Oct. 21, 2014 Facilities Sub Meeting

Agenda

Quincy School Committee
Facilities & Security Subcommittee
Mr. David McCarthy, Chairperson
Coddington Building
Tuesday, October 21, 2014, 5:00 p.m

  1. Security Program Improvement Plan - Mr. Draicchio

  2. Custodial Program Improvement Plan - Mr. Kevin Segalla

  3. Adjournment/Thank You!

Minutes

Quincy School Committee
Facilities & Security Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, October 21, 2014

A meeting of the Facilities & Security Subcommittee was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 5:00 pm at the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mr. David McCarthy, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mr. James Mullaney, Mr. Kevin Segalla; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Mr. McCarthy called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm and reviewed the meeting purpose and agenda.

Director of Security Michael Draicchio presented the Safety & Security Program Improvement Plan, and reviewed the safety initiatives implemented at all schools: classroom door locks, common area security, and photo IDs for all staff, protocols for visitors and substitutes, access control, video intercom systems, and upgraded DVRs, cameras, equipment at all schools. City and School IT support has been instrumental in completing this upgrades.

The Safety & Security Team has members from the Quincy Police Department, Quincy Fire Department, Norfolk County Sheriff's Office, the Department of Youth Services, the Department of Children & Families, Probation, the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, the MBTA Police Department, and Fallon Ambulance, along with many Quincy Public Schools staff members. The QPS Security staff are renewing CPR and First Aid certification this year

Mrs. Hubley asked about the Safety & Security newsletter being posted on the website. Mr. Draicchio said this will be done. Mr. McCarthy thanked Mr. Draicchio and Mr. Kevin Segalla for the safety initiatives. Mr. McCarthy asked about new School Resource Officers; for this school year, there are three: Greg Hartnett (middle school), Benny Chin (NQHS), and Steve Burgio (QHS). Mr. McCarthy thanked Chief Keenan for his support.

Mr. McCarthy asked about the remaining work at North Quincy High School and all work should be completed by the end of the calendar year. Mr. Bregoli asked about the high school front doors, each now have video intercoms. Mr. McCarthy complimented the process for completing the security checklist where the principal is part of the process, since they know their buildings best. Mr. McCarthy asked for clarification for checking visitor IDs. Mr. Draicchio said that the visitor protocol asks visitors to remove sunglasses, hats, hoods and present an ID to receive a visitor lanyard. Visitors are expected to comply with request for identification or they will not be admitted to the building.

Mr. Bregoli said that last year we had discussed the license scanner used in other school systems. Mr. Draicchio said that the system requires a yearly subscription and does not necessarily provide the depth of information to make a decision on the spot. The Quincy Police Department assisted QPS in 2 Facilities & Security Subcommittee Meeting 10-21-14 researching what is available and agreed it was not worth the investment at this point in time. Mr. Mulvey reminded School Committee that any volunteers who may have direct and unmonitored contact with students are subject to the National Background Check. Mr. Bregoli is concerned that visitors may not always be escorted in the school buildings. Mr. Draicchio will meet with Security staff to remind them of the protocol. Mrs. Hubley asked if security and door cameras are all in working order and Mr. Draicchio confirmed that they are.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Safety and Security Program Improvement Plan. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Kevin Segalla presented the Custodial Services Program Improvement Plan. Custodial Services has 63 staff members, 20 Senior and 43 Junior Custodians. Mr. Segalla mentioned the new department secretary Doreen Colarusso, who replaced retired longtime secretary Patti Nichol. Mr. Segalla thanked School Committee for the additional staff member funded in this year’s budget.

In 2013-2014, Custodial services created an inventory survey for equipment at each school building for the purposes of creating a plan for replacement equipment. Mr. Segalla thanked Gary Cunniff and Public Buildings for support on daily issues and large-scale summer projects.

In 2014-2015, the Custodial department will design and develop a new Quincy Public School facilities rental program. The new software is called SchoolDude and will eventually have the ability for public access to determine facility availability.

Mrs. Hubley requested a survey of teacher and student restroom facilities. Mr. Bregoli asked about the summer high school student employees, around 20 students successfully participated in the program through the South Shore Workforce Investment Board.

Mr. McCarthy asked about regular meetings with Maintenance and Public Buildings; meetings are held twice per month and collaboration on issues is very good. Mr. McCarthy complimented Mr. Segalla on how great the schools look. The Custodians are an important part of all school staffs.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Custodial Services Program Improvement Plan. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn the Facilities & Security Subcommittee at 5:30 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.