Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - January 22, 2014
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
January 22, 2014 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Present were
Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Noel DiBona, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Anne Mahoney,
Mr. David McCarthy, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
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The Superintendent called the roll and Mayor Koch was absent. Also present
were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr.
Michael Draicchio, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin
Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, and Ms. Judy
Todd.
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There was a moment of silence in honor of those Ms. Linda Proto, a
transportation monitor for many years.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
1/8/2014
Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCarthy to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for January 8, 2014. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee moved on to the
next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro introduced the Inspire Quincy video featuring the Parker
Elementary Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration; Professional Development
with Elementary DDM teams for ELA and Math; the Point Webster Middle School
Geography Bee; the Lincoln Hancock Community School Literacy Night; Atherton
Hough Library book borrowing; and the high school Athletic Directors overview
of Winter sports.
The next Parent Academy will be held January 28 at Central Middle School and is for
middle school parents to learn more about the Aspen Student Portal. On March 18,
the Parent Academy will focus on Assessment.
The Middle School Volleyball Championship will be held on January 25 at 8:30 am at
North Quincy High School. Over 150 middle school students will compete in the
tournament, thanks to each school’s principal, the site facilitators, and coaches.
The first cross-town High School Swim Meet in many years will be held on
Thursday, January 30 at 4:00 pm at the Lincoln Hancock pool. Through the efforts
of Coach McGillicuddy and the partnership with the South Shore YMCA, the
program has grown so that each high school now has separate girls teams. The
Learn to Swim program for elementary students at Lincoln Hancock and Clifford
Marshall and the vacation week Competitive Skills Clinics for middle school
students will aid in growing the program for years to come.
Atlantic Middle School is once again celebrating student diversity during One World
Week, January 20-24.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2014-2015 school year will be held on Tuesday,
March 4 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at all elementary schools. Registration materials
can be found online at:
http://quincypublicschools.com/blog/2014/01/27/kindergarten-registration2014-2015/
School Committee members also received a thank you note from Mike Casali for the
Central Middle School gymnasium dedication; a revised Partnership Event Calendar
with new dates that were adjusted to accommodate scheduling conflicts; and copies
of the Bernazzani and Sterling Monthly and Extended Educational Programs
Newsletters.
Superintendent DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that at the February 5
School Committee meeting, he will be presenting the mid-cycle review on the
Superintendent’s Annual Plan goals; an update on Educator Evaluation and the DDM
initiative; and the FY2014 Grant Booklet.
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Old Business
2014-2015 School
Committee Calendar
(Vote)
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 School Committee Meeting
calendar. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-
0; Mayor Koch was absent.
2014-2015 School
Year Calendar (Vote)
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 School Year calendar. Ms.
Isola seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0; Mayor Koch
was absent.
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New Business
Resolutions Supporting
Massachusetts School
Building Authority
Statements of Interest
Superintendent DeCristofaro announced that the Academic Support and Elementary
Library Support Program Updates would be deferred to a later meeting, given that
school had been cancelled today for inclement weather, so staff or students were
not able to participate in the presentations.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the North Quincy High School, Wollaston and
Merrymount Elementary School window and door replacement projects under the
Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program,
which have completed the design schematic phase and are awaiting MSBA Board
approval at the January 29 meeting. The MSBA has called for this year’s submission
of Statements of Interest (SOIs) for schools for the Accelerated Repair Program to
be completed by February 14, 2014. Based on a needs analysis conducted by the
Public Buildings department, Mayor Koch and Dr. DeCristofaro are proposing
submitting SOIs for window and door replacement for the Lincoln Hancock
Community School, the F.W. Parker and Beechwood Knoll Elementary Schools, and
the Point Webster Middle School. City Council will then vote on supporting the SOIs
at their February 3, 2014 meeting.
Resolution for Lincoln
Hancock Community
School Statement of
Interest
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on January 22, 2014, prior to the closing date,
the School Committee of Quincy, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and
ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated
January 22, 2014 for the Lincoln Hancock Community School located at 300 Granite
Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following
deficiencies and the priority category 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 Lincoln Hancock Community
School was built in 1971. Given the innovation in window manufacturing
technology since the building was completed, the Lincoln Hancock
Community School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the
installation of replacement windows. New replacement windows would also
increase the amount of natural light entering classrooms, creating a better
learning environment.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of
Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance of 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.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the resolution supporting the
Superintendent filing a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority for the Lincoln Hancock Community School. Ms. Isola seconded
the motion. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
Resolution for F.W.
Parker Elementary
School Statement of
Interest
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on January 22, 2014, prior to the closing date,
the School Committee of Quincy, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and
ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated
January 22, 2014 for the F.W. Parker Elementary School located at 148 Billings
Road, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following
deficiencies and the priority category 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 1916 and renovated in 1995. Given the innovation in window
manufacturing technology since the building renovation was completed, the
F.W. Parker Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be substantially
improved by the installation of replacement windows. New replacement
windows would also increase the amount of natural light entering classrooms,
creating a better learning environment.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of
Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance of 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.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the resolution supporting the
Superintendent filing a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority for the F.W. Parker Elementary School. Mr. Bregoli seconded the
motion. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
Resolution for
Beechwood Knoll
Elementary School
Statement of Interest
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on January 22, 2014, prior to the closing date,
the School Committee of Quincy, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and
ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated
January 22, 2014 for the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School located at 225 Fenno
Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following
deficiencies and the priority category 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 Beechwood Knoll Elementary
School was built in 1952 and renovated in 1995. Given the innovation in
window manufacturing technology since the building renovation was
completed, the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School’s energy efficiency would
be substantially improved by the installation of replacement windows. New
replacement windows would also increase the amount of natural light
entering classrooms, creating a better learning environment.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of
Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance of 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.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the resolution supporting the
Superintendent filing a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority for the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School. Ms. Isola seconded
the motion. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
Resolution for Point
Webster Middle School
Statement of Interest
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on January 22, 2014, prior to the closing date,
the School Committee of Quincy, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and
ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated
January 22, 2014 for the Point Webster Middle School located at 60 Lancaster
Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following
deficiencies and the priority category 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 Point Webster Middle School
was built in 1917 and renovated in 1998. Given the innovation in window
manufacturing technology since the building renovation was completed, the
Point Webster Middle School’s energy efficiency would be substantially
improved by the installation of replacement windows. New replacement
windows would also increase the amount of natural light entering classrooms,
creating a better learning environment.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of
Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance of 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.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the resolution supporting the
Superintendent filing a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority for the Point Webster Middle School. Ms. Isola seconded the
motion. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
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Gift: $3,000 from
the Randy C. Wolfe
Trust
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to accept the gift of a $3,000.00 from the Randy C. Wolfe
Music Trust for the Quincy Public Schools Music Program. Mr. McCarthy seconded
the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Overnight
Travel
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel of the North Quincy High
School Air Force Junior ROTC to Yorktown, VA April 4 through April 8, 2014. Mr.
McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Out of State Travel
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of the Quincy High
School Electrical Technology students to Mount Sunapee, Newbury, NH on March 7,
2014. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mr. McCarthy added two items to the Facilities and Security Subcommittee at Mayor
Koch’s request: (1) A presentation on the North Quincy High School Teal
Field/Campus proposal; (2) a presentation of the proposed Atlantic Middle School
parking lot, field, and traffic improvements.
Letter from Mayor
Koch on the Squantum
Elementary School
Dr. DeCristofaro read a letter into the record on Mayor Koch’s behalf:
Dear Colleagues,
This evening, the Committee is scheduled to discuss our second Statement of Interest to
the Massachusetts School Building Authority for its accelerated repair program
focusing on window replacements to school buildings system-wide. Based on our
ongoing assessment of needs, it is my recommendation that the Statement of Interest
be submitted for the Lincoln-Hancock, Parker, Beechwood Knoll, and Point Webster
schools.
The City’s participation in the Accelerated Repair Program, with window
replacements at North Quincy High School, Wollaston Elementary School, and
Merrymount Elementary School, expected to begin this summer, is a vital component
of a broader program of building, expanding, and improving our school grounds that
this committee together with our Administration has made a clear priority over the
last several years.
With Central Middle School now open and formal planning for a new Sterling Middle
School now underway, it is important that we continue to review and assess school
buildings with larger needs. To that end, you will note that Squantum Elementary
School is not recommended for this round of the window program. It is my belief that
the Squantum School’s needs are substantially greater than new windows. Therefore,
it is my intention to begin a formal analysis for core improvements to Squantum
Elementary School, up to and including the potential for building a new school.
As a Committee and a community, we have taken an aggressive, rational, and
affordable approach to our building needs, and that requires extensive analysis and
planning. Beginning the planning process for our needs at Squantum Elementary is
the logical next step in our efforts together to create learning environments citywide
ready to welcome future generations of our young people.
I appreciate this letter being read into the record in my absence, and thank you for
your continued work on behalf of our community.
Sincerely,
Mayor Thomas P. Koch
Mr. Bregoli moved consideration of dedicating the North Quincy High School
Basketball court to Robert Nolan into the Policy Subcommittee.
Mr. McCarthy would like to have a Facilities and Security Subcommittee meeting on
February 26 (following the Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee
meeting) and invite the representatives of the Presidents’ City Inn to attend to
update on the construction timeline.
Ad Hoc Subcommittee
on Instrumental/Band
Program Formed
Mrs. Hubley would like to create an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to discuss the
Instrumental/Band program. Mr. McCarthy made a motion to form an Ad Hoc
Subcommittee on the Instrumental/Band program. On the motion, Mr. McCarthy
asked that the Subcommittee include three members and that Dr. DeCristofaro
include the band teachers at all levels in proposing ideas. The motion was seconded
by Mr. DiBona and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Ms. Isola asked what the goal of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee will be, so that School
Committee will be able to assess when the goal is accomplished. Dr. DeCristofaro
met with the band staff and also attended the Quincy Band Booster meeting last
week. The Boosters' purpose is to how to assist the program through grant
writing. Mrs. Hubley agreed that there will be a purpose presented before the first
meeting is scheduled and that the members of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee will be Mr.
DiBona, Mr. McCarthy, and herself, as Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair.
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Communications
Mrs. Mahoney announced QPAC would be hosting an IEP Workshop on January 23,
2014 in the QPAC Resource Room in Quincy High School.
Mrs. Mahoney asked that we communicate the news about the expansion of the
Learn to Swim program to Quincy High School graduate Ms. Amelia Wool, currently
a college freshman. She was an advocate for Learn to Swim programs.
Mr. McCarthy announced that the Facilities and Security Subcommittee meeting will
be held on Tuesday, February 4. Agenda items will include the results of the heating
audit, an update on the Coddington Hall renovation project, Quincy High School
maintenance, and the Central Middle School punchlist.
Mr. DiBona announced a Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee meeting
on February 26, 2014; agenda items will include updates on health initiatives in
School Improvement Plans and participation in system wide health events.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Budget and Finance
Subcommittee
Meeting
Mrs. Hubley reported on the January 13, 2014 Budget and Finance Subcommittee
Meeting noting that all meeting minutes are posted online on the Quincy Public
Schools website. At the meeting, Director of Business James Mullaney presented the
Quarterly Budget Review, reviewing academic and non-academic salaries and
expenses and all budget lines are at expected levels at this time.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2014 Budget and
Finance Subcommittee Meeting. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice
vote, the ayes have it.
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Policy Subcommittee
Mr. Bregoli reported on the January 13, 2014 Policy Subcommittee Meeting, The
2014-2015 School Committee Calendar and 2014-2015 School Year Calendar were
both reviewed and moved to full School Committee vote. The items on the Policy
Subcommittee agenda were then reviewed and prioritized. At the February 3 Policy
Subcommittee, there will be an update on the Community Service Pilot; at the
February 13, 2014 Policy Subcommittee meeting, High School Academic and
Extracurricular programs will be reviewed, along with Extracurricular Eligibility.
Residency will be discussed at a subsequent Policy Subcommittee meeting.
Mr. Bregoli removed items 8 and 10 from the Policy Subcommittee. (These items
were for facilities dedications already voted on.)
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2014 Policy
Subcommittee meeting. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
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Special Education
Subcommittee
Mrs. Mahoney reported on the January 15, 2014 Special Education Subcommittee
meeting. Executive Director of Instructional Technology Keith Segalla presented an
overview of the Aspen Student Information System, including previewing the
Special Education module which will be implemented in September 2014. One
feature of the Special Education module will be teachers’ ability to share
accommodation information with substitute teachers by printing a report.
Dr. Christopher Denning from UMass Boston presented an update on the Young
Athletes program, currently underway at the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center.
This program supports the grow motor skill development of children with
disabilities and students have made average gains of eleven months in a 3-month
period.
Ms. Todd shared the Special Education Department Newsletter and members of the
Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education (QPAC) shared an update on
their goals and announced that the annual Resource Fair will be held on Saturday,
March 29 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 15, 2014 Special Education Subcommittee meeting. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on
a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Adjournment
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. The motion was seconded by
Mrs. Mahoney and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.