Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts -January 4, 2010
Organizational Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Organizational Meeting
An Organizational Meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on
January 4, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. in North Quincy High School. The following
members were present: Mrs. Elaine Dwyer, Mr. David McCarthy, Mrs. Jo-
Ann Bragg, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Ms. Barbara Isola and
Mayor Thomas P. Koch, Chairman. Also present were Dr. Richard DeCristofaro,
Secretary and Mrs. Tefta Burrelli, Clerk.
Chairman Presiding
New Members Sworn In
The Chairman proceeded to swear in Mrs. Emily Lebo, Ms. Barbara Isola,
and Mrs. Anne Mahoney.
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Vice Chairman Elected
The Chairman asked for nominations for the Office of Vice Chairman of the
School Committee. Mr. David McCarthy nominated Mrs. Anne Mahoney
for the Office of Vice Chairman. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion. On a roll
call vote, Mrs. Mahoney was unanimously elected by a vote of 7-0.
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Mrs. Mahoney’s Address
Mrs. Mahoney thanked Mr. McCarthy, the outgoing Vice Chairman and her
colleagues for their confidence in her. She recognized outgoing members,
Ronald Mariano and Nicholas Puleo. She recognized the Superintendent and
his team, the Quincy High School Culinary Arts students, ROTC, the custodians,
Keith Segalla, and all those involved in the inauguration ceremony. She also
recognized her nephew, Stephen Mulligan, a NQ graduate and a US Marine
home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Although our economy seems frozen and refusing to thaw, we are presented
with real challenges to our school system. The good news is that this must
eventually give way to warmer temperatures. This school committee will
not only fight to protect established programs, but plan for a better day when
we can retain and restore programs and lay the groundwork for more initiatives.
Some groundwork for these initiatives has begun. The Central Building Committee
has been formed. It is moving full speed ahead. Mrs. Mahoney promised to
return attention to Sterling Middle School. It remains on the MSBA list of priority
schools.
The Quincy high School project will be complete this fall. Mrs. Dwyer will
remain on as Chairman of School Facilities Management Subcommittee.
We will work to establish a Reading Academy. We have made use of Stimulas
Grant monies to build a foundation for this academy. Mrs. Emily Lebo will
head up the Special Ed. Subcommittee.
Safety and Security of our buildings remains a critical concern. Mr. Dave
McCarthy will head up the Health, Safety, and Security Subcommittee.
Over the last two years, our budget has been stretched to the limit and
the upcoming reality of even less state and federal funds is frightening. Our
immediate goals will be the same as the last two years – minimize the
impact to our students and maintain our focus on small class size. It is
important to constantly remind ourselves that managing the flow of resources
that directly impact a child’s future isn’t just business and it certainly isn’t
politics. It is a unique responsibility that I take seriously.
Another looming unknown is the proposed charter school and another
blow to our budget is in the hands of the Board of Education. She thanked
the Superintendent and his team, along with teachers, public officials and
residents for making an honest and compelling argument against such a
school. We proved that the Quincy Public School System is not an under-
performing system.
She renewed efforts to work together with the Mayor and the City Council
to weather the economic crisis. She will personally keep both the City Council
President the head of the Education Subcommittee up to date on all objectives
and timelines.
The school budget is running very lean and any reductions in funding will
threaten teacher retention and class size. She pledged a new level of improved
communications by using Channel 22 and our website.
Quincy Public Schools is a great school system. It is the reason why families
stay in Quincy and the main reason Quincy was chosen as the #1 place to raise
a family.
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Adjournment
On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, the Organizational
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The ayes have it.