Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - October 24, 2012
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
October 24, 2012 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Present were
Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Emily Lebo,
Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
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There was a moment of silence for the members of our armed services serving at
home and overseas.
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The Superintendent called the roll and all were present. Also present were: Dr.
Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Draicchio, Mrs.
Fredrickson, Mr. Mullaney, Mr. Mulvey, Mrs. Papile, Mr. Rendle, Mrs. Roberts,
Ms. Schneller, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Shaw, 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
10/10/12
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bregoli, to approve the Regular
Session minutes for October 10, 2012. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Executive Executive Session Minutes Approved
10/10/12
Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, to approve the
Session minutes for October 10, 2012. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to be heard at Open Forum, the School Committee moved to the
the next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent’s Report
The Superintendent introduced Acting North Quincy High School Principal Robert
Shaw and Foreign Language Department Chair Aliza Schneller who introduced
the twenty-four students and teachers visiting from Bourges, France for ten days as
part of the exchange program that North Quincy High School has hosted since
2005. The visitors are attending classes along with their host students and visiting
local historic sites. Student Luc Bouvier spoke on behalf on the exchange students
and Ms. Isola spoke in French welcoming the students.
Nancy Aimola, a Grade 9 student at North Quincy High School, was recognized by
the School Committtee for turning an Internet bullying incident into a positive
outcome for Boston’s Horace Mann School for the Deaf. Dr. DeCristofaro
thanked Nancy and the other students who participated and Ms. Isola spoke of
their courage and confidence and their families for supporting them.
After a brief recess, the Superintendent resumed his report by recognizing a longstanding School-Community Business partner, Quincy Medical Center. Chief
Operating Officer Susan Takacs spoke of the multiple levels of partnership. In
addition to a gift of $5,000, Quincy Medical Center will provide athletic trainers to
support high school athletes and share career path information with high school
students through classroom lectures and job shadowing opportunities. Quincy
Medical Center will also continue the very successful clinical placement program
for Patient and Health Care Technology students from Quincy High School. Both
Mayor Koch and Superintendent DeCristofaro thanked Ms. Takacs, President and
CEO Daniel Knell, and Steward Health Care for enhancing the community
connections between the Quincy Medical Center, the City of Quincy, and the
Quincy Public Schools. Dr. DeCristofaro introduced Mr. John Fagerlund as a new
member of the School~Community Partnership team
The Superintendent continued his report by noting some recent events, including
the Mini Grant celebration where $20,000 was awarded to 66 professional staff
members to enhance their classrooms; the North Quincy High School ROTC was
recognized by US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta for participating in a
Leadership Symposium and Academic Bowl in June 2012. Dr. DeCristofaro
thanked Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey for awarding Quincy Public
Schools a $2,000 School Security Grant. The Montclair Centennial was held on
October 20; Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mrs. Malvesti and the organizing committee
for their work in planning the celebration of the school’s history.
Upcoming Quincy Public Schools events include the Fall Gathering at the Tirrell
Room on November 14; ‘Tis the Season on December 4 at Quincy High School,
and the Special Olympics hosted by the Squantum Elementary School on Friday,
October 26 at 9:00 am. A Rachel’s Challenge Community Event, sponsored by
Quincy Rotary and the Rural Lodge of Masons, will be held on November 7, 2012
at Quincy High School.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that Madeline Roy, who has been the Acting
Curriculum Coordinator for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5 and Title I has been
appointed to the position, citing her over twenty-five years of experience as a
principal, curriculum specialist, gifted and talented coordinator, and educational
leader.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that the representatives from the
Quincy Fire Department will be introduced later in the evening.
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New Business
Spring 2012 MCAS Results
The Superintendent introduced Assistant Superintendent Colleen Roberts and
Coordinator of Data, Assessment, and Analysis Mary Fredrickson to report on
Quincy Public Schools’ results on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment
System tests for Spring 2012. Mrs. Roberts noted that student achievement is the
centerpiece of the Quincy Public Schools’ District Improvement Plan and is
supported by the Budget and Grants; System-wide and School-Based Assessment
Teams; and the Program Improvement, School Improvement, Professional
Development and Technology Plans. The district’s goal of having every student
reach proficiency begins in full-day Kindergarten and is first measured by MCAS
in Grade 3. The system and site assessment teams, principals, and classroom
teachers monitor every student’s progress towards this goal so that out students
will receive a competency determination and high school diploma.
Mrs. Fredrickson presented English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science
aggregate comparisons to the state levels for passing (Advanced/Proficient/Needs
Improvement); in all three curriculum areas, Quincy exceeds state levels for Grade
10. For the English Language Learner subgroup, all grade levels are at or above
state levels for all three curriculum areas, many exceeding by a large percentage.
For Special Education subgroup, scores are consistently below state level, except
for Grade 10 ELA and Grade 5 Science; Quincy has been invited to participate in a
state-wide Special Education group to study curriculum, assessment, and
interventions. The state averages show a decline from Grade 3 to Grade 4 for ELA
and a decline from Grade 3 to Grade 4 and Grades 6 to 7 to 8 for Math. Quincy’s
performance in these grades mirror this decline.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s new formula for
measuring student progress is achievement plus growth; growth measures students
against their statewide academic peers (from the previous year’s MCAS tests), not
all students statewide. The range of 40% to 60% is considered typical growth. For
ELA, all grades in QPS are within the range, with Grades 4 and 7 slightly above.
For Math, Grades 6 and 8 are just below the 40% mark and the remaining grades
are within the range. Subgroup growth rates are also available. Students who
move from another state, country, or a private school cannot be factored into
growth analysis as they do not have previous grade level testing data available.
In February 2012, Massachusetts was granted a waiver from No Child Left Behind
that approves a new state-wide goal of reducing the proficiency gap by half by
2016-2017. There are goals for every school and their subgroups; points are
awarded for different levels of achievement; total points are divided by the number
of students to calculate CPI. Targets are differentiated based on subgroups and
requires greater progress for students furthest behind. For example, if a school is
currently performing at a 76 CPI and the goal is 100 CPI, the target gap to make up
is 12 points before 2016-2017. Every school in Quincy has a different aim line for
the aggregate and all of its subgroups. DESE will report annual PPI for district,
school, and group progress and a 4-year PPI; recent years will be weighted the
highest (40%-30%-20%-10%).
DESE’s Framework for District Accountability and Assistance has five levels from
1 to 5. Levels 1 and 2 are 80% of the schools across the state of Massachusetts,
grouped by elementary, middle, and high schools. Levels 3-5 are the lowest 20%
of schools. School districts are leveled by the lowest performing schools in their
district; Quincy is a Level 3 district. Fifteen schools in Quincy are in Levels 1 or
2; three are in Level 3 (one fewer than in 2011). Level 3 required actions include
disaggregating data for all student groups to ensure interventions and supports are
appropriately aligned to address needs; review the performance of students with
disabilities and consider improvement or capacity-building activities, as
appropriate. In addition, schools should use the Conditions for School
Effectiveness Self-Assessment to review and revise district and school
improvement plans. QPS is focusing on three conditions: Curriculum,
Instructional Practices, and Assessment; this will be reflected in School
Improvement Plans. Schools are also using online district analysis, review, and
assistance tools (DART) and consulting with tge District and School Assistance
Center (DSAC). Level 3 districts are given priority for targeted assistance; there
will be additional grant funding opportunities.
Quincy Public Schools curriculum initiatives for ELA include the Elementary
School Journeys pilot, Orton-Gillingham instruction, supports for intervention for
Tiers 2 and 3 students, ELL language development programs in elementary and
middie schools, development of formative and summative assessments, utilizing
Integrated Learning Teams, Pre-Kindergarten, Full-Day Kindergarten, and
Literacy staff. For Math Initiatives, new Elementary School curriculum including
Go Math! and OnCore, the Middle School Big Ideas pilot, early interventions
including Math Re-Teach and Walk to Math. Staff supports include Math
Interventionists, Math Focus Teachers at Grades 3-5 and Highly Qualified
Professional Staff in Math for Grades 6-12. Many Professional Development
opportunities have been provided staff in the areas of ELA, Math, Science,
Wellness, and Assessment. Certain opportunities stand out, including Keys to
Literacy, Foundations of Mathematics, Technology training, and the Positive
Behavior Incentive System. Upcoming initiatives include ELL (RETELL and
WIDA) plus new Educator Evaluations.
Mrs. Roberts then shared the results of the 2012 Graduation Plans survey: 79% are
attending 2 or 4-year colleges, 3% are joining the military, 2% have other postsecondary education plans; and 16%’ had plans are unknown.
Ms. Isola thanked Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Fredricksen and opened the floor up for
questions. Mr. McCarthy inquired about the date the MCAS test will change to the
new Common Core Standards. Mrs. Roberts said that the goal is to move to the
Next Generation Assessment (PARCC) in 2014-2015 or this may possibly be
delayed a year to 2015-2016. Mr. McCarthy asked about the Special Education
institute; Mrs. Roberts clarified that an internal team is meeting once per month
and will have a plan to present by the end of the year to School Committee. Mr.
McCarthy asked if the required actions for Level 3 schools are the same as in
previous years and Mrs. Roberts agreed but that there is more direction from
DESE accompanying the required actions. Mr. McCarthy complimented the
initiatives and the growth within our own programs and the work across the board
to increase student achievement. Mrs. Fredrickson said that the data speaks to the
solid foundation provided by teachers across the grades; the Level 10 passing
percentages are an indicator of that. Mr. McCarthy agreed that the end result is
impressive. Mrs. Roberts complimented the middle school math teachers and their
dedication, eight teachers are taking a Friday night and Saturday course at Lesley
College over the next four weekends. The Common Core Frameworks are moving
to full implementation this year and this is a huge challenge for this incredible
professional staff.
Mrs. Lebo complimented the thoroughness of the presentation and thanked the
teachers and administrators for their work with students. She asked about the
Conditions for School Effectiveness Self-Assessment and whether all schools are
using this tool. Mrs. Roberts replied that Level 3 schools are required to use this,
but all schools have gone through this process. Mrs. Lebo asked about providing a
parent orientation for the extensive Go Math! parent resources and Mrs. Roberts
said she has been talking with the publisher’s representative about a November
event. Mrs. Lebo asked about graduation follow up and Mrs. Fredrickson said that
the Career and Technical Education teachers do active follow up (their own
initiative) and there are voluntary post-grad surveys through Naviance. Since
these are voluntary, compliance is an ongoing issue.
Mrs. Mahoney talked about the importance of the growth model, but is concerned
about the transition to the Common Core standards and the evolution of the MCAS
to the next generation of assessments. Mrs. Fredrickson said it is important to note
that the MCAS test has been gradually evolving to integrate the Common Core
standards and analysis of performance by standard is available. The new Common
Core aligned instructional materials emphasize students coming up with the
answer rather than multiple choice; these assessments are a measure of whether
students can use their acquired knowledge in a new situation. Mrs. Mahoney
acknowledged the complication of developing and scheduling Professional
Development for teachers at the same time the curriculum and standards are
evolving. She also noted that at the Special Education subcommittee, there was
discussion about the MCAS Alternative Assessment in reference to portfolio
submission and the assessment process statewide; a number of appeals were filed
over the summer.
Mayor Koch noted that the MCAS system doesn’t measure the true value of our
students, but expects children to fit into categories. Mayor Koch complimented
the Superintendent, Principals, and Leadership Team for their resolve in
confronting issues and working to find solutions and address each and every child.
Ms. Isola concluded by thanking both Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Fredrickson and
announcing that the presentation will be posted on the website under the Parent
Links. Ms. Isola asked about a correlation between classroom grades and MCAS
scores and questioned whether there instances of students who are high classroom
achievers but don’t score well on tests and vice versa. Mrs. Fredrickson noted that
DESE is requiring this be reported going forward and that there are new data
analysis tools coming that will allow for this type of analysis.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded the presentation by recognizing this as an opportunity
to celebrate achievement while taking in the challenges that the results present.
For our teachers and principals, this is a personal matter and scores and
achievement are important to them as is the focus on each individual child. Site
profiles have been created for each of the elementary schools so they can see the
results of their work for last year’s graduating class, the end result being the
colleges and universities that these students will be attending.
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Quincy Firefighters’ Gift
Athletic Director Jim Rendle introduced Firefighters Local 792 President Ernie Arienti
and Vice-President Paul Moody who presented a check for $7,500 to the Athletic
Department to supplement freshman sports and other athletic programs. The donation
was the proceeds from their summer golf tournament and is the second year that
Athletics has benefitted. Last year's gift funded the hiring of coaches, the purchase of
new safety equipment for softball and baseball players, and paid athletic fees for over
seventy students. Mayor Koch, School Committee members, and Superintendent
DeCristofaro thanked the firefighters for their support and committment to Quincy
students and families.
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Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Presentation
Athletic Director Jim Rendle presented the next item on the agenda, explaining that the
Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, a private nonprofit association
organized by its member schools to govern, coordinate, and promote education-based
programs for high school students. The MIAA is self-regulating with the 373 member
schools providing individual leaders to serve within the 35 MIAA governing units. The
MIAA pillars of educational athletics include Wellness, Sportsmanship, Coaches’
Education, Community Service, and Leadership. Athletics have traditionally been
focused on these topics, leading the way on wellness and nutrition.
The main focus of the MIAA is the pillars of educational athletics, but there are
many pages of rules that the MIAA governs, including clearly-defined rules about
adult supervision, starting and closing dates, and the length of playing seasons.
The MIAA requires adult supervision of teams at all time, it does not sanction
“captain’s practices” where there is no adult supervision. In addition, the MIAA is
firm about the rule that out of season practice or training may not be required of
any student athlete. Out of season sports programs are strictly bound by rules
about volume of participation; must be less than 50% of team members. Coaches
may offer general counsel about appropriate out of season activities to athletes;
provide conditioning programs available to all students and supervised by
coaching staff as long as it is under 50% of team participants. Coaches may give
private lessons as long as they are open to all students and less than 50% of team
members are participants.
In terms of recruitment, there are also clear rules. There is sometimes confusion in
the transition from Grade 8 to 9 when then change high schools via Open
Enrollment; coaches need to be made aware of these enrollment changes so they
aren’t contacting students who are enrolled at the other high school. Penalties are
enacted by Enforcement Office, but most times investigated on a local level by the
Athletic Director and Principal. In most cases, the Enforcement Officer guides
Principal and Athletic Director on the process and penalty. MIAA eligibility
standards are mirrored in the QPS policy and Athletic Handbook. In lieu of
serving on committees and to honor our commitment to the MIAA, Quincy hosts
many events including soccer, softball, baseball, and volleyball games.
A common problem at both high schools is the number of teams vs. the availability
of fields proximate to the school. Compromises are negotiated between the
coaches and programs and the practice and game schedule is generated by Mr.
Rendle and. Keeping in mind the community needs for field access for youth
programs, this is a complicated venture. Weather and field conditions are another
complicating factor; there is a constant shifting of games and practices.
Ms. Isola thanked Mr. Rendle and opened the floor up to questions. Mrs. Lebo
asked about whether the principals participate in the MIAA. Mr. Rendle said they
are not required to serve on a committee, but need to participate in votes or
designate a staff member to do so. Mrs. Lebo inquired about soccer practices that
were scheduled in August. Mr. Rendle clarified that practices are not scheduled
out of season through the Athletic Office. The Parks Department manages the
field scheduling in the summer; coaches can schedule conditioning but not skillsspecific events. Mrs. Lebo asked for clarification about the MIAA role in
regulating out of season practices. Mr. Rendle said that we have had several
violations in the last few years and these incidents were addressed and resolved.
They were not major violations, but relatively minor technicalities. Mrs. Lebo
asked about liability and captain’s practices. Mr. Rendle and Dr. DeCristofaro
agreed there should be none since these are not school-sanctioned or scheduled.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the Fundamentals of Coaching Course required for new
coaches hired after 2007. Mr. Rendle replied that we are not in compliance
because of cost issues; three coaches attended last year. Mrs. Lebo asked whether
this has to be reported to the MIAA and Mr. Rendle said that we do have to report
the percentage of compliance. Mrs. Lebo asked about violation of rules and the
possibility of a season-long suspension for a program. Mr. Rendle said that
Quincy has never been close to this; the most he has ever seen is a one-game
suspension.
Mr. McCarthy inquired about coaches who might work in the Recreation
Department summer programs and the 50% candidate rule. Mr. Rendle said that
coaches found in non-compliance are given warnings so they can fix the problem.
Mr. McCarthy also asked for specifics about whether the infield at the new track
will be helpful as an additional playing or practice area. Mr. Rendle is hoping that
Cavanaugh will be available for lacrosse once the new track is operational. Mayor
Koch clarified that football practice can be held on the field but track usage will
preclude its use for lacrosse since the seasons overlap. Mr. McCarthy asked about
recruitment and noted that for the freshman and junior varsity teams, many of the
coaches are not teachers. Is there anything done in terms of educating these
coaches about contact that could constitute recruiting violations? Mr. Rendle said
that some basic education is done but this is where the Fundamentals of Coaching
course is so valuable. Mr. McCarthy also asked about academic eligibility and Mr.
Rendle said that passing four courses is enough to maintain academic eligibility.
Mr. McCarthy asked whether we generate any revenue from hosting MIAA events.
Mr. Rendle said that most events cover their own costs, but the boosters do benefit
from the concession stand saless. The Athletic Department’s main benefit is in
maintaining the relationship with the MIAA. Mr. McCarthy thanked Mr. Rendle
for his work in managing Athletic Programs for the two high schools.
Mr. Bregoli asked about participation in the MIAA Wellness activities. Mr.
Rendle said that funding is an ongoing issue and limits our ability to send athletes
and coaches. Mr. Bregoli noted Boston has upgraded their academic eligibility
requirements and he would like to discuss this at an upcoming Policy meeting.
Mayor Koch respectfully suggested that Mr. Bregoli should not participate in this
discussion given his dual roles as coach and School Committee member.
Mrs. Mahoney asked how many coaches have taken the course; Mr. Rendle replied
that perhaps 25 out of 95 have taken the course. Coaches hired before 2007 are not
required to take the course. Mrs. Mahoney asked about whether School
Committee could have information about accreditation: the number of coaches,
how many have taken the course. This type of information could inform the
budget process – what are some of the needs of the department for professional
development going forward. Mrs. Mahoney asked if coaches are in a union; Mr.
Rendle clarified that 50% of the coaches are teachers and he isn’t sure if he could
force compliance for a coaching matter to a teachers’ union member. Mrs.
Mahoney asked about whether MIAA violations are noted by Mr. Rendle in
addition to being reported by another sources and Mr. Rendle said that yes, he has
found violations in the past. Mrs. Mahoney asked if an issue is recurring, how is it
handled. Mr. Rendle said a verbal warning, followed by a written warning, and
then a reposting of the position. Mrs. Mahoney asked about the out of season
scheduling and Mr. Rendle clarified that he does not schedule any field use out of
season. A coach could contact the Parks Department about using a field. The
Parks Department issues permits for some fields, mostly to leagues, but it doesn’t
issue permits widely. Mayor Koch clarified that the Parks Department issues
permits for school athletics, youth organizations, and adult organizations in that
order of priority. Permits are not issued for practices, and it is generally known the
fields that the two high schools use during the seasons for practicing. Mrs.
Mahoney asked about practices and one program usurping another. Mayor Koch
said that practices are first come, first serve; there are sometimes conflicts but the
Parks Department does not have the capacity to issue permits for practices. Mrs.
Mahoney asked if a team can scrimmage against another town or school and if the
coach can be present. Mr. Rendle said the coach can be present, but in the stands,
not on the field. Mrs. Mahoney asked if they can be on the field as a referee and
Mr. Rendle said that he didn’t know the answer but would look into it.
Mrs. Hubley asked if team captains are appointed by the coach and the captains
call a practice, wouldn’t that open the system up to liability. Mr. Rendle said these
should be conditioning only and not sports-specific and are most often organized
by parents, not students. Mrs. Hubley asked if a student is absent from school, are
they allowed to play in a game or practice. Mr. Rendle said generally now, with
the exception of a doctor’s visit, religious observation, funeral, or college visit.
Mrs. Lebo asked Mr. Mulvey for clarification on a coach scheduling a captains’
practice and our liability. Ms. Isola said that Rule 40.1 is very specific, coaches
may not direct students to a field. Mrs. Lebo asked about the recruitment issue,
and asked that coaches have updated student rosters before they contact the Grade
9 students. Mrs. Lebo asked if the MIAA would allow us to sponsor the coaching
course here and get all QPS coaches covered at once at a lower expense. Mr.
Rendle said he would inquire about this.
Mr. McCarthy suggested that given how the MIAA regulations can be interpreted
in different ways, are there a list of questions that can be provided to Mr. Rendle
for determination. For example, Mrs. Mahoney’s question about whether a coach
can referee an off-season game featuring players from their own team. This might
be an item to refer to the Budget and Finance Subcommittee for follow up so that
the rules are clear. Mr. Rendle said that many times the MIAA wording is vague.
Mr. McCarthy said if we compiled a list of questions, it might make the MIAA
step up and answer the issues in a clear and precise way. Mrs. Mahoney agreed
that it would be helpful to see the MIAA answers in writing. Mrs. Mahoney made
a motion to move this issue into the Rules, Post Audit, and Oversight Committee.
She noted Mr. Bregoli’s conflict between being a School Committee member and a
coach. Mayor Koch, on the motion, noted that Mr. Bregoli worked with the state
Ethics Commission on serving in both capacities and at their recommendation, is
volunteering as a coach, foregoing the stipend. Mayor Koch expressed frustration
on the time spent on this discussion in light of the more important issues before the
School Committee. If there was an issue of a violation for any coach, including
Mr. Bregoli, it should be resolved between the high school principal, the Athletic
Director, and the Superintendent.
Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion. Mrs. Lebo asked for the motion to be
repeated. Mrs. Mahoney said that her motion is for the topic of Athletic Rules,
both the questions raised for Mr. Rendle’s clarification and the issue brought to
School Committee members about Mr. Bregoli’s coaching be moved to the Rules,
Post Audit and Oversight Subcommittee. Mrs. Lebo expressed confusion noting
that some of the issues raised for Mr. Rendle to clarify are general information, not
specific to Mr. Bregoli. Mayor Koch feels that referring the issues to Oversight
have a negative connotation; if the School Committee wants to meet in a
Subcommittee to discuss the issues raised for Mr. Rendle, he supports that. A
member of School Committee has requested that an ethics issue about another
School Committee member be moved to Oversight; this is an issue for the
Superintendent’s oversight. Mayor Koch reiterated that the State Ethics
Commission has already ruled on Mr. Bregoli acting as a coach at the same time as
serving as a School Committee member, the two stipulations being that Mr.
Bregoli does not accept two salaries and that he may not participate in discussions
relating to Athletics, including budget. While noting her discomfort at discussion
personnel matters at School Committee, Mrs. Lebo asked if the state Ethics
Commission had all of the information necessary to make the decision. Mayor
Koch believes they did.
Ms. Isola repeated that there is currently a motion to put the Athletics issue into the
Rules, Post Audit, and Oversight Subcommittee on the table. Mrs. Mahoney
reviewed the other Subcommittees and that none are a good fit for the issue, so that
is why she suggested the placement. Ms. Isola said she thinks there are two issues
being conflated: the need for additional discussion about MIAA rules and the
personnel matter. Ms. Isola supports further discussion about MIAA rules and
rulings in a Subcommittee; the vagueness and conflicting information coming from
the MIAA is an area of concern. Ms. Isola is confused about the MIAA’s role and
whether they are upholding their own rules.
Mr. McCarthy asked Mrs. Mahoney to retract the motion to move the issue to the
Rules, Post Audit, and Oversight Subcommittee and make a motion to create an
Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Athletics Rules Subcommittee. Mrs. Mahoney retracted
the motion to move the issue to the Rules, Post Audit, and Oversight
Subcommittee, and Mr. McCarthy retracted his second of that motion. Mr.
McCarthy then made a motion to create an Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Athletics
Rules.
On the motion, Mayor Koch said that he supports the motion to create a
subcommittee to discuss the MIAA guidelines; he will not support a discussion of
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a personnel issue based upon an email from a person who did not respond to
outreach from the Superintendent, high school Principal, and Athletic Director.
The discussion of this email at two meetings without being an agenda item or
follow up item sets a dangerous precedent. Mr. McCarthy agreed with the Mayor
that more discussion is needed for these MIAA rules especially as they apply to
other coaches who might be in the same situation concerning summer contact.
Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion to create the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Athletic
Rules. Mrs. Mahoney defended her decision to bring this up since the email
referred to a specific game and incident, but it is representative of issues brought
up for other sports and coaches.
Mrs. Hubley requested a restatement of the motion. Mr. McCarthy repeated the
motion to create an Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Athletic Rules.
On a roll call vote, the motion passed 4-2, with Mr. Bregoli voting PRESENT;
Mrs. Hubley and Mayor Koch voted NO.
Ms. Isola will assign a Subcommittee chair and Subcommittee members and notify
the School Committee.
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Out-of-State Travel
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the overnight travel of the Atlantic Middle
School Grade 8 students to New York City, New York on June 7-8, 2013, Mrs. Lebo
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the overnight travel of the Sterling Middle
School Grade 8 students to New York City, New York on June 5-6, 2013, Mrs. Lebo
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the overnight travel of the Quincy High School
Electrical Technology and Automotive Students to Mt. Sunapee, New Hampshire on
March 8, 2013, Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mr. McCarthy announced that at the last School Committee meeting, three contracts
were approved for the Teamsters’ Bus Drivers, Bus Monitors, and School Security
Force units.
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At 10:45 pm, Mr. McCarthy made a motion to continue the School Committee
meeting which had now exceeded the time limit. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the
motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Reports of Subcommittees
Central Building Committee
Mrs. Mahoney reported on the Central Building Committee meeting, which was held on October 15, 2012. The project is on track for the opening of school in
September 2013. The building foundation is substantially complete, along with the underground plumbing. The structural steel is complete for the A wing of the building. A technology update was presented; Mrs. Mahoney asked that this be an agenda item
for an upcoming School Committee Meeting.
Facilities and Security Subcommittee
Mr. McCarthy reviewed the Facilities and Security Subcommittee meeting that
was held on October 16, 2012. Both the Security and Custodial Program Improvement
Plans were presented. Mr. McCarthy recognized Security Director Michael
Draicchio’s work in increasing the security program and developing relationships
with outside agencies. Mr. Kevin Segalla was also recognized for his organization
and his development of the multi-town supply purchasing programs. For budget
considerations, Mr. McCarthy raised queries about staffing for the new offices at
Coddington Hall and the new Central Middle School. After the School
Improvement Plans have been presented, the Public Buildings department will
receive a list of the requested Maintenance issues and then will be invited to a
subsequent Facilities and Security Subcommittee meeting to discuss the progress of
the requests. Mr. McCarthy also announced that there will be a Facilities and
Security Subcommittee meeting on November 20, 2012 at 4:30 at the NAGE
building to discuss the Central Middle School perimeter with the President’s City
Inn.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approved the minutes from the October 16, 2012
Facilities and Security Subcommittee and the Security and Custodial Program
Improvement Plans. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
Special Education Subcommittee
Mrs. Mahoney reviewed the Special Education Subcommittee meeting that was held
on October 17, 2012. At the meeting, meeting dates and goals for 2012-2013 were
reviewed including the goal of the Special Education Subcommittee being to
facilitate communication about the implementation of the Special Education
Program Improvement Plan by further developing the website to include updated
information; monitoring and reporting on progress report distribution; and
updating the Special Education Program Booklet. The Special Education
Subcommittee will meet on January 16, 2013; March 27, 2013; and May 15, 2013.
Ms. Todd, in conjunction with her staff, Mrs. Cunningham, Mr. Kelly, and Mrs.
Perkins, then presented the Special Education Program Improvement Plan. In
cooperation with the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education
(QPAC), the Transition Manual has been updated and is included as part of the
Program Improvement Plan. Ms. Todd reviewed MCAS growth results, noting
that the average growth rate is in the 40-60% range. For 2012 ELA, Grade 5, 7, 8,
and 10 SPED students were within that range; for 2012 Math, Grades 7 and 10
were within the range. Ms. Todd noted that for Math, the middle school grades
continue to be a challenge. Ms. Todd then reviewed the comparisons of Quincy to
the rest of the state; by Grade 10, both Math and ELA are almost equal to the state
levels. For Science and Technology, Grades 5 and 10 Science are very close to
state levels.
For 2012-2013, the Special Education department goals are: (1) During the 2012-
13 school year, the elementary Resource Room teachers will progress monitor
monthly, using this data to determine the appropriateness of instruction. (2) The
transition team will implement the Transition Resource Guide by November 2012.
(Middle School to High School and High School to Adulthood) (3) The Special
Education Administration will provide a review of all discipline and ethnicity at
the Middle School level and share the findings with the Administration at each
school by June. In addition, the other Special Education teams have goals and
professional development.
Ms. Todd also presented the final Initial Evaluation Brochure for approval
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to approved the minutes from the October 17, 2012
Special Education Subcommittee and the Special Education Program Improvement
Plan. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Budget and Finance Subcommittee
Ms. Isola reviewed the Budget and Finance Subcommittee meeting that was held
on October 22, 2012. Athletic Director Jim Rendle presented the Athletic
Department Program Improvement Plan and reviewed the Athletic Programs goals,
noting that they are ongoing from last year’s goals (1) Continue to work with
coaches in order to monitor the School Committee Policy of no tolerance in regard
to hazing, harassment, and bullying to ensure compliance during the 2012-2013
school year; (2) Continue to work in collaboration with the High School Deans to
monitor students who may be at-risk or who have attendance/disciplinary issues
during the 2012-2013 school year; and (3) collaborate with the Health, Nutrition,
and Wellness Advisory Council to revise the current QPS Wellness Policy to
comply with the new state and federal regulations governing nutrition and wellness
in schools and to provide guidance and support to individual school wellness teams
throughout the school year.
Mr. Jim Mullaney presented the Quarterly Budget Review for the first quarter of
FY2013. All line items are within expected ranges for this point in the year; all
step and level increases are accounted for, as well as anticipated increases from
contract negotiations. For Academic Expenses, Circuit Breaker funding will be
increased by $100,000 over what was budgeted. Some expenses, such as supplies
and textbooks are frontloaded so between 40% and 50% has already been
expended. For Non-Academic Expenses, funding has been encumbered for natural
gas and electricity by the issuing of purchase orders. Other lines are on target; the
other major account is transportation, the majority of which is Special Education
and that spending is on track.
Mr. Mullaney then presented the Professional Staff Reconciliation and noted that
he will re-issue the Budget Books so they reflect this information. Adjustments
were made to add and remove classroom teachers at the elementary, middle, and
high school levels to reflect shifts in student populations, with a net gain of six
positions. Additional part-time staff for were placed in Music, ELL, and Guidance
and offset by a decrease in the Nursing staff line due to grant funding.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approved the minutes from the October 22, 2012
Budget and Finance Subcommittee and the Athletic Department Program
Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes
have it
Teaching and Learning Subcommittee
Mrs. Lebo reviewed the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting that was
held on October 23, 2012. Mr. Keith Segalla presented the Educational
Technology Program Improvement Plan, noting that Educational Technology is an
integral part of the Quincy Public Schools with the achievement of goals a
collaborative effort between the Mayor, the School Committee, City IT and School
IT, the District-wide teams Curriculum and Principal Teams, and the schools PTOs
to enhance and enrich educational opportunities for all students. The Education
Technology program’s goals for 2012-2013 are: (1) Collaborate with the
Information Technology Team to research, design, and develop scholastic
components of the QPS 2013-2016 Technology Plan, specifically Technology
Integration and Literacy, Technology Professional Development, Accessibility of
Technology, Virtual Learning and Communications; (2) research educational
technology programs across different grade levels in the areas of credit recovery,
digital textbooks, digital library programs and continue to support existing
instructional technology programs; and (3) research, develop, and recommend to
the Superintendent an effective acceptable use policy for all staff and students
outlining appropriate behaviors and guidelines for access to educational
technology, access to the internet, and access to the QPS technology network.
Ms. Hallet then presented the English Language Learners Program Improvement
Plan and noted the many from previous years in terms of new initiatives. As of
September 2012, there is an ELL program in every school including both high
schools having parallel programmatic access. For the ELL program design, the
new framework is called World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment
(WIDA) but the number of hours of instruction per day has not changed. New
ELL students will be tested using a new tool: WIDA Access Placement Test, since
this is aligned to new standards/framework and the new English Language
Proficiency test (ACCESS for ELLs) which will be given in January 2013 for the
first time.
The goals for 2012-2013 (elementary/middle and middle/high school vertical
teams) are: (1) to begin implementation of the newly-adopted WIDA Framework
through professional development, training and instructional practice for the
purpose of ELL Program curriculum development and alignment and (2) to
successfully complete mandatory training of all ELL staff for the January-February
2013 implementation of MA DESE’s new English Language Proficiency
assessment, ACCESS for ELLs. Mrs. Lebo asked about the complexity of
administering this test, given student population (1300 students) who will be tested
by 31 ELL teachers and supplemented by other teachers across the 5-week testing
window. Ms. Hallett replied that this test is very challenging to administer systemwide; there are three levels of testing and each ELL student will be assigned to a
level and testing scheduled based on that level. Anticipating students who may
move in between November and January also part of the planning.
The system-wide ELL team goals are (1) to assist with the introduction and initial
implementation of the new English Language Development framework adopted by
Massachusetts WIDA in curriculum planning and classroom instruction; and (2) to
ensure successful training and certification by January 2013 of ELL and SEI
content area teachers who will administer for the first time the Massachusetts
English Language proficiency assessment, ACCESS for ELLs.
Mrs. Lebo asked about Category training and what will replace this requirement at
the state level. RETELL (Rethinking Equity in Teaching ELLs) will be rolled out
over the next six years; any teacher who took 2 of 3 Category training will be
grandfathered. There will be bridge courses for these professional staff members.
Administrators who evaluate ELL teachers will now be required to have this
training as well.
Ms. Roy presented the Title I Program Improvement Plan, reviewing the Title I
mission to provide increased and improved educational opportunities for students
in schools with a high incidence of poverty. Success is measured through student
performance on MCAS, literacy assessments, benchmark screenings, family
participation, and family and staff surveys. Title I is a federal program,
administered by the state through grants to cities and towns; QPS operates a
school-wide model rather than targeted assistance so all students and families
benefit from the upgrading of the school’s entire instructional program. Early
literacy and math are targets for all four of the Title I schools; all instructional
materials, assessments, and professional development are evidence-based
programs.
Goals for this year include developing a comprehensive program of appropriate
and effective services at all levels to address the needs of underperforming
students. In addition, the team will continue to review new and existing writing
resources and support staff in developing year-end writing benchmarks, a common
writing task, and rubric for grades 2-3 in the Title I schools. The Title I team will
begin to identify and organize documents required for the Coordinated Program
Review. In addition, the HILL for Literacy will provide consultation for ILT
facilitators and administrators, and for the Literacy Leadership team, focused on
the effective use of the DIBELS Next data to identify and plan for students in need
of Tier 2 and 3 support and intensive intervention.
Mrs. Fredrickson presented a brief overview review of the No Child Left Behind
Waiver beginning with what was waived: Adequate Yearly Progress, the goal of
100% proficiency, levels based on achievement alone, classification of schools
based on one subgroup, school choice, and supplemental education services. The
new focus is on School Improvement and a reduction in the proficiency gap by
half by 2016-2017. Accountability decisions are calculated for achievement and
growth. High schools are also accountable for increasing Cohort Graduation and
decreasing Dropout Rates.
The PPI classification is based on all students and high needs (sped
services/FLEP/low income); weighted four year analysis. Districts are still
classified based upon lowest performing schools. Elementary and Middle schools
have 5 indicators (except Marshall and LH, which do not have Grade 5 Science);
High Schools have 7 indicators because of the cohort graduation rate and annual
dropout rate. Quincy is classified as Level 3, since there are several Level 3
schools. Title I set-asides will be affected since the reserves for Supplemental
Education Services and School Choice are no longer needed. This will allow QPS
to offer programs to students beyond the four Title I schools.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approved the minutes from the October 23, 2012
Teaching and Learning Subcommittee and the Education Technology, English
Language Learner, and Title I Program Improvement Plans. Mayor Koch
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 11:20 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the
motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.