Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - May 2, 2012
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
May 16, 2012 at North Quincy High School. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli,
Mrs. Kathryn Hubley,Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney,
Mr. Dave McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
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There was a moment of silence in memory of Mrs. Rosemary Dennehy,
paraprofessional at Snug Harbor.
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The Superintendent called the roll and all members were present. Also present were:
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Messrs. Draicchio,
Mullaney, Mulvey, Murphy, Santoro, Keith Segalla, Shaw; Dr. Metzler; Ms.
Lundquist, Ms. Murray, Mrs. Papile, Mrs. Roberts, Ms. Todd; Ms. Allison Cox,
President, Quincy Education Association; and Mrs. Tracey Christello, Citywide
Parents’ Council Representative.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
5/2/2012
Mayor Koch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Lebo, to approve the regular
session minutes for May 2, 2012. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Ms. Desiree Brown, a student at Quincy Evening High School, spoke of a personal
issue and was referred to Dr. DeCristofaro for follow up.
Dick Leonard, a substitute teacher at Quincy High School, suggested eco-friendly
opportunities for Community Service that would help young people become
stakeholders in their community: food pantries, promoting bicycle use and pedestrian
safety, community gardens.
Mrs. Tracey Christello, Citywide Parents’ Council Representative asked the School
Committee to consider restoring the Media Specialist positions in Elementary and
Middle Schools during the upcoming budget process. She is thankful for all the
parent volunteers who have kept the Media Centers open at schools the last two years.
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Superintendent’s Report
The Superintendent opened his remarks with recognition of the students who are
graduating seniors and members of the National Honors Society from Quincy and
North Quincy High Schools. Around ninety students were introduced by their
respective Assistant Principals, Mr. Shaw from North Quincy High School, and Ms.
Murray from Quincy High School. Quincy High School students Michaela Walker
and Donna Niosi and North Quincy High School students Phillip Zheng and Grace
Wong spoke about the four pillars of the National Honors Society: Leadership,
Scholarship, Character, and Service.
Mayor Koch and Mr. McCarthy congratulated all the students; Mrs. Lebo commented
on the impressive number of students present and participating in National Honors
Society. Ms. Isola cited the students’ hard work at school and work within the
community. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the students for making us look good every
day; the student will be missed, especially for their mentoring of the Junior class. He
congratulated all of their families for supporting the students from Pre-K through
Grade 12.
The Superintendent continued his report by noting that the High School Graduation
Exercised are scheduled for Monday, June 4 (Quincy High School) and Tuesday,
June 5 (North Quincy High School. Recent events included the Quincy Public
Schools Retirement Scholarships, which were presented May 15 at Beechwood Knoll
and the recent combined High School Choral concert. All of the Elementary and
Middle Schools will be having spring concerts in early June; the Citywide Band
Concert will be May 23 at 7:00 pm at Quincy High School. 125 Elementary and
Middle School students will perform under the direction of Michael DeMarco and
Caitlyn Schmidt. Other upcoming events include the Middle School Robotics
Championships at Broad Meadows on Saturday, May 19, the Middle School Track
Championships on Friday, May 25, the Quincy Public Schools Budget Presentation to
City Council on Monday, June 11, Special Olympics on Friday, June 1 at Pageant
Field, and the Norfolk County Teachers Association Staff Reception on Tuesday,
June 5. Janice Walsh (Honor Award for dedication and commitment) and Jane
Kisielius (Community Service) are being honored that evening.
In conclusion, Dr. DeCristofaro spoke of the English Language Learners High School
Program expansion. In 2011, the ELL program for Grade 9 moved to North Quincy
High School, while Grades 10-12 remained at Quincy High School. Moving forward,
we are transitioning to having an ELL program at each high school. For 2012-13,
current Grade 10 and 11 ELL students at Quincy High School are being offered the
opportunity to return to their home school (North Quincy High School). 5 or 6
students have taken the option to date, new students will be offered the option as well.
In 2013-2014, there will be two full ELL programs at each high school for Grades 9
through 12. Mrs. Lebo asked if North Quincy High School students know they have
the option to attend Quincy High School for Career and Technical Education
programs. Mrs. Roberts said that the information is shared with 8th graders during
course selection process. There are also Open Houses and information nights for
parents in March, on different nights, so families could see both schools. Mr. Bregoli
asked about Open Enrollment and when do students get notified. Dr. DeCristofaro
spoke to process for evaluating current enrollments and class sizes, factoring in
siblings, and making decisions about Open Enrollment, hopefully right after school
ends in mid-June.
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Old Business
Community Service Initiative
Mr. Bregoli reported on the recent meetings with Dr. DeCristofaro and Ms. Cox,
President of the Quincy Education Association about framing a suggested policy
for the School Committee’s consideration. Upcoming meetings will include the
high school principals, assistant principals, and staff members. Since there is still
work to be done, one possibility would be to present the final version at a September
School Committee meeting, and implement the policy in October. Mr. Bregoli noted
that in order to be respectful of the input from all parties and their concerns, it is
important to take the time to make sure that the policy is thoroughly vetted. Mrs.
Lebo thanked Mr. Bregoli and Dr. DeCristofaro for their work in addressing her
concerns and asked about whether the information will be tabulated on student
transcripts.
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New Business
Ms. Isola noted that the first item under New Business, the NCLB Waiver, would be
referred to the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting on June 11, 2012.
Out of State Travel
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of the F.W. Parker,
Elementary School to Canobie Lake Park, Windham, NH on June 11, 2012 and
Sterling Middle School to Canobie Lake Park, Windham, NH on May 25, 2012. Mrs.
Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Gift
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Gift of a 1992 Toyota Camry to the
Quincy Public Schools Career and Technical Education Program by Mr. Sean
Conley. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mrs. Lebo requested a report of how many books have been borrowed in the Elementary
and Middle school libraries this year; this can be reviewed at the next Budget and
Finance Subcommittee Meeting.
Mr. McCarthy noted that Quincy Youth Football registration is Saturday, May 19,
2012 from 10 to 12 at Pageant Field.
Mr. Bregoli announced that the North Quincy Basketball Hall of Fame event is
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 7:00 pm.
Mrs. Mahoney announced that Montclair Elementary School is having their May
Festival on Saturday, May 19m 2012 and the North Quincy High School Hockey
Team Booster Club is having a test drive fundraiser also on Saturday, May 19, 2912.
Mrs. Mahoney also noted that the Special Education Subcommittee meeting has been
changed to Wednesday, May 30 at 7:00 pm at Quincy High School.
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Reports of Special Committees
Central Building Committee
Mrs. Mahoney spoke briefly of the Central Building Committee’s last meeting on
Monday, May 7, 2012. General contractor bids have been received, but not opened
yet. The next meeting of the Central Building Committee is Monday, August 27, 2012.
As work begins on the site, communications will be issued by the Superintendent’s
Office.
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Ms. Isola summarized the May 9, 2012 Budget and Finance Subcommittee meeting.
Mayor Koch presented the FY2013 overview; a total of $88,887,461 is budgeted for
QPS, 36% of the City’s budget is directly related to education. Factoring in new
construction, capital improvements, and healthcare costs for employees, 50% of the
city’s budget is education-related. In addition, Mayor Koch is allocating $828,000 of
Comcast Funding for technology initiatives focused on the middle and high schools.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minutes of May 9, 2012 Budget and Finance
Subcommittee meeting. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
Ms. Isola then introduced Dr. DeCristofaro and Mr. Mullaney to review the Budget
and Finance Subcommittee meeting of Monday, May 14, 2012. The budget is
student-centered with Academic Classroom Teachers and Academic Programs as the
top priority. Maintaining or increasing existing classroom teaching staff, evaluating
staff changes (retirements, resignation, seniority, leave of absence) and enrollment
changes are all considered. Based on projected enrollments, all grades are expected
to be within School Committee guidelines, with special consideration for high school
technology and science labs. For Academic Classroom teachers, there is an increase
of 5 teachers over this year’s actual total, plus negotiated raises. For Academic
Program Teachers, an increase of 10 positions over this year’s actual, plus negotiated
raises. Seven positions: 3 SPED teachers, 1.5 Literacy teachers, 1.5 Nurses, 1
Guidance were previously funded by a grant and will be absorbed in both this year’s
(transfer of funding) and next year’s budget.
For Academic Support, an additional staff member is recommended in Attendance to
address residency and family support issues. This position could be used to give
more support to the Middle Schools, but the specifics are still in discussion.
Guidance would have a slight increase in positions, at 0.7. Under
Coordinators/Department heads, the proposal is to eliminate the System-Wide ELL
Coordinator and replace that position with a Curriculum Coordinator for grades 6-12.
At Pre-K-Grade 5, a Curriculum Coordinator would be funded by Title I grant. These
two Curriculum Coordinator positions would function as instructional leaders and
report to the Assistant Superintendent. Also for Academic Support, the suggestion is
to increase Special Education Aides by 10 positions (mostly for Grades Pre-K
through 2), add funding for ELL Tutors and Translators (additional hours, not
positions), extended day activities for both high schools. In Non-Academic Support,
the suggestion is to add office aides to schools that have more than 375 students;
additional funding for athletic coaches; increased funding for bus driver overtime
(contractual), and negotiated increases.
Subsidized services (Food Services, Transportation, Building Rental, Athletics) will
be analyzed in detail in a subsequent Budget meeting. For Academic Expenses, no
changes are recommended. For Non-Academic expenses, recommendations include
reductions for natural gas, increases in electricity (5%), reducing Manet Health
(decrease in services), adding increased funding for Athletic trainer, reducing
gasoline budget, increased funding for travel reimbursement (MA reimbursement
rate). Mr. Mullaney summarized by stating that the budget impact of changes breaks
out to 43% for Academic Classroom Teachers, 25% for Academic Programs, 17% for
Academic Support, and 15 % for Non-Academic Support.
Mayor Koch left the meeting at 8:30 pm.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the minutes of May 14, 2012 Budget and
Finance Subcommittee meeting. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote,
the ayes have it.
Mr. McCarthy thanked Dr. DeCristofaro and Mr. Mullaney for their presentation and
noted that the budget is heading in the right direction.
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Teaching and Learning Subcommittee
Mrs. Lebo summarized the May 14, 2012 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee.
Ms. Skinner, Guidance Department Head at North Quincy High School and
Ms. McGeady, Guidance Department Head at Quincy High School reviewed how
students use this system for college and career planning. Students begin using
Naviance in Grade 9 by creating a career interest profile. Students can use the system
to choose courses for subsequent school years and the information gets uploaded into
Starbase. Naviance helps organize the college application process and submission
deadlines for students and school staff. Ms. McGeady noted that Naviance allows
guidance counselors to submit transcripts, evaluations, forms, and recommendations
to colleges electronically. Ms. Lebo asked whether this could work for graduate
follow-up. Ms. Skinner said theoretically, yes, but it is very difficult to get aftergraduation participation. There was only 30% response when it was tried previously.
There is another option through the National Clearinghouse, but there is a cost
associated with this. Mrs. Lebo suggested researching the costs and whether there is
a good match between post-secondary institutions that are members and the schools
QPS graduates attend.
The Review of Alternative Programs was given by Mrs. Papile and Ms. Todd. For
the alternative programs QPS offers, each student is required to meet state
benchmarks and receive instruction in curriculum aligned with state frameworks in
the five academic subject areas. These programs sometimes provide therapeutic
interventions, group and individual counseling, childcare services, drug and alcohol
counseling, parenting programs, and connect students and families to outside
services. Program coordinators and teachers are committed to these populations and
engaging students so they can experience success. Students in these programs often
need to experience a sense of belonging and have higher social-emotional barriers to
success.
Mrs. Roberts gave a brief Common Core Update, noting that the Next Generation
Science Standards (NGSS) were just released last Friday, May 11. There was an
informational meeting today, which some QPS staff attended. The Standards are
currently in the Open Comment period.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minutes of May 14, 2012 Teaching and
Learning Subcommittee meeting. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice
vote, the ayes have it.
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Facilities and Security Subcommittee
Mr. McCarthy then reviewed the May 15, 2012 Facilities and Security Subcommittee
meeting, This was one in a series of meetings on the proposed merger of the School
Maintenance department with the Public Buildings department. Mr. Murphy reported
on the current Work Order system and how it could be expanded to include City
buildings. Given the concerns of the School Committee members, Mr. McCarthy is
working on a motion to present at the June 13, 2012 School Committee meeting. The
motion has three sections: the first reviews the Chapter 71 law, the second addresses
the Maintenance Department reporting to the Superintendent, and the third section
addresses the means for revoking the merger should this not work for both parties.
Mr. McCarthy noted Mr. Bregoli’s language suggestions as very helpful in crafting
the draft motion. The draft motion will be shared with all School Committee
members.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the minutes of May 15, 2012 Facilities and
Security Subcommittee meeting. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice
vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Lebo asked that the School Improvement Plan requests be specifically be
mentioned in the motion. Mr. McCarthy is suggesting that the SIPs be a second
motion, that Maintenance and Parks be active participants in this process. Mrs.
Mahoney wanted to correct the misimpression that moving the Maintenance staff
($1.2 million) allows QPS to retain that money; she also requested a detailed
accounting of staff and funding that would be moved from the QPS Budget to Public
Building budget.
Mrs. Mahoney also requested that Parks Department representative be invited to
present at the last School Committee meeting of the year on June 13, 2012. Agrees
with Mrs. Lebo about SIP process and will be requesting weekly meetings with
Superintendent as well as quarterly Subcommittee reports.
As a point of information, Mr. Bregoli, as School Committee meeting representative
to the Parks and Recreation Board, has asked for a summary of information to share
at the next School Committee meeting.
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Resignation
The School Committee noted the following resignation:
Teacher Michelle Maguire
Leaves of Absence
The School Committee noted the following leaves of absence:
Teachers: Douglas Bumpus, Sheena Dwyer
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Adjournment
On a motion by Mrs. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Bregoli, the School Committee
adjourned at 9:35 p.m. for the evening. There was no Executive Session.
The ayes have it.