Quincy Public Schools

A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room at the Coddington Building. 

Superintendent Kevin Mulvey called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair and School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Courtney Perdios, and School Committee Vice Chair Mrs. Tina Cahill.   

Also present were:  Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. Michael Marani, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Maura Papile, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri; Public Buildings Commissioner Paul Hines, Natural Resources Commissioner David Murphy; Quincy Education Association President Gayle Carvalho; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Mrs. Cahill read the following statement into the record:  Pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium.  Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unperceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.

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Regular Meeting

Vice-Chair Presiding

Ms. Shivpreet Singh, Ms. Maria Mulligan, Ms. Kate Campbell, and Ms. Sarah Alessandro spoke against the proposed changes to the School Committee Open Forum Policy 2.4.10 Public Participation at School Committee Meetings.

Ms. Owens read letters submitted by Ms. Amy Sorensen-Alawad, Ms. Maggie McKee, Ms. Bonnie Mann, Ms. Lindsay Robertson, Ms. Alexis Veith, Ms. Thuy Leung, Dr. Jana Mulkern, and the EDI Subcommittee of the Citywide Parent Council co-signed by Ms. Heather McDuffus, Ms. Grace Young-Jae, Ms. Tere Rodriguez, Mr. Scott Alessandro, Dr. Jana Mulkern, Ms. Tamika Oden, Ms. Shivpreet Singh, and Ms. Phoebe Chan.   Each letter was against the proposed changes to the School Committee Open Forum Policy 2.4.10 Public Participation at School Committee Meetings.

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Open Forum

Superintendent Mulvey opened his report by recognizing the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards winners, with Quincy High School senior Nathan Doyle being awarded a Silver Key and two Honorable Mentions for Writing.   Quincy High School senior Ibrahim Yacouty received a Gold Key for Art, while North Quincy High School senior Natasha Chieng was awarded a Silver Key and sophomore Lily Chen and senior Galayna Willis received Honorable Mentions for Art.

Atlantic Middle School English Learner Educator Thao Nguyen was named the recipient of the Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages (MATSOL) Anne Dow Award for Excellence and Creativity.  This award recognizes exceptional educators and a nomination letter submitted by Ms. Nguyen’s colleagues cited her outstanding dedication to her students’ success in her close to 30 years with Quincy Public Schools.

The Class of 2024, 740 graduates from both high schools, were graduated earlier this week in ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Stadium.  Thanks to Mayor Koch, the Quincy School Committee and City Council, the state legislative delegation, the high school staff, and administrators for being a part of this important milestone for our students and their families.  Thanks also to the Public Buildings, Natural Resources, and Police Departments for their preparation and support for these events.

Both high schools recently hosted the first-ever Future Educator Signing Day Ceremonies, recognizing sixteen graduating seniors who will be pursuing careers in education.  Each student invited an educator from their elementary, middle, or high school career who played a significant role in influencing their aspirations. 

Fly-Up Days are underway for students who will be moving to new schools for September.  Today both high schools welcomed the members of the class of 2028, providing building tours and giving students an introduction to the school administrators, guidance staff, deans, and teachers.  Our middle schools have already hosted or will be hosting similar events in the last few days of school.

On Saturday, June 15, the 73rd Annual Flag Day Parade will begin at 7:00 pm in Quincy Center, followed by a flag-raising ceremony at 8:00 pm at Pageant Field, followed by a fireworks display at 9:00 pm.  The parade will feature bands, including the Quincy-North Quincy Marching Band & Colorguard and the members of the School Committee are invited to march along with Mayor Koch and other dignitaries.

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Superintendent’s

Report

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the QPS FY2025 Budget as presented.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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Old Business

FY2025 QPS Budget

(VOTE)

Mrs. Lebo reviewed that outside legal counsel reviewed the City Council resolution on the Quincy Public Schools calendar.  The legal opinion is that the  Quincy School Committee  has the responsibility for determining the school year calendar and the  2024-2025 School Year Calendar approved on April 11, 2024 is in effect.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to post the legal opinion on the Quincy Public Schools website.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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Old Business

QPS 2024-25 Calendar

Update

Mr. Gutro reviewed that a proposed revision to School Committee Policy 10.19 Concussion Policy was approved at the May 15, 2024 Policy Subcommittee meeting and is eligible for vote tonight. 

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the revision of School Committee Policy 10.19 Concussion Policy as presented.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

For School Committee Policy 2.3.3 Subcommittees of the School Committee, Mr. Gutro reviewed that the revision was approved at the June 6, 2024 Policy Subcommittee Meeting.

Mrs. Perdios made a motion to amend, last paragraph, add to 1^st sentence “and read aloud at the beginning of each Subcommittee meeting”.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.   

For School Committee Policy 2.4.10 Public Participation at School Committee Meetings, Mr. Gutro reviewed that the revision was approved at the June 6, 2024 Policy Subcommittee Meeting.

Mrs. Perdios acknowledged the public input shared tonight, would like School Committee to consider rescinding the changes.

Policy Sections 2.3.3 and 2.4.10 are eligible for vote at the September 11, 2024 School Committee meeting.

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Old Business

Policy 10.19 (Vote);

2.3.3 & 2.4.10

(Discussion)

Department of Natural Resources Commissioner David Murphy presented his annual update on the work of the department, proud to be representing the hard work of the department members.  The new Recreation Department Director is Christopher Rooney, looking forward to a summer filled with free park recreation programs, weekly camps, and swimming lessons.  Recent improvements include shade structure and trees at Atherton Hough Elementary School; planned expansion of the playground at the Clifford Marshall Elementary School in memory of grandson Mike Marshall in Summer 2025; installed picnic benches and other amenities at Wollaston Elementary School; assisted with an Eagle Scout project to install a garden bed at Bernazzani Elementary School.  Over the summer, work will be done on the landscaping at Broad Meadows Middle School.  Arbor Day was celebrated with the Atherton Hough Elementary School, strong collaboration with Athletic Director Kevin Mahoney on scheduling the Spring Athletics including baseball, softball, lacrosse.  The Furnace Brook Golf Course clubhouse will be completed in January 2025 and include simulators for practice.  In addition, Commissioner Murphy is participating in the planning process for the Squantum Elementary School grounds. 

Mrs. Lebo thanked Commissioner Murphy, the City looks beautiful, a variety of trees and flowers.  Mrs. Lebo and Mrs. Hubley would like to meet with the new Recreation Department Director and the Special Education Parent Advisory Council about expanding adaptive programming for students with disabilities.

Mr. Gutro thanked Commissioner Murphy, School Committee rarely hears any complaints about the school grounds, thanks to the work of the department staff members.

Mrs. Perdios agreed that the school grounds look amazing, the department is responsive to any school concerns.  Mrs. Perdios suggested that Mr. Rooney can attend a future Special Education Subcommittee meeting.

Mrs. Perdios asked about recycling barrels in playgrounds, Commissioner Murphy said that the larger facilities like Veterans Stadium, Adams and Creedon Fields.  This has been less successful at other city parks, trash and recycling are frequently mixed, working on a long-term solution.

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New Business

Natural Resources

Department Update

Public Buildings Commissioner Paul Hines introduced Squantum Elementary School Architect Tina Soohoo from Arrowstreet and Owner’s Project Manager Brian Laroche who shared an update on the Squantum Elementary School project.  Through the collaboration of the design team and the Squantum Building Committee and Working group, the Schematic Design and Total Project Budget will be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority next week.  These will be reviewed by the MSBA over the summer and it is anticipated that the Project Scope and Budget Agreement will go to the City Council for funding appropriation in the fall.

The project plan overview and timeline was shared; the new building will be two stories and incorporate the 1919 building.  The school is organized around a central courtyard and classrooms will have all modern amenities, storage, technology.  The new building will be constructed in phases, maintaining the park and playground for the community.  Preparation work for utilities in the neighborhood will begin this summer and continue through the 2024-2025 school year while construction documents are finalized.  Modular classrooms will be utilized for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years during the construction.  There will be a community meeting hosted by Mayor Koch and City Councillor Bill Harris at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 25 at the Squantum Elementary School gymnasium. 

Commissioner Hines thanked Commissioner Murphy and the Park Board for their input during the planning process.  Thanks to Owners Project Manager PCA 360 and Arrowstreet,  the project is three months ahead of schedule and has been better aligned with the school year calendar than the original project plan.  Commissioner Hines noted that the memorial tree planted in memory of Patrick White will be transplanted with the parents’ permission.

Mrs. Perdios asked for clarification, preliminary interior designs were shared with the public at the January meeting and these further refined versions will be shared later this month.  Mrs. Perdios asked about staff input on the design, Commissioner Hines explained the Work Group meeting bi-weekly and multiple listening sessions with Squantum Elementary School staff.

Mrs. Perdios asked for clarification, with construction beginning in Summer 2025, the anticipated opening of the new building will be September 2027.  Mr. Laroche noted that the demolition of the 1971 building and the creation of the parking lot will happen in Fall 2027.

Commissioner Hines reviewed that the modular classrooms concept has been well-received by the staff. 

Mrs. Perdios asked about the gymnasium being torn down first, in the 1971 building, the media center will be repurposed for motor skills and Special Education therapies.  Commissioner Hines said there have also been discussions with the Kennedy Center for using their gymnasium around the Council on Aging schedule.

Mr. Bregoli asked about the height of the ceiling in the Cafetorium, 18-20 feet.  The gymnasium will be 28 feet, typical classrooms will be 14 feet.  Mr. Bregoli asked about replacement of lights, new LED lighting has longer life and a lift will be provided as part of the school equipment.  Mr. Bregoli asked for clarification, the entire building is ADA accessible and there is an elevator in the building. 

Mr. Gutro asked for clarification, the new gymnasium is on the Winslow Road side of the building away from the educational spaces and securable.

Mrs. Hubley asked about the modular classrooms, there will be 10 classrooms and the determination for usage will be made at the school level.

Mayor Koch thanked Mr. Laroche and Ms. Soohoo, this has been a team effort, the MSBA considers Quincy a model for completing a project.  The collaboration of all of the departments is impressive, Public Buildings is managing 80 buildings citywide.

Commissioner Hines thanked Commissioner Graziozo and Deputy Commissioner Prendiville, they have been important collaborators as well.

Mrs. Lebo agreed with Mayor Koch that having the Maintenance budget separate from the School department budget has led to the buildings maintenance being prioritized rather than deferred.

Commissioner Hines noted that he will submit a final version of the status of work completed memorandum to School Committee.  Commissioner Hines noted that he utilizes the Facilities needs of the School Improvement Plans, in addition to maintaining and improving code compliance, addressing the safe drinking water (lead and copper levels).

Commissioner Hines said that the boiler room has been replaced at North Quincy High School without MSBA involvement; the Parker boiler replacement project scheduled for Summer 2025 may be the final MSBA funded as they are moving away from this area.  Also at NQHS, the main power controls were replaced, carpeting has been replaced in dozens of classrooms, ADA upgrades for sound and ceiling panels in 12 classrooms, one science lab has been renovated, the ornamental stonework on the original building entrance has been restored, plumbing upgrades throughout the building, LED lighting replacement is underway.  (QHS is 10% of city’s power usage and NQHS is 9%). 

At QHS, addressing temperature on the upper level of the gymnasium by installing destratification fans; through grant funding, there will be upgrades to the Automotive shop; addressing sewer pipe issues in the administrative areas; addressing mixing valve issues in restrooms.  The auditorium lighting will be replaced in the new Capital Improvement Plan, the design and engineering process is underway.

At Central Middle School, the lighting control system needs to be replaced.

Mrs. Lebo said this is an incredible report, asked about electric bus grant opportunities.  Commissioner Hines said that research is underway for electric and other alternate fuel vehicles.  There are grant opportunities and we are also talking with other districts about their experiences.

Commissioner Hines thanked the entire Public Buildings department, the project managers, Dave Scott, the Maintenance staff, construction is being done in house saving the city money. 

Mrs. Lebo asked about the open Director of Energy & Sustainability position.  Mayor Koch said the position responsibilities are being reviewed before being posted.

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New Business

Public Buildings

Update

Director of Business James Mullaney shared the recommendations for end of year budget transfers for the FY2024 Quincy Public Schools Budget.  There are deficits of $1,469,000 in the Special Education tuition and $800,000 in the Special Education transportation, for a total of $2,269,000.  This would be offset by transfers from the Salary

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the FY2024 Quincy Public Schools Budget transfers as presented.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion.

On the motion, Mrs. Perdios asked for and received clarification on the surplus in the salary line. 

On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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New Business

FY2024 QPS Budget

Transfers (Vote)

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the items listed under the Consent Agenda:  Approval of the May 22, 2024 Regular Meeting and June 6, 2024 FY2025 QPS Budget Public Hearing minutes; a donation to the Parker Elementary School; and grants for the High School Senior Internship in Education project, for facilitating behavioral health care access, and for high school summer programs, including Summer Ladders 2 Success, Youthworks, Summer Institute, and Early College High School Summer Academy.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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Consent Agenda

There was no Additional Business.

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Additional Business

Mrs. Cahill noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meetings are concluded for the 2023-2024 School Year.  The first meeting of the new school year will be held on September 11, 2024.

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Communications

Mrs. Cahill noted that Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted on the Quincy Public Schools website on the School Committee page.

Mayor Koch reviewed the FY2025 Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting held on June 6, 2024 where School Committee had an opportunity to discuss the budget that was passed under Old Business.

Mrs. Lebo reviewed the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meeting held on June 6, 2024, where the updating of Report Cards, Rubrics, and Pacing documents to align with the new English Language Arts and Mathematics curriculum was presented.

Mr. Gutro reviewed the Policy Subcommittee meeting held on June 6, 2024, where the proposed revisions to Section 2.3.3 Subcommittees of the School Committee and 2.4.10 Public Participation at School Committee Meetings were approved.

Mr. Gutro made a motion to remove the item #11 10.19 Concussion from Policy Subcommittee.  Mayor Koch seconded the motion, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

As there were no changes requested, the minutes of the June 6, 2024 FY2025 Budget & Finance, Teaching & Learning, and Policy Subcommittees were approved as presented.

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Reports of

Subcommittees

Mayor Koch made a motion to move to Executive Session for the purpose of contract negotiations at 8:30 pm.  School Committee will not return to the Regular Meeting.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Executive Session

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Since School Committee did not return from Executive Session, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

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Adjournment