Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - November 9, 2011
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
November 9, 2011 at North Quincy High School. Present were:
Mayor Thomas Koch, Chairman, Mrs. Jo-Ann Bragg, Mrs. Elaine Dwyer,
Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mr. Dave McCarthy,
Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Vice Chair.
Chairman Presiding
- - -
Mayor Koch introduced North Quincy High School Principal Earl Metzler, who
welcomed the School Committee to North Quincy High School and introduced the Air
Force Junior ROTC, who presented the flags and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The
North Quincy High School Select Choir, under the direction of Mr. Tim Carew, sang
“The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” Mr. Metzler then spoke of the
school’s tradition of academic achievement and culture of knowledge, character, and
service. He introduced Air Force Junior ROTC Instructor Colonel Greene who presented
the Silver Valor Award to ROTC Cadet Deming Yang for his actions in performing the
Heimlich Maneuver saving a friend from choking on food last May.
There was a moment of silence for veterans, service people on active duty, and Mr. Paul
Todd, father of Director of Special Education Judith Todd.
- - -
The Superintendent called the roll and all were present. Also present were:
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Messrs.
Draicchio, Metzler, Mullaney, Mulvey, Murphy, Keith Segalla, Sullivan, Timmins,
Welch; Mrs. Roberts, Papile, Powers; Ms. Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President, QEA,
Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, School Committee Member-elect, and Mrs. Tracey Christello,
representing the Citywide Parents’ Council.
- - -
Open Forum
The Chairman made a motion to take the Open Forum item on the agenda out of order.
Lori Hagborg, parent of two Quincy Public School students, spoke about the plans for
the new Central Middle School and concerns about the Music and Band practice
facilities. Ms. Hagborg suggested both a Music classroom and Band/Chorus practice space.
Mrs. Tracey Christello, representative for the Citywide Parents’ Council, spoke in favor
of the Faxon Field track site and expressed concern about the amount of the School
Committee time spent debating non-academic issues.
Mr. Daniel Totten, Quincy homeowner and taxpayer, requested that the School
Committee put politics aside and vote for the track without further delay. He would also
like to see the School Committee focus on raising performance and achievement levels
for all students.
Ms. Nicole Deane reiterated the importance of the track to the children of Quincy.
Student Lauren Petrie, Middle School track team and Quincy Track Club member,
encouraged the School Committee to vote for the Faxon Field track site.
Mr. Kirk Bond, World-Class Special Olympian and Assistant Coach to the Quincy
Track Club spoke in favor of the Faxon Field track site.
Ms. Mary Grace Montado, parent of two Quincy Track Club members, requested that
the School Committee members think of their constituents when casting their votes on
the Faxon Field.
- - -
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
10/19/2011
Mrs. Bragg made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, to approve the regular session
minutes for October 19, 2011. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
- - -
Superintendent’s Report
The Superintendent opened his remarks by noting some recent and upcoming events,
including American Education Week, which will be celebrated at the December 14
School Committee meeting; the recent receipt of a Security Grant from Norfolk District
Attorney Michael Morrissey’s office; both High School Girls Volleyball teams are in the
sectional semifinals; the upcoming Thanksgiving High School football game is 79th
annual; the Fall Gathering will be held on Thursday, November 17th to benefit four local
food pantries. Looking ahead to December,‘Tis the Season, December 6th at 7:30 pm;
Lego Robotics competition at NQHS on Saturday, December 3; Rachel’s Challenge
presentations at Quincy High School on December 5 and 6 for QHS students and all
QPS Grade 7 students, plus a parent night, all sponsored by Masons and Quincy Lodge
of Elks. 205 QPS high school students received John and Abigail Adams Scholarships
for free tuition at at a college or university within the Massachusetts State system.
The Superintendent also pointed out the Wollaston Elementary School monthly
newsletter and Snug Harbor Community School curriculum newsletter, copies of which
were included in the School Committee packets. He spoke of another recent donation
by the Quincy Lodge of Elks, dictionaries for all 670+ Grade 3 students. Finally, Dr.
DeCristofaro suggested changing the start time of the December 14 School Committee
meeting; the time change will allow for a reception to honor Mrs. Jo-Ann Bragg and
Mrs. Elaine Dwyer for their years of School Committee service following the meeting.
Change in start time for December 14, 2011 School Committee
Meeting.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to change the start time for the December 14, 2011
School Committee meeting to 6:00 pm. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion. On a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
- - -
Old Business
Faxon Field Track Site
The Mayor requested taking the next item out of order and moving to the discussion
the Faxon Field Track plan, item D under Old Business. He noted that the department
heads from the city’s Parks and Recreation departments, and staff from
Woodward & Curran and Gale Associates were all present to answer any questions
the School Committee members might have.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve building the track at Faxon Field. Ms. Isola
seconded the motion.
Mr. McCarthy requested that City Solicitor Timmins explain why the previous vote on
the track issue did not need to be rescinded. Mr. Timmins said that since the vote was
taken in July 2008 by a previous School Committee, and new members have joined the
School Committee in the interim, the vote did not need to be rescinded. A newly
convened body is entitled to take up any matter for consideration and is not bound by the
vote of a previously convened body. Mr. McCarthy also asked for clarification that the
planned capital improvements to address the neighborhood flooding concerns would be
completed with or without the track project and Mr. Timmins confirmed that they would
be.
Mrs. Bragg stated that she had researched the issue as it relates to Robert’s Rules of
Order and she agrees with the City Solicitor’s recommendation. Mrs. Bragg reiterated
that in her opinion, the presentation at the October 19, 2011 meeting was substantially
different than the previous presentation in May 2008.
Ms. Isola concurred with Mrs. Bragg and Mr. Timmins, referring to Section 38 of
Robert’s Rules of Order and that, given the changes in circumstances over time,
including the recent court decision, the vote of July 2008 did not need to be rescinded.
Mrs. Bragg spoke to the motion on the table, noting that the city has presented a very
comprehensive plan for addressing the neighborhood flooding plan and summarized the
details of the areas to be addressed. Mrs. Bragg reviewed the previous concerns about
safety and parking and how they have been addressed in the plan and finally, that the
children of Quincy deserve to have the track and we need to move forward on this.
Mrs. Dwyer reiterated that she and all School Committee members want a track for the
children of Quincy and that the process, while being complicated and taking longer than
anyone would have wished, has ensured that everything will be done to address the
many concerns around the project.
Ms. Isola spoke again on the emotions of the issue and keeping the focus on how actions
will impact the school system’s students. After listening to the track plan presentation
and capital improvement plan information, she feels confident that Faxon Field is a
viable location.
Mr. McCarthy addressed two more questions to Mr. Timmins about the equalization
pipe and hydrological studies. Mr. Timmins confirmed that the equalization pipe is part
of the capital improvement plan and not subject to DEP approval and that in addition to
the 2001 Camp, Dresser, McKee hydrological study, Gale Associates performed a study.
Mrs. Lebo thanked all of the School Committee members for their thoughtful questions;
the city, Woodward & Curran, and Gale Associates for their presentations; and Mr.
Chris Chetwynd for meeting with her as well. Mrs. Lebo envisions the track as part of
an “Emerald Bracelet” of parks in the city of Quincy, stretching from Merrymount Park
and Veteran’s Stadium through Black’s Creek to Quincy High School and the Faxon
Field area.
Mrs. Mahoney asked for clarification about the July 2008 vote being strictly on the track
issue and did not address the neighborhood flooding concerns. Mr. Timmins answered
that the July 2008 vote was taken very early in the process and the city was aware of the
Broad Street tide gate and equalization pipe issues, but the capital improvement
planning was not yet developed. The School Committee will vote only on the potential
siting of the track on Faxon Field and not the Capital Improvement plan, which was
passed by the City Council in June.
Mrs. Mahoney also asked Mr. Shea from Woodward & Curran questions about the
wetlands and drainage capacity, especially during tides when the flood gates would have
to be closed. Mr. Shea responded that all of the repairs, optimization, and enhancements
to the drainage system will increase the capacity to both store and move water out of the
impacted neighborhood.
Mrs. Mahoney then spoke to the issue of the recent court case and continuing concerns
of neighborhood residents. Mr. Timmins requested that these residents contact him with
any concerns they might still have.
Mr. Christopher Chetwynd approached the Open Forum microphone, but was denied his
request to address the School Committee.
Faxon Field Track Vote
The School Committee then took a roll call vote on the motion on the table to allow a
track to be built on Faxon Field. The motion carried by a vote of 4-3. Mrs. Bragg,
Ms. Isola, Mayor Koch, and Mrs. Lebo voted YES. Mrs. Dwyer, Mrs. Mahoney, and
Mr. McCarthy voted NO.
- - -
Building Projects Update
After a brief recess, the School Committee returned to the order of the agenda and
heard the update on building projects, renovations, and construction from
Mr. Murphy. Mr. Murphy thanked the carpentry department for installing a new roof
and exterior paneling on the Repair Building at the Bus Yard at a significant cost
savings. Electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and repairs were completed at multiple
school locations, including Bernazzani, Squantum, Lincoln-Hancock, Wollaston,
Montclair, Central, Sterling, Broad Meadows.
Mr. McCarthy inquired about a ventilation issue at Squantum and Mr. Murphy said it is
on the list for the electricians. Mr. McCarthy mentioned the issue of security of the
new Central Middle School site. Dr. DeCristofaro answered that the Owner’s Project
Manager, Tishman Construction is responsible for securing the site daily. Mr.
McCarthy requested that the Quincy Police Department be asked to check the site each
day to be sure it is secured.
Mrs. Dwyer asked about the roofing projects and whether the Lincoln-Hancock
classroom area has been completed and to whom the question should be directed.
Mayor Koch responded that the four Public Buildings department staff members are
managing different parts of the Capital Improvement plan and the 52 city-owned
buildings and setting and updating priorities.
Mrs. Bragg welcomed back Mr. Murphy and mentioned several issues raised during the
recent Elementary School Improvement Plan presentations relating to intercoms at
Parker and Merrymount. Mr. Murphy responded that the issues have been evaluated
and the repairs will be addressed during the December school vacation.
Mrs. Bragg also complimented the many maintenance issues and improvements
completed by the Maintenance department and the number of Elementary School
principals who mentioned this during their School Improvement Plan presentations.
- - -
Quincy High School
Mrs. Dwyer noted that the Quincy High School front landscaping has been replaced,
per the warranty. She also mentioned that the reconciliation of expenses for the Quincy
High School project from March 2011 to date has not yet been received. This was
requested at the October 5, 2011 School Committee meeting and from the Public
Buildings department. Mrs. Dwyer suggested that Quincy High School be removed
from the Agenda going forward.
Dr. DeCristofaro mentioned that an outstanding water issue has been addressed and
Mrs. Dwyer recommended adding more skateboarding leaves to deter the damage to
the property.
- - -
New Central Middle School Project
Mrs. Bragg said that the October 17 Central Building Committee meeting was not
well-attended and a quorum was not met, so the meeting was held for informational
purposes only. Draft meeting minutes have been circulated to all School
Committee members.
Eight general contractors are currently having their qualifications reviewed and
subcontractor bids are due November 17, 2011. Abatement of the former St. Ann’s
School is underway. Documents were due to the School Building Authority by October
31 and submitted. An agenda item for the next meeting will be that value engineering of
items that will affect the school’s learning environment should be discussed at Central
Building Committee meetings and at School Committee. The next meeting is Monday,
December 12, 2011 at 4:15 in the 2nd floor Conference Room of the NAGE building.
Mrs. Bragg mentioned that she has requested to stay on the Central Building Committee
after she leaves the School Committee at the end of the year and the request has been
granted by Mayor Koch. Mrs. Bragg and Dr. DeCristofaro also mentioned the New
Central Building Project Update shared with the Mayor, City Council, and School
Committee and posted on the Quincy Public Schools and City of Quincy website. This
update will be posted monthly to keep the public apprised of the progress of the new
Central Middle School project.
- - -
New Business
The Mayor requested taking the next agenda item out of order.
Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Policy
Mr. Sullivan from the Manager of Energy, Waste, Recycling for the city Department
of Public Works spoke on the process of getting Quincy designated as a Green of
Community by the state. One the five criteria for acceptance is to adopt a policy of
purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles, which the city has done and is now requesting that
the School Committee do as well.
Mrs. Bragg explained that since the deadline for the application is November 17, the
School Committee’s usual process of first reviewing a policy change in a Policy
Subcommittee meeting will be bypassed.
Mrs. Bragg then made a two-part motion for approval:
In an effort to reduce the Quincy Public School’s fuel consumption and energy costs, the
Quincy School Committee hereby adopts a policy to purchase only fuel-efficient
vehicles to meet this goal. These are vehicles that are commercially available and
practical.
The Quincy Public Schools shall develop a plan to replace all non-exempt vehicles with
fuel-efficient vehicles that meet, at a minimum, the fuel-efficiency ratings contained in
the most recent guidance for Criteria 4 published by the MA Department of Energy
Resources’ Green Communities Division. The fuel-efficiency ratings contained therein
are based on the most recently published US Environmental Protection Agency
combined city and highway MPG ratings for vehicles. Said plan shall outline the
process by which the Quincy Public Schools will replace vehicles, set goals for when the
existing fleet will be replaced, and review said plan on an annual basis.
If this motion passes, the Superintendent is authorized to draft a letter stating that this
policy has been adopted.
After clarifying that buses are exempt from this policy, Mr. McCarthy seconded the
motion.
Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Policy Vote
On a roll call vote, the motion passed 7-0. Mrs. Bragg, Mrs. Dwyer, Ms. Isola,
Mrs. Lebo, Mrs. Mahoney, Mr. McCarthy, and Mayor Koch all voted YES.
- - -
The Mayor then returned to the Agenda order for the next item.
Program Improvement Plans
Mrs. Bragg reviewed the October 11 School Policy Subcommittee meeting, where
the Safety and Security and Athletic Department Program Improvement Plans were
presented.
Mr. Draicchio presented the Safety and Security Program Improvement Plan and noted
that Quincy Public Schools is a very safe school system. The Security Round Table
meets monthly and includes representatives from the Quincy Police Department, the
Quincy Fire Department, the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office, the Norfolk
County Sheriff, MBTA Police Department, Quincy Probation, Quincy District Court, the
Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Youth Services. Safety
and Security’s goals for 2011-12 are: The District has emergency procedures for the
protection of staff and students in emergency situations. These procedures will be
consistently reinforced during the 2011-2012 school year. (1) The Quincy Public
Schools Safety and Security Round Table Team will produce an updated copy of our
Emergency Procedures. This draft copy will be in the form of a “Flip Chart” and will be
available for all Quincy Public Schools by September 2012. (2) Safety First, a Quincy
Public Schools newsletter, will be published in the Fall, Winter and Spring of the 2011-
2012 school year. (3) The Quincy Public Schools Safety and Security Roundtable Team
will continue monthly meetings to discuss issues that may impact our students and staff.
(4) Professional Development will be provided to security staff during each high school
release day to enhance their knowledge and professionalism. The focus of the
professional development will be report writing, emergency phone call protocols, and ID
screening. (5) Increase security video surveillance by adding additional cameras to 5
middle/elementary schools during the 2011-2012 school year. (6) Emergency Safety
Drills will be conducted at all Quincy Public Schools twice a year during the Fall of
2011 and the Spring of 2012.
Mr. Jim Rendle presented the Athletic Department Program Improvement Plan. The
Quincy Public Schools Athletic department consists of 111 programs (25 middle school
programs, 86 high school program); coaches work with 449 high school and 251 middle
school athletes. The mission of the Athletics program is to provide learning experiences
which contribute to physical, mental, social and emotional growth. Many the Athletic
Department’s goals for this year are a continuation of last year’s goals: (1) Continue to
work with coaches in order to monitor the School Committee Policy of “no tolerance” in
regard to hazing, harassment and bullying to ensure compliance during the 2011-2012
school year. (2) Continue to work in collaboration with High School Deans to monitor
students who may be at-risk or who have attendance/disciplinary issues during the 2011-
2012 school year. (3) Continue to train and certify QPS coaches in CPR/AED use;
training will be completed by March 2012. Currently 50% are certified and 30% eligible
for recertification. (4) To increase the amount of athletic events that our student athletes
will have the opportunity to participate in the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Jim Mullaney
presented the Athletic Department budget, including information about the revolving
account.
Mr. Mullaney also presented budget information for the nine previously approved
Program Improvement Plans. At the subcommittee’s request, Mr. Mullaney will add
grants and revolving account information and a summary of the total program costs
(budget plus grants and revolving account information).
The subcommittee then discussed graduation requirements, with Quincy High School
Principal Frank Santoro and North Quincy High School Principal Earl Metzler, and
Assistant Principal Rob Shaw joining the meeting. Since the full impact of the changing
Common Core Standards is still not known, especially for Math, the discussion was
tabled until more information is available. Adding a community service requirement
was also discussed and will be explored further at the November 30 School Policy
Subcommittee meeting.
Mrs. Bragg motioned to approve the Safety and Security Program Improvement Plan,
the Athletic Department Program Improvement Plan, and the October 11 School Policy
Subcommittee meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. McCarthy. On a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
- - -
Elementary School Improvement Plans
Mrs. Bragg then reviewed the Elementary School Improvement Plans, presented by
each school’s principals at School Policy Subcommittee meetings on October 25 and
November 2. She spoke of how many of last year’s goals were met and that some
schools chose to retain goals but refocus their efforts through new action steps. The
elementary schools each have three goals, most have ELA and Math MCAS goals, plus
a school climate goal. The principals reviewed the curriculum initiatives and
professional development they are utilizing, including Keys to Literacy, Trophies, Study
Island, Lexia, Cornerstones, Walk to Read, Walk to Math, Go Math!, John Collins
Writing program, 4-Square Writing, 6 + 1 Traits of Writing, and Literacy Circles.
Many principals commented on the major progress on their last year’s maintenance
issues. Thank you to Kevin Murphy, Kevin Segalla, and the Custodial and Maintenance
staff. New maintenance issues have been referred to the Facilities Subcommittee,
including traffic issues.
Each principal provided information about their school’s population: total number of
students, SPED (including citywide programs), ELL, and free/reduced lunch. Mrs.
Roberts also provided the subcommittee members with additional information.
Some of the highlights included hearing about Atherton Hough’s Centennial
Celebration, Squantum, Beechwood Knoll, and Snug Harbor being commended by
DESE for their performance on MCAS, the Marshall School’s 27 different languages,
Montclair’s Mix-It Up Anti-Bullying Activities, Bernazzani’s CPI scores being the
highest in the school’s history, Lincoln-Hancock’s plan to increase parent involvement,
Merrymount dissecting the Common Core Standards, Parker’s grade-level collaboration
time for teachers and Project Wisdom Character traits, and Wollaston’s advances in
classroom technology.
Mrs. Bragg made a motion to approve the Elementary School Improvement Plans for
Atherton Hough, Beechwood Knoll, Bernazzani, Lincoln-Hancock, Clifford Marshall,
Merrymount, Montclair, Parker, Snug Harbor, Squantum, and Wollaston and the
minutes of the October 25, 2011 and November 2, 2011 School Policy Subcommittee
meetings. Mrs. Dwyer seconded the motion, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
- - -
Massachusetts Association of School Committee Conference Resolutions
The next item on the agenda was a review of the resolutions to be voted on at the
General Assembly of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees on
November 11, 2011. Ms. Isola and Mrs. Lebo are both attending the conference and
Mrs. Lebo is the official delegate for the Quincy School Committee. There are five
resolutions and Mrs. Lebo made a motion on each resolution:
On Resolution 1, which relates to access for all Grade 8 students to information about
vocational and technical education programs Mrs. Lebo motioned to support this
resolution.
On Resolution 2, which relates to Chapter 70 funding and the increased demands related
to the new educator evaluation regulations, Mrs. Lebo motioned to support the
resolution, subject to clarification of increased funding.
On Resolution 3, which relates to Charter School Funding and changes to the funding
mechanism so these schools are funded directly by the state and not out of Chapter 70
funds, Mrs. Lebo motioned to support this resolution.
On Resolution 4, Mrs. Lebo is not sure whether this resolution will go forward since the
state of Massachusetts is in the process of requesting a waiver from NCLB. If the
resolution does go forward, Mrs. Lebo motioned to support this resolution.
On Resolution 5, the state legislature would institute by statute a review process for the
new educator evaluation regulations to ensure that DESE is not imposing additional
mandates that carry unreimbursed costs to local districts. Mrs. Lebo motioned to
support this resolution.
Ms. Isola seconded the motions and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
- - -
Out of State
Travel
The next item on the agenda was Out of State Travel.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Out of State travel of the Atlantic Middle
School to New York City on June 7-8, 2012 and the North Quincy High School hockey
team to Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire on December 2, 2012. Mrs. Bragg
seconded the motion, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
- - -
Additional Business
Mrs. Bragg spoke of the anti-bullying presentation hosted by Quincy After School
Childcare on November 4, 2011 and how it complemented and reinforced the
Quincy Public Schools anti-bullying policy and initiatives.
Ms. Isola supported Mrs. Lebo’s idea of creating a Teaching and Learning
Subcommittee, which she proposed at an earlier School Committee meeting.
Mrs. Dwyer removed two items from the School Facilities Subcommittee: Conservation
(referred February 8, 2006) and T rack (referred April 9, 2008).
Ms. Isola removed Faxon Field (referred October 27, 2008) from the School Rules,
Post Audit, and Oversight Subcommittee.
- - -
Reports of Special Committees
Mrs. Lebo reviewed the Special Education Subcommittee meeting held on
October 26, 2011. There was not a quorum of School Committee members at the
meeting, so it was held for informational purposes only. Special Education Director
Judy Todd reviewed recent changes in 504 plans, and the new tracking program for IEP
Implementation, Easy Track. She also presented the Special Education Program
Improvement plan, the goals for which were reviewed at the October 5, 2011 School
Committee meeting.
Mrs. Jill Gichui presented QPAC’s goals and action steps for 2011-2012: Increase
participation in QPAC by (1) increasing the visibility of QPAC in the schools and
community, (2) improving communication between QPAC and members, and (3)
improving the services provided through the Resource Center. Advise the district on
special education policies, procedures, and programs by (1) evaluating information
provided to substitutes regarding students with disabilities, (2) reviewing QPS
transition-related procedures, and (3) developing a parent’s guide to special education.
The final presentation of the meeting was by Special Education Team Administrator
Donna Cunningham, who spoke on Social Skills programming across the Quincy Public
Schools.
Mrs. Lebo motioned to accept the meeting notes for the October 26, 2011 Special
Education Subcommittee meeting. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote,
the ayes have it.
- - -
Retirements
The School Committee noted the following Civil Service retirements:
Head Cashier, Food Service Office Jessie Gangi
Full-Day Kindergarten Paraprofessional Marianne Svagdis
- - -
The mayor acknowledge that School Committee member-elect Mrs. Kathryn Hubley
was in attendance for the School Committee meeting.
Adjournment
On a motion by Mrs. Lebo, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the Committee
adjourned at 9:35 p.m. for the evening. There was no executive session.
The ayes have it.