Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - October 9, 2013
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
October 9, 2013 in the 2nd Floor Conference Room of the NAGE Building.
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. Gary Cunniff, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mr.
Walter MacDonald, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin
Mulvey, Mr. Kevin Murphy, Mrs. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith
Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Ms. Judy Todd; and Ms. Allison Cox, President,
Quincy Education Association.
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There was a moment of silence in remembrance of Mr. Charles Djerf, a
longtime Quincy Public Schools teacher and announcer at high school
football games for many years.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
9/25/2013
Mrs. Lebo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for September 25, 2013. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, the School Committee moved on to the
next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent's Report by introducing an Inspire
Quincy video featuring the elementary school libraries at Bernazzani and
Montclair; Extended Education programs, including full-year music programs
(Orchestra, Honors Band, All-City Band, Concert Band); and the Atherton Hough
Walk to School program (Safe Routes to School).
North Quincy High School Principal Robert Shaw spoke about the upcoming
NEASC accreditation visit; the self-study is completed and a draft shared with
the School Committee. During the self-study, the staff evaluated curriculum,
assessment, school culture, and the building facility. The NEASC evaluation visit
will be held October 20 through October 23; the group will be conducting
interviews, shadowing students, and evaluating school operations. They will
also review the self-study and create a report with recommendations that will
be released in the spring. School Committee is invited to attend Sunday
afternoon at 1:00 pm for the opening presentation; School Committee
interviews will be at 2:00 pm. Parents have also been invited to participate in
interviews.
The most recent Aspen Implementation Publication was shared with School
Committee; high school and middle school interim grading report preparation
is underway by staff.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the October 1 enrollment: Quincy Public Schools has
9,470 students enrolled (an increase of 40 students from last year). There is an
enrollment shift from the high school to elementary school level, with 800+
Kindergarten students, and almost all elementary grades at the 700+
level. Across the elementary grade levels, the average class size is 20 students,
with the majority of students in classes of 22 or less. At the middle school
grades, 92% of students are in classes with 25 or less students. At high school,
over 80% of students are in classes with 25% or less students. All classes are
within the guidelines set by the School Committee, with the exception of three
sections of electives at Quincy High School.
Mrs. Lebo asked for clarification on the Skills Support teachers at Wollaston and
Snug Harbor. These are half-time teachers scheduled to decrease class size
during core curriculum ELA and Mathematics instruction. Mrs. Mahoney asked
for detail on the Middle School classes with 26 to 28 students and the High
School sections with 26 to 30 students. Ms. Isola asked about science,
technology, and language classes with lab equipment and Dr. DeCristofaro said
these were closely monitored for appropriate size. Mr. Bregoli asked whether
there had been discussion about moving Grade 5 Merrymount students to
Broad Meadows, and possibly considering redistricting. Dr. DeCristofaro said
that as enrollment continues to grow and elementary site limits are reached,
options such as these may need to be considered with the School Committee.
Redistricting has not been discussed since the late 1980s.
Dr. DeCristofaro reminded the School Committee that the High School College
Fair will be held at the North Quincy High School gymnasium on Thursday,
October 10. Over 100 colleges and university will be present. The Teacher
Mini-Grant Reception will be held on October 29 at North Quincy High School.
Representatives from the Massachusetts School Building Authority will be at
Sterling Middle School for a Senior Study, on October 15. This next step in the
Statement of Interest process will be discussed at the MSBA Board of Directors
meeting on November 20.
Ms. Owens gave an update on the Follett Destiny Library Manager Software
training. The first of two days of training has been completed, with the middle
and high school library teachers being trained on roles and permissions. The
second day of training will be held on Thursday, October 10 and focus on
circulation, cataloging, and reporting. On Tuesday, October 8, Ms. Owens and
Mr. Keith Segalla met with the Elementary Support Teachers for further
discussion on Study Island, Reading Eggs, and Winnebago Spectrum Library
software. Book borrowing is underway at Wollaston, Squantum, Montclair,
Bernazzani, and Merrymount. The other schools will follow in the next couple
of weeks when patron data has been updated and final IT issues resolved. The
next meeting with the Elementary Support Teachers is Tuesday, November 12;
Study Island training is scheduled for October 15 and Reading Eggs training is
October 29.
The Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the new Central Middle
School will be held on Sunday, October 20 at 4 pm. On Monday, October 21,
students and staff will participate in a ceremony closing the old building and
walking down Hancock Street to the new building. Mr. Draicchio, Mr. Keith
Segalla, and Principal Fay-Beers directed training on October 8 with Central
Middle School staff on safety, security, and technology. Teacher teams have
spent a half-day each at the new building for orientation and have the
opportunity to spend time in the new building the next few Saturdays. Dr.
DeCristofaro thanked Principal Fay-Beers for her leadership.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the examples of Home School Connections shared
with the School Committee: the Montclair and Wollaston Elementary School
Monthly Newsletters. He also noted that at the next School Committee meeting,
the new Athletic Directors and Health Interventionists will be presenting.
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New Business
Impact Quincy
Partnership
Ms. Isola requested that the agenda be taken out of order and moved to New
Business, Item C, Quincy Public School’s partnership with Bay State Community
Services and Impact Quincy.
Mrs. Papile spoke of Quincy Public School's work with Bay State Community
Services on interventions to prevent underage drinking and prescription drug
abuse. The new high school health interventionists will be working with freshmen
at both high schools and focusing on these topics. Arlene Goldstein then spoke on
Impact Quincy, a coalition of community resources, including Quincy Public Schools.
Impact Quincy has many active members, including the City of Quincy, Quincy Asian
Resources, the Quincy Police Department, parents, peer advocates, the Quincy Sun,
family support groups, the South Shore YMCA, Quincy District Court, and many local
businesses. Within Quincy Public Schools, specific activities assist in fostering peer
leadership and advocacy, social marketing, health fairs, and, middle school parent
education.
Mrs. Lebo thanked Mrs. Goldstein for her work through the years. Mr. McCarthy is
glad to hear about the collaboration with the new Health Interventionists. Mrs.
Goldstein thanked Mrs. Kisielius, and high school nurses Ms. McGrath and Ms.
Houlihan. Mr. McCarthy said that we now have a strong program with DARE in
elementary school, Health in middle school, and the interventionists in high school.
Mrs. Mahoney would like the middle school and high school Health curriculum to be
reviewed and updated along the same lines as the recent work of the Middle School
Librarians. Mrs. Mahoney would like to see Quincy Public Schools' Health
curriculum be more targeted towards these types of interventions. Ms. Isola noted
that the community should know about the resources of Bay State and is glad that
this presentation gives them the opportunity to share this important information.
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Parks Department
Update on School
Grounds
Mr. Cassani, Director of the Parks and Forestry Department, presented an update
on school grounds, highlighting the work the department accomplished over the
summer. New equipment purchased for the summer season allowed for the reallocation of personnel and focus on schools; weekly mowing was completed at all
schools throughout the summer. The summer season was also focused on shrub
maintenance and weed-whacking. Some school sites required more than a day's
work by a full crew. Several schools have challenging landscapes: Quincy High
School, Clifford Marshall, Bernazzani, Point Webster, Lincoln Hancock, and Snug
Harbor, but special attention was paid to these sites.
In collaboration with the Athletics department, Cavanagh Field has been
refurbished. All fields have been aerated and seeded. Faxon Field track has new
grass. Looking ahead, leaf raking and preparing for spring will be underway this
month and next.
Mr. McCarthy complimented Mr. Cassani on the work performed over the summer,
the schools all look very good, meticulous work. Mrs. Mahoney asked for
clarification on the work completed at Cavanagh Field; Mr. Cassani said that the
existing turf was removed, and an irrigation system and sod were
installed. Activity was restricted until football practice began in late August. Mrs.
Mahoney asked about the track at Cavanagh Field; additional material will be
added to shore up the surface in the fall. Mrs. Mahoney complimented Mr. Cassani
on all the accomplishments of the Park Department and the pride the staff clearly
have in their work.
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Public Buildings
Update
Mr. Cunniff, Director of Public Works gave an overview of the numerous projects
underway in collaboration with Quincy Public Schools.
At Quincy High School, significant progress has been made with the list of existing
issues. 127 of 165 items are now closed out, most were Maintenance issues
resolved over the summer. 24 are in process and 14 are lower priority or wishlist
items. Some additional items have been discovered, including blocked ductwork
and non-functioning valves. The original contractors were called back to
investigate further and resolve these issues. The new Public Buildings
Department staff member, David Scott, has over 20 years of HVAC experience and
has been a key in improving functionality at Quincy High School and a number of
other schools. Re-commissioning of the Quincy High School building has been
delayed until some of the corrective measures are addressed. Quincy High School
recently received a Green Ribbon Award, one of 50 schools nationwide that
recognized the school's environmental design and green aspects.
At the former Quincy High School site, the demolition has been completed and the
site will be cleared by the end of October, including securing the site and
stabilizing the soil. Concurrently, the unfinished facade of Quincy High School will
be finished through collaboration with the original architect; materials have been
selected, and the City Council has approved the project. Work should begin in
early November. The landscape design for the site has been developed in
collaboration with Quincy Public Schools and Quincy High School Principal
Taglieri; this will be an expansion of the Quincy High School campus. A memorial
to the original Quincy High School incorporating the building's cornerstone will be
established. There will be fencing to delineate the campus without segregating it
from the surroundings.
For the new Central Middle School, Opening Day will be for a safe and functional
school, with all inspections completed. The commissioning agent is onboard, final
landscaping and hardscaping are completed, furniture is moved in, the upper
floors are waxed, and many teachers have unpacked their belongings.
Sterling Middle School is the next challenge, and the MSBA visit on October 15 will
give the opportunity for the City to present the Statement of Interest details in
person. Representatives from Municipal Finance and Public Buildings will be
there, along with Acting Sterling Principal Franceschini and Dr. DeCristofaro. This
is the due diligence phase of the project and a solid presentation will bring the
process one step closer.
Mr. MacDonald reviewed the Coddington Hall project: abatement is complete, the
roofing portion of the project is underway, and 80% of building has been
repointed and washed multiple times. Chimneys have been rebuilt, windows
removed, and protection installed. Plywood underlayment is complete and
gypsum door frames are being installed. Plumbing and mechanical installation is
underway, including trenching in the basement. The School Committee room is
being finalized with Quincy Access Television and Dr. DeCristofaro. Building
security is also being finalized. The project is on schedule with an anticipated June
2014 completion.
Mr. MacDonald then spoke about the Accelerated Repair Program Window and
Door Replacement projects for North Quincy High School and Merrymount and
Wollaston Elementary Schools. The MSBA has assigned an Architect and Owner's
Project Manager (Skanska USA). Walkthroughs have been completed at each
school and the schematic designs are due to the MSBA on December 4. On January
29, the MSBA Board of Directors will review/approve designs, so that final
drawings can be completed and the project will go out to bid.
Mr. Murphy reported on the many projects completed over the summer, thanking
the Maintenance and Custodial staff for their efforts. He also thanked the Mayor
for the additional staff members that allowed for this volume of work to be
completed. Four Career and Technical Education students worked with the
Maintenance Department to gain experience in their respective trades. Major
construction projects were completed at Lincoln Hancock, Wollaston, Clifford
Marshall, and Montclair. Numerous work orders were completed at all schools,
including over forty building to building moves. All boilers, fire extinguishers,
generators, and elevators have been inspected and brought up to code. All
gymnasium floors have been refinished with the exception of Lincoln Hancock,
which will be completed next summer. The parking lot relining program
continued in collaboration with the Department of Public Works, with six more
schools completed this year.
Mr. Draicchio reviewed the many new security initiatives that have been
implemented, including staff identification cards/lanyards and school access
cards. Additional access points are being added at several buildings, the entire
project will be completed by the end of October.
Mrs. Hubley asked Mr. Murphy about the skylights at Beechwood Knoll. The
remaining two will be replaced in the next couple of weeks. Mrs. Mahoney asked
for an updated spreadsheet on the Quincy High School project and Mr. Cunniff said
that an updated list will be shared through the Superintendent's office. Mrs.
Mahoney asked about the blocked duct work and how this surfaced. Mr. Cunniff
said that in the process of moving the compressor on the roof, it was discovered
that two ducts had never been unwrapped. On further investigation, up to 15 have
been discovered. The contractor has been inspecting all ductwork in an effort to
ensure that all are functioning.
Mrs. Mahoney asked if Mr. Scott is involved in the new Central Middle School
commissioning. Mr. Cunniff said that Mr. Scott has been inspecting the HVAC
system while the layout is being finalized; training is underway and both Mr. Scott
and Mr. Cunniff are participating, along with the custodial staff. Some training will
be done now, more will follow when the heating season begins. Mrs. Mahoney
asked about the status of the Central Middle School building; specifically, the
auditorium completion, Mr. Cunniff estimated this should be completed two to
three weeks after the school opens. Once the school is open, all contractors onsite
will be CORI checked. Punchlist items in the classroom areas will be completed
outside of school hours.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the damage that happened during the old Quincy High
School demolition. Mr. Cunniff said that Gilbane will be working on these repairs
as part of the facade process. The demolition contractor's insurance will cover the
cost of the repairs. Mrs. Lebo asked to see the landscaping plan for the Quincy
High School campus and Mr. Cunniff will share those through the Superintendent.
Mr. McCarthy thanked Mr. Cunniff for following through on the Quincy High School
project list completion. The gym floor repair was well done and the compressor
movement has resolved the vibration issue. Mr. McCarthy asked about the heat
issues; Mr. Cunniff expects the re-commissioning process to resolve these
issues. Mr. McCarthy complimented the demolition of Quincy High School. For
Quincy High School rotunda lighting, Mr. Cunniff said that an alternative light
fixture will be installed and a lift will be rented October 26 to install LED lights
with 100,000 hour lifespan. Mr. McCarthy asked about the outside lighting at
Central; most are LED with long-lasting bulbs. Mr. McCarthy complimented the
Coddington Hall project and the impressive campus flowing into Quincy High
School. Mr. MacDonald complimented the Nauset team who will also be working
on the Old City Hall project.
Mrs. Mahoney also asked to see the Quincy High School landscaping plan and
asked for specifics on the fencing. Mr. Cunniff said it will be similar to the fencing
around the Faxon Field track. Mrs. Mahoney asked about the fencing along the
Central Middle School and the President’s City Inn perimeter. Mr. Cunniff said that
most sections are completed, and the black vinyl chain link fence will have slats
inserted. Mr. McCarthy continues to be concerned about proximity of the motel
site.
For the window replacement projects, Mr. McCarthy asked for clarification on
what will be submitted to the MSBA. The next step is for schematic designs for the
new windows and doors to be prepared by the architect. The details include
colors and profiles, and the architect will then work on the project drawings. The
goal is for installation to be completed in the summer of 2014. The projects will
run concurrently, potentially with three different contractors. Mrs. Mahoney
asked about benchmarking the current energy consumption/loss for a
comparative once the project is completed.
Ms. Isola asked Mr. Cunniff whether there were air quality issues due to the closed
ductwork at Quincy High School. Mr. Cunniff said air quality was not an
issue. Mrs. Mahoney asked for a cost breakout for the $1.5 million that was part of
the City Council appropriation for the Quincy High School landscaping project.
Mayor Koch thanked Mr. Cunniff and the Public Buildings team and expressed his
pride in the department and all that they are managing across the city, especially
the many school projects. The city has made tremendous progress with the
combination of Maintenance and Public Buildings, and the additional staffing
provided in this year's budget. The continuing collaboration of Quincy Public
Schools and Public Buildings highlights the benefit of the combined
departments. Mayor Koch is grateful for School Committee and City Council
support and intends to continue requesting replacement windows at additional
buildings through the MSBA Accelerated Repair Program.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked all the members of the Public Buildings staff for their
reliability and responsiveness. Quincy Public Schools is included in the process on
these many projects and we are appreciative of the results.
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Old Business
Mayor Koch made a motion to return to the regular order of business.
Superintendent's
Goals 2013-2014
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minutes of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Meeting of October 7, 2013. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
Ms. Isola reviewed that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
requires the Superintendent to create goals for his upcoming evaluation. The
School Committee evaluates the Superintendent and this has become a much more
formalized process and will be published for the public. At the Ad Hoc
Subcommittee meeting, three goals were selected. Dr. DeCristofaro noted that this
evaluation process mirrors that of the Teachers, Caseload Educators, and
Principals. These goals will improve the school system; the goals will be
published. The goals are focused on Professional Practice (Principal Evaluation)
and Student Learning (Improvement of Performance, Effectiveness, and
Learning); the additional goals selected are focused on the District Improvement
Plan, Family Engagement (collaborating with Citywide and QPAC), and Common
Core State Standard Implementation.
Superintendent DeCristofaro will present a mid-year review of progress towards
these goals. Mrs. Lebo is very pleased with the two Superintendent Goals and how
they are perfectly aligned. Mrs. Lebo reminded the School Committee that the
Superintendent will be evaluated on all four standards, even though there are not
goals aligned with all standards. The evaluation will be completed in Fall 2014.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the goals as described. Mr. McCarthy seconded
the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.
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Out of State
Travel
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Atlantic Middle
School, Grade 8 to New York City, New York June 4 through June 6, 2014. Mrs.
Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
On the motion, Mrs. Lebo would like to see additional information provided on cost
per student.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Quincy High
School Grade 11 and 12 students to the University of New Hampshire, Durham, New
Hampshire on November 13, 2013. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mr. McCarthy thanked the Mayor for the security upgrades funding. He asked that
staff be reminded not to prop doors open and to use proper procedures about
accessing the building.
Mrs. Mahoney asked about adding a crosswalk to Upton Street where students
cross to wait for the bus to Atlantic Middle School.
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Communications
Mrs. Hubley announced the Wollaston Elementary School Harvest Festival will be
held on Saturday, October 12 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Mrs. Hubley also announced that the Citywide Parents Council are hosting
a Meeting and Candidates Forum on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:00 pm at the Broad
Meadows Middle School.
Mrs. Mahoney announced the QPAC will be hosting their monthly meeting on
October 10 at 7:00 pm. On October 16, the first Special Education Subcommittee
meeting of the year will be at 6:00 pm in the Quincy High School Staff Dining
Room.
Mrs. Mahoney mentioned the email received by School Committee members about
Quincy High School Athletic Trainer Steve Garofalo and thanked him for his work.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. The motion was seconded by
Mr. McCarthy and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.