Jan. 25, 2017 School Committee Meeting

Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Wednesday, January 25, 2017, 6:30 pm
Coddington Building

I. Approval of Minutes:

A. Regular Meeting Minutes for January 11, 2017

B. Executive Session for January 11, 2017

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: Project 351 Ambassadors

B. Quincy School~Community Partnership: A Matter of Heart

C. QHS Student Council Event: SEMASC

D. NQHS on High School Quiz Show

E. Special Olympics, February 17

F. Kindergarten Registration, March 7

G. Pre-Kindergarten Program Screenings

H. Parent Academy: The Homework Treaty

I. Middle School Curriculum Newsletters

J. School~Community Partnership Newsletter

IV. Old Business:

A. 2017-2018 School Year Calendar (Discussion) Mr. Bregoli Vote on February 8, 2017

B. 2017-2018 School Committee Meeting Calendar (Discussion) Vote on February 8, 2017

V. New Business:

A. Program Update: Middle School Technology & Engineering Ms. Roy

B. MSBA Statements of Interest (Vote) Dr. DeCristofaro

1. Core Program: Squantum Elementary School

2. Accelerated Repair Program: Parker Elementary School Boiler

3. Accelerated Repair Program: North Quincy High School Roof

C. Gift: $6,500 from the Randy C. Wolfe Music Trust To Benefit the Quincy Public Schools Music programs

D. School Nurse Appointments: Dr. DeCristofaro

1. Sarah Stanton Crowley

2. Mollie O’Connell

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

A. Upcoming School Committee Meetings (Coddington Building, 6:30 pm): February 8, 2017; March 1, 2017; March 15, 2017

B. Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings (Coddington Building)

1. Teaching and Learning: January 30, 2017 at 5:00 pm

2. Policy: February 6, 2017 at 5:00 pm

3. Facilities & Security: February 6, 2017 at 5:30 pm

4. Health, Transportation, and Safety: February 6, 2017 at 6:00 pm

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees:

A. Budget & Finance: Mrs. Lebo to report on the January 18, 2017 meeting.

B. Policy: Mr. Bregoli to report on the January 18, 2017 meeting.

C. Facilities & Security: Mrs. Hubley to report on the January 18, 2017 meeting.

IX. Executive Session: Superintendent Contract  

X. Adjournment:


Subcommittees of the School Committee

Athletics

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

Facilities & Security
Hubley/Bregoli/Isola

  1. 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. Current construction plans were reviewed at the March 18, 2014 Subcommittee Meeting and updates provided during the 2014-2015 school year.

  2. North Quincy High School Campus Expansion/Teel Field Project Referred at the January 22, 2014 School Committee Meeting.

  3. Faxon Field Equalization Pipe Referred at the October 14, 2015 School Committee meeting. Requesting information on the communications between the City of Quincy and Mass. DEP.

  4. School Playgrounds Referred at the September 14, 2016 Special Meeting. Requesting an update from the Park Department on recent equipment and safety fiber upgrades and projects in planning.

  5. New Sterling Middle School project Referred at the September 14, 2016 Special Meeting. Schedule updates to be provided as the planning phase moves into construction.

  6. Snug Harbor Traffic Issue Referred at the November 9, 2016 School Committee meeting. Requesting an update on the traffic light repair/traffic flow to the back of the school building.

  7. Water Testing Results & Repair Referred at the December 7, 2016 School Committee meeting to monitor the schedule for fixture repair or replacement.

Health, Transportation & Safety
DeAmicis/Lebo/Mahoney

  1. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Referred to Subcommittee at the September 24, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. Student Support Services working with elementary and middle schools to continue the implementation of this initiative.

  2. Learn to Swim Referred at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee Meeting. Monitoring the ongoing partnership between QPS and the South Shore YMCA.

  3. Farm to School Referred at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee Meeting. Monitoring the Implementation Grant rollout, a collaboration of QPS and the Planning Department.

  4. Before School Exercise Programs Referred at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee meeting. Monitoring the implementation of these programs across QPS.

  5. Peer Mentoring for Grade 9 Students Referred at the September 29, 2015 Special School Committee meeting. Monitoring the implementation of this program at both high schools.

Policy
Bregoli/Hubley/Isola

  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. 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.

  3. Review of High School Academic and Extracurricular Programs Referred at the November 13, 2013 School Committee Meeting. A comparison of the offerings at both schools to be analyzed to ensure equitable and parallel opportunities for all students at both facilities.

  4. Middle School Grading System Referred at the December 10, 2014 School Committee meeting for review and discussion.

  5. Voter Registration at the High Schools Referred at the September 16, 2015 School Committee meeting for discussion of implementation with the City Clerk’s Office.

  6. School Committee Policy Book Referred at the January 13, 2016 School Committee meeting for review and updating as needed.

  7. QPS Employment Opportunities Referred at the May 18, 2016 School Committee meeting for further discussion on the advertising and hiring process for open positions.  

  8. NQHS Mascot Referred at the November 9, 2016 School Committee meeting.

  9. 2017-2018 School Year Calendar Referred at the December 7, 2016 School Committee meeting for review and approval.

  10. 2017-2018 School Committee Meeting Calendar Referred at the December 7, 2016 School Committee meeting for review and approval.

Special Education
Mahoney/DeAmicis/Lebo

Rules, Post Audit & Oversight
Bregoli/Hubley/Mahoney

Teaching and Learning
Isola/Hubley/Lebo

  1. Advanced Program Pathways Referred at the May 20, 2015 School Committee Meeting to review opportunities to challenge above-level students at all grades.

  2. Enrollment Data/Class Size: Referred at the October 14, 2015 School Committee meeting for further review and discussion.

  3. Superintendent Evaluation Referred at the September 7, 2016 School Committee meeting for preparation and procedure.

  4. MCAS 2.0 Referred at the November 9, 2016 School Committee meeting to review preparations for students for the newest version of the MCAS, particularly Grades 4 and 8 which will be testing online in Spring 2017.

AD HOC COMMITTEES:

Sterling Building Committee

Sterling/Point Webster Grade 5

Created at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee meeting to review issues related to Grade 5 being located in middle school buildings.

School District Maps
Isola

Created at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee meeting to review issues related to school district maps.

Minutes

Quincy, Massachusetts – January 25, 2017
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the Coddington Building. The Superintendent called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. James DeAmicis, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Vice Chair.

Vice-Chair Presiding

Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Beth Hallett, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; Citywide Parent Council Co-President Scott Alessandro; and Quincy High School Student Representative Owen Doherty.

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There was a moment of silence for Bob Farrand, Custodian for 14 years; Donna Willoughby, teacher at Broad Meadows Middle School for 22 years; and George Smith, Social Studies teacher at Quincy High School for 34.

Dr. DeCristofaro also asked everyone to keep Sterling Middle School Science teacher Bob McGillicuddy and his family in their thoughts, in extremely critical condition.

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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 1.11.2017

Mr. DeAmicis made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for January 11, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Executive Session Minutes Approved 1.11.2017

Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Executive Session minutes for January 11, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Open Forum

As no one was present who wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee went on to the next item on the agenda.

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Superintendent's Report

Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with recognition of the Quincy Public Schools Project 351 Ambassadors: Anthony Coughlin from Atlantic Middle School; Aisling Kelly from Broad Meadows; and Renee Clermont from Central Middle School. These three Grade 8 students took part in the state-wide day of service in different locations in and around the city of Boston. Mrs. Lebo and Mrs. Mahoney congratulated the students for being part of this important project and taking advantage of the opportunity presented to them. Mr. Bregoli said he continues to be impressed by the students’ poise in addressing the School Committee.

Dr. DeCristofaro announced that Pre-Kindergarten screenings are coming up on February 28 and March 14, 2017. Kindergarten Registration will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at all elementary school locations.

Special Olympics will be held at Squantum on Friday, February 17 for ninety students supported by over 30 staff members and Community Service students from North Quincy High School.

Over 700 Grade 8 students will take part in “A Matter of Heart” during the week of January 30-February 3. On Saturday, February 4 a full day CPR certification course will be offered for Grade 8 students and parents. In addition, planning is underway to schedule an opportunity for Grade 10 students to recertify; these students were trained during the first “Matter of Heart” in 2015.

On Tuesday, January 10, Quincy High School hosted the Southeastern Massachusetts Association of Student Councils regional meeting, over 350 students from 22 school systems attended the event, along with their advisors.

High School STEM Fairs will be held on Saturday, February 4 at North Quincy High School and Wednesday, February 15 at Quincy High School. The next Nobel Laureates visit will be students from both high schools visiting Dr. Glashow at Boston University on February 28.

The Middle School Volleyball Championships were held on Saturday, January 21 and the Broad Meadows girls and Central boys are City Champions. Over 200 students participating, supported by parents, families, and teachers as well as members of the varsity teams from both high school Volleyball programs.

Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that the Quincy School~Community Partnership and Middle School Curriculum newsletters had been shared with School Committee.

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Old Business

2017-2018 School Year and School Committee Calendars (Discussion)

Both the proposed 2017-2018 School Year and 2017-2018 School Committee Meeting draft calendars will be posted on the Quincy Public Schools website for public comment. Both calendars are eligible for vote at the February 8, 2017 School Committee meeting.

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New Business

Middle School STEM

Senior Curriculum Director Madeline Roy presented on the current STEM programs, coursework, and middle to high school pathways. STEM opportunities are available for students with the intersection of Math, Science/Technology/ Engineering, and English Language Arts. The 2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science Curriculum Framework are also available and being unpacked by vertical and skills-based curriculum teams.

Atlantic Middle School Science teacher Christopher Ranft presented on Science Inquiry in Action. Students solve a problem by creative thinking and teamwork, integrating mathematical practices and technology. Library Media Specialist Anna Jorgensen presented on the essential skills and concepts, including fact finding and analysis/verification of news sources, digital citizenship, and information literacy. The Library and Technology/Engineering teachers are collaborating on online test-taking skills with students, ensuring their comfort with the technology that will allow them to focus on the assessment content. Technology/Engineering teacher Hallie Yohe presented curriculum highlights, including the engineering design process utilized through pictorial design, computer-aided design, product design, architecture, structures and bridges.

Sterling Middle School Mathematics teacher Evan Pepe presented on Technology in Mathematics, teachers are differentiating through math stations, integrating technology through Big Ideas and iReady diagnostics, and sharing content with students through Aspen pages. With increased online access at home, students are provided with opportunities beyond the classroom. Students and teachers are collaborating to take problem-solving to the next level through projects such as designing a tool to measure wind speed, then collecting and analyzing the data: measuring the relationship between variables. This project also provides opportunities to integrate ELA with scientific writing.

At the middle and high school levels, STEM fairs are the occasion for bringing it all together. These events are collaboration opportunities for the entire STEM team, provides an emphasis on interdisciplinary connections, and provide different project pathways that align with student interests. Staff mentors may come from an expanded range of curriculum areas.

Executive Director Keith Segalla spoke about the plan of expanding Engineering and Project Lead the Way opportunities at North Quincy High School. Quincy High School Technology Engineering teacher Paul Tully, STEM learning provides students with skills that impacts their overall success in all academic areas. Mr. Tully provided an overview of the Engineering Technology course sequence at Quincy High School. Seniors may obtain a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency through completing a capstone project in the Engineering Design & Development. Mrs. Lebo said it is great to see these veteran teachers’ enthusiasm for these technology and engineering programs. Our graduates have the tools to be successful in college-level courses and beyond due to the project-based learning.

Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the presenters for their continuing to create innovative curriculum through professional development and independent learning. Thanks to School Committee for supporting the library media and technology engineering programs and these wonderful collaborative staff members.

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New Business

SOI for Squantum Elementary School (Vote)

Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed that as part of the ongoing working relationship with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), Quincy has several Accelerated Repair Program projects scheduled for Summer 2017: Beechwood Knoll (windows, doors, roof, boiler); Atherton Hough, Merrymount, and Wollaston (boilers). The MSBA is now accepting 2017 Statements of Interest for Core Program and Accelerated Repair Program projects. Dr. DeCristofaro is requesting authorization to refresh the Core Program Statement of Interest for Squantum Elementary School and submit Accelerated Repair Statements of Interest for North Quincy High School (roof) and Parker Elementary School (boiler).

Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to approve submitting the Core Program Statement of Interest for the Squantum Elementary School:

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April 7, 2017 for the Squantum Elementary School located at 50 Huckins Avenue, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) 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 Squantum Elementary School was built in 1919 and an addition constructed in 1971. In forty-five years, it 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 Squantum’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed during the original construction of the facility. Aside from the improvements needed to the physical plant, educational components crucial for 21st century elementary schools are lacking, specifically classrooms equipped for the integration of educational technology and STEM concepts integral for standards-based instruction for regular education, Special Education, and English Language Learner students. Squantum’s nurse’s office, student support staff offices, cafeteria/ gymnasium, and media center are all undersized and under-equipped 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 or 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. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

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New Business

SOI for North Quincy High School Roof (Vote)

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to support submitting an Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the North Quincy High School roof:

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated February 17, 2017 for the North Quincy High School located at 316 Hancock, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) 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 renovated in 1980. Several sections of the school roof are in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life, specifically the Hunt Street and Oliver Street sides of the building.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or 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 seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

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New Business

SOI for Parker Elementary School Boiler (Vote)

Ms. Isola made a motion to support submitting an Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Parker Elementary School boiler:

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, bylaws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated February 17, 2017 for the F.W. Parker Elementary School located at 148 Billings, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) 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 F.W. Parker Elementary School was built in 1917 and renovated in 1955 and 1995. Given the innovations in HVAC technology since the building renovation was completed, the F.W. Parker Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of a replacement boiler.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or 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. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

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New Business

Gift

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the gift of $6,500 from the Randy C. Wolfe Trust for the benefit of Quincy Public Schools Music programs. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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New Business

School Nurse Appointments

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the appointment of School Nurse Mollie O’Connell. The motion was seconded by Ms. Isola and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the appointment of School Nurse Sara Stanton Crowley. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

On the motion, Mrs. Lebo noted that it is nice to see Quincy Public Schools alums coming back to work in the school system.

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Additional Business

As there were no Additional Business items raised, School Committee moved on to the next item on the agenda.

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Communications

Upcoming meetings were announced: School Committee on February 8, 2017 and March 1 and 15, 2017 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 pm.

Upcoming Subcommittee meetings were announced: Teaching & Learning will meet on January 30, 2017 at 5:00 pm. Policy will meet on February 6, 2017 at 5:00 pm, followed by Health, Transportation & Safety at 6:00 pm.

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Reports of Subcommittees

Mr. Bregoli noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.

Budget & Finance

Mrs. Lebo reported on the January 18, 2017 Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting. This meeting was a Quarterly Budget Review and at this time, all budget expenditures are in line with expected levels for this point in the school year.

As there were no corrections, the minutes for the January 18, 2017 Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.

Policy

Mr. Bregoli reported on the January 18, 2017 Policy Subcommittee, where the draft 2017-2018 School Year and School Committee Meeting calendars were reviewed.

As there were no corrections, the minutes for the January 18, 2017 Policy Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.

Facilities & Security

Mrs. Hubley reported on the January 18, 2017 Facilities & Security Subcommittee meeting. Commissioner of Public Buildings Paul Hines presented on the remediation efforts underway as a result of the Water Testing completed in Fall 2016. Work is underway at Bernazzani and Lincoln Hancock with a goal of completing all repairs by September 1, 2017. Dr. DeCristofaro shared a preview of the Challenges & Opportunities presentation, which will be presented at the February 8, 2017 School Committee meeting.

Mrs. Mahoney asked about the plans to move the GOALS program, efforts underway to find a new location, no definite timeline.

As there were no corrections, the minutes for the January 18, 2017 Facilities & Security Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.

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Executive Session

Superintendent’s Contract

Mayor Koch made a motion for School Committee to go to Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent’s Contract at 7:35 pm. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Mayor Koch noted that School Committee would return to the Regular Meeting at the conclusion of Executive Session.

School Committee returned to Regular Session at 7:50 pm.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to offer Superintendent DeCristofaro a three-year employment contract, from November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2019, with raises of 2% annually. Ms. Isola seconded the motion.

On the motion, Mayor Koch enthusiastically supported the motion, noting that Dr. DeCristofaro is very hard working and passionate about the city’s children and families. The school system continues to grow in positive way, there is collaboration across city departments, progress in so many areas. Dr. DeCristofaro is frequently meets with families to resolve issues. Mayor Koch publicly thanked Superintendent for his leadership, noting that many school systems are seeking the type of leadership.

Ms. Isola echoed Mayor’s comments, Dr. DeCristofaro has provided many years of leadership as Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent and understands the school system in a different way, working hard, interacting with students and staff, not sitting in the office. Dr. DeCristofaro has assembled a leadership team second to none. Ms. Isola is pleased to have the benefit of the Superintendent’s experience for the next three years.

Mr. Bregoli said that he has known the Superintendent for many years, we are very fortunate to have someone of his character and caliber in this position. Did not fully appreciate the Superintendent until he became a member of School Committee and knows how hard he works day in and day out.

On a roll call vote vote, the ayes have it, 5-2. Mr. DeAmicis and Mrs, Mahoney voted NO.

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Adjournment

Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Isola and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.