May 8, 2013 School Committee Meeting

Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
City Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.

I. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes for April 3, 2013

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. Cleaner Greener, May 5

B. Partnership Breakfast

C. Community Service Learning Celebration

D. Principal Induction

E. Squantum Multi-Cultural Fair

F. Spring Concert and Drama Event Update

G. Quincy High School Green Ribbon School Designation

H. Middle and High School Foreign Language Essay and Poster Contest Participants

I. Partnership Recognition: Boston Scientific

J. Home-School Connections: Monthly Newsletter from Atherton Hough Elementary School

IV. Old Business:

V. New Business:

A. FY2014 Budget Overview - Mayor Thomas Koch, Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Mr. James Mullaney

B. Alternative Program Update - Mrs. Maura Papile

C. School Choice: Superintendent recommends that the Quincy School Committee withdraws from the obligation to enroll non-resident students in the Quincy Public Schools for the 2012-2013 academic year for the following reasons:

* Continued projected enrollment conditions at the elementary and middle schools based on current and project enrollments

* Policy of the Quincy School Committee to adhere to class size guidelines.

D. Gift: Donation of a Plasma Cutter and 105 20-foot steel pieces valued at $5,800 from the Boston Globe.

E. Out of State Travel:

1. Montclair Elementary School Grade 5 students to Canobie Lake Park, Windham, NH on June 24, 2013.

2. Wollaston Elementary School Grade 5 students to Canobie Lake Park, Windham, NH on June 20, 2013.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees:

  1. Budget and Finance Subcommittee: Ms. Isola to report on the April 8, 2013 and May 7, 2013 meetings.

  2. Policy Subcommittee: Mr. Bregoli to report on the April 8, 2013 and May 6, 2013 meetings.

  3. Central Building Committee: Mrs. Mahoney to report on the April 22, 2013 meeting.

  4. Facilities and Security Subcommittee: Mr. McCarthy to report on the April 30, 2013 meeting.

IX. Executive Session: Collective Bargaining

X. Adjournment:

Subcommittees of the School Committee

Subcommittee Items


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

School Facilities & Security
McCarthy/Bregoli/Hubley

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

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

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

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

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

  6. Classroom Door Locks Referred to Subcommittee at the January 23, 2013 School Committee Meeting. Review of current status by school underway as well as cost estimates for upgrading all schools to meet recommended standards.

  7. School Lobby Security Controls Referred to Subcommittee at the January 23, 2013 School Committee Meeting. Review of existing visitor protocols, with special consideration of current high school policies and discussion of enhancements moving forward for all schools.

Health, Transportation & Safety
Hubley/Lebo/McCarthy

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

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

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

School Policy
Bregoli/Isola/Mahoney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  8. Extracurricular Eligibility Referred at the March 25, 2013 Ad Hoc Athletics Rules Subcommittee. Review and discussion of the existing policy and consideration of increasing the requirements.

  9. High School Grading Referred at the April 3, 2013 School Committee meeting after a presentation at the April 2, 2013 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting. Review and discussion of amending the current standard for minimum passing grade to conform with surrounding communities.

Special Education
Mahoney/Bregoli/McCarthy

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

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

Rules, Post Audit & Oversight
Lebo/Bregoli/Hubley

Teaching and Learning 
Lebo/Hubley/Isola

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

  2. Media Specialists in Elementary and Middle Schools Referred at the January 23, 2012 School Committee Meeting. The Citywide Parents’ Council presented a signed petition representing the request to restore these positions in the FY2014 budget and seek additional funding to address the positions for the remainder of the
    2012-2013 school year.

Ad Hoc Committees:

Channel 22
Mahoney/McCarthy

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

Central Building Committee
Mahoney

Athletic Rules
McCarthy/Hubley/Lebo

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

Minutes

Quincy, Massachusetts - May 8, 2013
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at the City Council Chambers in City Hall. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.

Vice-Chair Presiding

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The Superintendent called the roll and all were present. Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Ms. Christine Barrett, Mr. Ricardo Cordero, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Beth Hallett, Ms. Edie Kabakoff-Boynton, Ms. Alicia Kane, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Mr. James Mullaney, Mr. Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Roberts, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Aliza Schneller, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Judy Todd; Quincy High School Student Representative to the School Committee Lindsay Schrier; Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy Education Association, Mrs. Tracey Christello, Citywide Parents Council Representative, and Ms. Jill Gichuhi, President, Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education.

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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 4/3/2013

Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for April 3, 2013. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Open Forum

Mrs. Tracey Christello spoke about the continuing effort to collect signatures to demonstrate parent interest in the restoration of Media Specialists to the elementary and middle schools. The petition now has 2,000 signatures and Mrs. Christello distributed copies to each member of the School Committee.

Mrs. Paula Reynolds, parent of two elementary school students also spoke on behalf of restoring the media program, citing the link between school performance and media programs.

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Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent DeCristofaro opened his report by introducing a video of highlights from recent school and system events, including the North Quincy and Quincy High School Spring Concerts, the recent HYPER Robotics competition, the Central Middle School Science Fair, the Credit for Life Fair, the Community Service Learning Breakfast, the School-Community Partnership Breakfast, and a Lincoln Hancock Pride event.

Curriculum Coordinator Ms. Beth Hallett introduced the students and teachers who participated in this year’s Foreign Language Poster and Essay Contest: Languages in Quincy: Creating Global Links. Central Middle School Spanish Teacher Mr. Ricardo Cordero, representing the Middle School Foreign Language Teachers explained the goal of the Grade 8 Spanish program and introduced the winners of the Poster contest for each school: Broad Meadows: Stephanie Stalder and Riley McLaughlin; Central: Magdalena Wierzbowski and Casey Kelliher; Sterling: Nicole Salvatore, Hillary Valenzuela and Kyla Ware; Atlantic: Samantha Marshall and Shayla Le; Point Webster: Judy Luu.

North Quincy High School Department Chair Ms. Aliza Schneller spoke on behalf of the Foreign Language departments at both schools. She introduced the winning Public Service Announcement created by three North Quincy High School students Kelly Kung, Enea Milo, Cynthia Vu and then introduced the winners of the high school essay contest: Nisreen Abo-Sido from North Quincy High School and Lindsay Schrier from Quincy High School. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked all of the student, teachers, and department chairs.

Dr. DeCristofaro continued his report by noting that this is Teacher Appreciation Week and hopes that all teachers and professional staff know how much their dedication is noticed and appreciated by administrators, students, and families. Cleaner Greener was held on Saturday, May 4 and was a successful volunteer effort at a number of school, park, and open space locations. Department of Public Works Beautification Grants were awarded to Atherton Hough, Beechwood Knoll, Bernazzani, Clifford Marshall, Montclair, Parker, and Point Webster. The Department of Public Works banners created by Grade 5 students from each elementary school are on display on Hancock Street near City Hall.

Quincy High School has been selected as a 2013 Green Ribbon School by the US Department of Environmental Affairs, one of 78 schools nationwide, one of four in Massachusetts. The application a collaborative effort of Quincy High School Principal Mr. Santoro and the staff and the Planning Department, led by Director Dennis Harrington.

Boston Scientific invited 25 Electrical Technology students to attend the recent opening of their Solar Power array at their facility in Squantum. Boston Scientific will be recognized at the next School Committee meeting for their SchoolCommunity Partnership activities, along with Granite City Electric. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the School Committee for attending the recent School Community Partnership Breakfast and Community Service Learning Breakfast.

He invited them to the upcoming Student Athlete Summit, where sixty Juniors from both high schools will participate in a workshop focused on leadership, character building, concussion prevention and awareness, wellness, and nutrition. The Superintendent also spoke of the Principal Induction, where current Principals and sixteen retired Principals, along with the Leadership Team, celebrated the newest Principals, Robin Moreira from Atherton Hough and Robert Shaw from North Quincy High School.

Upcoming events include the Kids Walk for Juvenile Diabetes Research that will be held Saturday, May 11 beginning at 10:00 am at the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School and the Presidents Cup Robotics Competition on May 18 at Quincy High School. A revised schedule of Concerts and Drama events and Family Nights at different schools was shared with the School Committee. Other recent events included the Project Lead, Engineering Capstone Project Presentation that was held at Quincy High School and the Squantum Elementary School Multicultural Fair where students in all grades completed projects exploring countries around the world and their cultures. Technical representatives from the Massachusetts School Building Authority visited North Quincy High School and the Wollaston and Merrymount Elementary Schools to review the requests for funding to replace the windows in these three schools. Grade 2 student Riley Smith from Atherton Hough won the Quincy Historic Society brochure contest.

Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by thanking the students and staff for their hard work on this week and next week’s Math and Science MCAS tests and noting the examples of Home School Connections shared with the School Committee: monthly newsletters from the Atherton Hough, Bernazzani, and Wollaston Elementary Schools.

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New Business

Alternative Program Update

Ms. Isola requested the School Committee’s permission to take the agenda out of order and introduced Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile and Special Education Director Judy Todd. Ms. Todd presented the teachers and Coordinators for PASS, GOALS, Quincy Evening High School, and Quincy Teen Mothers, the alternative programs that provide different pathways to high school graduation. Gail Jacoby and Jason Healy from PASS presented on their work with Grades 9-12 students in the core curriculum areas. PASS is a citywide substantially separate program located at North Quincy High School for students with various psychiatric and mood disorders. Students attend school in a small group setting and a safe learning environment; students transition into the mainstream whenever possible. The program offers credit recovery, coordination of educational services, individual and group counseling, transition planning, coordination of services with outside providers. In addition, this year students created a video game/anime club and participated in community service, giving the students opportunities to develop peer relationships. The program has grown over the five years, with an enrollment of 29 students; the program continues to evolve to meet the needs of the population. All graduates of the PASS program have pursued post-graduate employment or education.

Quincy High School Dean and Evening High School Coordinator Mr. Steve Johnston presented on the Quincy Evening High School program. The Evening High School is a grant-funded program, with funding provided by the Workforce Investment Board. Quincy Evening High School offers an alternative path to achievement for students that are having difficulty meeting graduation requirements during the traditional school day due to family responsibilities for child or elder care, employment, or medical issues. Guidance, career development, and academic course work are structured to provide for college and career readiness. Students attend academic classes where instruction is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, participate in career development sessions, participate in leadership training and guidance sessions, and pass MCAS in order to qualify for graduation. Structure is required for their daytime hours, including volunteer work and/or employment. Since the program’s inception, over 400 students have graduated from both high schools with the support of the Evening High School program. Graduates transition to work or career training and higher education, including 4-year colleges.

Mr. Raymond Papile, Coordinator of the GOALS program, presented on behalf of the GOALS staff members in attendance. The GOALS program components are core subjects plus life skills and counseling. GOALS provides credit recovery, coordination of educational services, individual and group counseling, transition planning, collaboration and coordination of services with outside providers, participate in team building activities, and opportunities for community service. GOALS has graduated over 20 students in the last five years and former students return for additional support and guidance for years thereafter. Graduates go on to work or training and higher education.

Ms. Noreen O’Connell, Coordinator of the Teen Mothers Program, presented on the program now in its 35th year. The program’s mission is to give young mothers and pregnant teens the opportunity to experience academic accomplishment while completing their education in a supportive environment, The program offers individualized academic and career education curriculum, full-time child care services for children under age three, counseling and service referrals, parenting instruction, and contemporary issue involvement, including Community Service. Support from multiple community partners is invaluable, including support for families, nutrition, education, water safety at the YMCA, and health issues. Eight students will graduate this year with their high schools and two have earned GEDs. Students will attend community colleges, attend further vocational training, and enter the work force.

Mrs. Papile summarized that the Alternate Education programs offered in the Quincy Public Schools provide pathways towards graduation while mitigating barriers to learning. Students in these programs fall under the same requirements put forth by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the Massachusetts Frameworks for all subject areas. These programs prepare our students for the world of work or higher education, and benefit the greater community in many ways.

Mrs. Lebo requested enrollment trends for the Quincy Team Mothers Program and GOALS. Mrs. Papile said that for QTMP, the enrollment has been consistently in the mid-teens for the last few years. Ms. Todd said that GOALS has a maximum enrollment of 40 students; currently there are twenty-five students currently enrolled.

Mr. McCarthy thanked the program coordinators for the presentation and underscored the importance of these programs in ensuring equitable access for all students to achieve academic success. Mr. McCarthy asked for the cumulative number of students who have graduated over the 35 years of the Quincy Teen Mothers Program; Mrs. Papile said that there have been around 400 graduates. Mrs. Lebo asked for the number of different students who have attended the PASS program since its inception. Ms. Todd will follow up with this information.

Mrs. Mahoney thanked everyone for their presentations and the unique programs that provide support to individual students and allow them to succeed. Ms. Isola thanked the presenters for showing how we are addressing the needs of so many students. Quincy has a relatively low dropout rate, thanks in part to these programs and the surround care of Quincy Public Schools.

Dr. DeCristofaro closed this part of the agenda, by recognizing the uniqueness of each of the program staff members and for how their actions extends into the students’ homes and affects entire families. He commended them for their habits of the heart and the many unsung actions that these staff members perform every day.

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FY2014 Budget

The next item on the agenda was a presentation on the development of the FY2014 budget. Dr. DeCristofaro and Mr. Mullaney reviewed the Quincy Public Schools process for budget development. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Mayor for the level service plus budget which will allow for continued restoration and improvement of the educational offerings. Quincy Public Schools operates on the concept of shared, contributory decision making among the Leadership Team and Principals and School Committee; everyone’s participation and input are key to successful budget building. The proposed budget will reflect Common Core obligations for new text purchases, additional positions for academic support programs, funding for extracurricular activities, step and level increases, and hiring elementary school support teachers to restore teacher planning time and assist with library and technology needs.

The first step in the process is to identify areas of consideration at the site and system level, meet with Principals and Program Directors, review and organize options, prioritize recommendations, and review the proposed allocations with School Committee. After the School Committee’s initial review, options are reworked and discussed and prioritizations finalized. The budget is then presented at the Public Hearing and reviewed at the June School Committee meeting before a final approval. The final budget is shared with the City Council in June. Students are the center of the budget matrix, with Academic Classroom Teachers and Academic Programs first priority, followed by Academic and Non-Academic Support, Subsidized Programs (Revolving Accounts), Academic and NonAcademic Expenses.

Key questions are asked about maintaining or increasing staffing for academic classroom teachers and academic programs, considering staff retirements, leaves of absence, and Kindergarten registration. Population shifts in school buildings, School Committee class size guidelines, and strategies such as skills support are all kept in mind. For Academic Programs, the total array of services offered is reviewed and maintenance, growth, or reduction is considered for each. For Academic Support, Non-Academic Support, Academic Expenses, and NonAcademic Expenses, there is the same process of reviewing programs and changing needs for services. Subsidized services (Food Services, Transportation, Athletics, Building Rentals) are reviewed and fees and costs analyzed.

Mayor Koch reviewed that he had presented the FY2014 budget to City Council on Monday, May 6. The city is in a more stable position than in earlier years, this is a budget that shows growth. Many departments interrelate with the Quincy Public Schools, cooperation and collaboration between department heads is key. Traffic supervisors are in the Police budget, Public Buildings maintains and improves schools, the Department of Public Works performs snow removal and addresses safety issues, and the Parks Department maintains school grounds. Additional staff for Public Buildings will assist with managing energy and systems for all buildings. The Mayor is looking forward to additional projects funded by the MSBA for a new Sterling and new windows and to discussing the Quincy Public Schools appropriations with School Committee members. The City budget is now posted online and available at the Thomas Crane Library, or from the Mayor’s Office.

Mr. McCarthy asked for an update on the Athletic Director position. Dr. DeCristofaro said that there are currently eight or nine candidates and the deadline for applications is Friday, May 10, with interviews to follow.

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School Choice

Mayor Koch made a motion that the Quincy School Committee withdraws from the obligation to enroll non-resident students in the Quincy Public Schools for the 2012-2014 academic year for the following reasons: (1) Continued projected enrollment conditions at the elementary and middle schools based on current and projected enrollments; (2) Policy of the Quincy School Committee to adhere to class size guidelines. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

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Gift: Plasma Cutter

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the gift of a plasma cutter and 105 pieces of 20-foot steel for the Metal Fabrication Program from the Boston Globe, valued at $5,800.00. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Out of State Travel

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the out of state travel of Montclair Elementary School Grade 5 students to Canobie Lake Park, Windham, NH on June 24, 2013. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the out of state travel of Wollaston Elementary School Grade 5 students to Canobie Lake Park, Windham, NH on June 20, 2013. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Additional Business

Mr. McCarthy asked for clarification whether the new School Resource Officer is part of the FY2014, so will begin next fall when school reopens. Dr. DeCristofaro said that the Resource Officer began working with the other School Resource officers in early April and her focus will be on the Middle Schools.

Mrs. Lebo requested that the School Resource Officers present at an upcoming School Committee, noted the value of their services to all of our schools.

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Communications

Mrs. Hubley shared information recently received from the Department of Public Health, noting that the implementation of the state’s competitive food standards has been deferred for a year while Federal guidelines are finalized. In this time, there will be opportunity to resolve the issue of flavored milk being for sale for students who bring their own lunch.

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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, April 8, 2013 and Tuesday, May 7, 2013. She noted that the information shared in the earlier FY2014 Budget presentation was substantially the content of the May 7 Subcommittee meeting as well. The April 8 Budget and Finance Subcommittee was focused on the Quarterly Budget Review for the third quarter of FY2013. Mr. Mullaney reviewed the salary budget for Academic Classroom Teachers, Academic Programs, Academic Support, and Non-Academic Support. All line items are within expected ranges for this point in the year; all step and level increases were implemented in February, as well as increases from contract agreements, most of which are completed. For Academic Expenses, a surplus is expected in the Special Education line, which will offset a deficit in Transportation. For Non-Academic Expenses, a surplus in the Natural Gas line will be offset by a deficit in the electricity line. In summary, Mr. Mullaney is anticipating a surplus of $250,000 which could be utilized to offset textbook purchase expenses for the 2013-2014 school year, as there is a demand for new materials to align to the Common Core State Standards.

Ms. Isola announced that Budget and Finance Subcommittee meetings would be held on May 13, 2013; May 21, 2013; and May 29, 2013. All meetings will be held at 5:00 pm in the 2nd floor Conference Room of the NAGE Building. There will also be a Public Hearing on the FY2014 Budget on Wednesday, June 5 at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minutes of the Budget and Finance Subcommitee meetings from April 8, 2013. Mr. Bregoli 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 meetings from May 7, 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 Policy Subcommittee meetings that were held on April 8, 2013 and May 6, 2013 Policy Subcommittee meetings. At the April 8, 2013 meeting, Mr. Mulvey reviewed Massachusetts General Law 71, Section 3 on the issue of exempting student athletes from physical education classes and submitted a letter to the School Committee outlining why this is not permitted. Also on the agenda was a review of the existing Conflict of Interest Policy. Mrs. Mahoney made a motion that the School Committee policy be updated to reflect the wording of the state’s conflict of interest law and the motion was seconded and approved.

At the May 6, 2013 Policy Subcommittee meeting, the first item on the agenda, was a discussion of Extracurricular Eligibility. After discussion, Ms. Isola asked for a draft revision to the current policy for the Subcommittee to review. Dr. DeCristofaro will work with Mr. Bregoli to create this. The next item on the agenda was a review of the high school minimum grading requirement. The proposal is to adjust the current mimimum passing grade of 63 to 60 to be on the same level as surrounding school districts. After discussion, Ms. Isola proposed that the Policy Subcommittee take no action on this item and the members of the Subcommittee agreed.

The last item on the agenda was a presentation of the proposed revised Acceptable Use Policy. The revised Acceptable Use policy is for staff, students, and guests and includes a new section for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). A glossary of terms used was added; user responsibilities are clearly defined and prohibited actions outlined. With the changing technology available to staff, including the Guest Networks which will be installed in all Quincy Public Schools buildings by September, the BYOD policy will allow staff and students to utilize a wide range of technology options.

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the minutes of the Policy Subcommittee meetings from April 8, 2013. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the minutes of the Policy Subcommittee meetings from May 6, 2013. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the revised Acceptable Use Policy. Mayor Koch seconded the motion but on the motion, Mr. McCarthy noted that the Policy change should sit on the table for a meeting and the vote will take place at the May 22 meeting.

Mr. Bregoli requested that Conflict of Interest, Exempting Student Athletes from Physical Education, and High School Grading all be removed from the Policy Subcommittee Agenda.

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Central Building Committee

Mrs. Mahoney reviewed the Central Building Committee meeting held on April 22, 2013. Installation of rooftop and storm drainage has been completed. Masonry work should be completed by mid-June; window installation is underway. Exterior finishes should be completed by the end of June; interim security plans are in place and fencing will begin to be removed in June. The contractor stated that the school construction is essentially on schedule, with the possibility that the gymnasium and auditorium may not be fully completed for the opening of school. The next Central Building Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 at 4:15 pm in the 2nd floor conference room at the NAGE building.

Mr. McCarthy asked the Mayor for an update on the expansion plans for the Presidents City Inn. Mayor Koch will inquire with the Public Buildings about status.

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Facilities and Security Subcommittee

Mr. McCarthy reviewed the Facilities and Security Subcommittee meeting held on April 30, 2013. Park and Forestry Director Mr. Chris Cassani presented an overview of the grounds work done to date. He has communicated with school principals about upcoming events and testing quiet times and a first pass of landscaping has been completed at each school. A contractor will be assisting with the complex landscaping at Quincy High School. Upgrades for playground safety fiber at multiple locations are planned, along with addressing the goose problem at the Faxon Field Track.

The next item on the agenda was a discussion of outstanding issues relating to the Quincy High School facility. There was lengthy discussion of the HVAC issues and Mr. Cunniff spoke to the plan to hire a system technician in the FY2014 budget to address this complex system. Mr. Cunniff, Mr. Murphy, and Mr. Kevin Segalla will update the master issues list for items that have been completed, research other issues, and schedule completion as necessary. Some of the classroom items will be addressed during the summer break. Besides the HVAC system, the compressor vibrations in the building’s C wing continues to be an issue, along with the warping of the gym floor where there was a water fountain leak. A further updated list will be shared with the School Committee in a couple of weeks.

Mr. Murphy then presented an updated list of the SIP/Lighting Audit items in the Maintenance department; many have been completed, others are scheduled for completion over the next couple of months, and during the summer.

Mayor Koch clarified that Public Buildings will be adding two positions: an Energy Manager and a Systems Technician.

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 30, 2013 Facilities and Security Subcommittee. Mayor Koch seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley asked if the revised list would be available May 10 as was proposed in the meeting. Dr. DeCristofaro said that the list had been updated and would be shared no later than Wednesday, May 15.

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Executive Session

On a motion by Mayor Koch, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, the School Committee went into Executive Session at 9:30 p.m. for Collective Bargaining. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0. The School Committee will return to the Regular Meeting at the close of Executive Session.

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The School Committee returned from Executive Session at 9:45 p.m.

Approval of MOA Between Quincy School Committee and the QPS Food Service Employees Association

Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Quincy School Committee and the Quincy Food Service Employees Association SEIU Local 888. Mayor Koch seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

Approval of MOA Between Quincy School Committee and the QPS Paraprofessional Unit

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Quincy School Committee and the Quincy Public Schools Paraprofessional Unit SEIU Local 888. Mayor Koch seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.

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Adjournment

Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.