Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - December 14, 2011
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
December 14, 2011 at North Quincy High School. Present were:
Mayor Thomas Koch, Chairman, Mrs. Jo-Ann Bragg, Mrs. Elaine Dwyer,
Ms. Barbara Isola, Mr. Dave McCarthy, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Vice Chair.
Chairman
Presiding
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There was a moment of silence for service people on active duty, Mr. Peter Chrisom,
former teacher and principal of North Quincy High School, Mr. Paul Todd, father of
Director of Special Education Judith Todd, and Mrs. Terry Phelan, mother of former
Mayor and School Committee member William Phelan.
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The Superintendent called the roll and Mrs. Lebo was absent. Also present were:
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Messrs. Ahearn,
Draicchio, Gilbert, Hennessy, McGuire, Mullaney, Mulvey, Murphy, Rendle,
Santoro, Keith Segalla, Kevin Segalla, Sylvia; Mrs. Erler, Fredrickson, Hughes,
Kisielius, Palmer, Papile, Pegg, Roberts; Ms. Fay-Beers, Green, Hallett,
Margaret MacNeil, Maureen MacNeil, Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President, QEA,
and Mrs. Tracey Christello, representing the Citywide Parents’ Council.
The Mayor opened the meeting by noting that it was the last School Committee
meeting for both Mrs. Bragg and Mrs. Dwyer. He noted their many years of
service to the children of Quincy and expressed thanks on behalf of the people of
Quincy before dedicating the meeting in their honor.
Mrs. Bragg made a motion to take an agenda item out of order and to begin the
meeting with the New Business item, American Education Week. Mrs. Dwyer
seconded the motion.
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New Business
American Education Week Essay Contest
Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Roberts introduced the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
of the American Education Week essay contest in each grade-level grouping. This
year’s theme was “My Education: My Right and Responsibilities.” The 1st place
winners read their essays aloud and all winners were presented with a certificate and
a gift card to Barnes and Noble and congratulated by the Mayor, members of the
School Committee, and the Superintendent.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
11/9/2011
After a brief recess, the Mayor called the meeting back to order. Mrs. Bragg made a
motion to return to the order of the agenda and Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion.
Mrs. Bragg made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, to approve the regular session
minutes for November 9, 2011. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Superintendent’s Report
The Superintendent opened his remarks by noting some recent and upcoming events,
including thanking Mrs. Roberts for her leadership of the American Education Week
Essay Contest and Athletic Director Mr. Rendle for the recent successful 79th annual
Thanksgiving High School football game between North Quincy and Quincy High
Schools. Lego Robotics competition was held at NQHS on Saturday, December 3;
Point Webster Middle School team will be traveling to Worcester for the State
Championships. The Superintendent thanked the teachers who coach all the teams
and Bluefin Robotics, a business partner who sponsors the robotics program at all five
middle schools. Rachel’s Challenge presentations were held at Quincy High School
on December 5 and 6 for Grade 9 and 10 QHS students and 650 Grade 7 students,
plus a parent night, all sponsored by Masons and Quincy Lodge of Elks. The 8th
Annual ‘Tis the Season was another successful event, all 750 seats sold, and business
partners provided tickets for students from seven elementary schools.
The Superintendent recognized the Fall All-Scholastic student athletes from both
North Quincy and Quincy High School. He also reviewed the recent Teacher Mentor
meeting held at the Clifford Marshall School for new professional staff and their
mentors and mentioned the upcoming orientation meeting for the two new School
Committee members, Mr. Bregoli and Mrs. Hubley, on December 19th.
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Open Forum
Jill Gichuhi, President of the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education
thanked both Mrs. Bragg and Mrs. Dwyer for their years of service and their
dedication to the children of Quincy.
Daniel Long spoke in support of keeping the Winfield Elm tree on the new Central
Middle School site and mentioned there are federal grant programs that would help
pay for the tree’s maintenance.
Elaine McGrail also spoke in support of preserving the Winfield Elm tree. Mrs.
McGrail has taken samples from the tree and sent one to the University of
Massachusetts Extension service to have the tree tested for Dutch Elm disease.
Lori Hagborg, parent of two Quincy Public School students, spoke about the plans for
the new Central Middle School and concerns about the Music and Band practice
facilities. Ms. Hagborg suggested both a Music classroom and Band/Chorus practice space.
Matthew “Twig” Largess, from Johnston, Rhode Island, spoke in support of retaining
the Winfield Elm on the Central Middle School site and offered his professional
services in evaluating and maintaining the tree.
Mrs. Tracey Christello, representative for the Citywide Parents’ Council, spoke on
behalf of Citywide in support of creating a community service graduation
requirement for both high schools. She also thanked Mrs. Bragg and Mrs. Dwyer for
their many years of service and commitment to the Quincy Public Schools.
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Old Business
Building Projects Update
The next item on the agenda was the update on building projects, renovations, and
construction from Mr. Murphy. The list of issues from the recently approved School
Improvement Plans have been distributed to the different trades within the Maintenance
Department and many projects are underway or already completed. In addition, the
department continues to address daily work orders.
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New Central Middle School Project
Mrs. Bragg reported that the December 12 Central Building Committee meeting was
postponed to early January. She reported that abatement was completed on November
10 and demolition began on November 21. Once demolition is complete, grading of
the site will begin. The abatement and demolition contracts came in $180,000 under
budget. During the prequalification process, of the fourteen building trades had an
average of six contractors prequalified. Bidding is expected to begin in January 2012
for both contractors and subcontractors. Overall, the project is on schedule, with
construction expected to begin in the spring of 2012 for occupancy in September
2013.
Mr. McCarthy requested a review of the wall height on the motel side to see if it can
be increased. Mrs. Mahoney inquired about whether there was work going on at
night and Mayor Koch replied that under city ordinance, there is a required fire
watch detail on site during a demolition project.
Update on MASC Resolutions
The next item on the agenda, the Update on MASC Resolutions, was tabled until the
next School Committee meeting on January 11, 2012.
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New Business
Middle School Improvement Plans
Mrs. Bragg then reviewed the Middle School Improvement Plans, which were presented at the November 28 School Policy Subcommittee meeting. All five middle
schools had goals related to increasing performance on the MCAS; some schools
retained their goals from last year, but added new action steps. All cited
professional development opportunities, such as rationalizing numbers
workshops and curriculum initiatives, such as Study Island as being key to
support attaining their goals. Broad Meadows and Sterling are both focused on
teaching research skills. Technology skills are being integrated through other
courses, such as Science.
Mrs. Bragg made a motion to approve the School Improvement Plans for Atlantic,
Broad Meadows, Central, Point Webster, and Sterling Middle Schools and the
minutes of the November 28, 2011 School Policy Subcommittee meetings. Mrs.
Dwyer seconded the motion, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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High School Program Improvement Plans
Mrs. Bragg then discussed the November 30 School Policy Subcommittee meeting,
where the High School Improvement Plans were presented. Both high schools are
preparing for their NEASC evaluations and their goals for this school year reflect that.
Both North Quincy High School and Quincy High School have had impressive results
with AP testing; over 75% of students taking the test received grades of 3 or above.
Additional goals for the high schools are focused on increasing the number of students
with disabilities who achieve a proficient score on the Mathematics MCAS (North
Quincy High School) and fostering growth in Vocabulary knowledge (Quincy High
School).
School Committee Policy 2.5.8
Another agenda item at this meeting was the review of School Committee Policy 2.5.8,
School Committee-Staff Communications. After review and discussion, the
subcommittee voted to leave the Policy as is.
Mrs. Bragg made a motion to approve the North Quincy High School and Quincy High
School Improvement Plans and the notes from the November 30, 2011 School Policy
Subcommittee Meeting. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and, on a voice vote, the ayes
have it.
Mrs. Bragg then introduced a resolution relating to community service becoming a
high school graduation requirement in the future. To that end, Quincy Public
Schools will develop a pilot program for community service, with a phased-in
introduction of the graduation requirements over three years. She read the
following resolve into the record.
Resolution on Community Service Graduation Requirement
WHEREAS, community service is giving of one-self to help others and many Quincy
Public Schools’ students through their clubs and organizations such as the National
Honor Society and ROTC have already benefited from the virtues of community service.
Community service develops character, honesty, and responsibility, builds self-esteem,
creates leadership skills and gives a sense of belonging to your community.
WHEREAS, community service enhances one’s self-worth, instills values and
encourages compassion for people of all ages and capabilities. It is an opportunity for
all to excel and give life true purpose by investing ones time and actions for the
benefit of others;
WHEREAS, making community service a graduation requirement we are providing
an opportunity for students to be active citizens who will be contributing to the
improvement of our community;
THEREFORE, be it known the Quincy School Committee is adding community
service as a high school graduation requirement to be phased in over three years for a
total of 30 hours.
Requirement for Community Service:
Class of 2014 must complete at least 10 hours
Class of 2015 must complete at least 20 hours
Class of 2016 and beyond must complete at least 30 hours
Students are encouraged to accumulate more than ten hours per year but only ten
hours per year counts towards this requirement. Hours may be earned during the
summer. Court ordered community service will NOT count towards this graduation
requirement nor will service activities which the students is already receiving credit
or for disciplinary actions. Community service is an activity which is performed for
no pay or academic credit. It must benefit a least one other person who is not a related
party. It is to be completed at an approved non-profit organization or civic agency or
community initiative to count towards this requirement. Each high school will
develop a list of community service opportunities. Any community service activities
that are not on the list must be pre-approved prior to any hours being recorded. A preapproval form and Community Service Activity Form will be developed by the
administration and posted on the Quincy Public School’s website as well as available
at each high school. Principals or their designee may grant waivers for extenuating
circumstances.
Mrs. Bragg made a motion that the resolve be moved into the School Policy
Subcommittee for further review and development of a pilot program. Ms. Isola
seconded the motion, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mr. McCarthy requested written clarification from the City Solicitor Mr. Timmins
about under whose jurisdiction the new Central Middle School building site falls.
He is requesting this information in reference to the Winfield Elm tree issue.
Mr. McCarthy also requested clarification on the issue of the space allotted for
music instruction and practice in the new Central Middle School.
Mrs. Bragg made a motion to accept the gift of 650 dictionaries for all Quincy Public
Schools Grade 3 students donated by the Quincy Lodge of Elks. Mr. McCarthy
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. A letter of thanks is to be
sent to the Elks from the School Committee.
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Reports of Special Committees
School Policy Subcommittee
Mrs. Bragg stated that since the School Policy Subcommittee meetings were reviewed
earlier under New Business, the only items remaining were to remove two items from
the School Policy Subcommittee: School Committee-Staff Communications Policy
2..5.8 (referred June 15, 2011) and Program Improvement Plans (referred
September 7, 2011).
Health, Safety, and Security Subcommittee
Mr. McCarthy reported on the Health, Safety, and Security Subcommittee Meeting
which was held on December 5, 2011. At the meeting, there was a review of all of
segments of the Security Department and Mr. Draicchio was praised for his efforts
in improving the safety and security of the Quincy Public Schools. He is especially
active in maintaining relationships with the many supporting agencies in Quincy,
including the Quincy Police Department, but also the Norfolk County District
Attorney’s Office, the Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office, the MBTA Transit
Police, the Quincy Fire Department, Quincy Probation, the Department of Children
and Family, and the Department of Youth Services. Representatives from each of
these agencies participate in the monthly Security Roundtable meetings. The team
is focused on reviewing and revising emergency procedures this school year.
Mr. McCarthy also spoke about the morning traffic issues at Quincy High School and
the letters sent by the Quincy High School Parent Advisory Council to the Quincy
Police Chief and the City’s Traffic Engineer, Jack Gillon. Mr. McCarthy requested
that copies of the letters be sent to all School Committee members.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 5, 2011
Health, Safety, and Security meeting. Mrs. Dwyer seconded the motion and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
Budget & Finance Subcommittee
Mrs. Mahoney reported on the Budget & Finance Subcommittee Meeting, which was
held on December 7, 2011. At the meeting, there was a review of all of accounts and
how they stood as of the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2012, ending September 30,
2011. Academic Classroom Teachers, Academic Programs, Academic Support, NonAcademic Support are all in line with historical standards. For Academic Expenses,
current spending levels are also in line with historical standards. Special Education
Tuition and Transportation is traditionally an area of concern; the budget supports the
current level of placements.
Mrs. Roberts presented the Quarterly Professional Development report. Many of the
Professional Development opportunities began in the summer and carried into the fall
and winter. We are utilizing DSAC grants wherever possible as well as the QPS
Professional Development budget. State Street grants are being used for some of the
high school Professional Development. Other Professional Development
opportunities are provided by textbook publishers to support newly purchased
textbooks and instructional technology. About half of the Professional Development
budget has been spent to date.
Mrs. Roberts then shared information about the additional Music department funding
received through the movie rental of the old Quincy High School building. The
funding totaled $80,000 and the Music and Band teachers worked together to create a
list of priorities, including new Band uniforms; new instruments, including all new
recorders for Grade 3 and portable keyboards on carts for elementary music teachers;
money for entry fees for competitions; and musical scores for all grade levels.
The $10,000 rental fee for Veteran’s Stadium was used to purchase new uniforms for
both the Quincy High School and North Quincy High School football teams. There
is also $22,500 in rental fees for the use of the Coddington Hall building. Mrs.
Roberts proposed that this money be shared between Central and Point Webster
Middle Schools to fund after school activities.
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 7, 2011
Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and
on a roll call vote, the minutes were approved 6-0. Mrs. Lebo was absent.
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Dr. DeCristofaro then spoke about Mrs. Bragg and Mrs. Dwyer, who dedicated
themselves to the Quincy Public Schools in many ways over their years of service and
presented each with a book signed by the Superintendent’s Leadership Team.
Mrs. Dwyer, who was Vice-Chair from 2006 to 2008, showed extraordinary
leadership during difficult times. She chaired several subcommittees and was an
advocate for music, drama, class size, and student achievement. She developed
alternative approaches to SPED transportation and championed full-day Kindergarten
and Literacy. Her dedication to school facilities was thorough, culminating in her
work on the Quincy High School Building Committee, where she was involved with
everything from the planning process through the reality of the completed and
inhabited building. Her forthrightness and sense of purpose will be missed.
For Mrs. Bragg, this is the second time to say farewell. During her tenure, Mrs.
Bragg also served as Vice Chair and chaired almost every subcommittee. She was an
advocate for full-time nurses, class size, and sponsored many resolutions over the
years. Mrs. Bragg served on the School Building Task Force in 1998 and was
involved in many construction initiatives, the Quincy Education Fund, after-school
child care, and the Teen Mothers Program. She approached every role with an
always-appreciated enthusiasm and tenacity.
Ms. Isola, Mrs. Mahoney, and Mr. McCarthy each added their thanks to Mrs. Bragg
and Mrs. Dwyer for the example they provided, their assistance to each as a new
School Committee member, and the professional spirit in which they approached each
issue and debate. Mayor Koch added his good wishes for health and happiness and
cited Teddy Roosevelt who said that while it is not easy to be in public service, the
credit belongs to those who get into the arena and experience the victories and
defeats.
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Retirement
The School Committee noted the following Civil Service retirement:
SPED
Paraprofessional Barbara Boehler
Resignation
The School Committee noted the following Civil Service resignation:
Cafeteria Worker Kam Lo
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Adjournment
On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mrs. Dwyer, the Committee
adjourned at 8:30 p.m. for the evening. There was no executive session.
The ayes have it.