Jan. 9, 2013 School Committee Meeting

Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Atlantic Middle School
7:00 p.m.

I. Approval of Minutes: Regular and Executive Session Minutes for December 12, 2012.

II. 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. An individual may not exchange their time or yield to others.

III. Superintendent’s Report:

A. Student Recognition: Atlantic Middle School students Aina Curran and Vanessa Landeverde

B. Quincy High School Accreditation

C. School-Community Partnership Update

D. Quincy High School Science Grant

E. Home-School Communication: Curriculum Newsletter from Squantum Elementary; Monthly Newsletter from Atherton Hough Elementary; Extended Educational Program Newsletter

IV. Old Business:

V. New Business:

A. APC/ELC Program Timeline Overview - Assistant Superintendent Roberts, Principal Fay-Beers

B. 2013-2014 School Committee Meeting Calendar

C. 2013-2014 School Year Calendar

D. MSBA Statements of Interest:
1. Sterling Middle School
2. North Quincy High School
3. Merrymount Elementary School
4. Wollaston Elementary School

E. Gift: Donation of 2001 Ford Windstar Minivan to the Quincy High School Automotive Technology Program

F. Gift: Donation of $4,000 from the Randy C. Wolfe Trust for the Quincy Public Schools Music Department

G. Out of State Travel:
1. Quincy High School Plumbing Technology students to Nessman Manufacturing Company, Warwick, Rhode Island on January 15, 2013.
2. North Quincy High School and Quincy High School HYPER Robotics Team to FRC Regional Competition in Lewiston, Maine March 3-March 7, 2013.
3. Central Middle School Grade 8 students to Washington, D.C., June 5, 2013-June 7, 2013.

H. Overnight Travel: Quincy High School to the Massachusetts Association of School Councils Annual Conference in Hyannis, Massachusetts, March 6, 2013- March 8, 2013.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees:

  1. Facilities and Security Subcommittee: Mr. McCarthy to report on the January 7, 2013 meeting.

IX. Executive Session: Collective Bargaining

X. Adjournment:

Subcommittees of the School Committee

Subcommittee Items


Budget & Finance
Isola/Bregoli/Hubley/Koch/Lebo/Mahoney/McCarthy

School Facilities & Security
McCarthy/Bregoli/Hubley

  1. Sterling Building Plans Referred to Subcommittee by the School Building Task Force in 1998.

  2. Coddington Hall Referred to Subcommittee at the May 18, 2011 School Committee Meeting. The City of Quincy has appropriated funds to refurbish Coddington Hall to serve as the Quincy Public Schools administrative offices. Wessling Architects has completed the design phase of the project and construction bids are scheduled to go out in early October. All bids being in order, construction should begin in January 2013.

  3. Houses on Saville Avenue Referred to Subcommittee at the May 18, 2011 School Committee Meeting. Currently home to the City’s Public Building department, the School Committee and Superintendent see no future educational uses for these properties.

  4. Outside Lighting Audit Referred to Subcommittee at the February 8, 2012 School Committee Meeting. To address safety concerns, an audit was requested to look for lights that need repair or replacement and locations that would benefit from additional lighting.

  5. President’s City Inn Referred to Subcommittee at the October 10, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Safety concerns have been expressed about this property that abuts the new Central Middle School.

Health, Transportation & Safety
Hubley/Lebo/McCarthy

  1. School Meal Charges Referred to Subcommittee at the March 21, 2012 School Committee Meeting. New state and federal regulations require formalization of the school meal charges policy.

  2. Science Lab Safety: Referred from the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee at the April 2, 2012 meeting. High School and High School Science labs have been reviewed and needed updates for compliance completed as of September 24, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. Monitoring of supplies will be handled by High School Safety Team; need similar plan for Middle Schools.

  3. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Referred to Subcommittee at the September 24, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. Student Support Services working with Lincoln Hancock, Clifford Marshall, and Parker Elementary Schools on piloting this initiative.

School Policy
Bregoli/Isola/Mahoney

  1. Graduation Requirements Referred to Subcommittee at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and discussed at the October 11, 2011 School Policy Subcommittee. The discussion centered around adding a fourth year of Math as a graduation requirement; the issue is tabled until more is known about the impact of the new Common Core Standards on the Massachusetts frameworks.

  2. New Educator Evaluations Referred at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and shared with the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee. Further discussion will be held in joint Subcommittee Meetings and Executive Session as it pertains to collective bargaining.

  3. High School Community Service Referred to Subcommittee at the December 14, 2011 School Committee Meeting. A resolution was introduced proposing a Community Service requirement; pilot program for Grades 10 and 11 is underway for 2012-2013 school year.

  4. Conflict of Interest: Volunteering, Tutoring, Hiring Referred to Subcommittee at the January 11, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Review and discussion of existing policy requested.

  5. Adding CPR as a Graduation Requirement Referred to Subcommittee at the March 21, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Review and discussion of existing policy requested.

  6. Exempting Student Athletes from Physical Education Requirement Referred at the May 2, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Student athletes who compete in three seasons of athletics with parent permission and maintenance of academic eligibility, would not be required to take Physical Education classes. Review and discussion of existing policy requested.

  7. Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities Referred at the June 13, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Review and discussion of amending the existing policy requested to explore the possibility of raising revenue by accepting advertising sponsorships.

  8. School Wellness Policy Referred to the Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee at the March 21, 2012 School Committee Meeting. New state and federal guidelines will require revision of the existing Wellness Policy. Referred to Policy Subcommittee at the December 3, 2012 Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee after review of first draft of revised policy.

Special Education
Mahoney/Bregoli/McCarthy

  1. Substitute Teachers for SPED Originally referred to Subcommittee at the January 17, 2007 School Committee Meeting. At the Special School Committee Meeting on January 28, 2012 and the Special Education Subcommittee meeting on February 1, 2012, it was agreed that some progress has been made in the way that substitute teachers are informed and educated about accommodations for special needs issues. A form has been developed for classroom teachers to share information and the goal for implementation is the 2012-2013 school year.

  2. Special Education Program Assessment Referred to Subcommittee at the January 28, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. This will be an ongoing discussion of the curriculum initiatives for Special Education.

Rules, Post Audit & Oversight
Lebo/Bregoli/Hubley

Teaching and Learning 
Lebo/Hubley/Isola

New Educator Evaluations Referred at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and shared with the School Policy Subcommittee. Two meetings have already been held to begin exploring the requirements of the new regulations (9/21/11 Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting and February 13, 2012 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting) and further discussion will be held in joint Subcommittee meetings and Executive Session as it pertains to collective bargaining.

Ad Hoc Committees:

Channel 22
Mahoney/McCarthy

Created at the October 27, 2007 School Committee meeting to encourage the greater use of Channel 22 across Quincy Public Schools.

Central Building Committee
Mahoney

Athletic Rules
McCarthy/Hubley/Lebo

Created at the October 24, 2012 School Committee meeting to continue discussion on Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association rules.

Minutes

Quincy, Massachusetts - January 9, 2013
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Atlantic Middle School. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.

Vice-Chair Presiding

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There was a moment of silence for the students, families, and staff of the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut.

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The Superintendent called the roll and all members were present. Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Draicchio, Mrs. Fay-Beers, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Mr. Mullaney, Mr. Mulvey, Mrs. Papile, Ms. Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Todd, Dr. Wolfe; Quincy High School Student Representative to the School Committee Lindsay Schrier; and Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy Educator’s Association.

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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 12/12/12

Mayor Koch made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for December 12, 2012. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Executive Session Minutes Approved 12/12/12

Mayor Koch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Lebo, to approve the Executive Session minutes for December 12, 2012. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Open Forum

As no one wished to be heard at Open Forum, the School Committee moved to the the next item on the agenda.

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Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent DeCristofaro introduced Atlantic Middle School Principal Maureen MacNeil who welcomed the Mayor and School Committee. She spoke of the Atlantic Middle School as a vibrant learning community, the home of the award-winning Young Writers annual, the defending middle school volleyball champions, and the first-place middle school Robotics team. Atlantic’s dedicated staff, including Assistant Principal Dr. Adam Wolf, prides itself on providing a safe school environment that builds student self-esteem, understanding, respect, and tolerance. The students’ academic interests are nurtured, along with providing opportunities to explore their interests in arts and athletics. This week, the drama club, under the direction of advisors Ms. Curtin and Ms. Mosca, are presenting Beauty and the Beast. A group of students then performed a song from the musical.

Principal MacNeil then recognized Grade 8 students Aine Curran and Vanessa Landaverde, who were nominated by their Guidance Counselors Ms. Riggs and Ms. Bowman for the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Peer Leadership Award. Both students are active in promoting a positive and accepting atmosphere at the school, maintain high grades, and participate in volunteering around the school, including helping new students become acclimated to the school. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Principal MacNeil and Dr. Wolf for their work and cited the success of the students when they go on to Quincy High School and North Quincy High School; 80% of the Atlantic students in last year’s graduating class went on to 4-year private and public schools. Dr. DeCristofaro cited the strong surround care of the Atlantic Middle School core academic and support staff in creating the basis for these students’ future success. He also recognized the school’s custodial staff, who have been a team for over a decade and keep the building running smoothly. Ms. Isola congratulated the students and parents for their leadership and the drama students for their performance.

After a brief recess, Dr. DeCristofaro resumed his report by sharing the news that the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) recently notified Quincy High School that they have been awarded continued accreditation, a credit to the dedicated leadership and staff of Quincy High School. Also, three Quincy High School Science department staff members, Matthew Howard, Julie Krieger, and Eric Johnson were awarded a $93,000 life sciences grant to create a state-ofthe-art biotechnology lab.

Dr. DeCristofaro then updated the School Committee on some recent developments in the area of School-Community Partnerships. Mr. John Fagerlund, in conjunction with Mr. Keith Segalla, has secured upgraded commitments from the PV Plumbing Supply Company and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103 offering multiple partnership pathways, including job shadowing and apprenticeship. Northeast Community Bank, a new partner, will be working with Grade 5 Point Webster students on financial literacy. Mr. Fagerlund is working on new partnership opportunities and expanding partnerships, including with the YMCA. Quincy Public Schools is collaborating with the YMCA on a Learn to Swim program at Lincoln-Hancock and Sterling students for early release Tuesday afternoons. Additional information will be shared at future meetings.

Examples of Home-School Communications were shared with the School Committee, including Curriculum Highlights from the Squantum Elementary School, the January Monthly Newsletter from the Atherton Hough Elementary School, and the Extended Educational Programs Newsletter. At the conclusion of the Superintendent’s remarks, Mrs. Lebo praised Quincy High School Principal Santoro and Science Department Chair Edward Smith for creating the environment to support the staff’s initiative in writing the Life Sciences grant.

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New Business

ELC/APC Program Timeline Overview

Assistant Superintendent Colleen Roberts and Central Middle School Principal Jen Fay-Beers presented an overview of the Elementary Learning Center (ELC) program for Grade 5 students and the Advanced Placement Center (APC) program for Grades 6 through 8 students, both housed at the Central Middle School. The presentation is part of a continuing effort to make information about the selection process more readily available. Principal Fay-Beers explained that the Quincy Public Schools has supported gifted programs for over 50 years, beginning with the ELC program for Grade 5 students, followed by the APC program for Grades 6-8, and continuing with the Advanced and Advanced Placement (AP) classes at both high schools.

For Grade 5 students, the ELC is a one-day a week pullout program for gifted students from all over the city. The screening process begins in Grade 4, with selected students being invited to take the Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary and Middle School Students (SAGES-2) test in March. Students are selected based on two kinds of assessment: achievement (MCAS and other standardized tests) and ability (Otis-Lennon). Parents may also refer their students for the SAGES-2 assessment. The SAGES-2 measures both aptitude and achievement and is a one-time assessment. Students who score 80% or higher in the gifted range on all three subtests are invited to attend the ELC. Students who attend the ELC are invited to continue in the Advanced Placement Center at Central Middle School for Grades 6-8. Additional students may enter the program in Grade 6 based on parent appeal and additional supporting information about student giftedness and Grade 5 academic achievement. Families are notified about SAGES-2 results and if selected, receive an invitation for ELC by mid-April. Appeals will be considered for Grade 4 and 5 students through the end of the school year.

Beyond ELC and APC, all QPS students are provided with a rigorous education through differentiated instruction, curriculum compacting, tiered lessons, and cluster grouping. All of QPS’s middle schools offer honors and advanced-level math and ELA classes; support other areas of giftedness through before and after school enrichment; and challenge students through updated curriculum and instructional practices. It is important to note that many students who do not participate in ELC and APC go on to take advanced and AP courses in high school.

Mrs. Lebo asked if students who are not currently enrolled in the Quincy Public Schools request to take the evaluation. Mrs. Fay-Beers said typically 7-10 students request to take the SAGES-2 and it is administered to them as a group on a scheduled day at Central. Mrs. Lebo asked about the ELC program capacity and Mrs. Fay-Beers said that an average year is around 80 students, with the highest enrollment in her tenure being 100 and the lowest in the 60s. Mr. McCarthy asked if the numbers fluctuate for the middle school grades; Mrs. Fay-Beers said that usually up to 10 additional students will join at grade 6 and a similar number may choose to attend their home schools rather than go to Central. Mr. McCarthy asked for a comparison between the Advanced Grade 9 math class and the APC Grade 8 math class. Mrs. Roberts said that the teachers work together on vertical teams to align the curriculum between middle and high schools; teachers will recommend students for placement in Advanced high school courses based on ability and performance.

Mr. McCarthy asked for guidance for those parents who want their students to remain at their home school rather than attend the APC program. Mrs. Fay-Beers said that the main attraction of the program is the ability to cluster highly motivated students together to challenge each other on a daily basis. Students will be challenged at their ability level no matter which middle school they attend. Mrs. Mahoney asked whether we follow students during their high school careers from the APC programs to see if they continue to be high performers. QPS does not currently track students this way, but could begin to do that. Mrs. Mahoney stressed that students need to be challenged at all levels and praised the honors classes and individual offerings that are available at all of the middle schools. Mrs. Roberts emphasized the strength of the middle school staff across the city.

Mrs. Lebo reiterated that while there are 80 APC students in Grade 8, there are many more AP and Advanced students at the high school levels. The high school fosters these programs for the students on the solid base that middle school provides. Ms. Isola asks if a student declined the ELC invitation, can they enter the APC program in Grade 6 without retesting? Mrs. Roberts replied that parents can request this through the appeal process. Ms. Isola expressed her appreciation for the presentation as a way to de-mysterify the selection process. She concluded by stressing that the elementary and middle school program meets the needs of particular students at a certain age and emphasized Mrs. Lebo’s point about the number of high school students in these courses.

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Dr. DeCristofaro recognized that Quincy High School Student Representative to the School Committee Lindsay Schrier was participating in her first School Committee meeting.

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2013-2014 School Year and School Committee Meeting Calendars

Dr. DeCristofaro introduced the drafts of the 2013-2014 School Year and School Committee Meeting Calendars. These drafts will be shared with the Principals, Superintendent’s Leadership Team, Administrative staff, parent groups, and the public for review and comment.

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to move the 2013-2014 School Year and School Committee Meeting Calendars into the Policy Subcommittee. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Chairman Presiding

Resolutions Supporting Massachusetts School Building Authority Statements of Interest

Ms. Isola yielded the chairing of the School Committee meeting to Mayor Koch.

Mayor Koch introduced the Resolutions supporting the filing of Statements of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for four Quincy Public School buildings: for the renovation or replacement of the Sterling Middle School and window replacement projects for North Quincy High School, Wollaston Elementary School, and Merrymount Elementary School. Mayor Koch thanked Gary Cunniff and his staff at the City’s Public Buildings Department and Dr. DeCristofaro and his staff for the work done to date with the MSBA. The window replacement projects would be funded under the state’s Accelerated Repair Program and Statements of Interst will be submitted for other schools in subsequent years. Mayor Koch cited the recent Montclair School replacement as enhancing the educational climate of the school and the anticipation of energy savings going forward. In addition to State Treasurer Grossman, the state delegation is committed to assisting in the city receiving the highest reimbursement rate possible for these projects. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Mayor for his support and leadership and then presented the resolutions.

Resolution for Sterling Middle School Statement of Interest

Be It Resolved:

Having convened an open meeting on January 9, 2013, the School Committee of Quincy, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated January 9, 2013 for the Reay A. Sterling Middle School located at 444 Granite Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 7: Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with the state and approved local requirements.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 7: The Reay A. Sterling Middle School was built in 1926-1927 and has not received any substantial upgrades or improvements to the infrastructure or to the interior/exterior structures. Although the custodial and maintenance staffs are attentive to this building’s operational needs, a large portion of Sterling’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed during the construction of the facility in 1926. Aside from the improvements needed to the physical plant, educational components crucial for 21st century middle schools are lacking, specifically classrooms equipped for the integration of educational technology and science labs integral for standards-based instruction for regular education, Special Education, and English Language Learner students. Sterling is not ADA accessible; security and safety systems for communication within the school and to the police and fire departments are in need of modernization; and the nurse’s office, student support staff offices, cafeteria, media center, and auditorium are all undersized and underequipped by modern educational standards.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance of the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the resolution supporting the Superintendent filing a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Sterling Middle School. Ms. Isola seconded the motion.

On the motion, Mrs. Mahoney asked if the renovation or replacement of the Sterling Middle School would be the city’s priority project before the window replacement projects. Mayor Koch clarified that the window projects, if accepted by the MSBA, would be part of the Accelerated Repair Program, which is a different funding pool than Sterling would be considered for. He also noted that the Montclair Elementary School window replacement was funded by the city’s Capital Improvement Plan and not reimbursed by the state.

On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

Resolution for Wollaston Elementary School Statement of Interest

Be It Resolved:

Having convened an open meeting on January 9, 2013, the School Committee of Quincy, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated January 9, 2013 for the Wollaston Elementary School located at 205 Beale Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Wollaston Elementary School was built in 1913 and was renovated in 1987. Given the innovation in window manufacturing technology since the renovation, the Wollaston Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of replacement windows. New replacement windows would also increase the amount of natural light entering classrooms, creating a better learning environment.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance of the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the resolution supporting the Superintendent filing a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Wollaston Elementary School. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion.

On the motion, Mrs. Mahoney asked for and received clarification that for this and the next two resolutions, only window replacement will be requested.

On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

Resolution for North Quincy High School Statement of Interest

Be It Resolved:

Having convened an open meeting on January 9, 2013, the School Committee of Quincy, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated January 9, 2013 for the North Quincy High School located at 316 Hancock Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: North Quincy High School was built in 1926 and had an addition and major renovation in 1979-1980. Given the innovation in window manufacturing technology since the renovation, North Quincy High School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of replacement windows. New replacement windows would also increase the amount of natural light entering classrooms, creating a better learning environment.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance of the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the resolution supporting the Superintendent filing a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for North Quincy High School. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Resolution for Merrymount Elementary School Statement of Interest

Be It Resolved:

Having convened an open meeting on January 9, 2013, the School Committee of Quincy, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated January 9, 2013 for the Merrymount Elementary School located at 4 Agawam Road, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Merrymount Elementary School was built in 1928 and was renovated in 1977. Given the innovation in window manufacturing technology since that renovation, the Merrymount Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of replacement windows. New replacement windows would also increase the amount of natural light entering classrooms, creating a better learning environment.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance of the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to approve the resolution supporting the Superintendent filing a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Merrymount Elementary School. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Mrs. Mahoney complimented the new windows at the Montclair Elementary School and requested information about the energy efficiencies realized for the school through the Public Building Department. Mayor Koch said once the winter is completed, the information should be available. He also noted that he is expecting a resolution to the Honeywell issue from the Attorney General’s office within a month.

Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Mayor, School Committee, and previous School Committees for their determination to maintain and improve the city’s school buildings. He is particularly happy to see Sterling Middle School come to the top of the priority list.

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Gift: 2001 Ford Windstar Minivan to the QHS CTE Program

Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the gift of a 2001 Ford Windstar Quincy High School Automotive Technologies Program. Ms. Isola seconded the Minivan to the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Gift: $4,000 from the Randy C. Wolfe Trust

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to accept the gift of a $4,000 from the Randy C. Wolfe Trust to the Quincy Public Schools Music Department. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Out of State Travel

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the out of state travel of Quincy High School Plumbing Technology students to Nessman Manufacturing Company, Warwick, RI on January 15, 2013. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to approve the out of state travel of the joint Quincy High School/North Quincy High School Robotics Team to the FRC Regional Competition in Lewiston, ME from March 3, 2013 through March 7, 2013. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the out of state travel of the Central Middle School Grade 8 students to Washington, D.C. from June 5, 2013 through June 7, 2013. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Overnight Travel

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the overnight travel of the Quincy High School Student Council to the Massachusetts Association of School Councils Annual Conference in Hyannis, Massachusetts from March 6, 2013 through March 8, 2013. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Additional Business

Ms. Isola mentioned the recent request for information made by Ward 4 City Councillor Palmucci in reference to pedestrian safety and the QPS response which was shared with the School Committee. Pedestrian safety will be discussed at Public Safety Subcommittee on Wednesday, January 16 at 7:00 pm; the public is invited to attend the meeting. The School Committee is happy to partner with the City Council on this important issue; QPS is focused on this issue through the Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee, communication between schools and parents, and classroom discussions with students. Mrs. Mahoney expressed her thanks that Councillor Palmucci requested this information and spoke of the different challenges of our school sites. Mrs. Mahoney inquired whether there have been any directives from the city about being more proactive about pedestrian safety. She encouraged parents to contact their school principals if they know of any issues. Mayor Koch praised the City Council’s efforts to publicize pedestrian safety concerns and cited efforts such as repainting of crosswalks and deployment of crossing guards. He reiterated that the recent incidents have not taken place near schools and all have involved adult pedestrians. In the upcoming months, three major intersections are being re-engineered in the city in an effort to improve auto and pedestrian safety.

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Communications

Mrs. Lebo mentioned the Germantown Neighborhood Center’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast being held on Monday, January 21.

Mrs. Hubley noted that both Lincoln Hancock Community School and Wollaston Elementary School are holding their Family Literacy Nights on Thursday, January 17 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

Mayor Koch spoke of the Drug Awareness Week student event that was at Quincy High School on Tuesday, January 8 and attended by Grade 10 students from both high schools. A group of students created a video depicting an incident and a mock trial was held giving the attendees information about making appropriate choices and the consequences of failing to do so. He cited the support of the high school principals, Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile, and the community members who participated in the event.

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Reports of Subcommittees

Facilities and Security Subcommittee

Mr. McCarthy presented a summary of the Facilities and Security Subcommittee Meeting that was held on January 7, 2013. Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed that each principal met with their staffs to gather their specific concerns, which were combined with the master list of School Improvement Plan Maintenance items. Mr. Draicchio also had a lighting audit to share and Mr. Kevin Segalla reviewed Custodial Security Protocols. Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed some of the global issues raised by school staffs, including identification for workers who travel between schools, such as the Maintenance staff, IT Techs, and occasional staff members, such as Substitutes and Student Teachers. There were several other global suggestions and additional information will be researched and cost estimates gathered. Several schools relayed concerns about emergency plans for evacuating during “unstructured time,” for example, lunch, recess, or assemblies, and training for cafeteria/lunchroom staff and substitutes. Teacher substitute packets do include each school’s emergency information. Ms. Cox noted that emergency procedures are posted in each classroom. Additional staffing to add office aides at the elementary schools and remaining middle school currently without this position would be an additional 7 positions, $116,000 in salaries annually.

Dr. DeCristofaro and Mr. McCarthy suggested recommendations and decisions should be based on school types (elementary, middle, and high school). Dr. DeCristofaro suggested that Mr. Murphy review and annotate the master list for work that already has been completed and provide cost estimates for the requested items, such as interior door locks and window shades. Mr. Bregoli is concerned about the high school main entrances being unlocked; he suggested that the security officers screen and admit visitors. Mr. Murphy noted that the Mayor has approved a subcontractor to be brought in to assist some of the school computer lab issues, camera installations, and lighting. The two staff electricians are working on emergency issues, especially those relating to heat.

Mr. McCarthy asked Ms. Cox about any additional concerns. Ms. Cox said that arrival and dismissal are sometimes complicated for teachers if parents ask to come into the building. Ms. Cox said that a clear protocol would help teachers; principals can communicate with parents through their newsletters. Mr. McCarthy asked about current security protocols for admission and Mr. Draicchio reviewed the instructions the school staffs have received. The Subcommittee then reviewed the Custodial/Security protocols. Mr. McCarthy would like to see some uniformity on the door checks during the day. Dr. DeCristofaro said that we can work with the principals to limit the doors that are open in the morning for teacher and student entrance.

On the outside lighting audit, Mr. Murphy said that the outside electrical contractor will handle any lighting issues that involve the bucket truck. Mr. Draicchio noted that any lights that can be reached by custodial staff have been replaced. Mr. McCarthy said that Snug Harbor, Atlantic, Point Webster, and Quincy High School would be the priorities for outside lighting issues.

Mr. McCarthy complimented Mr. Draicchio, Mr. Murphy, and Mr. Kevin Segalla for their proactive work in keeping the school facilities secure. Mr. McCarthy said that this meeting was a good overview of global concerns and there should be further discussion about priorities. He also suggested scheduling a status update meeting in February.

Mr. Bregoli thanked Mr. McCarthy, Dr. DeCristofaro, the Superintendent’s Leadership Team and Principals, and Ms. Cox for a thorough review and professional evaluation of the issues.

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 7, 2013 Facilities and Security Subcommittee Meeting. Mayor Koch seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Executive Session

On a motion by Mayor Koch, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, the School Committee went into Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. for Collective Bargaining. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0. The School Committee will return to the Regular Meeting at the close of Executive Session.

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Approval of MOA Between Quincy School Committee and the QEA Unit A

The School Committee returned from Executive Session at 9:15 p.m.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Quincy School Committee and the Quincy Education Association, Unit A. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-1. Mrs. Mahoney voted NO.

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Adjournment

Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. McCarthy and on a voice vote, the ayes have it 7-0.