School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2012-05-02 Time: 7:00 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. ROLL CALL: SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 3. 2012 / 273 Spotlight on Excellence: Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2012 4. 2012 / 275 District's Five Year Goals 2012-2016 Presentation 5. 2012 / 276 Public Hearing on Inter-district School Choice [School Choice Program] MINUTES: 6. 2012 / 272 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Meeting of Wednesday, April 18, 2012 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 7. 2012 / 278 Permission to Enter: May 2, 2012 MEMORIALS: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 3) 8. 2012 / 268 Francis E. Ryan, father of Kelly Ryan, Grant Office clerk. Francis Fitzgerald McGuane, retired teacher. MOTIONS: 9. 2012 / 284 [by David Conway]: Request that the Superintendent work with City Officials to determine exact amount of savings afforded to the city by the conversion of School Department employees from their current health insurance plan to the GIC [Group Insurance Committee]. 10. 2012 / 286 [By James Leary]: Request the Superintendent and her staff explore the feasibility and provide a recommendation on establishing a central entrance and reception/security station in the main lobby of the 1980 building of Lowell High School. SUBCOMMITTEES: 11. 2012 / 274 Lowell High School Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Thursday, April 26, 2012 [David Conway, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 12. 2012 / 281 Anti-Bullying Update 13. 2012 / 280 School Committee Meeting Dates for 2012-2013 14. 2012 / 279 Proposed FY2013 Budget Calendar 15. 2012 / 282 FY2013 Capital Plan Request 16. 2012 / 283 Dedication Ceremony: Hugh C. Barnes NEW BUSINESS: 17. 2012 / 277 Vote on Inter-district Choice [School Choice Program] Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 3) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 18. 2012 / 285 Committee member Robert Gignac requests permission to attend Congresswoman Niki Tsongas's Eighteenth Annual Fifth District Day. This event will take place in Washington, D. C. on Thursday, May 17, 2012. The cost, not to exceed $400, will be paid from the out of state travel account. CIVIL SERVICE: 19. 2012 / 269 Lowell School clerks hereby request to donate two [2] sick days to Lorraine Jakubek, Special Education clerk. ADJOURNMENT: 20. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Phone: (978) 674-4323 43 Highland Street E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Spotlight on Excellence TO: Jean Franco, Superintendent of Schools FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: April 27, 2012 RE: Spotlight on Excellence Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2012 The Spotlight on Excellence presentation on Wednesday, May 2nd will feature the champions of this year’s Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition. The following is an outline of the presentation: 1. Carolyn Rocheleau, Coordinator for the 2012 competition, will provide a brief overview of this year’s competition. 2. A short video will highlight this year’s competition thanks to Jack Pinard, TV Studio Coordinator, Bryan Wilkins, Educational Producer, and the students from Lowell High School and the Butler School. 3. Jim Neary, Acting Principal of the Sullivan School, will introduce the Sullivan School coaches, John McHale and Gary Ostler, who will in turn introduce their students. 4. Students will share their memories and highlights of this year’s competition. Spotlight on Excellence Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2012 1  Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2012 Spotlight on Excellence The Knowledge Bowl was established in 1988 for the purpose of engaging students from all eight middle schools in a challenging academic competition. The Sullivan School has the honor of being this year’s Knowledge Bowl Champion. The coaches for this year’s winning team are: John McHale and Gary Ostler Members of the Championship Team are: Madison Brown Bailey Couture Nathan Cox Erik Douk Neyder Fernandez Thomas Machado Hiral Patel Casey Woods Tracy Yang Walter Zacharer This year’s second place winner was the Daley School and third place went to the Butler School. The Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl is a competition that continues to evolve and become more exciting each year. This year’s Current Events Round tested students’ knowledge of items in the news locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. The Lowell School Committee has continued its support by not only allocating $20,000 for the expenses of conducting the Knowledge Bowl but by also attending and/or participating in the event. We were also fortunate to receive a $1,200 from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. This year 80 students were on the official team rosters. Teams worked with 2 coaches, and started preparing for this competition in October. Up until the competition began, teams reviewed practice questions in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, the Arts and Current Events. The Knowledge Bowl is truly a cooperative effort that involves numerous dedicated individuals. I want to express my thanks to all who helped to make this year’s competition a success. Congratulations to all participants for a job well done. Spotlight on Excellence Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2012 2 SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FIVE YEAR DISTRICT GOALS Lowell School Committee Meeting Presentation of Wednesday, May 2, 2012  DISTRICT GOALS Instructional Curriculum Planning Leadership & Assessment LPS Core Issues • Communication, Oversight and Shared Student Support Leadership Services •Response to Instruction – Meet Instructional Professional Family needs of all children •Narrowing of the Culture Community achievement and growth Partnership gap for high needs student populations Finance, Management, & Operation Lowell Public Schools Systems of Support 2012-2017 School District Goals  Lowell Public Schools Mission Statement • Excellence in teaching and learning are the essential elements necessary to render academic results that allows for children to attain their future academic goals, be prepared for college and beyond to compete in the global market, and to achieve their dream of a satisfying life.  Core Values of the Lowell Public Schools • All students can perform at high standards, given sufficient time and support. • All teachers can teach to high standards, given the right conditions and support. (Hill and Crevola) • As a result of the extensive work that has been ongoing as we have determined:  CORE ISSUES • Communication, Oversight, and Shared Leadership that results in excellence in teaching and learning that results in improved academic achievement for students. • Response to Instruction Model that allows for targeted instruction for all students and results in excellence in teaching and learning and improved academic achievement for students. • Narrowing of the achievement and growth gap for high needs student populations.  Lowell Public Schools Executive Summary – Five Year Goals AT-A-Glance DISTRICT NEEDS CORE ISSUES INITIATIVES ESSENTIAL DISTRICT GOALS CONDITIONS •Create systems of support for •Develop a culture and collaborative planning •Effective district •Every School accesses effective belief system that •Support leaders’ personalized systems for school district systems for school supports high -level Communicati development support and support and intervention achievement for all on, Oversight, •Support of teachers’ intervention •The attendance rate increases students and Shared personalized development •Effective School from 93.3% to 94.0%. •Utilize technology to Leadership •Align LPS curriculum guides Leadership •The dropout rate decreases communicate with with common core state •Principal’s staffing from 4.9% to 3.5%. families standards authority •The percentage of students •Define a process for •Implement educator evaluation •Family-school attending college or university monitoring progress of tool engagement increases from 74.7% to 80% district initiatives •Include families and •Strategic use of •The district maintains 90% of •Guarantee that community partnerships in resources and adequate the qualified and effective professional evaluations planning district initiatives budget authority personnel they have supported conform to new state •Upgrade educational and educated regulations. technology system •Guarantee that students Response to •Develop innovative uses of have daily opportunities Instruction financial support to employ higher-order Model that •100% of UDIP, USIP Goals have thinking skills meets the specific measurable outcomes •Articulate a vertical needs of all •85% of Lowell Public Schools students •Aligned Curriculum Curriculum Guides and curriculum •Effective instruction Curriculum Maps are present in •Provide daily instruction •Student Assessment all classrooms and updated that engages and •Use data to improve •Students’ social, annually challenges our students instruction emotional and health •100% of LPS Guides contain •Ensure that teachers •Use tiered instruction to needs clearly articulated vertical and consistently differentiate Narrowing differentiate for all learners •Professional horizontal curriculum instruction based on the •Plan curriculum across and development and •The percentage of student in student needs achievement among grade levels structures for advanced category in ELA •Challenge high-needs and growth •Provide professional learning collaboration increases from 6% to 12%; the students so that they gap for high to understand social emotional •Tiered instruction and percentage in the Mathematics perform at levels that needs student needs adequate learning time increases from 12% to 20%. approach Tier I students populations •Expand early childhood •The median Student Growth •Ensure that ELL students receive sufficient ELD programming Percentile in ELA increases from instruction 46 to 54; the median Student •Infuse curriculum with Growth Percentile in Social-Emotional Mathematics increases from 54 standards to 59  DOCUMENT SAMPLES CORE ISSUES #1, #2 AND #3 from the Superintendent’s Office  CORE ISSUE #1 District Measureable Outcomes within the next five years Communication, Oversight, and Shared Leadership that results in excellence in teaching and learning that results in improved academic achievement for students INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP – SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE COMMUNICATION  Communication is transmitted using current technology efficiently and effectively  Communication is aligned to district core issues and goals  School Committee communications address district core issues and goals and include progress, impediments, challenges, success, and failures  Communication with assistant superintendents and principals emphasizes core issues, beliefs, vision, and mission to set expectations for the work and student growth both academic and social/emotional.  Communication to families and the community focuses on the UDIP and district goals and includes progress, challenges, impediments, and successes  Technology support systems will maintain updated district and school websites and provide parent portal for X2 access for student information OVERSIGHT  District and School systems are focused to ensure improved academic outcomes  District and School plans are aligned with measurable five year goals  Formative data is continually reviewed by district and school staff to inform mid-course corrections and is shared with appropriate stakeholders  The superintendent evaluates principals based on professional, student learning, and school goals and evaluates assistant superintendents based on professional, student learning, and district goals  Families are regularly informed of student progress through progress reports, report cards, and school-based meetings  Work with business and community partners enhances opportunities for student progress and engagement SHARED LEADERSHIP  The district team understand district and goals and support improvement at all schools  Principals inform school staff of district goals and involve them in establishing school goals  All members of the district and schools are accountable for outcomes  Principals evaluate staff based on professional goals and student learning goals  Educators will be empowered toward shared leadership roles  Families and community partners are actively engaged in the academic achievement of students MEASURABLE OUTCOMES IN FIVE YEARS  The percentage of student in advanced category in ELA increases from 6% to 12%; the percentage in the Mathematics increases from 12% to 20%  The median Student Growth Percentile in ELA increases from 46 to 54; the median Student Growth Percentile in Mathematics increases from 54 to 59  The dropout rate decreases from 4.9% to 3.5%  The percentage of students attending college or university increases from 74.7% to 80%  The attendance rate increases from 93.3% to 94.0% CORE ISSUE #2 - District Responsibilities •Response to Instruction Model that allows for targeted instruction for all students and results in excellence in teaching and learning and improved academic achievement for students. Instructional Leadership - -Superintendent’s Office COMMUNICATION  Communication regarding response to instruction (RTI) is aligned to district goals in UDIP  Systems of support and intervention are in place across all Central Office Departments and expected as regular practice  Superintendent holds teacher meetings at each school, conduct walkthroughs, and multiple visits to each school  Clear expectations for Lowell’s tiered instruction to accelerate student learning as measured by a variety of data sources in the five year goals  The District and School Improvement plans are effectively developed to further student learning  Technology support systems will be used to advance instruction, build horizontal and vertical school planning, and share communication to staff for release days to ensure common message and expectations OVERSIGHT  District and School systems are focused and function to render effective tiered instruction  Evaluate effectiveness of District Improvement Plan (UDIP) and school improvement plans (USIPs) annually by examining student learning/growth COMBINED with goal below in blue  Connect principals’ SMART goals to schools’ goals for student learning  Use data to monitor progress through educator evaluation of principals  The District curricula and instructional practices are implemented to attain high levels of achievement in each subgroup across the system and are observable in school visits SHARED LEADERSHIP  Monthly leadership and level meetings support the growth of leaders to improve the instructional core  Common roles and responsibilities of teachers and leaders functioning as a cohesive team to improve student learning is in place  Open communication and collaboration with Unions  The Professional Development Steering Committee sets clear goals and expectations for student and teacher growth  Educator Evaluation is a reflective learning process that supports teacher growth and student progress and learning and is shared regularly in job embedded contexts MEASURABLE OUTCOMES IN FIVE YEARS  The curricula and instructional practices in the district are implemented to attain high levels of achievement in each subgroup  District Growth Data  Number of student in advanced category grows CORE ISSUE #3 - District Responsibility •Narrowing of the achievement and growth gap for high needs student populations. Instructional Leadership - - Superintendent’s Office COMMUNICATION  The district has provided extensive support and professional learning to all staff to enable instruction to reach the core value of “All students can perform at high standards, given sufficient time and support.”  District and School educators collaboratively share their professional knowledge and strategies to best meet the needs of all students OVERSIGHT  The district allocates sufficient instructional time for all students in core content areas  Regular analysis of formative data indicates growth across all subgroups  The district provides support and intervention to struggling schools and helps to provide resources SHARED LEADERSHIP  District and school leadership teams carefully align schedules and instructional time to address the differentiated needs of students  Educators strategically align instruction to meet the instructional growth needs of students  District and school educators develop flexibility on use of resources to meet student needs MEASURABLE OUTCOMES IN FIVE YEARS  The percentage of student in advanced category in ELA increases from 6% to 12%; the percentage in the Mathematics increases from 12% to 20%  The median Student Growth Percentile in ELA increases from 46 to 54; the median Student Growth Percentile in Mathematics increases from 54 to 59  The dropout rate decreases from 4.9% to 3.5%  It is my honor to be the Superintendent of Lowell Public Schools and I will not rest until all students are learning to their highest potential.  Superintendent of Schools Phone: (978) 674-4324 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 937-7609 Lowell, Massachusetts 08152 E-mail: jfranco@lowell.k12.ma.us School Choice To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools Date: May 2, 2012 Re: School Choice Participation Vote School Year 2012 - 2013 Please be advised that as required under the State School Choice Law each School Committee must annually review and adopt a position regarding inter-district school choice, following a public hearing. Therefore, a public hearing will be held at the beginning of the regularly scheduled School Committee meeting of May 2, 2012 @7pm in City Hall, Council Chambers. The Committee will adopt its position following the public hearing on May 2nd. I will be recommending for the 2012-2013 school year that the Lowell School Committee once again reject participating in the inter-district School Choice program. The rationale is continued lack of space and the impact of the projected enrollment to house our own students at all grade levels. JMF/jc xc: Michael Geary, City Clerk  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 18, 2012 TIME 7:01 PM SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. - SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. - ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 7:01 p.m., all members were present, namely: Mr. Conway, Mr. Gignac, Mr. Leary, Ms. Martin, Mayor/Chairman Murphy, Ms. Ross-Sitcawich and Ms. Scott MINUTES: 3. 2012 / 220 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Meeting of Wednesday, April 4, 2012. VOTING Motion by: Robert Gignac Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 15) PERMISSION TO ENTER: 4. 2012 / 257 - Permission to Enter: April 18, 2012 VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x MEMORIALS: 5. 2012 / 218 - Costas George Raikos, son of Paris Raikos retired Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. Olga V. Costello, retired Cardinal O'Connell School paraprofessional. Paul Gasamis, retired Daley Middle School teacher. M. Patricia Royal, retired Daley Middle School teacher. William Nangle, father of State Representative David Nangle and Betty Marie McKiernan, Adult Education teacher, uncle of former School Committee member John Leahy, Greehalge School teacher Kathy Leahy Ramirez, Lowell High School staff Rosie Bubanas , Michael Nangle McCullough and Mary Geoffroy. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 15) MOTIONS: 6. 2012 / 258 - [by James Leary and Robert Gignac]: Request the Superintendent to provide to the School Committee an updated status on all athletic facilities. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Robert Gignac Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 7. 2012 / 259 - [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request that the Superintendent work with the Home Base Program to develop processes of identification and outreach to our military connected families with children in Lowell Public Schools with the purpose of enhancing support systems for those families. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 15) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 8. 2012 / 260 - [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to request a report from all principals that includes an inventory of computers for each classroom teacher and their level of effectiveness [A-B-C]. It is also requested that the report also include a list of teachers who do not have computers in their classrooms. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Robert Gignac Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 15) SUBCOMMITTEES: 9. 2012 / 251 - Lowell High School Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Thursday, March 29, 2012 [David Conway, Chair] Mr. Conway, Chair of the Lowell High School Subcommittee informed the Committee about the NEASC Recommendations as well the discussion that took place regarding a motion by Mr. Conway and Mr. Gignac asking the Superintendent to direct the Headmaster to develop programs and strategies that will improve or enhance the drop-out rate, attendance, tardiness, college admissions and Guest Speakers. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Robert Gignac Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 10. - A motion was made to end the Lowell Teacher Licensure Program and to inform the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that we will not be accepting any new applicants for the program. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 15) VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 10.1. 2012 / 252 - Joint Personnel and Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, April 10, 2012 [Connie Martin, Chair] Ms. Martin, Chair of the Joint Curriculum & Personnel Subcommittee spoke about LPS Language and Literacy Framework Grades PreK-8, Vertical Teaming, Updated Curriculum Brochures, The Wes Moore Project as well as an update on the Teacher Licensure Program. A motion was then made to end the Lowell Teacher Licensure Program and to inform the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that we will no longer be accepting any new applicants for the program. The motion was approved unanimously. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Robert Gignac Second by: Kimberly Scott Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 15) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 11. 2012 / 253 - McKinney-Vento Program Review Report Superintendent Franco discussed the McKinney-Vento Program Review Report that she received from Ann C. Murphy, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The Superintendent informed the Committee that the report details the findings and recommendations resulting from the compliance review. There are no instances of non-compliance and a corrective action plan is not required. Of note is the commendable rating for the dispute resolution process that has been developed and implemented by the district. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Robert Gignac Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 15) 12. 2012 / 256 - District's Five Year Goals 2012-2016 Superintendent Franco presented the District’s Five Year Goals 2012-2016 to the Committee. It was the Superintendent’s intention to present the Goals to the Committee using a PowerPoint presentation, but due to technical difficulties she was unable to do so. The Superintendent still moved forward and presented the district’s goals without the PowerPoint presentation. Superintendent Franco spoke to the Core Values of the Lowell Public Schools which are that all students can perform at high standards, given sufficient time and support and that all teachers can teach at high standards, given the right conditions and support. The Superintendent also shared the Core Issues and they are as follows:  Communication, Oversight and Shared Leadership that results in excellence in teaching and learning that results in improved academic achievement for students.  Response to Instruction Model that allows for targeted instruction for all students and results in excellence in teaching and learning and improved academic achievement for students.  Narrowing of the achievement and growth gap for high needs student populations. The Superintendent informed the Committee that she would present the District’s Five Year Goals 2012- 2016 with the PowerPoint presentation at the next School Committee Meeting if they would like her to. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 15) 13. 2012 / 261 - K – 8 Student Activity Account Audit & Financial Statements Superintendent Franco spoke about the final copy of the Financial Statements prepared by Powers & Sullivan, CPA, associated with the K – 8 Student Activity Account for fiscal years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 that she received from Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 14. - A motion was made to the first 6 Convention/Conference Requests together. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Robert Gignac Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 15) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 14.1. 2012 / 219 - Lowell High School track coach Phil Maia, along with assistant coaches Tim Patterson and David Casey, to travel with 12 to 14 student athletes on Friday, May 11 through Saturday, May 12, 2012 to the Glenn D. Loucks Memorial Games in White Plains, NY. The cost of the trip and entry fees, approximately $600, will be paid by the Friends of Lowell High School Track/Cross Country Committee. The cost for three substitute teachers will be paid by the LHS Individual School Funds. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 15. 2012 / 221 - Lowell High teacher Philip Maia to travel with thirty-six students and five LHS staff chaperones [Mary Ann Dyson, Danielle Lessard, Ann Bienvenue, Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 15) Tricia Gabor and Tim Patterson] to Barcelona, Spain during April 2013 vacation. No school days will be missed. There is no cost to the School Department budget. No substitute teachers are needed. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 16. 2012 / 248 - Greenhalge School Literacy Team [Pamela Gendron, Keliann Woodlock, Cheryl Cloutier, Elaine Williamson, Carrie Cronin and Kathleen Ramirez] to attend the Teachers College June Institute on Teaching of Writing to be held from Monday, June 25 to Friday, June 29, 2012 in New York. All expenses will not exceed $925/per person and will be funded by Title 1. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 15) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 17. 2012 / 249 - Bailey staff [Colleen Engel and Keri Darcy] to attend the June Institute on the Teaching of Writing from Monday, June 25 to Friday, June 29, 2012 in New York. Marianne Fiocca-Stern to attend the same program from Monday, August 13 to Monday, August 20, 2012. The cost of $925 per person will be funded by Title 1. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 15) 18. 2012 / 250 - Fifteen to twenty Lowell High Students and three Lowell High staff chaperones [Thomas Thornton, Kathleen Keefe and Daniel Murphy] to travel to Ireland from Friday, February 15, 2013 returning on Saturday, February 23, 2013. The cost of the trip will be incurred by each student. Travel expensed for staff will be paid by EF Tours. Two substitutes will be needed at a cost of $200 to be paid by the LHS Individual School Funds. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 19. 2012 / 254 - Central office administratrators Margaret Shepherd, Edith Labran and Phala Chea request permission to attend the Race to the Top Conference in Sturbridge, Massachusetts from April 30 to May 1, 2012. The total cost of $470 will be paid by Race to The Top funds. No substitute teachers are needed. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 14 of 15) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 20. 2012 / 255 - Mayor Patrick O. Murphy, Superintendent Jean Franco and UTL President Paul Georges respectfully request permission to travel to a conference entitled Collaborating to Transfor the Teaching Profession in Cincinnati, Ohio from Wednesday, May 23, 2012 to Thursday, May 24, 2012. All costs will be paid by the U. S. Department of Education. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Robert Gignac Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Conway, David x Gignac, Robert x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Murphy, Patrick O. x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 21. - Ms. Martin informed the Committee and the public about the upcoming 2012 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Vigil that was being held on Monday, April 23, 2012. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 15) Motion to adjourn by Mr. Leary; seconded by Ms. Scott. 7 yeas 30. - ADJOURNMENT: MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jean M. Franco, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee JMF/mes Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  Office of Finance & Operations Phone: (978) 674-2019 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 08152 E-Mail: jlang@lowell.k12.ma.us PERMISSION TO ENTER To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: April 27, 2012 Subject: Permission to Enter – May 2, 2012 School Committee Meeting A.S.A.P. FIRE & SAFETY CORPORATION, INC. $ 30,350 90 Progress Avenue Unit #3 Tyngsboro, MA 01879 To provide service, maintenance, and replacement to over 500 fire extinguishers and hose cabinet services in thirty (30) locations over the next three school years. Funding provided by the School Department Budget - Operations and Maintenance Budget AUDIO HEARING CENTER $ 217,671 1 Elm Square #10 Andover, MA 01810 To provide audio logical evaluations, equipment, monitoring and training to Lowell Public School students over the next three school years. Funding provided by the Special Education Department Budget EAB Elevator Inc. $ 68,800 27 Congress Street Suite 305-18 Salem, MA 01970 To provide repair and maintenance service to school elevators in various locations within the City of Lowell Funding provided by the School Department Budget - Contracted Services Tsongas Center at UMASS Lowell, $ 16,672 A Global Spectrum Managed Facility 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way Lowell, MA 01852 To provide for the use of the Tsongas Center including all necessary backstage areas, dressing rooms and production areas for the Lowell High School Graduation to be held June 6, 2012. Funding provided by the Lowell High School Budget – Contracted Services 2 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: amurphy@lowell.k12.ma.us Anti-Bullying Update To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Ann C. Murphy, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: April 26, 2012 =============================================================== Below is a summary of our meeting today with Shane Graham-Bevis, an eighth grade student at the Stoklosa School. Shane Graham-Bevis is a 14 year old boy who was the target of bullying three years ago. That incident prompted Shane to become a teen advocate against bullying. Since then, he has become involved with a coalition called UR Brand which seeks to teach respect and tolerance. Shane has participated in anti-bullying performances and demonstrations throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in an effort to educate all. Shane would like to see Lowell become a leader in the anti-bullying movement and has many ideas to share. As a result of our meeting today the following steps will be taken:  On May 25th the UR Brand New Generation Dance Group will offer a presentation on anti-bullying at the Stoklosa School which will include speakers and performances.  Shane will work with the Lowell High School television studio to develop a Public Service Announcement (PSA).  Shane will be presenting his ideas to the Lowell City Council.  Shane will present his ideas to the Lowell School Committee at the May 16th meeting.  Superintendent of Schools Phone: (978) 674 - 4324 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 937 - 7609 Lowell, Massachusetts 08152 E-mail: jfranco@lowell.k12.ma.us School Committee Meeting Dates 2012-2013 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools Date: May 2, 2012 Regular meetings of the Lowell School Committee are held on the first (1st) and third (3rd) Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852 at seven (7:00) PM. The schedule for the 2012-2013 school year will be as follows: 2012 2013 July 18 January 2 August 15 January 16 September 5 February 6 September 19 February 20 * October 3 March 6*** October 17*** March 20 November 7 April 3 November 21 April 17 * December 5 May 1*** December 19*** May 15 June 5 ** June 19 xc: City Clerk Central Office Administrators All Principals, Headmaster Student Representatives, LHS Lowell Sun WCAP Radio Station – (980 AM) Lowell Telecommunications United Teachers of Lowell Clerical Unit * Falls during School Vacation ** Falls on LHS Graduation *** Lowell High School Student Advisory Meetings – start at 6:15PM Approved at the May 2, 2012 School Committee Meeting  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Office Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Jay Lang Tel: (978) 674‐4325 Deputy Superintendent Tel: (978) 674‐2019 of Finance and Operations Fax: (978) 674‐2141 E‐Mail: jlang@lowell.k12.ma.us Memorandum To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: April 25, 2012 Re: Proposed FY2013 Budget Calendar I am proposing the following budget calendar pertaining to the FY2013 school committee budget deliberations: Wednesday May 16, 2012 Superintendent presents the FY2013 recommended budget for the Lowell Public Schools at the regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee Monday May 21, 2012 Finance Subcommittee Meeting (7:00 p.m.) Community Budget Forum Lowell High School – Little Theatre Thursday May 24, 2012 Finance Subcommittee Meeting (7:00 p.m.) Community Budget Forum Butler Middle School - Auditorium Wednesday May 30, 2012 FY2013 Budget Hearing (7:00 p.m.) Thursday May 31, 2012 FY2013 Budget Hearing (7:00 p.m.)  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Office Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Jay Lang Tel: (978) 674‐4325 Deputy Superintendent Tel: (978) 674‐2019 of Finance and Operations Fax: (978) 674‐2141 E‐Mail: jlang@lowell.k12.ma.us Memorandum To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: April 25, 2012 Re: Proposed FY2013 Budget Calendar I am proposing the following budget calendar pertaining to the FY2013 school committee budget deliberations: Wednesday May 16, 2012 Superintendent presents the FY2013 recommended budget for the Lowell Public Schools at the regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee Monday May 21, 2012 Finance Subcommittee Meeting (7:00 p.m.) Community Budget Forum Lowell High School – Little Theatre Thursday May 24, 2012 Finance Subcommittee Meeting (7:00 p.m.) Community Budget Forum Butler Middle School - Auditorium Wednesday May 30, 2012 FY2013 Budget Hearing (7:00 p.m.) Thursday May 31, 2012 FY2013 Budget Hearing (7:00 p.m.)  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Office Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Jay Lang Tel: (978) 674‐4325 Deputy Superintendent Tel: (978) 674‐2019 of Finance and Operations Fax: (978) 674‐2141 E‐Mail: jlang@lowell.k12.ma.us Memorandum To: Ralph Snow, Assistant City Manager/DPW Director Thomas Moses, Chief Financial Officer From: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: April 19, 2012 Re: FY2013 Capital Plan I have visited each school this spring in preparation for the FY2013 budget. Brian Curley, Director of Operations and Maintenance, joined me for a walk-through of each school facility to review capital needs and requests from each location. Attachment A provides a summary of the specific non-HVAC requests from each school. Attachment B provides a summary of the immediate and required to be scheduled HVAC needs at each school. Overwhelmingly, attention to HVAC issues in each of the buildings was the top request of building administrators and staff. This included lack of functioning rooftop air exchange units, condensers, pumps, chillers, and individual classroom unit vents. Continuing issues with over-heating, under-heating, and no heat at all in some classrooms consumed the discussion of capital needs. Much needed plumbing, including attention to broken water bubblers, sinks and toilets was echoed throughout the visits. After HVAC and plumbing, all schools requested a plan for painting the interior classrooms and common areas of their school facilities as most have not been painted in over 10 years. A more detailed explanation of the HVAC and other capital needs are outlined below: HVAC Equipment and Systems During the 2006/2007 school year, the Lowell Public Schools engaged the services of RDK Engineers to conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the HVAC systems equipment in 28 school buildings. Each piece of HVAC equipment was inspected, catalogued, identified by manufacturer, model number, and serial number, when available. RDK Engineers provided comments and/or recommendations for service and/or replacement of equipment in a report detailing the overall condition and priority levels for required action. Copies of the detailed 4-volumn report were provided to the City of Lowell Department of Public Works and are in the Lowell Public Schools Business Office for review upon request. The first phase of the report prioritizes the 28 schools by their overall priority level rating along with the priority equipment costs of the immediate actions recommended for each school facility. The second phase of the report consists of equipment inspection documentation that contains an itemized detailed survey and assessment of the specific equipment indicated on the assessment sheets for each building. The overall report addresses the challenges that affect the mechanical equipment and systems infrastructure in the Lowell Public Schools. The RDK Engineers study prioritized the HVAC systems equipment needs at each of the 28 school locations as follows:  Priority 1 & 2: Code violations, life safety issues, damaged equipment and equipment beyond its useful life. According to RDK Engineers, these items should be considered highest priority requiring immediate attention.  Priority 3, 4, & 5: Equipment beyond its useful life and equipment deficiencies. These items should be considered priorities requiring planned actions. Cost estimates were provided for a 10 Year Plan on equipment requiring immediate action to extend the useful life of the HVAC systems to 10 years. However, five years has passed since the report was issued and little work outside of the Ameresco performance contract and MSBA Green repair program has been initiated to address the 10 Year Plan. In addition to the 10 Year Plan, cost estimates were provided for a 30 Year Plan with recommended actions to extend the useful life of the HVAC systems for the next 30 years. This information is contained within the 4-volumn report issued in June, 2007. At the time the RDK report was released in June, 2007, the total cost identified for equipment requiring immediate attention, Equipment Priority 1 items, was $ 1,507,200. Many of the items have since been addressed through Ameresco and MSBA funding, however not all. Using an inflation factor provided by RDK Engineers, the total amount required to complete the Priority 1 items at the present time is $ 633,025. This is displayed in the far column of Attachment B. The estimated $ 633,025 only includes Priority 1 items. Since little HVAC work has been completed since 2007, outside of the work performed by Ameresco under the performance contract and the MSBA Green Repair program, much of the work outlined in the 10 Year Plan is now required to replace HVAC equipment that is either broken or has exceeded its useful life. After removing the work that has been performed by Ameresco and the MSBA from the original scope developed by RDK Engineers, the total amount of HVAC equipment and services required is estimated to cost $ 10,723,172. This cost was derived by using the same inflation factor provided by RDK Engineers as outlined above. This cost is displayed in the nearest two columns of Attachment B. As you are aware, under the scope of the Ameresco performance contract, a school-by- school deficiency list of unit vent repairs and/or service was compiled and provided to the City. As the work contained within each of the deficiency reports would also be included within the 10 Year Plan on equipment requiring immediate action to extend the useful life of the HVAC systems to 10 years, I have not included separate costs for this work. However, I would expect to see this work expedited to completely remedy the issues associated with each of the devices categorized as C (replacement recommended) and D (replacement required) on the reports. Roofs, Boilers, Windows, Doors & Hot Water Heaters A number of projects pertaining to the replacement of roofs, boilers, windows, doors and hot water heaters at various school locations were included within the City of Lowell Capital Plan dated March 17, 2008. I have reviewed the list of items included in the previous capital plan with Mr. Curley and find several items can be removed from the list as they have either been completed or funds have been allocated to complete the work specified. Please refer to Attachment C. The non-HVAC items that have not been completed and/or funded that continue to require attention have been included in Attachment A, the school department’s FY2013 non-HVAC Capital Plan request. When taken together, Attachments A and B represent the overall capital needs of the Lowell Public Schools at this time.  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Office Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Jay Lang Tel: (978) 674‐4325 Deputy Superintendent Tel: (978) 674‐2019 of Finance and Operations Fax: (978) 674‐2141 E‐Mail: jlang@lowell.k12.ma.us Memorandum To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: April 25, 2012 Re: Dedication Ceremony: Hugh C. Barnes At the December 21, 2011 regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee, a motion was made and passed as follows: To dedicate a plaque at Lowell High School for Hugh Barnes for his many years of dedicated service I have been in communication with the Barnes family and they have selected Sunday June 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. as the date and time for the dedication ceremony. The dedication ceremony will take place at Lowell High School in the Field House on the 2nd floor of the school building. I will be working with the family and school staff on an appropriate program for this event.  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Office Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Jay Lang Tel: (978) 674‐4325 Deputy Superintendent Tel: (978) 674‐2019 of Finance and Operations Fax: (978) 674‐2141 E‐Mail: jlang@lowell.k12.ma.us Memorandum To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: April 25, 2012 Re: Dedication Ceremony: Hugh C. Barnes At the December 21, 2011 regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee, a motion was made and passed as follows: To dedicate a plaque at Lowell High School for Hugh Barnes for his many years of dedicated service I have been in communication with the Barnes family and they have selected Sunday June 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. as the date and time for the dedication ceremony. The dedication ceremony will take place at Lowell High School in the Field House on the 2nd floor of the school building. I will be working with the family and school staff on an appropriate program for this event.  Superintendent of Schools Phone: (978) 674-4324 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 937-7609 Lowell, Massachusetts 08152 E-mail: jfranco@lowell.k12.ma.us School Choice To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools Date: May 2, 2012 Re: School Choice Participation Vote School Year 2012 - 2013 Please be advised that as required under the State School Choice Law each School Committee must annually review and adopt a position regarding inter-district school choice, following a public hearing. Therefore, a public hearing will be held at the beginning of the regularly scheduled School Committee meeting of May 2, 2012 @7pm in City Hall, Council Chambers. The Committee will adopt its position following the public hearing on May 2nd. I will be recommending for the 2012-2013 school year that the Lowell School Committee once again reject participating in the inter-district School Choice program. The rationale is continued lack of space and the impact of the projected enrollment to house our own students at all grade levels. JMF/jc xc: Michael Geary, City Clerk