Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - May 21, 2008
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, Regular
May 21, 2008 at City Council Chambers, City Hall. Present were Mr. Kevin Meeting
Mulvey, Mr. Nick Puleo, Mrs. Elaine Dwyer, Mrs. Jo-Ann Bragg, Mrs. Anne
Mahoney, Mr. Dave McCarthy and Mayor Tom Koch, Chairman.
Chairman Presiding
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The Superintendent called the roll and all members were present. Also present
were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary, Mrs. Tefta Burrelli, Clerk. Messrs.
O’Brien, Mullaney, Dr. Pattavina, Ms. Powell, Todd, Hughes, and Roberts.
Ms. Tracey Christello represented Citywide, and Mr. Paul Phillips, QEA President,
was present.
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Reg.&Exec Session Mins. Approved 5/7/2008
On a motion by Mr. Mulvey, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the Committee
approved the regular and executive session minutes for May 7, 2008.
On a roll call vote, the minutes were approved unanimously 7-0.
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The Committee observed a moment of silence for Mr. Baccarri, former
principal, Joan Cunningham, former bookkeeper, Keith and Kevin Segalla’s
mother.
Staff/Student Recognition
Keith Segalla introduced Mr. Tom Pecoraro, City Plumbing Gas Inspector.
The 2nd Plumbing Club Golf Tournament was held on Tuesday, May 6. CTE
alumni, Mayor Koch, the South Shore plumbing community, and 72 golfers
participated. They raised $10,500 for the Plumbing Program. To date, they
have raised $19,000 in two years. Mr. Tom Cassidy, Head Plumbing Instructor
for Quincy High School, introduced two Quincy High students who will
receive scholarships from these events. Bill Berberan will be attending
Wentworth Institute, and Patrick Dean will be entering the plumbing trade.
They have completed State plumbing apprenticeship requirements, completed
MCAS, 10 hr. OSHA safety training, certification for two separate plumbing
systems, and completed certification in special waste piping systems completed
at the construction site. Enrollment in the plumbing program continues to grow.
The Mayor thanked Tom Pecoraro for his leadership on the Tournament,
and Keith Segalla acknowledged Gina Scanlan Dept Chair for her work at
Quincy High School.
Ms. Rita Dinsmore, Business Ed Chair, highlights on this past year’s elective
courses in business. They offer a variety of computer classes, public speaking,
ESL Program, a personal finance class to help students with their credit cards.
Students participate in job shadowing, she thanked the Quincy Credit Union,
Marriott Quincy, YMCA, Quincy Public Schools Business Association. These
businesses have been very supportive to students.
Student Recognition
GOALS instructor Mike Kozul gave a synopsis of the GOALS program.
They utilize non-traditional approaches that relate directly to academic
concepts and skills that will help students in the classroom and in life.
One such initiative is the Globe Stock Market Game (SMG). This teaches
long term saving and investment. Student, James Saro, the game leader,
explained how the program works. Students make a portfolio, learn terms,
and purchase stock. This year they purchased Apple Computer stock. In
April the stock was valued at $132.00 and on May the stock went up to $181.00
They had to research and evaluate their stocks. They ranked 325 out of 1,000
school teams. This program helped make math more meaningful. Students
became connected and aware.
Members received the new Summer Scene booklet.
Interviews were held for principal positions. The Superintendent will call
the committee tomorrow or Friday with his appointments.
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Open Forum
At the Open Forum, Mr. Bob Haley, told the members that he asked the City
Council to hold a public hearing to answer questions on the annual budget prior
to final action. He is asking the City Solicitor about the legality of the cuts.
The cuts were voted by category. These cuts are not allowed. He didn’t believe
the City Council has this authority.
Ms. Tracey Christello told of her disappointment in the City Council who
voted for the budget cuts that would affect the school department. She is
involved with three schools and knows how much this will hurt the schools.
She asked the City Council to consider what they have done to the school system.
The best investment right now, she said, is education.
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Bldg. Update
There was no update on Buildings and Grounds.
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New QHS
Mrs. Dwyer reported that the next meeting for the Quincy High Building
Committee will be held on May 30. She had nothing new to report.
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New Central
Mayor Koch said the Central Building Committee should hear from Mr.
Timmins, Chair, when their first meeting will be held.
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MS Marking Periods Change Approved
On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Powell, the Committee
approved the Middle School Reporting change from a four semester to a
three semester system. On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously
7-0.
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Anti-Bullying Policy Approved
On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee
approved the Anti-Bullying Policy. On a roll call vote, the motion passed
unanimously 7-0.
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FY09 Budget
Superintendent DeCristofaro has met with the Principal Leadership Team
that could be affected by the reduction in funding. He wanted them to
know we are still working very hard for our school system. The process
started when he met with the Mayor and his staff and told him the
school system’s needs. They were very receptive and came up with a
budget they thought was a considerate budget to help continue to build.
It would be a level service budget. It included the same staff, help with
class size, utilities, as well as with Sped tuitions. A preliminary budget
was created and was never shared because we received word that the
school budget would be reduced by $3 million. That would be 60% of
the reductions in the City.
Dr. DeCristofaro showed the Mayor’s Budget, showed the FY08 budget
summary and how it compared to the Mayor’s appropriation. The school
budget was to receive a $4.1 million increase. This increase would go
directly to the contractual increases for our teachers. The rest goes to
utilities, tuitions, class size, teachers. The Mayor was very receptive to
our class size. We were going to get seven new positions.
The Superintendent showed a slide presentation of the budget. It showed
that 80% of the budget is salaries. There are not that many places to cut.
He showed a budget with $2.95 decrease in budget.
The Superintendent hopes that the City Council will take another look
at this and become a bit more reasonable with the Quincy Public Schools.
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Budget Subcommittee May 19 Mtg
Mr. Mulvey reported that the Budget Subcommittee met on May 19
after learning the news that the budget would be cut by $3million. Everyone.
worked very hard to review the possibilities of dealing with such a major cut.
They came up with five options.
The Committee reviewed half of the options and will continue to review
the others at another meeting on May 23 at 4:00 p.m. The Subcommittee
agreed not to touch the transportation line. Approximately 750-900
students benefit from transportation. They are looking at other lines to cut
$3 million. Mr. Mulvey said he appreciates the Mayor and School Committee’s
willingness to work with the City Council to reduce that number so that these
budget cuts aren’t as devastating.
May 13 Mtg.
The Budget Subcommittee met on May 13 prior to this news concerning
a breakdown of two coordinator positions. They agreed on the job
descriptions for two positions. Once the budget crisis is over, they will go
back to this issue. This position will go from one director to two coordinators
within existing salary lines.
On a motion by Mr. Mulvey, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee
approved the minutes for the May 13 and May 19 meetings. The ayes
have it.
Mrs. Bragg commented that the Mayor had given them a bottom line that
met the schools’ needs. It was the City Council, and not the Mayor, that
cut the budget. The School Committee will not cut full day kindergarten.
This is not an option at this time. They discussed moving the Kindergarten
aides to a grant line. Every employee is important to them. Cutting one
position hurts everyone. They are trying to come up with a compromise.
Mrs. Bragg stated that cutting 60% is unfair.
Mr. Puleo said there are a number of pieces of misinformation floating
around such as the reduction of 50 teachers. The City Council may only
reduce the amount, they may not decide what or where to cut. It is
important for us to provide as much information as we can to the public.
He asked that the Superintendent’s budget documents be posted on the
school’s website. He asked that the next subcommittee meeting be moved
to the City Council Chambers so they can be televised.
Mr. McCarthy thanked the Superintendent and his team for putting together
the options. He has asked the City Council in the future to get a presentation
to give them a little time to put something together before they cut $3 million
off the budget. To cut $3 million in one afternoon is inexcusable. Some of
these programs won’t come back.
Mrs. Mahoney said that $3 million is a lot for the school department to assume.
When you do cut programs and when money comes back it is hard to rebuild
the programs. Three million dollars has a rippling effect on programs such as
the GOALS program that has a great impact on students. This will put many
programs on the table. Extra programs keep kids out of trouble and off the
streets.
Mrs. Dwyer said she thought it the City Council’s actions were disgraceful and
disrespectful to the Superintendent, Police Chief, Fire Chief by not allowing
them to speak. She hoped the City Council would reconsider.
Mayor Koch gave an overview of how he arrived at the City budget. They
looked at what their revenues are going to be this year. He has to find
$3 million for Honeywell. He did make the decision to maintain the budget.
He built a very tight budget. It is his hope that he can come up with a
compromise. He is still going to the City Council for funds to build a new
Central Middle School.
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School Choice Withdraws from
On a motion by Mrs. McCarthy, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the School Committee
voted to withdraw from the obligation to enroll non-resident students in the
Quincy Public Schools for the 2008-2009 academic year for the following reasons:
Continued projected enrollment conditions at the elementary and
middle schools based on current and projected enrollments
Policy of the Quincy School Committee to adhere to class size
guidelines.
On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.
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Central to Camp Wing
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the Committee approved
a trip for Central students to go to Camp Wing from May 27 to May 30, 2008.
Mr. McCarthy requested that any union Leader who is going and is over 18
yrs. old, be CORIED. The ayes have it.
NQ ROTC to NH
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee
approved a trip for North Quincy ROTC students to go to New Hampshire
from June 24 to June 26, 2008. The ayes have it.
PW to Canobie Lake
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee
approved a trip for Point Webster students to go to Canobie Lake on June 4,
2008. The ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mr. McCarthy asked that Mr. Cunniff explain the verbiage on the GMP
on the De-duct booklet they received regarding the new Quincy High School.
Incident @ Houghs Neck
Mr. McCarthy asked that Mr. McPhee report on a home invasion at Houghs
Neck on May 6. He wants to make sure that the Principal of Atherton Hough
was notified and if they went on lockdown. That was an early release day
and the students were released at 11:30 a.m. Did the Police notify Mr. McPhee
and did he notify the principal to go on lockdown.
Lockdown Policy to Subcommittee
Mr. Puleo placed review of the lockdown policy into the Health, Safety and
Security Subcommittee.
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Schools Facility Mgt. Subcommittee
Mrs. Dwyer reported that the School Facilities Management Subcommittee
met on May 13. The Mayor is requesting to move the Maintenance Department
to the City side and to put the track on Faxon Field. Members of the
Maintenance Department were present. They had a lot of questions. The
School Committee was not satisfied to agree to move the Maintenance
Department over to the City side.
Mr. Timmins made a presentation on why the track should go on Faxon Field.
Further study is needed. The Subcommittees’ recommendation is if the City
wants to spend $27,000 they have the right to do that. However, it was clear
that the members didn’t want it to go on Faxon Field. The School Committee
can’t make a decision unless they have more facts. Mrs. Dwyer would like to
have an independent group look at other sites.
The Mayor said he is moving forward with Gale Associates.
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Mrs. Mahoney has scheduled a Special Education Subcommittee Meeting for
Tuesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m. in Broad Meadows to discuss the budget. She
asked that a message be sent out through the new messaging service.
Mr. Puleo mentioned the Arts Program next week a play at Atlantic tomorrow,
North Quincy High After School Music Recital and the John Adams and Abigail
Adams Orchestra will perform on May 28, and on June 10 at Broad Meadows,
the All City Elementary School Bands will perform.
The Committee received a copy of an updated Progress Report. Principals
will be doing an in-service in the fall for their staff. The Committee requested
that at least two comments be made. Mrs. Mahoney encouraged parents if they
are not being utilized they should call their principals or go up the ladder.
Mr. Puleo commended the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Evening at the Pops
which showcased two of our school programs – the Middle School Jazz
Band and the John Adams and Abigail Adams Orchestra. He thanked the
Superintendent and his team for the music teachers and congratulated students
who showed a lot of skill and bravery.
The Mayor attended the Retired Teachers Scholarship Presentation. A total
of $156,000 was awarded in scholarships to high school students.
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Resignations
The Committee noted the following resignations:
Teachers: Stacey Maydak, Amy Mulcahy
ROTC Instructor: MSgt. John C. Stephens
Appointments
The Committee noted the following appointment:
Lunch Attendant: Pamela Carter
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To ES for Negotiations
On a motion by Mr. McCarthy, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee
voted to go into Executive Session at 8:48 p.m. for the purpose of negotiations.
On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.
The Committee will return to Open Session.
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Food Services Contract Ratified
The Committee returned to Open Session at 9:22 p.m. On a motion by
Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mrs. Dwyer, the Committee approved the
contract between the School Committee and the Quincy Food Service
Employees Association. This agreement will be for four years, a one year
agreement (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) followed by a three year
agreement (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2010). On a roll call vote, the
motion passed unanimously 7-0.
Secretaries’ Contract Ratified
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, the Committee
approved the contract between the School Committee and the Quincy Public
Schools Educational Employees Union. This agreement will be for four
years. (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) followed by a three year agreement
(July1, 2007-June 20, 2010). On a roll call vote, the motion passed
unanimously 7-0.
Custodians Contract Ratified
On a motion by Mr. McCarthy, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee
approved the contract between the School Committee and the Custodians
(Local 1911, District Council No. 35). This agreement will be for four
years (July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007) and (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2010)
On a roll call vote, the motion passed 6-0. Mrs. Bragg voted PRESENT.
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Adjournment
On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee
adjourned at 9:23 p.m. for the evening. On a roll call vote, the motion
passed unanimously 7-0.