Quincy Public Schools

A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 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. Daniel Cosgrove, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. Michael Marani, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Maura Papile, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Larry Taglieri; NQHS Student Representative Tabitha Lee and QHS Student Representative Myshtee Malavia; Quincy Education Association President Gayle Carvalho; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Superintendent Mulvey recognized the following Quincy Public Schools retirees who passed away recently: Gail Morganelli, 14 years as a secretary at Quincy High School and North Quincy High School; Rita Needel, Special Education teacher at Atherton Hough for 17 years; Richard Vella, IT Staff member for 24 years.

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

Shivpreet Singh, Jorge Garcia, Carly Bridden, Amy Sorensen-Alawad, Kai Lee, Grace Young-Jae, Truc Lai, and Thuy Leung spoke in support of Quincy Public Schools adding Lunar New Year as an observed holiday.

Letters were submitted online for Open Forum from Robert Davis Awkward, Kate Campbell, Joanna Chow, Norma Fitzgerald, Claire Fitzmaurice, Jon Huang, Muna Sheikh, and Grace Young-Jae, all in support of Quincy Public Schools adding Lunar New Year as an observed holiday.

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Open Forum

Superintendent Mulvey opened his report by noting that QPS Registration for the 2025-2026 School Yearis now open for Kindergarten and Grades 1-12. Registration information can be found under the “Family” tab on the Quincy Public Schools website.

QPS Enrollment projections for the 2025-2026 school year were shared with School Committee, each school is color-coded green, yellow, and red. Schools highlighted in red are at or above their building’s capacity and Open Enrollment will be very limited at these schools. Schools highlighted in yellow have some grades with high enrollment and other grades that have available seats. Schools highlighted in green have availability in most or all grades. Enrollment projections will continue to change as the majority of new registrations are typically for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 6, and 9. With the growth in enrollment over the last few years and the fact that registration for next year is just beginning, Open Enrollment decisions will be made in July for all grade levels so decisions can be made with the most accurate information possible about the number of available seats. The exception to this is that students who are Open Enrollment siblings of students already enrolled at both high schools have been notified that they can attend with their siblings in keeping with the School Committee Policy. This will also be completed in March for siblings entering Kindergarten and Grade 6. A further update of enrollment projections will be shared before the end of the school year.

Mrs. Perdios asked if parents can be notified that there is limited Open Enrollment opportunity for high school students and this will be completed by the end of February.

Mayor Koch noted that residency verification is important to ensure that enrolled students are Quincy residents. Superintendent Mulvey noted that the Attendance staff are a valuable resource for enforcing residency and there are ongoing efforts.

Mrs. Hubley asked for clarification on the notification process. Ms. Owens said that there is an Open Enrollment information page on the website that will be updated and families who requested high school Open Enrollment can be notified of the postponement of the decisions through email.

Mr. Bregoli is concerned that families who do not receive their Open Enrollment request will choose to send their student to a private school.

The North Quincy High School’s NEASC Collaborative Conference Report was shared with School Committee in their packets. Next steps are for the school to review and implement the findings and recommendations, as well as develop a plan for future growth.

Mrs. Perdios congratulated Principal Gilbert and the North Quincy High School staff on such a positive, detailed report.

Upcoming Quincy Public Schools and City of Quincy Events include: Middle School STEM Fairs will be held starting the last week of February and continuing through March. School Committee will be sent calendar invitations for these important events showcasing theinnovative projects of our students. The next Parent Academy on Behavioral Health Navigator will be held on Tuesday, March 4 at 6:00 pm on Zoom and feature one of our local community partners. The Adams Speaker Series continues on March 4 at 5:30 pm at Quincy High School with the program on the Impact of US First Ladies on American, Presidential, and Global History, specifically Quincy’s own Abigail Adams and Louisa Catherine Adams. The 3rd Annual Remember the Ladies Event will be held on March 8 at 2:00 pm at Quincy High School. Each year, five women from the Quincy community are recognized with the Abigail Adams award.This year, Quincy Public Schools has two recipients, Leslie Bridson and Laura Owens. Previous QPS recipients include Assistant Superintendent Dr. Erin Perkins, Principal Courtney Mitchell, and former School Committee member Barbara Isola.

Superintendent Mulvey concluded his report by telling of the recent tour of the Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center by the Randolph Superintendent and her team in order to explore the tuitioning of students to RDLC. The Randolph team was very impressed and is looking forward to working with QPS on this potential partnership. We have already begun tuitioning students from the Weymouth Public Schools.

Mrs. Cahill thanked Mayor Koch, the City Council, and the QPS Administrative team for creating such a wonderful facility.

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Superintendent’s

Report

Mr. Gutro reviewed that there are four items eligible for vote this evening.

Mrs. Lebo made motion to waive School Committee Policy 2.5.6 Policy Review & Evaluation and proceed to voting on the revised Policy 9.11.5 to allow for immediate implementation. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the proposed revision to School Committee Policy 9.11.5 High School Promotion & Graduation Requirements. Mrs. Hubleyseconded the motion and on roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the proposed revision to School Committee Policy 9.2 School Year/School Calendar. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the proposed 2025-2026 QPS School Year Calendar. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion.

Mrs. Perdios proposed an amendment to recognize Lunar New Year as a holiday which falls during the February school vacation week in 2026. Mayor Koch seconded the motion and on a role call vote, the motion failed, 3-4. Mayor Koch, Mr. Gutro, and Mrs. Perdios voted YES; Mr. Bregoli, Mrs. Cahill, Mrs. Hubley, and Mrs. Lebo voted NO.

On the motion, Mrs. Lebo said she had significant concerns about adding Lunar New Year to the calendar as the vast majority of elementary and middle school students attended school that day. This is potentially causing a childcare issue for over 4,500 families of elementary school students. Mrs. Lebo said that students in schools are celebrating Lunar New Year in schools, sharing their heritage with the community.

Mrs. Perdios said that Election Day was implemented as a no school several years ago without discussing childcare concerns. Mrs. Lebo said this was implemented due to security concerns expressed by parents.

Mrs. Cahill said that School Committee has heard the concerns of those who brought Lunar New Year forward, the vast majority of students (almost 80%) attended school that day. Quincy Public Schools demonstrates commitment to diversity every day through English Learner education and the Family Liaisons. Mrs. Cahill said the Policy of excused absences allows for all cultures to celebrate their individual traditions and heritage.

On a roll call vote to approve the 2025-2026 QPS School Year Calendar, the ayes have it, 5-2. Mr. Bregoli, Mrs. Cahill, Mr. Gutro, Mrs. Hubley, and Mrs Lebo voted YES; Mayor Koch and Mrs. Perdios voted NO.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the proposed School Committee Meeting Calendar for 2025-2026. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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Old Business

Policy Items for Vote

Director of Academic Programs Larry Taglieri introduced DOVE’s Executive Director Mick Hirsch, Director of Prevention & Education Jen Bolton, and YouthSpeak Specialist Kelly Truong, noting their long-standing collaboration with Quincy Public Schools middle and high school students. DOVE provides programs and services including a 24-hour hotline and shelter, counseling, support groups, legal assistance, advocacy prevention, and education.

Through the YouthSpeak program, DOVE works with middle and high school students on peer leadership training, classroom presentations, awareness projects, as well as staff and faculty training, and student and family support. Classroom workshops begin in Grade 6 Health classes with common topics throughout the middle school years and Grade 10, skill building, and increasingly complex concepts. Quincy Public Schools staff have been supportive of the ongoing workshop visits and complimentary in the year-end survey. Students have opportunities to be trained in peer leadership through summer programs; students can also earn Community Service credits for participating. DOVE is looking forward to continuing the partnership with Quincy Public Schools, expanding opportunities for Peer Leadership training, awareness projects and events throughout the year.

Mayor Koch noted that Quincy has been a leader in domestic violence awareness, former Congressman William Delahunt spearheaded local efforts when he was Attorney General.

Mr. Gutro previously served on DOVE’s board, and is an enthusiastic supporter of programming and the continuing expansion of the partnership with Quincy Public Schools. The integration in all five middle schools and both high schools will have a lasting impact on our students and families.

Mrs. Lebo thanked Mayor Koch for providing the funding to support DOVE’s partnership with Quincy Public Schools.

Mrs. Hubley thanked the presenters, asked about trafficking, Ms. Bolton said awareness of coercion is part of the workshops, especially in high school.

Mrs. Perdios asked for clarification on the high school numbers, middle school programming seems to reach almost all students. Ms. Bolton said that the Grade 10 students meet during Health classes and they are continuing to look for additional opportunities to meet with students from other grades.

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New Business

DOVE

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Erin Perkins presented on Quincy Public Schools Policies & Practices Regarding Access to Student Information, reiterating the priority of providing students with equal access to education in a safe and supportive learning environment for all students regardless of their immigration status. Under Massachusetts law, every student has the right to attend public schools in the town in which they reside and schools must avoid policies that discourage or deny access to school on the basis of immigration status. In addition, schools are subject to the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) and Massachusetts’ Student Record Regulations (603 CMR 23.05) which restricts disclosure of personal information to third parties without the specific, informed written consent of the parent/guardian. There are exceptions for judicial warrants or subpoenas; police; prosecutors; Department of Children & Family (DCF) investigators, or health department staff. There is a category of student information that is considered “directory information” that can be shared as it would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. One example is the Honor Roll that is published in a local newspaper, with the student name and grade.

If an outside person (third party) comes to a school and requests access to a student, principals are to refer the person to the Superintendent’s Office, contact the Superintendent, notify the parent/guardian, request to make copies of identification credentials and/or any warrant or documentation for review by the district’s legal counsel and the Superintendent. School-based staff are not asked to make determinations on the validity of a warrant or subpoena, all should be referred to the Superintendent. The Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office and the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education have provided guidance webinars and guidance documents that have been made available to all principals. A summary message was shared with professional staff as well.

Mrs. Lebo thanked Dr. Perkins, very reassuring that this information is being shared publicly. Mrs. Lebo would like to share this with the community, Superintendent Mulvey said that we are working with Principals and Family Liaisons to address individual family concerns. Other superintendents have seen a panic response to information letters. Superintendent Mulvey said that the Attorney General’s office has advised school districts that they do not anticipate school-based unannounced visits. The more likely effort would be collaboration through the local police department.

Mr. Gutro asked if this was added to the agenda because of the current political climate, Dr. Perkins confirmed. Dr. Perkins said a third-party person arriving at a school to request information is a very rare, almost never happens. Superintendent Mulvey said we do get subpoenas for information in divorce hearings, Special Education hearings, etc.

Mr. Gutro asked if current School Committee Policies are up to date, Superintendent Mulvey confirmed.

Dr. Perkins confirmed that QPS does not collect immigration status as part of registration. We cannot disclose information we don’t possess.

Mrs. Hubley said that the staff are aware of FERPA, annual training is important. Mrs. Hubley suggested the one-page handout can be shared with parents/ guardians who make inquiries.

Mrs. Perdios asked for clarification, ICE is considered a third-party requester of information. Mrs. Perdios asked if there have been any incidents. Dr. Perkins said there haven’t been any incidents nationwide.

Mrs. Perdios asked about the effect on attendance and student anxieties. Superintendent Mulvey said that we are not aware of this officially. Mrs. Perdios said that School Resource and DARE police officers at school may be concerning to students who are feeling anxious, is there social-emotional support available.

Superintendent Mulvey said the principals have worked hard to reassure families and school attendance continues to be strong. We want the presence of community police officers to be reassuring. Ms. Papile said that resources have been shared with school counselors and teachers to reinforce checking in with students, supporting regular attendance, and the safety of the schools.

Mayor Koch said the City of Quincy has worked with ICE previously, in terms of criminal involvement. Mayor Koch said the school resource and community officers are integral to the safety and security of the schools and the community.

Mrs. Cahill said this presentation is important to reinforce the processes in place, there isn’t a need to panic families, we are being supportive and are prepared to answer any questions from community members.

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New Business

Policies & Practices

Regarding Student

Information

Superintendent Mulvey noted that the FY2025 Grant Booklet was shared with School Committee and will be referred to Budget & Finance Subcommittee for specific questions.

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New Business

FY2025 Grant

Booklet

Superintendent Mulvey introduced the resolutions in support of submitting Massachusetts School Building Authority Statements of Interest for Accelerated Repair Program projects at Atlantic Middle School (roof), Broad Meadows Middle School (roof), Point Webster Middle School (windows & doors, roof), and F.W. Parker Elementary School (roof). Each resolution requires a motion, a second, and a roll call vote.

Mr. Bregoli made the following motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Point Webster Middle School.

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 21, 2025 for the Point Webster Middle School located at 60 Lancaster Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Point Webster Middle School was built in 1917 and renovated in 1998; the school’s windows were refurbished, but not replaced, during the renovation. Given the innovations in window manufacturing technology since the windows were originally installed, the school’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of replacement windows. In addition, sections of the school’s roof are in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Mr. Gutro made the following motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the F.W. Parker Elementary School.

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 21, 2025 for the Francis W. Parker Elementary School located at 148 Billings Road, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Francis W. Parker Elementary School was built in 1917 and renovated in 1955 and 1995. Sections of the school’s roof are in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Mr. Gutro made the following motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Broad Meadows Middle School.

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 21, 2025 for the Broad Meadows Middle School located at 50 Calvin Road, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Broad Meadows Middle School was built in 1957 and has been recently renovated to address mechanical and cosmetic damage following a severe coastal flooding event in 2018. Sections of the school’s roof are in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Mr. Gutro made the following motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Atlantic Middle School.

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 21, 2025 for the Atlantic Middle School located at 86 Hollis Avenue, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Atlantic Middle School was built in 1959. Sections of the school’s roof are in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Mayor Koch thanked Superintendent Mulvey, Ms. Owens, Commissioner Hines, and Public Buildings staff in putting together these Statements of Interest. Thanks to the MSBA for the opportunity to funding, so many projects.

Mrs. Lebo agreed with Mayor Koch, many districts cannot coordinate the efforts to get these projects funded

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New Business

MSBA ARP SOIs

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the item listed under the Consent Agenda: Approval of the January 22, 2025 Regular Meeting and Executive Session minutes; donations from Granite Telecommunications and Boston Scientific; a grant from the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education for Early College High School; and Student Travel requests from North Quincy and Quincy High Schools to attend the DECA Competition in Boston. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

Mayor Koch noted that the Granite Telecommunications donation of $80,000.00 for Robotics and the Early College High School grant from DESE are especially appreciated. Mrs. Hubley agreed and noted Boston Scientific’s gift as well.

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Consent Agenda

There was no Additional Business.

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Additional Business

Mrs. Cahill noted that upcoming School Committee meetings will be held on March 12 & 26; April 9; May 7 & 21; and June 11, 2025 all at 6:30 pm at the Coddington Building. There will be an Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee Meeting on February 26, 2025; Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meeting on March 19, 2025; and a Special Education Subcommittee meeting on April 30, 2025. All Subcommittee meetings are at 6:00 pm.

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Communications

Mayor Koch reported on the January 22, 2025 Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee, where the FY2025 2^nd Quarter salaries and expenses were reviewed.

Mr. Gutro reported on the January 22, 2025 Policy Subcommittee meeting where proposed School Committee Policy Book Section 5.5.7 Motor Vehicle Idling on School Grounds was approved and moved to the full School Committee for review.

As there were no changes proposed, the meeting minutes of the January 22, 2025 Quarterly Budget & Finance and Policy Subcommitees were accepted as presented.

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Reports of

Subcommittees

Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of Contract Negotiations at 8:25 pm. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it. School Committee will not return from Executive Session.

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Executive Session

Since School Committee did not return from Executive Session, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.

Adjournment