QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SPECIAL EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
A meeting of
the Special Education Subcommittee was held on May 31, 2023 at 6:05 pm in the
Coddington Building. Present were Subcommittee
members Mr. Paul Bregoli and Mrs. Tina Cahill, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Special
Education Subcommittee Chair. Also
present were School Committee Members Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr.
Frank Santoro; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin
Perkins, Ms. Sarah Anderson, Ms. Simone Buckley, Ms. Catherine Carey, Ms. Kim
Connolly, Ms. Donna Cunningham, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Tara Hastings-Healy,
Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Jennifer Leary, Mr. Louis Marcucci, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms.
Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri; and Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk.
Mr. Marcucci
reviewed that the LEAP program at North Quincy High School is for students ages
18-22 with autism or intellectual disabilities who have matriculated from high
school and want to continue their post-secondary education. Students in the program independent living
(cleaning, vacuuming, laundry) and social skills, self-determination and
self-advocacy, and work ethic. Students
have lessons in financial literacy/money skills, hygiene and nutrition,
workplace behaviors, job exploration (deliver copy paper, collecting recycling,
stocking supplies and count money at school store) and resume development,
pre-employment training, including independent travel on public transportation
and on foot (including time management skills).
Students
Sean Ryan, Chloe Pierre-Paul, Andrew Nickerson, and James Haley spoke about
their experiences in the LEAP program, volunteering in the school and
community, and training for employment.
The LEAP
students are participating in cooperative learning with NQHS nursing
program. Volunteer placements in the
community include the Coddington Building Special Education office, Food
Service at NQHS and South~West Middle School, custodial services at South~West
and Parker, South Shore YMCA, 1000 Southern Artery Senior buildings, 16C &
Kilroy’s Restaurants, Caryn’s Corner, and the Edge Salon.
Mr. Bregoli
complimented the expansion of the program over the years.
Mr. Santoro
asked about the academic curriculum, Mr. Marcucci has developed the program
over the years to meet the needs of the students in transitioning to the world
of work. The relationship with Work Inc
has been reinvigorated and provides students with technical skills. Mr. Santoro congratulated the students on
their public speaking skills.
Mrs. Lebo
thanked the presenters, it is incredible to hear firsthand about the student
experiences.
Mrs. Hubley
asked about the current enrollment of the LEAP program, currently 12 students
and will grow to 18 for the 2023-2024 school year.
Superintendent
Mulvey thanked Mr. Marcucci and the staff, we value their assistance in the
Coddington Building office. Thanks to
Chamber of Commerce President Tim Cahill, Mayor Koch, and Quincy College
President DeCristofaro for their embrace of the partnership.
The Quincy
Parent Advisory Council to Special Education Board members (Sarah Wood, Ginger
McGill, Darlene Wilson, Melissa Ricci) presented on this year’s accomplishments
and goals for next school year. This
school year, QPAC’s goals were to build membership, fundraising, monthly
presentations for families on important topics, expanding translation and
interpretation, monthly support group, and after school and vacation week
programs. QPAC is using multiple means
for parent outreach, have over 100 members.
Special Education Transportation has had issues with lateness,
dependency, and communication, specifically with outside vendors.
For next
school year, goals include collaborating with QPS on the opening of the
Learning Center, continuing to collaborate on transportation challenges and
improved communication between staff and parents, and support training
resources for special education student issues.
Mr. Bregoli
asked for follow up email about collaborating with the Recreation Department as
he is on the Park & Recreation board.
Mrs. Cahill
thanked the presenters, asked an overview of the collaboration with QPS staff. Ms. Wood said the board meets monthly with
Ms. Graham.
Mr. Gutro
thanked the presenters, this is a time commitment for busy parents to develop
such a thoughtful plan.
Mrs. Lebo
said the transportation issues affect both general and special education, would
like to see records of missed and dropped routes and lateness. Mrs. Lebo suggested a work group to look at
communication tools that could be rolled out district-wide. Mrs. Lebo mentioned the South Shore Snap
Program, based in Hingham.
Mr. Santoro
asked if there are contractual consequences when transportation routes are missed.
Superintendent Mulvey said similar to QPS, the outside vendors are struggling
with drivers and substitutes.
Superintendent Mulvey said that QPS is contracting with additional
vendors to spread out the transportation routes.
Ms. McGill
said that PepsiCo may be interested in partnering with the LEAP program for
employment opportunities in their local plant, for deliveries, and store
display setups.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to adjourn at 7:30 pm, seconded by
Mr. Bregoli. On a voice vote, the ayes
have it.