quincy
Symphony Orchestra, high school band members and select chorus, and a
performance by the Quincy Public Schools instrumental music teachers. Over
800 guests attended, including 250 elementary students, staff, and principals
sponsored by various partners. Thanks to Keith Segalla, Janice Erler, and the
Quincy High School Culinary staff and students for organizing the evening.
Upcoming events include A Matter of the Heart CPR training in the first week of
February.
Food Services Director Sara Dufour applied for a $17,000 grant for upgraded
equipment for Parker and Atlantic and was awarded the funding through the
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The Holiday Concert season is underway and an updated schedule was shared
with School Committee, along with the latest Aspen publication, #21. Dr.
Decristofaro noted that in honor of Computer Science Education Week,
students across Quincy Public Schools participated in the Hour of Code,
learning the basics of programming and coding.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed that the Water Analysis of lead and copper levels in
fixtures at all twenty Quincy Public Schools building is completed, thanks to the
leadership of Mayor Koch, consultant Suzanne Condon, Paul Hines, Don Martin
and Gary Cunniff from Public Buildings and Kevin Segalla, Quincy Public
Schools Custodial Coordinator. Water coolers have been provided to school
buildings to ensure appropriate access to drinking water and plans are
underway to repair or replace fixtures that tested above action level. The
response plan information is posted on the Quincy Public Schools website
www.quincypublicschools.com.
At a recent Middle School Robotics event, 80 Quincy Public Schools students
from all five middle schools competed against 26 teams from 15 cities. Atlantic
Middle School qualified to compete at the Eastern Regional Championship on
December 17 at Newton North High School.
Dr. DeCristofaro and City Solicitor James Timmins met with the MSBA Board of
Directors OPM Review Board on December 5, to confirm the selection of PCA
360 as the OPM for the construction phase of the new Sterling Middle School
project. Project architect Ai3 has continued to work on construction drawings
and a Sterling Building Committee meeting will be scheduled in the new year.
The Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education will be hosting two
upcoming events: Gingerbread House Decorating event on December 16 at
6:00 pm at Quincy High School and Broad Meadows students to the Enchanted
Village on December 21.
The first Parent Academy of the new year will be a two-part event held on
January 12 and 26, the Homework Treaty for parents of students in Grades 3-8.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that many schools are scheduling site-based Parent
Academies in conjunction with PTO meetings, often addressing topics
suggested by parents.
Dr. DeCristofaro and Director of Curriculum Madeline Roy will present on
Quincy Public Schools preparations for MCAS 2.0 at the Citywide Parent Council
meeting on December 12 at Broad Meadows Middle School at 7:00 pm and
again at the QEA Building Representative Council meeting on December 14 at
Quincy High School. Elementary and middle school design teams have met to
develop school-based plans, additional updates will be provided in the winter
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meetings.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by congratulating North Quincy High
School for once again qualifying to appear on WGBH’s High School Quiz Show,
taping will begin in late January.
§
Old Business
School Committee
Policy Book, Revisions
to Section 1 & 2
Mr. Bregoli opened the discussion on proposed revisions to Policy Book Sections 1
and 2. As there were no concerns, Section 1 will be voted on at the January 11
meeting. Mr. Bregoli moved Section 2 back to Policy Subcommittee for further
review.
§
Old Business
Superintendent’s
Evaluation
Ms. Isola presented Superintendent DeCristofaro’s Summative Evaluation for
2014-2015 and 2015-2016. At the October 19 School Committee Meeting,
Superintendent DeCristofaro presented his self-evaluation of his progress towards
the Superintendent’s Annual Plan Goals. School Committee then completed
individual evaluations of Superintendent DeCristofaro and the Summative
Evaluation presented last night is the composite of individual School Committee
members evaluations. Dr. DeCristofaro was evaluated on five specific goals
relating to Professional Practice (Met), Student Learning (Some Progress), and
District Improvement (Met) and also was evaluated on four standards of
performance: Instructional Leadership (Proficient), Management & Operations
(Proficient), Family & Community Engagement (Proficient), and Professional
Culture (Proficient). School Committee gave Dr. DeCristofaro an overall rating of
Proficient, defined by DESE as the rigorous expected level of performance.
§
Old Business
Superintendent’s Goals
for 2016-2017
At the November 9 School Committee Meeting, Dr. DeCristofaro presented School
Committee with his proposed goals for 2016-2017 for their consideration. Mr.
Bregoli asked for discussion on the proposed goals and Mrs. Lebo spoke in
support of the Student Learning Goal of moving the Quincy Public Schools to a
Level 2 district and expanding collaboration with the Citywide Parent Council.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Superintendent’s Goals for 2016-2017.
The motion was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it,
6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
§
New Business
Capital Improvement
Plan Funding
Director of Business James Mullaney and Executive Director Keith Segalla
presented on the recent appropriation by City Council of $1.8 million under Mayor
Koch’s Capital Improvement Plan. $1.3 million is allocated for technology: new
classroom computers, computer laboratories, interactive whiteboards and shortthrow projectors, and mobile laptop carts. Purchasing is underway and computer
installation will begin during the winter break and continue throughout January.
In addition, new telephone systems will be installed in all school buildings except
Quincy High School and Central Middle Schools and fiber optic cables to nine
remaining schools.
Mr. James Mullaney said that $500,000 was also allocated for transportation
upgrades, 2 large buses, 7 mini-buses, and 1 wheelchair minibus. All have been
delivered and we are waiting for titles so the vehicles can be registered. Mr.
Bregoli asked if these buses have compartments underneath for athletic
equipment and Mr. Mullaney confirmed that we have purchased the largest
available.
Mrs. Hubley asked about the schedule for fiber optic cable installation, Mr.
Mullaney said the bids are being prepared for publication, this is a longer process
and further schedule updates will be provided at a later meeting.
§
New Business
School Year Calendar
2017-18 (Refer to
Policy Subcommittee)
Mr Bregoli made a motion to move the 2017-2018 School Year Calendar to the
Policy Subcommittee. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
§
New Business
School Committee
Meeting Calendar
2017-18 (Refer to
Policy Subcommittee)
Mr Bregoli made a motion to move the 2017-2018 School Committee Calendar to
the Policy Subcommittee. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote,
the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Water Testing Results
& Repairs (Refer to
Facilities & Security
Subcommittee)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to move Water Testing Results & Repairs to the
Facilities & Security Subcommittee. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the June 8-9, 2017 Out of State travel of
Point Webster Middle School Grade 8 to New York City, New York. The motion
was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Overnight Travel
(In-State)
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to approve the June 7-9, 2017 Overnight travel of
Broad Meadows Middle School Grade 8 to Camp Wing, Duxbury, Massachusetts.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Additional Business
Mrs. Mahoney noted that North Quincy High School was hosting an event with
staff from the University of Massachusetts Boston campus speaking to Special
Education parents and students about transitioning to college. Mrs. Mahoney
suggested that Quincy High School also look into scheduling a similar event for
families.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: School Committee on January 11 and 25,
2017 and February 8, 2017, all at the Coddington Building at 6:30 pm.
Upcoming Subcommittee meetings were announced: Special Education on
January 4, 2017 at 6:00 pm; Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee on January
18, 2017 at 5:00 pm, followed by Facilities & Security at 5:30 pm. Teaching &
Learning will meet on January 30, 2017 at 5:00 pm. Policy will meet on February
6, 2017 at 5:00 pm, followed by Health, Transportation & Safety at 6:00 pm.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mr. Bregoli noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.
Teaching & Learning
Ms. Isola reported on the November 15 and November 16, 2016 Teaching &
Learning Subcommittee meetings. School Improvement Plans for all eleven
elementary schools were presented.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Atherton Hough, Beechwood Knoll,
Bernazzani, Lincoln Hancock, Clifford Marshall, Merrymount, Montclair, Parker,
Snug Harbor, Squantum, and Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plans.
Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for both the November 15 and
November 16, 2016 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meetings were approved
as presented.
Budget & Finance
Mrs. Lebo reviewed the November 14, 2016 Budget & Finance Subcommittee
meeting. Mr. Mullaney presented the Quarterly Budget Review and the FY2017
staffing reconciliation. At this time, there is a potential deficit due to additional
staffing needs which may be offset by savings in the utility line.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for the November 14, 2016 Budget &
Finance Subcommittee meetings were approved as presented.
Policy
Mr. Bregoli reviewed the November 14, 2016 Policy Subcommittee meeting;
Sections 1 and 2 revisions were discussed and approved and moved out to the full
School Committee.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for the November 14, 2016 Policy
Subcommittee meetings were approved as presented.
Facilities & Security
Mrs. Hubley reviewed the November 14, 2016 Facilities & Security Subcommittee.
Director of Safety & Security Michael Draicchio presented the Safety & Security
Program Improvement Plan.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Safety & Security Program
Improvement Plan. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for the November 14, 2016 Facilities &
Security Subcommittee meetings were approved as presented.
Mrs. Mahoney noted that additional signage for parking is scheduling to be
installed at various schools and requested an update on which schools and when
the installation will be completed.
§
Executive Session
Executive Session on the Superintendent’s Contract was deferred to the January
11, 2017 School Committee meeting at Mayor Koch’s request, as he was unable to
be present tonight due to illness.
§
Adjournment
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 7:40 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.