Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - May 22, 2013
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
May 22, 2013 at North Quincy High School. Present were Mayor Thomas Koch,
Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney,
Mr. David McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
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The Superintendent called the roll and all were present. Also present were: Dr.
Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Christopher
Cassani, Mr. Michael Connor, Mr. Gary Cunniff, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mr.
John Fagerlund, Ms. Danielle Fernandez, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Beth
Hallett, Ms. Meera Kriz, Mr. Walter MacDonald, Mr. James Mullaney, Mr. Kevin
Mulvey, Mr. Kevin Murphy, Mrs. Ellen Murray, Mrs. Maura Papile, Assistant
Superintendent Colleen Roberts, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Frank Santoro, Mr.
Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Ms. Judy Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President,
Quincy Education Association, and Mrs. Tracey Christello, Citywide Parents
Council Representative.
Executive Session
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of a
Grievance Hearing and Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the
ayes have it 7-0. The School Committee will return to Regular Session at the close
of Executive Session.
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School Committee returned from Executive Session at 7:10 pm.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for May 8, 2013. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Executive Session Minutes Approved
5/8/2013
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Executive
Session minutes for May 8, 2013. 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 on to
the next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent DeCristofaro opened his report by introducing a video of highlights
from recent events, including the HYPER Robotics Presidents Cup, Central Middle
School Student Council Community Service, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund
Walk, Wellness Team Celebration, John and Abigail Adams Orchestra Concert,
and the North Quincy High School Quiz Show team.
North Quincy High School Principal Mr. Shaw presented the members of the High
School Quiz Show state champion team: Timothy Bill, Celeste Dang, Cynthia
Nelson, Kasey Shen; team alternates Nathan Donahue and Yi Fung; and Team
Advisors Danielle Fernandez and Mera Kriz. The Inter-State Championship
competition will be shown on Sunday, May 29 at 6:30 pm.
Mrs. Roberts introduced the National Honor Society graduating seniors from both
high schools, along with Quincy High School Assistant Principal Ellen Murray,
North Quincy High School Assistant Principal Michael Connor and Advisor Kara
Karcik. (Quincy High School Advisor Molly Good was unable to attend the
meeting.) Mr. Connor presented the exceptional and well-rounded group of
students present. These students consistently exemplify the four pillars of the
National Honor Society: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. North
Quincy High School student Lisa Yang spoke about scholarship, a commitment to
learning, and understanding the benefit of the cultivated mind. North Quincy High
School student Megan White spoke about character: upholding principles of
honesty and morality; guides one through life. Character is achieved, not received.
Mrs. Ellen Murray introduced the two speakers from Quincy High School, Jay
Bosworth Neumann who spoke about Leadership, something valued in our society,
and an important life skill that needs to be developed in all students. Everyone has
the potential to be a leader, regardless of educational performance. Alex Nguyen
spoke on Service and the many contributions to community that the National
Honor Society students made. Service makes the world a better and brighter place.
Each senior class member of the National Honor Society was introduced and
shook hands with the members of the School Committee.
Mrs. Lebo expressed her pride in the seniors and challenged them to go out into
the world and make a difference. Mrs. Mahoney spoke of her hopes for all they
will accomplish. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the students for believing in their
parents and families, friends, teachers; believe in yourself, work hard, keep
dreaming of all the things you want to do, nothing is impossible.
After a brief recess, Mr. John Fagerlund introduced several new SchoolCommunity Business Partners. Granite City Electrical Supply is providing
Platinum-level support, including a scholarship for the top Electrical Support
student and internship opportunities. Mrs. Phyllis Goodwin, Chairman and CEO
of Granite City Electrical Supply spoke of how happy Granite City is to support
student career choices and their pride in being part of program.
Mr. Fagerlund then introduced Boston Scientific, a medical device manufacturer,
in Marina Bay. This newly re-established partnership at the Silver level includes
site visits and the donation of recycled office equipment. Chris Campanella,
Director of Program Management for Boston Scientific spoke on behalf of the
other staff members present that they are glad to be re-engaging with the Quincy
School~Community Partnership. The Partnership is of direct benefit to the Boston
Scientific staff, they appreciate the fresh perspectives of the students, and 25% of
their staff are Quincy residents. Mayor Koch thanked Mr. Fagerlund for his work
on School~Community Partnership activities and the representatives from both
companies for their corporate citizenship. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mr. Fagerlund
and Mr. Keith Segalla for their work on Partnership activities.
Dr. DeCristofaro continued his report by noting that the Summer Scene booklet
was shared with the School Committee and has been posted on the Quincy Public
Schools website. Earlier today, he and Mrs. Roberts attended the Quincy Retired
Teachers Association luncheon, thanked them for their partnership and support.
Dr. DeCristofaro recognized a number of Middle School students for their
achievements. From Central Middle School, Regional Science Fair participants:
Beryl Chen; Abdel Elhashash (2nd place); Leanne Gough (Honorable Mention);
Jason Kung (Honorable Mention); Mario Ragusa; Samuel Serjani; Leonardo
Vasquez. From Atlantic Middle School, Cora Cluett received Honorable Mention
in the MWRA Essay Contest and Ashley Totten received 2nd place in the Boston
Globe Will McDonough Writing Contest.
Superintendent DeCristofaro accompanied Public Building Director Gary Cunniff,
Planning Department Director Dennis Harrington, and Quincy High School
Principal Frank Santoro to the State House on May 13 for a ceremony honoring
Quincy High School as a Green Ribbon School by the US Department of
Education. Honorees from across the United States will be recognized at a June 3
ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Upcoming events include the Retirement Lunch on June 5 at 11:30 at the
Presidents Café at QHS. Memorial Day Observances will be held at Beechwood
Knoll, Lincoln Hancock, and Snug Harbor. Flag Day will be celebrated on Friday,
June 14 at the Clifford Marshall School. In concluding his report, Dr.
DeCristofaro noted that the Squantum Elementary School monthly newsletter had
also been shared with the School Committee.
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Old Business
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to take the Revised Acceptable Use Policy off the
table. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Revised Acceptable Use Policy
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to accept the Revised Acceptable Use Policy as presented.
Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.
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New Business
Park & Forestry Department: School Grounds Update
Park & Forestry Director Christopher Cassani thanked the School Committee for
the opportunity to present. This is a very busy and exciting time for the Park
& Forestry Department: in addition to maintaining 50 park locations, 10 beaches,
more than 280 acres of park land, and 142 acres of open space, the department also
maintains the grounds of all nineteen Quincy Public Schools. Mr. Cassani is proud
of the partnership between the schools and Park Department and pleased that the
new track facility was enjoyed by middle and high school students for the spring
track seasin. Cleaner Greener was a success due to the enthusiasm of the Quincy
Public Schools principals, staff, parents, and students. Mr. Cassani promised
continued commitment to maintaining the school grounds and preparing for the
upcoming high school graduations.
Mr. McCarthy expressed his thanks for the Park Department’s proactive approach
to managing the schools, the track, and the various athletic fields. Mrs. Mahoney
asked about the contractor working at Quincy High School. Mr. Cassani clarified
that Mr. DiBona’s company is assisting for the next few weeks on a temporary
basis. Mrs. Mahoney also asked about a regular schedule for trimming shrubs and
whether it coincides with lawn mowing. Mr. Cassani noted that this is a different
schedule and it will be done for most schools over the summer. Mayor Koch
reminded the School Committee that the Park Department is being rebuilt after
budget cuts and will benefit from additional staff beginning in July. The Park
Department is also working on preparing the two city cemeteries for Memorial
Day. Ms. Isola said that she is happy to see the partnership with school principals
and PTOs, since they are a great resource for volunteers. Dr. DeCristofaro noted
that the principals appreciate the communication with the Park Department.
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Public Buildings/ Maintenance Update
Dr. DeCristofaro spoke of the continued daily contact with the members of the
Maintenance and Public Buildings staff. Mr. Cunniff noted that he is a graduate of
North Quincy High School and learned about community service there; happy to
see the students recognized tonight. Mr. Cunniff takes very seriously Public
Building’s role in supporting the mission of the Quincy Public Schools, and is
especially committed to maintaining Quincy High School. The original list of
issues for Quincy High School contained 160 items and upon review, half of the
items were immediately eliminated as already completed. Of the remaining items,
30 are for Maintenance to complete over the summer; 19 are issues for School or
City IT to investigate; and 11 are issues that will be addressed by recommissioning
of HVAC system, repairs by HVAC consultants, and the hiring of new staff
member to address HVAC control and energy efficiency. 23 items will require the
engagement of outside contractors. Mr. Cunniff thanked Maintenance for
completing a large number of items and noted that there was recently a productive
meeting with an original subcontractor that resulted in a number of fixes for
lingering issues for clocks and speakers. Going forward, the goal is to complete all
items on this list over the summer.
Mr. McCarthy thanked everyone involved with resolving the status of the items on
the list. He reminded Mr. Cunniff about two remaining priority items: the
gymnasium floor and the compressor vibration. Mrs. Mahoney asked for
clarification about the completed projects; Mr. Cunniff said that some had long
been resolved and others more recently. All remaining maintenance items have
been entered into the work order system and Mrs. Mahoney asked why all the
items wouldn’t be entered into the work order system. Mr. Cunniff said that the
work order system is used for Maintenance items, and that Contractual Services
are not handled in the same way. Mrs. Mahoney asked about the recommissioning
schedule; work will begin in the summer on evaluating and developing a plan for
scope of work. Mrs. Mahoney asked about the time frame for hiring the new
person and whether that will coincide with the recommissioning schedule. Mr.
Cunniff said that is the goal to have the new staff member in place to coincide with
the start of the project. She asked that the School Committee be kept apprised of
the developments on this process.
Mr. Murphy noted that many of the remaining items for Quincy High School will
be completed in the summer when the work won’t disturb students and teachers.
Mr. Murphy reviewed that since the merger of the Maintenance department into
the Public Buildings department, 2500 work orders have been completed, slightly
higher than average. With the additional staff in the FY2014 Budget, Mr. Murphy
expects that the Maintenance department will be even more productive next year.
The department is gearing up for summer projects and will plan to report back in
the fall. Mr. McCarthy asked about the Quincy High School lights that are on the
SIP/Lighting Audit list and whether there were structural or wiring issues. Mr.
Murphy said that many of the lights are specialty orders that Granite City Electric
assisted in the research and that the issue is replacement bulbs.
Mr. MacDonald updated the School Committee on the Coddington Building
project, announcing that a general contractor has been awarded the project. The
project launch meeting with the contractor and architect is completed. The
contractor is mobilizing, fencing will be installed by the end of the week, and shop
drawings are being prepared. Subcontractor bids have been received; stamped
drawings are with Inspectional Services and the Fire Department for their review.
Mr. McCarthy asked about a project schedule and an estimate on when the
building would be completed. Mr. MacDonald said that this is a 12-15 month
project and the timing is perfect for the volume of exterior work that needs to be
completed in the good weather.
Mayor Koch thanked the Public Buildings department for their work; the increased
budget and the additional positions will allow for increased efficiencies and
additional projects completed. Mayor Koch said that there are many projects in
development, including working with the Massachusetts School Building
Authority on the new Central Middle School and additional projects to come.
Mrs. Mahoney asked for information on the Coddington Building renovation
project, including the detail of subcontractor bids. She continues to be concerned
about the cost and necessity for this renovation project. Mrs. Lebo asked Mayor
Koch about the demolition of the old Quincy High School building. Mayor Koch
asked for an appropriation from City Council for $2.5 million for demolition; there
is contingency money left for Quincy High School for the façade work where the
old and new buildings meet. The legal process continues and Mr. Timmins is
working with the Massachusetts Historic Society. Remediation is complete (at a
cost of just over $1 million).
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that the Plant Maintenance Team continues to meet several
times each month and the connection between Quincy Public Schools and the
Public Buildings department remains solid. Mayor Koch reminded the public that
the Coddington Building renovations are partly funded by Community
Preservation funds and this is a major commitment by the city to restore a
historical and public asset. The building will house essential city services,
including the Planning Department and the City IT Department, in addition to the
Quincy Public Schools offices.
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Gift: QPS Special Education
Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the gift of $800 for the Quincy Public
Schools Special Education Adaptive Physical Education program from Fitness
Unlimited. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Gift: QHS Carpentry Program
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the gift of Tools and Equipment valued at $4,700
to the Quincy High School Carpentry Program from David and Phyllis Winslow.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mrs. Mahoney proposed a resolution to create an Athletics Partnership Pathway
Program as an extension of the Quincy School~Community Partnership:
Whereas numerous academic studies have shown a strong and
positive correlation between athletic participation and academic
achievement and the Quincy Public Schools Athletics Programs
are facing systemic budget deficits due to funding cuts over the
past several years, the creation of an Athletics Partnership Pathway
would allow for sustaining existing Athletics programs and
rebuilding Athletics programs affected by previous budget cuts.
Whereas community businesses currently face multiple
solicitations from parents and boosters with no visible return for
their donation, an Athletics Partnership pathway would allow for
equitable distribution of donations between schools and teams.
Therefore, may it be resolved that Quincy Public Schools move
forward with the creation and development of Athletic Partnership
Program to support the Quincy Public School Athletics Programs
through sponsorship, advertisement, social media, and sports
venues through a specific, graphically-unified branded banner and
plaque program.
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion that this resolution be discussed at the first Policy
Subcommittee in September. On the resolution, Mr. McCarthy asked if the
resolution included moving this item it into Subcommittee and Mrs. Mahoney
clarified that the topic of Advertising and Sponsorship had already been referred to
the Policy Subcommittee. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion, but would like the
opportunity to discuss and explore this idea, not that the motion is to create the
Partnership. Mr. McCarthy agrees with the idea of discussing the idea. Ms. Isola
clarified that this resolution would be presented for discussion and consideration at
the first Policy Subcommittee meeting in September.
Mrs. Lebo said that it would be helpful if research could be done over the summer
to prepare for the meeting. Mrs. Mahoney said that she would gather information
to share for the first meeting and this is a way to create a revenue source for
Athletics. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Reports of Subcommittees
Budget and Finance Subcommittee
Ms. Isola reviewed the Budget and Finance Subcommittee meetings that were held
on Monday, May 13, 2013 and Tuesday, May 21, 2013. At the May 13, 2013 meeting,
Mr. Mullaney presented the proposed FY2014 Budget of $93,668,165, an increase of
$3,650,000 from FY2013. The budget as funded allows for meeting contractual
obligations, including step and level increases and percentage raises. It provides
funding to address class size for academic programs and academic support
programs. Additional funding is also allocated for elementary and middle school
libraries, middle school extracurricular activities, and increased funding for text
and learning materials to address the Common Core State standards. $1,692,000 is
available to fund the priorities as recommended.
To begin the budget process, Academic Classroom Teacher positions are analyzed,
utilizing enrollment projections and School Committee Class Size Guidelines;
positions are shifted and reconciled. For this year, an additional 10.5 teachers are
needed to accommodate enrollment shifts and increases. For Academic Programs,
7.5 teachers would be added for ELL, including reinstatement of the Citywide
High School ELL Chair, Literacy, Middle School Library, Chapter 74 programs,
and Special Education. For Academic Support, the recommendation is to increase
the guidance staff by 2.0 positions due to enrollment shifts. 12 long-term
substitute positions for elementary library/technology support are also funded in
this section, along with middle school extracurricular activities. For Non-Academic Support, there was no change to many of the accounts.
For Academic Expenses, the budget requests level funding for most accounts with
the exception of Textbooks; additional funding is needed for textbooks and
learning materials for the Common Core State Standards. For most other accounts,
there are no changes. SPED Transportation funding will increase by $99,000 to
cover anticipated increase in transporting special populations.
In summary, the $1,692,000 available has proposed allocations to Academic
Classroom Teachers (27.68%), Academic Programs (25.6%), Academic Support
(22.62%), Non-Academic Support (5.44%), Academic Expenses (23.63%) and
Non-Academic Expenses (-4.96%). An additional 24.8 positions are being added
and replacement teachers will be hired for the 13 retiring teachers.
At the May 21, 2013 Budget and Finance Subcommittee meeting, Mr. Mullaney
presented a review of the revolving accounts for Building Rentals, Food Services,
Transportation, and Athletics. The proposed FY2014 Budget does not anticipate
any increases in fees for rentals, user fees for athletics or transportation. Federal
mandates require an increase in meal prices for elementary and middle school
lunches.
Ms. Isola announced there is a Budget and Finance Subcommittee meeting on May
29, 2013 and a Public Hearing on the FY2014 Budget on June 5, 2013.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the minutes of the Budget and Finance
Subcommitee meeting from May 13, 2013. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and
on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the minutes of the Budget and Finance
Subcommitee meeting from May 21, 2013 by Mrs. Hubley. Mr. McCarthy
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mayor Koch discussed the concerns about the Athletics Budget raised at the
Subcommittee meeting. His intention is to find ways to address the shortfalls and
add freshman sports and full varsity schedules now in this FY2014 budget and
remove the pressure from parents. Removing the structural deficit would allow the
revolving account to be used for equipment and uniform replacement.
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Central Building Committee
Mrs. Mahoney reviewed the Central Building Committee meeting held on
May 14, 2013. Building security was reviewed, including camera placement,
monitoring and door alarms. There was also a review of the construction timeline
and concerns; HV Collins, the general contractor, is determined to be ready for the
opening of school in September.
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Special Education Subcommittee
Mrs. Mahoney reviewed the Special Education Subcommittee meeting held on
May 16, 2013. The first item on the agenda was a review of the Program Improvement
Plan goals by Special Education Director Judy Todd. Ms. Gichuhi reported on the
QPAC goals contained in the Program Improvement Plan. The next item on the
agenda was proposed Special Education Subcommittee Meeting dates for 2013-
2014. Dr. DeCristofaro asked the Special Education Subcommittee to consider
changing the time so that the meetings would be more in line with other
Subcommittees and a 6:00 pm start time was agreed to. The proposed meeting
dates are October 16, 2013; January 15, 2014; March 26, 2014; and May 14, 2014.
The next item on the agenda was a QPAC update by Ms. Gichuhi. She introduced
the new Executive Board. QPAC recently completed an online survey of teachers
and parents. Big picture goals include increasing visibility, including visiting
PTOs over the course of the next school year and providing resources for parents
and staff. Ms. Gichuhi asked for suggestions to add to QPAC goals. Dr.
DeCristofaro suggested that QPAC presence at citywide curriculum events would
be a good way to increase visibility.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the minutes of the Special Education
Subcommitee meeting from May 16, 2013. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and
on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Policy Subcommittee
Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Joint Teaching and Learning/Policy Subcommittee
meeting that was held on May 20, 2013. The first item on the agenda was a
review of the Community Service pilot. Ms. Ginty reviewed the work done since
the Community Service pilot was launched in September and Mrs. McMillen
talked about specific opportunities for Community Service. As of today, 60% of
North Quincy High School 10th and 11th grade students have completed and
documented their 10 hours of Community Service or are in process; 53% of
Quincy High School grades 10 and 11 students have done the same. Both
Coordinators feel that there is a high level of awareness about the Community
Service pilot and that students are working to meet the June 1 deadline.
Dr. DeCristofaro proposed continuing to work with this student cohort and bring
the pilot forward to grade 12 and retain it at grade 11. After an additional year,
School Committee could consider adding Grades 9 and 10 and perhaps more staff.
Mr. McCarthy agreed that extending Community Service as a pilot program is the
right choice. Ms. Isola asked what we know about other towns’ levels of
compliance for their Community Service requirements. Mrs. Lebo said that parent
concerns will surface when the consequences for failing to complete Community
Service are defined, such as not walking through graduation.
Mr. Keith Segalla presented the Technology Plan for 2013-2016 which will be
submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in June;
members of the Educational and Informational Technology Teams worked on the
development of the plan. The Plan’s guidelines, which were developed by the
state’s Educational Technology Advisory Council, are focused on six benchmarks:
Clear Vision and Implementation Strategies; Technology Integration and Literacy;
Technology Professional Development; Accessibility of Technology; Virtual
Learning and Communications; and Safety, Security, and Data Retention.
Over the past three years, Quincy Public Schools has made significant progress
implementing the current Technology Plan. These initiatives include: new email
system, Microsoft Office upgrade, redesigned website, ongoing upgrades of
classroom computers, projectors, whiteboards, technology labs, professional
development and training opportunities. Recent initiatives include wireless and
guest networks, student technology survey, ongoing implementation of Aspen SIS,
middle school technology initiatives for ebooks and iPads,;revision of Acceptable
Use Policy; new BYOD. All of these efforts are a collaboration of the Mayor,
School Committee, Leadership Team, Principals, Teachers, Partners, and ParentTeacher Organizations.
Mr. Segalla then presented the Student Computer Survey results; individual
students were asked about computers and internet access at home. Across QPS,
91% of students have computer access and 90% reported Internet access. (88% of
QPS students completed the survey.) 66% of middle and high school students
have a smartphone and/or a tablet device. The comparison to the survey data from
2010 shows a 10% increase in both categories.
The last item on the agenda was a presentation of a School Committee Policy
update needed for sections 1.3 and 10.2 to add gender identity as a category for
anti-discrimination to reflect Chapter 199 of the Acts of 2011. Among the statutes
amended is G.L.c.76, § 5, cited in the School Committee Policy sections. The
statement appears on all Quincy Public Schools publications and stationary and in
student handbooks. Mr. Mulvey recommended adopting the text of the new law.
The proposed Policy change will be reviewed at the May 22 School Committee
meeting and voted on at the June 12 School Committee meeting.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minutes of the Joint Teaching and
Learning/Policy Subcommittee meeting from May 20, 2013. Mrs. Mahoney
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
On the motion, Mrs. Mahoney clarified that the Incomplete grade for Community
Service will appear on transcripts and could impact college acceptances.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. There was no Executive Session.