Sept. 18, 2013 School Committee Special Meeting

Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Wednesday, September 11, 2013, 7:00 pm
Quincy High School

I. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes for June 12, 2013.

II. Open Forum: An opportunity for community input regarding the Quincy Public Schools. After giving his or her name and address, each speaker may make a presentation of no more than four minutes to the School Committee. An individual may not exchange their time or yield to others.

III. Superintendent’s Report:

A. Inspiring Quincy: Summer Scene 2013

B. New Teacher Orientation

C. Fall Partnership Activities

D. NEASC Accreditation/North Quincy High School

E. NAEYC/Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs

F. Building Projects

G. Preliminary Enrollment

H. Maintenance/Custodial Summer Projects

I. Aspen X2 Implementation: Publication #6

IV. Old Business:

A. School Committee Goal Setting 2013-14 - Vice Chair Isola, Dr. DeCristofaro

B. Educator Evaluation Update - Acting Deputy Superintendent Mulvey

V. New Business:

A. Organizational Design 2013-2014 (Deputy Superintendent Appointment)

B. FY2014 Budget Review and Additional Funding

1. Library Support (Elementary)

2. Library Teachers (Middle School)

3. Athletic Directors

4. Security Initiatives

5. Additional School Resource Officer

6. Additional Funding

C. Overnight Travel: North Quincy AFROTC to Camp Edwards, Bourne, Massachusetts September 25, 2013 through September 29, 2013.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees: None

IX. Executive Session: Collective Bargaining

X. Adjournment:

 

Subcommittees of the School Committee

Subcommittee Items


Budget & Finance
Isola/Bregoli/Hubley/Koch/Lebo/Mahoney/McCarthy

School Facilities & Security
McCarthy/Bregoli/Hubley

  1. Sterling Building Plans Referred to Subcommittee by the School Building Task Force in 1998.

  2. Coddington Hall Referred to Subcommittee at the May 18, 2011 School Committee Meeting. The City of Quincy has appropriated funds to refurbish Coddington Hall to serve as the Quincy Public Schools administrative offices. Wessling Architects has completed the design phase of the project and construction bids are scheduled to go out in early October. All bids being in order, construction should begin in January 2013.

  3. Houses on Saville Avenue Referred to Subcommittee at the May 18, 2011 School Committee Meeting. Currently home to the City’s Public Building department, the School Committee and Superintendent see no future educational uses for these properties.

  4. Outside Lighting Audit Referred to Subcommittee at the February 8, 2012 School Committee Meeting. To address safety concerns, an audit was requested to look for lights that need repair or replacement and locations that would benefit from additional lighting.

  5. President’s City Inn Referred to Subcommittee at the October 10, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Safety concerns have been expressed about this property that abuts the new Central Middle School. 

  6. Classroom Door Locks Referred to Subcommittee at the January 23, 2013 School Committee Meeting. Review of current status by school underway as well as cost estimates for upgrading all schools to meet recommended standards.

  7. School Lobby Security Controls Referred to Subcommittee at the January 23, 2013 School Committee Meeting. Review of existing visitor protocols, with special consideration of current high school policies and discussion of enhancements moving forward for all schools.

  8. Solar Array Installation on School Roofs Referred to Subcommittee at the June 12, 2013 School Committee Meeting for further review and discussion.

Health, Transportation & Safety
Hubley/Lebo/McCarthy

  1. School Meal Charges Referred to Subcommittee at the March 21, 2012 School Committee Meeting. New state and federal regulations require formalization of the school meal charges policy.

  2. Science Lab Safety: Referred from the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee at the April 2, 2012 meeting. High School and High School Science labs have been reviewed and needed updates for compliance completed as of September 24, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. Monitoring of supplies will be handled by High School Safety Team; need similar plan for Middle Schools.

  3. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Referred to Subcommittee at the September 24, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. Student Support Services working with Lincoln Hancock, Clifford Marshall, and Parker Elementary Schools on piloting this initiative.

School Policy
Bregoli/Isola/Mahoney

  1. Graduation Requirements Referred to Subcommittee at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and discussed at the October 11, 2011 School Policy Subcommittee. The discussion centered around adding a fourth year of Math as a graduation requirement; the issue is tabled until more is known about the impact of the new Common Core Standards on the Massachusetts frameworks.

  2. New Educator Evaluations Referred at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and shared with the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee. Further discussion will be held in joint Subcommittee Meetings and Executive Session as it pertains to collective bargaining.

  3. High School Community Service Referred to Subcommittee at the December 14, 2011 School Committee Meeting. A resolution was introduced proposing a Community Service requirement; pilot program for Grades 10 and 11 is underway for 2012-2013 school year.

  4. Adding CPR as a Graduation Requirement Referred to Subcommittee at the March 21, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Review and discussion of existing policy requested.

  5. Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities Referred at the June 13, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Review and discussion of amending the existing policy requested to explore the possibility of raising revenue by accepting advertising sponsorships.

  6. Extracurricular Eligibility Referred at the March 25, 2013 Ad Hoc Athletics Rules Subcommittee. Review and discussion of the existing policy and consideration of increasing the requirements.

  7. Dedication of Faxon Field Flagpoles Referred at the June 12, 2013 School Committee Meeting; proposal is to name the flagpoles in honor of Lou Tozzi, Geoff Hennessy, and Christopher Kennedy.

  8. Dedication of Central Middle School Gymnasium Referred at the June 12, 2013 School Committee Meeting; proposal is to name the gymnasium in honor of Mike Cassali.

Special Education
Mahoney/Bregoli/McCarthy

  1. Substitute Teachers for SPED Originally referred to Subcommittee at the January 17, 2007 School Committee Meeting. At the Special School Committee Meeting on January 28, 2012 and the Special Education Subcommittee meeting on February 1, 2012, it was agreed that some progress has been made in the way that substitute teachers are informed and educated about accommodations for special needs issues. A form has been developed for classroom teachers to share information and the goal for implementation is the 2012-2013 school year.

  2. Special Education Program Assessment Referred to Subcommittee at the January 28, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. This will be an ongoing discussion of the curriculum initiatives for Special Education.

Rules, Post Audit & Oversight
Lebo/Bregoli/Hubley

Teaching and Learning 
Lebo/Hubley/Isola

  1. New Educator Evaluations Referred at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and shared with the School Policy Subcommittee. Two meetings have already been held to begin exploring the requirements of the new regulations (9/21/11 Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting and February 13, 2012 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting) and further discussion will be held in joint Subcommittee meetings and Executive Session as it pertains to collective bargaining.

  2. Media Specialists in Elementary and Middle Schools Referred at the January 23, 2012 School Committee Meeting. The Citywide Parents’ Council presented a signed petition representing the request to restore these positions in the FY2014 budget and seek additional funding to address the positions for the remainder of the
    2012-2013 school year.

Ad Hoc Committees:

Channel 22
Mahoney/McCarthy

Created at the October 27, 2007 School Committee meeting to encourage the greater use of Channel 22 across Quincy Public Schools.

Central Building Committee
Mahoney

Athletic Rules
McCarthy/Hubley/Lebo

Created at the October 24, 2012 School Committee meeting to continue discussion on Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association rules.

Minutes

Quincy, Massachusetts - September 11, 2013
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Quincy High School. Present were Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.

Vice-Chair Presiding

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The Superintendent called the roll and Mr. Bregoli was absent. Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Beth Hallett, Mrs. Jane Kisielius, Mr. James Mullaney, Acting Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Judy Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy Education Association, Ms. Linda Perry, Vice-President, Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education and Mrs. Tracey Christello, Citywide Parents Council Representative.

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There was a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the September 11 attacks. Dr. DeCristofaro then mentioned some members of the Quincy Public Schools family who had recently passed away: Teacher Ann Bergeron, Athletic Director Martin Finnegan,Quincy High School English Department Chair Bruce McDonald, and Business Office Clerk Marjorie Ready.

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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 6/12/2013

Mrs. Lebo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for June 12, 2013. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Open Forum

Linda Perry, Vice-President of the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education noted that her daughter is a senior this year. QPAC's main goal this year is to increase participation and recruit new board members. She announced that the first general meeting of the year would be held on Thursday, September 12. On September 26, there will be a Parent Support meeting; on September 30, a presentation on parent advocacy; and on October 16, the Special Education Subcommittee will review the Special Education Program Improvement Plan. Citywide Parents Council Representative to the School Committee Tracey Christello addressed the School Committee and thanked them for the Librarian positions in the middle schools.

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Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent DeCristofaro introduced new Quincy High School Principal Taglieri who welcomed the School Committee to Quincy High School. The start of school went very smoothly and Quincy High School's Open House will be held next Thursday. He concluded by thanking the School Committee for all they do for all the children in the Quincy Public Schools.

Dr. DeCristofaro then introduced the Inspiring Quincy/Summer Scene 2013 video compilation of highlights from the many Quincy Public Schools summer programs, including Lego Robotics, ABCs of Kindergarten, Windows WIzards, Crafty Kids; Snug Harbor Summer School; Bridge to Reading; SWELL Academy, Quincy Community Planting Program, Sterling STEM Program, Elementary Developmental Learning Center, and Youthworks (QHS). Dr. DeCristofaro spoke of the many extraordinary summer programs, with over 1,000 students participating. The SWELL Academy was a great success, thanks to Mary Fredrickson and Beth Hallett for writing the grant.

The New Educator Orientation was held on August 28 and 29; Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Anne McCarthy, Mary McDonald, Kevin Mulvey for organizing the event along with Keith Segalla. These new educators will continue to be supported through the mentoring program, once again sponsored by the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) with another $10,000 donation this year. With fifteen administrative changes this year, mentoring efforts will take place across the school system at all levels.

Upcoming Partnership activities include the Professional Teacher Status Reception on October 3, where 15 staff members will be recognized. The Teacher MiniGrant Reception will be held on October 29, with many of the grants provided by partners. Our Community~Business Partners also supplied backpacks for all students at Clifford Marshall, Lincoln Hancock, Parker, and Snug Harbor and teacher supplies for the Montclair School.

Preparations for North Quincy High School's NEASC visit are underway, with School Committee interviews and a reception scheduled for Sunday, October 20. NAEYC certification is up for review at the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten levels; 37 classrooms will be visited over the next six months and updates on the progress will be provided.

Dr. DeCristofaro then updated the School Committee on the Building Projects underway in the Quincy Public Schools. We recently submitted the next round of documentation to the Massachusetts School Building (MSBA) on the Accelerated Repair Program Window Replacement projects at North Quincy High School and Merrymount and Wollaston Elementary Schools. These documents included a Maintenance and Capital Plan and Project Schedule along with Certificate of Funding; the Owner's Project Manager and Designer are scheduled to be assigned September 12, with schematics due to the MSBA on December 12.

The former Quincy High School has been reduced to rubble and transporting the debris from the site is underway. The Mayor's Office has collaborated with Principal Taglieri and Quincy High School to make sure that things have gone smoothly with arrival and dismissal. Dr. DeCristofaro noted that he is looking forward to the opportunity to create a campus around the Quincy High School building. The renovation of Coddington Hall is moving forward; Walter MacDonald from Public Buildings will report at a future meeting.

For the new Central Middle School, a new construction update with recent pictures was developed. Dr. DeCristofaro walked through the building yesterday and much progress has been made in the classrooms and library area, with furniture installation underway. There is still work to be done in student dining area, auditorium, and gymnasium. Significant progress has been made, furniture is starting to be set up. Training is still to be scheduled on technical equipment and safety procedures; the outside hardscape and landscape is starting to be finalized.

Mr. Bregoli arrived at 7:30 pm.

Dr. DeCristofaro announced that Preliminary Enrollment totals 9,543, with just over 100 additional students from last year. Elementary levels are rising, with over 800 students in Full-Day Kindergarten; almost all elementary grades are over 700 students. More detailed information will be presented at the October 9 School Committee meeting, following the October 1 submission of information to DESE.

For Maintenance/Custodial Summer Projects, the Parks Department did major work on grounds around all school buildings. The Department of Public Works relined parking lots at five schools and did major repairs to the Atlantic parking lot. Major construction projects were completed at Lincoln Hancock, Wollaston, Montclair, and Marshall Elementary Schools. Many projects were completed in all building trades. The Maintenance and Custodial staffs worked hard to prepare for the new school year.

Mr. Keith Segalla then updated the School Committee on the implementation and transition to the new Student Implementation System, Aspen X2, which was completed for the start of school. After nine months of planning, data conversion, and training, the system went live on August 16. Ten professional staff members were trained as champions for their schools; all middle and high school staffs have been trained (around 450 staff members). Another 200 Superintendent's Leadership Team members, Principals, and Administrators, have already been trained. Training and support will continue throughout the fall. The Elementary Classroom Attendance, Student/Parent Portal, Curriculum, and SPED Modules are still to be launched. This rollout required the collaboration of staff all over Quincy Public Schools, especially the IT team for their integral role in this launch.

Mrs. Lebo noted the amount of work that was done over the summer and thanked the Mayor for the speedy demolition of Quincy High School. Mrs. Lebo asked for an update on the solar array installation issue; Mayor Koch said that would be an agenda item for an upcoming meeting. Mr. McCarthy reminded the School Committee that this item was moved into the Facilities and Security Subcommittee at the June 12, 2013 School Committee meeting.

Mrs. Mahoney asked for an update on the rubble removal at the former Quincy High School site; feels that it is disruptive that the work was not done before school started. Mrs. Mahoney asked whether there was a schedule for the work to be done on the side of the new Quincy High School building that connected to the former building. She also expressed concern that the Lincoln Hancock library books were still being reshelved following the summer construction. Finally, Mrs. Mahoney asked whether there would be an upcoming Central Building Committee meeting scheduled; she is looking for an updated construction schedule and information for parents and expressed concerns about the project budget.

Mr. Bregoli noted that the increased enrollment can put pressure on school staff; he suggested that new registrations for all students could filter through Central Registration for the first month of school.

Mrs. Lebo asked for a list of Open House dates for elementary, middle, and high schools. Mrs. Mahoney noted that the information was posted on the Quincy Public Schools website.

Mayor Koch addressed Mrs. Mahoney's questions. The Quincy High School demolition was a complicated process due to the existing agreements with the Massachusetts Historic Society and the Army Corps of Engineers. The demolition was completed before school began, minimizing the disruption to students and classes at the school. The appropriation for additional landscaping will be coordinated with the Coddington Hall renovation and Dr. DeCristofaro and Principal Taglieri will be consulted during the plan development. Quincy High School architects SSMA is working with Public Buildings to develop a plan for finishing the remaining wall on the new Quincy High School exterior. The Coddington Hall renovation is currently ahead of schedule. At a Central Middle School project meeting today with all stakeholders in the Mayor's Office; the contractor assured everyone that the project is on budget in accordance with guidelines set forth in City Council appropriation. Within a week or two, the transition plan and move date for Central Middle School staff and students should be finalized and publicly shared.

Mr. Bregoli asked if there is a penalty that the building was not completed on time. Mayor Koch said there is language in the contract that allows for penalizing the contractor for delays.

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Old Business

School Committee Goal Setting 2013-2014

Dr. DeCristofaro reminded the School Committee of their role in the process of goal-setting. The Special Meeting focused on goal-setting will be held on Wednesday, September 18 at 5:00 pm in the NAGE Building. Ms. Isola noted that the meeting is a public meeting and has been very productive. A draft of the Superintendent's Annual Plan goals were shared; these will be shared for School and Program Improvement Plan preparation and feed into individual educator goals. The Superintendent set two goals and presented seven additional goals for the School Committee to choose from.

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Educator Evaluation Update

Acting Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey and Senior Director of Student Support Services and Special Education Maura Papile presented an update of the Educator Evaluation Implementation now underway in the Quincy Public Schools. Mr. Mulvey reviewed that the state passed a law in June 2011, mandating that all districts adopt these regulations. From the beginning, QPS's goal was to collaborate with the Quincy Education Association and the School Committee to implement this process. Mrs. Lebo was the School Committee representative on the model language negotiations team. The negotiations team is proposing adaption of the state's model language; ratification will be presented in Executive Session.

In order to prepare staff for the upcoming implementation, QPS has developed the Educator Evaluation Handbook in collaboration with the QEA and contracted with Longleaf Software for the Baseline Edge software. Mrs. Papile spoke about the trainings that have taken place to date; she thanked Dr. DeCristofaro, Mr. Mulvey, Ms. Cox, Principals Hennessy, Shaw, Sylvia, and Gilbert; and Mr. Keith Segalla for their work over the summer in planning the implementation process. Funding from DESE provided for the West Ed Consulting agency to assist with training. Beginning in June 2013, all evaluators (principals, assistant principals, department heads, directors, coordinators) received 6 hours of training. All staff have already received their overview training (September 3 for the high schools and September 10 for the middle and elementary schools). Subsequent trainings will take place on fall Assessment Days; since school goals and educator goals must align. Module trainings will be provided to all educators by their principals, supported by Superintendent’s Leadership Team members and West Ed training. Multiple trainings are staggered throughout the fall, with the final training on October 15. Each evaluator will receive 16 hours of training; more than the 11 hours that was recommended.

Mr. Bregoli asked what percentage of staff will be evaluated. Mr. Mulvey explained that 50% of building staff as follows: all non-Professional Status staff, plus Professional Status educators in inverse order of seniority. Mr. Bregoli asked about subjective vs. objective evaluation; Mr. Mulvey noted that the rubrics give specifics of what an evaluator should be observing. The evaluatee has the opportunity during the evidence collection phase to submit artifacts (lesson plans, bulletin boards, syllabi) to support their performance. Mr Mulvey clarified that at this time, standardized testing is not part of the evaluation process; that will be implemented in 2016. Mrs. Lebo also mentioned that samples of student work can be submitted as evidence to support teacher performance; both the educator and evaluator can add artifacts to the evidence. Mr. Bregoli asked that the goal is to improve student performance, not penalize staff members.

Ms. Isola asked if there was an evaluation of the process built into the implementation. Mr. Mulvey said that a work group would be formed to monitor the process with the goal of improving the process. The meetings should begin shortly; a schedule will be published. Mr. Bregoli asked about specialists, Art, Health, Library, Music, Physical Education; they are considered classroom teachers and will be evaluated under those rubrics. There is a rubric for Caseload Educators (Nurses, Guidance) and there is a primary evaluator (Director, Coordinator) or a principal can be designated as the evaluator. The number of evaluations are being analyzed to be sure that evaluators are not being overwhelmed with the volume.

Mrs. Lebo is concerned about the workload for the middle school Principals to complete these evaluations. Mrs. Mahoney is concerned about the volume of evaluation and the additional stress on all staff to complete this process. Mr. Mulvey said that the matrix of assignments will allow for analysis and adjustment. Ms. Isola noted that we are obligated to absorb this initiative with little or no additional support from DESE.

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New Business

Organizational Design

Dr. DeCristofaro spoke of the recent reorganization within the Quincy Public Schools administration, with an emphasis on strengthening focus on Curriculum and Instruction. The new Curriculum Team, the Student Support strand including Special Education, and Operations were all strengthened by the reorganization. With the number of federal and state initiatives that need to be met; all teams are working hard on meeting these demands. The organizational chart reflects the depth and supervision that will be beneficial moving forward.

Deputy Superintendent Appointment Acting Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey was presented as a candidate for appointment to Deputy Superintendent by Dr. DeCristofaro. Mr. Mulvey has been with the Quincy Public Schools since 2008, and is an accomplished attorney, former School Committee member, and team player. His strong work ethic has made him an invaluable part of the school system.

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve Mr. Mulvey as the Deputy Superintendent of Schools. He spoke of Kevin's many talents, hard work, and assistance on the City side on Human Resources and other issues. Mr. Mulvey handled the many recent contract negotiations with fairness; his parents would be proud of this honor.

Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion. He spoke of Mr. Mulvey as a great colleague on the School Committee and a solid member of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team. Mr. McCarthy has had the pleasure to negotiate many contracts in conjunction with Mr. Mulvey and agrees that this new position strengthens the school system.

On the motion, Mrs. Mahoney spoke of running for School Committee simultaneously with Mr. Mulvey and his professionalism. She expressed concern about workload for all of the members of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team. Mr. Mulvey’s integrity and belief in school system will benefit all students and staff.

Mrs. Lebo agreed that Mr. Mulvey is an excellent candidate for Deputy Superintendent and noted that Quincy Public Schools is not a top-heavy organization. She is requesting an adjustment to the Organization Chart so that Mr. Keith Segalla’s position as Executive Director of Informational Technology & Career and Technical Education is under Curriculum as well as Operations.

Mr. Bregoli complimented Mr. Mulvey's professionalism and integrity and supports his appointment. Ms. Isola spoke of Mr. Mulvey's analytical approach to issues, his careful assessment and determination of best course of action. Ms. Isola agrees with Mrs. Lebo, the Quincy Public Schools budget is not focused on administration, but in the future, the School Committee needs to consider how to support the Superintendent’s Leadership Team and the constant stream of new initiatives at the state and federal level. School Committee must assist in planning for the future so that education product can be delivered at the same level. Ms. Isola fully supports Kevin's appointment.

Mayor Koch said that tonight's vote is a vote of support for the Superintendent and the Leadership Team. He complimented the Superintendent’s Leadership Team for managing in the lean years and thanked the Superintendent for his lifelong dedication to education. This is an endorsement of the Superintendent's plan and the Leadership Team and the work they do every day.

On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

Dr. DeCristofaro congratulated Mr. Mulvey and thanked the School Committee for their support and concerns.

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FY2014

Mr. Mullaney reviewed the FY2014 budget; the original appropriation from the Mayor and City Council allowed us to meet contractual obligations for percentage, step and level raises, additional funding for staffing to keep class size at or below School Committee guidelines, restoration of Middle School Library Teachers, technology and supplies; restoration of Middle School extracurricular activities; and restoration of full Athletic Schedules including Freshman sports.

Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Beth Hallett, and Ms. Laura Owens presented on the orientation and training of the new Elementary School Library Support Teachers. Ms. Hallett outlined that the 13 teachers attended the Orientation on September 3 which included a discussion of their job expectations, presentations on SPED, ELL, Literacy, and Technology. On September 4, there was training for Reading Eggs (Grades K-2) and Study Island (Grades 3-5), followed by an overview of elementary school library procedures. Library Support Teachers were given an overview of the library management software and will work with IT staff to update catalog and patron information with a goal of beginning book checkout by the beginning of October. Additional Professional Development opportunities will be scheduled throughout the year, with the first scheduled for October 8.

Ms. Hallett continued with a report on the Middle School Librarians; three were hired to work with the five middle schools. These new QPS staff members attended the New Professional Staff Orientation in August and then met as a team on September 6, 9, and 10. These three days of meetings were focused on creating a preliminary curriculum map, set team goals and action steps, and topics for Professional Development. The goals included creating a Library page for the Quincy Public Schools website and creating a full curriculum map for Grades 5 and 6 students. Mr. Keith Segalla discussed the technology that each librarian will receive: new desktop computers and scanners and new laptops. Ms. Owens outlined the process of choosing a new software program for the middle and high school libraries. Follett’s Destiny program integrates with the new Aspen X2 Student Information System and patron information is seamlessly imported. QPS is working with Follett to convert the existing library catalog data, with training tentatively scheduled for the end of September. Other features of the software include integration with FollettShelf which is the eBook management system and parent/student access to website, catalog and account information. Given the cost of implementation, the middle and high schools will be upgraded this year, at a total cost of $20,000 for the seven sites. There is a yearly maintenance fee of approximately $350 per site.

Mrs. Mahoney complimented the integration of library services into the Aspen X2 system and asked for clarification of parent and student ability to access information from home. Through the technology, we are building a community where parents can be more involved with their children’s school day. Mrs. Lebo is very enthusiastic about tonight’s presentation; she sees the librarian role (1) to instill a love of reading (2) instructional partner to the content-area teacher; (3) to build reading research and digital literacy. Feels that Ms. Hallett’s involvement in the Library Teacher structure is important; would like Benchmarks for student achievement to be part of the Library Program Improvement Plan, specifically for Grade 6. Mrs. Lebo asked about flexibility in the Library Teacher schedules so there would be the opportunity for before or after school time in the library. Dr. DeCristofaro spoke of surveying parents. Mrs. Lebo thinks the Library page on the website is a great idea and suggested the Library Teachers focus on providing information to parents on Internet safety and citizenship. She also asked about connections to the High School librarians and Elementary Library Support Teachers. Ms. Hallett said there would be shared Professional Development and possibly a Vertical Team.

Mr. McCarthy complimented the re-energizing of the position with the curriculum plan and technology support and opportunities for professional development.

Dr. DeCristofaro then moved on to the new High School Athletic Directors, Mr. Mullaney has been working with them on establishing a budget and they have met with IT staff members about the technology available to them. Both Athletic Directors are collaborating on a Handbook and updating the QPS Website. The Athletic Directors will be introduced at the October 9 School Committee meeting.

Mr. Draicchio then presented on the Security Upgrades and reviewed the updated spreadsheet shared with the School Committee. Most schools have new door locks (1600 interior locks), access control devices for Lincoln Hancock and ECC; photo identification for all staff; visitors and substitutes identification has also been completed. Access control is almost completed for all schools; intercoms have also been installed and additional security cameras. Phase 2 will be the installation of lock boxes for Quincy Police Department access to all school buildings.

Mrs. Lebo thanked the Mayor and City Council for the budget appropriation; this will make families feel secure. She also thanked Mr. Draicchio and Mr. Kevin Segalla for the enormous effort to get all of these security upgrades completed during the summer months. Mr. Bregoli asked for the protocol when multiple visitors arrive at the school at the same time; Mr. Draicchio confirmed that the protocol is to ask each visitor to identify themselves outside the school building. Mr. Bregoli asked if the NQHS lobby issues have been addressed; the doors are now locked and visitors need to be admitted.

Mrs. Hubley asked and received confirmation that all of these same measures will be in place when the new Central opens. Mrs. Mahoney asked about Lincoln Hancock and Mr. Draicchio confirmed that there are buzzers with security cameras on all sides of the building and that all classrooms citywide have intercom access to their school office.

Mr. McCarthy noted that he has recently visited three schools and was very pleased with all the work that has been done. The work was done collaboratively and we remain on the forefront of school security in the region. Ms. Isola asked whether we hold a license or other id in exchange for visitor lanyard; we do not currently do this. She agreed that this is a huge accomplishment; Quincy is definitely ahead of neighboring cities and towns.

Mr. Draicchio thanked Mr. Kevin Segalla, Mr. Kevin Murphy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Bob Cavallo, and City IT for their collaboration and assistance in getting the security upgrades done over the summer.

Mr. Draicchio then thanked the Quincy Police Department for continuing to provide Traffic Supervisors, DARE Officers, and School Resource Officers (now three positions). QPS is also very fortunate for the partnership and the grants from the Norfolk County District Attorney and Sheriff's Offices.

Dr. DeCristofaro then reviewed the recent $400,000 appropriation approved by the City Council. The Superintendent’s recommendations for this supplemental budget include $200,000 for expanding the Central Middle School Library Teacher to a full-time position; restoring the two Health Intervention positions at the high schools; adding an Academic Classroom Teacher for Kindergarten enrollment at Lincoln Hancock; and adding two health aides to be divided between Lincoln Hancock, Clifford Marshall, and Central. The additional $200,000 would restore the Text and Learning funding that was moved during last spring's budget process.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the Superintendent's supplementatl budget recommendations; Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion. On the motion, Mrs. Mahoney thanked Governor Patrick for the additional funding from Chapter 70. She is happy to see the Health positions restored. She wonders whether this is too early to appropriate all of the money, in case there are class size issues that need to be addressed at a later date.

Mr. Bregoli thanked the Superintendent and Mayor for supporting the restoration of the Health Interventionist positions. Mrs. Lebo thanked the Superintendent for the additional time for the Central Middle School librarian. Mrs. Lebo asked if it was possible that the Health Interventionists be male and female and collaborate across both high schools. Mrs. Mahoney asked for consideration that the Central Library Teacher work with the high school and middle school librarians in a leadership role.

On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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Overnight Travel

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the overnight travel of the North Quincy High School AFJROTC to Camp Edwards in Bourne, Massachusetts September 25, 2013 through September 29, 2013. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Additional Business

Mr. McCarthy noted that the Solar Array Installation is in Facilities & Security Subcommittee. He will touch base on the issue with the Mayor and schedule this as an agenda item for an upcoming Subcommittee meeting.

Mr. McCarthy also noted that the Presidents City Inn next to the new Central Middle School site has been vacated for renovation. He would like to have the owner and his attorney present to School Committee on the updated renovation plan. Mr. Bregoli requested updated information on police activity at the Presidents' City Inn. Mrs. Mahoney expressed disappointment that the President's City Inn has continued to be an issue in the community after the owner promised improvements.

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to move the request to name the computer laboratory at Atherton Hough after William B. Dunn Jr. to the Policy Subcommittee. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mayor Koch mentioned that $500,000 will be appropriated to address HVAC issues at North Quincy High School. Mr. Cunniff will be in touch with Superintendent DeCristofaro and Principal Shaw about the extent and schedule of the work to be done.

Mrs. Mahoney noted that at tonight's Quincy High Boys School soccer game (a 4-1 victory), Principal Taglieri was present and also retired Principal Santoro.

Mr. McCarthy thanked Mr. Murphy for the extensive list of project completed by Public Buildings/Maintenance over the summer.

Ms. Isola mentioned the Atlantic Middle School Young Writers Literary Magazine shared with the School Committee this summer and the quality of the writing.

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Executive Session

Mrs. Lebo made a motion for the School Committee to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:55 pm. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0. Ms. Isola noted that the School Committee would be returning after Executive Session.

Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Superintendent’s Leadership Team and congratulated Mr. Mulvey on his appointment as Deputy Superintendent.

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The School Committee returned from Executive Session at 10:10 pm.

Approval of MOA Between Quincy School Committee and QEA Unit C

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Quincy School Committee and the Quincy Education Association, Unit C. The motion was seconded by Mayor Koch and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

Approval of MOA Between Quincy School Committee and QPS Custodians, Unit B

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Quincy School Committee and the Quincy Public Schools Custodial Association, Unit B. The motion was seconded by Mayor Koch and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

Approval of MOA Quincy School Committee and QEA For Model Contract Language

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Quincy School Committee and the Quincy Education Association for the Between Model Contract Language for Educator Evaluation. The motion was seconded by Mayor Koch and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

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Adjournment

Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 10:15 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.