Oct. 30, 2019 School Committee Meeting

Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 6:30 pm
Coddington Building

I. Approval of Minutes:

Regular Meeting Minutes for October 16, 2019

II. Open Forum:

An opportunity for community input regarding the Quincy Public Schools.
Community in this context is defined as a resident of the City of Quincy, a parent of a student who attends the Quincy Public Schools, or an employee of the Quincy Public Schools. Non-community persons not permitted to speak at Open Forum may submit written statements to the School Committee. After giving his or her name and address, each speaker may make a presentation of no more than four minutes to the School Committee. An individual may not exchange their time or yield to others.

III. Superintendent’s Report:

A. Inspire Quincy
B. Student Recognitions: Commended National Merit Scholars from QHS & NQHS
C. John & Abigail Adams Scholarships

○ NQHS: November 8 at 9:00 am
○ QHS: November 14 at 8:00 am

D. Parent Academies: Digital Literacy: November 18
E. Fall Institute
F. Professional Educator Status Reception, October 23
G. Mini-Grant Reception, October 29
H. South~West Opening Celebration, Sunday, October 27
I. System Professional Development Afternoon
J. Middle School Athletics City Championships

○ Cross Country, October 24
○ Tennis, October 26

K. Security Newsletter

IV. Old Business:

A. Update for School Committee Policy 10.8.5 Smoking for discussion; eligible for vote on November 13, 2019 - Mr. Bregoli
B. School Year Calendar 2020-2021 for discussion; eligible for vote on November 13, 2019 - Mr. Bregoli
C. MASC Conference Resolutions (Vote) - Mrs. Hubley

V. New Business:

A. Superintendent’s Annual Plan - Dr. DeCristofaro
B. Special Education Learning Center Project (Vote) - Dr. DeCristofaro, Ms. Perkins
C. MASC Conference Delegate (Vote) - Mrs. Hubley
D. School Committee Policy 9.9.3 Internet/Technology Acceptable Use Policy
for referral to the Policy Subcommittee for revision - Mr. Bregoli
E. In State Travel (Overnight): NQHS & QHS HYPER Robotics to FRC Robotics New
England Championship, West Springfield, Massachusetts from April 8 to 11, 2020.
F. Out of State Travel (Overnight):

1. Quincy High School to Yale Model Congress, New Haven, Connecticut from
December 5 to 8, 2019.
2. NQHS & QHS HYPER Robotics to FRC Robotics Competition, Bedford High
School, Bedford, New Hampshire from March 26 to 30, 2020.
3. NQHS AFJROTC to New York City, New York and Hershey, Pennsylvania
from April 3 to 7, 2020.
4. Atlantic Middle School Grade 8 to New York City, New York on June 4 and 5, 2020.

G. Out of the Country Travel: Quincy High School to Paris, France; Venice, Italy;
and Lucerne, Switzerland from April 16 to 24, 2020.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

A. Upcoming School Committee Meetings: November 13, 2019 at 6:30 pm at the
Coddington Building and December 11, 2019 at 6:00 pm at Central Middle School.
B. Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings (at the Coddington Building): Teaching &
Learning: Tuesday, November 12; Tuesday, November 19; Wednesday,
November 20; Monday, November 25

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees:

A. Quarterly Budget & Finance: Mrs. Hubley to report on the October 23, 2019
meeting.
B. Facilities, Transportation & Security: Mr. DeAmicis to report on the October 23,
2019 meeting.
C. Policy: Mr. Bregoli to report on the October 23, 2019 meeting.

IX. Executive Session:

None

X. Adjournment:

Minutes

Quincy, Massachusetts - October 30, 2019

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent DeCristofaro called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Vice Chair.

Vice-Chair Presiding

Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Ms. Sarah Anderson, Ms. Donna Cunningham, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Marisa Forrester, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Kimberly Quinn, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Robert Shaw, Ms. Helena Skinner, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; and Citywide Parent Council President Scott Alessandro.

School Committee Member James DeAmicis was absent.

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There was a moment of silence for the men and women serving in the armed forces at home and overseas.

Mrs. Lebo 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 10.16.2019

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 16, 2019 Regular Meeting.

On the motion, Mr. Gutro requested to delete the last sentence of the first paragraph on page 10 as it was without attribution.

Mr. Andronico seconded the motion to approve the minutes as amended. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Open Forum

Citywide Parent Council President Scott Alessandro announced that Citywide and the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education are hosting a Parent Forum on the proposed Special Education Learning Center on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 6:00 pm at 180 Old Colony Avenue.

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Superintendent's Report

Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by sharing the Inspire Quincy video, including highlights from the SADD Summit, STEM week activities, the Middle School Cross Country City Meet, Middle School Professional Development with Charlie Appelstein, Middle School Tennis City Tournament, Professional Staff Recognition, and the South~West Middle School Dedication.

Dr. DeCristofaro then recognized the National Merit Commended Scholars: Kaylin Chan, Benjamin DeBisschop, Abigail Der, and Sarah Pillone from North Quincy High School and Caitlin Ho, Patrick Rak, Jennifer Segale, and Michalina Weglarzy from Quincy High School. Of the 1.5 million students who took the PSAT in October 2018, these students are among the top 50,000 nationwide.

After a brief recess, Superintendent DeCristofaro resumed his Report by announcing that DESE Commissioner Riley will be visiting Quincy Public Schools on Thursday, November 14 at 11:00 am at Central Middle School.

Recent Quincy Public Schools events include the Special Olympics at the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center on October 25 and the Professional Educator Status reception held on October 23. At yesterday’s Mini-Grant Reception, 100 staff members received funding for innovative projects that benefit students across the school system. On Sunday, October 27, the South~West Middle School was officially dedicated. The Middle School Cross Country City Meet was held on October 23, with 160 students from all five middle schools participating. The Middle School City Tennis Championships was held on October 26, with 88 students representing all five middle schools.

188 graduating seniors have been awarded the John & Abigail Adams Scholarships for scoring in the top 25% district-wide on the Grade 10 MCAS Assessments. The scholarship covers eight semesters of tuition at any University of Massachusetts, state university, or community college campus.

The Fall Institute began this past Saturday at the elementary school sites, over 160 students participating. The Fall Institute will continue on November 2, 9, and 16.

Upcoming Quincy Public Schools events include the Digital Literacy Parent Academy on November 18. The Homework Initiative will meet again this Friday, November 1 at 8:30 am to continue working on the revision of the Homework Guide and suggestions for revision to the School Committee Homework Policy.

The new Quincy Public Schools Website development is continuing and on schedule for a Winter 2020 launch. The new website will be shared with School Committee at an upcoming meeting.

Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that the Safety & Security Newsletter had been shared with School Committee.

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Old Business

School Committee Policy 10.8.5 Tobacco and Smoke Free Schools (Discussion)

At the October 23, 2019 Policy Subcommittee meeting, the proposed revision to School Committee Policy 10.8.5 Tobacco and Smoke Free Schools Policy was approved as presented to be moved to the full School Committee for discussion at this meeting. The proposed revised Policy will be posted on the QPS website for public comment and is eligible to be voted on at the November 13, 2019 School Committee meeting.

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Old Business

2020-2021 School Year Calendar (Discussion)

Mr. Bregoli introduced the revised proposed calendar for the 2020-2021 School Year. The only change from the previous version was to make the November 3 Presidential Election Day a No School day.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the amended 2020-2021 School Year Calendar as presented. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

This calendar will be posted on the QPS website for public comment and is eligible to be voted on at the November 13, 2019 School Committee meeting.

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Old Business

MASC Conference Resolutions

Mrs. Hubley reviewed the Resolutions to be voted on at the Massachusetts Association of School Committees General Meeting on November 8, 2019. School Committee voted to support a position on each resolution that Mrs. Hubley will vote on their behalf as a Delegate.

  1. Banning Polystyrene from Schools: Mr. Bregoli made a motion to support this resolution, seconded by Mrs. Lebo. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mr. DeAmicis was absent.

  2. Pertaining to Educator Diversity and Professional Licensure: Mrs. Lebo made a motion to not support this resolution. On a roll call vote the ayes have it 6-0. Mr. DeAmicis was absent.

  3. School Transportation: Mrs. Lebo noted that this resolution does not pertain to Quincy Public Schools. Mayor Koch made a motion to support the resolution, seconded by Mr. Andronico. On a roll call vote the ayes have it 6-0. Mr. DeAmicis was absent.

  4. Climate Change: Mrs. Hubley recommended supporting this resolution. Mr. Gutro made a motion to support the resolution, seconded by Mr. Andronico. On a roll call vote the ayes have it 6-0. Mr. DeAmicis was absent.

  5. Full Funding of Transportation Costs for Students in Foster Care and State Care Mrs. Lebo made a motion to support this resolution. On the motion, Mayor Koch asked how this will affect Quincy Public Schools. Mr. Mullaney said that transportation of homeless and foster care students is currently unfunded mandate. Mayor Koch seconded the motion. On a roll call vote the ayes have it 6-0. Mr. DeAmicis was absent.

  6. Universal Quality Pre-Kindergarten Access in Massachusetts Mayor Koch asked what the effect would be for Quincy Public Schools. Mr. Mullaney said there would be an increase in Chapter 70 funding, but there would be space issues and we would essentially be adding a grade and this would be different from going from Half-Day to Full-Day Kindergarten. Mayor Koch made a motion not to support the resolution, seconded by Mr. Bregoli. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 4-0. Mr. Andronico and Mr. Gutro ABSTAINED and Mr. DeAmicis was absent.

  7. Poverty and Children Mayor Koch made a motion to support the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Hubley. On the motion, Mr. Bregoli said this resolution also includes Universal Pre-Kindergarten. Mayor Koch withdrew his motion. Mr. Bregoli made a motion to reject this resolution, seconded by Mayor Koch. On a roll call vote, the motion did not carry. Mayor Koch and Mr. Bregoli voted YES, Mr. Andronico, Mr. Gutro, Mrs. Hubley, and Mrs. Lebo ABSTAINED, and Mr. DeAmicis was absent. Mrs. Hubley will not vote on this resolution at the MASC General Meeting.

  8. Resolution for Access to Menstrual Supplies Mrs. Lebo made a motion to support the resolution, seconded by Mr. Gutro. On a roll call vote the ayes have it 6-0. Mr. DeAmicis was absent.

  9. Charter School Reform Mrs. Lebo said that this is a very confusing resolution and poorly written. Mr. Bregoli made a motion to reject the resolution. On the motion, Mr. Andronico suggested that Mrs. Hubley abstain from voting on this resolution. Mr, Bregoli withdrew his motion. Mr. Andronico made a motion that Mrs. Hubley abstain from voting on this resolution, seconded by Mr. Bregoli. On a roll call vote the ayes have it 6-0. Mr. DeAmicis was absent.

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New Business

Superintendent’s Annual Plan 2018-2019 Review

Superintendent DeCristofaro reviewed that his 2018-2019 Superintendent’s Annnual Plan consisted of five goals: two Superintendent’s Goals and three District Improvement/School Committee Goals. Superintendent’s Goal #1 Quincy Public Schools Administrative Evaluation: During the 2018-2019 school year, the Superintendent will evaluate all Principals, Directors, and Coordinators. The Principals and Superintendent’s Leadership Team members each have a Professional Practice and Student Learning Goal, in addition to the goals found in the School and Program Improvement Plans. Through the Principal’s Path; Assessment Days; Design, Grade Level, and Vertical Teams; and Professional Development increased focus on differentiated instruction and meeting the needs of all learners lead to increased achievement and family engagement.

Superintendent’s Goal #2 Improvement of State Accountability Level: During the 2018-2019 school year, the Superintendent will work with Principals and the Superintendent’s Leadership Team on the following goal: In the Fall of 2019, the district will measure improvement for the non-high school lowest performing student cohort in Mathematics and ELA by increasing the number of points earned for the ELA and Mathematics Achievement Total from 4 points in 2018 to 6 points in 2019 as evidenced by DESE’s 2019 District and School Accountability Report. At the Principal’s Symposium on Lowest Performing Students, strategies for intervening and support were shared and through regular Integrated Learning Team collaboration, the intensive focus was rewarded through student achievement exceeding the goal by one point. Dr. DeCristofaro noted that there is a relationship between this goal and the initiative focused on Chronic Absenteeism as there is significant overlap between the two groups of students.

School Committee/Superintendent District Improvement Goal #1 Quincy Public Schools District Improvement Plan: Involve stakeholders in a District Improvement Plan that includes a diagnosis of the Quincy Public Schools’ strengths and areas of improvement in regard to student achievement and organizational performance. All of the Quincy Public Schools teams will follow the Planning, Implementing, Reflecting, and Assessing cyclical process. Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the District Improvement Plan as the foundation for managing change and adapting to changing student and family needs. The Quincy Public Schools Organizational Chart reflects the characteristics of leadership: participatory, contributory, distributive, and collaborative. The Quincy Public Schools Framework is organized by the six standards of Leadership, Governance & Communication; Curriculum & Instruction; Assessment & Program Evaluation; Human Resource Management & Professional Development; Access, Participation & Student Support; Financial Asset Management, Effectiveness & Efficiency. The School Committee has connections to the District Improvement Plan through their Subcommittee work, including the review of the School and Program Improvement and Professional Development Plans, developing and monitoring the Budget, and creating and reviewing Policy. Over 100 teams support the School and Program Improvement Plan Goals and Action Steps and the many Quincy Public Schools Initiatives. Goal alignment begins with the Quincy School Committee and Superintendent to the Curriculum & Assessment Management Team to the School & Program Improvement Plans and finally to the Teams and Individual Educators. Reflection and assessment takes place through Educator Evaluation process and Assessment Days.

School Committee/Superintendent District Improvement Goal #2 Home-School Connections: During the 2018-2019 school year, the Superintendent’s Leadership and Principal Teams, in collaboration with the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education and the Citywide Parents Council, will co-sponsor at least ten home-school connections events. In 2018-2019, the Aspen Family Portal implementation rolled out in May 2019; multiple Health and Wellness events were planned and executed; the English Learner Parent Advisory Council was launched; and ten Parent Academy events were hosted by Quincy Public Schools on topics important to families at various grade levels. For example, to address concerns about Vaping interventions, a summer newsletter was created for the Grade 8 to 9 transitioning students and families. Dr. DeCristofaro shared examples of school-based activities, such as Movie Nights, Family Dances, International Nights, and Curriculum focused family events, such as Literacy Nights and STEM Fairs and Showcases.

School Committee/Superintendent District Improvement Goal #3 System Initiative Management: As an extension to the Quincy Public Schools District Improvement Plan, the Superintendent will work with Principals, Superintendents Leadership Team, school community, and stakeholders to renew, establish, and manage 10-15 system initiatives. During the 2018-2019 school year, initiative effectiveness will be measured through School Committee and Subcommittee presentations, benchmarks, action steps, and sources of evidence. Under Standard 1 Leadership, Governance & Communication, there are Budget Development and Monitoring, the Quincy School~Community Partnership, and the DESE Promising Practices Review. Under Standard 2 Curriculum & Instruction, initiatives include Standards Mapping and Implementation, Digital Learning Teams, Digital Literacy, Elementary Keyboarding, Project Lead the Way for Grades 6-12, Advanced Placement Pathways for Grades 5-12, Co-Teaching, the STEM Speaker Series (including Nobel Laureates), Girl Rising, Grade 8 Project-Based Learning, and revising the Homework Guidelines. For Standard 3 Assessment & Program Evaluation, initiatives focused on implementing the Next Generation Assessments, reviewing and revising Special Education Pathways, Middle School Math Differentiation, and Grade 5 Science. For Standard 4 Human Resource Management & Professional Development, the Mentoring Program and Educator Evaluation are continuing initiatives. For Standard 5 Access, Participation & Student Support, PBIS, Substance Use Education & Prevention, the Inclusive YMCA program, SEI Endorsement for CVTE Teachers, Interventions for Chronically Absent Students, the VOCAL Survey, and Dual Enrollment were initiatives completed. Under Standard 6 Financial Asset Management, Efficiency & Effectiveness, Technology Planning and Training and the MSBA Accelerated Repair and Core Program projects are ongoing.

Mrs. Lebo said that the next step is to begin the process of evaluating Superintendent DeCristofaro. The Evaluation process will be discussed at the November 12, 2019 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meeting.

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New Business

Special Education Learning Center Project

Mrs. Lebo introduced Mayor Koch to speak about the proposed acquisition of the building located at 180 Old Colony Avenue.

Mr. Gutro objected to the request for a vote under the provisions of School Committee Policy 2.4.3 and moved to table the vote until the November 13, 2019 School Committee Meeting, following the Parent Forum scheduled for November 6, 2019.

Mayor Koch challenged the objection on the grounds that he had the floor and Mr. Gutro had not been recognized.

Mr. Gutro shared copies of School Committee Policy 2.4.3 School Committee Meeting Procedures with School Committee.

Mrs. Lebo called a recess at 8:15 pm to confer with Deputy Superintendent Mulvey.

After calling the meeting back to order at 8:18 pm, Mrs. Lebo stated that Mayor Koch had the floor.

Mayor Koch reviewed that in his twelve years on School Committee, it has long been a goal to keep students closer to home, and spend less time on transportation outside the city. In monitoring the budget, the continuing rising costs for outplaced Special Education tuitions and transportation has been discussed many times.

The site at Old Colony Avenue is owned by Eastern Nazarene College and Mayor Koch was notified that the building was available. After preliminary conversations with Dr. DeCristofaro about the possibilities, Public Buildings staff and Wessling Architects have looked at the facility structure and preliminary assessment of work needed has been completed. The City of Quincy has made an offer to purchase the building that has been accepted. The reason for the motion tonight would be for the School Committee to indicate to City Council the support for the building acquisition for educational purposes.

City Council will meet in Finance Subcommittee on November 18, 2019 and once they approve the financial transaction in Subcommittee and in full City Council, School Committee will have the opportunity to approve the educational plan for the facility. Mayor Koch said over the years, parents and community members have suggested more in-house programming than Quincy Public Schools have had the facilities to offer. Mayor Koch said that families move to Quincy because of the educational opportunities, has no doubt that the Quincy Public Schools team will develop a program second to none. Mayor Koch said that some of our students require extra special care and there will always be students outplaced, but once this program is established, there may be future opportunities for other programs to be brought in house.

Mrs. Lebo asked Mr. Gutro if he is raising the objection to the vote or the presentation. Mr. Gutro said that per the School Committee Policy and Robert’s Rules, once the objection is raised, the item should be tabled and discussion cannot happen. Mr. Gutro said that this has never been a formal item on a School Committee Agenda in his two years on School Committee.

Mrs. Lebo suggested that the presentation could still proceed even if the vote is tabled.

Mrs. Hubley asked if this is the same process that was followed when the St. Mary’s School property was purchased. Mayor Koch said it was similar, the request was to purchase the property for educational purposes, although no further discussion has taken place as the Squantum Elementary School project is currently the city priority. Mayor Koch said the City Council must approve the financial appropriation to purchase the facility and School Committee would approve the educational plan.

Mrs. Lebo said that in her experience in Quincy Public Schools, there has been care not to point out that Special Education costs are a large portion of the budget, so that families do not feel negatively impacted.

Mrs. Lebo asked Mr. Gutro to specify whether he is objecting to the presentation in addition to the vote. Mr. Gutro deferred to Mr. Andronico before answering.

Mr. Andronico suggested that the presentation and the vote are not separate items and proposed hearing the presentation under Additional Business.

Mr. Gutro agreed to proceeding with the presentation as the School Committee has not had information to date.

Mr. Bregoli objected to the delaying of the project based on Parliamentary procedure.

Mrs. Lebo moved to end the discussion and take the Agenda out of order and move to Additional Business.

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Additional Business (Out of Order)

Proposed Special Education Learning Center

Superintendent DeCristofaro reviewed the exploratory work done to date on the potential development of the Special Education Learning Center. Last week, members of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team, Special Education staff, representatives from Citywide Parent Council toured the site and developed a list of FAQs to be answered about the Learning Center. In addition, conversations have taken place with DESE Associate Commissioner Russell Johnson, Commissioner Hines from Public Buildings, and staff from Wessling Architects.

Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, and Special Education Director Erin Perkins presented an overview of the project plan as it stands today. The planned mission of the Learning Center is to create an atmosphere that promotes personal independence and enables students to become active members in their home community. Our goal is to provide evidence-based instruction designed to address students communications and social skills, academic abilities, and social emotional needs in a school that is located within their own community.

Four learning neighborhoods that would be developmentally appropriate are being planned: Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten; Kindergarten to Grade 2; Grades 3-5; and Grades 6-8. Calming colors will differentiate between the neighborhoods, which will each include a dedicated therapy space. Unique features would include a motor room, an adaptive playground, a music therapy room, sensory spaces, a vocational life skills classroom. In addition, a Professional Development room and a Parent Center would be included. All CARES classes will feature low student to teacher ratios, and be organized around the principles of applied behavioral analysis. Each student will have a program book that contains detailed plans for implementing the student IEPs.

The proposed schedule would have staggered start and end times for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten through Grade 8 (8:30 am to 2:45 pm). The Learning Center would follow the Quincy Public Schools calendar and also offer a 6-week summer program. Beyond the Bell after school extracurricular programming tailored to students needs would be provided and discussions are underway with Quincy After School Childcare to provide care at the Learning Center.

Support services offered onsite would include Speech & Language, Occupational, Physical, and Music Therapies; Adaptive Physical Education; a Behavioral Assessment Team and ongoing assessment of skills. Inclusive opportunities will include outside activities at the YMCA, horseback riding, ice skating, and academic inclusion at the student’s home schools. Receiving classroom teachers would be trained prior to the student arrival and the student will be supported by a familiar staff member from the Learning Center.

Professional Development will be ongoing throughout the school year. The Parent Resource Center can support ABA training for home implementation, provide an office and library/resource center for the Quincy Parent Advisory Council, and a site for Parent Academies.

Educational technology needs include the regular smartboards, projectors and desktops/laptops. In addition, assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication devices such as iPads, Go Talk, Nova Chat, and Logan ProxTalker will be provided, For Student Dining, School Nutrition Director Sara Dufour is involved in developing the facility design for the implementation of a full-service breakfast and lunch program that follows the National School Lunch Program. The floor plan will be welcoming and accommodating to the needs of all students. For recreation and leisure, there will be an inclusive playground, a children’s art gallery, sensory spaces and therapy rooms, vocational life skills classroom, and motor room. Community partners will include the YMCA, Work Inc., Melmark, South Shore Hospital and Milton Hospital, and South Shore Autism.

Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey spoke about the legal requirements to establish a Public Separate Day Program. The first step is to file an intent, this letter was submitted on October 21 to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This letter included identifying the population being served, which was included in the letter. Next steps would be to identify the educational characteristics of the program; identify the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the program; identify where and how the educational services will be provided.

Dr. DeCristofaro said that Ms. Perkins’ experience as a teacher of substantially separate classrooms is critical to the development of a successful program. The next piece is for School Committee to agree that this is the program, for the architects to respond to that with the appropriate design and Public Buildings for the execution of the building plan.

Mr. Bregoli asked if other school systems have developed similar programs. Ms. Perkins said the list of Public School Day programs can be shared with School Committee.

Mrs. Hubley asked about student to adult ratio for Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8. Ms. Perkins said that the goal is 1:3 ratio, with a teacher and 3 or more paraprofessionals, depending on student IEPs.

Mrs. Hubley asked about transition to high school. Ms. Perkins said there is potential to create a high school classroom in the future or students may attend the Learning Center/LEAP program at North Quincy High School.

Mrs. Hubley said the child care option on site will be a huge benefit for families.

Mr. Andronico asked what the process would be to bring students back to an in- house program. Dr. DeCristofaro said that students transition back into Quincy Public Schools regularly, but that a new process will be developed for this transition.

Mr. Andronico asked if there is a goal for a number of students to bring back. Dr. DeCristofaro said enrollment projections would be developed as some existing in-house programs may move here in addition to families with students placed out being offered the option to attend the Learning Center. Dr. DeCristofaro said a very preliminary estimate would be that the Learning Center would have 400 students. Mr. Andronico asked if there is a number of students that would need to be reached in order to make the savings evident but this information is not yet available. Mr. Andronico thanked the team for the hard work, a good step forward that answered many parent questions.

Mr. Bregoli asked about anticipated new staff needs. Dr. DeCristofaro said there is still work to be done before projections can be made but he is anticipating that tuition and transportation savings will cover the additional staffing. Dr. DeCristofaro mentioned that preliminary staffing will include two nurses.

Mr. Bregoli said that inclusion is an important piece and required by law and asked if inclusion opportunities will require transportation. Ms. Perkins said that Quincy Public Schools already does home school inclusion with transportation in some cases and one way to manage this would be that students start the day in their home school and are then transported to the Learning Center in the afternoon.

Mr. Gutro requested to see the list of FAQs. Mr. Gutro asked for more detail around the populations who would be moved from other locations. There are currently 57 students with Autism outplaced, not all would be eligible to return in house.

Mayor Koch made a motion to continue the meeting as it has exceeded the three-hour time limit. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Gutro asked if parents can reject the move to bring in house, Ms. Perkins said placement modification is part of the IEP process and parents must agree. Mr. Gutro asked about the total number of Special Education students, there are 1700 system-wide. Mr. Gutro requested notification to parents to promote the November 6 Parent Forum. Mr. Gutro asked about the students out of district, what is the basis for outplacement. Ms. Perkins said it is based on level of need, the specific programming was not available in Quincy Public Schools.

Mayor Koch said that the intention is to keep parents engaged, the November 6 Parent Forum is just the beginning. There will be individual contact for every family involved.

Mrs. Lebo said the item will appear on the November 13, 2019 School Committee meeting as eligible for vote.

Mrs. Lebo motioned to return to the regular Agenda order and resumed New Business.

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New Business

MASC Conference Delegate (Vote)

Mayor Koch made a motion to appoint Mrs. Kathryn Hubley to represent the Quincy School Committee as the Delegate to the MASC General Meeting. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

School Committee Policy 9.9.3 Internet/ Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to move School Committee Policy 9.9.3 Internet/Technology Acceptable Use Policy to Policy Subcommittee for review and updating. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

In State Travel (Overnight)

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the In-State Travel (Overnight) of NQHS & QHS HyperRobotics to FRC Robotics New England Championship in West Springfield, Massachusetts from April 8 to 10, 2020. Mrs Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. (Mrs. Hubley abstained)

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New Business

Out of State Travel (Overnight)

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Quincy High School to the Yale Model Congress at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut from December 5 to 8, 2019. Mr. Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. (Mr. Gutro abstained).

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of NQHS & QHS HyperRobotics to FRC Robotics Competition at Bedford High School, Bedford, New Hampshire from March 26 to 30, 2020. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of NQHS AFJROTC to New York City, New York and Hershey, Pennsylvania from April 3 to 7, 2020. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Atlantic Middle School Grade 8 to New York City, New York from June 4 to 5, 2020. Mr. Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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New Business

Out of the Country Travel

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of the Country Travel of Quincy High School to Paris, France; Venice Italy; and Lucerne, Switzerland from April 16 to 24, 2020. Mr. Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Additional Business (resumed)

There were no other items for Additional Business

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Communications

Upcoming School Committee meetings will be held on November 13, 2019 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 pm and on December 11, 2019 at Central Middle School at 6:00 pm.

Upcoming Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meetings for School Improvement Plan presentations will be held on November 12, 2019 (High School SIPs and Early Childhood); November 19 and 20, 2019 (Elementary SIPs); and November 25, 2019 (Middle School SIPs). All Subcommittee meetings will begin at 6:00 pm.

Mrs. Hubley requested a thank you be sent to the Seaside Stitchers at the Senior Center on behalf of School Committee, they recently donated over 200 handmade items plus 50 purchased hats, mittens, scarfs for students in need.

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Reports of Subcommittees

All School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com/schoolcomm/2019-2020.

Quarterly Budget & Finance

Mrs. Hubley reviewed the Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee Meeting from October 23, 2019. Director of Business James Mullaney presented an FY2020 Staffing Reconciliation and a review of the 1st Quarter expenses for FY2020.

As Mr. DeAmicis was absent, the review of the Facilities, Security & Transportation Subcommittee Meeting held on October 23, 2019 was deferred to the November 13, 2019 agenda.

Policy

Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Policy Subcommittee Meeting held on October 23, 2019, where the Technology & Training Program Improvement Plan was presented and revisions to School Committee Policy 10.8.5 Smoking were approved, along with a draft 2020-2021 School Year Calendar.

As there were no corrections, the minutes of the October 23, 2019 Quarterly Budget & Finance and Policy Subcommittees were accepted as presented.

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Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

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Adjournment

Mrs. Lebo thanked the parents and staff for staying through this very long meeting

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 10:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.