Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – January 22, 2020
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
January 22, 2020 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent
Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mr. Frank Santoro, and Mr. Anthony
Andronico, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Ms. Christine Barrett, Mr. Kevin Bell, Ms. Amy Curtin, Ms. Danielle Fernandez, Mr. Richard DeCristofaro, Jr., Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. June Feeney, Dr. John Franceschini, Mr. Daniel Gilbert, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Melissa Jankowski, Mr. Joseph Macritchie, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Ms. Aliza Schneller, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; and Citywide Parent Council Co-Presidents Scott Alessandro and Courtney Perdios.
School Committee Chair Mayor Thomas Koch was absent.
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Dr. DeCristofaro asked for all to keep North Quincy High School student
Connor Kulig in their thoughts, as he recovers from an injury suffered during
a recent hockey game.
There was a moment of silence in memory of Carol Evans, school bus driver for over 30 years and Richard Osterman, Special Education teacher at Sterling Middle School, North Quincy High School, and Quincy High School for seventeen years.
Mr. Andronico read the following statement into the record: Pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unperceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 12.11.2019
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2019
Regular Meeting. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the.
ayes have it.
Organizational Meeting Minutes Approved 1.8.2020
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2020
Organizational Meeting. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and 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 opened the Superintendent’s Report by introducing the Inspire Quincy video featuring Merrymount’s Fantasy Reading League, Lincoln Hancock Family Literacy Night, Clifford Marshall’s production of Beauty and the Beast, STEM Academy Jr. at Snug Harbor, and the Winter Recital Night for Quincy & North Quincy High School Chorus and Band.
Principal Dan Gilbert presented the 2020 Grade 8 Project 351 Ambassadors, they completed the Launch Day of Service this past Saturday, January 17. Several former QPS Ambassadors now in high school now serve on the Advisory Council. The 2020 Ambassadors are: Elizabeth Brown, Atlantic Middle School; Madison O’Hara-Kelly, Broad Meadows; Thomas Maher, Central Middle School; Thomas Curtin, Point Webster Middle School; and Madison Lawton, South~West Middle School.
Mrs. Lebo, Mr. Gutro, Mr. Andronico and Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mr. Gilbert and the students and their parents.
On December 12, three students from each high school competed in the local Lions Club Speech Contest: Grade Akkara, Hannah Murphy, and Abby Yanovich from Quincy High School and Subear Hussein, Annie Luong, and Sarah Rixham from North Quincy High School. Abby Yanovich placed 1st at the local contest and most recently placed 1st at the regional competition.
At the January 9 and 10 Massachusetts Music Educators Association Eastern District Festival, Quincy Public Schools was represented by Quincy High School Chorus members Kawtar Abouyoussef, Stephen Hallahan, and Aisling Mannion and Band member Cecily Zhao.
Middle School Volleyball City Championships were held on Saturday, January 4, with 134 students from all five middle schools. The JV Jamboree was held on January 15 for 112 students from all five middle schools.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mrs. Lebo for her service as School Committee Vice Chair and is looking forward to working with Mr. Andronico as he begins his tenure as Vice Chair.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that School Committee and Subcommittee Meeting Dates for the first quarter were shared with School Committee.
Kindergarten Pre-Registration is underway online, with over 200 families completing the online process in a week. The registration process will be completed at appointments scheduled at school sites and Central Registration beginning the week of January 27 and continuing through the end of the school year.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that the Quincy Lodge of Elks made their annual donation of dictionaries to over 700 Grade 3 students. Upcoming School~Community Partnership events include the Grade 5 Student Council Leadership Summit (6th Annual), in partnership with South Shore YMCA and the QHS & NQHS Senior Class Officers and A Matter of Heart, 6th year of the CPR & AED instruction for Grade 8 students.
Mr. Andronico updated that the new QPS Website beta site is available for review, with 95% of content and configuration complete. Principals are participating in online webinar this week and last; staff training is scheduled for the last week of February. The launch is projected for the end of January.
Mrs. Lebo updated the progress on revising the QPS Homework Guide and the associated Homework Policy 9.11.1. These items will be discussed at the Joint Teaching & Learning and Policy Subcommittee meeting on February 12.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that the STEM Fair Schedule was shared with School Committee.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced a new initiative focused on Middle School Science, Technology, and Engineering. A design team consisting of all Grade 6, 7, and 8 Science and Technology/Engineering teachers will be looking at curriculum alignment and pacing with Curriculum Team Administrator Edward Smith.
On Friday, January 24, the Principals and Superintendent’s Leadership Team will meet for a Lowest Performing Students and Chronic Absenteeism Mini-Summit to share strategies and best practices.
On Thursday, January 23, the Parent Academy Screenagers Next Chapter is also posted as a School Committee Workshop. Mrs. Lebo reviewed that opportunities for informal interaction with parents such as these is one of the School Committee goals.
Program Newsletters from School Nutrition, Community Service, the School~Community Partnership, and NQHS and QHS Athletics were shared with School Committee.
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Old Business
School Committee Policy
5.6 Food Service
Management
(Vote)
Mr. Bregoli introduced revised School Committee Policy 5.6 Food Service Management, emphasizing a line from the Policy: The School Committee will provide a regular meal to students who forget, lose, or otherwise do not have their lunch money.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the revised School Committee Policy 5.6 Food Service Management. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion.
On the motion, Mr. Andronico noted that this revision was brought forward to formalize Quincy Public Schools’s existing practices of providing regular meals to students and not involving them in any issues regarding their accounts.
On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
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Old Business
2020-2021 School
Committee Meeting
Calendar (Vote)
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the School Committee meeting calendar for 2020-2021, second by Mrs. Hubley. On a roll call 6-0 vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
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New Business
History and Social
Science Curriculum
Update
Senior Curriculum Director Madeline Roy introduced the History and Social Science Curriculum update. Social Studies Department Chairs Danielle Fernandez (NQHS) and Kevin Bell (QHS) reviewed the high school focus on Civics: Theory and Practice. Using primary documents, students explore principles and philosophy of republican government and non-democratic government, including content-specific vocabulary. Civics in practice includes civic engagement projects, community service, student government, voter registration drives, debates, media literacy, and field trips. Interdisciplinary collaboration with the English department has resulted in the development of a pilot interdisciplinary course called Looking for America: History and Looking for America: Literature, which would be taken concurrently in Grade 11. Professional development is focused on local history and culture and developing connections to Native Peoples in the Americas.
Atlantic Middle School Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher Joseph Macritchie reviewed the new Grade 8 Government and Civic Life Course, focused on the roots and foundations of the United States democracy; how and why it has developed over time; and the role of individuals in maintaining a healthy democracy. Student-led non-partisan civics projects are a component of the course, the goal is to prepare students to have the knowledge and skills to become thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society and a complex world.
Atlantic Middle School Grades 7 & 8 Social Studies Teacher Amy Curtin reviewed that Grade 7 curriculum has shifted to include World Geography and Ancient Civilizations II, where students examine physical geography of South and East Asia, Europe, and Australia, the nations found in each region, and selected ancient and classical societies including the roots of democracy. Civics components of community service are also a component at this grade.
South~West Middle School Grade 6 Teacher Melissa Jankowski reviewed the Grade 6 curriculum for World Geography & Ancient Civilizations I, including human origins and the regions of the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central American, the Caribbean, and South America. Introductory Civics concepts are explored through studying political and physical geography, analyzing primary sources, researching cultural achievements and current global events, applying critical thinking skills to informative and literary texts; and gaining civic knowledge and participatory skills.
Coordinator of Literacy Bridget Vaughan reviewed that Grade 5 Civics Education introduces concepts such as identifying a problem, discussing possible solutions, and putting ideas into action. The Grade 5 Student Council Leadership Summit offers students the opportunity to interact with the high school class officers who mentor them through leadership activities and team challenges.
Lincoln Hancock Elementary School Grade 3 Teacher June Feeney reviewed the connections with local history and culture, including Native Peoples of Massachusetts and New England and pre-Revolutionary history. Researching is taught as a cross-curricular skill, modeling note taking, about daily life, maps, food, clothing, shelter, and culture. Students visit Plimoth Plantation, interacting with the Wampanoag tribe members.
Pre-Kindergarten Team Administrator Julie Graham reviewed the four main topics for Grades Pre-K through 2: Civics (Responsibility, Respect, Classroom Citizenship, Communities, Elections, and Leadership); Geography (Maps, Connections Among Places, Places to Explore); History (Personal Experiences, Shared Traditions, Diversity); and Economics (Work and Commerce, Resources and Choices).
Ms. Roy summarized the presentation by reviewing the timeline of the last year and a half since the new History and Social Sciences Standards were released. Curriculum alignment was completed in Vertical Team meetings
Mr. Gutro thanked the presenters, the immersive learning experiences are especially valuable. Mr. Gutro asked about Digital Literacy as part of the curriculum. Mr. Bell said that with current events and even with the older source documents there are opportunities to look for bias, which is the foundation of analysis. Mr. Macritichie said one of the Grade 8 topics is Understanding Press in a Free Society. Mr. Gutro said that April 27, 2020 is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, would love to see the integration of history and science through some activities around this date.
Mr. Santoro said that when he was principal of Central, about 20 years ago, students worked on projects to identify a problem in the City of Quincy and City department heads and even City Council were invited in to see the presentations.
Mrs. Hubley complimented the enthusiasm of the presenters.
Mrs. Lebo complimented the teachers for their work in rebuilding the curriculum, the innovative strategies for engagement and immersive learning are important. Enthusiastic about the interdisciplinary class for high school, noted a Professional Development opportunity at the John F. Kennedy Library on March 25. Mrs. Lebo noted that the City Historian Bob Damon will be a good resource for curriculum development. Mrs. Lebo spoke to the high school department chairs about re-establishing the Student Advisory Council through the high school Student Government; would like to form a Subcommittee to meet with students on a regular basis.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked all the presenters, Quincy Public Schools is lucky to have them all to work with our students every day.
Mr. Andronico thanked the presenters and is glad to hear that teachers have embraced Civics education.
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New Business
Student Opportunity
Act Overview
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey and Director of Business James Mullaney presented an Overview of the Student Opportunity Act, enacted into law on November 2019. The new legislation was enacted to address underfunding for school districts due to inflationary costs for employee & retiree health insurance; special education, English Learner, and low-income students. New funding sources will be available to school districts with a high percentage of low income and English Learner students. The additional targeted funding will provide for increased reimbursements for out-of-district transportation, fully funds charter school reimbursements, and creates a grant fund with the purpose of innovating educational approaches. There will also be an additional $150 million available for school building projects.
School districts will be required to submit three-year evidence-based plans designed to close local achievement gaps with input from school leaders, administrators, educators and community representatives, and Special Education and English Learner Parent Advisory Councils. The plans must be approved by School Committee. The Three-Year District Achievement Gap Plans are due April 1, 2020 and should incorporate evidence-based programs, expanded learning time, increased counseling, increased psychological services, professional development, expanded early learning and pre-Kindergarten, early college and career readiness pathways; and more diverse teacher workforce. The Plans must establish targets and outcome measures for addressing persistent disparities in achievement among student subgroups; identify specific evidence-based programs the district intends to implement to effectively reduce these disparities; outline how Chapter 70 funds as well as other local, state, and federal funds will be used to implement the plan; and specify ongoing plans to effectively engage families and measure family engagement efforts, including targeted plans for families of low-income students, English Learners, and Students with Disabilities. The Commissioner of Education will review the plans; DESE is working on finalizing templates and guidelines. Data collection and submission to DESE will be required; guidance and procedures are still to be developed.
Mr. Mullaney reviewed the Minimum Aid Calculation, no district will receive less funding than in previous years. Chapter 70 Aid is determined through calculating a Foundation Budget based on categories for Pre-Kindergarten, Full-Day Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, High School, and Vocational Education. In summary, Quincy Public Schools will see an increase in Chapter 70 Aid of $6,568,404 in FY2021.
Mr. Gutro noted that the Gap Plans are due April 1, but the closest Regular Meeting is March 18 and the templates are not yet available. Mr. Mulvey said if necessary, a Special School Committee meeting could be called to review and vote on the plans. Mr. Gutro asked about data collection, Mr. Mulvey said there is no guidance yet on the data requested. The plan will be submitted every three years and audited yearly by DESE. Mr. Gutro suggested establishing a Rainy Day Fund.
Mr. Andronico said that the law does not allow for Rainy Day Funds except for Special Education Tuitions.
Mrs. Lebo reiterated the absurdity of the deadline with no guidelines; however, is very pleased with the funding. We are considered a wealthy community because of property values yet 50% of students are considered low income. Looking forward to tapping into the grant funding opportunities.
Mr. Santoro asked if night school might meet the criteria for grant funding, Mr. Mulvey said we don’t have details.
Mr. Bregoli said there are 73 days to create this plan and asked about expanded learning time. Mr. Mulvey said he is assuming this would mean a longer school day, so this would include the efforts of all the stakeholders, including not only the Quincy Education Association and all unions. Mr. Bregoli noted that our state delegation members were instrumental in securing this additional funding.
Mr. Andonico asked for and received clarification that the City is also providing funding over the Foundational budget level.
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New Business
Letter to Board of
Education re: Chapter
74 Regulation Changes
Mrs. Lebo explained that the Board of Education is contemplating legislative changes that will affect Chapter 74 funding for a potential loss of $4.5 million annually. These programs impact students substantially and the requirement of each program meeting 900 hours of instruction would be unduly burdensome.
Mrs. Lebo is requesting that all of School Committee sign the letter.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion for School Committee to support Mrs. Lebo’s testimony on the potential update to Chapter 74 regulations by signing the letter presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mayor Koch was absent.
Mrs. Hubley will be at the Board of Education on January 28 to present the letter.
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New Business
Policies 11.12.1 and
12.2
Mr. Bregoli reviewed that the Superintendent has received a request to establish a new private school in Quincy, which requires School Committee approval. As it has been some time since such a request has been received, the existing School Committee Policy does not meet current state regulations.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to refer School Committee Policies 11.12.1 and 12.2 Relations with Other Schools and School Districts to Policy Subcommittee for review and updating. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Out of State Travel
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel (Overnight) of Point Webster Middle School Grade 8 to New York City, New York on June 4-5, 2020. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
In-State Travel
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the In State Travel (Overnight) of the Quincy High School Student Council to the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils Conference in Hyannis, Massachusetts on March 4-6, 2020. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mr. Gutro requested that Senator Keenan and Representatives Ayer, Chan, and Mariano be invited to present to School Committee at an upcoming meeting.
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Communications
Upcoming School Committee meetings will be held on February 12, 2020; March 4, 2020; and March 18, 2020, all at the Coddington Building at 6:30 pm.
Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings will be held on January 29, 2020 (Joint Teaching & Learning and Policy) and February 26, 2020 (Joint Teaching & Learning and Policy and Facilities, Transportation & Security). All Subcommittee meetings will begin at 6:00 pm.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
All School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com/schoolcomm/2019-2020.
Joint Athletics &
Wellness and Policy
Mr. Bregoli reported on the Joint Athletics & Wellness and Policy Subcommittees meeting held on December 10, 2019. The High School Athletic Directors reviewed the Fall Athletics season and previewed the Winter Athletics season. The revised Food Services Management Policy (5.6) and School Committee Meeting Calendar for 2020-2021 were both approved to be moved to full School Committee for review.
Quarterly Budget &
Finance
Mr. Andronico reviewed the Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee Meeting held on January 15, 2020. At this time, all budget lines are within expected expenditures for this point in the school year.
Special Education
Mrs. Hubley reported on the Special Education Subcommittee held on January 15, 2020. There were presentations on Significant Disproportionality and Special Education Rights and Responsibilities, along with a QPAC Update.
As there were no corrections, the minutes of the December 10, 2019 Joint Athletics & Wellness and Policy, January 15, 2020 Quarterly Budget & Finance, and January 15, 2020 Special Education Subcommittees were accepted as presented.
Mr. Bregoli removed items #7 School Committee Policy 5.6 Food Service Management and #11 School Committee Meeting Calendar 2020-2021 as these items are completed.
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Executive Session
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to move to Executive Session for the purpose of Contract Negotiations. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
School Committee will not return to public session at the conclusion of Executive Session.
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Adjournment
School Committee was adjourned at 8:55 pm upon acceptance of the motion to move to Executive Session.
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