Minutes
Quincy School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting ~ September 22, 2022
A meeting of the Policy Subcommittee was held on September 22, 2022 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Subcommittee members Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Subcommittee Chair. Also present were School Committee Members Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mr. Frank Santoro; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Maura Papile; Quincy Education Association President Gayle Carvalho; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
For School Committee Policy Book Section 9.11.5 High School Promotion & Graduation Requirements, Ms. Owens reviewed the proposed language changes. These changes will reconcile the Policy language with that currently used in the High School Program of Studies and include the reinstatement of the Community Service requirement.
Mrs. Lebo asked and received confirmation that the High School Coordinators of Community Service are prepared to resume working with students.
Mr. Santoro asked about public posting of revised Policy so families will be aware that the Community Service requirement is being reinstated. This Policy revision will appear on the September 28, 2022 meeting agenda for discussion and then will be posted on the QPS website for public comment and then is eligible for vote on October 12, 2022.
Mr. Gutro asked for clarification about where this information appears, there are three locations: the Rights & Responsibilities Handbook, the Program of Studies, and the Policy Book.
Mrs. Lebo noted that the Rights & Responsibilities Handbook is undergoing revision and will be reviewed at an upcoming Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meeting
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the revised School Committee Policy Book Section 9.11.5 High School Promotion & Graduation Requirements as presented. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
The next item on the agenda was the proposed creation of a policy to restrict the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day. A draft policy was shared with School Committee.
Mrs. Hubley suggested several wording changes and asked about students with repeated violations.
Mr. Gutro said that as a School Committee member and parent, has not heard concerns about cell phone usage. Mr. Gutro requested a list of disciplinary issues by school for phone-related issues. Mr. Gutro asked for a survey about cell phone usage and asked to see a draft before the survey is shared.
Superintendent Mulvey said that this year, both high schools have already communicated to families and students that phones can only be used at lunchtime and should be away during class time. Middle school students currently keep phones in their lockers and most elementary school students do not have cell phones, so it has not been as much of an issue at those levels.
Mrs. Lebo said she has heard from many teachers that this is a problem. Mrs. Lebo suggested the teachers be surveyed first so the data can inform parent and student surveys. Mrs. Lebo does not want students to be suspended for cell phone policy violation and Mr. Bregoli agreed that missing academic classroom time is not a solution. Mrs. Lebo suggested the Principals may have ideas about disciplinary tools that can be used.
Mr. Santoro said that a policy puts teachers in the position of asking students to hand over their cell phones. If the student refuses, there needs to be consequences.
Mrs. Cahill said that she has heard from parents that they are concerned about the distraction for their students. Mental health, invasions of privacy, and cyberbullying are all risks of cell phone use during the school. It is a good compromise for students to keep the cell phones put away and important that the policy is clear for students, parents, and staff. Mrs. Cahill agrees that suspension is not the answer.
Mrs. Hubley has heard concerns from teachers and parents, as well as School Committee members from other towns. Mrs. Hubley said a local town has seen a decline in vaping in the restrooms due to students being unable to text about meeting up.
Mrs. Lebo said that during the recent evacuation at Quincy High School, students were told to leave their bags so they left cell phones behind. Superintendent Mulvey said that after consulting with the Quincy Police Department, it has been decided that going forward, students will leave classrooms with their belongings.
Mr. Bregoli said he has heard from teachers and students concerned about cell phone use in school. Mr. Bregoli is concerned about cheating, students taking pictures of test and forwarding to other sections of the same class.
Mr. Bregoli reviewed that this item will remain in Policy Subcommittee and the next step would be to create the staff survey. The next Policy meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2022 and the High School Principals can be invited to share their thoughts.
Superintendent Mulvey said all Quincy Public Schools teachers will be surveyed in order to verify if there are issues at the elementary and middle school levels.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn at 6:45 pm, seconded by Mr. Gutro. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.