Minutes
Quincy, MASSACHUSETTS – May 8, 2024
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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 8, 2024 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, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Courtney Perdios, and School Committee Vice Chair Mrs. Tina Cahill.
Also present were: Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Ms. Allison Cox, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. Michael Marani, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Maura Papile, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri; NQHS Student Representative Enhea Panariti and Quincy Education Association President Ms. Gayle Carvalho; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
School Committee observed a moment of silence for the following Quincy Public Schools retirees who passed away recently: Peter Mosillo, recently passed away at the age of 100. A lifelong Quincy resident, he had a combined 44 years of service to the City of Quincy, first as a Highway Department staff member, then a Quincy Police officer, and finally as the QPS Food Services messenger for 15 years before his retirement at age 84. Anne Foster, a Special Education teacher for over twenty-five years at the Merrymount, Snug Harbor, Adams, and Montclair Elementary schools. Ms. Foster also served as the Vice-President of the Quincy Education Association.
Mrs. Cahill 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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Open Forum
As there was no one to speak at Open Forum, School Committee moved onto the next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent’s
Report
Superintendent Mulvey opened his report by updating that the Quincy High School History Bowl Team was recently in Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championships. Team members Ramona Bentzel, Konrad Brown, and Eddie Giza won the top place in their bracket. Eddie Giza also competed in the JV History Bee National Championships, placing 13th out of 151 students. Quincy High School’s History Bowl Team also qualified to compete in the International History Olympiad, which will be held in London in July 2025.
Upcoming Quincy Public Schools Events include the annual Quincy High School Fashion Show will be held on Thursday, May 9 at 7:00; the Boston Celtics & Arbella Insurance All-Star Carnival on Friday May 10 for students from all five middle schools who qualified based on their school attendance or participation in the writing and art contest; and the Quincy Multicultural Festival on Saturday, May 11 from noon to 4:00 pm, showcasing the diverse cultures of our community through music, food, and art.
Quincy Public Schools is collaborating with Walker Therapeutics to present a Parent Academy on Understanding Anxiety on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 pm via Zoom. The Middle School Spring Track season will come to a close on Thursday, May 16 with the Citywide Track Meet at 3:30 pm at Faxon Field. On Saturday, May 18, the annual Grades 5-8 Robotics competition will be held at Quincy High School beginning at 10:00 am. Also on May 18, the Montclair Elementary School will host the 88th Annual May Festival from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The annual Art Shows will be held on Monday, May 20 at 5:00 pm at Quincy High School and Thursday, May 23 at North Quincy High School at 5:30 pm. The QPS Physical Education staff is hosting a Community Fitness Night for students and parents in Kindergarten through Grade 5 on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:00 pm at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Our newest QPS families are invited to the Welcome to Kindergarten Parent Academy on Thursday, May 30 at 6:00 pm at Central Middle School. Citywide music concerts are scheduled for May 20 at 6:00 pm at Quincy High School for the All-City Strings Program and on May 23 at 6:00 pm at North Quincy High School for the All-City Jazz Band.
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Old Business
Policies 7.5.2, 7.5.3,
10.11, 10.11.1,
10.11.4
Mr. Gutro reviewed that a number of Health Policy revisions proposed by Health Services Coordinator Andrea Huwar are eligible for vote this evening.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to remove Policy 7.5.2 School-Based Public Access Defibrillation Program from the School Committee Policy Book and renumber subsequent sections as needed. Mayor Koch seconded the motion, and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the revision of School Committee Policy 7.5.3 CPR Training/Abdominal Thrusts as presented. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion, and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the revision of School Committee Policy 10.11 Student Health Services & Requirements as presented. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion, and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the revision of School Committee Policy 10.11.1 Physical Examination of Students as presented. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion, and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the revision of School Committee Policy 10.11.4 Administering Medication to Students as presented. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion, and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
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New Business
FY2025 City of Quincy
Budget Overview
Mayor Koch presented an overview of the FY2025 City of Quincy Budget, noting that the increased appropriation for Quincy Public Schools ($134 million, an increase of 5.2%), is higher than the rate of inflation. Mayor Koch noted that the school budget does not include expenses carried in other departments, including the cost of health insurance and other employee benefits and support for schools by the Police, Fire, Natural Resource, Public Buildings, and Public Works departments. Quincy Public Schools overall receives 51.3% of the City’s annual expenditures. Mayor Koch said the budget is a little tighter than in previous years, allows for level services but not for the creation of new programs.
The City of Quincy has invested in school infrastructure, with twenty MSBA projects completed or in process (Core and Accelerated Repair Program projects); an investment of over $300,000,000.00 with close to 60% reimbursed by the state. Quincy Public Schools is first in teacher retention among the state’s largest school systems, class sizes are favorable. Mayor Koch thanked to all of the Quincy Public Schools staff and administrators, using the resources and tools provided by the residents of the City to provide so many opportunities for our students.
Superintendent Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Perkins, and Business Director James Mullaney will present the FY2025 Quincy Public Schools Budget at the May 22, 2024 School Committee meeting.
Mrs. Lebo noted that Quincy Public Schools did not use ESSER funding for staffing, knowing that it was temporary. Other districts are cutting positions due to the ESSER funding ending in September 2024.
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New Business
Hope & Comfort
Program Presentation
Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile introduced Hope & Comfort CEO Kerry Carter who presented on the partnership with the Quincy Public Schools to provide free essential hygiene products for students, including soap, toothpaste, and menstrual products. Snug Harbor Community School has been the pilot site, and the program will expand next school year. Hygiene insecurity is a hidden crisis, essential hygiene products are not covered by SNAP or WIC benefits. The impact of hygiene insecurity affects physical and mental health, school attendance, and employment. In Quincy, 4,200 families receive SNAP benefits and may have the associated lack of access to hygiene products.
Hope & Comfort is a non-profit distributor of essential hygiene products to families in Massachusetts, purchased in bulk and stored in three locations using funds donated by individuals, foundations, corporations, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Hygiene products are distributed through 500 partner locations in food banks, schools, colleges, health centers, youth organizations, and homeless shelters. This year, 5,000,000 products will be distributed, including 3,000 units to Snug Harbor Community School families. The next distribution in May will in quantities to take the families through the summer.
Mrs. Lebo thanked Ms. Carter and asked for clarification, the supplies are for the whole family.
Mr. Bregoli asked for more information on the expansion next school year; Broad Meadows, Point Webster, and South~West Middle Schools will be the next schools to benefit from the program.
Mrs. Perdios asked if all families receive the packages, this was the model at Snug Harbor, the distribution was done universally. Mrs. Perdios noted that the Big Smiles program also provides oral supplies to some schools.
Mr. Gutro asked how often the supplies will be distributed, Ms. Cox said the distributions will be quarterly and the goal is to continue adding schools and maintaining the existing distribution sites.
Mrs. Papile said that family engagement will be important as this continues to expand. For example, families are encouraged to return products they may not use or need for re-allocation.
Mrs. Hubley asked about students with allergies, Ms. Cox said Hope & Comfort purchases fragrance-free products whenever possible.
Mrs. Perdios said that since families might have students at multiple schools, managing the distribution will become more complex as the program expands.
Superintendent Mulvey said this initiative is another support for our families and will have an impact in our work to increase student attendance.
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New Business
QPS Summer Programs
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Erin Perkins and Curriculum Director Michael Marani shared an overview of the Quincy Public Schools Summer Program. Thanks to the Curriculum & Assessment Team for the planning and organization of these programs that serve over 1,500 students. The overall objective is to provide high-quality summer learning experiences that intentionally monitor, promote, and reinforce the health and well-being of students and staff. Social-emotional and wellness activities are embedded throughout these programs; Walker Therapeutics & Quincy Asian Resources have middle and high school wellness groups scheduled weekly throughout the summer. Free summer lunch is provided at five locations throughout the city in July and August.
For students entering Grades 1-5, essential skill development is supported through Bridges to Reading and Math (by invitation) and curriculum enrichment through Quest for Learning (open registration). For students entering Grades 6-8, Summer Boost is for students with academic challenges (by invitation), Hands-On Math and STEM Academy Programs (open registration). For students entering Grades 7-9, the Quincy Summer Theater Arts Academy offers an afternoon option and focuses on theatrical production and performance. For high school students, credit recovery is offered through Summer Pathways to Success (by invitation), Ladders to Success for students entering Grade 9 (by invitation, partnership with MassHire), and Summer YouthWorks (partnership with MassHire and 33 partner organizations).
The Early College High School Pathway Summer Academy, free tuition and fees, textbooks and materials, for 3- and 4-credit courses at Quincy College.
For Special Education students, CARES Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students will attend the daily program at the new Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center; Grades 1-12 CARES and Learning Center students are invited to attend the summer program at South~West Middle School. Transitional Kindergarten and Language Development students are invited to attend programs at Clifford Marshall.
English Learners entering Grades 1-5 will be invited to attend Camp Can Do at Clifford Marshall, while students entering Grades 6-9 are invited to the Middle School SWELL Academy at Central Middle School.
Summer curriculum work will include high school curriculum mapping for core subject areas; middle school will be focusing on social studies and science curriculum work. At the elementary school level, ST Math roll out preparation and planning and a course on Structured Literacy will be offered.
Registration is underway via the QPS website (through the end of May) and outreach to families for invitation programs is continuing. Staff hiring is also underway as are purchases of supplies and resource materials.
Dr. Perkins thanked Mayor Koch for the support, these programs have a huge impact on our students and families.
Mrs. Hubley asked about the number of staff involved, Dr. Perkins said around 250 professional staff plus paraprofessionals.
Mrs. Lebo said the summer programming for English Learners and Special Education students are very important, preventing academic regression as much as possible. Mrs. Lebo clarified that the MassHire grant-funded programs have criteria such as family income to qualify.
Mr. Gutro asked about funding, Dr. Perkins said a mixture of ESSER funding (70% of summer program funding, expires in September 2024), grant funding, and the QPS budget.
Mrs. Perdios asked if the enrollment is tracking with the same time last year, and Mr. Marani confirmed. Mrs. Perdios asked for additional information about the Bridge program, there is additional Orton Gillingham and tutoring available to support reading skills. Mrs. Perdios asked about advanced programming, that is now part of the Quest program. Mrs. Perdios suggested using grade ranges rather than elementary, middle designations.
Mrs. Perdios said the Theater program was impressive last summer, the schedule works with teens who may not want to get up early in the summer. This is a feeder program to enhance high school drama program.
Mr. Bregoli said this is a remarkable range of offerings, special thanks to our teachers for giving up part of their summer to provide these opportunities for our students.
Dr. Perkins said between Quincy Public Schools and the Recreation Department programming, there is something for everyone in Quincy.
Mrs. Hubley suggested expanding the theater program to have an offering for Grades 5-6.
Mrs. Cahill asked about the total cost for the summer programs, Dr. Perkins said $500,000.00
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New Business
School Committee
Goal Setting Document
Mrs. Cahill noted that MASC Field Representative James Hardy sent a memo with the School Committee Goals discussed at the Workshop meeting on March 23, 2024.
Mrs. Perdios requested that the goals be posted for public feedback.
Mrs. Lebo suggested scheduling a Workshop meeting for Goal Setting to set priorities and fine-tune the document.
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New Business
SSEC Board
Representative
(VOTE)
Mayor Koch made a motion for Superintendent Mulvey to continue to represent Quincy Public Schools on the South Shore Educational Collaborative Board. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
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New Business
Policy Book Section
10.8.4 Referral to
Subcommittee
Mr. Gutro made a motion to refer School Committee Policy Book Section 10.8.4 Hazing to Policy Subcommittee for review and updating as needed. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Policy Book Section
2.4.10 Referral to
Subcommittee
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to refer School Committee Policy Book Section 2.4.10 Public Participation at Subcommittees to Policy Subcommittee. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Consent Agenda
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the items listed under the Consent Agenda: Approval of the April 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes; Grants from the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Department of Higher Education; and Student Travel (Atherton Hough Grade 5 and Central Middle School Grade 6 to Canobie Lake Park and North Quincy AFJROTC to Camp Edwards/Otis Air Force Base).
Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
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Additional Business
Mrs. Cahill requested to discuss seeking independent legal counsel to respond to the City Council resolution on Lunar New Year becoming a Quincy Public Schools holiday.
Mayor Koch said that since the item is not on the posted agenda, it would be a violation of Open Meeting Law to take up the item tonight. The item can be placed on the next meeting agenda.
Mr. Bregoli said the City Council resolution undermines the authority of the School Committee.
Mrs. Lebo said the City Council resolution has repercussions for School Committees throughout the state, colleagues in other cities and towns are concerned.
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Communications
Mrs. Cahill noted upcoming School Committee Regular Meetings on May 22, 2024 at Historic City Hall and June 12, 2024 at the Coddington Building both at 6:30 pm. Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings (at the Coddington Building): May 15, 2024: Teaching & Learning at 6:00 pm; Policy at 6:45 pm.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
There were no Reports of Subcommittee meetings.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to remove the Policy items approved under Old Business from Policy Subcommittee. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion, and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Executive Session
Mayor Koch made a motion to go to Executive Session at 8:05 pm for the purpose of Contract Negotiations, seconded by Mrs. Lebo. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0. School Committee will not return to Regular Session.
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Adjournment
As School Committee will not return from Executive Session, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.
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