Minutes
Quincy, MASSACHUSETTS – May 17, 2023
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Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
Vice-Chair Presiding
A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room at the Coddington Building. Superintendent Kevin Mulvey called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair, and School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. Frank Santoro, Vice Chair.
Also present were: Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Marianne Collins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Ms. Allison Cox, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Sara Dufour, Mr. Dan Gilbert, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. Finbar Heaslip, Ms. Stephanie Jones, Ms. Rebecca McInnis, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Alicia Ten-Pow Negeri, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
A moment of silence was observed for North Quincy High School Department Chair Rebecca Nutley, who passed away last week. A 24-year veteran of Quincy Public Schools, Mrs. Nutley was previously a guidance counselor at Point Webster Middle School and Quincy Evening High School.
Mr. Santoro 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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Approval of Minutes
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minute of the Regular Meeting for May 3, 2023. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Ms. Cahill made a motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Session for May 3, 2023. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Parent Jennifer Chen spoke in response to the School Committee deliberation of adding Lunar New Year to the school year calendar at the May 3, 2023 School Committee meeting.
Ms. Owens read a letter from student Maya Egan and parent Susan Chinsen in support of establishing Lunar New Year as a Quincy Public Schools holiday.
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Superintendent’s
Report
Superintendent Mulvey recognized the 23 students from the Class of 2023 from North Quincy High School and Quincy High School who have met the criteria to receive the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy, the first Quincy Public Schools class to earn this honor. Students earned a high intermediate score of proficiency on a language assessment in addition to meeting expectations on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS. From Quincy High School: Sarah Alberione, Kayron Campos, Vanessa Chan, Nick Chen, Rebecca Da Silva, Saidy Guerro, Christiana Nguyen, Thuy Nguyen, Julia Rue, Vasiliana Sota, Jiaxin Zhu; from North Quincy High School: Candace Chan, Maya Egan, Nicholas Enbar-Salo, Yixiang Gao, Katie Jiang, Dayanie Mejia Cisneros, Sophie Nerine, Jinglin Tan, Sabrina Teng, Zeyi Xiao, Jacky Zhao.
After a brief recess, Superintendent Mulvey noted that preparations are underway to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 on Monday, June 5 (Quincy High School) and Tuesday, June 6 (North Quincy High School), both at 6:00 pm at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Thanks to the Department of Natural Resources, the Quincy Police Department, and the Public Buildings Department for their collaboration on these events. We are looking forward to celebrating with the graduates, their families, and the high school staff and administrators.
Registration is now open for the QPS Summer Programs and we’ve had a good response for both the invitation and open enrollment programs. Information was emailed directly to Quincy Public Schools parents and guardians via Aspen and the information is displayed prominently on the Quincy Public Schools website and social media. In addition, the Quincy Police Department is offering a free Youth Police Academy for 50 students entering Grade 8 the week of July 24-28.
Recent Quincy Public Schools events included the Quincy Multicultural Festival, a collaboration of Quincy Public Schools and the Citywide Parent Council EDI Subcommittee was held this past Saturday, May 13 at the Fore River Field. The event was attended by hundreds of QPS students and families, who enjoyed the music and dance performances, games and activities, and food that provided connections from cultures all over the world. Special thanks to the parent organizers, Erin Perkins, Maura Papile, Keith Segalla, Kevin Segalla, the Family Liaisons, and the many volunteers who were part of the planning of the event along with the support of the Department of Natural Resources.
Many of our graduating seniors from both high schools are the beneficiaries of generous scholarships, thanks to the support of our local community members. On May 9, the Quincy Retired Teachers Association presented 40 scholarships and yesterday, the Quincy Rotary Club presented 30 scholarships. Each high school will also host Scholarship events later in May and the dates of those events will be shared with School Committee.
Upcoming Quincy Public Schools and City of Quincy Events include: the QPS Robotics Challenge for Grades 5-8, Saturday, May 20 at Quincy High School beginning at 10:00 am; Montclair Elementary School May Festival, Saturday, May 20, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; QPS Community Fitness Night for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, Tuesday, May 23 at 6:00 pm at Veterans Memorial Stadium; the Quincy ArtsFest is being held from May 13 to June 11 at the QArts Gallery in Quincy Center. The ArtsFest will feature 170 pieces of artwork and photography from Quincy Art Association members, local artists, and Quincy Public Schools students. There will be a Welcome to Kindergarten parent event on May 26 at Central Middle School and on Saturday, June 3 at 9:00 am, Point Webster and Clifford Marshall PTOs will host a Family Fun Run & Wellness Expo.
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New Business
City of Quincy FY2024
Budget Overview
Mayor Koch presented the FY2024 City of Quincy budget to City Council on Monday, May 15 and again tonight at School Committee, reviewing the priorities and challenges, this budget reflects the values of the Quincy community. Quincy Public Schools makes up the largest portion of the city budget, from the direct allocation of $127.5 million and portions of the allocations within Public Buildings, the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Public Works, and the Quincy Police and Fire Departments. In addition, all employee benefit costs are carried on the city side of the budget.
75% of the city’s revenue comes from property taxes; other revenues are from state aid and local receipts (fees, excise taxes). Mayor Koch thanked the local delegation for their support of the city through the state budget and Congressman Lynch for the federal dollars that have supported the city throughout the pandemic and the post-pandemic.
The Mayor reminded School Committee that they will meet in Subcommittee on Monday, May 22 to discuss the specifics of the draft FY2024 Quincy Public Schools budget.
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New Business
Draft QPS FY2024
Budget
Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, and Director of Business James Mullaney presented the draft FY2024 Quincy Public Schools budget. The proposed budget for FY2024 is $134,639,644, an increase of $8,200,000 over the FY2023 budget. The Mayor’s appropriation is $127,539,644, which includes an increase of $6.7 million (5.4%). Projected Circuit Breaker funding is $7,100,000 (an increase of $1.5 million). After reconciling contractual staff and level raises, retirements, and higher costs to provide level services, there is $2,479,985 available for program expansion.
Recommendations include an expansion of four academic classroom teachers at North Quincy High School (ELA, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) to address class sizes due to higher enrollment. For Academic Programs, an additional 10.5 positions: 1.0 elementary ELL teacher; 2.0 Math Interventionists for Point Webster and South~West Middle Schools; 1.0 elementary Music teacher; 1.0 Physical Education teacher for Quincy High School; 3.5 Special Education Teachers (elementary CARES; NQHS Learning Center; Atlantic Middle School, 0.5 at Central Middle School); 2.0 Speech & Language Teachers to address caseloads. For Academic Programs, 10 positions: 3.0 elementary Guidance (Snug Harbor, Squantum, Atherton Hough); 1.0 elementary Occupational Therapy to address caseloads; 5.0 Special Education paraprofessionals for CARES classrooms. For Non-Academic Support, the request is to increase the 0.5 Human Resources position to full-time.
For the revolving accounts, there are no recommendations to increase fees. For Food Services, all meals continue to be offered at no cost with state subsidy. School building rentals are continuing to recover from the pandemic. For Transportation, all students are being transported without charge. Athletics fees are climbing back towards pre-pandemic levels. For Academic expenses, requesting increases in the supply line (increased cost of paper), professional discretionary funds (to reflect contractual rate), musical instruments and supplies. For non-Academic expenses, increases in natural gas and electricity costs to reflect current rates.
Mr. Bregoli asked about Title 1 funding, Mr. Mullaney said there are 22 positions from Lincoln Hancock, Clifford Marshall, Parker, and Snug Harbor funded through the Title I grant. Mr. Bregoli asked about the new CARES classroom, Ms. Perkins said this will be for Pre-Kindergarten and will be located at either Point Webster or the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the completion of the DeCristofaro Learning Center. Mayor Koch said that the construction is well underway and should be completed in Winter 2024. The building will be available for summer programs in 2024.
Mrs. Lebo asked about replacement of Chromebooks, Mr. Mullaney said many are still under warranty and there is available ESSER funding to order replacements. Superintendent Mulvey said in-house technician Irvin Matos is refurbishing and repairing Chromebooks to make the most of what we have available.
Mrs. Lebo asked to review the ESSER funding and what positions will need to be absorbed in the Quincy Public Schools budget in FY2025 and beyond.
Mr. Gutro asked about space within North Quincy High School to add the four teachers. Superintendent Mulvey said Commissioner Hines will be collaborating with Principal Gilbert on reconfiguring existing spaces. Mr. Gutro asked for a review of building space concerns.
Mr. Gutro asked about rentals of school building, Mr. Mullaney said there are fewer rentals. It is self-supporting but not generating excess revenues as it did in the past.
Mr. Santoro asked for clarification about the per-pupil expenditures, Mr. Mullaney said that certain expenses for physical plant are not included by DESE in the calculation.
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New Business
CVTE Program
Update
Career Vocational and Technical Education Executive Director Keith Segalla, accompanied by Department Chairs Marianne Collins and Rebecca McInnis presented the end of year update for the CVTE program. The 19 CVTE programs each have a Program Advisory Team with 143 members from organized labor, business and industry, post-secondary institutions, parents, students, and community members. The Program Advisory Teams collaborate with instructors on program direction; safety; curriculum and standards; articulation agreements; program improvements; budget recommendations; and share industry trends and technologies.
The Perkins Grant allocation for 2022-2023 was $160,443 and was allocated for safety certifications and credentials (just under 400 vouchers for courses); curriculum and educational software; professional development/training; and an extensive list of specialized equipment (car lift for Automotive; plasma cutter for Metal Fabrication; a mini-van for CVTE student transportation at NQHS; new iMacs for Visual Design/Communications). For the Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant, Healthcare Technology received $238,000 and Electrical Technology received $167,400 for this past school year.
The Career Centers at North Quincy High School and Quincy High School have expanded with the additional positions for Connecting Activities Liaisons, CVTE Support Liaisons, and the ECHS Transition Coaches. The Career Center staff also coordinate with vocational trade opportunities, the armed forces, non-traditional pathways. The liaisons are expanding relationships with local unions, coordinating work-based learning initiatives (internships, coops, and employment), and providing opportunities for non-traditional career pathways.
CVTE Program Initiatives include Certified Nursing Assistant Pinning Ceremony, Engineering Senior Capstone Project Presentations, the recent Fashion Show, the Tiny House Project, National Business Honor Society (largest chapter in North America).
Mrs. Cahill said that this a great array of options for students, the leadership and excitement for the work they do is evident.
Mr. Bregoli asked if the new North Quincy High School van will allow for the Broadcasting students to participate in internships at QATV and Mr. Segalla confirmed.
Mr. Bregoli asked how many ROTC students enter the military. Superintendent Mulvey will follow up.
Mrs. Lebo thanked the Advisory Committee members, this is a big voluntary time commitment. The Career Centers and Liaisons are making a difference for our students. Mrs. Lebo noted that the new CVTE frameworks are going to require OSHA certification for all CVTE programs.
Mayor Koch said that it is so important to support the interests of all the students, entering college directly after high school is not the path for all students and the Career Liaisons are assisting students in many ways.
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New Business
Food Waste Diversion
Pilot Program Update
School Nutrition Director Sara Dufour and Food Waste Diversion Manager Finbar Heaslip gave an overview of the pilot program launched at Quincy High School in February. Two waste separation stations are staffed by volunteers aided by signage encouraging students to recycle, discard food waste, place unwanted food on the share table, and then put anything remaining in the trash. To date, almost 6,000 pounds of food waste have been diverted along with 4.25 tons of recycling.
Impediments to full participation include the multiple locations for students to eat, including outdoors; multiple exits from the cafeteria; and the limited number of students who eat cafeteria lunch. The Department of Public Works has collaborated to re-introduce recycling pickup at the school and will provide a recycling dumpster. Educational initiatives include meeting with the Green Team, participating in the Multi-Cultural Fair, presenting to the Science National Honor Society, and visiting Grade 9 Science classrooms.
The Food Waste Diversion program has been supported by volunteers from the Wollaston Garden Club, the community, and will expand to include members of the Quincy Council on Aging who wish to participate through the Senior Worker Abatement Program (SWAP). The monitoring will need to continue and expand in order to ensure the success of the program. The program will expand to North Quincy High School in the fall, the goal is to eventually be in all Quincy Public Schools buildings.
Mr. Gutro asked where the food waste goes. The Black Earth Company picks up on Thursday and the material is transported to western Massachusetts and processed for compost. Mr. Gutro asked if there is integration with the Science curriculum, that process is beginning.
Mayor Koch thanked Mrs. Lebo for her leadership and Ms. Dufour for her initiative in replacing the Styrofoam trays. Mayor Koch pointed out that this pilot is also good for the taxpayers of Quincy, reducing waste collection fees.
Mrs. Cahill said that the students seem in tune with the environmental concerns about sustainability, thinks that elementary students will rapidly adapt to this way of managing their lunch waste.
Mrs. Lebo said there are 17 volunteers and they are impressed with the students, there is a positive atmosphere, welcoming to the volunteers.
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Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
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Communications
Mr. Santoro noted that the last Regular School Committee meeting of the school year is scheduled for June 14, 2023 at 6:30 pm at the Coddington Building. Upcoming Subcommittee meetings include the FY2024 Budget & Finance Subcommittee on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 6:00 pm, followed by Facilities, Security & Transportation. On May 31, 2023 there will be a hearing for the FY2024 Quincy Public Schools Budget, followed by Special Education and Teaching & Learning Subcommittees.
Mrs. Lebo asked about scheduling the MASC Workshop to set goals.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
There were no Reports of Subcommittees.
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Executive Session
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to move to Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations at 8:35 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0. School Committee will not return to Regular Session.
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Adjournment
Since School Committee did not return from Executive Session, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
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