Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – June 10, 2015
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
June 10, 2015 at the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli,
Mr. Noel DiBona, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mayor Thomas Koch, 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 Mrs. Mahoney was absent (but
arrived at 8:30 p.m.). Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro,
Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Gary Cunniff, Mr. Michael Draicchio,
Dr. John Franceschini, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mr. Walter MacDonald, Ms.
Rebecca McInnis, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. James Mullaney,
Mrs. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, City Solicitor James
Timmins, Ms. Judy Todd, Mrs. Ruth Witmer; Mr. Scott Alessandro, Citywide
Parent Council Co-President, and Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy
Education Association.
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There was a moment of silence in honor of members of the armed forces
serving overseas.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
5/20/15
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Ms. Isola, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for May 20, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Executive Session Minutes Approved
5/20/15
Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, to approve the Executive
Session minutes for May 20, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Public Hearing Minutes Approved
6/1/15
Mr. Bregoli made a motion, seconded by Ms. Isola, to approve the Public Hearing
minutes for June 1, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Mr. Scott Alessandro said that while the funding in this year’s budget allows for
expanded technology education and instrumental music programs, in future
budgets, he would like to see earlier opportunities for foreign language and
expansion of the art and music programs. Mr. Alessandro also asked School
Committee to think about student investment in learning at this point in the year
when discussing the 2016-2017school year calendar.
Mrs. Hubley asked the indulgence of her colleagues to take the agenda out of order
and moved to the Career & Technical Education program update.
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New Business
CVTE Advisory Board
Annual Update
Executive Director of Career & Technical Education Keith Segalla introduced Tara
Anderson, Yearbook Representative from Jostens Printing and Publishing and
CVTE Department Chair Rebecca McInnis. Ms. Anderson shared highlights of the
Quincy Public Schools Career & Technical Education Advisory Boards.
QPS Career and Technical Education programs are approved and operate under
the regulations of Chapter 74, Section 4.05 of the General Laws governing career
vocational/technical education. All seventeen CTE programs at Quincy and North
Quincy High Schools have active Program Advisory Boards consisting of
representatives from organized labor, business and industry, post-secondary
institutions, and parents and students.
This year’s Program Advisory Board meeting was held on October 23, 2014, at
which time members had an opportunity to visit and assess program components,
including: safety and equipment, student enrollment, Program of Studies,
curriculum and instructional materials, review program national standards (if
applicable), articulation agreements, receive an update on the previous year’s
recommendations, and stablish program goals and share professional
development initiatives.
Ms. McInnis then updated on Perkins funds received this year, which totaled
$127,000, a 9% increase from the previous year. Following the recommendations
of the Program Advisory Boards, the following purchases were made.
Curriculum:
Culinary Arts: 25 ServSafe Text Books and Exams
Business Technology: 25 Entreprenurship Textbooks and 25 Accounting
Textbooks
Career Safe, an on-line safety course for 250 Juniors—this is a new requirement
from DESE; all students in CTE programs must have a safety credential.
Educational Software:
Automotive: AllData Software
Engineering Technology: PLTW Software Suite
Legal/Protective Services: 911 simulation software
Health Care Technology: Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology Software
Technology:
Design and Visual Communications: 5 iMac Computers
Broadcasting Technology: 5 iMac Computers
Engineering Technology: 25 Dell Computers
Engineering Technology: 3D Printer
Early Education, Health Care Technology: 2 Short-Throw Projectors and Laptops
Information Technology: 2 Cisco Routers
Equipment:
Culinary Arts: Display Case for Bakery
Engineering: 3 – PLTW VEX Kits
Fashion Technology: dress forms
Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies: Miller AC/DS Dynasty 200 Tig
welding machine; Miller 252 Mig welding machine
Carpentry Technology: Powermatic 201 Planer
Plumbing Technology: Storage Bins
Stipends:
Employability Specialist assisted in the development of student portfolios and
scheduled interviews with our business partners and QPS administrators.
Curriculum Enhancement: Staff members worked with Future Chefs, SkillsUSA,
Fashion Show, National Business Honor Society, Innovative Engineers Program,
and other Post-Secondary activities and opportunities.
Of the $127,000 in Perkins grant funds, 75% was allocated for Curriculum,
Educational Software, Technology and Equipment and 25% for Professional
Stipends for Student Employability and Curriculum Enhancements
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New Business
Sterling Middle School
Project
Mayor Koch introduced the Sterling Middle School Building Committee Chair City
Solicitor James Timmins. Mayor Koch noted that this is a milestone for the City of
Quincy, a new Sterling Middle School has been talked about for many years.
Mayor Koch noted that Quincy will receive in the neighborhood of 75%
reimbursement for this project and there will be no land acquisition costs.
Mr. Timmins introduced the Sterling Building Committee members present:
School Committee members David McCarthy and Noel DiBona, Principals Witmer
and Franceschini, parents Rita Murphy and Kristin Perry, and from Public
Buildings, Walter MacDonald and Gary Cunniff.
Mr. Timmins introduced representatives from Joslin Lesser Associates (the
Owners Project Manager) and Ai3, the Designer. Ai3 was the design firm for the
Central Middle School and a unanimous choice based on their presentation to the
MSBA Designer Selection panel.
Mr. Scott Dunlap from Ai3 presented a Sterling Middle School project concept,
emphasizing the neighborhood connections and the Grades 5-8 student
population as the primary considerations for the feasibility study and design
process.
Mrs. Mahoney asked whether the existing Sterling Middle School would be torn
down and what the time frame might be. Mr. Kerwin from Joslin Lesser said that
what was shared tonight from Ai3 was a very early concept of a building that
would be constructed immediately behind the existing school. Plans would be
made to keep the existing Sterling Middle School in operation during the
construction. As we get further into the design and planning process, these details
will be finalized and schedules shared with the public.
Mr. DiBona said that the concept presented is beautiful and he would like to see
the design incorporate separate entrances for the lower grades. Mr. Kerwin said
the planning phase will be the opportunity to surface these concerns and
considerations.
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Old Business
QPS FY2016
Budget
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the FY2016 budget development process, discussions
in Budget & Finance Subcommittee, the review of salaries, expenses, and revolving
account.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Quincy Public Schools FY2016 Budget as
presented. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes
have it 7-0.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by recognizing Mr. Peter
Thompson for his support of Substance Abuse Awareness for students and
parents of Quincy Public Schools. After a short video, Mr. Thompson spoke of his
pride in the Quincy Public Schools and that our students know that they are
surrounded by caring adults. It is easy to fund these programs, Quincy Public
Schools and the City of Quincy have done the right things trying to address the
issues of substance abuse. Commended everyone on School Committee, keep
focused on the important message. Mr. Thompson is committed to continuing to
support Quincy Public School’s efforts every year. Mr. Thompson is proud to say
he is from Quincy Point and a Quincy High School graduate. Working with Quincy
Public Schools gave him the opportunity to mentor students in the way he was
mentored growing up.
Mrs. Mahoney left the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Mrs. Hubley returned to the New Business section of the meeting agenda.
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New Business
(resumed)
Mr. Mullaney reviewed transfers for the FY2015 Budget, $391,000 to address line
item deficits and $60,000 to address priorities for curriculum and testing
purchases.
FY2015 Budget
Transfers
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the FY2015 Budget Transfers as presented.
Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0. Mrs.
Mahoney and Mayor Koch were absent.
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SSEC Board
Representative
Ms. Isola made a motion that Dr. DeCristofaro continue to represent Quincy Public
Schools on the South Shore Educational Collaboration Board. Mr. DiBona
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. Mrs. Mahoney was
absent.
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Additional Business
Mr. Bregoli asked to add discussion about holding Voter Registration at both high
schools to appear on a future agenda for referral to the Policy Subcommittee.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Hubley noted that all Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at
www.quincypublicschools.com.
As there were no corrections, the minutes of the May 28, 2015 Special Education
Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.
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Superintendent’s
Report (resumed)
Dr. DeCristofaro resumed the Superintendent’s Report with summarizing the
Beyond the Bell program, hundreds of teachers created programming for
thousands of children, extending the school day with creative enrichment
opportunities. Commended Superintendent’s Leadership and Principal Team
members for their efforts in working with staff and our many community
partners.
Recent Partnership activities include the Student Athletic Summit held on June 3;
the Community Service Learning Breakfast on May 27; and today’s Flag Day
Celebration at Lincoln Hancock. The Retirement Luncheon will be held on
Tuesday, June 16, in partnership with the Quincy Education Association.
QPAC recently held a parent and student Sensory Night, thanks to Cassandra Beck
for organizing this community event.
This week’s high school graduations were spectacular for almost 700 students and
their families. Thanks to Public Buildings/Maintenance, the Parks and Police
Department, who worked with school administrators and teachers to organize the
many details that made for successful events.
Home-School Connections for the Atherton Hough and Squantum Elementary
School were shared with the School Committee.
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Adjournment
Prior to adjournment, Dr. DeCristofaro thanked School Committee for the many
hours of subcommittee and regular meetings, working with the Superintendent’s
Leadership Team and Principals on Policy, Budget, and many other issues.
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 9:55 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.