Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - May 6, 2009
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
May 6, 2009 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall. Present were Mrs. Jo-Ann
Bragg, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. Nicholas Puleo, Mr. Ron Mariano, Mrs. Elaine
Dwyer, Mayor Tom Koch, and Mr. Dave McCarthy, Vice Chairman.
Vice Chairman
Presiding
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The Superintendent called the roll and all members were present. Also present
were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Mrs. Tefta Burrelli, Clerk; Messrs.
Mullaney, Murphy, Draicchio, Keith Segalla, Ms. Roberts, Powell, Hughes,
and Dr. Sylvia Pattavina. Ms. Tracey Christello, Citywide and Mr. Paul Phillips,
QEA. Donna Niosi, Quincy High School Student Rep. The Committee
observed a moment of silence for Nancy Gillooly, a retired teacher who recently
passed away, and a Wollaston School family and school staff that are coping
with a tragedy.
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Reg. Mins. Approved 4/1/2009
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mayor Koch, the Committee approved
the regular session minutes for April 1, 2009. The ayes have it.
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Supt’s Report NQS Asst. Principal
Superintendent DeCristofaro introduced Mr. Rob Shaw, whom he has appointed
Assistant Principal of North Quincy High School. Mr. Shaw thanked everyone
and said he was very excited with his new appointment.
Student Recognition
Mr. Santoro introduced “Men & Ladies at Work,” the Quincy High School
wrestlers that won the 2009 Patriot League Championship. Head Coach, Pat
Lane, Assistant Coach, Elliott Columb, and Mr. Jim Rendle, Athletic Director
were present. The wrestlers were all introduced and received an Outstanding
Achievement Award from the Committee.
The Presidents Cup, Middle School Robotics was held on May 2 at Broad
Meadows Middle School. There were eleven teams and 115 students participating.
Teachers, adults, and the high school robotics team all were involved. It was
a big success.
Congratulations went to Beechwood Knoll for the Award of Excellence
given to them at the State House during April vacation. This was a
State environmental award. Thanks also went to Mr. Tom Natola who
worked with his students to achieve this award.
The Principal Induction Celebration went very well. There were 15-20
former Quincy principals that attended. They recognized new principals –
Maureen McNeil, Dan Gilbert, and Steve Sylvia.
The Superintendent thanked the Mayor’s Leadership for the Cleaner Green
Quincy. Parents, principals, teachers at all of the schools participated.
Dr. Karla Baehr, Associate Commissioner of Education, has requested
Quincy’s participation in a District Review. They suggested that we
collaborate with DESE on a program that addressed differentiated needs of
students. DESE hopes to come to Quincy and learn a great deal in order
to coordinate future district plans. This is an honor for Quincy.
Congratulations went to the Health Services Team of Nurses led by Jane
Kisieluis. They held an evening for parents and students featuring information
about the perils of underage drinking and alcohol abuse. They partnered
with the Quincy Police and District Attorney Dan Keating’s office. There
was a large turn out.
Partnership Recognition Harvard Pilgrim
Mr. Keith Segella, Director of Vocational Studies, introduced Ms. Lisa Farnum,
of Harvard Pilgrim, a partner and Platinum Supporter of the Quincy Public Schools.
They are a platinum supporter. The corporation sends volunteers to our schools
every week. Ten employees participate in the program. At Snug Harbor, this
past fall, 460 students received back packs filled with school supplies. They
paid for 60 Quincy students to attend Tis the Season…. Ms. Farnum showed
a film with Harvard Pilgrim supporters stuffing the backpacks. The Committee
presented Ms. Farnum with a Certificate of Appreciation.
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Open Forum
At Open Forum, Mr. Karl Roos, a candidate for School Committee, requested
the members vigorously enforce the residency requirements for next year.
He said that outside students are going to Quincy schools. He complimented
the administration and staff at Wollaston School for the concern they showed
over the death of one of their students.
Mr. Matt Lockwood Mullaney, a candidate for School Committee, told the
Committee that he was concerned about the quality of education his kids and
their classmates may receive. He spoke to the MCAS scores at Bernazzani.
He said that the only elementary school in Quincy that does well is the
Merrymount Elementary. He would like to see the Committee focus and
deliberate on this issue.
A plan is not in place Ms. Kellie Hussey O’Brien said to the Committee for
her 12 yr. old daughter, Kelli. She has dyslexia and is reading at a third
grade level. She is in the Reading Academy, but she feels different services
are needed. She needs specialized instruction and a plan is not in place.
Ms. Linda Perry, president of the PAC Advisory Council for Special Education
addressed the Committee. A Special Ed Subcommittee was established in
1984 to discuss issues. Obtaining special education services is a hard thing.
so the School Committee needs to do their job which is to point those parents
to the PAC. Approximately 40% of those parents don’t know the PAC exists.
She asked that Mrs. Bragg and Mr. Mariano attend Special Ed. meetings. Mrs.
Perry said they are not going away and they won’t be quiet. She stressed that
the members follow their own policies and procedures, show more caring and
concern and come to the subcommittee meetings.
Ms. Suzanne Early thanked the Committee for their work in helping her
daughter, Molly, get into a program that teaches Orin-Gillingham. Molly
has been accepted at the Landmark School.
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Bldgs. & Grounds
Mr. Kevin Murphy reported that Maintenance got a lot of work done over
school vacation--ceiling tiles, floor tiles, exterior doors at North Quincy
High School, installed a project at Broad Meadows Science lab, installed
a boiler at Saville Ave. At Merrymount, the PA system had to be rewired.
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QHS Bldg. Comm. Mrs. Dwyer reports
Mrs. Dwyer reported that the CTE will be torn down in it’s entirety as a
contaminated project. The debris will go to Maine to a plant there that accepts
asbestos. It will take a month to take down the CTE and the cost is an extra
$1,417,637.04. We have received approval from the DEP to get a special
certificate to truck away the contaminated material. They are hoping the
building will be down by the middle of next week. Twenty covered trucks
per day until June will haul the material away. Although there will be people
in protective gear, the material is not dangerous. It is mastic and it isn’t airborne.
Fire trucks will be there wetting down the material. Gilbane will take every
precaution and follow all the correct guidelines. We are still shooting for
September 2010 as the opening day. Mayor Koch underscored that there is no
need to be concerned with the process as we are following all the guidelines.
Mr. McCarthy added that Gilbane has done a wonderful job keeping
the streets clean. The neighbors are very pleased.
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There will be a meeting on the new Central Middle School next week.
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School Choice
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the Committee resolved
to withdraw from the obligation to enroll non-resident students in the Quincy
Public Schools for the 2009-2010 academic year for the following reasons:
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Continued projected enrollment conditions at the elementary and
middle schools based on current and projected enrollments
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Policy of the Quincy School Committee to adhere to class size
guidelines.
On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.
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ARRA Update
At the request of Mrs. Bragg, a presentation was made on the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). New fund codes will be established
for each ARRA grant. School systems must account for and report separately
on how these funds were spent and the results of the expenditures. The US
Department of Education has indicated they will require quarterly collections
of data, all of which will be posted on the government website. These funds
should avert layoffs, create jobs and improve student achievement. The
government is looking at establishing data systems that track progress and
foster improvement; make improvements in teacher effectiveness, and provide
intensive support and effective intervention for the lowest performing schools.
School systems will have to publicly report how funds are being used. Funds
must provide for sustainable improvements and comprehensive financial reports
will go to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education quarterly. Funds
should be invested in ways that do not result in unsustainable continuing
commitments after funding expires.
A Title 1 Team and a Special Education Team created key questions, set
spending priorities, created goals and action steps, (the money will arrive in July)
to implement and then evaluate. The action steps are Orton-Gillingham
teachers to enhance Language Development Programs. There will be three
teachers at three schools, Pre kindergarten level teacher of students with autism,
and speech and language pathologist.
Title 1 key questions are: what is the current status of the Title 1 Program
and what are the prioritized needs. With the ARRA Title 1 funds, how do we
enhance/reform the programs in school and sustain services to increase
student achievement. The action steps are to utilize funds to increase Title 1
staff as specialized Math teachers for the implementation of the three tier
Math Model. While there are a lot of funds available, nobody is sure
how it will be accounted for. They haven’t identified how the accounting
will be done.
Mrs. Bragg recommended teachers be on the teams -- three Special Ed.
teachers, and three Title I teachers, one from each schools. The Superintendent
agreed.
The information will go to the School Committee and then it will go through
the budget process. Mrs. Roberts will meet separately with the principals.
Mr. Puleo asked what the School Committee's role is in appropriating the
money. Mr. Mullaney answered that the money doesn’t go into the General
fund. We are very limited to what we can do. The money will be entwined
with the school budget and come to us as a grant.
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Opportunities and Challenges- An Update
“Three years ago, discussion with the Committee being on setting goals,
talking about the future of Quincy Public Schools in relation to the new
Quincy High School, a new Central, a renovated Sterling, and looking at
different configurations of grades that may fit the school system.
Dr. DeCristofaro Addresses Committee
The
School Committee asked the Superintendent to look at enrollment trends
from Pre-k through graduation and come back and share thoughts.
We have a significant opportunity now. Part of the challenges come by
way of a new a high school, a new Central middle school and what that
offers our students and to make sure all of our students will be able to take
advantage of these new buildings.
We looked at performance indicators, student achievement with the MCAS,
the AYP, with SATs. We also talked about demographics, ethnicity, limited
English proficient, Special Ed Students and took another look at considerations
and balancing the system and the strengths and the weaknesses. We took a look
at risk factors of our student population in regard to attendance, suspensions,
high risk referrals, a real solid look at the at-risk factors of our students within
the Quincy Public Schools.
Continuing to look at data and performance indicators, we looked at the final
assessments, took another look at our drop-out rate reports, our graduation rates,
as well as our graduate follow up study. The last indicator we looked at and
we talked about this with School Committee extensively over three years ago,
was enrollment because enrollment dropped so much within the public schools
including budget issues. We looked at historical enrollment, we looked at
enrollment projections, we looked at open enrollment, and we looked at
considerations. We took a look at enrollment since the year 2000 to take a
solid look at general enrollment, enrollment at the elementary and middle, in
particular we focused at the high school level, because enrollment at the high
school level is directly tied to our buildings.
Looking at enrollment considerations, looking at the assignment of students to
schools, through our School Committee policy, the first key question that we
felt very strongly needed to be answered was in consideration of the enrollment
trends, particular at the high school level, do we consider focusing upon our
Assignment of Students to Schools policy in regard to open enrollment at the
high school level. Did the data that we analyzed warrant a real serious look
at the high school level, specifically in regards to open enrollment and as our
team reviewed the most current data, related to our high school open enrollment
trends, the trend that open enrollment disparity and an imbalance of requests
that continues to be of significant concern and importance to our school system.
The enrollment differences between Quincy High School and North Quincy High
School lead to problematic, systemic issues of class size, assignment of professional
staff, student schedules, limiting opportunities, and appropriate and quality
educational space and capacity.
As of April 1, we have over 100 requests for open enrollment to North Quincy
High School from the Quincy High School area. The freshman class grows at
North Quincy High School. We are taking a look at that with an influx of
move-ins to North Quincy High School that are in that district, as well as private
and parochial students that are coming in to North Quincy High School from
that district. We feel very strongly that 350 students in a class is really where
it should be at both high schools. With the information, the disparity and the
imbalance, and with the issues of educational organizational tension that it brings
in these areas mentioned, and due to the organization impact of these enrollment
issues that they place on our system, on our students, on our professional staff,
and facilities, it is my intent to place on hold all open enrollment requests to
attend North Quincy High School after April 17, 2009. That would include 109
requests that have already been granted. We will start going forward from there.
We also have to consider as we go, siblings. In the policy, siblings have a
preference, which we will consider as we go. I believe that this lends a real
sense of urgency to take a look at the enrollment at North Quincy High School
and make sure that we don’t have that school over-enrolled and beyond what
we believe is its capacity.
The next key question that we talked about and briefly talked to the members
informally, is making sure that we don’t lose sight of the fact that we are
constructing a brand new state-of-the-art high school and a new middle school.
We believe it offers us a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to maximize the educational
opportunities for every student within the Quincy Public Schools.
The ultimate goal of sharing information is to outline the potential educational
benefits as well as limitations as we look at different grade level configurations
at the high school level. Secondly, it provides a solid opportunity for decision
makers and the community to get together and envision a future for Quincy Public
Schools that maximizes the use of our facilities and offers all of our students an
optimum learning environment.
What is the vision of the Quincy Public Schools as we build and construct a state-
of-the-art high school and a state-of-the-art middle school? We would suggest at
this time, using your guidance the communities guidance and leadership,
to take a look at establishing an ad hoc task team to analyze and discuss future
grade configurations. We suggested a timeline and then discuss primarily with
Mayor Koch and Vice Chairman McCarthy, taking a look at what the process
should be and who should be taking part within the process.
Between now and the fall we suggest looking at a process that we could embark
on.”
Motion to put together an Ad Hoc Committee
Mr. Mariano said they have to do this in as broad and all encompassing fashion as
humanly possible. What the Superintendent is suggesting is changing a lot of
of history in the City of Quincy and a lot of tradition. He asked that the Mayor and
Vice Chairman McCarthy and Superintendent put together some recommendations
of what this ad hoc committee would look like. He though it important that this be
as broad a spectrum including business leaders, community leaders, parents, teachers,
to guide them in the next year. This, he said is a major decision--a big step. Mr.
Mariano said he didn’t know how he felt about this. He anticipates some interesting
debate and discussion. He will leave it to the leaders of this body, the superintendent
and the Mayor to put that group together and trust that it would represent a great
cross section of folks. Mr. Mariano put this in a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bragg.
On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0.
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Out of State Travel Atlantic to NY
On a motion by Mayor Koch, seconded by Mr. Puleo, the Committee approved
a trip for Atlantic students to go to New York City on June 10 –June 12, 2009.
The ayes have it.
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Communications
Referring to a listing of cross walks by Mr. Draicchio, Mr. Mahoney said
that back in September the Committee asked when the crosswalks would be
taken care of. She was hoping to see a schedule from Mr. Gillan before
the end of the school to get ready for next September. Mayor Koch
said he spoke to Mr. Gillan. Budgets are strapped, but he is making
some monies available. He will be coming up with a schedule for cross
walks and some of the main street lines. He will keep the Committee informed.
At some future date, he will have Mr. Gillan come up to the full Committee
and talk about the intersection issues at North Quincy High School. Mrs.
Mahoney said she was talking about North Quincy High and other schools.
Mr. Puleo added that working with Mr. Draicchio, they developed a wish
list from each school principal’s concerns and that was forwarded to
Mr. Gillan.
The Committee received a letter from Joe Shea, City Clerk, about voting
places. Mrs. Dwyer said she was disappointed that the polling place haven’t
changed, although he has dropped Snug Harbor. Mrs. Dwyer feels
there are plenty of churches and public buildings that can be used rather
than the schools.
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Mr. Mariano’s Response
Mr. Ron Mariano asked for a point of personal privilege. He has been
involved with the schools for 28 years and to be told that he didn’t
care came as a shock and surprise. He said that if any one wanted to
send him a message, they can call him on his phone. He announced his
phone number. He will get back to them. This, he said, is the best way
to send him a message.
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Retirements
Mrs. Bragg noted the retirements of Mr. Bill Mulcahy and Ms. Janet Powell.
She thanked them very much for their years of service.
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SPED Subcommittee 5/13 @ 7:00 pm
Mrs. Mahoney has scheduled a Special Ed Subcommittee meeting for Wednesday
May 13 at Broad Meadows at 7:00 p.m.
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Tech Plan Approved
The Committee noted the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s
approval of the Quincy Technology Plan.
.
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Policy Subcommittee Report by Mrs. Bragg
Mrs. Bragg spoke to the Outdoor Weather Policy as well as minutes from the
last Policy Subcommittee meeting. Working with Mrs. Roberts and the Citywide
Parents she solicited ideas from parents and principals. She changed the title to
the Outdoor Weather Policy. The Committee received a copy. She highlighted
areas of interest. This policy was more encompassing than the original motion as
it covers all outdoor activities. It’s basically to say that the Committee strongly
believes in exercise and fresh air but there are many ways to do that. Quincy
Public Schools will always lean towards safety for all students. We have a
child care weather chart that went out to all principals. We added that not only
do they need to know what the temperatures is, they need to check the website
for the heat index and wind chill factors and assess the area the children are
going out to. It still leaves discretion to the principals, but the policy says
these factors must be checked before you do it. Mrs. Bragg made a motion,
to approve the Outdoor Weather Policy. Mr. Puleo asked how this would impact
football and ski teams? Would it mean that we would have to forfeit those
games?
Outdoor Weather Policy Approved
Mrs. Bragg amended the policy to say that “Winter sporting events may
continue with appropriate clothing.” Mr. Puleo approved the amendment.
The ayes have it.
Student heath services and requirements were all reworded and updated by
Jane Kisiulius to meet the current law and reference is also made to the
Health services Procedure Manual.
Section 10 Approved
Mrs. Bragg made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mariano to approve all of
Section 10 of the Policy Manual. The Advanced Placement Policy - 10.15.1
has been removed from the policy manual and referred it to the Budget
Subcommittee. The ayes have it.
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Retirements
The Committee noted the following retirements:
Sped Dept. Chair: William Mulcahy
Sr. Director Student Support Services: Janet Powell
Leaves of Absence
The Committee noted the following leaves of absence:
Teacher Karen Kelliher
Paraprofessional Michaela Greene
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Executive Session
On a motion by Mayor Koch, seconded by Mrs. Bragg, the committee went
into Executive Session at 9:15 p.m. for the purpose of negotiations. On a roll
call vote, the motion passed unanimously 7-0. They did not return to open session.