Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – October 25, 2017
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, Regular
October 25, 2017 at the Point Webster Middle School at 6:30 p.m. The Meeting
Superintendent called the roll and present were School Committee Chairman
Mayor Thomas Koch,Mr. James DeAmicis, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola,
Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Ms. Christine Barrett, Mr. Robert Cavallo, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Dr.
Beth Hallett, Ms. Paula McGeady, Ms. Rebecca McInnis, Mr. James Mullaney,
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins,
City IT Director Chuck Phelan, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Aliza
Schneller, Ms. Helena Skinner; Quincy Education Association President
Allison Cox; Citywide Parents Council Co-Presidents Scott Alessandro and
Courtney Perdios.
§
There was a moment of silence for retired teachers David Meehan, Mary O’Connor,
Ted Clarke, and Anne Emerson, who all passed away recently.
Mr. Bregoli noted that Point Webster Middle School’s Auditorium flag was dedicated
in memory of Former Ward 2 City Councillor Ted DeCristofaro, the Superintendent’s
father.
Point Webster Principal Christine Barrett welcomed Mayor Koch and the School
Committee to Point Webster, which will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the
school building’s opening on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 2:00 pm.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
10.11.2017
Mayor Koch made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeAmicis to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for October 11, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
North Quincy High School Student Representative Luke Molloy spoke to School
Committee about reinstating the Student Advisory Council, which by law is
mandated to meet every other month with School Committee. This council has
been inactive in Quincy since the late 1970s. Reinstating this group, which would
have three representatives from each high school would encourage student input.
North Quincy High School Social Studies Department Chair and Student Council
Advisor Danielle Fernandes spoke in support of Mr. Molloy and noted his
representation of Quincy Public Schools on the DESE council.
Mr. Scott Alessandro, Citywide Co-President, spoke about Elementary Library
Support teachers and opportunities for training. Suggested the creation of a
Superintendent’s Innovation Fund of $200,000, to be available to allocate for new
ideas that come up during the school year rather than waiting for the new budget
year to begin.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with Inspire Quincy
featuring Kindergarten Parent-Child Day at Snug Harbor, Celtics renovation of
Music Room at Lincoln Hancock, PBIS at Clifford Marshall, the Professional
Educator Status Reception, Fun Run at Squantum, the QPS Health Symposium, and
interviews with the NQHS & QHS Golf Captains.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that in recognition of American Education Week, the
winners of the annual Poster, Essay, and Video Contest will be celebrated at the
December 6 School Committee Meeting. The Quincy Lodge of Elks made their
annual donation of dictionaries to over 700 Grade 3 students. The Sterling
Building Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 14 at 4:15 pm at the
Coddington Building. Sterling Middle School will hold their Veterans Day
Assembly on November 9 at 1:00 pm.
Upcoming Quincy Public Schools events include the Pre-Kindergarten Motor
Activity Day at Della Chiesa on October 27 at 8:30 am. The Beechwood Knoll Fall
Festival will be Saturday, October 28. The Educator Mini-Grants Reception will be
held on November 2, over 80 were granted for a total of $32,000. Over $350,000
has been distributed to date, thanks to the generosity of our partners.
Project 351’s annual Day of Service will be Saturday, January 13, 2018 All five
Quincy Public Schools Middle Schools will have Grade 8 ambassadors this year
and these students will be recognized at the January 24, 2018 School Committee
meeting.
Recent Quincy Public Schools events include the Grade 8 Open Houses at NQHS
and QHS, which were both well-attended. At the recent Health & Wellness
Symposium, 80 staff members from all schools participated in setting goals for
2017-18 which will be reflected in School Improvement Plans
The Learn to Swim Program for Grade 2 students is underway with the South
Shore YMCA. Students from Merrymount and Atherton Hough are participating in
the first session.
189 students from North Quincy and Quincy High Schools have been awarded the
John and Abigail Adams Scholarships. These students scored Advanced on at least
one MCAS Assessment and their scores were in the top 25% citywide. Students
will be recognized at North Quincy High School on November 3 at 9:00 am and at
Quincy High School on November 2 at 8:00 am.
MCAS Results have been released on a slightly later schedule than in previous
years by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Parent reports
will be mailed out next week along with a letter of explanation of the new scoring
system for Grades 3-8.
In recognition of National Farm to School month, Mayor Koch proclaimed October
25 as Farm to School day at an event held at Lincoln Hancock Community School.
Representatives from the US Department of Agriculture were on hand to hear
from students who have benefitted from the Farm to School grant through their
field trip and lessons from Holly Hill Organic Farm in Cohasset.
§
Old Business
Fuel Efficient Fleet
Policy (Vote)
Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the revised Fuel Efficient Fleet Policy as
presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a roll call vote, the
ayes have it, 7-0.
§
School Committee
Policy Book Section 2
Mr. Bregoli referred School Committee Policy Book Section 2 back to
Subcommittee
§
New Business
Creating Successful
Pathways for College
and Career
Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile, accompanied by High
School Guidance Department Chairs Helena Skinner and Paula McGeady and
Quincy High School Career & Technical Education Department Chair Rebecca
McInnis, presented on creating successful pathways for high school students.
Beginning in Grade 9, the focus is on the transition to high school, understanding
promotion and graduation requirements, introducing Naviance and the career
interest inventory, plus assisting students in developing their personal learning
plan which covers high school and two years beyond graduation. In Grade 10, the
focus shifts more to career cluster assessments, Career Day, and updating
personal learning plans. For Grade 11, post-graduate planning begins, including
college visits, the College Fair and for Grade 12, college and career planning
becomes more solidified. Support for applying for colleges, scholarships, and jobs
is provided. Small group support is available for English Learners and Special
Education students as well.
Course selection for students is a crucial part of the Student Support process and
the continued updating of the personal learning plan. Student Support
connections are established early on, students have the same Counselor for their
four years of high school. High School Student Support provides responsive
services to address the social/emotional needs of students: consistent attendance,
placement or agency referrals, mental health and wellness, substance use
prevention, stress/anxiety management
Preparing students for the new SATs was an important part of the college
preparation process for this year’s seniors. The class of 2017 first took the new
SAT in Spring 2016 and again in Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. The Class of 2017 has
a 79% participation rate, which is higher than the state rate of 69% and the
national rate of 48%. Quincy Public School’s mean score of 1100 is very close to
the state’s mean score of 1103 and higher than the national mean score of 1070.
Pathways available for students are academic and/or career & technical
education. The annual review of Education and Career Plans is a means of
students taking responsibility for their own career planning. CTE certifications
include Occupational Proficiency and a range of safety and skills certifications.
Mayor Koch left the meeting at 7:35 pm
Mrs. Lebo said that the 6-year plan process looks great and asked about expanded
opportunities at North Quincy High School for Career & Technical Education.
Current Chapter 74 programs are Carpentry and Health Services; Design & Visual
Communications and Broadcasting are in the DESE review process; next year,
Engineering and IT will be added and begin the Chapter 74 certification process.
Mrs. Mahoney asked about preparing Special Education students for college,
learning how to self-advocate is especially important for these students. Mrs.
Skinner said that specially tailored presentations have been held at both schools.
Mrs. Mahoney said whatever we can do to educate parents on the supports
available to them will be helpful. Students need to know that education may
stretch on longer than the two or four years after high school, there is no time
limit and no one path.
Mrs. Lebo asked about social media and whether students understand that
colleges look at their “digital footprint.” Mrs. Skinner said that they emphasize
this with students beginning in Grade 9. In order to use Naviance, an email
address is required, so the first lesson is having a professional email address.
Anti-bullying education also emphasizes safe use of social media.
Mrs. Lebo said that one of her goals is to expand graduate follow-up. We have so
many email addresses, is there a way to follow up with students beyond the first
year to find out if students were prepared for their post-graduate studies and
careers.
Mr. Bregoli asked about students not going on to college. Mrs. Papile said the 6-
year plans take into account students who are entering the world of work, the CTE
certifications and licensure prepare our students and provide career directions.
Mrs. Skinner said the Career Days also expose students to many different
careersoptions. Mrs. McGeady said the interest inventories that students complete guide them in assisting students to find internships and jobs in their
chosen field.
Mrs. Mahoney asked about apprenticeship in the building trades. Ms. McInnis said
students earn apprenticeship hours in high school that can be applied, this is part
of their portfolios.
Mrs. Hubley asked if Career Days are offered at both high schools. Mrs. Skinner
said each high school has their own events for Grade 10 students.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the presenters, noting that our students have the tools to
succeed because of this array of student supports.
§
New Business
Program Improvement
Plan Presentation:
Technology Planning &
Training
Executive Director of Career & Technical Education Keith Segalla, City IT Director
Chuck Phelan, and IT System Administrator Bob Cavallo presented the Technology
& Training Program Improvement Plan. Mr. Segalla reviewed that the goals are
continued from year to year and focused on implementing the evolving technology
plan and upgrading the technology infrastructure.
Mr. Phelan reviewed that over the Summer of 2017, additional wireless access
points were installed in all buildings to increase bandwidth. All school buildings
now have fiber lines run through Comcast. 75% of elementary and middle school
wiring has been completely upgraded. Telephone systems will be replaced in 16
buildings, 12 have been surveyed to plan the installation. Installations of VOIP
systems has been delayed as wiring issues are addressed in these buildings. Older
analog equipment will be replaced beginning January 1. New firewalls have been
installed in every school, with upgraded servers and security software layers
added.
Mr. Segalla spoke of the collaboration with the Curriculum & Assessment
Management and Principal teams on expanding online assessments. MCAS 2.0
will be expanded to Grades 5 and 7 this year.
Technology training opportunities are prioritized through the Digital Learning
Teams, including summer offerings and throughout the school year. Through
multiple funding opportunities (grant funding, QPS budget, Capital Improvement
Plan, PTO support), Quincy Public Schools is expanding technology equipment
offerings and replacing aging items. Software expenditures include licenses for
Aspen, Baseline Edge, Follett Destiny Library Manager, Reading Eggs, and others.
Community Business Partners, such as Granite Telecommunications, Attorney
George Burke, NFPA, Boston Celtics, Massachusetts Life Sciences have assisted
with technology acquisition.
Mrs. Mahoney asked about equity issues, asked for an analysis of equipment and
the number of students in each building to inform future budget planning. Mr.
Segalla said that these are considerations when making decisions about
purchasing, trying to make sure that each school has the appropriate technology
to student ratio.
Mrs. Lebo asked for a baseline of what each school should have optimally and how
close are we to that goal. Mrs. Lebo commended the staff for preparation for the
online MCAS Assessments, would like students to have as many opportunities as
possible to be familiar with the devices they will be taking the tests on.
Mrs. Mahoney wanted to reiterate that PTO support is independent and it can
inadvertently create inequities among schools.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mr. Phelan for always being supportive of the Quincy
Public Schools. Dr. DeCristofaro said that Mr. Segalla and the Technology Planning
&7 Training team has worked hard to balance the needs of all the schools.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Technology Planning & Training
Program Improvement Plan. The motion was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
MASC Conference
Resolutions (Vote)
Mrs. Hubley reviewed the resolutions to be voted on at the Annual Meeting of the
Massachusetts Association of School Committees.
Resolution 1: Movement of the Chapter 70 Funding Enrollment Date to March 15
Mrs. Hubley said the new date is arbitrary, doesn’t see the need for the change,
October 1 is the date for lots of data. On a roll call vote, the nays have it 6-0.
Mayor Koch was Absent.
Resolution 2: Reform of Circuit Breaker Funding
Mrs. Lebo said this it doesn’t
seem to make a difference one way or another for us. Ms. Isola said that she
doesn’t feel she understands the issue, but should we support Framingham. Mr.
DeAmicis agreed. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 4-0. Mrs. Mahoney and Ms.
Isola abstained.
Resolution 3: Litigation for Fair School Finance
Mr. Mulvey said going back to
1973, the Supreme Court gave states the mandate to provide equitable funding for
schools. From 1978 to 1993, there was litigation and Massachusetts was found to
not be following this directive. In 1993, Education Reform Act was passed,
addressing most of the issues. From 1999 to 2005, a new suit was litigated and
since significant progress had been made, the Supreme Judicial Court rejected this
suit. This resolution asks School Committees to join with Framingham in
assessing the potential success of refiling litigation. There is a lot of uncertainty
about the viability, what data would be used to make the determination, and the
cost assumption should the unspecified reserves of MASC be exhausted.
Mrs. Lebo thanked Mr. Mulvey for his summary, she is against the resolution. On a
roll call vote, the nays have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
Resolution 4: Privatization of Public Education and the Oversight of Public Schools
The resolution opposes any state or federal initiative to authorize the use of state
funds for education to subsidize the tuition or costs of private schools, except
where authorized for students with disabilities. On a voice vote, the ayes have it
6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
Resolution 5: Use of Federal Funds
The resolution urges the legislature to restrict
the ability of DESE any share of funds disbursed by the federal government. Mrs.
Lebo is against this resolution, the monitoring required by grant funding still has
to be done at the state level, the funding will come from somewhere. Ms. Isola
asked about the basis of the resolution, perhaps this is a way to get more funding
into the budgets of school. On a roll call vote, the nays have it 6-0. Mayor Koch
was absent.
Resolution 6: Foundation Budget
The resolution calls for the recommendations of
the 2015 Foundation Budget Review Commission to be enacted. Mr. Mullaney
said that this is an attempt to add items not traditionally part of the foundational
budget, like retirement and insurance. Ms. Isola asked for clarification that this is
not a change to how the Foundational Budget is calculated, but increasing the
overall allocation. Mr. Mullaney said this is not an issue for us as the City of
Quincy, as the City carries these costs for Quincy Public Schools. On a roll call
vote, the nays have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
Resolution 7: Affordable Care Act and Medicaid
Mr. Mullaney said that since the
ACA is not fully funded, this is affecting the level of Medicaid reimbursements. On
a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion that as Quincy School Committee delegate, she would
have the ability to vote on amended motions during the meeting on behalf of the
Quincy Public Schools.
On the motion, Mrs. Lebo thanked Mrs. Hubley for representing the School
Committee at the MASC Annual Meeting.
Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mayor
Koch was absent.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel (Overnight) of
Central Middle School Grade 8 to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on June 5-7, 2018.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Additional Business
Ms. Isola moved the Student Advisory Committee into Policy Subcommittee. Since
the School Committee Policy Book is in Policy Subcommittee for review, this item
will be addressed during the review of Section 2.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: November 15, 2017 at the Coddington
Building (Executive Session at 6:00 pm, followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:30
pm); and December 6, 2017 at Central Middle School at 6:00 pm.
Subcommittee Meetings will be held on November 13, 2017 (Budget & Finance at
5:00 pm; Athletics at 5:15 pm; and Teaching & Learning at 5:45 pm); November
14, 20, and 21, 2017 (Teaching & Learning, all at 5:00 pm).
Mrs. Lebo asked if we can notify PTOs when their School Improvement Plans are
scheduled to be presented.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mr. Bregoli noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.
Policy Subcommittee
Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Policy Subcommittee meeting held on October 19, 2017.
The Revised Fuel Efficient Fleet Policy and Section 2 of the Policy Book were
reviewed.
As there were no corrections, the meeting minutes for the October 19, 2017 Policy
Subcommittee were approved as presented.
§
Mrs. Hubley reviewed the Facilities & Security Subcommittee meeting held on
October 19, 2017. Director of Safety & Security Michael Draicchio presented the
Safety & Security Program Improvement Plan. Public Buildings Director Walter
MacDonald presented an extensive list of the work completed over the summer in
all Quincy Public Schools Buildings.
As there were no corrections, the meeting minutes for the October 19, 2017
Facilities & Security Subcommittee were approved as presented.
§
Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
§
Adjournment
Ms. Isola made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 9:00 p.m. The motion was
seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.