May 21, 2008 School Committee Meeting

Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee May 21, 2008

City Council Chambers. City Hall
7:00 p.m.

I. Approval of Minutes: Regular and Executive Session Meeting minutes for May 7, 2008.

II. Superintendent’s Report:

A. Partnership Events (Historic Walk, Golf)

B. Plumbing Program Golf Tournament

C. GOALS Business Initiative

D. Business Education Showcase

E. Principal Appointments

F. Summer Scene Booklet

III. Open Forum: An opportunity for community input regarding the Quincy Public Schools. After giving his or her name and address, each speaker may make a presentation of no more than four minutes to the School Committee.

IV. Old Business

A. Update on building projects, renovations, and construction: Mr. Ryan to report.

B. Update on the New Quincy High School: Mrs. Dwyer to report.

C. Update on Central: Building Committee Meeting.

D. Middle School Grade Reporting Change: A final vote is needed to approve this policy is needed.

E. Anti-Bullying Policy: This item remains on the table from your last meeting for a final vote.

V. New Business

A. FY O9 Budget Presentation:

B. School Choice: Superintendent recommends that the Quincy School Committee withdraws from the obligation to enroll non-resident students in the Quincy Public Schools for the 2008-2009 academic year for the following reasons:

a. Continued projected enrollment conditions at the elementary and middle schools based on current and projected enrollments

b. Policy of the Quincy School Committee to adhere to class size guidelines.

C. Out of State Travel: Central to Camp Wing. See Attachment A.

D. Out of State Travel: North Quincy ROTC to New Hampshire. See Attachment B.

E. Out of State Travel: Broad Meadows (grade 6) to Canobie Lake. See Attachment C.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

VIII. Hearings: - none

IX. Reports of Special Committees:

A. School Facilities Management Subcommittee: Mrs. Dwyer to report.

B. Budget Subcommittee: Mr. Mulvey to report

X. Executive Session: - Contract Negotiations

XI. Adjournment:

Subcommittees of the School Committee

Subcommittee Date Referred Business Pending
Budget & Finance
Mulvey/Bragg/Mahoney 1/7/2004 Marshall Remedial Action Plan
  5/27/2004 (Subcommittee) Transportation Fees
  4/11/2007 HS Health Curriculum
  3/12/2008 Teacher Resources Libraries
  4/9/2008 Dir. of Security & Transportation Job Description
School Facilities Management    
Dwyer/Mahoney/Mulvey Major Building Projects  
  3/4/98 QHS/Central/Sterling Building Plans
  10/20/2004 ADA Report
  9/7/2005 Alternative Plans for Central Middle School
  1/25/2006 Fire Extinguishers
  1/25/2006 Outdoor Lighting
  2/8/2006 Conservation
  4/9/2008 11.6 School Facility Policy
  4/9/2008 Track
Health, Safety & Security    
Puleo/Mahoney/McCarthy 10/18/2006 NQHS Traffic & Drop off
  4/11/2007 HS Health Curriculum
  3/26/2008 Increase School Breakfast Participation
School Policy    
Bragg/Dwyer/McCarthy 1/10/2001 Policy Manual
  10/18/2006 Sliding Scale for Student Fees
  5/2/2007 Bullying
  11/28/2007 Progress Reports
  2/6/2008 Voting Places
  3/12/2008 Movies in Schools
  3/12/2008 Teacher Evaluations
Special Education    
Mahoney/McCarthy/Mulvey 1/17/2007 Emergency Information Form
  1/17/2007 Substitute Teachers for SPED
  3/21/2007 Implementation of IEPs
Rules, Post Audit & Oversight    
Dwyer/Puleo/Bragg    
     
AD HOC COMMITTEES:    
Channel 22    
Mahoney/McCarthy 10/17/2007 Encourage greater use of

 

Minutes

Quincy, Massachusetts - May 21, 2008
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, Regular May 21, 2008 at City Council Chambers, City Hall. Present were Mr. Kevin Meeting Mulvey, Mr. Nick Puleo, Mrs. Elaine Dwyer, Mrs. Jo-Ann Bragg, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. Dave McCarthy and Mayor Tom Koch, Chairman.

Chairman Presiding

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The Superintendent called the roll and all members were present. Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary, Mrs. Tefta Burrelli, Clerk. Messrs. O’Brien, Mullaney, Dr. Pattavina, Ms. Powell, Todd, Hughes, and Roberts. Ms. Tracey Christello represented Citywide, and Mr. Paul Phillips, QEA President, was present.

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Reg.&Exec Session Mins. Approved 5/7/2008

On a motion by Mr. Mulvey, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the Committee approved the regular and executive session minutes for May 7, 2008. On a roll call vote, the minutes were approved unanimously 7-0.

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The Committee observed a moment of silence for Mr. Baccarri, former principal, Joan Cunningham, former bookkeeper, Keith and Kevin Segalla’s mother.

Staff/Student Recognition

Keith Segalla introduced Mr. Tom Pecoraro, City Plumbing Gas Inspector. The 2nd Plumbing Club Golf Tournament was held on Tuesday, May 6. CTE alumni, Mayor Koch, the South Shore plumbing community, and 72 golfers participated. They raised $10,500 for the Plumbing Program. To date, they have raised $19,000 in two years. Mr. Tom Cassidy, Head Plumbing Instructor for Quincy High School, introduced two Quincy High students who will receive scholarships from these events. Bill Berberan will be attending Wentworth Institute, and Patrick Dean will be entering the plumbing trade. They have completed State plumbing apprenticeship requirements, completed MCAS, 10 hr. OSHA safety training, certification for two separate plumbing systems, and completed certification in special waste piping systems completed at the construction site. Enrollment in the plumbing program continues to grow. The Mayor thanked Tom Pecoraro for his leadership on the Tournament, and Keith Segalla acknowledged Gina Scanlan Dept Chair for her work at Quincy High School.

Ms. Rita Dinsmore, Business Ed Chair, highlights on this past year’s elective courses in business. They offer a variety of computer classes, public speaking, ESL Program, a personal finance class to help students with their credit cards. Students participate in job shadowing, she thanked the Quincy Credit Union, Marriott Quincy, YMCA, Quincy Public Schools Business Association. These businesses have been very supportive to students.

Student Recognition

GOALS instructor Mike Kozul gave a synopsis of the GOALS program. They utilize non-traditional approaches that relate directly to academic concepts and skills that will help students in the classroom and in life. One such initiative is the Globe Stock Market Game (SMG). This teaches long term saving and investment. Student, James Saro, the game leader, explained how the program works. Students make a portfolio, learn terms, and purchase stock. This year they purchased Apple Computer stock. In April the stock was valued at $132.00 and on May the stock went up to $181.00 They had to research and evaluate their stocks. They ranked 325 out of 1,000 school teams. This program helped make math more meaningful. Students became connected and aware.

Members received the new Summer Scene booklet.

Interviews were held for principal positions. The Superintendent will call the committee tomorrow or Friday with his appointments.

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Open Forum

At the Open Forum, Mr. Bob Haley, told the members that he asked the City Council to hold a public hearing to answer questions on the annual budget prior to final action. He is asking the City Solicitor about the legality of the cuts. The cuts were voted by category. These cuts are not allowed. He didn’t believe the City Council has this authority.

Ms. Tracey Christello told of her disappointment in the City Council who voted for the budget cuts that would affect the school department. She is involved with three schools and knows how much this will hurt the schools. She asked the City Council to consider what they have done to the school system. The best investment right now, she said, is education.

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Bldg. Update

There was no update on Buildings and Grounds.

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New QHS

Mrs. Dwyer reported that the next meeting for the Quincy High Building Committee will be held on May 30. She had nothing new to report.

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New Central

Mayor Koch said the Central Building Committee should hear from Mr. Timmins, Chair, when their first meeting will be held.

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MS Marking Periods Change Approved

On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Powell, the Committee approved the Middle School Reporting change from a four semester to a three semester system. On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.

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Anti-Bullying Policy Approved

On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee approved the Anti-Bullying Policy. On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.

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FY09 Budget

Superintendent DeCristofaro has met with the Principal Leadership Team that could be affected by the reduction in funding. He wanted them to know we are still working very hard for our school system. The process started when he met with the Mayor and his staff and told him the school system’s needs. They were very receptive and came up with a budget they thought was a considerate budget to help continue to build. It would be a level service budget. It included the same staff, help with class size, utilities, as well as with Sped tuitions. A preliminary budget was created and was never shared because we received word that the school budget would be reduced by $3 million. That would be 60% of the reductions in the City.

Dr. DeCristofaro showed the Mayor’s Budget, showed the FY08 budget summary and how it compared to the Mayor’s appropriation. The school budget was to receive a $4.1 million increase. This increase would go directly to the contractual increases for our teachers. The rest goes to utilities, tuitions, class size, teachers. The Mayor was very receptive to our class size. We were going to get seven new positions.

The Superintendent showed a slide presentation of the budget. It showed that 80% of the budget is salaries. There are not that many places to cut. He showed a budget with $2.95 decrease in budget.

The Superintendent hopes that the City Council will take another look at this and become a bit more reasonable with the Quincy Public Schools.

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Budget Subcommittee May 19 Mtg

Mr. Mulvey reported that the Budget Subcommittee met on May 19 after learning the news that the budget would be cut by $3million. Everyone. worked very hard to review the possibilities of dealing with such a major cut. They came up with five options.

The Committee reviewed half of the options and will continue to review the others at another meeting on May 23 at 4:00 p.m. The Subcommittee agreed not to touch the transportation line. Approximately 750-900 students benefit from transportation. They are looking at other lines to cut $3 million. Mr. Mulvey said he appreciates the Mayor and School Committee’s willingness to work with the City Council to reduce that number so that these budget cuts aren’t as devastating.

May 13 Mtg.

The Budget Subcommittee met on May 13 prior to this news concerning a breakdown of two coordinator positions. They agreed on the job descriptions for two positions. Once the budget crisis is over, they will go back to this issue. This position will go from one director to two coordinators within existing salary lines.

On a motion by Mr. Mulvey, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee approved the minutes for the May 13 and May 19 meetings. The ayes have it.

Mrs. Bragg commented that the Mayor had given them a bottom line that met the schools’ needs. It was the City Council, and not the Mayor, that cut the budget. The School Committee will not cut full day kindergarten. This is not an option at this time. They discussed moving the Kindergarten aides to a grant line. Every employee is important to them. Cutting one position hurts everyone. They are trying to come up with a compromise. Mrs. Bragg stated that cutting 60% is unfair.

Mr. Puleo said there are a number of pieces of misinformation floating around such as the reduction of 50 teachers. The City Council may only reduce the amount, they may not decide what or where to cut. It is important for us to provide as much information as we can to the public. He asked that the Superintendent’s budget documents be posted on the school’s website. He asked that the next subcommittee meeting be moved to the City Council Chambers so they can be televised.

Mr. McCarthy thanked the Superintendent and his team for putting together the options. He has asked the City Council in the future to get a presentation to give them a little time to put something together before they cut $3 million off the budget. To cut $3 million in one afternoon is inexcusable. Some of these programs won’t come back.

Mrs. Mahoney said that $3 million is a lot for the school department to assume. When you do cut programs and when money comes back it is hard to rebuild the programs. Three million dollars has a rippling effect on programs such as the GOALS program that has a great impact on students. This will put many programs on the table. Extra programs keep kids out of trouble and off the streets.

Mrs. Dwyer said she thought it the City Council’s actions were disgraceful and disrespectful to the Superintendent, Police Chief, Fire Chief by not allowing them to speak. She hoped the City Council would reconsider.

Mayor Koch gave an overview of how he arrived at the City budget. They looked at what their revenues are going to be this year. He has to find $3 million for Honeywell. He did make the decision to maintain the budget. He built a very tight budget. It is his hope that he can come up with a compromise. He is still going to the City Council for funds to build a new Central Middle School.

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School Choice Withdraws from

On a motion by Mrs. McCarthy, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the School Committee voted to withdraw from the obligation to enroll non-resident students in the Quincy Public Schools for the 2008-2009 academic year for the following reasons:

Continued projected enrollment conditions at the elementary and middle schools based on current and projected enrollments

Policy of the Quincy School Committee to adhere to class size guidelines.

On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.

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Central to Camp Wing

On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the Committee approved a trip for Central students to go to Camp Wing from May 27 to May 30, 2008. Mr. McCarthy requested that any union Leader who is going and is over 18 yrs. old, be CORIED. The ayes have it.

NQ ROTC to NH

On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee approved a trip for North Quincy ROTC students to go to New Hampshire from June 24 to June 26, 2008. The ayes have it.

PW to Canobie Lake

On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee approved a trip for Point Webster students to go to Canobie Lake on June 4, 2008. The ayes have it.

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Additional Business

Mr. McCarthy asked that Mr. Cunniff explain the verbiage on the GMP on the De-duct booklet they received regarding the new Quincy High School.

Incident @ Houghs Neck

Mr. McCarthy asked that Mr. McPhee report on a home invasion at Houghs Neck on May 6. He wants to make sure that the Principal of Atherton Hough was notified and if they went on lockdown. That was an early release day and the students were released at 11:30 a.m. Did the Police notify Mr. McPhee and did he notify the principal to go on lockdown.

Lockdown Policy to Subcommittee

Mr. Puleo placed review of the lockdown policy into the Health, Safety and Security Subcommittee.

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Schools Facility Mgt. Subcommittee

Mrs. Dwyer reported that the School Facilities Management Subcommittee met on May 13. The Mayor is requesting to move the Maintenance Department to the City side and to put the track on Faxon Field. Members of the Maintenance Department were present. They had a lot of questions. The School Committee was not satisfied to agree to move the Maintenance Department over to the City side.

Mr. Timmins made a presentation on why the track should go on Faxon Field. Further study is needed. The Subcommittees’ recommendation is if the City wants to spend $27,000 they have the right to do that. However, it was clear that the members didn’t want it to go on Faxon Field. The School Committee can’t make a decision unless they have more facts. Mrs. Dwyer would like to have an independent group look at other sites.

The Mayor said he is moving forward with Gale Associates.

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Mrs. Mahoney has scheduled a Special Education Subcommittee Meeting for Tuesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m. in Broad Meadows to discuss the budget. She asked that a message be sent out through the new messaging service.

Mr. Puleo mentioned the Arts Program next week a play at Atlantic tomorrow, North Quincy High After School Music Recital and the John Adams and Abigail Adams Orchestra will perform on May 28, and on June 10 at Broad Meadows, the All City Elementary School Bands will perform.

The Committee received a copy of an updated Progress Report. Principals will be doing an in-service in the fall for their staff. The Committee requested that at least two comments be made. Mrs. Mahoney encouraged parents if they are not being utilized they should call their principals or go up the ladder.

Mr. Puleo commended the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Evening at the Pops which showcased two of our school programs – the Middle School Jazz Band and the John Adams and Abigail Adams Orchestra. He thanked the Superintendent and his team for the music teachers and congratulated students who showed a lot of skill and bravery.

The Mayor attended the Retired Teachers Scholarship Presentation. A total of $156,000 was awarded in scholarships to high school students.

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Resignations

The Committee noted the following resignations:

Teachers: Stacey Maydak, Amy Mulcahy

ROTC Instructor: MSgt. John C. Stephens

Appointments

The Committee noted the following appointment:

Lunch Attendant: Pamela Carter

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To ES for Negotiations

On a motion by Mr. McCarthy, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee voted to go into Executive Session at 8:48 p.m. for the purpose of negotiations. On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0. The Committee will return to Open Session.

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Food Services Contract Ratified

The Committee returned to Open Session at 9:22 p.m. On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mrs. Dwyer, the Committee approved the contract between the School Committee and the Quincy Food Service Employees Association. This agreement will be for four years, a one year agreement (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) followed by a three year agreement (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2010). On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.

Secretaries’ Contract Ratified

On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, the Committee approved the contract between the School Committee and the Quincy Public Schools Educational Employees Union. This agreement will be for four years. (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) followed by a three year agreement (July1, 2007-June 20, 2010). On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.

Custodians Contract Ratified

On a motion by Mr. McCarthy, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee approved the contract between the School Committee and the Custodians (Local 1911, District Council No. 35). This agreement will be for four years (July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007) and (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2010) On a roll call vote, the motion passed 6-0. Mrs. Bragg voted PRESENT.

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Adjournment

On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Mulvey, the Committee adjourned at 9:23 p.m. for the evening. On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.