Quincy Public Schools

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

FY2023 BUDGET & FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE ~ May 25, 2022

A meeting of the Budget & Finance Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 6:00 pm at the Coddington Building.  Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mr. Frank Santoro, Vice Chair, and Mayor Thomas Koch, School Committee and Subcommittee Chair.  Also attending were Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Mr. James Mullaney, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk. 

Superintendent Mulvey reviewed the draft FY2023 QPS Budget that was shared with School Committee at the May 18 School Committee meeting. Proposals include 6 new teachers for North Quincy High School to address class size issues, reserve funding for raises for all Quincy Public Schools staff, an additional 0.5 Art Teacher, 1 ELL Teacher, 1 CVTE teacher (0.5 at both high schools for Health Education), 1.0 Physical Education, and 1.5 Special Education.  (In addition, two elementary Math Interventionist positions will be grant funded.)  For Academic Support, the proposal is to add 1 Psychologist, 1.0 Assistant Principal for Montclair, 5 Special Education paraprofessionals.  For non-Academic Support, 1 Office Paraprofessional for Broad Meadows, 3 Security Guards (Grant funding).

Mrs. Hubley asked about the current Security staff, NQHS has four and QHS has five.  Mrs. Hubley would like to expand staff to include Security at the middle school level.

Mrs. Lebo asked for additional information on the rationale to make the Montclair assistant principal full-time, non-teaching.

Mr. Bregoli asked about shifting staff between the high schools, there are three positions shifting from QHS to NQHS (ELA, Modern Languages, Special Education). Additional positions will be created through the new budget. 

Mr. Gutro asked for clarification on shifting positions, Mr. Mullaney said that there are not shifts between levels, but a retiring elementary or middle school teacher’s position funding may go to the high school level.  Mr. Gutro is concerned about the continuing increase in student population.  Mr. Mullaney said that current estimated class size numbers are within School Committee guidelines and updated information will be presented to School Committee following the October 1 data submission.

Mr. Santoro asked what percentage of the proposed Quincy Public Schools budget is staff salaries and Mr. Mullaney said 85%.  Mr. Santoro asked for and received confirmation that the Family Liaison positions are funded.

Mr. Gutro mentioned the email from Citywide requesting 4 items:  additional delineation between Guidance and Special Education (elementary Guidance chair the Special Education team); creating a Communications Director position; creating an LGBTQ+ Coordinator; and funding an SUD needs assessment.  Ms. Perkins agreed that these are all areas of future budget expansion. 

Mr. Gutro asked for an update on the EDI Director, Superintendent Mulvey said that 20 applicants were screened and eight were interviewed.  Two finalists later withdrew, the third is considering our contract offer.

Mr. Bregoli said that the combination of the Guidance-Special Education chair position at elementary school can be a challenge.  To address this in the budget would be a significant cost increase. 

Mrs. Lebo asked about the Director of Communications position, Superintendent Mulvey said an anticipated retirement will allow for reorganization and creating a multimedia specialist position who will be responsible for the Quincy Public Schools website.

Mrs. Lebo suggested pursuing grant funding opportunities for the needs assessment.

Mayor Koch said that there will be additional opportunity to discuss the budget at the Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting on June 1, following the Public Hearing.

Click below to access documents for the 5.25.2022 Subcommittee Meetings:

FY2023 Proposed QPS Budget

QPS Safety & Security Presentation

City of Quincy/MSBA Squantum Elementary School Project

Quincy School Committee

Facilities, Security & Transportation Subcommittee

Mr. Doug Gutro, Chair

Mrs. Kathryn Hubley & Mr. Frank Santoro, Subcommittee Members

Wednesday, May 25, 2022, 6:15 pm

Coddington Building

AGENDA

1.   Quincy Public Schools Safety & Security Review                                                              Superintendent Mulvey, Mr. Draicchio

2.   Naming the NQHS Band Room for Richard Kenneally

       Mayor Koch

3.   Update on the MSBA/Squantum Elementary School Project

 Superintendent Mulvey

Members of the public can access the meeting in person, live on QATV Channel 22, or at www.qatv.org.  The meeting will also be recorded for rebroadcast and posted on the QPS website on Friday, May 27, 2022.

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

FACILITIES, TRANSPORTATION & SECURITY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING ~ Wednesday, May 25, 2022

A meeting of the Facilities, Transportation & Security Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 6:45 pm in the Coddington Building.  Present were Subcommitee Members Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mr. Frank Santoro, and Mr. Doug Gutro, Subcommittee Chair.   Also present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair; School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Tina Cahill, and Mrs. Emily Lebo; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Mr. Michael Draicchio; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Superintendent Mulvey presented the multi-layered approach to safety and security in the Quincy Public Schools, noting the timeliness of the presentation in light of the tragic events in Texas yesterday.  Through the generosity of Mayor Koch and the Quincy City Council, significant investment has been made over the years in school security.  Close partnerships with Quincy Police Department are key to the safe operation of our schools, along with reminders to staff to observe security protocols, and be observant of surroundings, identifying areas of concern.

Superintendent Mulvey reviewed that all buildings have access control devices for staff to enter through identified entrances during school hours.  All school doors are locked and video intercoms are installed at main entrances for visitor screening prior to being allowed into the building.  Visitor protocols are reviewed with staff and regular reminders shared.  All classroom and office doors have locking capabilities and all buildings have interior and exterior cameras.

All staff, substitutes, vendors, contractors, and volunteers who may have direct or unmonitored contact with students or staff are required to go through the CORI and SAFIS fingerprint screening process prior to being present within our schools.  All staff and long-term substitutes have been issued photo identification badges.  Substitutes, contractors, and visitors are issued temporary identification with red lanyards. 

Communication at the high schools has recently been enhanced with the acquisition of Motorola radios; every school has multiple panic buttons installed in strategic locations for quick access to the Quincy Police Department.  Through grant funding secured by the Quincy Police Department, InForce 911 app/software will be available in Fall 2022 for use during emergencies. 

Emergency procedures are reinforced several times per school year at each school building, through evacuation and lockdown drills.  Emergency procedures are posted throughout school buildings and are part of the professional development for all staff annually.  The Quincy Police Department supports the schools through the assignment of DARE officers, School Resource Officers, and the Community Police Officers.  The Community Police Officers were a supportive and reassuring presence at all of our school buildings today.

Mr. Gutro thanked Superintendent Mulvey for the letter that was sent out to the QPS Community last night; expressed gratitude for the Security and Quincy Police Department staff support for our schools and extracurricular events. 

Mr. Santoro said every principal is concerned with safety and security, the high schools in particular have a number of doors and opportunities to create a security breach.  Mr. Santoro said that staff or vendors who “peg” doors open should be disciplined, thanked Mr. Draicchio for his efforts.  Superintendent Mulvey said that progressive discipline would be employed for staff found to be in violation of security protocals.

Mr. Gutro asked if there are cameras on the exits, Mr. Draicchio confirmed that there are cameras on most exits. 

Mr. Bregoli asked about adding alarms to doors that are not currently alarmed.  Superintendent Mulvey agreed that, without identifying the locations, there are doors where alarms are needed and he will be working with Mayor Koch and the Public Buildings Department to evaluate what is needed.

Mr. Bregoli asked and received confirmation that the School Resource Officers are armed.

Mayor Koch reiterated that the collaboration between the Quincy Public Schools and the Quincy Police Department is so important.  Mayor Koch would like to fund an outside consultant to assess the security of school buildings, beginning with the high schools, but looking at all buildings for areas of improvement.

Mrs. Lebo asked if the front office checks to be sure that visitors are expected or have appointments. 

Mrs. Lebo asked about the School Resource Officer hiring process, Superintendent Mulvey said that since they are Quincy Police Department employees, there is a bidding process dictated by their contract.  Quincy Public Schools has the opportunity to interview the School Resource Officers before the assignments are finalized.  Mrs. Lebo asked and received confirmation that Superintendent Mulvey participates in the SRO evaluation process.

Mrs. Lebo asked about the Security staff, 2 female officers at QHS and 1 at NQHS. Mrs. Lebo suggested that additional staff be of color as we currently have none.  Superintendent Mulvey said this is the case for all positions, working with Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education to expand advertisting of open positions.

Mrs. Cahill is concerned about universal implementation of the policies and systems in place.  Mrs. Cahill agrees that alarming the exterior doors is a good idea.  Mrs. Cahill said that parents are concerned about high school students ordering delivery food, Superintendent Mulvey said that this will not be allowed, communications being sent to families tonight.  Mrs. Cahill asked if a policy needs to be created so this is clear to students and families. 

Mr. Bregoli asked if the policy would apply to staff having food delivered, Superintendent Mulvey said that has been happening for years so would need to be discussed by School Committee.

Mrs. Hubley asked if the communication will explain the discipline that will be imposed for the offense of having food delivered.  Superintendent Mulvey said that each case would be evaluated individually, progressive discipline would be observed.

Mrs. Lebo asked that school staff monitor deliveries so that drivers do not peg the doors.  Superintendent Mulvey said the Custodial staff members usually monitor the deliveries.  Principals are aware that the loading dock doors are an area of concern, they are the most commonly open in the building. 

Mrs. Lebo asked about the Vaping detectors, Superintendent Mulvey said that the detectors we received under the grant have not been helpful, do not work properly.

Mrs. Lebo asked about a recent emergency due to vaping, Superintendent Mulvey said there was a medical reaction and the student will also face discipline.  Superintendent Mulvey said that this is an area of concern throughout the state, regular agenda item for Urban Superintendents meeting.

Mr. Bregoli asked about the entryway at North Quincy High School, Mayor Koch will check with Commissioner Hines on the status of the redesign.

Mr. Gutro asked if there was a lockdown at any other schools besides North Quincy High School this school year, there was none.  Following the event, there was a review meeting with the Quincy Police Department and the North Quincy High School staff. 

Mr. Gutro asked about the radios assigned to at the high schools, the principals, assistant principal, health office, deans, and guidance staff have been issued these.  Mr. Draicchio said these radios are for communication within the building.

Mr. Gutro asked about the fingerprinting, Superintendent Mulvey said the SAFIS vendor has limited locations in Massachusetts.  Unfortunately, there is not a location in Quincy, the closest location is in Stoughton.

Mr. Gutro asked if safety and security equipment is evaluated periodically.  Mr. Draicchio said work orders are submitted by schools to address any needed repairs.

Mr. Gutro asked if camera footage can be reviewed by QPS Security staff, Mr. Draicchio confirmed that they can review and it can also be shared with the Quincy Police Department as needed.

Mr. Draicchio thanked Mayor Koch and School Committee, the resources and relationships with the city’s first responders and county offices are important partnerships.

Mayor Koch shared a letter submitted by Ms. Jessica Kenneally, daughter of the late band teacher Richard Kenneally, requesting consideration of naming the Band Room at North Quincy High School in his memory.

Mr. Santoro knew Mr. Kenneally for many years, he spread his love of music to hundreds of students, so he supports the naming of the NQHS Band Room in his memory.

Mr. Santoro made a motion to name the North Quincy High School Band Room in honor of Mr. Richard Kenneally.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote of the Subcommittee, the ayes have it.  This item will move back to the Regular Meeting Agenda for discussion on June 15, 2022 and be eligible for vote on September 14, 2022.

Superintendent Mulvey then presented an update on the Squantum Elementary School building project with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  The project is currently in Module 2, forming the Design team, which includes advertising for requests for proposals for an Owner’s Project Manager, interviewing the candidates, and selecting and negotiating with an OPM.  The next step would be for the OPM to assist with selecting a project designer.  Superintendent Mulvey said that we are focused on meeting benchmarks and maximizing reimbursement opportunities with the state.

Mrs. Hubley asked about capacity of the current building, Squantum currently enrolls around 340 students and the capacity of the new building will be 380 students.

Mayor Koch noted that the Squantum project has been in the pipeline with the MSBA for several years, the bureaucratic requirements have grown and so the timeline is elongated.  Mayor Koch thanked Treasurer Goldberg and the MSBA staff for their support.

Mr. Santoro made motion to adjourn the Facilities, Transportation & Security Subcommittee meeting at 8:00 pm, seconded by Mrs. Cahill.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.