Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – May 6, 2015
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
May 6, 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 Mr. McCarthy was absent (arrived at
7:15 pm). Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura
Owens, Clerk; Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Kerry Ginty,
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. James Mullaney, Mrs. Maura
Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Greg
Sommers, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Judy Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President,
Quincy Education Association; Student Representatives to School Committee
Isabella Cobble (Quincy High School) and Michael Mullaney (North Quincy
High School).
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There was a moment of silence in memory of John Segalla and Annette
DiBona.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
4/8/15
Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bregoli, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for April 8, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Courtney Perdios spoke of the many resources for below-level and at-level
learners in the Quincy Public Schools and for consideration of implementing a
program for above grade-level learners across Quincy Public Schools.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by introducing Principal
Larry Taglieri who shared the accomplishment of Senior Saxon Bresnahan who
pitched a perfect softball game, striking out all 21 batters she faced in the Monday,
May 4, 2015 game against Duxbury High School. Coach Sommers introduced Ms.
Bresnahan and catcher Angelina Avitabile.
Dr. DeCristofaro introduced the Inspire Quincy video, featuring the North Quincy
and Quincy High School spring concerts, Central Middle School Science Fair,
Citywide Middle School Swim meet, Quincy Credit Union Financial Literacy at
Point Webster Middle School, Grade 5 Student Leadership Summit, Broad
Meadows Operation Days Work, The Sound of Music at North Quincy High School,
Internet Safety Night, 5th Grade Lego Robotics, and Beyond the Bell Activities
including Cleaner Greener Quincy.
Educator Appreciation Week is observed annually May 4-8 and Quincy Public
Schools is lucky to have so many caring and dedicated staff members.
Nine schools received beautification grants from the Department of Public Works
and plantings were completed during Cleaner Greener: Beechwood Knoll, Parker,
Montclair, North Quincy High School, Squantum, Point Webster, Central, Marshall,
and Atherton Hough.
The revised spring concert schedule was shared; upcoming drama productions
include Hairspray at Atlantic on May 7 and 8. The Sound of Music was presented at
North Quincy High School and Annie at Broad Meadows, two great productions.
Recent partnership activities include the Grade 5 Student Council Leadership
Summit, 60 students met the high school class officers and participated in
activities led by South Shore YMCA staff. Boston Financial Services and the Tirrell
Room supported the event. This is the first annual event and Dr. DeCristofaro is
looking to add a middle school student leadership event next year.
On Saturday, May 16, the Adams Cup robotics competition for Grades 5-8 will be
held at Quincy High School. The Student Athletic Summit is Wednesday, June 3,
with incoming captains for next year’s teams at both high schools invited to
attend. The 16th annual Community Service Learning Breakfast will be held on
Wednesday, May 27, students from elementary, middle, and high school
recognized for their service to the school and greater community.
For our graduation seniors, the Rotary Club of Quincy recently presented $30,000
in scholarships; the Quincy Asian Resources and Quincy Retired Teacher
scholarship events are to come in the next couple of weeks. The Senior Proms will
be held on May 15 (North Quincy High School) and May 29 (Quincy High School).
Each prom will be followed by the all-night party at the high schools; thanks to all
volunteers and staff members for making the senior night out events possible and
the Quincy Police Department for assisting in keeping the students safe.
High School Open Enrollment was granted for all requests and letters mailed to
families on May 1.
Over seventy Mentors and Mentees met for their last meeting of the year on
Tuesday, May 5. Financial support is provided by the National Association of
Government Employees (NAGE). Thanks to Jim Hennessy and Madeline Roy who
lead the team.
The Summer Reading program timeline was shared; Curriculum Coordinators
working with the Thomas Crane Library and the principals to finalize the list by
early June.
Beyond the Bell is underway and provides academic and enrichment activities for
students before and after school. Recent events include the Farm to School Expo,
a collaboration with Planning & Community Development; Internet Safety Night,
in collaboration with Student Support Services, Quincy Police Department, and the
New England Sports Museum; Thomas Crane Library story hours and Random
Fandom event. The Literacy team coordinated events at Lincoln Hancock and
Beechwood Knoll for Grades K-2 using a Quincy themed-book created by a retired
Quincy firefighter. Dr. DeCristofaro shared some upcoming events at school sites.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Designer Selection Panel
met on May 5, 2015; Mr. Timmins, Mr. MacDonald, and Dr. DeCristofaro met with
twelve members of the MSBA staff and narrowed the list of Designers to two who
will be interviewed on May 19: Ai3 (designed Central Middle School) and SMMA
(designed Quincy High School).
North Quincy High School, Merrymount, Wollaston, Parker, and Lincoln Hancock
will host community meetings prior to the end of the school year to review the
window and door replacement projects. Preliminary work was completed at
North Quincy High School and Wollaston during the April vacation week to
replace windows in the gymnasiums. MSBA staff members visited Merrymount
and Beechwood Knoll to assess the recently-submitted Statements of Interest
projects. On April 30, Director of Public Buildings Gary Cunniff presented the plan
for the new heating system installation to Bernazzani Elementary School parents
at their PTO meeting.
Dr. DeCristofaro reminded School Committee that the May 20 meeting will be held
at Central Middle School; National Honor Society seniors will be recognized from
both high schools.
Home-School Connections for the Squantum Elementary School; Sterling and
Broad Meadows Middle School were shared with the School Committee.
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Old Business
Physical Restraint
Policy Review
Mrs. Hubley introduced the Physical Restraint Policy Review. Mr. McCarthy asked
Deputy Superintendent Mulvey to speak to his recommendation. Mr. Mulvey
reiterated his suggestion that the law be adopted in its entirety. This item is eligible
for vote at the May 20 School Committee Meeting.
Emergency Response
Policy Review
Mrs. Hubley introduced the Emergency Response Policy. There was no discussion
and the item is eligible for vote at the May 20 School Committee Meeting.
Facilities Dedication:
Atlantic Middle
School Fields
Mrs. Hubley introduced the Facilities Dedication for the Atlantic Middle School
Fields. Mr. Bregoli confirmed that there will be signage to recognize Mr. O’Neil
placed by the Parks Department on the right-hand side of the Atlantic grounds.
The item is eligible for vote at the May 20 School Committee Meeting.
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New Business
Mrs. Hubley asked to take the agenda out of order and moved to Item B, Community
Service Update.
Community Service
Update
FY2016 Budget
Mr. Shaw said that both high schools are in excellent shape, and it should be no
problem for the remaining few students to complete their requirement prior to
signout on May 26. Mr. Taglieri said that the Community Service requirement
beginning Freshman year with a goal of being completed by the September of senior
year has worked out well. Ms. Ginty reported that students have done fantastic
service in the city of Quincy and other parts of the state. Bringing the requirement
forward to all grades has made the initiative more prominent in the community,
over 100 agencies are now involved. Great response to the service our students are
doing and more opportunities for them as a result. There were four Community
Service fairs held at the high schools this year to help students become familiar with
the opportunities. This past weekend was a great example: 150 students from both
schools did the Walk for Hunger and turned out in force for Cleaner, Greener
Quincy.
Mr. DiBona asked about percentages completed: Grade 11, 38%; Grade 10, 36%;
Grade 9, 42% complete for their yearly requirement to date, but Ms. Ginty reminded
School Committee that students have the summer to complete their annual
requirement. Mr. DiBona asked about the top Community Service activities: QARI
Lunar New Year Festival, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (Leadership &
Tutoring) at North Quincy High School. Quincy High School students gravitate
towards events like Cleaner, Greener and Walk for Hunger.
Mr. Taglieri said that no student was excluded from Homecoming or Proms because
of Community Service owed. Mr. DiBona asked about maintaining school grounds;
Mr. Taglieri said Quincy High School has a recycling program and there are other
opportunities for students to assist.
Mrs. Mahoney asked about whether managing Community Service is getting easier
over time. Ms. Ginty said it has, with the assistance of the Deans and class advisors,
plus the work the IT team did in setting up the fields in Aspen. Having the status
information on the interim and term report cards has been very helpful. Mrs.
Mahoney asked about Seniors who still need to complete hours; less than 10 total.
Ms. Ginty said that this requirement is a manageable amount of hours for most
students. Those who enjoy Community Service will keep going and complete many
more hours than required. Mrs. Mahoney said that once students find a Community
Service activity they enjoy, it gives them the opportunity to develop leadership skills
in the community. Mrs. Mahoney thanked former School Committee member JoAnn Bragg for bringing the idea to School Committee and the Quincy Public Schools.
Mrs. Hubley asked if there was a good response from parents to the Community
Service requirement. Ms. Ginty said she has received only positive responses since
the program’s inception.
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City of Quincy
FY2016 Budget
Mayor Koch presented the City of Quincy’s FY2016 Budget, reviewing the budget
development and approval process. The Mayor presents a budget to the City
Council and assigns the total budget to the School Committee. City Council cannot
make any line item changes to the Quincy Public Schools budget, although they can
amend the bottom line.
The City of Quincy raises revenue through property taxes, both residential and
commercial. The city has excess levy capacity, property taxes are not at the
maximum level. Local receipts for excise taxes, permits, and other fees are a second
category and the final is local aid (unrestricted, Chapter 70 for Education, and
Chapter 90 for roads). City Council Finance Committee meetings will be scheduled
for each city department, including one where the Superintendent and Deputy
Superintendent will present the Quincy Public Schools budget detail.
The FY2016 Budget is lean, 3.16% growth because of the increase in GIC health
insurance costs and a deficit related to the winter weather and snow removal. Over
time as Mayor, snow budget has incrementally increased, now at $1.7 million.
Unspent money can be treated as surplus and assigned to other accounts. The snow
removal debt can be amortized over three years, final figures still to come based on
FEMA reimbursements and possible assistance from the state. Areas that may be
reimbursable but not yet determined, include snow removal on roofs. These
unknowns led to a more lean budget, and this applies to all departments.
The Quincy Public Schools appropriation includes step and level raises and covers
the Full-Day Kindergarten grant that the state has removed. Retirement breakages
are left in the School Committee’s discretion to use in program building. In addition
to the direct spending, nearly every city department supports Quincy Public
Schools. For example, the Parks Department maintains grounds, Public Buildings
staff manage new projects and existing buildings, the traffic supervisors across the
city are Police Department staff members. Mayor Koch shared the proposed city
budget for FY2016 and looks forward to working with the School Committee on the
line items for the Quincy Public Schools budget.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed that the budget process will begin on Monday, May 11. A
full schedule of meetings was shared with School Committee. Dr. DeCristofaro
reviewed the accomplishments of School Committee in the last three years: over
100 positions created for academic classrooms and programs, including restoring
Middle School Technology and Librarians, adding staff for English Language
Learners, Special Education, Literacy, and Elementary Library Support. In Academic
Support, new positions were created for Kindergarten and Special Education Aides,
IT Support, Guidance, Psychology, and Athletic Directors. Financial support was
provided for Data Storage, Extracurricular and Athletics, new technology and
software, musical instruments, and curriculum materials have been provided over
these year. These were thoughtful, incremental increases that have meaningful
impact on students and staff.
Mr. McCarthy said that those who are School Committee veterans have been
through years when the budget cuts were necessary, so any increase is good news.
Other communities are facing cuts or property tax overrides and it is good not to be
facing those issues.
Mr. DiBona thanked Mayor Koch for his hard work and the increase in the budget.
Lots of great work to restore programs in past years, this year will be more about
maintaining our excellent schools. Mr. DiBona noted that over 1/3 of the city
budget is focused on the schools.
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Concussion Policy
Review
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to move Concussion Policy to Policy Subcommittee for
review as required by law every two years. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and
on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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School Choice for
2015-2016 School
Year
Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to
withdraw from the obligation to enroll non-resident students in the Quincy Public
Schools for the 2015-2016 academic year. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and
on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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School Nurse
Appointment
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to appoint Deborah Cerone as a School Nurse, noting
that Mrs. Cerone is a value to the community. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion.
On the motion, Ms. Isola said that once again, we are adding a school nurse with
outstanding qualifications. Ms. Cerone is a family nurse practioner and this really
adds to the dimension of services. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.
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Overnight Travel
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the overnight travel of North Quincy High
School’s AFJROTC to the Outdoor Leadership Program, Cardigan Lodge, Bristol, New
Hampshire from June 26 to June 28, 2015. Ms. Isola 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 Wollaston Elementary
School Grade 5 to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire on June 22, 2015.
Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the out of state travel of Montclair
Elementary School Grade 5 to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire on June
22, 2015. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the overnight travel of North Quincy High
School’s AFJROTC to Camp Edwards, Bourne, Massachusetts from September 23 to
September 27, 2015. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes
have it.
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Additional Business
Mrs. Mahoney requested to add Elementary School Above Grade Students to a
future agenda.
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Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: School Committee on May 20, 2015 and June
10, 2015; a Public Hearing for the FY2016 Budget on Wednesday, June 3
(subsequently moved to Monday, June 1); Subcommittee Meetings: Budget &
Finance on Monday, May 11, 2015; Monday, May 18, 2015; and Thursday, May 28,
2015; Health, Transportation, and Safety on Monday, May 11, 2015; and Special
Education on Thursday, May 28, 2015.
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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 April 13, 2015 Quarterly Budget &
Finance; April 13, 2015 Facilities & Security; April 15, 2015 Policy; and May 4, 2015
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meetings were all approved as presented.
Following the Facilities & Security Subcommittee meeting review, Mrs. Mahoney
asked about the President’s City Inn and whether there are exterior doors. Mr.
McCarthy said the original plans showed that there would be no direct access to
rooms from the parking lot. Ms. Isola agreed that those doors should require a room
key. Dr. DeCristofaro will follow up with Attorney Fleming for clarification.
On the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee, Mr. DiBona was glad to hear that the
Advanced programs for ELA and Math will be available at Atlantic, Broad Meadows,
Sterling, and Point Webster.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:50 p.m. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.