Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – January 25, 2017
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
January 25, 2017 at the Coddington Building. The Superintendent called the
roll and present were Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. James DeAmicis,
Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney,
and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Beth Hallett, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Mr.
James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile,
Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla; Quincy Education
Association President Allison Cox; Citywide Parent Council Co-President
Scott Alessandro; and Quincy High School Student Representative Owen
Doherty.
§
There was a moment of silence for Bob Farrand, Custodian for 14 years;
Donna Willoughby, teacher at Broad Meadows Middle School for 22 years;
and George Smith, Social Studies teacher at Quincy High School for 34.
Dr. DeCristofaro also asked everyone to keep Sterling Middle School Science
teacher Bob McGillicuddy and his family in their thoughts, in extremely
critical condition.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
1.11.2017
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for January 11, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Executive Session Minutes Approved
1.11.2017
Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Executive
Session minutes for January 11, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
As no one was present who wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee
went on to the next item on the agenda.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with recognition of the
Quincy Public Schools Project 351 Ambassadors: Anthony Coughlin from
Atlantic Middle School; Aisling Kelly from Broad Meadows; and Renee Clermont
from Central Middle School. These three Grade 8 students took part in the
state-wide day of service in different locations in and around the city of Boston.
Mrs. Lebo and Mrs. Mahoney congratulated the students for being part of this
important project and taking advantage of the opportunity presented to them.
Mr. Bregoli said he continues to be impressed by the students’ poise in
addressing the School Committee.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that Pre-Kindergarten screenings are coming up on
February 28 and March 14, 2017. Kindergarten Registration will be held on
Tuesday, March 7 at all elementary school locations.
Special Olympics will be held at Squantum on Friday, February 17 for ninety
students supported by over 30 staff members and Community Service students
from North Quincy High School.
Over 700 Grade 8 students will take part in “A Matter of Heart” during the week
of January 30-February 3. On Saturday, February 4 a full day CPR certification
course will be offered for Grade 8 students and parents. In addition, planning is
underway to schedule an opportunity for Grade 10 students to recertify; these
students were trained during the first “Matter of Heart” in 2015.
On Tuesday, January 10, Quincy High School hosted the Southeastern
Massachusetts Association of Student Councils regional meeting, over 350
students from 22 school systems attended the event, along with their advisors.
High School STEM Fairs will be held on Saturday, February 4 at North Quincy
High School and Wednesday, February 15 at Quincy High School. The next
Nobel Laureates visit will be students from both high schools visiting Dr.
Glashow at Boston University on February 28.
The Middle School Volleyball Championships were held on Saturday, January 21
and the Broad Meadows girls and Central boys are City Champions. Over 200
students participating, supported by parents, families, and teachers as well as
members of the varsity teams from both high school Volleyball programs.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that the Quincy
School~Community Partnership and Middle School Curriculum newsletters had
been shared with School Committee.
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Old Business
2017-2018 School Year
and School Committee
Calendars (Discussion)
Both the proposed 2017-2018 School Year and 2017-2018 School Committee
Meeting draft calendars will be posted on the Quincy Public Schools website for
public comment. Both calendars are eligible for vote at the February 8, 2017
School Committee meeting.
§
New Business
Middle School
STEM
Senior Curriculum Director Madeline Roy presented on the current STEM
programs, coursework, and middle to high school pathways. STEM opportunities
are available for students with the intersection of Math, Science/Technology/
Engineering, and English Language Arts. The 2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy
and Computer Science Curriculum Framework are also available and being
unpacked by vertical and skills-based curriculum teams.
Atlantic Middle School Science teacher Christopher Ranft presented on Science
Inquiry in Action. Students solve a problem by creative thinking and teamwork,
integrating mathematical practices and technology. Library Media Specialist Anna
Jorgensen presented on the essential skills and concepts, including fact finding
and analysis/verification of news sources, digital citizenship, and information
literacy. The Library and Technology/Engineering teachers are collaborating on
online test-taking skills with students, ensuring their comfort with the technology
that will allow them to focus on the assessment content. Technology/Engineering
teacher Hallie Yohe presented curriculum highlights, including the engineering
design process utilized through pictorial design, computer-aided design, product
design, architecture, structures and bridges.
Sterling Middle School Mathematics teacher Evan Pepe presented on Technology
in Mathematics, teachers are differentiating through math stations, integrating
technology through Big Ideas and iReady diagnostics, and sharing content with
students through Aspen pages. With increased online access at home, students
are provided with opportunities beyond the classroom. Students and teachers are
collaborating to take problem-solving to the next level through projects such as
designing a tool to measure wind speed, then collecting and analyzing the data:
measuring the relationship between variables. This project also provides
opportunities to integrate ELA with scientific writing.
At the middle and high school levels, STEM fairs are the occasion for bringing it all
together. These events are collaboration opportunities for the entire STEM team,
provides an emphasis on interdisciplinary connections, and provide different
project pathways that align with student interests. Staff mentors may come from
an expanded range of curriculum areas.
Executive Director Keith Segalla spoke about the plan of expanding Engineering
and Project Lead the Way opportunities at North Quincy High School. Quincy
High School Technology Engineering teacher Paul Tully, STEM learning provides
students with skills that impacts their overall success in all academic areas. Mr.
Tully provided an overview of the Engineering Technology course sequence at
Quincy High School. Seniors may obtain a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency
through completing a capstone project in the Engineering Design & Development.
Mrs. Lebo said it is great to see these veteran teachers’ enthusiasm for these
technology and engineering programs. Our graduates have the tools to be
successful in college-level courses and beyond due to the project-based learning.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the presenters for their continuing to create innovative
curriculum through professional development and independent learning. Thanks
to School Committee for supporting the library media and technology engineering
programs and these wonderful collaborative staff members.
§
New Business
SOI for Squantum
Elementary School
(Vote)
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed that as part of the ongoing working relationship with
the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), Quincy has several
Accelerated Repair Program projects scheduled for Summer 2017: Beechwood
Knoll (windows, doors, roof, boiler); Atherton Hough, Merrymount, and Wollaston
(boilers). The MSBA is now accepting 2017 Statements of Interest for Core
Program and Accelerated Repair Program projects. Dr. DeCristofaro is requesting
authorization to refresh the Core Program Statement of Interest for Squantum
Elementary School and submit Accelerated Repair Statements of Interest for
North Quincy High School (roof) and Parker Elementary School (boiler).
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to approve submitting the Core Program Statement
of Interest for the Squantum Elementary School:
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, prior to
the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter,
by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to
submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest
Form dated April 7, 2017 for the Squantum Elementary School located at 50
Huckins Avenue, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the
following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may
be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority 7: Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to
provide for a full range of programs consistent with the state and approved
local requirements.
Description of Deficiencies for Priority 7: The Squantum Elementary School
was built in 1919 and an addition constructed in 1971. In forty-five years, it
has not received any substantial upgrades or improvements to the
infrastructure or to the interior/exterior structures. Although the custodial
and maintenance staffs are attentive to this building’s operational needs, a
large portion of Squantum’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
were installed during the original construction of the facility. Aside from the
improvements needed to the physical plant, educational components crucial
for 21st century elementary schools are lacking, specifically classrooms
equipped for the integration of educational technology and STEM concepts
integral for standards-based instruction for regular education, Special
Education, and English Language Learner students. Squantum’s nurse’s
office, student support staff offices, cafeteria/ gymnasium, and media center
are all undersized and under-equipped by modern educational standards.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement
of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way
guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a
grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building
Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with
the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.
§
New Business
SOI for North Quincy
High School Roof
(Vote)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to support submitting an Accelerated Repair
Program Statement of Interest for the North Quincy High School roof:
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, prior to
the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter,
by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to
submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest
Form dated February 17, 2017 for the North Quincy High School located at 316
Hancock, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following
deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be
submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility
systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to
increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school
facility.
Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: North Quincy High School was
built in 1926 and renovated in 1980. Several sections of the school roof are
in need of replacement as they are past the expected service life, specifically
the Hunt Street and Oliver Street sides of the building.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement
of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way
guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a
grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building
Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with
the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.
§
New Business
SOI for Parker
Elementary School
Boiler (Vote)
Ms. Isola made a motion to support submitting an Accelerated Repair Program
Statement of Interest for the Parker Elementary School boiler:
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, prior to
the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, bylaws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to
submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest
Form dated February 17, 2017 for the F.W. Parker Elementary School located
at 148 Billings, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following
deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be
submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility
systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to
increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school
facility.
Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The F.W. Parker Elementary School
was built in 1917 and renovated in 1955 and 1995. Given the innovations in
HVAC technology since the building renovation was completed, the F.W. Parker
Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the
installation of a replacement boiler.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of
Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any
other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or
commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.
§
New Business
Gift
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the gift of $6,500 from the Randy C. Wolfe
Trust for the benefit of Quincy Public Schools Music programs. Mrs. Hubley
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
§
New Business
School Nurse
Appointments
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the appointment of School Nurse Mollie
O’Connell. The motion was seconded by Ms. Isola and on a roll call vote, the ayes
have it, 7-0.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the appointment of School Nurse Sara Stanton
Crowley. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a roll call vote, the ayes
have it, 7-0.
On the motion, Mrs. Lebo noted that it is nice to see Quincy Public Schools alums
coming back to work in the school system.
§
Additional Business
As there were no Additional Business items raised, School Committee moved on to
the next item on the agenda.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: School Committee on February 8, 2017 and
March 1 and 15, 2017 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 pm.
Upcoming Subcommittee meetings were announced: Teaching & Learning will
meet on January 30, 2017 at 5:00 pm. Policy will meet on February 6, 2017 at
5:00 pm, followed by Health, Transportation & Safety at 6:00 pm.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mr. Bregoli noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.
Budget & Finance
Mrs. Lebo reported on the January 18, 2017 Budget & Finance Subcommittee
meeting. This meeting was a Quarterly Budget Review and at this time, all budget
expenditures are in line with expected levels for this point in the school year.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for the January 18, 2017 Budget &
Finance Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.
Policy
Mr. Bregoli reported on the January 18, 2017 Policy Subcommittee, where the
draft 2017-2018 School Year and School Committee Meeting calendars were
reviewed.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for the January 18, 2017 Policy
Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.
Facilities & Security
Mrs. Hubley reported on the January 18, 2017 Facilities & Security Subcommittee
meeting. Commissioner of Public Buildings Paul Hines presented on the
remediation efforts underway as a result of the Water Testing completed in Fall
2016. Work is underway at Bernazzani and Lincoln Hancock with a goal of
completing all repairs by September 1, 2017. Dr. DeCristofaro shared a preview of
the Challenges & Opportunities presentation, which will be presented at the
February 8, 2017 School Committee meeting.
Mrs. Mahoney asked about the plans to move the GOALS program, efforts
underway to find a new location, no definite timeline.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for the January 18, 2017 Facilities &
Security Subcommittee meeting were approved as presented.
§
Executive Session
Superintendent’s
Contract
Mayor Koch made a motion for School Committee to go to Executive Session to
discuss the Superintendent’s Contract at 7:35 pm. Mrs. Hubley seconded the
motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
Mayor Koch noted that School Committee would return to the Regular Meeting at
the conclusion of Executive Session.
School Committee returned to Regular Session at 7:50 pm.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to offer Superintendent DeCristofaro a three-year
employment contract, from November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2019, with raises of
2% annually. Ms. Isola seconded the motion.
On the motion, Mayor Koch enthusiastically supported the motion, noting that Dr.
DeCristofaro is very hard working and passionate about the city’s children and
families. The school system continues to grow in positive way, there is
collaboration across city departments, progress in so many areas. Dr.
DeCristofaro is frequently meets with families to resolve issues. Mayor Koch
publicly thanked Superintendent for his leadership, noting that many school
systems are seeking the type of leadership.
Ms. Isola echoed Mayor’s comments, Dr. DeCristofaro has provided many years of
leadership as Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent and understands the
school system in a different way, working hard, interacting with students and
staff, not sitting in the office. Dr. DeCristofaro has assembled a leadership team
second to none. Ms. Isola is pleased to have the benefit of the Superintendent’s
experience for the next three years.
Mr. Bregoli said that he has known the Superintendent for many years, we are
very fortunate to have someone of his character and caliber in this position. Did
not fully appreciate the Superintendent until he became a member of School
Committee and knows how hard he works day in and day out.
On a roll call vote vote, the ayes have it, 5-2. Mr. DeAmicis and Mrs, Mahoney
voted NO.
§
Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:00 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Ms. Isola and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.