Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - February 11, 2009
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
February 11, 2009 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall. Present were
Mr. Ron Mariano, Mrs. Jo-Ann Bragg, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mrs. Elaine Dwyer,
Mr. Nicholas Puleo, and Mr. Dave McCarthy, Vice Chairman.
Vice Chairman
Presiding
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The Superintendent called the roll and Mayor Koch was absent. Also present
were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary. Messrs. O’Brien, Mullaney, Mulvey,
Draicchio, Keith Segalla, Ms. Roberts and Hughes, and Dr. Sylvia Pattavina.
Ms. Tracey Christello, Citywide, and Mr. Paul Phillips, QEA. The Committee
observed a moment of silence for Beverly Dwyer a long time substitute teacher,
and Henry Bosworth the owner and publisher of the Quincy Sun.
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Reg. Mins.Approved 1/21/2009
On a motion by Mr. Mariano, seconded by Mrs. Dwyer, the Committee approved
the regular session minutes for January 21, 2009. The ayes have it.
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Supts Report
Congratulations went to Atlantic Middle School on its 50th Year Celebration
and to Quincy High School held a successful Cultural Fair on February 6.
Outstanding Vocational Tech Student of the Year
Mr. Keith Segalla introduced Jin Lem, The Outstanding Vocational Technical
Student of the Year for 2009. Gina Scanlan, Ed Holmes, and Frank Santoro
highlighted the journey of this student. Jin will continue on to college. He
received a Certificate of Excellence from the School Committee.
NQ Girls’ Volleyball Team Present
Mr. Jim Rendle introduced the North Quincy High School Girls’ Volleyball
Team who are The Patriot League Champions for the 2008-2009 season.
They held their first nine games on the road and still ended up with
a 21-4 Volleyball season. Their coach, Kerry Ginty, introduced all the
players. The School Committee commended the students for a job well
done. There was a five minute recess.
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Special Olympics was held at the Squantum School with Ms. Todd and her
staff. The Committee received the Safety First Newsletter from Mr.
Draicchio. Read Across America will be held the first week in March.
The members were invited to come to the schools to read to students.
The Superintendent commended the DARE Program, the Anti-Bullying
Program, Steps to Respect, Second Steps and all programs sponsored by
Sheriff Bellotti’s Office.
Homework Policy
The Homework Policy and the intent of that policy, was shared again
with the high school Principals, department heads, and staff.
Thanks went to all staff, maintenance, custodial, and teachers for their help
with the Quincy High School move. The old CTE building is being
prepared for abatement.
The Superintendent and staff visited Harvard Pilgrim to speak with employees
who have donated their time and worked with our students. There are over
200 employees who participate. Thanks went to Charlie Baker for being so
supportive to Quincy Public Schools.
DRAFT 09-10 School Calendar
The members received the DRAFT 2009-2010 school calendar. It has gone
out to all departments. This will appear on the next agenda. Mr. Puleo asked
about changing the start date of school to after Labor Day. He asked if there
was a policy. The Superintendent said changes could be made, however, it
was researched years ago and people all preferred to return to school after
Labor Day rather than before.
Winter Scene and Winter Institute are continued to be offered. Information
is on our website and on Channel 22.
The Superintendent thanked the members for all their subcommittee work.
When not at School Committee meetings, they are busy working at subcommittee
meetings.
Prep for Success
Mrs. Mahoney asked if there was any other way to educate the population
about the Prep for Success Program. It is confusing to parents and needs to
be made clearer. She suggested putting it on our website and also some
of the alternative programs.
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Open Forum
Barbara Isola, parent of a senior at North Quincy High School, spoke to the
Senior Stay Out. The parents at North Quincy each year have added
decorations to transfer the building into a beautiful scene. Each year
those decorations are taken down and stored at North Quincy. The parents
purchased bins to store the items. A pipe burst in the room destroying all
of the decorations. She raised the issue of insurance in the Quincy Public
Schools. However, Quincy is self insured. She asked people if they wished
to send checks directly to the high school. She asked if the School Committee
could possibly find some funds to help the parents recoup and assist them in
replenishing that supply.
Mr. Karl Roos said parents are concerned about the future cuts in the schools,
He asked that the city and the School Committee recognize any unfunded
mandates that identify duplicate services, work with parents and unions, work
to find areas that can be changed. This is an opportunity to change things that
don’t work. He suggested a committee be formed to identify areas of change
and savings. He thanked the Committee for posting the subcommittee schedules
on line.
Mr. Bob Haley spoke to the $5 million in savings from joining the GIC. That
$300 added to salaries will add up over time. The City doesn’t know the
real figure. The GIC does not track. When you get in the plan you have to
stay there forever. The fewer the claims, the lower the premiums. Just because
the group is large doesn’t mean it will hold down health premiums. He asked
if the GIC budget will be fully funded by the legislature. If not, how much will
co-payments and premiums be increased.
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QPS Technology Engineering Team
Mr. Keith Segalla spoke to Making Math and Science Matter. The QPS Technology Engineering Team has been very successful in attracting students. The
curricula provides all students hands-on activities. The QPS Technical Engineering
Team, Casey Tate, Jane Bowe, Paul Haight and Nick Ahearn, made a presentation.
This program begins at fifth grade. Mrs. Mahoney thought the program was great.
It’s foundation building. This hands-on activity helps exceed what books alone
can do for students.
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Bldg. Update
Mr. Kevin Murphy presented a copy of the Maintenance Dept. Work Order
Report. The report consisted of an explanation of the Track It Program,
how orders come in and how they’re assigned, a listing of completed
work orders by location, a quick summary of all work orders and an
overview of what’s been completed since September.
At Bernazzani, a motor seized in an induction fan. The fan has been removed
and replaced. At North Quincy High, they removed and replaced an air handle.
A plumber is replacing a 4” water main that burst this past Monday. Regarding
the move, he thanked Dennis McGillvray, Kevin Segalla and the entire Maintenance
staff. We’re 70% out of the CTE building.
Mrs. Bragg inquired about the pipe that burst in the North Quincy High
School Wood Shop. She asked why it burst and if it could be tied into
Honeywell? Mr. Murphy said the temperature gauge was not at the proper
level. The water temperature was low which would create a lower temperature in the room. There was a water freeze up in the univent. Mrs. Bragg
said she has had complaints that the temperature is lower than it should
be in that room. Mr. Murphy has installed two or three heat vents in the
ceiling with blowers. He has spoken to Chris Dazinski, Honeywell, and
there is a possibility of someone turning down the temperature on that
water gauge, but it’s hard to prove. There were also some maintenance
issues there. He couldn’t put the blame on Honeywell. He did ask Honeywell
to come back with a donation to the Prom Committee. The current temperature
down there is about 65ºand that’s where the instructor likes it.
Mrs. Mahoney asked how often the vents get cleaned. Mr. Murphy said
the custodians cleaned the vents. This has been addressed and they will be
changed more frequently. Mrs. Mahoney stressed changing the vents and
filters.
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Bldg. Facilities Subcommittee Mrs. Dwyer reports
Mrs. Dwyer reported the Building Facilities Subcommittee met on Monday,
February 2. They took all of needs items from all the School Improvement
Plans and reviewed each one. Mr. Murphy indicated which ones were
completed. He incorporated them with all the school building needs. We
can sort by school and can sort by jobs. Toward the end of the year, there
will be a presentation of what Honeywell has done and if there are still any
outstanding jobs not completed. She will schedule another Subcommittee
meeting so everyone can review those items that need work – pointing,
new roofs, etc.
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QHS Building Committee Mrs. Dwyer Reports
Mrs. Dwyer reported that the Quincy High School Building Committee
met on January 30. Most of the discussion was based on the Huntley Rd.
access. Last Saturday the City Council and the Planning Department toured
the new Quincy High School. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is planned for
February 22. This Friday, there is a change in the schedule for the
teachers to give them time to move. The keys will be turned over to us on
February 13, and it will officially be our building. We’re still on target.
There will be an open house on February 26 for middle school students.
There will be a delayed start on February 23. The old CTE will be down
by mid-April. Parking has been changed on Russell Park and Coddington
St. The complete Faxon Field will be fenced off. The teachers will park
on Russell Park and Coddington St.
There had been some questions about security in the new building. Gilbane
is responsible until February 13. There is high tech security in the building.
It’s all hot wired into an alarm system. The security system is all in place.
Mrs. Bragg asked how people would get into the building. Mr. Santoro
said he’s placed a Security officer from 6:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. allowing
people to get in. After 8:15 a.m. the door gets locked and they have to
come in through Coddington St. Mrs. Mahoney asked that he do an Instant
Alert message to middle school students informing them of “fly up” days.
The Superintendent will handle that.
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Central Bldg. Comm. Mrs. Bragg reports
The Central Building Committee met to evaluate nine different companies
that submitted bids for Central’s Project Manager. They were narrowed
down to four, and interviews have been set up for February 25.
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Title I Policy Approved
On a motion made by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Mariano, the
Committee voted to adopt the revised Title I Policy. On a roll call
vote, the motion passed 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
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Robotics Team to Arizona
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the Committee
approved the Robotics Team trip to Phoenix, Arizona from March 17
to March 22, 2009. The ayes have it
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3/4/09 SC Mtg. moved to 3/11/09
Mrs. Dwyer made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee
approved moving the March 4 School Committee meeting to March 11.
The ayes have it.
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Additional Business Progress Reports
Mrs. Mahoney inquired about the Progress Reports. She has not
seen the improvements the Committee made. She asked the Superintendent
to provide a sampling of Progress Reports to all the members so they can
see how the changes are being implemented.
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Budget Subcommittee
Mr. Mariano reports Quarterly Approved
Mr. Mariano reported that the Budget Subcommittee met to review
the Quarterly Budget Report presented by Mr. Mullaney. Mr. Mullaney
provided a Budget Summary. Mr. Mariano made a motion seconded by
Mrs. Bragg to approve the Quarterly Budget Report. The ayes have it.
The other item was the disposition of the strike settlement money.
Mr. Mariano made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Dwyer, to accept the
strike money and to move it into the General Fund as per the letter from
Municipal Finance Folks.
Mrs. Dwyer added that the money has to go into the General Fund and
cannot be spent until July 2009/2010. She asked the Mayor if the schools
could have that money appropriated back to us in that budget as it would
be greatly appreciated.
Mrs. Mahoney asked that the $100,000 come back as a separate appropriation.
It’s $100,000 based on a settlement fee. She wants to make sure the budget
money comes and then the $100,000 is added to it.
The Mayor said the money drops into the General Fund this fiscal year.
Come June 30, when the books are closed, there is an extensive review
of the books and then the State comes in and then there’s a question of free
cash being certified. It goes in as part of the number as free cash, if we have
free cash. The fact is if we’re in deficit that number is gone. It wouldn’t be
appropriated into the FY 2010 year automatically, it falls into next year’s
numbers which we would then deal with. But, he said he understood the
sentiment and he would look at it
Strike money to General Fund
On the motion to accept the $100,000 back into the City’s funds. On a
roll call vote the motion passed unanimously 7-0.
Mr. Mariano made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, to adopt the $150,000
cut (Option 2) recommendations presented by Mr. Mullaney.
Transportation - $5l.000
Pensions - $ 5,000
Gas - $14,000
Supplies - $ 9,000
Postage - $ 5,000
Repairs - $ 3,000
Testing - $5,000
Library Books - $8,000
Clerical p/t - $20,000
Overtime. - $30,000
Mr. Puleo said he would not support this motion. When they first
discussed the $150,000 cut, the Superintendent’s Leadership team came
back with their recommendation. Since then, there have been two
separate revised recommendations from the Team based on the concerns
raised. While he knows these are difficult times and there are hard decisions
to be made, the Committee’s responsibility is to the children’s education
and the quality of their education. We employ many people who do a great
job, but when push comes to shove, it incumbent upon the Committee to
choose educational quality over employment numbers.
Mr. Mariano said he appreciated Mr. Puleo’s concern but reminded him
that all the members are concerned with educational quality and this is
the recommendation of the Superintendent and his budgetary staff who all
have the same concerns. This is just the beginning of many difficult
decisions to be made. At the end of the day, it’s the Superintendent who
has to work with the figures.
Mrs. Mahoney asked if we had in our budget hopes of purchasing Science
Technology books for the elementary school. Mr. Mullaney said that
is no longer in our budget. There was a significant cut and we had a 50%
cut in system wide textbook line.
Mrs. Mahoney expressed concern that we are not reinvesting in our school
system. We also have to look at the bottom line of staff development which
we are cutting. By taking that money out and not reinvesting, we are doing
a disservice to the classrooms. Mrs. Mahoney said this is the time before the
next cut which will be the bigger cut that we need to focus on the things we
need to invest in—books, supplies. Our problem is the curriculum has changed
and we are working with old textbooks.
Mrs. Roberts said there are no city-wide books for grade three, grades
four and five have new books.
Option to cut $150,000 Passes
On the motion to cut $150,000 (Option 2) as presented by Mr. Mullaney.
On a roll call vote the motion passed 5-2. MRS. MAHONEY and MR.
PULEO voted NO.
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Certificate for 2 Buses
Mr. Mariano presented a certificate for the two bus leases that were purchased.
It is his understanding that this allows the lessee to receive some tax benefits
and requires the Superintendent of Schools to sign. It guarantees that the
lease of the equipment will be used for the specific purpose of transporting
students, the equipment is functional and needed by the lessee. Funds
are expected to come from the General Fund. Mr. Mullaney can answer
questions. This is a municipal lease and the interest earned is not
subject to taxes.
SC authorizes Supt. To sign document To lease 2 buses
Mr. Mariano made a motion, seconded by Mayor Koch to authorize the
Superintendent to sign the basic premises established in the document.
The ayes have it.
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Left over money earmarked for textbooks Motion fails
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion, seconded by Mr. Puleo, that should there
be any money left over in the FY 08-09 budget, that it be earmarked to go
to textbooks. On a roll call vote, the motion fails 4-3. MRS. BRAGG,
MRS. DWYER, MR. MARIANO, AND MR. MCCARTHY voted NO,
MRS. MAHONEY, MR. PULEO AND MAYOR KOCH voted YES.
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SPED Subcommittee Mrs. Mahoney reports
Mrs. Mahoney reported that on Feb. 4 the Special Education Subcommittee
met at Broad Meadows with Mr. McCarthy, the Superintendent, Judy Todd and
her Team Administrators. They discussed the budget cuts and what the
forecast will be for the next budgets. The Superintendent did a presentation
on the budget. This helped everyone understand where we’re coming from.
The Federal Entitlement Grant has grown, drop out statistics were reported on,
Although the drop out statistics never looks good, we have many programs
that help. We want to maintain those programs. The Drug Task Force was
discussed, Casa start, a Transportation update. The INSPIRE update was
discussed. On a motion by Mrs. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the
Committee accepted the minutes. The ayes have it.
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Health, Safety & Security Subcommittee Mr. Puleo reports
Mr. Puleo reported that the Health, Safety & Security Subcommittee met
with Mrs. Mahoney, Superintendent DeCristofaro, Lois Constantino, Kevin
Mulvey, and two bus drivers. The discussed training. They looked at
policies regarding student behavior on school buses. They reviewed general
policies for bus drivers. They found out that all the bus drivers have a
commercial license. As a requirement, they do have to go through eight
hours of Professional Development every year. Mrs. Constantino
organizes a back-to-school meeting. The bus driver must check the entire
bus back to front each time he/she leaves the bus. All bus drivers know about
that. It is a requirement of keeping their CDL license. The term is called
“circling back.” There are further safeguards possible. We are printing out
new signs stating EMPTY to FULL flip signs. Mr. Draicchio works
very closely with the Transportation office.
Another issue was what constitutes reporting child abuse. You can get this
booklet on line. Mr. Puleo has asked that teachers and all staff be made
aware this is Free and that copies of those books be placed at the resource
libraries.
Additional issues raised were the role of the driver and paraprofessional at
Drop off is not clearly defined. The ultimate role is up to the bus driver to
make sure all children are taken off.
On the new buses, the seats are higher, drivers can’t see the students in their
mirrors.
The two way phones are difficult to use and hear and if a parent is running
late they don’t have the ability to communicate with each other.
Mr. Puleo made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Mrs. Mahoney.
The ayes have it.
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Policy Subcommittee Mrs. Bragg reports
Mrs. Bragg reported that the Policy Subcommittee met at the Early Childhood
Center. There were four school committee members present. They discussed
the concerns on the new grade configurations They focused on moving the
fifth graders, having them attend Sterling. Lincoln Hancock would be a K-4
grade school. There was a power point presentation. The principals will have
a fly up date, separate lunch periods. Fifth graders will be in a separate wing.
Transportations will be provided, if this is passed. There was concern about
the fourth graders loosing out at Lincoln Hancock. The principal promised she
would implement this year – field trips and an award ceremony. The teachers
and administrations are talking together at both schools. Mr. McGuire was
present to tell them about the fifth graders at Point Webster School.
Some concerns are: why don’t we wait a year, more time to adjust; why
didn’t they hear about this sooner; fourth graders missing out on their
special year; some felt children not mature enough; how about busing;
SPED services. Concerns on the After School Program, and the APC Program.
There will be an additional meeting to discuss the Kindergarten program
and the Early Childhood Ctr.
The Superintendent said the whole idea is that it was so apparent that these
students are cherished when they get to Sterling. He was not concerned about it.
this move will make Sterling a viable middle school. There was a drop in
enrollment at that school. This will save the school. We have to work on the
transportation piece.
Mrs. Bragg stressed that if this does go through, there be a lot of collaboration
between the two schools.
Mrs. Bragg made a motion, seconded by Mr. Puleo to approve the February 9
and the January 20, 2009 minutes. The ayes have it.
Fifth grade from LH to Sterling Approved
Mr. Puleo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Dwyer, to approve the plan as
presented by the Superintendent. This is just for the fifth grade component.
Mr. Phillips, QEA President, said the teachers were supportive of this
move. On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0. This will
remain on the table for a final vote at the next meeting.
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Retirements
The Committee noted the following retirements:
Dept. Chair: Rita Dinsmore
Paraprofessional: Mary Livingstone
Appointments
The Committee noted the following appointments:
Café Helper: Cynthia Green
Paraprofessional: Deidre Durkin-Haskell
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Adjournment
On a motion duly made and seconded, the School Committee meeting adjourned
for the evening. There was no Executive Session. On a roll call vote, the motion
passed unanimously 7-0. These minutes were transcribed from a disk by Mrs.
Tefta Burrelli, Clerk, who could not attend the meeting.