School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: Nov 05, 2014 Time: 6:30 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 / 448 Spotlight of Excellence: Compass Program Lowell High School Freshman Academy 4. 2014 / 451 Superintendent's 2014 Evaluation 5. 2014 / 454 Executive Session: Review and Response to Collective Bargaining Proposals, Positions and Correspondence for UTL, LSAA and SEIU. MINUTES: 6. 2014 / 443 Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of Wednesday, October 15, 2014 7. 2014 / 444 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, October 22, 2014. PERMISSION TO ENTER: 8. 2014 / 446 Permission to Enter: November 5, 2014 MOTIONS: 9. 2014 / 441 [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the Headmaster of Lowell High School to devise a plan that will replace or repair the Clock/scoreboard in the pool complex at Lowell. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 2) 10. 2014 / 442 [by Davis Conway]: To request that the School Committee release the total redacted minutes of the Superintendent's contract negotiations within the next 30 days. 11. 2014 / 449 [by James Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the Lowell School Committee and the student services subcommittee with a report which explains the new legislation; Massachusetts Chapter 222, and how the Lowell public schools are interpreting the new legislation and how it is implementing the law. The report should also include how other school districts in Massachusetts are implementing Chapter 222. 12. 2014 / 450 [by James Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the Lowell School Committee and the student services subcommittee the status of the current staffing, student enrollment numbers, numbers of students moving from Lowell High School to the Career Academy and the current management structure of the Career Academy. SUBCOMMITTEES: 13. 2014 / 447 Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, October 28, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 14. 2014 / 453 Home Education 15. 2014 / 452 Quarterly Report on Motions CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 16. 2014 / 445 Daniel Graham, Lowell High School Head Baseball Coach to present at the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention in Orlando, Florida. Coach Graham in one of only three high school baseball coaches in the United State to be asked to speak at the conference. This selection is an honor and distinction not only for Coach Graham but for Lowell High School, Lowell Public Schools and the City of Lowell. The trip will be from December 31, 2014 through January 5, 2015. Mr. Graham will not miss any school time while attending the conference. No substitute teacher is needed. The cost of $1,600.00 for the conference participation will be funded through the Professional Development Account. ADJOURNMENT: 17. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: Nov 05, 2014 Time: 6:30 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 / 448 Spotlight of Excellence: Compass Program Lowell High School Freshman Academy 4. 2014 / 451 Superintendent's 2014 Evaluation 5. 2014 / 454 Executive Session: Review and Response to Collective Bargaining Proposals, Positions and Correspondence for UTL, LSAA and SEIU. MINUTES: 6. 2014 / 443 Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of Wednesday, October 15, 2014 7. 2014 / 444 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, October 22, 2014. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 3) PERMISSION TO ENTER: 8. 2014 / 446 Permission to Enter: November 5, 2014 MOTIONS: 9. 2014 / 441 [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the Headmaster of Lowell High School to devise a plan that will replace or repair the Clock/scoreboard in the pool complex at Lowell. 10. 2014 / 442 [by Davis Conway]: To request that the School Committee release the total redacted minutes of the Superintendent's contract negotiations within the next 30 days. 11. 2014 / 449 [by James Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the Lowell School Committee and the student services subcommittee with a report which explains the new legislation; Massachusetts Chapter 222, and how the Lowell public schools are interpreting the new legislation and how it is implementing the law. The report should also include how other school districts in Massachusetts are implementing Chapter 222. 12. 2014 / 450 [by James Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the Lowell School Committee and the student services subcommittee the status of the current staffing, student enrollment numbers, numbers of students moving from Lowell High School to the Career Academy and the current management structure of the Career Academy. SUBCOMMITTEES: 13. 2014 / 447 Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, October 28, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 14. 2014 / 453 Home Education 15. 2014 / 452 Quarterly Report on Motions Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 3) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 16. 2014 / 445 Daniel Graham, Lowell High School Head Baseball Coach to present at the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention in Orlando, Florida. Coach Graham in one of only three high school baseball coaches in the United State to be asked to speak at the conference. This selection is an honor and distinction not only for Coach Graham but for Lowell High School, Lowell Public Schools and the City of Lowell. The trip will be from December 31, 2014 through January 5, 2015. Mr. Graham will not miss any school time while attending the conference. No substitute teacher is needed. The cost of $1,600.00 for the conference participation will be funded through the Professional Development Account. ADJOURNMENT: 17. 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 of Excellence: Compass Program Lowell High School Freshman Academy To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 448 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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: Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction DATE: October 28, 2014 RE: Spotlight on Excellence The Compass Program at LHS Freshman Academy The Lowell School Committee’s Spotlight on Excellence presentation on Wednesday November 5th will feature Lowell High School’s Freshman Academy’s Compass After School Program – recipient of a DESE 21st Century Community Learning Center’s Exemplary Status Grant The following is an outline of the presentation: 1. Carolyn Rocheleau, Coordinator of Special Programs will provide a brief introduction of the program and funding. 2. Video presentation produced by Bryan Wilkins 3. Kate Keefe, Site Director of the Compass Program will provide a few highlights of the program. Spotlight on Excellence 1 COMPASS Program  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 The Compass Program at LHS Freshman Academy Spotlight on Excellence The Compass Program is a free after school and summer program designed to engage freshman students in their community through a variety of dynamic offerings with a focus on social and emotional growth. Students develop lasting relationships with peers, mentors, and their instructors. The Compass Program launched in 2010 when the MA Department of Secondary and Elementary Education granted the program $600,000 over the four years (2010-2014) to create a 21st Century Community Learning Center program at Lowell High School. The COMPASS Program at Lowell High School was one of 13 programs in the state recently awarded exemplary status from the DESE and will continue to be state-funded through the 2017 school year. The program has also been recognized by the federal government for its efforts to support Special Education Students. This year over 90 freshman students are part of the program, along with approximately 25 upperclassmen who serve as program mentors. Students are invited to participate in any of our activities which currently include: Breakdancing, Cooking, Environmental “Ed”ventures, Photography, and the Student Wellness Awareness Team (SWAT). COMPASS also offers homework assistance and tutoring, as well as a thirty minute skill-share program which includes digital literacy, knitting, music production, and sign language. These activities promote student involvement in local, state, and national affairs with a focus on the college and career readiness skills needed to participate in a 21st Century economy. Here are some highlights of the students’ work over the past four years: Environmental “ED”Ventures Lowell WIC – World Food Day National Land Trust Rally – Providence, RI Massachusetts Earth Night 2014 – Boston, MA Photography "Portraits of the City" exhibit at the National Park Boott Cotton Mills Zeitgeist Gallery Brewed Awakening Coffeehouse Cooking D’youville Manor Nursing Home Lowell Food Bank Breakdancing Dance 4 Peace Lowell Folk Festival Spotlight on Excellence 2 COMPASS Program  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 The Compass Program is truly a community effort that involves a number of extremely dedicated individuals. We have tremendous partnerships with many groups in the community. These partnerships provide invaluable opportunities for our students and we are so grateful for Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, MA Audubon at Drumlin Farm, National Park, Tsongas Industrial Center, Lowell Taekwondo, and LPD Officer John Boutselis. I want to express my thanks to all who contribute to this program and to the students who share their talents every day I would especially like to thank Carolyn Rocheleau for her unwavering commitment and support. I would also like to acknowledge Freshman Academy Director Jill Lang for her support of our students and the program. Special thanks to Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Jeannine Durkin who worked tirelessly to secure the first grant along with our Freshman Academy team: Marta Hersek, Kerri Morales, Maureen Mulryan, Dennis Plourde, Rithy Uong, and James Rourke. Without the hard work of these individuals, this would not have been possible. The following students are exceptional individuals, and should be recognized for all of their accomplishments: Edwin Chamba Junior Chourb Amanda Ferreria Brian Holmburg Maryam Heron Cornell Grinkley Jon Lanier Kristy Lyn Stead Syneta Som Andy Un Congratulations to all participants for exemplary status and continued success. Spotlight on Excellence 3 COMPASS Program  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Superintendent's 2014 Evaluation To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 451 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Eval  Indicators U = Unsatisfactory = Performance on a standard or overall has not significantly improved following a rating of needs improvement, or performance is consistently below the requirements of a standard or overall and is considered inadequate, or both. NI = Needs Improvement = Performance on a standard or overall is below the requirements of a standard or overall but is not considered to be unsatisfactory at the time. Improvement is necessary and expected. For new superintendents, performance is on track to achieve proficiency within three years. P = Proficient = Proficient practice is understood to be fully satisfactory. This is the rigorous expected level of performance. E = Exemplary = A rating of exemplary indicates that practice significantly exceeds proficient and could serve as a model of practice district wide Standard I: Instructional Leadership. The education leader promotes the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff by cultivating a shared vision that makes powerful teaching and learning the central focus of schooling. Area of Responsibility DC RE SG JL CM KRS KS Score Indicator I‐A. Curriculum: Ensures that all instructional staff design effective and rigorous standards‐ based units of instruction consisting of well‐ P P E P E P NI P structured lessons with measurable outcomes. Indicator I‐B. Instruction: Ensures that practices in all settings reflect high expectations regarding content and quality of effort and work, P P P P P P NI P engage all students, and are personalized to accommodate diverse learning styles, needs, interests, and levels of readiness. Indicator I‐C. Assessment: Ensures that all principals and administrators facilitate practices that propel personnel to use a variety of formal and informal methods and assessments to P NI P P P P P P measure student learning, growth, and understanding and make necessary adjustments to their practice when students are not learning. Indicator I‐D. Evaluation: Provides effective and timely supervision and evaluation of all staff in alignment with state regulations and contract NI P P P P P P P provisions. Indicator I‐E. Data‐Informed Decision Making: Uses multiple sources of evidence related to student learning, including state, district, and school assessment results and growth data, to P P P P P P P P inform school and district goals and improve organizational performance, educator effectiveness, and student learning. Members Individual Ratings P P P P P P P P Overall Rating: Standard I: Instructional Leadership U: Unsatisfactory NI: Needs Improvement P: Proficient E: Exemplary Comments SG: I feel that Instruction and Curriculum are strengths of Supt. Franco. Her past experiences as a lifelong educator and Deputy Supt. of Curriculum have served her well in this regard. Under the leadership of Supt. Franco, Lowell Public Schools has delivered a Progress and Performance Index rating that is “on target”. LPS has shown steady growth in Accountability Level under Supt. Franco as well. When compared to other urban districts, Lowell is arguably the best rated district in the state. K.S. The curriculum needs improvement to make sure that it is meeting the state standards across all subject matters. Work needs to continue to make sure that all students are showing growth whether they are an advanced learner, or learning at grade level or below. Superintendent’s Annual Performance Evaluation Page 2 To be Presented at the  Indicators U = Unsatisfactory = Performance on a standard or overall has not significantly improved following a rating of needs improvement, or performance is consistently below the requirements of a standard or overall and is considered inadequate, or both. NI = Needs Improvement = Performance on a standard or overall is below the requirements of a standard or overall but is not considered to be unsatisfactory at the time. Improvement is necessary and expected. For new superintendents, performance is on track to achieve proficiency within three years. P = Proficient = Proficient practice is understood to be fully satisfactory. This is the rigorous expected level of performance. E = Exemplary = A rating of exemplary indicates that practice significantly exceeds proficient and could serve as a model of practice district wide Standard II: Management and Operations. Promotes the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff by ensuring a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment, using resources to implement appropriate curriculum, staffing, and scheduling Area of Responsibility DC RE SG JL CM KRS KS Score Indicator II‐A. Environment: Develops and executes effective plans, procedures, routines, and operational P P P P P P P P systems to address a full range of safety, health, and emotional and social needs. Indicator II‐B. Human Resources Management and Development: Implements a cohesive approach to recruitment, hiring, induction, NI P P NI NI P NI NI development, and career growth that promotes high‐quality and effective practice. Indicator II‐C. Scheduling and Management Information Systems: Uses systems to ensure optimal use of data and time for teaching, learning, and P P P P NI P P P collaboration, minimizing disruptions and distractions for school‐level staff. Indicator II‐D. Laws, Ethics, and Policies: Understands and complies with state and federal laws and mandates, school committee policies, P P P P P P NI P collective bargaining agreements, and ethical guidelines. Indicator II‐E. Fiscal Systems: Develops a budget that supports the district’s vision, mission, and goals; allocates and manages expenditures NI NI E P NI NI NI NI consistent with district‐ and school‐level goals and available resources. NI Members Individual Ratings per P NI PP P NI P JL Overall Rating: Standard II: Management and Operations U: Unsatisfactory NI: Needs Improvement P: Proficient E: Exemplary Comments KRS: Our Districts budget has yet to be placed into a Performance Based format which was requested and approved by the committee. Performance based budgeting would allow greater clarity and transparency around the dedication of financial resources to expanding or creating new initiatives and systems. SG: Supt. Franco and her staff have exhibited proficiency in the area of management and operations. Our schools provide safe and healthy environments for the children of Lowell. She manages the conflicting demands of holding together aging facilities, while managing plans for the future. This was very clear in the analysis of facilities conducted by OMG and the ultimate submission of plans to the MSBA for funding analysis. Supt. Franco has delivered a Superintendent’s Annual Performance Evaluation Page 3 To be Presented at the  Area of Responsibility DC RE SG JL CM KRS KS Score thorough budget that satisfies the needs of the district within our means. Her staff has demonstrated the ability to operate within that budget. K.S. Our Districts budget has yet to be placed into a Performance Based format, which was requested and approved by the committee. Performance based budgeting would allow greater clarity and transparency around the dedication of financial resources to expanding or creating new initiatives and systems. The committee has also not received monthly financial and overtime reports despite a committee vote to receive the information monthly. Decisions to cut direct services in the classroom must also be avoided in the future. The district still struggles with hiring a diverse pool of employees and with coming forward with a plan to increase recruitment per a committee vote. Indicators U = Unsatisfactory = Performance on a standard or overall has not significantly improved following a rating of needs improvement, or performance is consistently below the requirements of a standard or overall and is considered inadequate, or both. NI = Needs Improvement = Performance on a standard or overall is below the requirements of a standard or overall but is not considered to be unsatisfactory at the time. Improvement is necessary and expected. For new superintendents, performance is on track to achieve proficiency within three years. P = Proficient = Proficient practice is understood to be fully satisfactory. This is the rigorous expected level of performance. E = Exemplary = A rating of exemplary indicates that practice significantly exceeds proficient and could serve as a model of practice district wide Standard III: Family and Community Engagement. Promotes the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff through effective partnerships with families, community organizations, and other stakeholders that support the mission of the school and district. KR Area of Responsibility DC RE SG JL CM KS Score S Indicator III‐A. Engagement: Actively ensures that all families are welcome members of the classroom and school community and can P P P P NI P P P contribute to the effectiveness of the classroom, school, district and community. Indicator III‐B. Sharing Responsibility: Continuously collaborates with families and community stakeholders to support student learning and P P NI P P NI P P development at home, school, and in the community. Indicator III‐C. Communication: Engages in regular, two‐ way, culturally proficient communication NI P NI P P P NI P with families and community stakeholders about student learning and performance. Indicator III‐D. Family Concerns: Addresses family and community concerns in an equitable, P P P P P P P P effective, and efficient manner. NI Members Individual Ratings P P P PP P P /P Overall Rating: Standard III: Family and Community Engagement U: Unsatisfactory NI: Needs Improvement P: Proficient E: Exemplary Superintendent’s Annual Performance Evaluation Page 4 To be Presented at the  KR Area of Responsibility DC RE SG JL CM KS Score S Comments KRS: The observation is that we are underutilizing district technology platforms as a means of communicating with parents/caregivers to an optimal level. Consistent analysis of data generated from the Districts website would yield a great deal of information regarding trends of need for our families/caregivers. SG: I feel that Supt. Franco needs to improve her interactions with community organizations across the City. While organizations like The Lowell Plan, Project Learn, the CVB, CTI and many others may not be directly related to Lowell Public Schools, it is essential that the superintendent and her administration partner with and leverage them. In a district the size of Lowell, the superintendent has to be a bit of a politician. She must be the face of the district and convince community organizations that their success is linked directly to the success of the LPS. K.S. We need to make sure that we are better using technology to reach out to our families. Families need to receive communication home about what their children are working on and their progress. Indicators U = Unsatisfactory = Performance on a standard or overall has not significantly improved following a rating of needs improvement, or performance is consistently below the requirements of a standard or overall and is considered inadequate, or both. NI = Needs Improvement = Performance on a standard or overall is below the requirements of a standard or overall but is not considered to be unsatisfactory at the time. Improvement is necessary and expected. For new superintendents, performance is on track to achieve proficiency within three years. P = Proficient = Proficient practice is understood to be fully satisfactory. This is the rigorous expected level of performance. E = Exemplary = A rating of exemplary indicates that practice significantly exceeds proficient and could serve as a model of practice district wide Standard IV: Professional Culture. Promotes success for all students by nurturing and sustaining a school culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and continuous learning for staff. Area of Responsibility DC RE SG JL CM KRS KS Score Indicator IV‐A. Commitment to High Standards: Fosters a shared commitment to high standards of service, P P P P P P P P teaching and learning with high expectations for achievement for all. Indicator IV‐B. Cultural Proficiency: Ensures that policies and practices enable staff members and students to interact effectively in a culturally diverse P P NI P P NI P P environment in which students’ backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected. Indicator IV‐C. Communications: Demonstrates strong interpersonal, written and verbal NI P P P P NI NI P communication skills. Indicator IV‐D. Continuous Learning: Develops and nurtures a culture in which staff members are reflective about their practice and use student data, current research, best practices and theory to P P P P P P P P continuously adapt practice and achieve improved results. Models these behaviors in the administrator’s own practice. Superintendent’s Annual Performance Evaluation Page 5 To be Presented at the  Area of Responsibility DC RE SG JL CM KRS KS Score Indicator IV‐E. Shared Vision: Continuously engages all stakeholders in the creation of a shared educational vision in which every student is P P NI P P NI P P prepared to succeed in postsecondary education and become a responsible citizen and global contributor. Indicator IV‐F. Managing Conflict: Employs strategies for responding to disagreement and dissent, constructively resolving conflict and building P P P NI P P P P consensus throughout a district or school community. Members Individual Ratings P P P P P NI/P P P Overall Rating: Standard IV: Professional Culture U: Unsatisfactory NI: Needs Improvement P: Proficient E: Exemplary Comments KRS: Cultural diversity amongst staff continues to be a challenge. Our workforce should be more reflective of the school population we serve. Regarding communication & Vision, while day to day information is timely, larger initiatives such as the most SPED realignment proved to be more challenging in the form of communication to the schools impacted by this initiative and notification of families. Many of the issues that surfaced in the roll out of this initiative may have been prevented had planning and roll out had commenced far earlier in the school year. SG: Supt. Franco and her administration exhibit proficiency in developing a positive and professional culture across the city. I believe the superintendant sets a high standard of excellence and she fosters professionalism throughout the district. Her Leadership Academy for administrators which holds meetings before and after the school year, and then monthly during the year, helps to address issues and maintain consistency across the district. Lowell High School has shown very positive cultural changes in the past year under headmaster Martin. I would like to see the superintendent focus on diversifying our workforce to better represent the population of our schools. And most importantly, the superintendant should clearly articulate a vision for LPS that is shared by her staff and all employees. K.S. Communication on large district initiatives like the SPED realignment need to have a better form of communication to families and stakeholders. An earlier start in the planning of this initiative would have eased many of the issues that were experienced. Indicators U = Unsatisfactory = Performance on a standard or overall has not significantly improved following a rating of needs improvement, or performance is consistently below the requirements of a standard or overall and is considered inadequate, or both. NI = Needs Improvement = Performance on a standard or overall is below the requirements of a standard or overall but is not considered to be unsatisfactory at the time. Improvement is necessary and expected. For new superintendents, performance is on track to achieve proficiency within three years. P = Proficient = Proficient practice is understood to be fully satisfactory. This is the rigorous expected level of performance. E = Exemplary = A rating of exemplary indicates that practice significantly exceeds proficient and could serve as a model of practice district wide Superintendent’s Annual Performance Evaluation Page 6 To be Presented at the  Overall Summative Performance U: Unsatisfactory NI: Needs Improvement P: Proficient E: Exemplary Superintendent: _Jean M. Franco____ _________________________________________ _____________ Name Signature Date Evaluators: David Conway Rodney Elliott Steve Gendron James Leary Connie A. Martin Kristin Ross‐Sitcawich Kimberly A. Scott Signature Date Superintendent’s Annual Performance Evaluation Page 7 To be Presented at the Add Evaluator Comments ‐‐ [Comments and analysis are recommended for any rating but are required for an overall summative rating of needs improvement or unsatisfactory or impact on Student Learning rating of low.] COMMENTS: Mayor Elliott: I remain concerned with the number of level 3 schools there are in the District, that have seen either reductions or little progress on MCAS scores. Add Superintendent’s Comments ‐ ‐ [Comments can be added by the individual being evaluated] COMMENTS: Comments and analysis (recommended for an overall rating; required for overall rating of needs improvement or unsatisfactory): Superintendent’s Annual Performance Evaluation Page 8 To be Presented at the  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Executive Session: Review and Response to Collective Bargaining Proposals, Positions and Correspondence for UTL, LSAA and SEIU. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 454 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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 Special Meeting of the Committee of Wednesday, October 15, 2014 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 443 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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, October 22, 2014. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 444 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Permission to Enter: November 5, 2014 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 446 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Office of Finance & Operations Phone: (978) 674-2019 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 937-7620 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: October 31, 2014 Subject: Permission to Enter – November 5, 2014 School Committee Meeting INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE $ 10,000 144 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 To support the Refugee Student Homework and After-School Activity Club as part of the Refugee School Impact Grant of the Lowell Public Schools during the 2014-2015 school year. Funding provided by the Refugee School Impact Grant CAMBODIAN MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION $ 11,500 OF GREATER LOWELL 465 School Street Lowell, MA 01852 To provide the Lowell Adult Education Center with an on-site program for fifty (50) foreign- speaking adults. Funding provided by the Adult Basic Education Grant (ABE) LOWELL TRANSITIONAL LIVING CENTER, INC. $ 9,000 205 Middlesex Street Lowell, MA 01852 To provide recruitment, counseling and coordination for fifteen (15) homeless students to attend Adult Basic Education GED preparation classes. Funding provided by the Adult Basic Education Grant (ABE)  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the Headmaster of Lowell High School to devise a plan that will replace or repair the Clock/scoreboard in the pool complex at Lowell. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 441 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 Davis Conway]: To request that the School Committee release the total redacted minutes of the Superintendent's contract negotiations within the next 30 days. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 442 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 James Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the Lowell School Committee and the student services subcommittee with a report which explains the new legislation; Massachusetts Chapter 222, and how the Lowell public schools are interpreting the new legislation and how it is implementing the law. The report should also include how other school districts in Massachusetts are implementing Chapter 222. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 449 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 James Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the Lowell School Committee and the student services subcommittee the status of the current staffing, student enrollment numbers, numbers of students moving from Lowell High School to the Career Academy and the current management structure of the Career Academy. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 450 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, October 28, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chair] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 447 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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 / 453 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Home Schooling  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: October 30, 2014 RE: Request for Home Education The following parent/guardian seeks permission to home educate their child: Joanna Torres 23 Eighteenth Street (PO Box 8214) Delmiro & Maria Schmidt 17 Arlington Street Nomalanga Mhlauli-Moses 1217 Pawtucket Blvd. #49 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 44. MCA/nc  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Quarterly Report on Motions To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 452 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Quarterly Report on Motions  QUARTERLY REPORT ON STATUS OF OUTSTANDING MOTIONS   On-going Spotlight on Excellence – 1st meeting of Athletic Reports: Fall/January,   each month Winter/March, Spring/July  Quarterly Report on Motions: October, Recognize Retirees: June   January, April and July School Maintenance Report: Every June Overtime & Extra Payments – reported Annual Report on Textbook Purchases: monthly August DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 1. 10/03/12 Goal Setting Workshop Referred to [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent schedule a goal setting workshop with Personnel the School Committee. The session should include setting shared goals for raising Subcommittee. student achievement as well as setting up a self-evaluation process. 2. 11/07/12 LHS Future Discussed at the [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent to reopen the discussion with The 4/25/13 LHS Lowell Plan, Friends of Lowell High School, Lowell High School Administrative and Subcommittee - Facility staff, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Middlesex Community College, City Referred to Administration and other Community parties, as it relates to the future facility and Headmaster. budget needs of Lowell High School. The discussion would include, but not be limited Awaiting MSBA to, updating science laboratories, classroom technology and future student educational response to fund facility needs. LHS as priority project to include constituency groups in the process. 3. 12/05/12 Hiring Process Reported at the [by David Conway]: Ask the Superintendent to prepare a report that describes various 03/06/13 Meeting aspects of the hiring process for administrators, supervisors and citywide coordinators. and referred to The report should include the following: how is the membership of a Selection Personnel Committee determined and who selects the specific individuals to serve on the Subcommittee on committee; which specific jobs within the school system use a selection Committee as 05/02/13 part of the hiring process; who participates in the screening of applicants, in order to Reported at the determine which candidates will move forward to a committee interview and how is it School Committee determined whether candidates for a job are interviewed in public while others are not. Meeting on 05/15/13 Set up a special Ms. Martin amended Mr. Conway's motion. The amended motion reads: Ask the meeting to discuss Superintendent to prepare a report that describes various aspects of the hiring process Martin/Scott motion for administrators, supervisors and citywide coordinators. The report should include the to reduce following: how is the membership of a Selection Committee determined and who membership of the selects the specific individuals to serve on the committee; which specific jobs within the SAC from 8 to 6. To school system use a selection Committee as part of the hiring process; who participates be discussed at the in the screening of applicants, in order to determine which candidates will move 7/9/13 Personnel forward to a committee interview and how is it determined whether candidates for a job Subcommittee are interviewed in public while others are not. Also, what are we required to do per the Education Reform Act as well as any legal mandates to our hiring process. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 5, 2014 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 4. 01/02/13 LHS Facilities Plan Discussed at the [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide a status update on the motion LHS Subcommittee passed by the School Committee regarding reopening the discussion with The Lowell Meeting of 4/25/13 Plan, Friends of Lowell High School, Lowell High School Administrative and Facility Referred to staff, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Middlesex Community College, City Headmaster. Administration and other Community parties, as it relates to the future facility and Awaiting MSBA budget needs of Lowell High School. The discussion would include, but not be limited response to fund to, updating science laboratories, classroom technology and future student educational LHS as priority facility needs. project to include constituency groups in the process. 5. 02/20/13 School Innovation Grant Referred to Grant [by Mayor Patrick Murphy and Robert Gignac]: Request that the Superintendent work Program Developer with city administration, business community and others to develop a School Innovation Grant program to fund teacher- and staff-driven educational programs and projects. 6. 8/21/13 LHS Change of Start Time Referred to [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to work with the Headmaster to gather Headmaster. pertinent information that will help guide the School Department with the feasibility of having an earlier start time to the day at the high school beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. 7. 8/21/13 Hiring/Diversity Initial meeting with [by Kim Scott and David Conway]: Request the Superintendent develop and implement Community inclusive recruitment strategies and promote the hiring of staff members from diverse Members – work backgrounds. will continue. 8. 8/21/13 Before and Afterschool Programs [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent formulate and implement a comprehensive plan for before and after school child care and enrichment programming for all schools in the district, for all children in the district, including children with developmental and/or physical disabilities. 9. 09/04/13 Parent Groups [by Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent report on the current membership status of the following groups and provide a plan to expand the membership of: The Citywide Parent Council; The Special Education Parent PAC; The Parent Advisory Groups and The Student Advisory Groups. 10. 01/02/13 Health Trust Funding Letter sent to City [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent report on the anticipated health trust Manager on 1/11/13 fund balance as well as the portion and timing of funds to be directed back to the School – response pending Department. 11. 12/18/13 House Bills-Charter Schools [by Mayor Patrick Murphy]: Request the School Committee register its support for House Bills 345, 398, and 491 requiring certain measures in the approval and administration of charter schools within any given school district. 12. 02/19/14 Emergency Events [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the City Solicitor and public safety officials to develop a plan that will insure a coordinated and timely communication to the appropriate officials and the community in the event of an emergency or public safety issue. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 5, 2014 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 13. 4/16/14 Contingency Plan for MS [by Steve Gendron and James Leary]: Request the Superintendent prepare a contingency plan to accommodate the increase in middle-school population expected for the 2017- 2018 school year and report to the Facilities Subcommittee. 14. 5/07/14 State Delegation 9-17-14 Completed [by Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent invite the State Delegation to an on-going semi-annual meeting to discuss district issues including the impact of current and proposed legislation and to receive budgetary updates to assist the district in short and long term planning. 15. 5/07/14 Candidate Follow-up 09/17/14 Completed [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide the Lowell School Committee with the policy regarding the hiring of new employee’s and how we are informing candidates who are not selected for positions within the Lowell Public Schools. 16. 8/20/14 Superintendent’s annual performance evaluation 9/11/14 Completed [by Connie Martin]: Requesting a meeting of the Personnel Subcommittee to discuss the process for implementing the Superintendent’s annual performance evaluation. 17. 9/03/14 Leadership Academy 9-3-14 Completed [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to prepare a report that will give an update on our Leadership Academy. To include but not limited to goals, direction, cost and future. 18. 9/03/14 Lowell High School Store [by Steve Gendron]: To request the Superintendent to dedicate part of the Parent Information Center on Merrimack St. to the Lowell High School Store and request that the headmaster make plans to have it staffed by supervised students for specified hours during the school day and potentially on Saturday. 19. 10/22/14 Greater of Lowell Technical High School bylaws [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Rodney Elliott]: Request the City Council amend bylaws to make the Greater Lowell Technical High School succession process follow the Lowell City Council and Lowell School Committee succession process, as it relates to the replacement of members that have left their elected office prior to the end of their full term. FINANCE AND OPERATIONS 1. 2/01/12 School Maintenance Discussed at the [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with city administration Facilities to incorporate all requests for school maintenance/repair requests into the Lowell Stat Subcommittee Mtg. department to provide tracking and metrics for resolution of maintenance issues of 1/15/13 and Joint throughout the school district. Facilities Subcommittee Mtg. of 2/6/13. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 5, 2014 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 2. 7/18/12 Cash Handling Policy Reported at the [By Robert Gignac]: Request the Superintendent develops a report of all the cash 1/16/13 School handling policies and procedures currently in place district wide. Committee Meeting. Referred to the Policy Subcommittee. 3. 10/03/12 E-School System Discussed at the [by Kimberly Scott & Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Technology Request the Administration to look into the possibility of an E-School type system Subcommittee similar to the City of Lowell's E-Gov system for online requests and issues to establish meeting of 4/7/14. via data; trends, concerns and challenges our families experience 4. 12/19/12 Safety Security LPS [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent seek proposals from an external professional firm to review and provide minimum as well as recommended industry standards with regard to school safety and security of public school facilities comparable to Lowell High School. Motion updated for cost of an expanded study to include all LPS. 5. 01/02/13 Heating Systems Discussed at the [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich & Kimberly Scott]: Facilities Request the Superintendent provide a report on the age and efficiency of the heating Subcommittee systems at all schools, current system issues, whether or not there is a way for school Meeting of 1/15/13 staff to override the systems when needed, and the plans and timeline which we will and Joint Facilities resolve any ongoing issues. Subcommittee Meeting of 2/6/13. Report provided at 10/16/13 School Committee Meeting Referred to Facilities Subcommittee. 6. 6/19/13 Solid Waste/Recycling [by Kim Scott]: Request the administration work together with the city Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator to prepare a plan that includes expanding lunch room recycling and composting options for students and staff. 7. 07/10/13 Student Walkers [by Mayor Patrick Murphy]: Request Superintendent work with city administration to identify challenges to safely walk to school and report on a plan to increase the number of student walkers through the use of chaperoned walking buses. 8. 12/18/13 Fred Abisi Naming Report provided at [by Robert Gignac]: Request the School Committee take a formal vote to rename the the 10/1/14 SC Lowell Adult Education Center the "Frederick Abisi Adult Education Center of Lowell” Meeting. Completed. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 5, 2014 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 9. 12/18/13 Websites Discussed at the [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kimberly Scott]: Technology Request the Superintendent create a performance plan and set of expectations for staff Subcommittee identified and compensated to maintain middle and elementary school websites and meeting of 4/7/14 monitor on a regular basis the content that is made available on those same websites to and 7/28/14. ensure that appropriate and useful information is being made available to our families in Completed. a timely manner. 10. 12/18/13 District-Wide Olympics [by Mayor Patrick Murphy]: Request the Superintendent explore the potential for a district-wide Olympics. 11. 02/19/14 Athletic Uniforms [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the Headmaster and Athletic Director to develop a plan that will insure our coaches and athletic teams have consistent and branded athletic uniforms. 12. 02/19/14 LHS Maintenance Issues [by Steve Gendron]: Request that the Superintendent work with city officials to develop a short term plan for mitigating issues at high school relative to the leaking roof and faulty heating systems. 13. 3/05/14 Website/Social Media Discussed at the [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Superintendent work with the MIS Director and the Technology Technology Subcommittee to develop a consistent strategy for using websites and social Subcommittee media across the district. meeting of 4/7/14 and 7/28/14. Completed. 14. 3/19/14 Space Needs [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. 15. 3/19/14 Student Transportation in District [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to devise comprehensive cost saving strategies and solutions to decrease the cost of transporting. 16. 4/16/14 Work Orders Report provided at [by Kim Scott and Steve Gendron]: Request to receive an updated work order report the 9/30/14 Facilities that includes the date reported, the priority level, and the planned date of repairs. Subcommittee Meeting. Completed. 17. 5/07/14 Composting [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to create a plan to reduce solid waste output and costs through the use of composting in all facilities in the District. 18. 5/07/14 Administration Listing Report provided at [by David Conway and Mayor Rodney Elliott]: To ask the Superintendent to compile a the 10/1/14 SC list that includes: All Administrators, Central Administration staff, Principals and all meeting. Referred to other Unit B staff, funded by both grant and non-grant funding for the following years: Personnel 2002, 2008 and 2014. Subcommittee. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 5, 2014 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 19. 06/18/14 Maintenance of Grounds [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Superintendent to develop a plan to keep the grounds of our schools well cared for and clean. 20. 06/18/14 Free and Reduced Lunch Percentages Report provided at [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Superintendent provide a report on the the 10/1/14 SC qualifying requirements and percentages of students that receive free and meeting. Completed. Reduced lunch by school. 21. 06/18/14 Facilities at LHS Athletic Fields [by Steve Gendron]: Request that the Superintendent investigate providing portable toilets at Lowell High School athletic fields. CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT 1. 03/20/13 Strategic Plan for LHS On-going [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent establish a short/long term strategic plan for Lowell High School in partnership with Lowell High School personnel, students, parents, Friends of Lowell High and community members with a focus on programs and services, enrollment changes and staffing needs, facility needs, technology and capital improvements. 2. 02/19/14 Community Service Day Reported at the [by Steve Gendron]: Request that the Superintendent implement a community service 4/2/14 Meeting element in the curriculum of the Lowell Public Schools beginning with an On going environmentally focused citywide Community Service Day for the Lowell Public Schools on or near Earth Day, April 22, 2014. 3. 3/19/14 Homework Policy 08/20/14 Completed [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. 4. 3/19/14 Text Books 08/20/14 Completed [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. 5. 3/19/14 PE Requirement 8/20/14 Completed [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 6. 4/16/14 Citywide Community Service Day 5/2/14 Completed [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Mayor declare Friday, May 2, 2014 as Citywide Community Service Day in Lowell Public Schools. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 5, 2014 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 7. 5/16/14 Foreign Language Approved at the [by Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a plan to reinstate middle school 5/16/14 Meeting foreign language instruction for the 2015/2016 school year. 8. 5/16/14 PE Curriculum 8/20/14 Completed [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide to the Lowell School Committee an update on the physical education curriculum review. The report should include any recommendations for changes to the current professional development and any budget recommendations that may be required to support the review. 9. 6/18/14 GPA and Class Rank 9-17-14 Completed [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Superintendent direct the LHS Headmaster to review the policy on reporting GPA and Class Rank on report cards and to make a recommendation to the School Committee. 10. 6/18/14 Update on Sports Themed Schools 9-3-14 Completed [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to give an updated report on Sport Themed Schools. 11. 8/2014 School Supplies list 9-3-14 Completed [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent to work with staff to post complete school supply lists on Lowell Public Schools website in advance of the start of a school year to allow parents the opportunity to better prepare our students for the school year. 12. 09/03/14 Community Services Curriculum On-going [by Steve Gendron]: To request the Superintendent provide an update on weaving community service efforts into the curriculum across the district. 13. 9/03/14 Teacher Academy [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to give an updated report on the Teacher Academy Program. To include but not limited to data, cost, direction and success. 14. 10/01/14 Domestic Violence Awareness [by David Conway]: Request the Superintendent and her staff develop an ongoing, comprehensive program that will address the need to increase the awareness of domestic violence. 15. 10/01/14 Communication with Greater Lowell Technical High School [by James Leary]: Request the superintendent provide an update regarding the discussion with the Greater Lowell Technical High School and the number of Lowell Public School students on their wait list. In addition, provide recommendations to the Lowell School Committee regarding methods and financial costs that would provide vocational technical education to our students on the wait list. 16. 10/01/14 Textbooks Disposal [by David Conway]: Request the Superintendent provides a report with recommendations regarding the disposal of our outdated textbooks and other associated material. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 5, 2014 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 1. 10/03/12 Neighborhood Schools Report presented to [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich & Kimberly Scott]: the Mayor’s Task Request the Superintendent provide the School Committee with a plan that allows more Force at Curriculum students to attend schools within their neighborhood. Subcommittee on 2/21/13; follow-up at Curriculum Subcommittee on 3/14/13 2. 09/04/13 Website Forms [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent create a library of standardized districtwide forms to be made available on the Lowell Public Schools website in order to provide our school families greater access to Lowell Public Schools. 3. 09/04/13 Non Attendance 9-16-14 Completed [by Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop and implement a districtwide plan for intervention for non-attendance. 4. 10/16/13 Resource Officers 9-3-14 Completed [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the appropriate city officials to discuss the merit and feasibility of staffing all middle and PreK-8 schools with a full-time resource officer. 5. 2/19/14 Emergency Events [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the City So licitor and public safety officials to develop a plan that will insure a coordinated and timely communication to the appropriate officials and the community in the event of an emergency or public safety issue. 6. 03/19/14 Student Transportation in District [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. 7. 04/02/14 Accommodations for physically hearing impaired parents 4-16-14 Completed [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to compile a report on the accommodations made available to parents and caregivers of Lowell Public School children who are hearing, visually and or physically impaired and recommended actions to improve parent involvement for these same families. 8. 10/01/14 Enterovirus (EV-68) Awareness 10-22-14 Completed [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell Health Department to distribute material to Lowell Public School families for the purposes of education and awareness around Enterovirus (EV-68). 9. 10/22/14 Parent University [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Supt work with staff to create a "Parent University" for parents and caregivers of Lowell Public School children. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 5, 2014 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 10. 10/22/14 Health Department Presentation [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with Health Department officials and other health care providers in the city to review the procedures that are currently in place to reduce the risk of the spread of infectious diseases in our schools. In Addition, to ask the Superintendent to invite the Director of the Health Department to attend an upcoming School Committee meeting. The Health Director and Committee members would then be able to have an open discussion about how to maximize the safety within our schools in terms by reducing the spread of contagious illnesses. 11. 10/22/14 Special Education Reorganization [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent provide to the committee an update on the continued effort to reorganize the Districts Special Education classrooms - to include timelines for roll out, parent engagement and approximate cost associated with the reorganization. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 5, 2014 Meeting Page { PAGE }  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Daniel Graham, Lowell High School Head Baseball Coach to present at the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention in Orlando, Florida. Coach Graham in one of only three high school baseball coaches in the United State to be asked to speak at the conference. This selection is an honor and distinction not only for Coach Graham but for Lowell High School, Lowell Public Schools and the City of Lowell. The trip will be from December 31, 2014 through January 5, 2015. Mr. Graham will not miss any school time while attending the conference. No substitute teacher is needed. The cost of $1,600.00 for the conference participation will be funded through the Professional Development Account. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 445 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: