Minutes
Quincy, MASSACHUSETTS – August 14, 2020
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Special Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Special Meeting
Vice-Chair Presiding
A special meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. School Committee Clerk Laura Owens called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mr. Frank Santoro, and Mr. Anthony Andronico, Vice Chair.
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QPS Superintendent
Finalist Candidate
Deliberation
Mr. Andronico outlined the process for deliberation of the finalist candidates for the Quincy Public Schools Superintendent and the selection of the new Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Andronico presented two methods of selection: ballot (selection is named, members have the option to change their vote in order to be unanimous) or by motion for a specific candidate with a yes or no vote and no opportunity for change.
Mr. Gutro agreed with the recommendation from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to utilize the ballot method as this allows for the opportunity to ultimately support the candidate appointed.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the ballot selection method, seconded by Mr. Gutro. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.
Mr. Andronico thanked the School Committee members for their efforts, particularly Mr. Santoro for Chairing the Search Committee, Mrs. Lebo and Mr. Bregoli for serving on the Search Committee, and Ms. Owens for serving as Clerk.
Throughout the process, School Committee has striven for a transparent process, seeking community input through survey and focus groups, and conducted finalist candidates in person. The three finalists are uniquely qualified for the position, a variety of experiences.
Mr. Santoro said that over the last few months, he has received many emails and phone calls with input on who should be the next Superintendent of the Quincy Public Schools. Quincy Public Schools is second to none, students attend the finest colleges and are prepared for the workforce and military, supported by a dedicated staff who teach and guide our students, and our administrators work to provide safe and welcoming environments. The tradition of success in Quincy Public Schools leads generations of families to want to live in Quincy and alumni to want to work here. With this summer’s pandemic, the work ethic of the interim leadership, a valuable member of the central office team, advocating for students, promoting student achievement, leading collective bargaining, budget & finance decisions, special education, prioritizing goals, establishing relationships with School Committee and City leadership. Mr. Mulvey brings creativity and professionalism, no other candidates can match what he brings to the table, one that will bring us to a path of excellence.
Mrs. Lebo noted that Visions Inc. founder Dr. Pinderhughes’ definition of systemic racism, tradition is the equivalent of racism, the concept of good Quincy families oppresses others.
Mayor Koch thanked Mr. Andonico for his part in ensuring a transparent process. Mayor Koch said that in the spring, he was clear on his thoughts for the Interim Superintendent. Going back over one hundred years of history, 30% of the city has long consisted of recent immigrants, one of the draws for families is the consistently good school system. The school system is in the 90th percentile, the incredible leadership team and Kevin Mulvey has long been the integral part of this. Mr. Mulvey has handled many difficult staffing situations, has been inclusive and rallied everyone in the system around him. Mayor Koch agreed that there has to be an emphasis on recruiting and diversity. Quincy is not perfect, there is work to be done in many areas. Mayor Koch said this is not the time to bring in a new team, it would be disruptive to the re-opening of school and supports the candidacy of Interim Superintendent Kevin Mulvey.
Mrs. Lebo said that Dr. Mosley’s answer about curriculum and rigor was breathtaking, his experience with teaching in China would be invaluable. Mrs. Lebo does not think it would affect the leadership team to have a superintendent from outside. Mrs. Lebo said Dr. Mosley brings some local knowledge and a wide experience in a number of areas and has her vote.
Mr. Bregoli said that Dr. Mosley answered the question but not with the depth he would want to see, no specifics on assessment or innovative curriculum ideas. Mr. Bregoli said that throughout the pandemic, Mr. Mulvey has shown tremendous leadership, calm and thoughtful, humble and willing to collaborate with the Mayor and School Committee. Mr. Bregoli said that being a classroom educator does not qualify one to be superintendent, but Mr. Mulvey’s skill as a conductor making sure all the parts work together is his strength. Mr. Bregoli has been able to keep the school system together in a real-time crisis, demonstrating integrity, leadership, and courage. Mr. Bregoli said both Dr. Easy and Dr. Mosley have strengths, but Dr. Easy has a lack of experience with administration. Dr. Easy most likely will be a superintendent at some point, he has the drive. Mr. Bregoli said that Dr. DeCristofaro led the school system for 20 years and recommends Mr. Mulvey, that is meaningful.
Mr. Gutro thanked Mr. Andronico, all of this has been incredibly difficult for families and staff to be working on the re-opening plans at the same time the Superintendent Search has been underway. None of these are easy issues. Mr. Mulvey has done a solid job, Dr. Mosley is an impressive candidate due to experience, Dr. Easy lacks experience and therefore was able to answer questions less directly. Both Mr. Mulvey and Dr. Mosley have strong skill sets, were prepared and answered questions with understanding and knowledge. Mr. Mulvey has done strong work as Interim Superintendent, strong skills and long-time knowledge of the school system, strong relationships with the unions. Mr. Mulvey has communicated with families and learned from the many focus groups. Dr. Mosley was relatable and respectful, he is in an awkward position as a sitting superintendent but handled it tactfully. Dr. Mosley discussed Nashua’s reopening plan and strategic plan development, but was reluctant to say what areas for improvement. Dr. Mosley demonstrated empathy with equity concerns, sincerity and experience, spoke about critical thinking and problem solving, provided specific examples involving mathematics and CVTE. A lifetime learner, works to maintain many licenses and mentioned specific literary examples, clearly a teacher. Two strong candidates, but Mr. Gutro will support Dr. Mosley.
Mrs. Hubley said she has heard praise and concern about all three candidates from parents and community members, Mr. Mulvey is widely respected by the QPS staff and leadership team. Having worked with Mr. Mulvey in many contract negotiations, finds him to be knowledgeable and collaborative.
Mrs. Lebo said that Mr. Mulvey’s curriculum knowledge is lacking, speaking to Mr. Bregoli’s metaphor, a conductor usually has background in a particular musical area. Three strong candidates were interviewed, although Dr. Easy was not ready for the position. Mr. Mulvey has difficulty showing empathy, but is a good manager. Quincy Public Schools should not be afraid to take the step beyond and bring in an outside candidate.
Mayor Koch said that Dr. Mosley did not answer his questions directly. Mayor Koch is concerned with the lawsuit between Dr. Mosley and a former school board member and the number of positions on his resume.
Mayor Koch said that Mr. Gutro’s interview comments to Mr. Mulvey were out of line, could have faced a lawsuit if asked the same questions of a female candidate. Mrs. Lebo tried to hold him responsible for something not in his control.
Mr. Andronico said this is a difficult decision with short and long-term effects for the school district. In reviewing the selection criteria, there has been a push to move one criteria forward above all others. One issue is not what it is at stake here, this is a school system with many intricacies. All three candidates are much more than their resumes and a 90-minute interview, there were considerations for the scores of the search committee, references, previous interviews, social media, and newspaper articles about triumphs and setbacks. With all of this in mind, the right choice for Quincy Public Schools is Kevin Mulvey, who meets all the criteria and his approach and dedication to the position is what makes this a clear choice. Mr. Mulvey became interim superintendent in a pandemic and has risen to the occasion while acknowledging the areas of improvement the school district needs to address. People are allowed to evolve and change for the better and commit themselves to issues that are difficult, and Mr. Mulvey has shown this in a short time. The most important factor is a leader who is committed to the long-term and will see things through to the end, stability for this district is paramount. Districts suffer under educational leadership changes every few years. Mr. Andronico supports Mr. Mulvey as the next Superintendent of Quincy Public Schools.
Mrs. Lebo appreciates Mr. Andronico’s comments and contrasted that with the earlier comments about tradition, that is the wrong message to the community over half of whom did not grow up in Quincy.
Mayor Koch said he does not want to stifle further discussion, but would like to make a motion to approve the immediate appointment of Kevin Mulvey as the Superintendent of Schools.
Mrs. Lebo said the motion should be to move to the appointment stage, not nominate a specific candidate.
Mayor Koch made a motion to call for a ballot to appoint the Quincy Public Schools Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
On the ballot, Mr. Andronico, Mr. Bregoli, Mrs. Hubley, Mr. Santoro, and Mayor Koch named Kevin Mulvey, J.D. Mr. Gutro and Mrs Lebo named Jahmal Mosley, Ed.D.
All School Committee members were polled as to whether they wished to change their vote. Mr. Gutro changed his vote to show collective confidence in the appointment of Mr. Mulvey by the School Committee.
Ms. Owens declared the ballot closed and Mr. Kevin Mulvey is appointed Quincy Public Schools Superintendent of Schools by a 6-1 vote of School Committee.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion for Mayor Koch to appoint a negotiating committee, seconded by Mr. Bregoli. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn the Special School Committee meeting at 7:00 pm. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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