Quincy Public Schools

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

FACILITIES, SECURITY & TRANSPORTATION SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING

A meeting of the Facilities, Security & Transportation Subcommittee was held on March 29, 2023 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building.  Present were Subcommittee member Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mr. Frank Santoro, and Mr. Doug Gutro, Subcommittee Chair.  Also present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair and School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Tina Cahill, and Mrs. Emily Lebo; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Larry Taglieri, Ms. Heather Wojcik; Public Buildings Commissioner Paul Hines; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Public Buildings Commissioner Paul Hines presented an update on the DeCristofaro Learning Center project, sharing the architect’s renderings for the building exterior, playground, parking, and safety enhancements for the drop-off area for buses.  Commissioner Hines also shared interior photos of the building taken today and updated that substantial completion is scheduled for October 2023.  Supply chain issues have led to some delays in the availability of materials, including windows.  The furniture, fixtures, and equipment procurement process is underway.  There will be a full kitchen in the facility and bathrooms in every classroom.

Mr. Bregoli asked and received confirmation that this building will have air conditioning, it is intended for year-round use.

Commissioner Hines clarified that substantial completion of the building would mean work would still be ongoing.  Given the needs of the students attending the programs scheduled for the building, Mayor Koch and Superintendent Mulvey agreed that Fall 2024 is the likely full operational date for the Learning Center, with some usage in summer 2024.

Commissioner Hines then updated on the projects in process with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).  For the Accelerated Repair Program, Quincy has three projects beginning the Feasibility Study/Schematic Design phase:  Montclair Elementary School, a partial roof replacement and possible parapet wall re-pointing and Wollaston Elementary School, partial roof replacement, both anticipated to be completed in Summer 2024.  The Parker Elementary School will receive a completely new boiler room, all fixtures and components in Summer 2025.  The MSBA has assigned an Owner’s Project Manager (Anser Advisory) and Design (TSK) firms for these projects, negotiations for contracts are underway.

For the MSBA Core Project for Squantum Elementary School, the OPM will be PCA 360 (previously worked on South~West Middle School and currently on the DeCristofaro Learning Center).  The Designer Selection process is underway, three strong responses to the RFP and the city is scheduled for an April 11 Design Selection meeting with the MSBA.  Vice Chair Santoro, Superintendent Mulvey, Commissioner Hines will review the submissions next week with the OPM and Principal Sylvia.

Mr. Bregoli asked about issues with the windows at Montclair.  Commissioner Hines said that there is a list of issues with springs and functionality which have largely been resolved, one window is still waiting for parts.

Commissioner Hines reviewed the Facilities needs requested in the School Improvement Plans, some are ongoing replacements such as the North Quincy High School carpet and tiles, which is still in process.  In addition, there have been many projects completed outside the School Improvement Plan process.  There has been a focus on asbestos removal over the last few years, Wollaston and Bernazzani Elementary Schools are completely asbestos-free, Montclair is in process.  Water testing in 2018 showed some issues with lead in faucets and fountains, there has been systematic replacement of water service piping at Lincoln Hancock.  Funding for additional projects will be requested in the upcoming Capital Improvement Plan.

Mr. Gutro asked about testing for PCBs in window caulking.  Commissioner Hines said that whenever a window project is done, there is an assumption and the removal and disposal

Mr. Santoro thanked Commissioner Hines for his focus on the school buildings, School Committee does not have to weigh the budget for educational needs vs. facilities priorities. 

For the Capital Plan update, there is a draft plan that contains projects for North Quincy High School (ceiling tiles, carpet, LED lighting); replacement for light fixtures at Quincy High School; masonry restoration for Montclair, Snug Harbor; elevator for Snug Harbor; additional asbestos abatement and related construction following abatement; and a complete renovation of North Quincy High School auditorium.

Mr. Bregoli asked about the recent incident in the NQHS auditorium, Commissioner Hines said a cartridge fuse burned out/disintegrated and gave off smoke.

Mr. Gutro asked if all capital projects in the School Improvement Plans are accounted for in the draft Capital Improvement Plan and Commissioner Hines confirmed.  Outside the scope of Public Buildings is the request for a Pre-Kindergarten playground as this would be a Parks Department project.

Mr. Gutro asked about the $7,000,000 allocated by City Council for school projects in 2022.  Point Webster boilers is in the design process, Clifford Marshall boilers are completed, NQHS boilers are in the design process, QHS gymnasium circulation fans in the procurement stage; Broad Meadows auditorium is in the final punch list stage.

Mr. Gutro asked about the Feasibility Study for school building needs, Commissioner Hines said funding for this is included in the draft Capital Improvement Plan.

Commissioner Hines reviewed that for elementary schools, there is a desire to move towards kitchens so that food can be prepared at each school.  In many cases, this would require capital construction and sequencing for priorities.  For Wollaston, Commissioner Hines is hoping to get some funding from the MSBA towards expanding the Food Service areas (a foundation was already poured).  The other priority is Lincoln Hancock, Commissioner Hines confirmed that a design is underway.  Superintendent Mulvey noted that there may be funding available from the Food Services revolving account.

Mrs. Lebo asked for further discussion on the use of the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center once the Learning Center opens.  Commissioner Hines noted that the ECC building needs extensive HVAC work, a design is underway.

Mr. Gutro asked Commissioner Hines to share the draft Capital Improvement Plan when it is ready for review.

Mrs. Lebo thanked Commissioner Hines for his focus on the school buildings.

Mayor Koch thanked the Public Buildings staff members, they are responsible for the safe operation of all city buildings, in addition to schools.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to adjourn at 6:45 pm, seconded by Mr. Santoro.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Quincy School Committee

Teaching & Learning Subcommittee

Mrs. Emily Lebo, Teaching & Learning Chair

Mrs. Tina Cahill & Mr. Frank Santoro, Subcommittee Members

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 6:30 pm

Coddington Building, School Committee Room

AGENDA

1.    National Science Foundation & Museum of Science         Ms. Roy

Grant Opportunity for Elementary Schools

2. Seal of Biliteracy Update                                                 Ms. Wojcik

3. Celebrate Quincy 400 Art Project                                   Mr. Taglieri             

Members of the public can access the meeting in person or live on QATV Channel 22 or at qatv.org.  The meeting will also be recorded for rebroadcast and posted on Friday, March 31, 2023 on the QPS SchoolTube channel https://www.schooltube.com/channel/Quincy+Public+Schools/139795111 .

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

TEACHING & LEARNING SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING

A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on March 29, 2023 at 6:45 pm in the Coddington Building.  Present were Subcommittee member Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Frank Santoro, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Subcommittee Chair.  Also present were School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Larry Taglieri, Ms. Heather Wojcik; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Senior Director of Curriculum Madeline Roy presented an update of the partnership with the Museum of Science, which will provide curriculum for Grades 3-5 classrooms.  The Essentials in Engineering curriculum provides accessible and adaptable materials developed in collaboration with the National Science Foundation.  The learning goals can be achieved by diverse learners with a wide away of abilities.  Each participating teacher would receive materials for one unit, including hands-on materials and digital lessons to reinforce computer skills.  All materials would be provided for free, including Professional Development and this would enhance the existing Science curriculum.  The value of the donation is $80,000 and Superintendent Mulvey noted that this will be on the next School Committee agenda for approval.

Mr. Santoro asked for more detail, this is 8-10 instructional hours of materials on engineering and computer science per grade level.  There is a specific unit for each grade level, Grade 3: Transportation Engineering; Grade 4: Engineering and Energy-Efficiency; Grade 5: Environmental Engineering

Mrs. Cahill asked when the Professional Development would take place.  Ms. Roy said that there was one session earlier this month and the next would be in May.  Program rollout will be for the 2023-2024 school year.

Coordinator of English Learner Education Heather Wojcik updated on the rollout of the Seal of Biliteracy for high school seniors who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages in the four domains of reading, writing, listing, and speaking.  Students must meet a score of 472 or higher on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS and attain a high level of language on a state-approved world language assessment.  Students and families were notified through a flyer translated into the district’s top four languages, this was emailed to all families via Aspen and shared on the QPS social media platforms.  A page was created for the Quincy Public Schools website and the family liaisons contacted families on the WeChat and Whats App platforms.  The flyer and online posts contained a link for students to register.  In addition, World Languages teachers and EL teachers recommended students and encouraged them to register.  The test will be administered at no cost on April 10 to 82 students in 16 languages; 3 students are testing for two languages.The State Seal of Biliteracy will appear on the student transcripts.  Students who successfully complete the assessments will be recognized later in the school year.

Mr. Gutro said that this skill is very desirable, particularly in government agencies. 

Mrs. Lebo is impressed by the student interest.

Director of Academic Programs Larry Taglieri reviewed the ongoing partnership with the Quincy Art Association, which includes support for the school-based art shows and the display of student work at the annual ArtsFest.  With the financial support of Dan and Jessica Myers, artwork from elementary and middle schools will be mounted for display at the Celebrate Quincy Gallery in Fall 2023.  In support of the Quincy 400 celebration planned for 2025, Art teachers are planning projects:  at the elementary school level, individual student artwork will be digitized over three years to create a mosaic that reflects the school.  At the middle and high schools, murals will be created by the Art clubs.  These mosaics will be displayed as part of the Quincy 400 festivities and then returned to the schools for display in each school building.

Mr. Santoro thanked Dan and Jessica Myers for their support and dedication to getting the schoolchildren of Quincy to be involved in the Quincy 400 event.

Mrs. Cahill said that the high school Photography clubs share their works on Instagram, very impressive.

Mrs. Cahill made a motion to adjourn at 7:15 pm, seconded by Mr. Santoro.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Quincy School Committee

Policy Subcommittee

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 6:45 pm

Coddington Building, School Committee Room

Mr. Paul Bregoli, Chair

Mr. Doug Gutro & Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Subcommittee Members

AGENDA

1.    QPS School Year Calendar 2023-2024                                    Mr. Bregoli

2.    Proposed Revisions to School Committee Policy                  Mr. Bregoli

Section 5.2.3: Emergency Closings

Members of the public can access the meeting in person or live on QATV Channel 22

or at qatv.org.  The meeting will also be recorded for rebroadcast and posted on

Friday, March 31, 2023 on the QPS SchoolTube channel https://www.schooltube.com/channel/Quincy+Public+Schools/139795111

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING

A meeting of the Policy Subcommittee was held on March 29, 2023 at 7:15 pm in the Coddington Building.  Present were Subcommittee member Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Subcommittee Chair.  Also present were School Committee Members Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Frank Santoro, and Mrs. Emily Lebo; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Larry Taglieri, Ms. Heather Wojcik; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Mr. Bregoli reviewed that a revised version of the proposed 2023-24 Quincy Public Schools School Year Calendar was shared with School Committee.

Ms. Owens noted that this version was a redesign to incorporate information about major religious and cultural holidays that staff would be encouraged to avoid when scheduling project due dates, assessments, field trips, athletics, and other activities.  Ms. Owens suggested adding Kwanzaa, even though it typically falls during the December vacation week.

Mr. Santoro will note vote in favor of this proposed calendar since Lunar New Year is not being recognized as a no school day.  He requested that someone make a motion at the full School Committee meeting to recognize Monday, February 12, 2024 as a no school day. 

Mr. Gutro made a motion to move the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar as amended to include Kwanzaa to the full School Committee.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Bregoli then introduced the revision of School Committee Policy Book Section 5.2.3 Emergency Closings. The suggested edits are to bring the written policy in line with current practice.

Mr. Gutro made a motion to move the revision of School Committee Policy Book Section 5.2.3 Emergency Closings to the full School Committee.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn at 7:25 pm, seconded by Mr. Gutro.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.