Oct. 23, 2013 School Committee Meeting

Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Wednesday, October 23, 2013, 7:00 pm
Wollaston Elementary School

I. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes for October 9, 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. New Central Middle School

B. NEASC Update/NQHS Designation

C. MSBA Senior Study Visit to Sterling Middle School

D. Partnership Recognition: IBEW

E. SIP/PIP Review Timeline

F. Home-School Connections: Atherton Hough, Beechwood Knoll, and Bernazzani Elementary Schools Monthly Newsletters

IV. Old Business:

V. New Business:

A. Middle and High School Health Programs - Mrs. Papile

B. Athletic Program Improvement Plan Presentation - Mr. Joyce, Mr. Lane, Mr. Mullaney, Mrs. Clancy

C. MASC Conference Resolutions - Mrs. Hubley, Mrs. Lebo

D. Out of State Travel: North Quincy High School to the University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH on November 13, 2013.

E. Out of the Country Travel: Quincy High School to Italy and France April 17 through April 26, 2014.

F. Overnight Travel:

1. Broad Meadows Middle School, Grade 8 students to Camp Wing June 4 through June 6, 2014.

2. Central Middle School, Grade 8 to Washington, D.C. June 4 through June 6, 2014.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees: None

A. Special Education Subcommittee: Mrs. Mahoney to report on the October 16, 2013 meeting.

B. Budget and Finance Subcommittee Meeting: Ms. Isola to report on the October 22, 2013 meeting.

C. Policy Subcommittee: Mr. Bregoli to report on the October 22, 2013 meeting.

D. Facilities and Security Subcommittee: Mr. McCarthy to report on the October 22, 2013 meeting.

IX. Executive Session: None

X. Adjournment:


Subcommittees of the School Committee

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 is underway as of June 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.

  8. Solar Array Installation on School Roofs Referred to Subcommittee at the June 12, 2013 School Committee Meeting for further review and discussion.

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. The pilot program was extended to the 2013-2014 school year for grades 11 and 12.

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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Dedication of Faxon Field Flagpoles Referred at the June 12, 2013 School Committee Meeting; proposal is to name the flagpoles in honor of Lou Tozzi, Geoff Hennessy, and Christopher Kennedy.

  8. Dedication of Central Middle School Gymnasium Referred at the June 12, 2013 School Committee Meeting; proposal is to name the gymnasium in honor of Mike Cassali.

  9. Dedication of Atherton Hough Elementary School Computer Lab Referred at the September 11, 2013 School Committee Meeting; proposal is to name the computer lab in honor of William Dunn, Jr.

  10. Residency Referred at the September 18, 2013 Special School Committee Meeting. Review of existing policy and expansion to include additional information on verification process.

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 - October 23, 2013
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at the Wollaston Elementary School. Present were Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.

Vice-Chair Presiding

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The Superintendent called the roll and Mr. Bregoli was absent. Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mrs. Janet Baglione, Ms. Christine Barrett, Mrs. Kathryn Clancy, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mr. John Fagerlund, Mrs. Fay-Beers, Ms. Barbara Fenby, Mrs. Joanne Fox, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Holly Golden, Ms. Mary Ann Hunter, Mr. James Hennessy, Mr. Michael Joyce, Mr. Patrick Lane, Mr. Michael Lorenziano, Mr. Kevin Mahoney, Ms. Lily Mei, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Deirdre Murphy, Mrs. Maura Papile, Ms. Caitlin Plaskasovitis, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Brianne Therrien, Ms. Meghan Therrien, Ms. Judy Todd; Ms. Lindsay Schrier, Quincy High School Representative to the School Committee and Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy Education Association.

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There was a moment of silence in honor of those serving in the military.

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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 10/9/2013

Mrs. Lebo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for October 9, 2013. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Open Forum

As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, the School Committee moved on to the next item on the agenda.

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Superintendent's Report

Wollaston Elementary School Principal James Hennessy and Assistant Principal Deirdre Murphy welcomed the Mayor and School Committee to Wollaston. The Wollaston School building opened 100 years ago and an event will be held on April 12, 2014 to celebrate. Mr. Hennessy thanked School Committee for their demonstrated commitment to the education of all students, through providing access to technology and resources that support individualized instruction. The school is a safe and nurturing learning environment due to the many security upgrades and the emphasis on small class sizes that directly benefit students. For the second year in a row, Wollaston earned the designation of a Level 1 school from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for demonstrating high achievement, strong progress, and narrowing the achievement gap. The school's success is also due to the partnership between staff, students, and families. Family and community engagement is evident at Wollaston, volunteers are in the school every day in the library and classrooms; fundraising has provided technology, new stage curtains, and the sound panels in the gymnasium. The Wollaston Elementary School is an important place in students’ and families' lives.

Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mr. Hennessy and Mrs. Murphy and cited their leadership in guiding the students to success.

The North Quincy High School NEASC visit began on Sunday, October 20, including a panel discussion with the School Committee; the visiting committee was impressed with the School Committee's knowledge and presentation. North Quincy High School was also listed as a top 10 high school in the state of Massachusetts by the Boston Globe, based on a number of factors, including MCAS scores and rate of post-high school continuing education.

Representatives from the Massachusetts School Building Authority visited the Sterling Middle School on October 15 for a Senior Study Visit to research the educational program and physical plant. An invitation to a Feasibility Study may be forthcoming after either the November or January MSBA Board meetings.

Mr. John Fagerlund presented Mr. Sean Callaghan from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 103. The IBEW are platinum level sponsors, providing a $5000 contribution, student and site support, career connections, apprenticeship and scholarship opportunities, training seminars, and materials and equipment. Local 103 has a long history of volunteering, and a tradition of involvement with the Career and Technical Education program at Quincy High School. Ms. Isola presented a certificate of recognition to Mr. Callahan. Mayor Koch thanked Mr. Callaghan for the Local's continued support and generosity towards the city. Local 103 members were an integral part of recent construction of Central Middle School.

The first Mentor Team meeting was held on October 15, 40 new teachers and mentors met for the first in a series of meetings led by Senior Curriculum Coordinator Madeline Roy and Principal James Hennessy.

Dr. DeCristofaro announced upcoming events including a visit to Central Middle School on October 24 by Secretary of Education Matthew Malone. On October 29, $20,000 in Mini-Grants will be awarded to 60 professional staff members at North Quincy High School. Beginning the week of November 12, the School Improvement Plans will be presented to the School Committee at a series of Subcommittee meetings.

In closing, Dr. DeCristofaro thanked everyone involved with planning, designing, and constructing the new Central Middle School. At the school's opening on October 21, members of the School Committee opened the doors at the new Central for the students in the same way they open door of opportunity for so many students across the city.

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New Business

Middle and High School Health Educators

Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile introduced representatives from the Health Education department to present on the Middle and High School Health programs. Central Middle School Health teacher Mrs. Plaskasovitis reviewed the middle school health curriculum and associated skills and Point Webster Health teacher Ms. Barbara Fenby spoke of the upcoming Rachel's Challenge presentation for all Grade 7 students; health teachers tie this into the curriculum stressing social-emotional issues and positive school climate, empowering students to realize that it starts with them. Mrs. Fenby talked about Point Webster's Safe and Positive School Climate where students teach each other in a peer leader model.

Quincy High School Health Interventionist Mike Laurenziano and North Quincy High School Health Interventionist Lily Mei thanked the School Committee for funding to restore their positions. The Health Interventionists' goal is to improve student overall well-being and promote positive social interactions; students need to be engaged and successful in their educational process and to know the value of education. The Health Interventionists are collaborating with each high school's teaching and nursing staff, Guidance, administration, Deans, School Resource Officers, Athletic Directors, and outside agencies. They are involved in their school Wellness Teams, SADD, Peer Mediation, and the Student Support Team. Individual student interventions include academics, discipline, bullying, mental health and substance abuse. At the beginning of the school year, there is a lot of effort expended on helping Freshmen adjust to High School schedule and coursework demands. Interventionists provide opportunities for check-in, mentoring, weekly progress reports, and referrals to outside agencies. School wide interventions are focused on positively impacting school culture through clubs and activities, such as SADD, Friends of Rachel, Peer Mediation, Freshman seminar; planned interventions include Health/Wellness Curriculum, Anger Management, Peer Leadership, ELL Transition, Boys and Girls Grade 9 Transitional/Study Skills; Nutrition and Exercise with PASS program.

Mr. McCarthy thanked the presenters for their presentation and the great vision for age-appropriate middle school curriculum. He is pleased to see the high school positions reinstated and the integration with outside agencies. These are important life skills and a great complement to middle school program.

Mrs. Lebo asked whether the high school Interventionists are doing any formal instruction and suggested getting involved with the Physical Education classes as a means of meeting more students. Mrs. Papile agreed that the Health Interventionists will focus on building relationships and cultivating peer leaders within all grades. They are also working with Community Service Coordinators and getting involved in service projects.

Mrs. Mahoney complimented the High School Health Interventionists, noting they have only been on the job for three weeks. Mrs. Mahoney encouraged the open discussion of issues and students developing a comfort level with the Interventionists. Ms. Isola complimented the age-appropriate scaffolding of the Health curriculum.

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Athletics Department Program Improvement Plan

Athletic Directors Michael Joyce and Patrick Lane presented their Program Improvement Plan. Both are enthusiastic about the new opportunity and feel their being teachers will help the athletic programs to grow. The Athletic Directors mentioned partnerships with Quincy Medical Center, Quincy Fire Department Local 792, Quincy Youth Baseball, Fallon Ambulance, and the Quincy Track Club. The new Athletic Advisory Team includes Kathryn Clancy (parent), Roger Bacchieri (teacher), Kerry Ginty (high school Physical Education teacher), Carolyn Parsley (middle school Physical Education teacher), and Point Webster Principal Christine Barrett.

Athletic Improvement Plan Goals for 2013-2014: (1) Continue to work with coaches in order to monitor the School Committee Policy of no tolerance in regard to hazing, harassment, and bullying to ensure compliance during the school year. (2) Continue to work in collaboration with High School Deans to monitor students who may be at-risk or who have attendance/disciplinary issues during the 2013-2014 school year. (3) Collaborate with the system-wide Wellness Team to ensure compliance of current Quincy Public Schools Wellness Policy to comply with the new state and federal regulations governing nutrition and wellness in schools and to provide guidance and support to individual school wellness teams throughout the school year. (4) Collaborate with the Athletic Advisory Team to address current QPS athletic issues, with specific focus related to increasing the participation rate in athletics at our respective high schools. It is our goal to raise the total athletic participation rate in QPS high schools by 5% for school year 2013-14 as compared to 2012-2013. (5) Collaborate with the Athletic Advisory Team to address current QPS athletic issues, with specific focus related to increasing the participation rate in athletics at our respective high schools via the retention and successful transition of middle school student-athletes to high school athletics.

The Athletic Directors are focused on increased participation and as a first step, middle and high school students will be surveyed for their reasons for participating or not participating. (17% of high school students participated in a fall sport.) Increasing student access to Athletics Information will be assisted by Coordinators Kevin Mahoney, and Meghan Therrien. In collaboration with the IT Department, the Athletic Department website has been updated and the Athletics Directors are using Facebook and Twitter to communicate with students. Weekly calendars are published on the Quincy Public Schools website and Channel 22.

Mayor Koch thanked the Athletic Directors and asked for clarification on how our percentage of participation compares to other school districts. Mr. Joyce said that we are on the low end for the Patriot League. The average schools have participation rates in the mid-20s. Mayor Koch asked about connections to youth sports leagues. Mrs. Lebo asked about adding sports to attract new athletes; Mr. Joyce mentioned Rowing and Rugby as club sports and student interest in Field Hockey. Mrs. Lebo asked about the MIAA Coaches Training; not all coaches are trained yet, but Quincy Public Schools will be hosting an upcoming training. Mrs. Lebo asked to see the Athletic Coordinator job descriptions and asked for details about equipment managers and that they be added as budget line items.

Mr. McCarthy asked about the Athletic Directors ability to manage teaching and along with the Athletic Department responsibilities. Mr. Lane said that things are working out well, he teaches periods 2-4 in a block every day, so is not available for Athletics until after 11 am. Students also understand that he is available for academic issues any time of the day. Mr. Joyce agreed that teaching is at the forefront of his responsibilities. He is teaching familiar classes and also available for academic consultation throughout the day. This reinforces to student athletes the value of academics in conjunction with athletics. Mr. McCarthy asked which teams are combined: Girls Hockey, Boys Swimming, and Rowing are combined high school teams. Mr. McCarthy talked about the importance of varsity athlete involvement with the youth league players. He inquired about game admissions; the Patriot League sets the prices. Non-league games are at our discretion, but we tend to conform to the norms.

Mr. Bregoli arrived at 8:45 pm.

Mr. Joyce said that in an effort to encourage students, we only charge admission for basketball and hockey. Mr. McCarthy asked whether there have been any issues with the Park Department about field reservations. Both Athletic Directors agreed that the fall weather has cooperated and so no games have been cancelled, but the city has also added Faxon Field and Cavanagh Field recently and they work closely with Mr. Cassani.

Mrs. Mahoney asked about their work with the Deans on at-risk studentsand whether they can access to information through Aspen. The Athletic Directors do not currently have access to all Aspen data, but this will be granted shortly. Last spring’s grades determine eligibility for Fall sports, so that was all verified before seasons began. Interim grades will soon be available for Athletic Director review. Mrs. Mahoney asked if other towns encourage multiple-sport participation as a training benefot. Mr. Lane said that in his experience, direct encouragement for sports or club participation shows results.

Mrs. Mahoney requested a breakdown of how many coaches are paid from the budget line item and how much they are paid. Mr. Mullaney will follow up with detail and also the detail of per sport participation and expenditures.

Ms. Isola asked about Girls Golf and there are plans to re-launch the program for the Spring season.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the Athletics Program Improvement Plan. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Mayor Koch briefly left the meeting and returned at the conclusion of the following item.

MASC Conference Resolutions

Mrs. Lebo introduced the five Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) Resolutions which will be voted on at the upcoming convention general assembly on November 8. Mrs. Hubley will be the delegate representing the Quincy School Committee at the general assembly. The five resolutions are: (1) Funding for K-12 Transient Student Success MASC will file or support legislation that will provide supplemental funding directly to affected school districts to help obtain academic records and provide proper student supports to better integrate transient students into their current school districts. (2) Performance Assessment for Readiness for College and Careers MASC will call upon the Governor to petition the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to direct the Commissioner to allow sufficient time for educators to prepare students for the new testing system and for cities, towns, and school districts to secure appropriate and adequate technology services and devices to administer the PARCC program. (3) Teacher Evaluation MASC will be suggesting consideration of an updated Chapter 70 formula to reflect the increased costs associated with this enhanced leadership/supervision of all teachers in Massachusetts. (4) Evaluation of the Commissioner of Education MASC is requesting that the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education be requested to solicit and consider in the evaluation process for the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education meaningful input and comment from stakeholder constituencies and that aggregated comment and input be made available for public review. (5) Confirming Actions from 2012 MASC is reiterating commitment to the resolutions approved at the 2013 MASC Conference general assembly.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to support the five resolutions. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.

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Out of State Travel

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of North Quincy High School Juniors and Seniors to the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire on November 13, 2013. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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Out of the Country Travel

Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to approve the Out of the Country Travel of Quincy High School students to Italy and France from April 17 to April 26, 2014. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Overnight Travel

Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel for Broad Meadows Middle School Grade 8 students to Camp Wing, Duxbury, Massachusetts from June 4, 2014 through June 6, 2014. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel for Central Middle School Grade 8 students to Washington, D.C. from June 4 through June 6, 2014. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Additional Business

Mrs. Mahoney noted that over 400 Local 103 members are Quincy residents. She asked if there was any information available about how many Local 103 members are graduates of Quincy High School’s Career and Technical Education program.

Mrs. Lebo asked Mayor Koch to speak to the site plans for the former Quincy High School that he had brought to the meeting at her request. Mayor Koch showed the first plan which detailed finishing the facade of new Quincy High School where the building had been attached to the former Quincy High School building. The City Council has appropriated funding for both the facade work and landscaping. There is a 16' change in grade between Coddington Hall and Quincy High School to be accounted for in the designs. The Massachusetts Historic Society requires a commemorative area, so the design will incorporate the former Quincy High School building cornerstone. The landscape plan will include significant trees planted throughout the space and fencing will be similar to Faxon Field. There will be a community garden area outside the President's Cafe and a sitting wall. There will be lighting as well and an additional 20 parking spaces that can be used for visitor parking for either Quincy High School or Coddington Hall. Quincy High School Principal Taglieri and Superintendent DeCristofaro were involved in the design concept development.

Ms. Isola asked about the band uniform status, $10,000 total was allocated from the rental of the Veterans Stadium for a movie. Each student will receive a polo shirt (red or blue), khakis, and black shoes. Band members will purchase sweatshirts personalized with their name. To outfit the band with traditional uniforms would be in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. Mayor Koch reminded the School Committee that the uniform allocation was part of the movie rental money, additional funds were allocated to other parts of the music programs for new instruments and equipment.

Mayor Koch left the meeting at 9:20 pm.

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Reports of Subcommittees

Special Education Subcommittee

Mrs. Mahoney reported on the October 16, 2013 Special Education Subcommittee meeting. Items on the agenda included the Substitute Teacher Information Form, implementation of which is being deferred until the new Aspen X2 Special Education module is integrated as a source of information. Ms. Todd clarified the Special Education Mediation Policy, noting that mediation is not applicable in all situations. Mediation is not used for placement decisions, both sides must agree at a team meeting to resolve placement. Mediation is never refused for situations that can be resolved through this process. QPAC is working on establishing a Community Service Collaboration project with UMass/Boston.

Ms. Todd then presented the Special Education Program Improvement Plan. After reflecting on last year’s goals and Assessment results, Ms. Todd outlined the Special Education department goals for 2013-2014. (1) During the 2013-14 school year, all students with Math goals in their IEPs in Grades 7 and 8 will increase their MCAS percent correct in the domain of Number System by 1%. (2) In 2012-13, the average gain in word reading for Grade 3 Resource Room students was 14.9 words. At the conclusion of the 2014 school year, students in Grade 3 will have increased word reading on an average of 17 words. (3) The Special Education Administration will develop a presentation for general educators regarding their responsibilities under IDEA and Massachusetts Special Education Regulations which will be placed on the website by May 2014. In addition, the other Special Education teams have goals and professional development. Ms. Todd concluded the presentation by noting the lengthy Appendix, containing information on staffing, budget, student population, program description, and the procedural manual.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approved the minutes of the October 16, 2013 Special Education Subcommittee Meeting. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approved the Special Education Program Improvement Plan. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Budget and Finance Subcommittee

Ms. Isola reported on the Budget and Finance Subcommittee Meeting held on October 22, 2013. Mr. James Mullaney presented the Professional Staff Reconciliation, which includes the additional funding appropriated in September. Adjustments were made to add and remove classroom teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels to reflect shifts in student populations. For Academic Program staff, the two Health Interventionist positions were added, plus the half time middle school Library position expansion for Central Middle School. Mr. Mullaney then presented the Quarterly Budget Review for the first quarter of FY2014. He 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 are accounted for. Non-Academic Support is also on budget, including filling two open positions in Payroll and the Business Office. All salary needs are anticipated to be covered by the FY2014 budget. For Academic Expenses, current expenditures are typical with QPS historical spending, with expenditures for textbooks, supplies, and testing. For Non-Academic Expenses, funding has been encumbered for natural gas and electricity by the issuing of purchase orders. Other lines are on target; the other major account is transportation, the majority of which is Special Education and that spending is on track.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approved the minutes of the October 22, 2013 Budget and Finance Subcommittee Meeting. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Policy Subcommittee

Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Policy Subcommittee Meeting that was held on October 22, 2013.

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approved the minutes of the October 22, 2013 Budget and Finance Subcommittee Meeting. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to name the flagpoles at the Faxon Field track in honor of Mr. Geoff Hennessy, Mr. Christopher Kennedy, and Mr. Lou Tozzi. Mrs. Hubley seconded a motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to name the new Central Middle School gymnasium in honor of Mr. Mario Casali. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to name the Atherton Hough Elementary School Computer Lab in honor of Mr. William B. Dunn, Jr. Mrs. Lebo seconded a motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.

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Facilities and Security Subcommittee

Mr. McCarthy reported on the Facilities and Security Subcommittee Meeting held on October 22, 2013.

Mr. Kevin Segalla presented the Custodial Program Improvement Plan reflecting on 2012-2013 goals and reviewing the 2013-14 Custodial staff goal to design and develop an equipment inventory survey to identify outdated equipment for the purpose of replacement; this information can be used to inform the budget process. For FY2015 budget considerations, Mr. McCarthy asked Mr. Segalla to monitor the staffing for the new Central Middle School. Mr. McCarthy also noted that Custodial services will be needed for Coddington Hall. Mr. McCarthy complimented Mr. Segalla’s leadership on the supply buying consortium.

Mr. Draicchio presented the Safety and Security Program Improvement Plan. For 2013-2014, the department’s goals are focused implementing the new security initiatives. Additional goals include consistently reinforcing emergency procedures; updated emergency charts were distributed to all school offices. The Security Newsletter will be published quarterly, emergency safety drills will be conducted at all schools twice during the school year, professional development will be provided to the security staff, and the Safety and Security Roundtable meetings will be held monthly. The third goal is focused on continuing camera installation, in collaboration with the City IT and School IT department.

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approved the Custodial Program Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approved the Safety and Security Program Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approved the minutes of the October 22, 2013 Facilities and Security Subcommittee Meeting. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Adjournment

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. McCarthy and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.