Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – January 13, 2016
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
January 13, 2016 at the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. James DeAmicis,
Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney,
and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
§
The Superintendent called the roll and Mayor Koch was absent. Also present
were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mrs. Rita
Bailey, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Beth Hallett,
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins,
Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Judy Todd; Quincy Education
Association President Allison Cox; Citywide Parent Council Co-Presidents
Scott Alessandro and Paula Reynolds.
§
There was a moment of silence for former Superintendent Eugene Creedon;
City Councilor Brian McNamee; James Mullaney, father of Business Director
Jim Mullaney; and Betty Faiella, Food Services staff member at North Quincy
High School for almost forty years.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 12/9/15
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for December 9, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Organizational Meeting Minutes Approved 1/4/16
Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Ms. Isola, to approve the Organizational
Meeting minutes for January 4, 2016. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee went on to the next
item on the agenda.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by reading the following
remembrance of Superintendent Eugene Creedon, who passed away on
December 24, 2015.
Superintendent Eugene Creedon served in so many roles in his
over forty years in Quincy Public Schools. He began as an English
teacher at Point Junior High School, became the first lay Principal of St.
Ann’s, then on to Principal at the Parker Elementary School, where he
made sure that there was always “humane treatment of little folk,” as the
Mayor mentioned in his inaugural speech, quote from Colonel Francis
Parker.
Gene then became the Principal of Broad Meadows Middle School,
Director of Elementary and Secondary Schools, Assistant Superintendent
of Schools and Programs, and then was appointed Superintendent of
Quincy Public Schools for Kindergarten through Grade 14 at the time,
including Quincy College, where he served and administered so
successfully until his retirement.
As I perused his personnel file, I was not surprised by the many
accolades written about who he was and his leadership from former
Superintendents Larry Creedon, John Osterman, and Bob Ricci, as well as
so many parents, administrators, colleagues, teachers, and students.
Gene was always proud of his Kendall Street/North Quincy roots and full
of his passion for teaching and always sharing his gift and love of drama
and the arts, personally directing so many musical productions and
plays.
Staff and colleagues described Gene as a true friend, excellent
leader, and a Principal who made a lasting impression on all students.
They praised him for always being collaborative, thoughtful, and
concerned about all in his care – sensitive, trusted, loved, admired, and
an advocate for the self-confidence and self-esteem of students.
A student once wrote about him “He instilled in all a will for us to
do better” and “A day never passed that he did not make a student feel
ten feet tall.” I was one of his Point Junior students and an eventual
colleague and feel so very fortunate to have had such a wonderful
teacher and mentor.
Superintendent Creedon epitomized everything good in our
Quincy Public Schools – creating his own legacy of “humane treatment of
little folk (and all folk)” that will live in the hearts of so many for so many
years to come…
Dr. DeCristofaro welcomed new School Committee members James DeAmicis and
Emily Lebo, who are replacing David McCarthy and Noel DiBona as School
Committee members.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that we have received the Massachusetts School Building
Authority timeline for submitting 2016 Statements of Interest. At theJanuary 27
meeting, votes will be taken to support refreshing the Squantum Elementary
School Statement of Interest and to support submitting Accelerated Repair
Program Statements of Interest for boiler replacement projects for Atherton
Hough, Beechwood Knoll, Merrymount, and Wollaston Elementary Schools. City
Council will vote on supporting these Statements of Interest at their February 1
meeting.
Accelerated Repair Program projects in process at Beechwood Knoll (roof,
windows, and doors) and Merrymount (roof) are in the schematic design phase.
The total project budget will be presented to City Council on January 19, 2016 for
consideration of the appropriation.
For the new Sterling Middle School, a neighborhood meeting will be Thursday,
February 4 at 6:00 pm at Lincoln Hancock. The procurement process for
Construction Manager is underway; six firms have submitted RFPs for review.
The schematic design process is ongoing with meetings taking place this week
with Sterling staff and administrators.
On Monday, January 11, Attorney General Maura Healy and representatives from
the New England Patriots Foundation met with Mayor Koch, Norfolk County
District Attorney Michael Morrissey, Vice Chair Paul Bregoli, Superintendent
DeCristofaro, Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile, and
student representatives from North Quincy and Quincy High Schools to introduce
the “Game Change” program, which focuses on healthy relationship choices and
was developed in collaboration with Northeastern University.
Dr. DeCristofaro congratulated Central Middle School drama students for the
recent Into the Woods show, directed by Jim Phelan and Christopher Boel, and
performed for two sold-out performances on January 7-8. The North Quincy High
School Quiz Show team will compete in the first round at WGBH studios on
Sunday, January 24 at 3:00 pm.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that Special Education Director Judy Todd will retire
at the end of June and Director of Data & Assessment Mary Fredrickson will be
retiring January 29. Both will be missed for their significant contributions and
experience.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that several newsletters were
shared with School Committee from the Atherton Hough Elementary School;
Broad Meadows, Point Webster, and Sterling Middle School for Curriculum; Point
Webster Middle School for Athletics; and program Newsletters for Elementary
Curriculum, Special Education, and Student Support Services program.
Mr. Bregoli noted that the gavel used for tonight’s meeting was a gift from Senator
Paul Harold to former City Council President Ted DeCristofaro, Superintendent
DeCristofaro’s father.
§
Old Business
2016-2017 School
Year Calendar
Mr. Bregoli introduced the draft calendar for the 2016-2017 School Year, which
was approved in Policy Subcommittee. As there were no further suggested
changes, the calendar will be posted for public comment and voted on at the
January 27, 2016 School Committee meeting.
§
New Business
QPS 2015-2016
Initiatives Update
Dr. DeCristofaro introduced members of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team to
update on some of the initiatives currently underway across Quincy Public
Schools. Senior Director of Student Support Maura Papile, spoke about the
recently completed Substance Abuse Awareness Week, a meaningful way for
students to participate in activities focused on positive decisions, discuss difficult
subjects, and provide peer support. With the support of the Mayor’s Office, the
Thompson Family, presentations were done for all grade levels. The Mayor’s
Office sponsored an essay contest at both high schools, which over 200 students
voluntarily participated in. Mrs. Papile announced a Parent Academy event on
Healthy Choices on March 24, 2016.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mrs. Papile, Health Services Coordinator Rita Bailey, and
all the Student Support Services staff for the work they do with students.
Director of Elementary Curriculum & Programs Erin Perkins updated on the
implementation of the Elementary Standards-Based Report Cards. In August, 100
teachers volunteered to attend an Aspen Gradebook training, training continued
throughout the fall. Also in the fall, teachers worked in grade-level teams to
finalize the grading rubrics, while administrators worked to prepare parents for
the transition. Several Parent Academies were held to assist parents in learning
how to access Aspen, and schools hosted coffee hours and PTO meeting
presentations. On December 18, the elementary report cards were published and
parent-teacher conferences were held on January 5 and 12 at all elementary
schools. Parent feedback was positive and the first conferences went very
smoothly. Mrs. Lebo asked for clarification on the grade levels, Grades 1 through 5
was implemented this year and Kindergarten is under development for
implementation in 2016-2017.
Executive Director of Career & Technical Education and Instructional Technology
Keith Segalla thanked Mayor Koch and School Committee for the special
appropriation for technology, 84 classrooms will receive Eno interactive
whiteboards and short throw projectors. Installations will begin on January 18 at
North Quincy High School and continue through the next several weeks outside
school hours, on weekends, and during February vacation. In collaboration with
the Public Buildings Maintenance department, any existing equipment will be
removed and installation disruptions kept to a minimum.
Director of English Language Learners & Academic Programs Beth Hallett updated
the Dual Enrollment Initiative that began in September. College on My Campus has
four courses offerings (Psychology, Accounting I, Marketing & Management, Public
Speaking) for college credit at both high schools by QPS teachers with credit
awarded by Quincy College, 3 credits each, transferrable to other colleges and
universities. The offerings were sent to Grade 12 students, cost is $161 plus $98
registration fee, regularly over $650. 60 students are currently enrolled from both
high schools. Teachers will meet with the Quincy College Dean of Institutional
Affairs in the spring to evaluate this year and plan for next year. In year 2 of pilot,
courses will be offered to Grades 11 and 12 students and the offerings expanded.
Ms. Isola asked if students can take more than one course. Ms. Hallett said
students may take as many courses as their schedules allow and will follow up
with details of how many students are taking more than one class. Mrs. Lebo
asked if there is a provision for students on free/reduced lunch who cannot afford
the fees at all. Ms. Hallett said that this year, the tuition fees had to be paid up
front, but exploration is being done on how to further assist students with
financial hardship. Mrs. Lebo suggested that a college English 101 would be a
valuable course to offer since all students are required to take this. Ms. Hallett
said the challenge would be to ensure alignment of standards between the
Common Core and college requirements. Mrs. Mahoney agreed that this is an
amazing opportunity for students and asked for more information about schools
that accept Quincy College credits. Mrs. Mahoney asked if other colleges are
offering this opportunity. Ms. Hallett said this is a unique program, with Quincy
Public Schools teachers instructing these courses on our campuses. Other colleges
offer high school students enrollment opportunities but these are not during
school hours and for school credit. Mrs. Mahoney agreed that English and Math
classes would be a good area for expansion. Mr. Bregoli asked if there were more
students interested than seats available; Ms. Hallett said we did not reach any
enrollment limits. Mrs. Lebo asked if all four classes were at both high schools:
North Quincy High School has all four classes, while Quincy High School has three
(Quincy College’s Marketing & Management class does not align with the Career &
Technical Education major curriculum in place).
Senior Director of Middle School Curriculum & Programs Madeline Roy presented
an update on Quincy Public Schools collaboration with the Department of
Elementary & Secondary Education’s District and School Assistance Center (DSAC)
team. DSAC’s role is to facilitate high-quality Professional Development,
individualized assistance as requested, and strategic partnership assisatnace and
networking for Level 3 and 4 districts. Advancing professional growth of
educators teaching students with disabilities or English Language Learners is just
one example of where district and DESE goals align. Quincy Public Schools is
currently utilizing the DSAC team’s regional Math specialist to assist teachers with
instructional strategies and providing resources for students struggling with
Mathematics. DSAC also provides opportunities for participation in the Principal
Leadership Network and assists with grant development.
§
School Committee
Clerk Appointment
2016-2017
Ms. Isola made a motion to re-appoint Laura Owens as School Committee Clerk for
2016-2017. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes
have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
§
School Committee
Meeting Calendar for
2016-2017 to Policy
Subcommittee
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to move the 2016-2017 School Committee Meeting
Calendar into the Policy Subcommittee. On the motion, Mrs. Hubley requested
consideration of moving the School Committee meeting start time to 6:30 pm.
Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
School Committee
Policy Book to Policy
Subcommittee
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to move the School Committee Policy Book into the
Policy Subcommittee for review. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Gift: $6,000 for QPS
Music Programs
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the Gift of $6,000.00 from the Randy C. Wolfe
Music Trust to benefit the Quincy Public Schools Music Programs. Mrs. Hubley
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Overnight Travel
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Overnight travel of Quincy High School
Student Council to the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils Conference,
Hyannis, Massachusetts, March 9-11, 2016. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Overnight travel of Sterling Middle School
Grade 7 to Camp Wing, Duxbury, Massachusetts, May 18-19, 2016. Mrs. Lebo
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: Regular Meetings on January 27, 2016 and
February 10, 2016, both at 7:00 pm at the Coddington Building; Subcommittee
Meetings for Special Education on Wednesday, January 20, 2016; Teaching &
Learning and Budget & Finance on Monday, January 25, 2016.
Mrs. Lebo asked if the January 25, 2016 meetings can be rescheduled due to a
scheduling conflict, so rescheduled dates will be posted.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mr. Bregoli noted that all Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at
www.quincypublicschools.com.
Policy
Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Policy Subcommittee Meeting held on January 6, 2016.
The first item on the agenda was consideration of training school nurses and
athletic trainers to administer Narcan and this was approved and will be
scheduled for an upcoming Professional Development meeting.
The 2016-2017 School Year Calendar draft was reviewed and approved with the
change of eliminating the high school graduation rain date. The draft calendar
was moved back to the full School Committee with this change.
Subcommittee Meeting
Minutes Approved
As there were no corrections to the meeting minutes the January 6, 2016 Policy
Subcommittee Meeting minutes, the minutes were approved as presented.
§
Adjournment
Ms. Isola made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 7:55 p.m. The motion was
seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.