School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 04, 2015 TIME 6:35 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: Mayor/Chairman Elliott, Mr. Gendron, Mr. Leary, Ms. Martin, Ms. Ross-Sitcawich, Ms. Scott and Mr. Conway. 3. - A motion was made to suspend the rules to take the Spotlight on Excellence: Butler School Chorus presentation out of order. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 18) SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 3.1. 2015 / 102 - Special Education District Realignment Report by Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Jeannine Durkin and Special Education Director Jennifer McCrystal Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services and Jennifer McCrystal, Director of Special Education presented a PowerPoint presentation to the School Committee regarding the Special Education Program’s Realignment that addressed both the short term and long range plans for moving forward with the proposed realignment as well as timelines for roll-out, costs associated with the reorganization and parent engagement opportunities. 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 x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 4. 2015 / 107 - Spotlight of Excellence: Butler School-Chorus The Spotlight on Excellence featured the Butler School Middle Chorus. The chorus under the direction of Mrs. Partricia Jussaume performed a few songs for the Committee. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 18) 5. - A motion was made to move the Executive Session that was listed under the Special Order of Business portion of the agenda to the end of the meeting and to adjourn from Executive Session. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 5.1. 2015 / 110 - Special Meeting: Updates on Progress of Negotiations Immediately following the regularly scheduled School Committee Meeting A motion was made to move the Executive Session that was listed under the Special Order of Business portion of the agenda to the end of the meeting and to adjourn from Executive Session. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 18) MINUTES: 6. 2015 / 86 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, February 18, 2015 VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x PERMISSION TO ENTER: 7. 2015 / 97 - Permission to Enter: March 4, 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 x 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 5 of 18) MEMORIALS: 8. 2015 / 85 - Richard W. Abraham, brother of retired Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools June Cormier and uncle of Lincoln School teacher Alyssa Gilman. 9. 2015 / 104 - Charles S. 'Chuck' Santagati Jr., retired Bartlett School teacher, and husband of a retired Lowell High School Fine Arts Department Head Elizabeth Santagati. 10. 2015 / 105 - Roger T. O'Connor, Sr., retired Lowell High School Department Head for the Humanities Department. 11. 2015 / 112 - Joanne K. Crow, retired Lowell High School Health and Physical Education teacher. MOTIONS: 12. 2015 / 87 - [by David J. Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to look into the feasibility of branding our School Department vehicles. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 18) SUBCOMMITTEES: 13. 2015 / 90 - Lowell High School: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, February 23, 2015 [David Conway, Chair] Mr. Conway, Chair of the Lowell High School Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the PALS Program, Partners in Achievement for Lowell Students and also gave an update on the NEASC Accreditation status. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 14. 2015 / 93 - Policy Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting on Monday, February 23, 2015 [Kimberly Scott, Chair] Ms. Scott, Chairperson of the Policy Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about Section C of the Policy Manual as well as the draft policy pertaining to Health and Wellness. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: David Conway Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 18) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 15. 2015 / 91 - Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, February 24, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] Ms. Martin, Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the presentation regarding teamwork that the principals and teachers from the McAuliffe School presented to them. She also spoke about the mid-year data review and the ELL realignment for 2015-2016. She concluded her report providing an update on financial literacy and banking. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 18) 16. - A motion was made to defer the Finance Subcommittee report to the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee meeting on March 18, 2015. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 16.1. 2015 / 94 - Finance Subcommittee: Report of the Meeting of Monday, March 2, 2015 [James Leary, Chairperson] A motion was made to defer the Finance Subcommittee report to the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee meeting on March 18, 2015. The motion passed. 17. - A motion was made to establish a selection committee for the Superintendent of School search, which must provide five (5) finalists for the Lowell School Committee to interview. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 18) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 17.1. - A motion was made that active employees of the Lowell Public Schools who apply for the open position of the Superintendent of Schools will not receive a mandatory interview with the selection committee or the Lowell School Committee. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 18) 17.1.1 2015 / 92 - Personnel: Report of the Personnel Subcommittee Meeting of Monday, . March 2, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] Ms. Martin, Chairperson of the Personnel Subcommittee gave the Committee an update on the status of the Superintendent’s search. She spoke about the focus groups and survey results and the expected criteria for the Superintendent of Lowell Public Schools. She also spoke about the expectations of the selection committee. The following motion was then made to establish a selection committee for the Superintendent of School search, which must provide five (5) finalists for the Lowell School Committee to interview. The motion passed. She also spoke about active Lowell Public School employees applying for the position of Superintendent and then the following motion was that active employees of the Lowell Public Schools who apply for the open position of the Superintendent of Schools will not receive a mandatory interview with the selection committee or the Lowell School Committee. The motion passed. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 18) REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 18. 2015 / 98 - 2015-2016 School Calendar Survey Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the 2015-2016 School Calendar Survey that was posted on our website for the public on February 27th. The parents have also been notified of the opportunity to participate. The survey allows the public to weigh in regarding the traditional school calendar. The survey will be closed on March 6, 2015. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 19. 2015 / 100 - MCAS Schedule and School Calendar for the 2014-2015 Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the MCAS Schedule and School Calendar 2014- 2015 report that she provided to the Committee. The report informs the Committee that an alternative schedule for MCAS testing was offered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education due to the extreme weather that occurred. The proposed MCAS ELA composition make-up date is scheduled for April 8, 2015. The assessment change will necessitate amending the Lowell Public School calendar by changing the early release date on April 8th to a full day for all PK – 8. Lowell High School has requested maintaining the release day. 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 12 of 18) VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 20. 2015 / 106 - Superintendent of Schools Search Update Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Personnel Office update that she received from Michael Cassidy, Director of Human Resources. The update informs the Committee about the Lowell Superintendent’s Search – Focus Group and Survey Results and the Lowell Public Schools Superintendent Criteria. 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 x 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 13 of 18) 21. 2015 / 108 - Science & Engineering Fair Superintendent Franco shared information with the Committee about the Science and Engineering Fair that she received from M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. The fair will take place on March 26, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria at Lowell High School. The fair is generously supported by The Gelfand Family Trust Foundation. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 22. 2015 / 109 - Revised Assessment Calendar Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Revised Assessment Calendar report that she received from M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. The report informs the Committee that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has proposed MCAS extension dates that the district will take advantage of to allow more instructional time. A revised calendar was also included in the report. 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 14 of 18) VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 23. 2015 / 111 - Personnel Report Superintendent Franco shared the Personnel Report that she received from Michael Cassidy, Director of Human Resources. The report officially informs the Committee of all retirements, resignations, promotions and new hires. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 18) 24. - A motion was made to take all three (3) convention/conference requests together. VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 24.1. - A motion was made to approve all three (3) convention/conference requests. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 18) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 24.2. 2015 / 88 - Permission for Pyne Arts Magnet School Art Teacher, Jacqueline Miller, to attend the NCECA Lively Experiments 49th Annual Conference in Providence, RI on Thursday, March 26, 2015. The only cost will be $100.00 for a substitute teacher and will be paid by the Pyne Arts School Professional Development account. A motion was made to approve all three (3) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 25. 2015 / 89 - Permission for Martha Cohn, PreK-12 Coordinator of Science and Social Studies, to attend the USDA Farm to School Grantee Gathering in Denver, Colorado on April 22-24, 2015. The entire cost of the conference will be paid by the USDA Grant; therefore, will be no cost to the Lowell Public Schools. No substitute is needed. A motion was made to approve all three (3) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 26. 2015 / 103 - Permission for Patricia Guziejka, Title 1 Director to attend the annual National Association of Federal Program Administrator (NEFEPA) in order to receive the State Leadership Award for Massachusetts. The cost of the conference will not exceed $1,600 and will be funded by Title 1. No substitute needed. A motion was made to approve all three (3) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 17 of 18) COMMUNICATIONS: 27. 2015 / 101 - Letter from NAFEPA regarding State Leadership Award to be presented to Title 1 Director, Patricia Guziejka The communication was accepted and placed on file. VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 28. - A motion was made to recess at 8:36 p.m. and enter into Executive Session and to adjourn the meeting from Executive Session. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 18 of 18) ADJOURNMENT: 28.1. - ADJOURNMENT: Motion to recess at 8:36 p.m. by Mr. Conway; seconded Ms. Martin 7 yeas Respectfully submitted, Jean M. Franco, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee JMF/mes Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us