Minutes
Quincy, MASSACHUSETTS – October 25, 2023
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Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
Vice-Chair Presiding
A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 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, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. Frank Santoro, Vice Chair.
Also present were: Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Meghan Healy, Mr. Michael Marani, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Kimberly Quinn, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Stephen Sylvia, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; NQHS Student Representative Amy Tan, QHS Student Representative Mollie Smith-Gaeta; PCA360 Project Manager Brian Laroche; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
School Committee members Mrs. Tina Cahill and Mr. Douglas Gutro were absent.
School Committee observed a moment of silence for the safety of students and staff and all those in harm’s way around the world.
Ms. Owens 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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Approval of Minutes
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minute of the Regular Meeting for October 11, 2023. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee went on to the next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent’s
Report
Superintendent Mulvey reviewed the response to the Quincy High School bomb threat that was received today. The first call was received at approximately 12:30 pm, followed by a second call at 12:34 pm. Students and staff were evacuated from the building and School Messenger alerts were sent out to inform the community that school was dismissed and that all after-school activities were cancelled. The Quincy Police Department and their K-9 units made a systematic search of the school building. At 3:15 pm, the school was deemed safe and communication was sent home to the Quincy High School community to let them know that school would resume as scheduled on Thursday, October 26.
Mrs. Lebo asked where the calls were received, both lines of the Quincy High School Attendance office.
For the upcoming November 7 Professional Development Day for QPS Educators, over 80 different small-group sessions are available for 850 professional staff members to choose from with topics ranging from literacy, STEM, English Learner, and Special Education supports to integrating music and movement, educator wellness, and restorative practices. We are looking forward to this special day for Quincy Public Schools professional staff members and have provided a copy of the schedule at your places.
The QPS Assessment Calendar 2023-2024 was shared with School Committee. This is the schedule of the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and Amplify MClass Early Literacy Universal & Dyslexia screenings given three times per year, followed by Integrated Learning Team meetings for Grades K-8. Preliminary dates for ACCESS (for English Learner students) and MCAS assessments are also provided and will be updated as they are finalized.
Ninety-two Quincy Public Schools professional educators recently received QPS Educator Mini-Grantsof $350 each for a total of $32,200. The mini-grants will provide support for the academic, emotional and social development of students. The annual QPS mini-grants are made possible thanks to the generosity of our Quincy School~Community Partnership members (including Mayor Koch), and $585,000 has been distributed to date. The recipients are as follows: Courtney Alcott, Patricia Ambroult, Laura Anderson, Julie Barron, Julie Barry, Jake Bergonzi, Stephanie Bogan, Lucy Booth, Dinnean Boss, Claire Boudreau, Jill Boussy, Julia Buben, Julie Campbell, Meghan Carthas, Lisa Chin, Dawn Ciardi, Lara Collier, Karen Coneely, Katie Connolly, Patti Cooper, Rebecca Cordero, Fallon Creedon, Victoria Cronin, Michael Cuccia, Michelle Cunniff, Holly Davis, Casey Deaguero, Christina Deiorio, Kimberly DeLisle, Mallory Devoe, Cassandra Feeney, Jake Forrest, Marlena Forrester, Christina Gilman, Jill Griffith, Kelli Guarino, Deborah Harper-Padula, Jillian Harrington, Nancy Hayes, Jason Healy, Patrice Healy, Tracey Henault, Michelle Holland, Tristen Houlihan, Anna Hunt, Michael Imhoff, Jillian Jasie, Gina Kaslousky, Elizabeth Kelly, Kerry Kelly, Megan Keough, Darby Kindley, Mera Kriz, Evaline Lai, Karin Lanham, Maureen Lynch, Kathryn Markt, Bridget Mazza, Christine McBride, Samantha McGrath, Nancy McLaughlin, Mary McMorrow, Nancy McPartlin, Aici Mei, Nina Meltzer, Marybeth Mulcahy, Danielle Mullaney, Emily Murphy, Lisa Nasanofsky, Trang Nguyen, Stacie O’Callaghan, Alyse Olivieri, Danielle Parry, Cara Pekarcik, Maryellen Phillips, Kristen Pieper, Christopher Ranft, Erin Riley, Sara Riley, Amanda Rosenhagen, Lauren Ryan, Paula Ryan, Alicia Segalla, Antonio Tenaglia, Evelyn Tian, Meghan Tierney, Pakamas Tongcharoensirikul, Cynthia Vu,, Kimberly Walsh, Katie Welch, Mary Kate White, Joseph Wilder, Charles Wilson, Loksze Wong
Superintendent Mulvey thanked Mayor Koch and his staff for organizing the Dedication and Open House for the Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center on October 22, 2023. Thanks to the members of the state and federal delegations, City Council, School Committee, and Norfolk County commissioners who were so supportive in the funding for this wonderful addition to the Quincy Public Schools facilities. To begin the transition process to the Learning Center, a Zoom meeting with Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center families was held on Monday, October 23, 2023. Approximately 40 parents attended and heard an overview of the new school building and preliminary transition plans. The meeting was also recorded and will be posted on the Quincy Public Schools website. Della Chiesa families who have signed up for scheduled tours of the new Learning Center building will be contacted by the end of the week to select a date and time. Tours will be scheduled in November, December, and again in early 2024.
Upcoming Quincy Public Schools events include the MICCA Statewide Marching Band Competition at Veterans Memorial Stadium this coming Sunday, October 29 beginning at at 11:00 am. The North Quincy and Quincy High School Student Support Services are hosting the annual Financial Aid night for juniors and seniors and their families on Thursday, November 2 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the Quincy High School auditorium. On Wednesday, November 8, clinical psychologist and creator of Open Parachute Dr. Haley Watson, will host a Parent Academy on Building Student Resiliency. The event will be held in the Central Middle School Auditorium at 6:00 pm.
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New Business
Squantum Elementary
School MSBA Project
Update
PCA360 Owners Project Manager Brian Laroche and architect Tina Ho from Arrowstreet gave an overview of the early phases of the Squantum Elementary School project underway with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Modules 1 and 2 have been completed, the project is now in Module 3 The Feasibility Study, waiting for comments on the latest submission to the MSBA (Proposed Design Program) and beginning to work on the Preferred Schematic Report.
The current school design and site placement was reviewed, along with the condition of the original 1919 building, the additions, and interior and exterior views. In the existing building, there are issues with accessibility due to the grade changes on the site topography, aging finishes on the interior, and structural issues on the exterior. The building systems are beyond the service life.
There have been collaborative meetings with the staff on the educational vision for the new school, tours of new elementary schools in other districts, and an educational plan that calls for 80,000 sq. ft. for the new building. The preliminary design plan has been completed in collaboration with the project working group and the Building Committee.
Mayor Koch noted that a community meeting was held in September, had the chance to hear from neighbors about traffic concerns as well as their hopes for the new building. Mayor Koch said that there is parkland abutting the school, so the goal is to keep the school on the current school property. If parkland is needed to swap, there is a legal procedure to follow.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the façade of the 1919 building and incorporating this into the new building. Mr. Laroche said that out of the ten options presented to the MSBA, this was incorporated into the majority of the schemes. These ten will be narrowed down to three options by the Building Committee.
Mrs. Lebo said the project is so great for the students, staff, and community.
Mr. Santoro thanked Mr. Laroche and Ms. Ho for their dedication to the Squantum Elementary School project.
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New Business
Literacy Program
Improvement Plan
English Language Arts Coordinator Ms. Bridget Vaughn presented the Literacy Program Improvement Plan, reflecting on progress towards last year’s goals (all were met) and setting new goals for the 2023-2024 school year. The new K-5 ELA curriculum Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) was funded through the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education’s $1.1 million GLEAM grant award over the last three years. Student’s individual needs are met through the tiered systems of support and evidence-based reading interventions.
Mrs. Lebo complimented the reduction in Tier 3 Interventions over the course of last school year, and the challenge of this year’s goals. Mrs. Lebo is hearing positive things about the CKLA program.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the 2023-2024 Literacy Program Improvement Plan. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Mathematics Program
Improvement Plan
Mathematics Coordinator Kimberley Quinn presented the Mathematics Program Improvement Plan, with Ms. Perkins noting that with the growth of Math Intervention staff, this is the first-ever Mathematics PIP. Similar to Literacy, students can receive support through the tiered system of interventions. The goals for 2023-2024 include supporting the improvement of math fluency and number sense; holding parent academy events for math topics; and updating the math pacing guides.
Mrs. Hubley suggested having Greg Tang back as he is a popular presenter with parents.
Mrs. Lebo agreed that the parent events are important, supportive of the Illustrative Math curriculum. Ms. Quinn confirmed that the pacing guide work will be for Grades K-5.
Mr. Bregoli is concerned about the annual decline in performance for Grades 5 and 6 Mathematics MCAS. Ms. Quinn agreed that this is an area of concern and the Math Interventionists at Point Webster and South~West are specifically focused on those grade levels.
Ms. Perkins said there will also be opportunities this year to bring back consultants such as Molly Vokey who were working with our staff prior to COVID.
Mr. Santoro reiterated the need to work with students on crafting the answers to open response questions, a collaborative effort with ELA staff.
NQHS Representative Amy Tan asked about challenging students starting in elementary, suggesting looking into Math competitions.
Mrs. Hubley said that there was previously an afterschool program called Mathletes.
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the 2023-2024 Mathematics Program Improvement Plan. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
2023-2024
Superintendent’s Goals
Superintendent Mulvey shared the 2023-2024 Superintendent’s Goals with School Committee.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to move the 2023-2024 Superintendent’s Goals to the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
MASC Resolutions
(VOTE)
Mrs. Hubley reviewed that at the upcoming Massachusetts Association of School Committee General Meeting there are a number of resolutions that will be discussed and voted on. As the Quincy School Committee representative, she will vote on each resolution based on what School Committee decides tonight.
Mayor Koch made a motion to Abstain on Resolution 1: Full, Stable Funding for METCO. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to Support Resolution 2: Transportation Bidding Procedures Support. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to Abstain on Resolution 3: Regional Transportation. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to Support Resolution 4: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to Support Resolution 5: Massachusetts School Building Authority. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to Support Resolution 6: School Bus Stop Arm Surveillance Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion Not to Support Resolution 7: Related to MCAS. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion Not to Support Resolution 8: Safe Storage of Firearms. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Grant from Arbella
Foundation (VOTE)
Superintendent Mulvey shared that for the 2023-2024 school year, the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education has awarded Quincy Public Schools a Social Emotional Learning & Mental Health Grant of $80,325.00. The funding will be used for clinicians through Walker Therapeutics at each site and continuing the implementation of the Open Parachute.
Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Social Emotional Learning & Mental Health Grant of $80,325.00. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0. Mrs. Cahill and Mr. Gutro were absent.
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New Business
Grant from
Battelle Foundation
(VOTE)
Superintendent Mulvey shared that the Quincy Lodge of Elks has made their annual donation of dictionaries to 750 Grade 3 students, valued at $18,625.00.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to accept the Donation of 750 Dictionaries valued at $18,625.00 from the Quincy Lodge of Elks. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0. Mrs. Cahill and Mr. Gutro were absent.
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New Business
Overnight/Out of State
Travel (VOTE)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel/Out of State of North Quincy High School AFJROTC students to New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia from April 5-10, 2024. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Overnight/Out of the
Country (VOTE)
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel/Out of the Country of Quincy High School Grades 10-12 students to Venice, Italy; Lucerne, Switzerland; and Paris, France from April 13-21, 2024. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
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Communications
Mr. Santoro noted upcoming School Committee Meetings on November 15, 2023 and December 13, 2023, both at 6:30 pm at the Coddington Building.
Ms. Owens read a letter from the Massachusetts School Building Authority dated October 25, 2023 into the record:
Dear Mayor Koch:
I am pleased to report that the Board of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) voted to approve the Proposed Accelerated Repair Project (the “Proposed Project”) in the City of Quincy (the “City”) for a boiler replacement project at the Francis W. Parker School, a partial roof replacement at the Montclair School, and a partial roof replacement at the Wollaston School. The Board approved an Estimated Maximum Total Facilities Grant for each project as shown in the table below, which does not include any funds for potentially eligible Owner’s or Construction Contingency Expenditures. In the event that the MSBA determines that any Owner’s and/or Construction Contingency Expenditures are eligible for reimbursement, the Maximum Total Facilities Grant for the Francis W. Parker School, the Montclair School, and the Wollaston School Projects may increase to each amount shown below. The final grant amounts will be determined by the MSBA based on a review and audit of all project costs incurred by the City, in accordance with the MSBA’s regulations, policies, and guidelines and the Project Funding Agreement. The final grant amount may be an amount less than the Estimated Maximum Total Facilities Grant.
Francis W. Parker School: Estimated Maximum Total Facilities Grant $766,920; Maximum Total Facilities Grant $798,070
Montclair School: Estimated Maximum Total Facilities Grant $648,157; Maximum Total Facilities Grant $673,369
Wollaston School: Estimated Maximum Total Facilities $644,783 Maximum Total Facilities Grant $669,826
Pursuant to the terms of the MSBA’s Accelerated Repair Program, the City has 90 days to acquire and certify local approval for an appropriation and all other necessary local votes or approvals showing acceptance of the cost, site, type, scope, and timeline for the Francis W. Parker School, the Montclair School, and the Wollaston School Project. Upon receipt of the certified votes demonstrating local approval, the MSBA and the City will execute a Project Funding Agreement, which will set forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which the City will receive its grant from the MSBA. Once the Project Funding Agreement has been executed by both parties, the City will be eligible to submit requests for reimbursement for Proposed Project costs to the MSBA. We will be contacting you soon to discuss these next steps in more detail, but in the meantime, I wanted to share with you the Board’s approval for a boiler replacement project at the Francis W. Parker School, a partial roof replacement at the Montclair School, and a partial roof replacement at the Wollaston School and the Board’s authorization to execute a Project Funding Agreement for this Proposed Project.
Sincerely,
Mary L. Pichetti Executive Director
Mayor Koch thanked Treasurer Goldberg and the MSBA Board, Quincy has been the recipient of funding for three core building projects, with Squantum in the pipeline, and sixteen Accelerated Repair Program projects.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the schedule for School Improvement Plan presentations; Ms. Owens will share a draft schedule with School Committee.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
There were no Reports of Subcommittees.
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Executive Session
Mayor Koch made a motion to move to Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations at 7:45 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0. Mrs. Cahill and Mr. Gutro were absent.
School Committee will not return to Regular Session.
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Adjournment
Since School Committee did not return from Executive Session, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.
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