Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Athletics Subcommittee
May 8, 2017
A meeting of the Athletics Subcommittee was held on Monday, May 8, 2017 at 5:30 pm in the
Coddington Building. Present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs.
Emily Lebo, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro,
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Maura Papile; and Ms. Laura
Owens, Clerk.
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the inaugural meeting of the Athletics Subcommittee, suggesting possible
topics for review and discussion: Athletics User Fees, Participation, and the Athletics Revolving
Account, noting that many of the items may have a budget connection. Dr. DeCristofaro suggested
an overview/informational meeting as a next step before the end of the school year, then at the
Organizational Meeting in September, set goals for the 2017-2018 School Year. Dr. DeCristofaro said
another area to explore could be middle school programs and how these feed into high school
programs.
Ms. Isola said it would be helpful is to have a comprehensive overview of all sports, how many levels
of teams, how many students participate in each, and how many students participate in multiple
sports. Ms. Isola also suggested surveying parents for new athletic opportunities they might like to
have available for their students.
Mayor Koch asked for historic data about participation over the last five years. Mayor Koch said that
input from the Athletic Directors and coaches about facilities challenges would be helpful as it relates
to Parks Department and possible Capital Improvements.
Mrs. Lebo asked for information about the middle schools participation and if there are students
unable to participate because of capacity issues (both for athletics and other extracurricular).
Ms. Isola said it may be helpful to know how much are parents expected to contribute beyond User
Fees through booster clubs.
Mrs. Hubley said that there have been facilities issues raised through SIPs that relate to Athletics and
could be added to discussion.
Mr. Bregoli asked that the high school facilities be reviewed to address inequities. In addition, he
would like to look at league alignment and opportunities provided to students in other towns. For
example, other towns have strength and conditioning coaches. Ms. Isola said these seem like budget
considerations. Dr. DeCristofaro said league alignment is under the MIAA’s direction. Ms. Isola said
that this is outside School Committee’s purview. Mrs. Lebo requested background on how the league alignment process works. Dr. DeCristofaro said that the MIAA doesn’t consider wins and losses or
relative competitiveness.
Mayor Koch said that discussions for the Subcommittee could include having full-time Athletic
Directors and/or full-time trainers. The Subcommittee can facilitate discussions or bring attention to
some topics, but cannot address the fundamental economic inequities between Quincy and suburban
towns. Mayor Koch asked about three-sport athletes and the Physical Education requirement, would
like to look at any possible alternatives for students.
Mrs. Lebo said Athletics is very important to many families, as a part of adolescent development
along with all the extracurricular options available in Quincy Public Schools.
Mayor Koch moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:50 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.