Quincy Public Schools

A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room at the Coddington Building.  Superintendent Kevin Mulvey called the roll and present were Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. Frank Santoro, Vice Chair.

Also present were:  Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Allison Cox, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Andrea Huwar, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla; Department of Natural Resources Commissioner David Murphy; Department of Public Buildings Mechanical Engineer Mr. David Scott; Ms. Gayle Carvalho, Quincy Education Association President; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair and School Committee Member Mr. Paul Bregoli were absent.

Superintendent Mulvey recognized the following Quincy Public Schools retirees who passed away recently: Rita Fornaro, Secretary at Atherton Hough for over 20 years; Phil Garufi, History Teacher at Atlantic for over 40 years; Dorothy Kressler, Paraprofessional at several elementary schools; Eleanor McCauley,  School Secretary at Central for 19 years; Al Savitsky, Guidance Counselor at North Quincy High School for over 30 years; and Sal Vento, Business Teacher for 34 years at North Quincy High School.

Mr. Santoro 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

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting for June 15, 2022.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley  a motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Session for June 15, 2022.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the minutes of the Special Organizational Meeting for September 7, 2022.  Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Gutro  a motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Session for September 7, 2022.  Mrs. Cahill seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Approval of Minutes

As no one wanted to speak at Open Forum, School Committee went onto the next item on the agenda.

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Open Forum

Superintendent Mulvey reviewed the incident on September 13, 2022 at Quincy High School where a bomb threat was received in a school office around 8:00 am.  After evacuating students and staff from the building to secure locations in the neighborhood, the Quincy Police Department assisted by the Boston Police Department, searched the building and found no evidence.  School Messenger was utilized to keep staff and families informed.  Classes resumed at 10:00 A.M.  At approximately 1:50 pm, the Quincy Police Department notified Quincy High School that another threat had been made via a phone call to a media outlet.  At 2:00 PM, Quincy High School students and staff were dismissed for the day and a School Messenger alert was sent out to the community.  A second school-wide search was performed by the Quincy Police Department and their K-9 units and at 7:00 P.M. the school was deemed safe and communication was sent home to the QHS community.  Thank you to the Quincy Police Department, Boston Police Department, Superintendent’s Leadership Team, Quincy High School administrators, staff, and students for making a stressful period of time calm and orderly.  There was an increased Quincy Police Department presence at all schools today.

Mrs. Cahill suggested that information about increased police presence be shared with families to reassure them.

Mr. Santoro said that being principal in a situation like this is stressful, thanked all the staff that supported Mr. Ford.  Mr. Santoro said calls like these are a felony offense and impact the safe operations of the city, diverting resources that may be needed elsewhere.

Superintendent Mulvey recognized QHS Boys & Girls Volleyball Coach Jacqui Niosi for being inducted into to the Massachusetts Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2022.

Superintendent Mulvey announced the new Quincy Public Schools Digital Communication & Web Accessibility SpecialistKelly Powers, who comes to Quincy Public Schools with a wealth of knowledge and skills.  Ms. Powers previously worked at Weymouth Public Schools, was self-employed as a Digital Communication Consultant, and served as the eCommunications Director of the Appalachian Mountain Club.   

As of today, there are 9,836 students enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, with close to 100 registrations pending at school sites and Central Registration.  Enrollment figures by school and class size information will be shared at the October 12 meeting.

QPS Summer Program summer programs were attended by approximately 2,000 students and supported by 238 staff members.  Students participated in academic and enrichment programs that focused on collaboration, hands-on activities and strengthening academic and social & emotional skills. These summer programs allowed students to build relationships and develop essential skills to help better prepare them for the upcoming school year. 

The calendar of Quincy Public Schools Fall Back to School Open House events was shared with School Committee in their packets.  These events are a great opportunity for families to meet classroom teachers, learn about curriculum and academic expectations, and become part of the school community.

Superintendent Mulvey shared a Quincy School~Community Partnership update: to date, over $120,000 in financial support has been received from 22 local partners.  These financial contributions support events and initiatives for Quincy Public Schools students and staff.  3,600 Backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed citywide on September 8.  The New Professional Staff Orientation was held on August 31 and September 1 for 81 newly appointed professional staff members.  The Superintendent’s Leadership Team hosted workshops reviewing professional and legal expectations, academic program and student support, inclusive practices, the Mentoring program, security, transportation, and the Educator Evaluation process. 

Superintendent Mulvey concluded his report by sharing that Quincy Public Schools is honored to be the featured City and district in the Department of Elementary & Secondary annual Back to School video.  Thanks to Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, parent Truc Lai and her sons Tyler and Marcus Lam, parent Amy Alawad and her son Adam Alawad, and North Quincy High School Dean Kariana Santos.

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Superintendent’s

Report

Mr. Gutro made a motion to name the North Quincy High School Band Room in memory of former Band Director Richard Kenneally.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0.  Mayor Koch and Mr. Bregoli were absent.

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Old Business

Naming the NQHS

Band Room (VOTE)

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to take the Agenda out of order and move to New Business, Item C.  Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Lebo asked for and received confirmation that all of the candidates have the appropriate licensure.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to appoint Mary Cross as a School Nurse.   Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0.  Mayor Koch and Mr. Bregoli were absent.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to appoint Tess Doyle as a School Nurse.   Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0.  Mayor Koch and Mr. Bregoli were absent.

Mr. Gutro made a motion to appoint Jennifer Golden as a School Nurse.   Mrs. Cahill seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0.  Mayor Koch and Mr. Bregoli were absent.

Mrs. Cahill made a motion to appoint Sarah Hill as a School Nurse.   Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0.  Mayor Koch and Mr. Bregoli were absent.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to appoint Carolann DeLuca-Killinger as a School Nurse.   Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0.  Mayor Koch and Mr. Bregoli were absent.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to appoint Cailin O’Dwyer as a School Nurse.   Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0.  Mayor Koch and Mr. Bregoli were absent.

Mrs. Lebo said that these nurses bring a wealth of experience to our school district, appreciates the work of Ms. Huwar to find these qualified candidates.

School Committee moved back to the order of the agenda.

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New Business

Appointment of School

Nurses (VOTE)

Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Dave Murphy reviewed the department’s support for Quincy Public Schools, fall athletics programs are underway with the city-owned Furnace Brook Golf Course as the home course for both high schools.  Commissioner Murphy wished Mr. Niamkey well in his new position in Norwell, looking forward to continuing to work with Mr. Mahoney as the citywide Athletic Director.  The Recreation Department program introduced inclusion opportunities in summer recreation programs, thanks to Ms. Perkins, Ms. Graham, and Quincy Public Schools Special Education staff.  Veterans Memorial Stadium received Community Preservation Funding to improve the walls around the stadium.  The next phase will be to replace the concrete bridge from the stands to Hancock Street.  The September 26 rededication of the Adams statues in Merrymount Park will include Grade 8 Central  Middle School students.

The Point Webster Middle School grounds have been transformed by the installation of a turf field, funded by a state appropriation and a Community Development Block Grant.  Granite City Partners and Fleming Brothers Construction were two local businesses who partnered to get this project completed in under three months. 

Mrs. Lebo said this is an amazing improvement for the school and community.

Mr. Gutro asked about the design process, Mr. Murphy said that the work at South~West was an inspiration to create similar space for Point Webster students. 

Superintendent Mulvey thanked Mr. Murphy for the everyday responsiveness to the principals and the regular maintenance for our school sites by the staff of the Department of Natural Resources. 

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New Business

Department of

Natural Resources

Update

Public Buildings Department Dave Scott presented on behalf of Commissioner Paul Hines, highlighting significant improvements completed in all school buildings.  Mr. Scott reviewed that work is underway at the DeCristofaro Learning Center, the process of selecting an Owner’s Project Manager for Squantum has begun, and that the Massachusetts School Building Authority recently visited Wollaston, Parker, and Montclair to review potential Accelerated Repair Program projects.

Asbestos remediation continued over the summer at Bernazzani, Montclair, Wollaston over the summer.  Wollaston has completely been abated and no longer has any asbestos.  Lighting improvements were completed at Parker (LED fixtures in the entire school) and at NQHS (gymnasium, art wing, and halls).  ADA improvements have been completed at Parker and Broad Meadows and are in process at NQHS.

HVAC improvements are completed at Clifford Marshall (boiler room renovation, two new boilers), Snug Harbor (boiler replaced), Atherton Hough (new ventilation for office and food prep), Lincoln Hancock (pool heating and air circulation). 

Interior improvements include constructing new offices for QHS Guidance, constructing a classroom at Squantum, rebuilding four student bathrooms at Atherton Hough, and the Broad Meadows auditorium is almost complete, along with gymnasium.  At NQHS, extensive painting and replacement of floor coverings were completed throughout the building.

Projects in planning stages include the replacement of the HVAC system at the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center and the Wollaston gym and lower roof replacement and renovation for food services.  Point Webster and NQHS will have boiler plant replacements.

Mr. Gutro asked about School Improvement Plan maintenance requests and requested a comparison of SIP items and completed projects. 

Mr. Gutro asked about air conditioning in schools.  Mr. Scott said by and large the older school buildings do not have any air conditioning.  (Atherton Hough, Bernazzani, Lincoln Hancock, Montclair, Snug Harbor, Squantum, Wollaston, Atlantic, Broad Meadows).  The Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center, Beechwood Knoll, Clifford Marshall, and Point Webster are fully air-conditioned.  Parker and North Quincy have sections that are air conditioned.  Central and South~West have tempered air systems that mechanically cool the air but the volume flow rate is lower than air-conditioned spaces.  Quincy High School does not have air-conditioned classrooms, but the main offices, deans, and guidance offices, auditorium, computer labs, and library are air-conditioned.  Mr. Santoro said that during the project planning, the cost per square foot would have required eliminating some of the CVTE programming.

Mr. Gutro asked about the new Squantum project, Mr. Scott said the cost to build, operate and maintain an air-conditioned building is significantly higher than having a tempered air system.

Mrs. Hubley asked for a summary of HVAC at each building be prepared for School Committee.  Mrs. Hubley suggested this as a topic for a future Facilities subcommittee meeting.

Mrs. Hubley asked for and received confirmation that the water testing repairs have been completed throughout the city.

Mrs. Lebo asked for the full report to be posted on the QPS website.  Mrs. Lebo said the MSBA creates a total project budget for reimbursement, this was a very difficult decision during the design process of Quincy High School. 

Mrs. Lebo and Mr. Santoro noted that since the building maintenance and capital expenditures for school buildings moved to the city side, any budget conflicts with educational priorities have been removed and the number of projects completed has increased dramatically.  Mr. Santoro reminded School Committee that Public Buildings oversees all other city buildings in addition to the Quincy Public Schools buildings.

Mrs. Cahill said the report shows an incredible amount of progress for our schools and asked how projects are priorititzed.  Mr. Scott said Commissioner Hines meets with all of the trade specialties to set priorities; sometimes priorities shift to focus on emergency situations. 

Superintendent Mulvey echoed School Committee comments, thanked Mr. Hines and Mr. Scott for their responsiveness.  Superintendent Mulvey said the renovation of the Broad Meadows auditorium is an example of how the Public Department operates, taking the time to renovate thoroughly and create a state of the art facility.

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New Business

Public Buildings Update

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to appoint Mrs. Hubley as Delegate to represent the Quincy School Committee at the Massachusetts Association of School Committees General Meeting.  Mrs. Cahill seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. 

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New Business

MASC Conference

Delegate (VOTE)

Mr. Gutro made a motion to refer School Bus Transportation Fee Review to the Budget & Finance Subcommittee.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. 

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New Business

Referral to

Subcommittee

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the In-State Overnight Travel of the North Quincy High School AFJROTC to the Cape Cod Leadership Camp, Camp Edwards/Otis Air Force Base, Bourne, Massachusetts from September 28 through October 2, 2022.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

Overnight Travel

(In State) Vote

There was  no Additional Business.

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Additional Business

A draft schedule of School Committee and Subcommittee meeting dates and topics was shared with School Committee.  Ms. Owens noted that the Policy Meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 22.

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Communications

There were no Reports of Subcommittees.

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Reports of

Subcommittees

There was no Executive Session.

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Executive Session

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to adjourn at 7:50 pm, seconded by Mrs. Cahill.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Adjournment