School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 18, 2015 TIME 6:41 PM SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. - SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. - ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 6:41 p.m., all members were present, namely: Mr. Gendron, Mr. Leary, Ms. Martin, Ms. Ross-Sitcawich, Ms. Scott, Mr. Conway and Mayor/Chairman Elliott. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 3. 2015 / 124 - Eagle Scout Textile Recycling Project Presented by Michael Wojas Under the Special Order of Business section of the agenda, Eagle Scout Michael Wojas presented a PowerPoint presentation to the Committee. Eagle Scout Wojas explained to the Committee that he has a project that will increase the public’s awareness of the importance of textile recycling in our Lowell schools. He will be partnering will Bay State Textiles Inc. and Bay State Textiles, Inc. will provide recycling bins at 14 of our schools. The Committee thanked Eagle Scout Wojas and expressed interested in helping him with this very important project. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: David Conway Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 19) 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 / 125 - Presentation by Paul Marion, Lowell Author Under the Special Order of Business section of the agenda, Paul Marion spoke to the Committee about his latest book “Mill Power”. The book is an account of the development of a new kind of national park in Lowell, all told in the context of the city’s notable urban renaissance over the past 40 years. Mr. Marion also gave all the Committee members a copy of the book. 5. - A motion was made to suspend the rules and to take the Public Participation portion of the agenda out of order. 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 3 of 19) 5.1. - A motion was made to strike the word "active" from the criteria for being a member on the Superintendent's Selection Committee. 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 5.1.1. 2015 / 131 - Phase II Plan for the Realignment of English Language Learners 2015-2016 Report by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Claire Abrams Dr. Phala Chea, Coordinator of English Language Learners presented a PowerPoint presentation to the School Committee regarding the Phase II Plan for the Realignment of English Language Learners for the 2015-2016 school year and beyond. The realignment plan has been studied carefully by central administration, principals and teachers who will be impacted by the changes. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Connie Martin Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 19) 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 MINUTES: 6. 2015 / 116 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 4, 2015 VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 19) PERMISSION TO ENTER: 7. 2015 / 120 - Permission to Enter: March 18, 2015 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 Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x MEMORIALS: 8. 2015 / 114 - Madeline Buck, mother of Stoklosa School teacher Sarah Langlais. 9. 2015 / 115 - Marianne C. Warnick, mother of Stoklosa Music Teacher Stephen Warnick. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 19) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: 10. 2015 / 136 - Susan Uvanni, 234 Nesmith Street, Lowell, MA, to speak on Item # 135. 11. 2015 / 137 - Marianne Dumont, 169 Merrimack Street, Lowell, to speak on item # 135. Mr. Paul Georges, UTL President MOTIONS: 12. 2015 / 127 - [by Rodney Elliott]: Request the Superintendent to provide information/report on process to codify employment terms and conditions for all non-union employees in the School Department, similar to all non- union City employees. VOTING Motion by: Rodney M. Elliott 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 7 of 19) 13. - A motion was made to recommend to the full School Committee the appropriation transfers outlined below: From: $ 459,742 School Committee Suspense Account To: $ 122,510 Kindergarten Teacher Salaries $ 7,352 Health Insurance Premiums $ 200,000 Out-of-District Tuition $ 60,000 Special Education Transportation $ 69,880 Teacher Academy Mentor Stipends 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 13.1. - A motion was made to accept the recommend budget schedule and present it to the full Committee for approval. The budget schedule is as follows: Superintendent’s Recommended Budget – Wednesday May 20, 2015 Budget Hearing – Thursday May 28, 2015 Budget Hearing – Monday June 1, 2015 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 19) 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 SUBCOMMITTEES: 13.1.1 2015 / 117 - Finance: Report and approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, . March 2, 2015 [James Leary, Chairperson] Mr. Leary, Chair of the Finance Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the FY2015 year-to-date budget review. Mr. Leary then made a motion to recommend to the full School Committee the appropriation transfers outlined below: From: $ 459,742 School Committee Suspense Account To: $ 122,510 Kindergarten Teacher Salaries $ 7,352 Health Insurance Premiums $ 200,000 Out-of-District Tuition $ 60,000 Special Education Transportation $ 69,880 Teacher Academy Mentor Stipends Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 19) The motion passed. He then spoke about the FY2015 budget calendar. The following motion was then made to accept the recommend budget schedule and present it to the full Committee for approval. The motion passed. The budget schedule is as follows: Superintendent’s Recommended Budget – Wednesday May 20, 2015 Budget Hearing – Thursday May 28, 2015 Budget Hearing – Monday June 1, 2015 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 14. 2015 / 118 - Personnel: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, March 2, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] Ms. Martin, Chairperson of the Personnel Subcommittee moved to accept the report. Ms. Martin previously reported out on this Subcommittee at the March 4, 2015 School Committee Meeting. The report was accepted as a report of progress. 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 10 of 19) 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 / 129 - Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, March 10, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] Ms. Martin, Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the presentation from the Reilly School. The Reilly School gave an overview of the work that has been done over the last four years to assist in moving the Reilly School from a Level 3 to a Level 1 school. She also gave an update on elementary science professional development. Ms. Martin didn’t speak about the realignment for English Language Learners which was also presented at the subcommittee, because a presentation was given to the whole Committee earlier under the Special Order of Business portion of the agenda. The report was accepted as a report of progress. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 19) 16. - A motion was made to cancel the June 3, 2015 regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee meeting due to the Lowell High School graduation being held on the same night. 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 REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 16.1. 2015 / 121 - 2015 Graduation Dates and Lowell High Commencement Speaker Superintendent Franco informed the Committee that Lowell High School’s graduation will be held on June 3, 2015 and the Adult Education graduation will be held on June 5, 2015. The report was accepted as a report of progress. 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 12 of 19) 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. - A motion was made to approve the recommended 2015-2016 School Calendar. 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 17.1. 2015 / 134 - 2015-2016 School Survey and proposed School Calendar Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the results from the school survey. The survey results indicated most were in agreement for the school calendar to remain the same. A motion was then made to approve the recommended 2015-2016 School Calendar. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 19) 18. 2015 / 128 - 2015-2016 School Committee Meetings Dates 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 19. 2015 / 123 - Youth Harbors Report Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Youth Harbors report that she received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The report informs the Committee that Youth Harbors Rediscovery offers a continuum of services to unaccompanied, homeless high schools students and youth who are aging out of foster care, in order to ensure their successful transition to adulthood. The requirements to establish an effective partnership with a high school include having a designated office space with a desk located in the high school, agency personnel allowed in the school to provide services, and assistance from the district's Superintendent, the school's Principal, and administration to demonstrate support of the program and encourage funding. Private funding is used to finance Rediscovery, so there is no direct cost to the school district for the program. Rediscovery asks for school district support in researching potential funding sources. The Parker Foundation will provide funds for a part-time (20 hours per week) position at Lowell High school to assist. The position was posted in January and the final interviews were scheduled for the week of March 9th. 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 19) VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 20. 2015 / 130 - Information to State Delegation regarding 9C Budget Cuts Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the letter that she sent to the State Delegation regarding 9C budget cuts. The letter informs the delegation of the impact that the elimination of the full quality kindergarten grant will have in our district. The budget decrease will reduce the ability to support paraprofessionals in our kindergarten classes for next year. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 19) 21. 2015 / 122 - Home Education Superintendent Franco recommended that the following parent/guardian be allowed to home educate their child: Joy Vigeant 31 Laurel Street 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 22. - A motion was made to take both convention/conference requests together. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 19) 22.1. - A motion was made to approve both convention/conference requests. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 22.1.1 2015 / 132 - Permission for the LHS Boys' and Girls' Track and Field teams to compete in . the Glenn D. Louks Games Track and Field Meet in White Plains, New York, May 8 & 9, 2015 including a school day and one overnight stay. The $300 entry fee will be paid from the Athletic Department funds. There is no additional cost to the Lowell School Department Budget. No substitute teachers are needed. A motion was made to approve both convention/conference requests. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 17 of 19) 23. 2015 / 133 - Permission for the Girls' Track and Field Team to compete in the Penn Relay Carnival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 23 through Saturday, April 25, 2015 including overnight stays on April 23 and 24, 2015. The $150.00 entry fee will be paid from the Athletic Department funds. There is no additional cost to the Lowell School Department Budget. No substitute teachers are needed. A motion was made to approve both convention/conference requests. The motion passed. COMMUNICATIONS: 24. 2015 / 126 - Letter from Pawtucket Memorial Principal, Matt Stahl The communication was accepted and placed on file. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 18 of 19) 25. 2015 / 135 - Letter from the United Teachers of Lowell Executive Vice President, Marianne Dumont. The communication was accepted and placed on file. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 19 of 19) ADJOURNMENT: 26. - ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn at 9:09 p.m. by Mr. Leary; seconded Ms. Scott 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