School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, December 02, 2015 TIME 6:30 PM SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. - SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. - ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 6:35 p.m., all members were present, namely: Mr. Leary, Ms. Martin, Ms. Ross- Sitcawich, Ms. Scott, Mr. Conway and Mayor/Chairman Elliott. Mr. Gendron was absent. MINUTES: 3. 2015 / 434 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, November 18, 2015 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 Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 16) MEMORIALS: 4. 2015 / 455 - John J. Leahy, Jr., retired School Psychologist. Victims of the shootings in San Bernardino, California MOTIONS: 5. 2015 / 453 - [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent provide report on motion approved for scholarship opportunity ( Voice of Democracy ). VOTING Motion by: Rodney M. Elliott Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 16) 6. 2015 / 454 - [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: School Committee vote to release minutes for Executive Session relative to union contract negotiations/grievances. VOTING Motion by: Rodney M. Elliott Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 7. - A motion was made to approve the Research Study NSF Grant Proposal. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 16) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x SUBCOMMITTEES: 7.1. 2015 / 437 - Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, November 17, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chairperson Ms. Martin, Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the Research Study NSF Grant Proposal that was presented to them. A motion was then made to approve the Research Study NSF Grant Proposal. The motion passed. Ms. Martin also spoke about the Bartlett school and the many opportunities that have been afforded to the students and faculty as well as the opportunities for the UMASS Lowell students as they continue their studies moving forward in the field of education. Ms. Martin concluded speaking about the Moving Science Forward – Stem Club and Mentors. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 16) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 8. 2015 / 444 - Personnel: Report of the Personnel Subcommittee Meeting of Tuesday, December 1, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] A motion was made to defer the Personnel Subcommittee report until the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting on December 16, 2015. The motion passed. 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 Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scot, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 16) 9. 2015 / 451 - Policy Subcommittee: Report of the Meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 [Kimberly Scott, Chair] Ms. Scott, Chair of the Policy Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the Revised Two Hour Delay Policy and the changes that have been made. It was also recommended that the revised two hour delay policy be included in next year’s parent handbook. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 16) REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 10. 2015 / 440 - Response to Kimberly Scott's Motion of 02/18/15 regarding Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) Additional Stops Superintendent Khelfaoui spoke to the Committee about the LRTA - Stops report that he received from John Descoteaux, Family Resource Center Coordinator. The report informed the Committee that an additional shuttle route has been added in the Pawtucketville section, alleviating the over crowdedness and tardy concerns. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 16) 11. 2015 / 441 - Response to David Conway's Motion of 09/16/15 regarding SWEAR Program Superintendent Khelfaoui spoke to the Committee about the SWEAR Program report that he received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The report informed the Committee that the MVP Program which appears very similar to the SWEAR program is being implemented at Lowell High School this school year. In June, 2016, the high school will review the progress and success of the MVP program and revisit their decision for 2016-2017. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 16) 12. 2015 / 442 - Response to Kristin Ross-Sitcawich's Motion of 10/07/15 regarding Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Superintendent Khelfaoui spoke to the Committee about the Bullying Prevention and Intervention report that he received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The report informed the Committee that the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan are reviewed annually by the Office of Student Support Services as per state regulations concurrently along with the review of the Lowell Public School Student and Parent Handbooks. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 16) 13. 2015 / 445 - Response to Kristin Ross-Sitcawich's Motion of 02/04/15 regarding Snow Removal Superintendent Khelfaoui spoke to the Committee about the Snow Removal report that he received from Brian Curley, Director of Operations and Maintenance. The report informed the Committee that at the annual meeting that was held with City Officials all school lots were discussed and plot plans outlining each department’s responsibility were updated for snow removal. City wide bus stop locations were also updated. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 14. 2015 / 452 - Quarterly Reports on Motions Superintendent Khelfaoui presented the Quarterly Report on Motions to the Committee and welcomed any questions they may have. Superintendent Khelfaoui informed the Committee that he would continue to provide them with the report until all outstanding motions are answered. The report was accepted as a report of progress. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 16) VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x NEW BUSINESS: 15. 2015 / 448 - Approval of the CFO Contract VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 16) 16. - A motion was made to defer Item # 2015/449 Establishing an Accountability Office to the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee meeting on December 16, 2015. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 16.1. 2015 / 449 - Establishing an Accountability Office A motion was made to defer Item # 2015/449 Establishing an Accountability Office to the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee meeting on December 16, 2015. The motion passed. 17. 2015 / 450 - Revised Two (2) Hour Delay Policy VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Kimberly Scott Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 16) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 18. 2015 / 446 - Permission for Margaret Ferrick, Director of the Alternative Education and Lauren Sumiko Combs, Full Service Community School Program Manager to attend the Community Schools National Forum 2016 in Albuquerque, New Mexico held on April 5, 2016 through April 9, 2016. The associated expenses will not exceed $3,500 and will be paid through the Full Service Community Schools Grant. No substitute teacher is needed. 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 Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 14 of 16) COMMUNICATIONS: 19. 2015 / 436 - Thank you Letter to Lowell Fire Department The communication was accepted and placed on file. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 20. 2015 / 447 - The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate Ten [10] sick leave days to Tasha Kenney, Lowell High School Paraprofessional. 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 Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 16) EXECUTIVE SESSION: 21. 2015 / 433 - Executive Session: Regarding UTL- collective bargaining and grievances and litigation update. A motion was made to recess at 7:28 p.m. and enter into Executive Session and to adjourn the meeting from Executive Session. The motion passed. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 16) ADJOURNMENT: 22. - ADJOURNMENT: Motion to recess at 7:28 p.m. by Mr. Conway; seconded by Ms. Scott 6 yeas, 1 absent Respectfully submitted, Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us