Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – June 13, 2018
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
June 13, 2018 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent
DeCristofaro called the roll and present were School Committee Chair
Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli,
Mr. James DeAmicis, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and
Mrs. Emily Lebo, Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Mr. Michael Draicchio, Dr. Beth Hallett, Mr. Paul Hines, Air Force Major
Gregg Jones (ret.), Ms. Rebecca McInnis, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy
Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Diane O’Keeffe, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms.
Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw; Quincy
Education Association President Allison Cox; and former Quincy Mayor
James Sheets.
There was a moment of silence for retired Quincy Public Schools teachers
Dick Harris, Ted Karalekis, and Janet Hassler and custodian Fred Regan, all of
whom passed away recently.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 5.16.2018
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion, seconded by Mr. Andronico to approve the
Regular Meeting minutes for May 16, 2018 as presented. On a voice vote, the have it.
FY2019 Budget Public Hearing Minutes Approved 5.30.2018
Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mr. Andronico to approve the FY2019 Budget Public
Hearing minutes for May 30, 2018 as presented. On a vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
Mr. Hank Dondero spoke as a concerned parent and grandparent and asked for
further exploration of the ALICE protocol.
§
Mrs. Lebo recognized former Mayor James Sheets who was in attendance with
several of his Quincy College Government students.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by introducing North Quincy
High School AFJROTC instructor Major Jones, who noted that the program has
received an exemplary rating from the Air Force on their recent review. He
introduced three top Junior students who have completed a large number of
Community Service hours: Annie Ly (260 hours), David Whitson (230 hours), Yi
Lin (370 hours), and also recent graduate Cory Chiu (630 hours).
Mrs. Hubley recognized Major Jones and Sgt. DeLorenzo for their management of
the program. Mayor Koch added his thanks, these cadets represent the whole
program, very present across the city at many events. Mr. Gutro noted that he has
worked with the AFJROTC on many projects, very visible contributions to the
community.
Dr. DeCristofaro introduced Track & Field Coach Geoff Hennessy, graduate of
North Quincy High School for his many contributions to the Track & Field program
in Quincy Public Schools through coaching and mentoring student athletes. Coach
Hennessy was recently inducted into the Massachusetts State Track Coaches
Association Hall of Fame.
Mayor Koch thanked Coach Hennessy for his advocacy for the new track at Faxon
Field, very involved in the planning. The value of keeping students involved and
engaged cannot be measured, has done so much for the youth of the city.
Mr. Gutro said that Coach Hennessy has generously dedicated his time and efforts
to the students of Quincy, the induction is a remarkable achievement and
recognition of 40 years. Coach Hennessy is known statewide and his
achievements are meaningful to the students.
Coach Hennessy thanked his staff, the award was due to the efforts of all the
athletes coached over the years.
Mrs. Lebo echoed the importance of the Faxon Field Track to the city, this is the
center of so much student activity.
Dr. DeCristofaro recognized retiring Beechwood Knoll Elementary School
Principal Diane O’Keeffe. After working in a private school, Mrs. O’Keeffe joined
Quincy Public Schools in 1998 as a teacher, then became a teaching Assistant
Principal, and has been Principal at Beechwood Knoll since 2003.
Mrs. Lebo said that Mrs. O’Keeffe’s retirement party this afternoon was a
testament to her impact, many retired teachers and administrators were there, as
well as current staff.
Mr. Gutro thanked Mrs. O’Keeffe for her service to the Beechwood Knoll
community, she oversaw many projects that enhanced the school such as the
outdoor classroom and playground rededication. The school is always a
welcoming place for parents and students, she has touched many lives.
Mayor Koch thanked Mrs. O’Keeffe, for having been a teacher and principal
through some of the most challenging times in education. Mrs. O’Keeffe’s
leadership provided a positive example for the staff.
Mrs. O’Keeffe talked about her connection to Dr. DeCristofaro, a mentor to all
principals and Mayor Koch who has created a community that is unique and
amazing, great place to live and work. Thanked the Beechwood Knoll staff, they
have so much love for their students and families.
After a brief recess, Dr. DeCristofaro presented Inspire Quincy, a review of recent
Quincy Public Schools events including the Marshall Elementary ACES event, the
Special Education Track & Field event, the Student Athlete Summit, the
Elementary & Middle School Robotics Challenge, the Community Service Learning
Celebration, Point Webster Clean Energy Day, the Girl Rising event, the All-City
Elementary Band, and the Middle School Chorus Festival.
The high school graduations were held this past Monday and Tuesday, perfect
weather for the 685 graduates and their families to celebrate their
accomplishments.
The annual Flag Day celebration was held at Lincoln Hancock earlier today. The
City’s celebration will be held on Saturday, June 16.
200 Junior Athletes from Quincy & North Quincy High School attended the Athletic
Leadership Summit at Granite Links on June 1; 65 Grade 5 Student Council
members attended the Leadership Summit on June 4, and 300 middle school
students participated in the chorus festival on May 24. The Girl Rising Community
Celebration was attended by 150 students on May 30 at Quincy High School and
the LEAP Program Luncheon was held on June 11, thanks to NQHS staff and Sarah
Anderson for another successful year for our students.
The Elementary & Middle School Robotics Challenge was held on May 19, over
300 students mentored by high school Robotics team members. Nine outstanding
graduating FIRST Robotics seniors were recognized: Andrew Tham
(NQHS/Suffolk University), Dash Chin (QHS/Northeastern University); Emily
Nguyen (QHS/UMass Amherst), Justin Li (QHS/Boston University), Klei Hamzallari
(QHS/UMass Amherst), Howard Zheng (QHS/WPI), Erika Sato (QHS/Penn State
University), Timothy Nguyen (QHS/UMass Amherst), and Rachel Shen (MIT).
Clean Energy Day at Point Webster was a collaboration with Quincy High School
Environmental Science students, Shelly Dein from Public Buildings, a grant from
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Holly Hill Farm, and Boston Solar.
Summer Scene booklet and Summer Professional Development opportunities
were shared with School Committee, along with the School Community
Partnership Spring newsletter.
§
Old Business
FY2019 QPS Budget
(Vote)
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the FY2019 Quincy Public Schools Budget as
presented. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have
it, 7-0.
§
New Middle School
Name (Discussion)
Mr. Bregoli reviewed that at the Policy Subcommittee meeting on May 30, 2018,
the discussion about a name for the school being built to replace the Sterling
Middle School will be on the agenda.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that he will be meeting with the PTO Executive Boards
from Lincoln Hancock and Sterling, the Junior Building Committee, and the
Sterling Design Team of educators. Dr. DeCristofaro will share this feedback with
the School Committee at the next scheduled regular meeting or the Organizational
Meeting, whichever School Committee chooses.
Mr. Andronico thanked the Superintendent for his response to the request for
information, looking forward to hearing the feedback.
§
New Business
CTE Advisory Board
Presentation
Executive Director of Career & Technical Education Keith Segalla presented the
annual update on the Career & Technical Advisory Boards, along with Quincy High
School Career & Technical Education Department Chair Rebecca McInnis, and
Lynn Courtney from the South Shore Workforce Development Board. Ms.
Courtney outlined the responsibilities of the Advisory Boards, which are governed
under Chapter 74 of the Massachusetts General Laws. As required by law,
program advisory team meetings were held at both North Quincy High School and
Quincy High School in the fall to establish program goals, including reviewing
curriculum and equipment, safety protocols, and providing opportunities for job
shadowing, co-operative and apprenticeship opportunities. Perkins Grant funding
this year was $110,000 for equipment and safety training. A Massachusetts Life
Sciences grant for $132,000 was recently received to update technology.
Mrs. Lebo thanked the community supporters, these allow the programs to thrive
and flourish. The careful planning allows for every dollar of the grants to be fully
utilized.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the presenters, the Advisory Boards provide valuable
support from the community.
§
New Business
Public Buildings
Update
Commissioner of Public Buildings Paul Hines presented on the projects planned
for Summer 2018 in and around Quincy Public Schools buildings. At Beechwood
Knoll, there have been multiple MSBA projects completed to date, with the roof,
boilers, and handicap-accessible upgrades. This summer, the windows and doors
will be replaced. At North Quincy High School, along with the roof replacement
project, the rest rooms in the gymnasium/cafeteria will be completely renovated.
There are 10 sections of the roof that will be completed and the school will now
have completely new roofing.
For the Capital Improvement Plan, the North Quincy High School chillers will be
replaced in Fall 2018. The design is completed and the project is ready to go out
for bid. Underground storage tanks have been removed at North Quincy High
School and surveys are underway at all schools to be sure there are none
remaining.
Elevator upgrades will be completed at North Quincy High School, Broad
Meadows, Lincoln Hancock, and Coddington building. Paving will be completed at
multiple locations with the assistance of Woodward & Curran, who have done a
complete survey of the school building paving needs. Bernazzani, Beechwood
Knoll, Merrymount, Snug Harbor, Parker, and Wollaston will have paving around
the school entrances and parking lots.
Commissioning of the retro control systems is completed at Quincy High School.
Point Webster, Lincoln Hancock, and Clifford Marshall will be scheduled next.
Removal of asbestos at schools is being done on a prioritized basis, beginning with
removal of floor tiles at Parker and Wollaston and installation of hardwood floors.
Bleachers for NQHS have been ordered and electrical upgrades will also be
completed. The NQHS Auditorium renovation will be facilitated by an alumni
donation, with new carpeting, seats, finishes, and lighting planned.
Construction for Point Webster Pre-Kindergarten classrooms, Food Services
offices moving to NQHS, and the NQHS Athletic Director moving within the
building will be completed. Plumbing upgrades will be completed at Snug Harbor
and Broad Meadows and North Quincy High School will have some classroom
renovations. At Clifford Marshall, the built in cafeteria tables have been removed
and the voids repaired.
Broad Meadows stage curtains will be replaced, plumbing upgrades will allow for
replacing first floor ceilings and lighting. The exterior of the building will be
repaved and the landscaping in the back of the building to be restored.
At the new middle school, the roof and exterior walls are complete, the project is
on schedule and budget. There are 80 to 85 tradespeople working daily, and the
pace will increase as soon as school is out on June 25. The relations with the
neighbors have been relatively smooth, no negative impact on traffic.
Mr. Bregoli complimented Mr. Hines’s responsiveness and professionalism, his
work is appreciated.
Mrs. Hubley asked for clarification on the asbestos removal projects, both Parker
and Wollaston will be completed over the summer.
Mr. Gutro asked about Capital Improvement Plan projects and whether funding
has shifted from the priorities originally presented to the City Council in order to
address safety issues or other improvements. Mr. Hines said that there have been
changes, some have been covered through the Public Building Department budget,
such as the Wollaston gymnasium roof, sprinkler systems at Bernazzani and Della
Chiesa ECC. One example is that funding was diverted from the Capital
Improvement Plan to address the crisis at Broad Meadows this past winter. At
some point, there may be an additional request for funding.
Mr. Gutro requested update on the Clifford Marshall upgrades to the HVAC system.
Mr. Hines clarified that this is not a public health/safety issue, there is
condensation leaks that causes staining on ceiling tiles. The glycol addition to the
HVAC system will be completed, along with a few other schools.
Mr. Gutro asked for clarification on paving school parking lots. Mr. Hines said the
initial $600,000 will cover the cost of the survey of all school sites and the first
round of paving. Mr. Hines noted that neither Point Webster Middle School not
Parker Elementary School were invited into the Accelerated Repair Program this
year, there is much more competition for these grants than in the early years of
the program and the facility component age requirements have been expanded.
Sanitary pipe issues were addressed at Wollaston through the rebuilding of new
facilities and at Beechwood Knoll where one section has been replaced and
another is due to be replaced.
Mrs. Lebo asked for a list of projects to serve as a reference. Mrs. Lebo asked
about Furnace Brook Parkway paving near Bernazzani. A meeting with the
Department of Conservation & Recreation and city staff is scheduled on June 28.
Mr. Gutro asked about the process for approving construction for classrooms.
Mayor Koch clarified that this is not a School Committee decision, the
Superintendent works directly with Public Buildings.
Mayor Koch said that the Maintenance department integration has really worked
well for all of the City’s Public Buildings. Favorable budget years have allowed for
expansion and additional positions. Mayor Koch thanked the legislative
delegation and the MSBA for their generosity over the years with funding to
support our building projects. Mayor Koch noted that the 5-year Capital Plan is a
rolling plan and priorities will shift and be reconciled regularly.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mr. Hines and also former Mayor Sheets for all of his
efforts when he was Mayor. Mayor Sheets said a great educational system is so
important to a city, the dedicated staff. Dr. DeCristofaro reiterated Mr. Bregoli’s
compliments about the Public Building department’s responsiveness.
§
New Business
FY2018 Budget
Transfers
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the FY2018 Budget Transfers as presented.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
§
New Business
Mayor Koch’s
Technology Funding
Mayor Koch thanked Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and the Leadership
Team, the hardest working in the state. This week’s graduation is the culmination
of the work of our dedicated teachers and support staff.
Mayor Koch is appropriating $150,000 for additional technology purchases. Dr.
DeCristofaro and Mr. Segalla will work with middle school principals to prioritize
purchases to improve the student to device ratio.
§
New Business
In-State Travel
(Overnight)
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the In-State Travel (Overnight) of North
Quincy High School AFJROTC to Camp Edwards in Bourne, Massachusetts
September 26-30, 2018. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
§
Additional Business
Mr. Bregoli met with Mr. Martin about Bishop Field and the other full-size baseball
fields and made notes about issues to be addressed as soon as possible.
Mr. Gutro thanked Mr. Bregoli. Mr. Gutro noted that Stormwater education
resources are available and will share with Dr. DeCristofaro.
Mayor Koch left the meeting at 8:25 pm.
§
Communications
PorchFest Quincy will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked School Committee for all of their work this year.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Lebo noted that all Regular and Subcommittee Meeting minutes are posted
on the Quincy Public Schools website www.quincypublicschools.com.
Budget & Finance
Subcommittee
Mrs. Hubley reported on the May 21, 2018 Budget & Finance Subcommittee
Meeting, where the proposed FY2019 QPS Budget was presented, including an
overview of grant funding and the revolving accounts.
As there were no corrections, the minutes to the May 21, 2018 Budget & Finance
Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.
§
Special Education
Subcommittee
Mr. Andronico reported on the May 21, 2018 Special Education Subcommittee
Meeting, where an update on Special Education Pathways was presented, along
with an overview of the CARES Pre-Kindergarten program.
As there were no corrections, the minutes to the May 21, 2018 Special Education
Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.
§
Policy Subcommittee
Mr. Bregoli reported on the May 30, 2018 Policy Subcommittee Meeting, where a
discussion of the name for the new middle school being built to replace the
Sterling Middle took place, along with the review of a proposal for online access to
the School Committee Policy Book.
As there were no corrections, the minutes to the May 30, 2018 Policy
Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.
§
Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee
Mr. Gutro reported on the May 30, 2018 Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee
Meeting, where an update on Spring Athletics was presented, along with an
overview of potential league change process for North Quincy High School and a
draft of a coach evaluation form.
As there were no corrections, the minutes to the May 30, 2018 Athletics &
Wellness Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.
§
Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
§
Adjournment
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:30 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.