Quincy Public Schools

A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 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. Tina Cahill, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. Frank Santoro, Vice Chair.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of the following retired and active Quincy Public Schools employees:  Patricia Erlich:  Secretary for 17 years, retired from the NQHS Deans office; Steven Linskey:  QPS Bus driver for 10 years; Leonard Miceli: NQHS Social Studies teacher for 30 years; Elizabeth O’Connor: Food Services staff member for over 30 years, retired from NQHS packing room.

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

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting for October 26, 2022.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Session for October 26, 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 wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee moved onto the next item on the Agenda.

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Open Forum

Superintendent Mulvey recognized Commended National Merit Scholars Nicholas Enbar-Salo, Ashna Guha, Katie Jiang, Jason Li, Sophie Nerine, Alexander Stankov, Sabrina Teng, and Kaitlyn Vu from North Quincy High School and Ismayil Ismayilov, William McCoy, Dheeraj Aravind Prakash Viswanath, and Caroline Tracey from Quincy High School.  Of the 1.6 million students who took the PSAT in October 2020, these seniors are among the top 50,000 nationwide.  Special recognition to NQHS Senior Dominique Dang who is a National Merit  Semifinalist, scoring in the top 1% nationwide.

Congratulations to the 210 graduating seniors in the class of 2023 who have been awarded the John & Abigail Adams Scholarships for scoring in the top 25% district-wide on the MCAS Assessments.  The scholarship covers eight semesters of tuition at any University of Massachusetts, state university, or community college campus.   

Upcoming community events include: The North Quincy and Quincy High School Football teams will meet for their 90^th annual competition on Thanksgiving morning.  Kickoff is at 10:00 am at Veterans Memorial Stadium.  Mayor Koch and the Quincy School~Community Partnership are once again sponsoring ‘Tis the Season… Symphony & Song on December 1 at 7:00 pm in the Quincy High School Auditorium.  The concert features the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Yoichi Udagawa and performances from student musicians in the John Adams Orchestra and the combined High School Choral group.  Central Middle School’s Drama Club is presenting Peter Pan on Thursday, December 1 & Friday, December 2 at 7:00 pm, and Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 pm.

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Superintendent’s

Report

Mayor Koch reviewed that the composite Summative Evaluation form for Superintendent Mulvey for the school year 2021-2022 was provided to School Committee. Superintendent met or made significant progress towards his goals and received an overall rating of Proficient, with an Exceptional rating for Family & Community Engagement.  Mayor Koch thanked School Committee for completing the individual evaluations, including the comments which will be helpful as Superintendent Mulvey finalizes his goals for the 2022-23 school year.  The new goals will be shared at the December 7, 2022 meeting. Superintendent Mulvey’s 2021-2022 Summative Evaluation will be posted on the Quincy Public Schools website.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to accept the composite 2021-2022 Summative Evaluation for Superintendent Kevin Mulvey.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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Old Business

Superintendent’s

2021-2022

Summative Evaluation

Mrs. Hubley reviewed that she and Mrs. Lebo attended the Massachusetts Association of School Committees Conference last week, attending workshops and the General Session.  All six resolutions passed as presented, there was discussion of amendments but none passed.  Mrs. Hubley noted that several districts have Financial Literacy as a graduation requirement and/or offer programming in this area throughout all grade levels.

Mrs. Hubley attended a presentation on School Committee practices and would like to refer “Establishing a Yearlong Agenda” to the Policy Subcommittee for review and discussion.  Melrose and Danvers School Committees currently have established these.

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Old Business

MASC Conference

Review

Mr. Bregoli reviewed that a proposed revision of School Committee Policy 9.7.12 Service Animals has been moved out of Policy Subcommittee to the full School Committee for discussion.  This Policy revision is eligible for vote at the December 7, 2022 School Committee meeting.

Mrs. Lebo asked for and received confirmation that the Policy revision will be posted on the Quincy Public Schools website for public review and comment.

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Old Business

Service Animals

Mr. Bregoli reviewed that the Policy Subcommittee approved the proposal to name the new turf field at the Point Webster Middle School for Private John Mariano, a casualty of the Korean War who was raised in the Quincy Point neighborhood and attended Point Webster Junior High School.   This proposal is eligible for vote at the December 7, 2022 School Committee meeting.

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Old Business

Naming PWMS Field

Coordinator of English Learner Education Heather Wojcik presented the Program Improvement Plan, accompanied by the Family Liaisons Moshi Doane, Ray Luo, Laura Tung, and Bin Wu.  In reviewing last year’s goals, all were met or exceeded.  Ms. Wojcik then reviewed the work of the new Quincy Public Schools Family Liaisons, who serve as the language and cultural bridge between the families, schools, and the community.  Family Liaisons explain the American school system and Quincy Public Schools through a shared cultural and language perspective with the families.  Family Liaisons serve as interpreters for oral communication in meetings and provide translation for written information.  The Family Liaisons follow up with each family once the registration process is completed, to provide orientation on the school calendar, signing up for transportation, and community resources.  Outreach is done at community events (Multicultural Festival, Welcome to Kindergarten, school-based events) and by contacting families directly to recruit them for targeted programs, such as the summer Camp Can Do program for EL students.

The Family Liaisons participated in professional development provided by DESE to support language access skills to address barriers for students and families who may not be able to speak, understand, read, and/or write in English.  Each Family Liaison highlighted some of the cultural differences from their native school systems and cultures.  Through School Committee support, Quincy Public Schools has secured the services of an on-call Language Line for immediate interpretation needs. 

The English Learner Education Program Goals for 2022-2023 are: (1) The percentage of English Learners in Grades 1-12 who makes progress towards their proficiency targets will increase by 5% (from a base of 56%) as measured by 2023 ACCESS EL327 Edwin Report.  (2) QPS seeks to award the State Seal of Biliteracy for up to 10 students in their junior or senior year as measured by state-approved World Language Assessments prior to the graduation date in June 2023.  (3) QPS will use the WeChat and WhatsApp social media platforms to engage families in the school community with a 25% increase in attendance (from a base of 50) at events and ELPAC meetings as measured by attendance sheets and Zoom participation count.  (4) Family engagement and participation will increase in Parent Academies specifically related to the cultural differences within the American school system.  This will be evidenced by an overall increase in attendance of 12%, from the October base of 50, by June 2023.  (5) The team will develop a district interpretation and translation handbook which will include procedures for interpretation and translation and a database of translated documents.

Mrs. Lebo thanked the presenters, the value of the Family Liaisons is immediately evident.  Mrs. Lebo asked about the number of EL staff at each school versus the number of students and Ms. Wojcik explained that the number of staff at each building varies depending on the number and proficiency levels of EL students.

Mrs. Lebo asked about the new Kindergarten screening test, Ms. Wojcik said it is more aligned with the ACCESS.  Mrs. Lebo asked about SLIFE students, Quincy Public schools currently enrolls between 20 and 30 students with limited formal school experience in the middle and high school grades. 

Mrs. Lebo asked about students whose families opt out of EL instruction.  Ms. Wojcik said there are 55 total but they are academically monitored and take the ACCESS annually. 

Mrs. Hubley asked if high schools students are invited to participate in the Opt-Out process, Ms. Wojcik said the students do advocate for themselves, signaling their teachers when they are ready to transition.

Mr. Bregoli asked if a parent participates in the Opt-Out process when a high school student initiates and Ms. Wojcik confirmed.

Mr. Gutro made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Lebo to approve the English Learner Education Program Improvement Plan.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

English Learner

Education

Program Improvement

Plan Presentation

Director of Special Education Julie Graham, accompanied by Coordinator Sarah Anderson, and Team Administrators Simone Buckley, Catherine Carey, Donna Cunningham, and Jennifer Leary presented the Special Education Program Improvement Plan.  In reflecting on last year’s goals, the elementary, middle, and high school; post-secondar;, and program team goals were all met.  Ms. Anderson highlighted the opportunities for social connections created at South~West and North Quincy High School.  For post-secondary students, there has been successful collaboration with Quincy College to develop and implement a program for students with autism, intellection, or developmental disabilities that launched in September.  The Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education focused on increasing parent engagement through participation in QPAC sponsored meeting and events.

Spring 2022 MCAS data is concerning, reflecting the significant disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic for students with disabilities.  Improvement was seen between 2021 and 2022 MCAS for ELA in Grades 4, 5, 7, and 10; Mathematics, Grades 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10; and Science, Grades 5 and 8.  For Significant Disproportionality data, as of September 2021, Quincy Public Schools is no longer an identified district.

Special Education Goals for 2022-2023 are: (1) Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 with a math goal in their IEP will show evidence of achievement in Spring 2023 MCAS Mathematics as measured by a total increase of 3 achievement points in Exceeding or Meeting Expectations over the Spring 2023 MCAS results.  (2) Middle and high school Special Education teachers will meet with each student on their caseload at age 14 and up to administer a transition assessment.  This assessment will be used to develop a comprehensive Transition Planning Form for 100% of the students and will be presented at the annual IEP meeting.  (3) The LEAP at Quincy College program will have 2-3 recommended students enrolled in courses for credit and the peer mentor component will be developed and implemented for five students.  (4) The Special Education Team will work with the IT Department, Team Chairs, Special Educators, and Related-Service Providers to streamline the IEP progress report publication process to adhere to DESE regulations.  At the end of each marking period, the Special Education staff will work towards 100% compliance with posting progress reports in Aspen so they can be published for family viewing on Aspen as the same time as report cards.  In addition, each Special Education program has goals targeted to the specific needs of the students in the program. 

Mrs. Cahill noted that the Special Education Program Improvement Plan does not have requests for additional resources, staffing, curriculum, or technology.  Ms. Graham said it usually happens through the budgeting process in the spring.

Mrs. Lebo praised the amazing work of the Special Education staff, an impressive array of specialist support, very important that Professional Development has been extended to the Paraprofessionals.  Very strong goals, especially the emphasis on transition planning.

Mrs. Lebo noted that the Legislative Acts of 2022 has specific language about Child Find, identifying students with mental health issues, which may be a collaboration between Special Education and Student Support services.

Mrs. Hubley complimented the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education (QPAC) goals and the work of QPAC. 

Mr. Bregoli asked about Out of District placements, there are 160 currently.  Mr. Bregoli asked about the process of bringing students back, it is through the IEP process, done purposefully with a transition plan to support the students. 

Mr. Bregoli asked for the LEAP program students to have the opportunity to be part of the Carpentry program at NQHS.

Mayor Koch thanked the Special Education Team, noted that the DeCristofaro Special Education Learning Center is under construction.  While it may be early to determine, Mayor Koch asked how many students may return from out of district placements.  Ms. Graham said that there is an estimated range of 25 to 50 students and also keeping students who may be referred in the future as Quincy Public Schools students.  Superintendent Mulvey thanked Mayor Koch and School Committee for their support for this state-of the-art facility.

Mr. Gutro made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Cahill to approve the Special Education Program Improvement Plan.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

Special Education

Program Improvement

Plan Presentation

Mrs. Hubley thanked the Seaside Stitchers from the Kennedy Center, Caryn’s Corner Boutique, the Quincy Rotary Club, the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Knitting Gals of Montclair for their generous donation of coats, hats, mittens, and scarves for Quincy Public Schools students.  Health Services Coordinator Andrea Huwar will distribute to the school nurses who can share with students as needed.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to accept the donation of coats, hats, mittens, and scarves.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

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Superintendent Mulvey thanked the Quincy Lodge of Elks for their annual donation of dictionaries for over 700 Grade 3 students.

Mrs. Cahill made a motion to accept the donation of dictionaries.  Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

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Superintendent Mulvey thanked Geico Insurance and the Good Sports Foundation for the grant of $20,000 in Athletics equipment, apparel, and sneakers to the Point Webster Middle School.  Principal Christine Barrett successfully completed the grant application last spring.  The grant will be distributed in four installments over the next two years, with the first shipment received last month.  Thanks also to the Quincy School~Community Partnership for paying the shipping costs.

Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the grant of $20,000 of athletics equipment, apparel, and sneakers.  Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

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New Business

Donations

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to refer School Improvement Plan Facilities Needs to the Facilities, Transportation & Security Subcommittee for review.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. 

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New Business

Referral to Facilities

Subcommittee

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to refer School Committee Policy Book Sections 4.4 Grants, Proposals & Special Projects and 11.7 Gifts from the Public to the Policy Subcommittee for review.  Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

Referral to Policy

Subcommittee

Mayor Koch noted that the Quincy Historical Society will be holding a reception on Friday, November 18 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm to celebrate a triple anniversary: 200^th anniversary of John Adams deeding the land to Quincy to build the Adams Academy; the 150^th anniversary of the Adams Academy, and the 50^th Anniversary of the Quincy Historical Society stewardship of the building. 

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Additional Business

Mr. Santoro noted that Regular School Committee meetings are scheduled for December 7, 2022; January 11 & 25, 2023; and February 8, 2023 at 6:30 pm at the Coddington Building.  Upcoming Subcommittee meetings include Teaching & Learning on November 28, November 29, and November 30, 2022, where the elementary School Improvement Plans will be presented.  There will also be a Policy Subcommittee meeting on November 30, 2022, following Teaching & Learning Subcommittee. The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Athletics & Wellness, and Policy Subcommittees will meet on December 14, 2022 beginning at 6:00 pm.

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Communications

Mr. Santoro noted that the Subcommittee Minutes are posted on the School Committee page of the Quincy Public Schools website.

Mayor Koch reviewed the Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting held on October 26, 2022.

Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Policy Subcommittee meetings held on October 26, 2022 and November 9, 2022.  In addition to the two items discussed earlier under Old Business, the Policy Subcommittee discussed a draft Policy on Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices and approved a survey on the same topic to be administered to Quincy Public Schools professional staff members.  The results will be shared at the November 30, 2022 Policy Subcommittee meeting.

Mrs. Lebo reviewed the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meetings held on November 9, 2022 and November 14, 2022.  The Career, Vocational & Technical Education Program Improvement Plan and the School Improvement Plans for the high schools and four middle schools were presented and approved.

As there were no corrections, the minutes of the October 26, 2022 Quarterly Budget & Finance, the October 26, 2022 and November 9, 2022 Policy, and November 9, 2022 and November 14, 2022 Teaching & Learning Subcommittees were accepted.

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Reports of

Subcommittees

Mayor Koch made a motion to move to Executive Session for the purpose of Contract Negotiations at 8:40 pm.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0. 

School Committee will not return to the Regular Meeting following the conclusion of Executive Session.

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Executive Session

Since School Committee did not return from Executive Session, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.

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Adjournment