Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - December 13, 2006
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
December 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Present
were Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. Kevin Mulvey, Mr. Dave McCarthy, Ms.
Linda Stice, Mr. Jim Timmins, Mayor Phelan and Mrs. Elaine Dwyer, Vice
Chairman.
Vice Chairman Presiding
The Superintendent called the roll and all members were present. Also present
were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary, and Mrs. Tefta Burrelli, Clerk; Drs.
Mariano and Pattavina. Messrs. O’Brien, Ryan, Canavan, Walsh, McPhee, Keith
and Kevin Segalla, and Mr. Mullaney; Ms. Powell, Todd, Lebo, and Hughes.
Mr. Paul Phillips, QEA President, Mr. Henry Brawley represented Citywide,
Associate Member Paige Neumann, QHS, was present.
Staff Recognition
The Committee observed a moment of silence for Mr. Sean Barry, former
School Committee man, and Mr. Ron Martin, former Quincy High School
teacher. Both passed away recently.
Reg. Mins. Approved 11/15/06
On a motion by Ms. Stice, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee
approved the regular session minutes for November 15, 2006. The ayes
have it.
Supts. Report
Superintendent thanked the members for all the time they spend working
in subcommittees. The tenth Community Service Learning event was a
success. Over 100 students and staff gathered to celebrate all of the great
service projects our schools perform in the community. On December 5
the Quincy School Partnership sponsored Tis the Season….Symphony. Well
over 400 people attended this event. The Superintendent thanked Tim Carew
and Stephanie Scanlon for their choral leadership.
Mr. Kevin Meskell, Quincy Mutual Fire Association, one of our most
committed business partner and Board of Directors, was present to receive
the Committee’s Appreciation Award. Among other services, Quincy
Mutual Fire Association donates $5,000 annually, is paired with the
Marshall School, and donated furniture and computers for our students.
The Fall institute came to an exciting close on Saturday. The Institute
spanned five weeks meeting on Saturday mornings. Over 80 students
participated in eight programs -- Cheerleading, Dance Like the Stars,
Amazing Art.
The Winter Institute dates are from January 6 to February 3 and information
will be sent out to parents early next week. Mrs. Lebo shared details about
the Lego Robotics event held this past Saturday. Over 45 teams participated,
and it was a huge success.
Social Health
Dr. John Franceschini, Social Health Team Chair, has facilitated the work
of Peer Leaders. The Peer leaders and our staff work meaningfully at all
levels. The leaders speak to middle school students about the dangers of
alcohol, drugs, smoking and peer pressure. They also give presentations
to fourth graders. Peer leaders were present at the meeting to explain their
program to the members.
QHS Artistry Program
Mr. Santoro shared a presentation with the Committee of the Quincy High
School Artistry Program -- Music, Fashion, Art, Theatre. They are interdisciplinary artistry programs. He presented a short film on the many
offerings at Quincy High School. The new high school will be extended
to include graphic arts and broadcasting. Quincy High students presented
a short scene from “Up the Down Staircase.”
MSBA Present
The Mayor recognized Catherine Craven and Scott Campbell who were
present. Quincy will be receiving $15 million in low interest loans and
$72 million for the new high school. This loan will save Quincy $9
million of tax payers’ money. Not all school districts received this. Quincy
was awarded the highest amount over any other district. Ms. Craven
and Mr. Campbell brought greetings from Treasurer Cahill. They said they
are looking forward to working with Quincy.
Open Forum
At the Open Forum, Mr. Brawley, Citywide, spoke to the traffic/drop off
at North Quincy High. Citywide want Police presence there. They feel
nothing has been done to date.
Paul Phillips, QEA President, reported that today is the 104 day without
a contract for the teachers. They are thrilled to see the presentation of
the new high school. Very thankful for the dictionaries donated to the
third graders. They are concerned with the change of cut off score from
220 to 240 for MCAS.
Bldg. & Grounds
Mr. Joe Canavan gave a brief update on maintenance issues. Maintenance
is changing the pipes in the Lincoln Hancock mechanical room. Painting
is ongoing at Broad Meadows, Atlantic, Point Webster, Central and Sterling.
A new intercom system at Squantum School. At Christmas recess they
will make repairs to the heating systems. The intercom system at Snug
Harbor is being repaired.
Health Services
At this time, Ms. Jane Kisielius, gave a presentation on the Health Services
Department. Their goals for this year are to publish a seasonal health
newsletter, develop a Wellness Team, and Identify Specific Health
Education Topics. This team reports to the Student Support Services.
There are 22 full time nurses, one in every school and two in the high
schools. There are two part time nurses and four paraprofessionals.
School nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that
advances the well being, academic success, and life long achievements
of students. Their goals are to provide a safe and healthful school
environment, deliver health services to students and staff, and to
implement health education through literature, activities, and classroom
presentations. The nurses now have a computerized recording keeping
using SNAP. The big issue now is to work on planning for the pandemic
flu.
Mr. Mulvey inquired as to who has access to the computers and the
students’ records. Only the nurses have access to student health records.
The Mayor made a suggestion that there be some connection between
Student Support Services and the Food Services Department. He asked
that they make sure that snacks are nutritious. The Quincy High School
Association member thanked the nurses for what they do.
New QHS
At this time, Mr. Alex Pitkin, SMMA, gave a presentation of the
schematic design of the new Quincy High School. He updated the
progress on the new Quincy High School. All meetings with high school
staff has concluded. The staff was extremely enthusiastic. Some students
also came forward. They will get back to teachers with their space and
they will sign off.
He showed the exterior of building and pointed out the science, technical,
math wing, courtyard, library media and culinary arts and “The Commons.”
Staff parking is in the rear. There are 100 parking spaces on Coddington
for students. There is an ample amount of windows. He reviewed each floor.
All programs are in the building. They have met with Quincy Historical
and Mass Historical Commission. Mr. Pitkin also explained the CHPS
program.
Mr. McCarthy asked if there is an access way for the neighbors to go
from the back of the building to the front? Mr. Pitkin said there is a path
all along the parameter of the building. There is no cut-through the
building. They have submitted the plans to a traffic consultant. There will
be a drop off zone on Coddington, the main entrance to the building. All
students will enter through the front door.
There are 300 open spaces in the back parking lot staff parking in the rear.
All parking will be open spaces, nothing underground. Mr. McCarthy
inquired about the parking lot on the neighborhood side and that there should
be space to allow a school bus coming down Woodward to take a left and
go into the parking lot. Mr. Pitkin answered that a traffic engineer will study
the access/exits and the individual drop off zones. The architects are
recommending an access off Russell Park. They are waiting for the traffic
engineers report. The architects have met with the Fire Marshall/Dept.
Mrs. Dwyer said there will be a public meeting in the early spring and
neighbors and public will be invited to view the plans for the new Quincy
High School.
Gift - QHS
On a motion by Mr. Timmins, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, the Committee
approved a gift of $2,000 in memory of Billy Marston, Timmy Tobin, Matt
Tobin and Rick Miller from the Miller Family and Golf Committee Members
for the Quincy High School athletic department program. The ayes have it.
Gift - Dictionaries
On a motion by Mrs. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee
accepted the gift of 630 dictionaries from the Quincy Lodge of Elks. The ayes
have it.
Student & Financial Rpt. Health Costs
At this time, under Additional Business, Mr. Jim Mullaney spoke to the
Student and Financial Report. This is an annual pupil and financial report
which will go into the Department of Education. He reported on the
additional spending for the school department employees by the City. At
this time Mayor Phelan spoke to the health expenses for school employees
and retired employees. Quincy is receiving less Chapter 70 money. There
is a crisis in municipal budgets. In 2002 the health cost was $18 million, in
07 the cost for just the School Department and retires is $16 million. The
entire city is $40 million. The health benefits and retirements benefits are
projected to increase. Something has to give. The Mayor is suggesting that
employees go into the health plan run by the state. This plan was approved
by the MTA. He asked that everyone be open and realistic to the fact that
this is a crisis. Mr. Timmins asked for a written copy of Mr. Mullaney’s
report.
Additional Business
The EQA report was accepted by the Department of Ed. and they have
modified it. The School Department received word that it was accepted
and it was posted on the web site with modifications.
Mrs. Mahoney asked the Superintendent to look into an invitation she
received to send two students to meet and have a conversation with the
Governor-elect on January 4.
Items taken off Subcommittee
The Committee removed from the Building Subcommittee Use of Central
Middle School 10/4/200 and Notice of Intent 5/3/2006. From the Health,
Safety, and Security Subcommittee meeting they removed “Heelys”
10/19/2005 and Health Curriculum 1/11/2006, from the Policy Subcommittee
the Veterans Memorial Stadium 6/21/2006.
Health, Safety, and Security Subcommittee
Mrs. Mahoney reported that the Health, Safety, and Security Subcommittee
met to discuss “heelys”. Through the Superintendent they asked the
principals their opinion. The response back, after reviewing all the
information, is a new policy will not be needed. She referenced 10.8.1 policy
on student dress. Guidelines are found to be sufficient. The Committee
removed “Heelys” from the Subcommittee. A new Health curriculum as
presented by Janet Powell and Colleen Roberts was approved by the
subcommittee. The Committee removed the Health Curriculum from the
Subcommittee.
NQHS Traffic
The traffic/drop off at North Quincy High was studied by GTI. Steve
O’Donnell briefed the subcommittee. Parking areas in front of the building
say “For staff only” but people drop off there anyways. Hancock Street is
very dangerous. Signage and striping an 8’ wide drop off area on East
Squantum Street was suggested along with pedestal signs. The subcommittee
decided to go forward with these recommendations. However, the North
Quincy drop off/traffic issue still needs further study, and this item will
remain in subcommittee. The Mayor added that there is no simple solution
to this area. There is a full tine Police officer between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
assigned to North Quincy. The officer should be able to assist the people
to pick up and drop off in the area. The only way it will be safe is parent
cooperation. The best method is to have blinking yellow lights. New signs
will be put up to show the drop off area. The School Committee should
request a crossing guard on Hancock St. and the Resource Officer in the
morning will keep cars moving.
Mr. McCarthy suggested looking at revamping the back and opening the
back doors. Mr. Timmins suggested getting more people together with
school personnel. Citywide would like a crossing guard and suggested
the Resource officer should be outside.
The Superintendent is working with Ken McPhee and the Police Department.
He promises due diligence also educating parents. They will work with
everyone.
Bldg. Nds. Subcommittee
The Building Needs Subcommittee met on December 12. Everything shown
tonight was what was presented at that meeting.
Policy Subcommittee/Veterans Stadium/My Space.com
Ms. Stice said the Policy Subcommittee met on December 4. With regard
to the bricks for Veterans Memorial Stadium and the arch, Tom Koch agreed
that the authority/decision lies with the School Committee. Mr. Koch will
appear before the Committee when it’s time for the monument to be built.
Staff posting on “My Space” - The Superintendent will take appropriate measures
to see that staff members are .reminded of School Committee policy regarding
staff conduct.
Supts. Evaluation
Superintendent’s Evaluation - Ms. Stice made a motion, seconded by Mr. Timmins,
that the Superintendent be evaluated annually between March and June and that
the evaluation consist of a review of the development and implementation of the
District Improvement Plan as well as other factors suggested by the MASC. The
Vice Chairman will appoint an ad-hoc committee to evaluate the Superintendent
annually. Since this is a policy change, this will remain on the table for a vote
at the next meeting.
D.I.P.
On a motion by Ms. Stice, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the subcommittee will hold
a meeting on the District Improvement Plan only. The ayes have it. This was
put into the Policy Subcommittee.
NQHS Traffic/Drop Off
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion, seconded by Mr. Timmins, that the Department
of Public Works go ahead with the following recommendations at North Quincy
High School area.
- Signage
- Drop Off on East Squantum St. (Signs to say “Exit vehicle on sidewalk
side” and pedestal signs)
- Thermo pane crossing walks.
- No left turn on Hodges Ave.
- Move the yellow line over
- Hold further subcommittee meetings
The ayes have it.
The Committee suggested using the Messenger Service to inform parents about
the revised traffic/drop off, staying in touch with Citywide parents, informing
City Councillors, and posting this information on the Quincy Public Schools
website. Also a press release in the newspaper.
Staff Recognition
Kevin Mulvey informed the Committee that former teacher, Carol Martin,
passed away. She taught in Quincy for 12 years and was a resident of Wollaston
Manor. The Committee sends condolences to her family.
Retirements
The Committee noted the following retirements:
Teachers: Stephen Cantelli, Susan Haberstroh
Resignations
The Committee noted the following resignations:
Teachers: Caroline Geuss, Kristen Struzik, Carolyn Timmons, Zuhong Zheng
Appointments
The Committee noted the following appointments:
Paraprofessional: Carol Dennis
Lunch Attendant: Valerie Riley
Adjournment
On a motion by Ms. Stice, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee
voted to adjourn for the evening at 10:20 p.m. On a roll call vote, the
motion passed unanimously 7-0. There was no executive session.