School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2014-03-19 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. 2014 / 95 Spotlight on Excellence: Morey School Public Service Announcement Award for Walk for Hunger MINUTES: 4. 2014 / 85 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 5, 2014 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 5. 2014 / 88 Permission to Enter: March 19, 2014 MEMORIALS: 6. 2014 / 91 Paul Sheehy, former State Senator and City Manager. Husband of retired Middlesex Community Dean Molly Sheehy and father of Moody School teacher Anne Sheehy. MOTIONS: 7. 2014 / 103 [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to devise comprehensive cost saving strategies and solutions to decrease the cost of transporting children in the District. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 4) 8. 2014 / 104 [Kim Scott/Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent furnish the Committee with the anticipated FY15 Net School Spending requirement to include the City's required contribution and to bring forward an FY15 budget that does fall below the Net School Spending Requirement. 9. 2014 / 105 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a report outlining the feasibility of allowing seasonal sporting activities to be counted toward the Physical Education requirement for Lowell High School students. 10. 2014 / 106 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the School Committee report on the status of the Superintendent parent board and the status of site councils at all schools and the work facilitated to develop them. 11. 2014 / 107 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent give an update on the homework policy of the district and the expectations to follow the policy or plans to modify it. 12. 2014 / 108 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide alternatives to rental space for the central office including modular space at the Rogers School or a building purchase. 13. 2014 / 109 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent bring forward a cost estimate for consideration to the committee in the FY15 budget for updating text books, adding elementary science and social studies text books, science kits, art supplies, and musical instruments. 14. 2014 / 110 [by Connie Martin]: Requesting that the Superintendent report on the current efforts to establish the first STEM focused school for the beginning of the FY 14-15 school year. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 4) SUBCOMMITTEES: 15. 2014 / 89 Student Support Services: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, March 18, 2014 [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 16. 2014 / 86 2014-2015 School Year Calendar 17. 2014 / 87 Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Task Force Update 18. 2014 / 92 Lowell High School Pool Update 19. 2014 / 93 Partnership for Readiness or College and Careers[PARCC] Exemption 20. 2014 / 94 Home Education NEW BUSINESS: 21. 2014 / 97 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Daley Middle School under the Core Program 22. 2014 / 98 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Robinson Middle School under the Core Program 23. 2014 / 99 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Wang Middle School under the Core Program 24. 2014 / 100 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for Lowell High School under the Core Program Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 4) 25. 2014 / 101 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for a New Pre-K – Grade 8 School under the Core Program 26. 2014 / 102 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Rogers Middle School under the Core Program COMMUNICATIONS: 27. 2014 / 90 Disclosure: James P. Hall, Collective Bargaining Counsel to Committee PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 28. 2014 / 96 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate twenty [20] sick leave days to Mark Peabody, Shaughnessy School custodian. ADJOURNMENT: 29. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Spotlight on Excellence: Morey School Public Service Announcement Award for Walk for Hunger To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 95 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Phone: (978) 674-4323 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 674-2146 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Morey School Spotlight Sal’s Walk for Hunger TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: March 13, 2014 RE: Morey School Spotlight The following is a brief description of the Morey School’s Public Service Announcement on building awareness around ways to prevent hunger and promote the Walk for Hunger in Boston on May 4, 2014. I would like to thank Robin Desmond, Principal of the Morey School, for her assistance with this report. _____________________________________________________________________________  Lowell Public Schools Charles W. Morey Elementary School 130 Pine Street Lowell, MA 01851 Phone: 978 937 7662 Robin Desmond Fax: 978 937 7663 Andrew Desrosiers Principal rdesmond@lowell.k12.ma.us Assistant Principal March 13, 2014 On January 24th Dave Hoffman, Community Relations Manager for the Boston Celtics, visited the Morey School to present a project he was interested in completing with Morey School 4th graders. The Boston Celtics, Sal’s Pizza and Project Bread wanted to team up with our students to create a Public Service Announcement. The focus of this PSA was on building awareness around ways to prevent hunger and promote the Walk for Hunger in Boston on May 4, 2014. The timing was perfect as the 4th graders had just completed their Persuasive Writing Module, and this was a great opportunity for the students to put their research and writing skills to work. The students researched Project Bread, The Walk for Hunger, healthy eating and hunger rates in Massachusetts. Using this information, the children wrote skits that they felt would provoke an audience to act. One class even wrote an original song about helping prevent hunger. On February 14th a professional production company came to the Morey School to film our students’ PSA skits. The children were amazed with the process of filming. The production company set up lights, cameras and booms. The children learned a great deal about what happens behind the scenes when filming. On February 28th representatives from the Boston Celtics organization, Sal’s Pizza and Project Bread came back to the Morey School to present the PSA project they completed in collaboration with our 4th grade students. The 4th grade class participated in a basketball clinic instructed by Dana Barros, former Celtic’s guard. Mr. Barros instructed the students on dribbling and shooting techniques. A whole school pep rally followed where representatives from the Boston Celtics, Sal’s Pizza and Project Bread spoke with the students about the importance of eating healthy and working hard in school. Approximately 550 students attended this event. At the end of the pep rally the 4th grader’s PSA was unveiled. The Boston Celtics donated 3 pairs of Celtics tickets to the 4th grade class. 3 students’ names were drawn at random to win the tickets. All 3 students, accompanied by a parent, attended the Celtics game Friday, March 7th. They all reported that they had a great time, and the Celtics won. The Celtics Organization will be using this PSA on their website and during future Boston Celtics games on the Jumbo-Tron at the Boston Garden.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 5, 2014 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 85 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 05, 2014 TIME 7:03 PM SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. - SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. - ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 7:03 p.m., all members were present, namely: Mr. Leary, Ms. Martin, Ms. Ross- Sitcawich, Ms. Scott, Mr. Conway, Mr. Gendron and Mayor/Chairman Elliott. MINUTES: 3. 2014 / 64 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, February 19, 2014 VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 21) MEMORIALS: 4. 2014 / 69 - Theodore B. Oxton, husband of Pawtucketville Memorial School Library Aide Leslie Oxton. Diane L. Gallagher, retired Bartlett School Behavior Specialist. Vito J. Selvaggio, retired Daley Middle School teacher and Supervisor of the Instrumental Music Program. MOTIONS: 5. - A motion was made to refer the following motion to the Technology Subcommittee for further discussion: "Request the Superintendent work with the MIS Director and the Technology Subcommittee to develop a consistent strategy for using websites and social media across the district." VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 21) 5.1. 2014 / 78 - [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Superintendent work with the MIS Director and the Technology Subcommittee to develop a consistent strategy for using websites and social media across the district. This motion was referred to the Technology Subcommittee for further discussion. VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 6. 2014 / 79 - [by David Conway]: Ask the Superintendent to send a letter of thanks and congratulations to Mr. Sean Harmon for his contributions toward the restoration of the City Hall Chambers. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: James Leary Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 21) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 7. - A motion was made to refer the following motion to the Athletic Subcommittee for further discussion: "Ask the Superintendent to give an updated report on the procedures and timeline of paying the athletic coaches their stipends on a consistent and regular basis." VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 21) 7.1. 2014 / 80 - [by David Conway]: Ask the Superintendent to give an updated report on the procedures and timeline of paying the athletic coaches their stipends on a consistent and regular basis. This motion was referred to the Athletic Subcommittee for further discussion. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 8. - A motion was made to suspend the rules to allow City Manager Bernie Lynch the opportunity to address the Committee and present them with an oversized check for $2,000,000 dollars towards net school spending reimbursement. VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: James Leary Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 21) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 8.1. - A motion was made to refer the following motion to the Technology Subcommittee for further discussion: "Request the Superintendent provide to the School Committee an update status of the technology throughout the system. The report should include recommendations for additional and/or realignment of staff, and recommended additional technology purchases." VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 21) 8.1.1. 2014 / 81 - [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide to the School Committee an update status of the technology throughout the system. The report should include recommendations for additional and/or realignment of staff, and recommended additional technology purchases. This motion was referred to the Technology Subcommittee for further discussion. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 9. 2014 / 82 - [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide to the School Committee an updated report regarding changes made, if any, to the substitute teacher program. The report should include the current status of our substitute teacher pool and additional recommendations to improve the program. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Connie Martin Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 21) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 10. - A motion was made to recommend to the Committee as a whole to move forward with the research proposal by Dr. Kelly King. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 10.1. - A motion was made to recommend to the Committee as a whole to approve the amount of $2600 from the Core Academic account be used to help support Civics Day. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 21) VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x SUBCOMMITTEES: 10.2. 2014 / 71 - Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, February 25, 2014 [Connie Martin/Chair] Ms. Martin, Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the following topics: 1. Research Study 2. Lowell Teacher Academy Report 3. English Language Learners Report 4. Science/Social Studies Report 5. Language and Literacy Grades PreK-4 Midyear Report 6. Language and Literacy Grades 5-9 Midyear Report 7. Mathematics Grades PreK-4 Midyear Report 8. Mathematics Grades 5-8 Midyear Report 9. Level Three Priority Schools Midyear Update 10. Preview of Murkland School Video A motion was then made to recommend to the Committee as a whole to move forward with the research proposal by Dr. Kelly King. The motion passed. Another motion was then made to recommend to the Committee as a whole to approve the amount of $2600 from the Core Academic account be used to help support Civics Day. The motion passed. The report was accepted as a report of progress. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 21) VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 11. - A motion was made to recommend to the full School Committee that $ 720,082 be transferred from the School Committee suspense account to the health insurance premiums account. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 21) 11.1. 2014 / 72 - Finance: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2014 [James Leary/Chair] Mr. Leary, Chairperson of the Finance Subcommittee gave the Committee an update on the FY13 & FY14 Net School Spending. He also spoke about the FY14 Year-to-Date Budget Report. A motion was then made to recommend to the full School Committee that $ 720,082 be transferred from the School Committee suspense account to the health insurance premiums account. The motion passed. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 12. 2014 / 73 - Facilities: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2014. [James Leary/Chair] Mr. Leary, Chair of the Facilities Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the OMR Architects presentation of Preferred Solutions in the Facilities Master Plan. The following (6) six projects were recommended to be submitted to the MSBA for consideration in the April 2014 statement of interest process: Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 21)  Addition and renovations to the Wang Middle School  Addition and renovations to the Daley Middle School  Addition and renovation to the Robinson Middle School  Building a new Pre-K - Grade 8 School  Addition and renovations to Lowell High School  Addition and renovations to the Rogers School transitioning to a Pre-K – Grade 8 School Mr. Leary asked the Mayor to set up a joint City Council/School Committee meeting to discuss the MSBA considerations. Mr. Leary also spoke about the Capital Plan and the next steps. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 13. 2014 / 65 - 2013-2014 Parent/Teacher Conferences Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the 2013/2014 Parent/Teacher Conference report that she provided to them. The report includes all dates of the scheduled parent teacher/conference sessions for the 2013-2014 school year. The report was accepted as a report of progress. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 21) VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 14. - A motion was made to ask the City Solicitor for a legal opinion on the ruling that was provided to the Superintendent that informed her that a PARCC Exemption was not optional. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 14 of 21) 14.1. 2014 / 66 - Partnership for Readiness or College and Careers [PARCC] Exemption Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the ruling she received regarding the option for parents to exempt their children from the Partnership for Readiness or College and Careers test (PARCC), scheduled for this spring. The Superintendent was informed that the exemption of PARCC was not optional. A motion was made to ask the City Solicitor for a legal opinion on the ruling that was provided to the Superintendent that informed her that a PARCC Exemption was not optional. The motion passed. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 15. 2014 / 68 - McKinney Vento Update Superintendent Franco discussed the McKinney-Vento Update that she received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The report gives a status report of the students identified as homeless in the district. The report contains an overview of the McKinney-Vento Act, 2013-2014 district data and program supports and action steps for moving forward. The report was accepted as a report of progress. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 21) VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 16. - A motion was made to cancel the June 4, 2013 Lowell School Committee Meeting due to the Lowell High School Graduation Exercises being held on the same night. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 21) 16.1. 2014 / 74 - 2014 Graduation Dates and Lowell High School Commencement Speaker Superintendent Franco informed the Committee that Lowell High School will hold its graduation exercises on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at the UMass Lowell Tsongas Center. She also informed them that the Adult Education graduation will be held on Friday, May 30, at Lowell High School Cyrus W. Irish Auditorium and that the last day of school is Wednesday, June 18, 2014 barring any unexpected emergency that causes school to close. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 17. 2014 / 75 - Personnel Report Superintendent Franco shared the Personnel Report that she received from Michael Cassidy, Director of Human Resources. The report officially informs the Committee of all retirements, resignations, promotions and new hires. The report was accepted as a report of progress. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 17 of 21) VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 18. 2014 / 84 - Early Release Day Agenda 2013-2014 Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Early Release Day Agenda 2013-2014 that she provided to them. The report informed the Committee that the time devoted to Early Release this year has been extremely valuable for both the administrators and teachers. The report included a review of all agenda items over the course of the year. The report was accepted as a repot of progress. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Kimberly Scott Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 18 of 21) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 19. - A motion was made to take both convention/conferences together. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 19.1. 2014 / 70 - Lowell High School Show Choir and Concert Band [67 students], along with LHS teachers Andre Descoteaux, Patricia Fitzpatrick and John McGovern, and 14 coried parent chaperones, to travel to New York during April vacation [Tuesday, April 22 through Thursday, April 24, 2014]. Trip costs will be covered by fundraising and students. There is no cost to the School Department budget. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 19 of 21) VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 20. 2014 / 83 - Paul Georges, President of the United Teachers of Lowell, to attend the AFT Teachers' Program & Policy Council Conference in Washington, DC. The conference is being held on Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 15, 2014. All costs will be paid by United Teachers of Lowell. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 20 of 21) COMMUNICATIONS: 21. 2014 / 76 - Lowell High School Teaching Internships The communication was accepted and placed on file. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 21 of 21) ADJOURNMENT: 22. - ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn at 9:06 p.m. by Mr. Gendron; seconded by Mr. Leary 7 yeas Respectfully submitted, Jean M. Franco, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee JMF/mes Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Permission to Enter: March 19, 2014 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 88 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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: March 14, 2014 Subject: Permission to Enter – March 19, 2014 School Committee Meeting CHARMS COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM $ 30,878 137 Walnut Street Stoughton, MA 02072 To provide for the out-of-district tuition costs for one (1) student enrolled and receiving services as outlined in their special education IEP. Funding provided by the School Department Budget– Special Education Tuition Account THE CARROLL SCHOOL $ 17,442 25 Baker Bridge Road Lincoln, MA 01773 To provide for the out-of-district tuition costs for one (1) student enrolled and receiving services as outlined in their special education IEP. Funding provided by the School Department Budget– Special Education Tuition Account YOUTH VILLAGES – GERMAINE LAWRENCE INCORPORATED $ 19,827 18 Claremont Avenue Arlington, MA 02476 To provide for the out-of-district tuition costs for one (1) student enrolled and receiving services as outlined in their special education IEP. Funding provided by the School Department Budget– Special Education Tuition Account G.P. PRODUCTIONS $ 17,700 508 E. Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 To provide for videoing and editing of a 3 part school video series as required by the Turnaround Practices Documentation Project Grant. Funding provided by the Turnaround Practices Documentation Project Grant 2  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Paul Sheehy, former State Senator and City Manager. Husband of retired Middlesex Community Dean Molly Sheehy and father of Moody School teacher Anne Sheehy. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 91 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to devise comprehensive cost saving strategies and solutions to decrease the cost of transporting children in the District. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 103 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [Kim Scott/Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent furnish the Committee with the anticipated FY15 Net School Spending requirement to include the City's required contribution and to bring forward an FY15 budget that does fall below the Net School Spending Requirement. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 104 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a report outlining the feasibility of allowing seasonal sporting activities to be counted toward the Physical Education requirement for Lowell High School students. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 105 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the School Committee report on the status of the Superintendent parent board and the status of site councils at all schools and the work facilitated to develop them. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 106 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent give an update on the homework policy of the district and the expectations to follow the policy or plans to modify it. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 107 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide alternatives to rental space for the central office including modular space at the Rogers School or a building purchase. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 108 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent bring forward a cost estimate for consideration to the committee in the FY15 budget for updating text books, adding elementary science and social studies text books, science kits, art supplies, and musical instruments. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 109 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by Connie Martin]: Requesting that the Superintendent report on the current efforts to establish the first STEM focused school fo r the beginning of the FY 14-15 school year. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 110 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Student Support Services: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, March 18, 2014 [Kristin Ross- Sitcawich] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 89 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Student Support Services Phone: (978) 441-3718 43Highland Street Fax: (978) 970-5475 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us School Committee Subcommittee Student Support Services Student Support Services Subcommittee Meeting March 18, 2014 7:00 p.m. Agenda I. Options-Based Response Procedures for Emergency Preparedness II. Out of District Placement Report  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Henry J. Mroz Administration Office Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Rodney M. Elliott Tel: (978) 937-7647 Mayor and Chairperson Student Support Services Tel: (978) 937-7614 Connie A. Martin Subcommittee Meeting Fax: (978) 446-7436 Vice-Chairperson Tuesday, March 18, 2014 David J. Conway Stephen J. Gendron Central Administration - Room 116 James D. Leary 7:00 p.m. Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Kimberly A. Scott Subcommittee Members Present: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich, Chairperson David Conway School Department Personnel Present: Jean Franco, Superintendent of Schools Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent Jennifer McCrystal, Director of Special Education Ingrid Markman, District Support Social Worker Jason McCrevan, Bailey School Principal Jane Campbell, Sullivan School Assistant Principal Susan Crawford-Fraser, Butler School Assistant Principal Dr. Roxane Howe, LHS Discipline and Operations Specialist Kristin Kirby, Greenhalge School Social Worker The Student Support Subcommittee meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Subcommittee Chairperson Kristin Ross-Sitcawich. The following agenda items were discussed: 1. Options-Based Response Procedures for Emergency Preparedness 2. Out of District Placement Report Options-Based Response Procedures for Emergency Preparedness: Assistant Superintendent Jeannine Durkin, Deputy Fire Chief Jeffrey Winward, LPD Sergeant David Peaslee, Bailey School Principal Jason McCrevan, and Greenhalge School Social Worker and NEMLEC Crisis Recovery Team Coordinator Kristin Kirby presented a plan for implementing Options-Based Response Protocols as part of the District’s Emergency Preparedness Plans (PowerPoint presentation attached). Highlights of the presentation included:   Establishment of District Emergency Preparedness Team  Overview of team initiatives for 2013-2014 school year  Overview of the current Emergency Preparedness Protocols and Procedures  Mass shooting statistics  Governmental recommendations for proactive emergency response plans  Options-based response recommendations for the Lowell Public Schools  Rally and reunification points for the Lowell Public Schools Outline of the plan for implementing Options-based response procedures in the Lowell Public Schools Recommendations from the subcommittee:   Include emergency procedures in the LPS Student and Parent Handbook  Explore availability of training videos for staff and students  Plan to be reviewed by the City Solicitor Plan for a follow-up meeting with the Subcommittee Motion: by Ms. Ross-Sitcawich; seconded by Mr. Conway to recommend to the committee as a whole to accept the report as a report of progress. 2-0 Accept Out of District Placement Report: Jennifer McCrystal, Director of Special Education presented a report to address the motion by School Committee member, James Leary, which was approved at the October 2, 2013 School Committee Meeting (see attached reports): “Request the Superintendent prepare a report indicating the costs and programs of students in out-of district placements to ascertain if it would be financially beneficial to establish in-district programs that would meet or exceed the level of services currently being provided to these students outside the district.” Highlights of the presentation included:  Report on the number of LPS students in out of district placements including who maintains  fiscal responsibility, tuition and reimbursement Overview of potential options and cost savings for returning students to the district given least  restrictive environment and free and appropriate education. Review of a proposal as well as short and long range benefits of the plan for LPS to collaborate with CREST for inclusion of satellite classrooms on site in LPS. Recommended next steps from the subcommittee:   Develop procedures for ensuring students receiving services are Lowell residents  Investigate billing families who are found to be misrepresenting their address  Identify space and review additional recommendations with CREST Include proposal as part of budget planning  Motion: by Ms. Ross-Sitcawich; seconded by Mr. Conway to recommend to the committee as a whole to accept the report as a report of progress. 2-0 Accept. Respectfully submitted, Jeannine M. Durkin Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Jean M. Franco Superintendent of Schools and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee  District Emergency Preparedness Team Name Affiliation Deputy Chief Jeffrey Winward Lowell Fire Department Sergeant David Peaslee Lowell Police Department Richard Barry Director of Operations for Trinity Emergency Medical Service Lesa Gulbicki Nurse Coordinator for School Health Unit Jeannine Durkin Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Michael Cassidy Director of Human Resources Jennifer McCrystal Director of Special Education Ingrid Markman District Support Social Worker Jason McCrevan Bailey School Principal Jane Campbell Sullivan School Assistant Principal Susan Crawford-Fraser Butler School Assistant Principal Dr. Roxane Howe LHS Discipline and Operations Specialist Kristin Kirby Social Worker and NEMLEC Crisis Recovery Team Coordinator  THERE IS NOW A MOVEMENT TOWARDS PROACTIVE RESPONSE AT OFFICIAL LEVELS  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 2014-2015 School Year Calendar To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 86 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Task Force Update To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 87 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Task Force Update To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: March 13, 2014 The attached report is in response to the following motion by former School Committee Member, Robert Gignac, which was approved at the December 18, 2013 School Committee Meeting: “Request the Superintendent develop a Drug Abuse Prevention and Awareness Task Force for the Lowell Public Schools. The task force should include, but not limited to, school department staff, city officials, public safety officials, health officials and members of the public. The task force should work to develop strategies to address drug abuse issues throughout the city.” In order to address this motion, there was a review conducted of local resources focusing on substance abuse prevention and awareness in the City of Lowell and surrounding towns. The results confirmed that Lowell has a wealth of resources in existence as well as structures in place to coalesce these resources toward a common goal. One such resource is the Greater Lowell Health Alliance. In 2006, the Greater Lowell Health Alliance was founded to help the Greater Lowell community identify and address its health and wellness priorities. The Substance Use and Prevention Task Force formed as a result of the work of the alliance with the mission of strengthening collaboration in the Greater Lowell community to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth and adults. The task force employs efforts on policy making and substance use intervention and prevention and is comprised of the following five subcommittees: Environmental Strategies Working Group, Massachusetts Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative, Medicinal Marijuana Subcommittee, Policy Subcommittee and the Community Event Planning Subcommittee. Task Force Co-Chairs are Jennie Welch from the Tewksbury Police Department, Linda Sopheap Sou, Director of the Lowell Community Health Center, and Public Health Nurse Manager Christine Connolly from the City of Lowell Health Department. Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Jeannine Durkin and District Support Specialist Mary Payne met with members of the existing Substance Use and Prevention Task Force on February 4, 2014 as well as their Policy Subcommittee on February 25, 2014 to discuss the aforementioned motion and develop plans for Lowell Public Schools. The Substance Use and Prevention Task Force currently has 122 members with 84 of those members representing school department staff, city officials, public safety officials, health officials and members of the public from the City of Lowell. The Policy Subcommittee is a subgroup of the larger committee with a focus on school-based efforts including curriculum. The discussion at these meetings centered around whether to establish a separate subcommittee or ensure that Lowell Public Schools is represented on the Greater Lowell Health Alliance’s Substance Abuse and Prevention Task Force and Subcommittees. Since the majority of the members on the existing task force are members of the City of Lowell, it was determined that to establish a separate committee would draw on the same officials who are active on the present task force and potentially duplicate efforts. Joining the currently established groups affords Lowell Public Schools the opportunity to avail themselves of a multitude of resources around the Greater Lowell area as well as collaborate to make a greater impact on our substance abuse and prevention efforts in our schools and city. As a result of our meeting with these two groups, a decision was made that Assistant Superintendent Jeannine Durkin will represent the Lowell Public Schools on the Health Alliance’s Substance Use and Prevention Task Force on a monthly basis. A vote was also taken to change the name of the Policy Subcommittee to the School Curriculum Subcommittee which now has Lowell Public School District Support Specialist, Mary Payne; District Coordinator of Science and Social Studies, Martha Cohn; and Lowell High School Department Chair of Science and Health, Roger Morneau serving as members. Mary Payne also serves on the Environmental Working Group and will maintain that membership to represent the Lowell Public Schools. The Assistant Superintendent will assign additional Lowell Public School staff to existing subcommittees if ascertained that the district’s prevention efforts will be augmented by district representation on these committees. Maintaining active participation in the Greater Lowell Health Alliance’s Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force and Subcommittees will expand the reach of the district’s prevention efforts and enhance support to our youth and their families. Creating this partnership will also broaden the scope of our substance abuse prevention work and afford the Greater Lowell Community an opportunity to collectively respond to this serious concern.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Lowell High School Pool Update To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 92 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LHS Pool  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Partnership for Readiness or College and Careers[PARCC] Exemption To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 93 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: PARCC Exemption  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Home Education To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 94 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Home Education  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Offices Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 M. Claire Abrams Tel: (978) 674-4323 Assistant Superintendent email:cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: March 12, 2014 RE: Request for Home Education The following parent/guardian seeks permission to home educate their child: Vincent Ruiz 417 Hildreth Street #29 Under General Laws Chapter 76, Section 1, Home Education is constitutionally permissible. Therefore, I recommend approval of this request. If granted, the number of families approved by the Lowell School Committee to home school will total 30 and the total number of children will be 47. MCA/nc  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Daley Middle School under the Core Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 97 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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: March 18, 2014 Re: MSBA Vote – Authorize Superintendent to file Statement of Interest I recommend the following vote be taken at the March 19, 2014 regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee authorizing you as Superintendent of Schools to file a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) under the Core Program. The closing date for the filing of a Statement of Interest under the Core Program is Friday, April 11, 2014. Vote No. 1 Daley Middle School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Daley Middle School located at 150 Fleming Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 2, Elimination of existing severe overcrowding, Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Robinson Middle School under the Core Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 98 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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: March 18, 2014 Re: MSBA Vote – Authorize Superintendent to file Statement of Interest I recommend the following vote be taken at the March 19, 2014 regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee authorizing you as Superintendent of Schools to file a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) under the Core Program. The closing date for the filing of a Statement of Interest under the Core Program is Friday, April 11, 2014. Vote No. 2 Robinson Middle School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Robinson Middle School located at 110 June Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 2, Elimination of existing severe overcrowding, Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Wang Middle School under the Core Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 99 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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: March 18, 2014 Re: MSBA Vote – Authorize Superintendent to file Statement of Interest I recommend the following vote be taken at the March 19, 2014 regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee authorizing you as Superintendent of Schools to file a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) under the Core Program. The closing date for the filing of a Statement of Interest under the Core Program is Friday, April 11, 2014. Vote No. 3 Wang Middle School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Wang Middle School located at 365 West Meadow Road which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 2, Elimination of existing severe overcrowding, Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for Lowell High School under the Core Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 100 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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: March 18, 2014 Re: MSBA Vote – Authorize Superintendent to file Statement of Interest I recommend the following vote be taken at the March 19, 2014 regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee authorizing you as Superintendent of Schools to file a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) under the Core Program. The closing date for the filing of a Statement of Interest under the Core Program is Friday, April 11, 2014. Vote No. 4 Lowell High School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Lowell High School located at 50 Father Morissette Boulevard which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for a New Pre-K – Grade 8 School under the Core Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 101 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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: March 18, 2014 Re: Vo MSBA Vote – Authorize Superintendent to file Statement of Interest te I recommend the following vote be taken at the March 19, 2014 regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee authorizing you as Superintendent of Schools to file a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) under ith the Core Program. The closing date for the filing of a Statement of Interest under the Core Program is Friday, April 11, 2014. Vote No. 5 dr New Pre-K through Grade 8 School aw Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts W School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for a New Pre-K through Grade 8 School to be located in the City of Lowell which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 2, Elimination of existing severe overcrowding, and Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. From: Lang, Jay To: "David Conway"; Gendron, Stephen; "Jim Leary (jleary@jdlic.com)"; "Connie Martin (Cmartin@COMTEAM.org)"; "kristin.ross31@comcast.net"; Scott, Kimberly; "rodneyelliott@comcast.net" Cc: Central Adm Small Mail Subject: Further Developments from the MSBA Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 5:09:00 PM Committee Members, On tomorrow evening’s agenda, I have listed the following six (6) votes to allow the superintendent to prepare and submit statement of interest applications to the MSBA by the April 11th “core program” deadline. The six (6) votes are as follows: 1. Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Daley Middle School under the Core Program 2. Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Robinson Middle School under the Core Program 3. Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Wang Middle School under the Core Program 4. Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for Lowell High School under the Core Program 5. Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for a New Pre-K – Grade 8 School under the Core Program 6. Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Rogers Middle School under the Core Program I confirmed today the information I previously discussed with the committee pertaining to the MSBA’s view of each middle school project standing on its own as a separate project in the application process. Further, representatives of the MSBA confirmed for me today that the statement of interest process pertains only to current buildings, not new buildings. The decision on whether a new building is needed, such as in the case of Vote No. 5, for the New Pre-K – Grade 8 school, is determined through the feasibility study phase of the MSBA’s review of our applications. Because we will be submitting applications for other current elementary and middle school sites (Daley, Robinson, Rogers and Wang), the MSBA will review the district’s current and projected overcrowding at the elementary and middle school levels when reviewing those applications to determine the need for renovations and/or additions to those schools as well as the potential need for a new school. The need for additional space and/or a new Pre-K – Grade 8 School building may be the outcome of the feasibility study, however it is not part of the statement of interest application process. Therefore, there is no way for us to submit a statement of interest under Vote No. 5, consideration of a new Pre-K – Grade 8 School in Lowell. Given this information, I will be asking that the committee withdraw and not take action on Vote No. 5 tomorrow evening. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to this information before the meeting. Thanks, Jay Jay Lang Deputy Superintendent of Finance & Operations Lowell Public Schools 43 Highland Street Lowell, MA 01852 (978) 674-2020 - phone (978) 674-2141 - fax  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Rogers Middle School under the Core Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 102 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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: March 18, 2014 Re: MSBA Vote – Authorize Superintendent to file Statement of Interest I recommend the following vote be taken at the March 19, 2014 regular meeting of the Lowell School Committee authorizing you as Superintendent of Schools to file a Statement of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) under the Core Program. The closing date for the filing of a Statement of Interest under the Core Program is Friday, April 11, 2014. Vote No. 6 Rogers Middle School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Rogers Middle School located at 43 Highland Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 2, Elimination of existing severe overcrowding, Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Disclosure: James P. Hall, Collective Bargaining Counsel to Committee To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 90 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Disclosure: James P. Hall, Collective Bargaining Counsel to Committee  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate twenty [20] sick leave days to Mark Peabody, Shaughnessy School custodian. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 96 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: UTL Peabody Donation