School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2015-02-04 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: MINUTES: 3. 2015 / 52 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, January 21, 2015 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 4. 2015 / 42 Permission to Enter: February 4, 2015 MEMORIALS: 5. 2015 / 38 Jane E. Cullen-McOsker, retired Bailey School teacher, and wife of Student Support Services Specialist, Fred McOsker. MOTIONS: 6. 2015 / 36 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request that the School Committee vote to delegate full authority to City Manager, Superintendent of Schools and Labor Attorney, to negotiate collective bargaining agreements School Department employee unions, for ratification by School Committee. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 4) 7. 2015 / 37 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with MIS personnel to integrate Lowell Public Schools website with the City of Lowell's website. 8. 2015 / 44 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell to ensure that the process of snow removal in and around all schools, includes the removal of snow from all walkways and traffic lanes, including the enforcement of the sidewalk snow removal ordinance for sidewalks within the vicinity of schools. 9. 2015 / 45 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a full report regarding those students effected by the elimination of the Alternative Diploma Program at the United Teen Equality Center, including but not limited to, placement of students in other programs, strategies for keeping effected students engaged to complete their education. 10. 2015 / 46 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell to establish the feasibility of utilizing Lowell Public School parking lots for additional off street parking for residents in our neighborhoods throughout the city in the event of severe snow emergencies where on street parking is banned. 11. 2015 / 53 [James D. Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the School Committee with an updated status and any feedback received, from Federal and State authority, as it relates to our discussion for an increase in funding in order to support our newcomer student programs. SUBCOMMITTEES: 12. 2015 / 55 Personnel: Report of the Meeting of Thursday, January 29, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 13. 2015 / 47 Dropout Prevention and Recovery Report 14. 2015 / 43 Annual Knowledge Bowl 15. 2015 / 48 City of Lowell Contributions to Support the Lowell Public Schools Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 4) 16. 2015 / 49 Timeline on Spelling Instruction 17. 2015 / 54 Kindergarten Registration Update 18. 2015 / 60 Personnel Office Update NEW BUSINESS: 19. 2015 / 51 Vote to accept donation from Hitachi Consulting CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 20. 2015 / 40 Request permission to attend an overnight out of state conference for Margaret Ferrick, Director of Alternative Education and Mary Payne, District Support Specialist at the Northeast PBIS Network Leadership Forum in Groton, Connecticut from May 21, 2015 thru May 23, 2015. No substitute needed. Cost associated with the conference includes travel, registration fees, food and lodging not to exceed 1,000.00 will be paid through the Alternative Education Grant. 21. 2015 / 41 Lowell High School Cheerleading Team to participate in the National Cheerleading Championship in Virginia Beach, Virginia from March 13 through March 16, 2015. The trip will be supervised by cheerleading coaches Nicole Apostolakos and Alyssa Godfroy. Additional Chaperones will be CORI check approved and trained by the Athletic Director prior to the trip. The cost of the trip including transportation, entry fees, meals and lodging will be approximately $12,300.00 paid for by the Friends of Lowell High School Cheerleading Committee. 22. 2015 / 56 Pre-Approved: LHS Staff Dr. Julio C. deCarvalho, Maria Vejar and Stephen Gervais and approximately 30 LHS students, to travel to Cape Verde from Friday, February 13 through Saturday, February 21, 2015. There is no cost to the School Department budget. Change requested: Elaine Balas will be replacing the original chaperones (Stephen Gervais & Maria Vejar) a letter from LHS will follow with those changes. Teacher/child ratio is cleared per Julio DeCarvalho and Charlene Shattuck. Six students will be attending. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 4) 23. 2015 / 57 Pre-Approved: Lowell High School staff Thomas Thornton, Kathleen Keefe, Michael McLeod and Kristie Volante, along with 18 to 24 students, to travel to Dublin, Wales, and London during February 2015 school vacation. [Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 22, 2015. The total cost of $2625 will be paid by each student traveling. The cost of $200 for two substitute teacher will be paid by the LHS Individual School Budget. Change requested: : Kristie Volante will not be going and teacher/child ratio is cleared per Tom Thornton. (17 students attending) 24. 2015 / 58 Pre-Approved: 50 LHS International Language Club members and 4 staff members [Stephen Gervais, Deborah Mellus, William Donaghey and Philip Maia], along with a coried chaperone, to travel to Quebec City, Canada from Friday, February 6 through Monday, February 9, 2015. There is no cost to the School Department budget. No substitute teachers are needed. Change requested: Trip cancelled. 25. 2015 / 61 Headmaster Brian Martin, request permission for Jill McNamara to Travel to New York City in order to attend the annual Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship New England held on Wednesday, March 25th and returning on Thursday, March 26 2015. Ms. McNamara will be honored as the 2014 Global Enterprising Educator of the Year. One (1) substitute will be needed for one and a half day for a total of $150.00 paid by LHS Professional Development account. There will be no additional cost to the Lowell School Department budget. 26. 2015 / 62 Headmaster Brian Martin, request permission for a one night over night stay on February 20, 2015 for up to fourteen LHS wrestlers that may qualify to attend the MIAA Divisional Championship to be held at the Weymouth High School, Weymouth, MA on February 20 and 21, 2015. The Students will be under the supervision of Head Coac h George Bossi, and assistant coaches James Dillon, Michael Dillon, and Brian Masse. Transportation will be via private vehicle provided by the Lowell High School Wrestling Coaches. The cost of the trip will not exceed $1000.00 paid by the Lowell High Athletic Department. ADJOURNMENT: 27. 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: 2015-02-04 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: MINUTES: 3. 2015 / 52 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, January 21, 2015 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 4. 2015 / 42 Permission to Enter: February 4, 2015 MEMORIALS: 5. 2015 / 38 Jane E. Cullen-McOsker, retired Bailey School teacher, and wife of Student Support Services Specialist, Fred McOsker. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 5) MOTIONS: 6. 2015 / 36 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request that the School Committee vote to delegate full authority to City Manager, Superintendent of Schools and Labor Attorney, to negotiate collective bargaining agreements School Department employee unions, for ratification by School Committee. 7. 2015 / 37 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with MIS personnel to integrate Lowell Public Schools website with the City of Lowell's website. 8. 2015 / 44 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell to ensure that the process of snow removal in and around all schools, includes the removal of snow from all walkways and traffic lanes, including the enforcement of the sidewalk snow removal ordinance for sidewalks within the vicinity of schools. 9. 2015 / 45 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a full report regarding those students effected by the elimination of the Alternative Diploma Program at the United Teen Equality Center, including but not limited to, placement of students in other programs, strategies for keeping effected students engaged to complete their education. 10. 2015 / 46 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell to establish the feasibility of utilizing Lowell Public School parking lots for additional off street parking for residents in our neighborhoods throughout the city in the event of severe snow emergencies where on street parking is banned. 11. 2015 / 53 [James D. Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the School Committee with an updated status and any feedback received, from Federal and State authority, as it relates to our discussion for an increase in funding in order to support our newcomer student programs. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 5) SUBCOMMITTEES: 12. 2015 / 55 Personnel: Report of the Meeting of Thursday, January 29, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 13. 2015 / 47 Dropout Prevention and Recovery Report 14. 2015 / 43 Annual Knowledge Bowl 15. 2015 / 48 City of Lowell Contributions to Support the Lowell Public Schools 16. 2015 / 49 Timeline on Spelling Instruction 17. 2015 / 54 Kindergarten Registration Update 18. 2015 / 60 Personnel Office Update NEW BUSINESS: 19. 2015 / 51 Vote to accept donation from Hitachi Consulting Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 5) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 20. 2015 / 40 Request permission to attend an overnight out of state conference for Margaret Ferrick, Director of Alternative Education and Mary Payne, District Support Specialist at the Northeast PBIS Network Leadership Forum in Groton, Connecticut from May 21, 2015 thru May 23, 2015. No substitute needed. Cost associated with the conference includes travel, registration fees, food and lodging not to exceed 1,000.00 will be paid through the Alternative Education Grant. 21. 2015 / 41 Lowell High School Cheerleading Team to participate in the National Cheerleading Championship in Virginia Beach, Virginia from Marc h 13 through March 16, 2015. The trip will be supervised by cheerleading coaches Nicole Apostolakos and Alyssa Godfroy. Additional Chaperones will be CORI check approved and trained by the Athletic Director prior to the trip. The cost of the trip including transportation, entry fees, meals and lodging will be approximately $12,300.00 paid for by the Friends of Lowell High School Cheerleading Committee. 22. 2015 / 56 Pre-Approved: LHS Staff Dr. Julio C. deCarvalho, Maria Vejar and Stephen Gervais and approximately 30 LHS students, to travel to Cape Verde from Friday, February 13 through Saturday, February 21, 2015. There is no cost to the School Department budget. Change requested: Elaine Balas will be replacing the original chaperones (Stephen Gervais & Maria Vejar) a letter from LHS will follow with those changes. Teacher/child ratio is cleared per Julio DeCarvalho and Charlene Shattuck. Six students will be attending. 23. 2015 / 57 Pre-Approved: Lowell High School staff Thomas Thornton, Kathleen Keefe, Michael McLeod and Kristie Volante, along with 18 to 24 students, to travel to Dublin, Wales, and London during February 2015 school vacation. [Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 22, 2015. The total cost of $2625 will be paid by each student traveling. The cost of $200 for two substitute teacher will be paid by the LHS Individual School Budget. Change requested: : Kristie Volante will not be going and teacher/child ratio is cleared per Tom Thornton. (17 students attending) Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 5) 24. 2015 / 58 Pre-Approved: 50 LHS International Language Club members and 4 staff members [Stephen Gervais, Deborah Mellus, William Donaghey and Philip Maia], along with a coried chaperone, to travel to Quebec City, Canada from Friday, February 6 through Monday, February 9, 2015. There is no cost to the School Department budget. No substitute teachers are needed. Change requested: Trip cancelled. 25. 2015 / 61 Headmaster Brian Martin, request permission for Jill McNamara to Travel to New York City in order to attend the annual Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship New England held on Wednesday, March 25th and returning on Thursday, March 26 2015. Ms. McNamara will be honored as the 2014 Global Enterprising Educator of the Year. One (1) substitute will be needed for one and a half day for a total of $150.00 paid by LHS Professional Development account. There will be no additional cost to the Lowell School Department budget. 26. 2015 / 62 Headmaster Brian Martin, request permission for a one night over night stay on February 20, 2015 for up to fourteen LHS wrestlers that may qualify to attend the MIAA Divisional Championship to be held at the Weymouth High School, Weymouth, MA on February 20 and 21, 2015. The Students will be under the supervision of Head Coach George Bossi, and assistant coaches James Dillon, Michael Dillon, and Brian Masse. Transportation will be via private vehicle provided by the Lowell High School Wrestling Coaches. The cost of the trip will not exceed $1000.00 paid by the Lowell High Athletic Department. ADJOURNMENT: 27. 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 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, January 21, 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 52 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: February 4, 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 42 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: January 30, 2015 Subject: Permission to Enter – February 4, 2015 School Committee Meeting KATHLEEN BARRY $ 6,000 85 Clark Road Lowell, MA 01852 To provide staff training to Special Education Teachers on how to utilize specific educational reading and writing programing and evaluation instruments for Special Education Students. Funding provided by the School Department Budget – Special Education Program Improvement Grant  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Jane E. Cullen-McOsker, retired Bailey School teacher, and wife of Student Support Services Specialist, Fred McOsker. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 38 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 Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request that the School Committee vote to delegate full authority to City Manager, Superintendent of Schools and Labor Attorney, to negotiate collective bargaining agreements School Department employee unions, for ratification by School Committee. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 36 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]: Request the Superintendent work with MIS personnel to integrate Lowell Public Schools website with the City of Lowell's website. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 37 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]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell to ensure that the process of snow removal in and around all schools, includes the removal of snow from all walkways and traffic lanes, including the enforcement of the sidewalk snow removal ordinance for sidewalks within the vicinity of schools. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 44 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]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a full report regarding those students effected by the elimination of the Alternative Diploma Program at the United Teen Equality Center, including but not limited to, placement of students in other programs, strategies for keeping effected students engaged to complete their education. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 45 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]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell to establish the feasibility of utilizing Lowell Public School parking lots for additional off street parking for residents in our neighborhoods throughout the city in the event of severe snow emergencies where on street parking is banned. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 46 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [James D. Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the School Committee with an updated status and any feedback received, from Federal and State authority, as it relates to our discussion for an increase in funding in order to support our newcomer student programs. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 53 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Personnel: Report of the Meeting of Thursday, January 29, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 55 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Dropout Prevention and Recovery Report To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 47 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Dropout Prevention and Recovery Report To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: February 2, 2015 Dropout Rate Summary 2004-2014 School Year High School Adjusted Final Adjusted Final State Final Enrollment Dropout Count Dropout Rate Dropout Rate 2004-2005 3,735 280 7.5% 3.8% 2005-2006 3,722 208 5.6% 3.3% 2006-2007 3,711 165 4.4% 3.8% 2007-2008* 3,573 85 2.4% 3.4% 2008-2009 3,396 151 4.4% 2.9% 2009-2010 3,290 145 4.4% 2.8% 2010-2011** 3,384 273 8.1% 2.7% 2011-2012 3,164 119 3.8% 2.5% 2012-2013 3,112 91 2.9% 2.2% 2013-2014 3,076 113 3.7% 2.0% *Indicates error in data submission; students enrolled in a GED program were not counted as being withdrawn. **Indicates error in data submission; students were double counted, first as school year dropouts and then again as summer dropouts. Trends and Indicators Extracting the two years when an error in data submission occurred, the dropout rate has decreased substantially over the past ten years. During the past year, the district’s overall dropout rate increased by .8 percent from 2.9% in 2013 to 3.7% in 2014. Initial review of the data indicates that although there were 19 less school year dropouts from 142 in 2013 to 123 in 2014, the return dropouts who were reported as graduated and earned a GED before October 1, 2104 decreased from 71 in 2013 to 31 in 2014. Overall, the total count of dropouts was 113 in 2014 as compared to 91 in 2013 which is an increase of 22 students. District and school-based interventions are currently in place from grades Pre-K through 12 to increase the likelihood of all students graduating from high school. These efforts will continue to  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Annual Knowledge Bowl To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 43 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Knowledge Bowl  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Annual Knowledge Bowl To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: January 29, 2015 The tradition of the Kathryn P. Stoklosa Middle School Knowledge Bowl continues thanks to the support of the Lowell School Committee. The preliminary, semifinal and final competitions will take place at the Butler Middle School as in years past. What follows is a schedule for this year’s event. Preliminary Matches Match Date Time Schools Location 1 March 2nd 5:30 p.m. Robinson/Sullivan Butler Butler/Daley 2 March 3rd 5:30 p.m. Pyne Arts/Wang Butler Bartlett/Stoklosa Elimination Round Match Date Time Schools Location 3 March 9th 5:30 p.m. Third, fifth and seventh place Butler teams from nights 1 and 2 4 March 10th 5:30 p.m. Fourth, sixth and eighth place Butler teams from nights 1 and 2 Semifinals Match Date Time Schools Location 5 March 16th 5:30 p.m. First place team from match 1, Butler elimination round winner match 4 and second place team match 3 6 March 17th 5:30 p.m. First place team from match 2, Butler elimination round winner match 3 and second place team match 4  Final Competition Match Date Time Schools Location 7 March 19th 5:30 p.m. First place finishers from Butler matches 5 and 6 and the highest scoring second place team Snow Dates Scheduled Dates Snow Dates March 2nd March 5th March 3rd March 5th March 9th March 12th March 10th March 12th March 16th March 19th March 17th March 19th March 19th March 23rd School Coaches School Coaches Bartlett Diane MacLean, Melissa Simpson Butler Patti Adams, Emilia Jordan Daley Karen Miranda, Marsha Downey Pyne/Arts Michael Neagle, Mary Wood Robinson Jess Nucefora, Kim Themelis Stoklosa Linda Almeida, Karen Murphy Sullivan Karen Drew, Diane St. Onge Wang Karen Cole, Jolane Roy Historically, the Kathryn P. Stoklosa Middle School Knowledge Bowl has proven to be an exciting academic competition. We expect the same high level of competition to continue this year. There will be more to follow regarding the competition including an opportunity for members of the School Committee to serve as judges for this competition. I would like to thank District Coordinator of Special Programs, Carolyn Rocheleau, for organizing this annual event in collaboration with our schools as well as for preparing the 2015 Knowledge Bowl schedule for this report.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 City of Lowell Contributions to Support the Lowell Public Schools To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 48 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: January 30, 2015 Re: City of Lowell Contributions to Support the Lowell Public Schools Attached please find a report detailing the cash and non-cash contributions made by the City of Lowell in support of the Lowell Public School District. The top section of the report (in blue and yellow) provides a five-year summary of the total operating budget, revenue received by the City of Lowell in the form of Chapter 70 state aid to support education, various forms of state and federal fiscal stabilization funds received between FY11 and FY15 to support education, and the City of Lowell’s cash and non-cash contributions to support the Lowell Public Schools during this same time period. I have also included the City of Lowell’s compliance over the past five years in both dollars and percentage with the Net School Spending (NSS) requirement established by the state. Attached is a copy of the NSS spending compliance letter issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) pertaining to the FY14 expenditures and FY15 appropriations. The compliance letter indicates the City of Lowell failed to meet its NSS obligation by $ 3.7 million in FY14, however based upon the FY15 budgeted expenditures will meet NSS at the end of FY15. The bottom section of the report (in green) itemizes the City of Lowell’s non-cash contribution to the Lowell Public School District as reported to DESE on the end of year final report each year. This information when added to the cash contribution (appropriation by the City Council) is what makes up the City of Lowell’s NSS each year. The individual line items correspond to the approved NSS agreement, a copy of which is attached for your reference.  City of Lowell Expenditures to Support the Lowell Public Schools (FY11 - FY15) Back-Up Schedule 1 Schedule 19 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 EOYR Line EOYR Line Revenue Sources to Support Local Budget AMOUNT AMOUNT AMOUNT AMOUNT AMOUNT Number Number $ 135,476,924 $ 137,418,482 $ 138,437,342 $ 144,360,281 $ 152,484,616 Total Lowell Public Schools Operating Budget $ 114,495,103 $ 121,658,716 $ 126,478,353 $ 129,901,292 $ 135,128,765 Chapter 70 State Aid $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - State Fiscal Stabilization Funds $ 2,239,843 $ - $ - $ - $ - ARRA State Fiscal Stabilization Funds $ 1,218,835 $ - $ - $ - $ - ARRA IDEA Funds $ 889,155 $ - $ - $ - $ - ARRA Title I Funds $ - $ 4,800,777 $ - $ - $ - Federal Education Jobs Funds $ - $ - $ - $ 1,160,874 $ - FY2013 Carry-Over Funds (From LPS Budget) $ - $ - $ - $ 2,000,000 $ 1,400,000 Supplemental City Council Appropriation $ 11,958,989 $ 10,958,989 $ 11,958,989 $ 16,458,989 $ 18,755,851 Total City of Lowell "Cash" contribution to the Lowell Public Schools $ 22,931,539 $ 21,497,564 $ 20,655,156 $ 21,594,054 $ 21,594,054 Total City of Lowell "Non-Cash" contribution to the Lowell Public Schools $ 34,890,528 $ 32,456,553 $ 32,614,145 $ 38,053,043 $ 40,349,905 Total City of Lowell "Cash" & "Non-Cash" Contribution to the Lowell Public Schools $ 3,974,962 $ (68,399) $ (3,831,121) $ (3,729,693) $ 315,311 Dollars Over/Under NSS Compliance 2.7% 0.0% -2.3% -2.2% 0% % Over/Under NSS Compliance The following non-discretionary expenses will be reported and count toward net school spending: Administrative Services – The cost of municipal accounting, auditing, central data processing and central purchasing. The costs shall be computed by multiplying (1) the total school committee appropriation divided by the total amount to be raised as determined by the Department of Revenue on the tax rate recapitulation sheet by (2) the total cost of administrative services as follows: A 1910 7400 $ 353,151 $ 367,801 $ 355,881 $ 344,324 - The actual expended budget for the Office of the Treasurer B 1910 7400 $ 188,665 $ 195,767 $ 207,246 $ 208,416 - The actual expended budget for the Office of the Auditor C 1920 7400 $ 481,220 $ 517,273 $ 578,440 $ 594,054 - The actual expended budget for the M.I.S. Department D 1910 7400 $ 81,586 $ 84,751 $ 91,854 $ 93,670 - The actual expended budget for the Purchasing Department Employee Benefits Administration Page 1  City of Lowell Expenditures to Support the Lowell Public Schools (FY11 - FY15) The indirect costs of administering employee and non-employee insurance programs shall be computed by multiplying (1) the costs of salaries and supplies for such administration by (2) the number of school department E 1912 7400 $ 93,834 $ 85,376 $ 146,981 $ 170,930 employees covered by insurance divided by the total number of municipal employees covered by insurance. F 2010 7480 $ 1,339,152 $ 1,481,754 $ 1,430,778 $ 1,635,597 The actual cost of Medicare Tax paid by the City of Lowell on behalf of school department employees. Employee Retirement Programs The actual costs of pensions paid to school department retirees or the actual costs of assessments paid to the state, county or municipal retirement systems on account of school department employees or retirees, including any G 2000 7470 $ 4,585,005 $ 4,121,188 $ 4,313,338 $ 4,815,315 special assessments for early retirement incentive programs for school department employees. Insurance Programs The direct insurance premiums for retired school department employees after deducting all retiree contributions H 2020 7490 $ 7,685,693 $ 7,624,330 $ 6,430,117 $ 6,585,629 and assessments for retired school department employees under G.L. c.32A. I 2010 7480 $ 528,676 $ 535,568 $ 528,230 $ 598,488 The actual costs of claims paid by the City of Lowell to school department employees for worker’s compensation. The actual costs of claims paid by the City of Lowell to former school department employees for unemployment J 2010 7480 $ 345,000 $ 207,794 $ 376,804 $ 270,033 compensation. Short Term Debt Service/Interest (RANS) Actual interest paid in borrowing for Revenue Anticipation Notes (RANS) to support current year school district operations which shall be computed by multiplying (1) the total interest paid by the municipality by (2) the total school committee appropriation divided by the total amount to be raised as determined by the Department of K 2060 7515 $ - $ - $ - $- Revenue on the tax rate recapitulation sheet. The following discretionary expenses, with approval of the school committee, will be reported and count toward net school spending: Health Services The salaries of health personnel who provide direct services or instruction to public school students, as well as the L 1940 7430 $ 1,244,122 $ 1,226,626 $ 1,350,154 $ 1,375,469 related costs for supplies and materials. School Security Services M 1960 7445 $ 482,539 $ 729,869 $ 540,812 $ 490,952 The salaries of police officers who are solely assigned to work within the school district. Operation and Maintenance of School Facilities The direct costs of salaries, supplies, materials and contractual expenses for the maintenance of school buildings, grounds and equipment. This figure shall be recorded from the total services completed by Department of Public Works staff as determined by work orders closed by Lowell Public Schools staff documented in the Lowell Public N 1976 7450 $ 102,085 $ 120,734 $ - $ 23,461 Schools Building Maintenance Work Order System. Snow and Ice Removal: The cost of snow and ice removal shall be computed by multiplying the total expended O 1975 7450 $ 149,496 $ 28,898 $ 107,355 $ 102,303 snow and ice budget of the City of Lowell by 4.5% to apportion the share of this expense to the school district. Page 2  City of Lowell Expenditures to Support the Lowell Public Schools (FY11 - FY15) Trash Removal and Recycling: To calculate the trash removal expense the following formula shall be applied: The total yards per week of trash removed for the public schools x 88.35 pounds per years x $ 70 per ton x 40 weeks of school. To calculate the recycling expense the following formula shall be applied: Total expense of the P 1975 7450 $ 189,196 $ 191,286 $ 190,120 $ 169,064 City of Lowell x 3.28% (total percentage of trash removal expense). The direct costs of utility – electricity invoices paid by the City of Lowell on behalf of occupied Lowell Public School buildings. This figure shall be recorded from actual invoices received from the utility Q 1974 7450 $ 2,373,873 $ 2,176,406 $ 2,144,201 $ 2,086,290 company and paid by the City of Lowell during the fiscal year. The direct costs of utility – natural gas invoices paid by the City of Lowell on behalf of occupied Lowell Public School buildings. This figure shall be recorded from actual invoices received from the utility R 1972 7450 $ 2,017,982 $ 1,194,796 $ 1,161,622 $ 1,405,993 company and paid by the City of Lowell during the fiscal year. Non-Employee Insurance S 2030 7500 $ 75,219 $ 84,935 $ 95,601 $ 99,817 The direct insurance premiums for school buildings, grounds, equipment and liability coverage. The following expenses will be reported, however do not count toward net school spending: Short Term Debt Service/Interest (BANS) Actual interest paid in borrowing for Bond anticipation Notes (BANS) on bonds and loans used to finance the T 2065 7520 $ - $ 2,958 $ 2,677 $- purchase of textbooks, equipment or technology and school building maintenance and construction. Health Services for Non-Public Schools The salaries of health personnel who provide direct services or instruction to non-public school students, as well as U 2080 7540 $ 32,369 $ 25,190 $ 21,386 $ 25,429 the related costs for supplies and materials. Other Fixed Charges V 2070 7530 $ 171,819 $ 155,640 $ 156,390 $ 171,358 The actual expended budget for crossing guards W 2070 7530 $ 193,466 $ 187,329 $ 241,724 $ 269,647 The actual expended budget for public safety inspections Acquisition, Improvement and Replacement of Fixed Assets The actual expenditure by the City of Lowell for the lease of the central administration office space located at 155 R 2100 7560 $ - $ - $ - Merrimack Street. The total actual fees due, in excess of the $ 100,000 budgeted within the Lowell Public Schools operating budget, to the City of Lowell Parking Department for the rental of monthly parking spaces at the George Ayotte and Joseph X 2100 7560 $ 217,392 $ 151,296 $ 183,446 $ 57,815 Downes Parking Facilities as of June 30 of each given year. Long Term Debt Retirement/School Construction Y 2130 7570 $ 13,212,246 $ 10,504,165 $ 9,861,089 $ 7,176,825 The annual principal of loans used to finance the purchase or construction of schools. Long Term Debt Service/School Construction Z 2140 7580 $ 3,062,265 $ 2,519,748 $ 2,098,210 $ 1,755,309 The annual interest payment on bonds and loans used to finance the purchase or construction of schools. Long Term Debt Service/Educational Expenditures The annual interest payment on bonds and loans used to finance the purchase of books, instructional equipment AA 2200 7640 $ - $ - $ - $- and extraordinary maintenance projects. Page 3  City of Lowell Expenditures to Support the Lowell Public Schools (FY11 - FY15) Long Term Debt Service/Other The annual interest payment on bonds and loans used to finance the purchase of non-instructional equipment, and AB 2200 7640 $ - $ - $ - $- to pay for capital maintenance projects in excess of fifty thousand dollars. Massachusetts School Building Authority Construction Aid AC 130, Col. 2 $ 11,784,693 $ 10,369,314 $ 8,164,915 $ 5,762,771 MSBA Annual Contract Revenues AD 130, Col. 5 $ - $ - $ - $ 753,957 MSBA One-Time Revenues The following payments to other school districts will be reported: Programs with Other Schools AE 2220 $ 326,575 $ 403,698 $ 482,662 $ 570,715 School Choice Tuition AF 2230 $ 10,669,380 $ 9,632,759 $ 9,746,973 $ 13,449,737 Tuition to Commonwealth Charter Schools Assessments to Regional School Districts The payments appropriated and due according to regional school agreements and G.L. c.70 shall be reported in total. AG 2270 7680 $ 5,608,401 $ 5,633,970 $ 5,980,116 $ 6,230,555 - Greater Lowell Technical High School AH 2270 7680 $ 98,318 $ 36,816 $ 12,475 $ 37,659 - Essex Agricultural and Technical High School Page 4  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Timeline on Spelling Instruction To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 49 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LOWELL PUBLIC Curriculum, Instruction & Phone: (978) 674-4323 SCHOOLS Assessment Fax: (978) 674-2146 155 Merrimack Street E-mail: Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Timeline on Spelling Instruction TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: January 30, 3015 RE: Timeline on Spelling Instruction The following is a report on the motion below. Timeline on Spelling Instruction Timeline on Spelling Instruction [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide a timeline on spelling instruction across the district. The Lowell Public Schools has Spelling is embedded in all of the literacy lessons on an as needed basis. Sometimes it is part of writing workshop, sometimes phonics and word work, sometimes in reading workshop. We do not have a spelling program that is used across the district, but recommend making spelling lists with individual students based on what they need to know. We do use the Fountas and Pinnell sight word lists. The research on spelling now, is that it should be authentic, not like before where everyone learned the same words and had a weekly test whether they needed to learn words like all the states one week, etc. or not. Research on the Importance of Spelling Assessments In recent research conducted by Andrea N. Kleinpaste she found with the two different spelling assessments. Students’ test scores averaged 86.5% on the sentence dictation tests, when they used spelling words in the context of a sentence, and averaged 83.8% on the generic spelling list tests. This study has started to pose new questions for teachers and their teaching strategies, one of them in regards to how students should be tested on spelling skills. There are different ways to assess students’ spelling including spelling tests, sentence dictation tests, or looking at everyday student writing. What is the best way for students to be assessed in spelling? Ms. Kleinpaste theorizes that with a healthy balance of assessment types students feel comfortable and confident. She further hypothesizes that spelling assessments should mainly be used for teachers to know where their students are developmentally and help them gauge what skill to teach next. Effective teachers use a blend of child-centered and instruction- centered strategies, creating a multifaceted instruction of spelling (Graham et al., 2008; Hammond, 2004). This study is consistent with many studies that found teachers using a variety of instructional approaches and activities to teach spelling (Fresch, 2007; Graham, 2008; Hammond, 2004; Pressley et al., 1996; Uhry & Shepherd, 1993).  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Kindergarten Registration Update To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 54 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Kindergarten Registration Update To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: January 30, 2015 Please see the attached flyer detailing the Early Childhood Registration Schedule for the 2015-2016 school year, including parent visitations that are open to all families in the district. The Early Childhood Department is also working with Lowell’s community-based programs that will be hosting orientation sessions for families in their early education settings. I would like to thank Early Childhood District Support Specialists, Patricia Murphy- Painchaud and Terry O’Neill, for planning the registration process in collaboration with the Coordinator of the Family Resource Center, John Descoteaux and our school sites for hosting the visitations.  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS If you have a child who is a resident of Lowell and will be Parents should plan to attend one of the Parent 5 years old by September 1, 2015 (born between Information Sessions to receive the details of the September 2, 2009 - September 1, 2010), your child is placement process, registration guidelines, as well as eligible to start full-day Kindergarten in September 2015. have the opportunity to have questions answered. The following information is important: Murkland School 350 Adams Street 01854 EARLY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Monday, February 9, 2015 6:30 pm DATE: March 2 - 31, 2015 Reilly School TIME: Monday through Friday 115 Douglas Road 01852 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday, February 10, 2015 6:30 pm Thursday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Shaughnessy School LOCATION: Family Resource Center 1158 Gorham Street 01852 43 Highland Street Wednesday, February 11, 2015 6:30 pm Please bring the following documents to the Morey School Family Resource Center at 43 Highland Street: 130 Pine Street 01851  Parent Photo ID Thursday, February 12, 2015 6:30 pm  Birth Certificate  Updated Immunization Record A snow date for any of the above sessions will  Proof of Address (i.e. current utility bill) be held on Monday, February 23, 2015 at 6:30 pm at  IEP with pages signed, if applicable the site that was cancelled. Please Note: The entire month of March is viewed as KINDERGARTEN VISITATION DAYS one day of registration. You are not required to register on the first day in order to be considered eligible. Please All Elementary Schools will be hosting Visitation consider any other day in the month of March Days: to avoid long lines. Tuesday, February 24, 2015 and Thursday, February 26, 2015 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM These visitations have been set up to support parents in making a decision about school choices. This time is set aside for parents to visit schools, receive tours and learn general information about the Kindergarten Program. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS Please contact: Family Resource Center 43 Highland Street Lowell, MA 01852 Phone: 978-674-4321  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Personnel Office Update To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 60 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote to accept donation from Hitachi Consulting To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 51 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Office 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Jay Lang Tel: (978) 674‐4325 Deputy Superintendent Tel: (978) 674‐2019 of Finance and Operations Fax: (978) 937‐7620 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: January 29, 2015 Re: Donation – Hitachi Consulting The Technology Department was recently notified that the Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School was selected to receive a Hitachi Projector and installation of a SmartBoard valued at $2,314.72. I recommend the Lowell School Committee vote at the regular meeting of February 4, 2015 to accept this donation totaling $2,314.72 and send a letter of acknowledgement and thanks to Hitachi Consulting for their generous contribution.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Request permission to attend an overnight out of state conference for Margaret Ferrick, Director of Alternative Education and Mary Payne, District Support Specialist at the Northeast PBIS Network Leadership Forum in Groton, Connecticut from May 21, 2015 thru May 23, 2015. No substitute needed. Cost associated with the conference includes travel, registration fees, food and lodging not to exceed 1,000.00 will be paid through the Alternative Education Grant. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 40 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Lowell High School Cheerleading Team to participate in the National Cheerleading Championship in Virginia Beach, Virginia from March 13 through March 16, 2015. The trip will be supervised by cheerleading coaches Nicole Apostolakos and Alyssa Godfroy. Additional Chaperones will be CORI check approved and trained by the Athletic Director prior to the trip. The cost of the trip including transportation, entry fees, meals and lodging will be approximately $12,300.00 paid for by the Friends of Lowell High School Cheerleading Committee. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 41 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Pre-Approved: LHS Staff Dr. Julio C. deCarvalho, Maria Vejar and Stephen Gervais and approximately 30 LHS students, to travel to Cape Verde from Friday, February 13 through Saturday, February 21, 2015. There is no cost to the School Department budget. Change requested: Elaine Balas will be replacing the original chaperones (Stephen Gervais & Maria Vejar) a letter from LHS will follow with those changes. Teacher/child ratio is cleared per Julio DeCarvalho and Charlene Shattuck. Six students will be attending. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 56 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Pre-Approved: Lowell High School staff Thomas Thornton, Kathleen Keefe, Michael McLeod and Kristie Volante, along with 18 to 24 students, to travel to Dublin, Wales, and London during February 2015 school vacation. [Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 22, 2015. The total cost of $2625 will be paid by each student traveling. The cost of $200 for two substitute teacher will be paid by the LHS Individual School Budget. Change requested: : Kristie Volante will not be going and teacher/child ratio is cleared per Tom Thornton. (17 students attending) To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 57 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Pre-Approved: 50 LHS International Language Club members and 4 staff members [Stephen Gervais, Deborah Mellus, William Donaghey and Philip Maia], along with a coried chaperone, to travel to Quebec City, Canada from Friday, February 6 through Monday, February 9, 2015. There is no cost to the School Department budget. No substitute teachers are needed. Change requested: Trip cancelled. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 58 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Headmaster Brian Martin, request permission for Jill McNamara to Travel to New York City in order to attend the annual Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship New England held on Wednesday, March 25th and returning on Thursday, March 26 2015. Ms. McNamara will be honored as the 2014 Global Enterprising Educator of the Year. One (1) substitute will be needed for one and a half day for a total of $150.00 paid by LHS Professional Development account. There will be no additional cost to the Lowell School Department budget. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 61 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Headmaster Brian Martin, request permission for a one night over night stay on February 20, 2015 for up to fourteen LHS wrestlers that may qualify to attend the MIAA Divisional Championship to be held at the Weymouth High School, Weymouth, MA on February 20 and 21, 2015. The Students will be under the supervision of Head Coach George Bossi, and assistant coaches James Dillon, Michael Dillon, and Brian Masse. Transportation will be via private vehicle provided by the Lowell High School Wrestling Coaches. The cost of the trip will not exceed $1000.00 paid by the Lowell High Athletic Department. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 62 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: