School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 20, 2015 TIME 6:37 PM SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. - SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. - ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 6:37 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 / 220 - Spotlight on Excellence: Kara Wilkins- Bartlett Teacher The Spotlight on Excellence honored Kara Wilkins who was selected as a 2015 PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator. As a local PBS Digital Innovator, she will receive national recognition, a year of professional development and training, access to exclusive resources and membership into a robust professional learning community. The Committee congratulated her for obtaining this achievement. 4. 2015 / 219 - Spotlight on Excellence: McAuliffe and Murkland Chorus The second Spotlight on Excellence recognized the McAuliffe and Murkland School Chorus (M & M). The M & M Chorus is under the direction of music teachers Rita McLaughlin and Cheryl Sqeuglia. The teachers introduced themselves and then shared a video of the M& M Chorus. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 23) 5. - A motion was made to approve all five (5) sets of minutes and place them on file. 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 MINUTES: 5.1. 2015 / 193 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, April 15, 2015 A motion was made to approve all five (5) sets of minutes and place them on file. The motion passed. 6. 2015 / 213 - Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of Monday, May 4, 2015. A motion was made to approve all five (5) sets of minutes and place them on file. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 23) 7. 2015 / 214 - Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of Wednesday, May 6, 2015. A motion was made to approve all five (5) sets of minutes and place them on file. The motion passed. 8. 2015 / 215 - Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of Thursday, May 7, 2015. A motion was made to approve all five (5) sets of minutes and place them on file. The motion passed. 9. 2015 / 216 - Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of Friday, May 8, 2015. A motion was made to approve all five (5) sets of minutes and place them on file. The motion passed. PERMISSION TO ENTER: 10. 2015 / 205 - Permission to Enter: May 20, 2015 VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Connie Martin Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 23) 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 MEMORIALS: 11. 2015 / 192 - Alphonse ‘Al’ Milinazzo, father of Jim Milinazzo, former Mayor of Lowell, Chair of the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation and Board Member of the Lowell Plan MOTIONS: 12. 2015 / 195 - [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide a list of all instructional materials that the district is lacking prior to the FY 2015-2016 budget approval. 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 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 23) 13. 2015 / 199 - [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to acquire all needed science kits for all classrooms/ grades across the district for the 2015-2016 school year utilizing projected FY15 budget surplus funds to pay for such supplies. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. Conway, David Gendron, Stephen Leary, James Martin, Connie Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly 13.1. - A motion was made to amend motion # 2015 / 199 to read: To get a report from the Superintendent regarding the science kits for all classrooms/grades across the district for the 2015-2016 school year. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 23) SUBCOMMITTEES: 14. 2015 / 196 - Joint Student Support Services and Finance: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, March 30, 2015 [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich, Chair of Student Support Services and Jim Leary, Chair/Finance] Ms. Ross-Sitcawich, Chairperson of the Student Support Services Subcommittee moved to accept the report. Ms. Ross-Sitcawich previously reported out on this Subcommittee at the April 15, 2015 School Committee Meeting. The report was accepted as a report of progress. 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 x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 15. 2015 / 200 - Lowell High School: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, April 13, 2015 [David Conway, Chair Mr. Conway, Chair of the Lowell High School Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the MSBA vote and timeline. He also spoke about the 1826 school store that will be opening in the Family Resource Center located at 155 Merrimack Street. He concluded his report speaking about Yearbooks and possibly seeking out other vendors for future Yearbooks. 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 7 of 23) 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 16. 2015 / 197 - Personnel: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, April 15, 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 April 15, 2015 School Committee Meeting. 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 23) 17. 2015 / 201 - Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Thursday, April 16, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] Ms. Martin, Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee gave the Committee an update on spelling instruction across the district. She also spoke about the uniformity of course offerings & curriculum at all elementary and middle schools across the district. 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 18. 2015 / 204 - Personnel: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, May 4, 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 May 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 9 of 23) 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. - A motion was made to delay reporting out on the Finance Subcommittee minutes until the 2016 Budget is presented. 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 19.1. 2015 / 227 - Finance Subcommittee: Report and approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, May 14, 2015 [James Leary, Chairperson] Mr. Leary, Chair of the Finance Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the FY2015 year to date budget. He then spoke about the FY2016 budget preview. 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 10 of 23) 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 20. - A motion was made to recommend that a security system be included in the FY2016 budget conversation. 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 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 23) 20.1. 2015 / 229 - Student Support Services: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, May 19, 2015 [Kristin Ross- Sitcawich, Chairperson] Ms. Ross-Sitcawich, Chair of the Student Support Services Subcommittee gave the Committee an update on the Family Resource Center. She also spoke about the school security systems presentation that was presented to them at the subcommittee meeting. A motion was then made to recommend that a security system be included in the FY2016 budget conversation. The motion passed. 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 REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 21. 2015 / 203 - STEM Curriculum at Lowell High Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the STEM Curriculum at Lowell High School report that she received from M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. The report informs the Committee that Lowell High School has an extensive array of courses that focus on STEM throughout the science and math departments and that the high school is also in the process of expanding several of their STEM programs and pursuing grants to help support this work. 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 23) 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 22. - A motion was made to have a public hearing on May 28th at one of our schools and then to start the FY2016 Budget process. 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 22.1. 2015 / 225 - Superintendent’s Recommended FY2016 Budget At this time, the FY2016 Budget was distributed to the Committee. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 23) 23. 2015 / 223 - K-8 Enrollment Report Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the K – 8 Enrollment report that she received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The report shows the number of students in each school by grade and class. The report also reflects the number of students designated ELL, students in Newcomers classes and sub-separate Special Education classes. 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 24. 2015 / 224 - Frederick A. Abisi Adult Education Center Monitoring Report Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Frederick A. Abisi Adult Education Center Monitoring report that she received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The Committee received the report from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education relative to the on-site programing monitoring visit that was conducted in January and February of this year. 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 23) 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 25. 2015 / 222 - List of Eligible Teachers Superintendent Franco shared with the Committee the List of Eligible Teachers Report that she received from Michael Cassidy, Director of Human Resources. The report was accepted as a report of progress. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 23) 26. 2015 / 211 - 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: 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 27. 2015 / 221 - Home Education Superintendent Franco recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Vanessa Canas 75 Austin Street, #6 Anny Sanchez 26 Stanley Street, Apt. 2 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 23) 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 NEW BUSINESS: 28. 2015 / 198 - Vote to Approve the Amended CREST Collaborative Agreement The Committee approved the amended CREST Collaborative Agreement. 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 17 of 23) 29. 2015 / 217 - Permission to Post: Program Evaluator 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 30. 2015 / 218 - Permission to Post: Sales Associate This position would approximately be 12 – 15 hours a week. The anticipated salary is $ 15.00 an hour and will be covered by the 1826 store revenues. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 18 of 23) 31. 2015 / 226 - Vote to Accept Donation: Lowell Police Superior’s Union and Lowell Police Patrolman’s Union 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 32. - A motion was made to take all five (5) convention/conference requests together. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 19 of 23) 32.1. - A motion was made to approve all five (5) convention/conference requests. 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 CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 32.1.1 2015 / 206 - Patricia Shepherd, Morey School teacher, respectfully request permission . to attend the Writing Institute at the Teachers College at Colombia University in New York from Monday, June 22, 2015 to Friday, June 26, 2015. The trip and registration will be paid by Ms. Shepherd. The cost of $200.00 for a substitute teacher for two days will be paid by the school Professional Development account. A motion was made to approve all five (5) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 20 of 23) 33. 2015 / 207 - Carolyn Rocheleau, Coordinator of Special Programs, to attend the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Summer Institute July 27-29 in Dallas, Texas. All expenses will be paid through the 21st Century grant. No substitute teacher will be needed. A motion was made to approve all five (5) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 34. 2015 / 208 - Eighteen to thirty six Lowell High School students, along with seven chaperones Margaret Kennedy White, Rhonda Devost, William Donaghey, Karyn Cassidy, Roberta Fillmore, Jennifer McGlauflin and Philip Maia, all LHS staff to travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Travel will be during April vacation, students will not miss any school and no substitutes will be needed. Students will leave on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 and return on Sunday, April 24, 2016. There will be no cost to the School Department. All expenses will be paid by each student traveling. A motion was made to approve all five (5) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 35. 2015 / 209 - Forty (40) Lowell High School International Language Club students, along with four teachers, William Donaghey, Philip Maia, Deborah Mellus and Mary Ann Dyson to travel to Quebec City, Canada from Friday, February 5, 2016 through Monday, February, 8, 2016. There will be no cost to the School Department. All expenses will be paid by each student traveling. Coverage for the teachers will be arranged within the Foreign Language Department. There will be no cost to the School Department. No substitute teachers are needed. A motion was made to approve all five (5) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 21 of 23) 36. 2015 / 210 - The four grade McAvinnue students, along with their teachers to participate in the Museum of Science Camp-In Program in Boston, MA from Friday, June 5, 2015 through Saturday, June 6, 2015. There will be no cost to the School Department. All expenses will be cover by the McAvinnue School Student Activity Account, the students, donations, the Museum of Science Scholarship Fund and school fundraising. No substitute teachers are needed. A motion was made to approve all five (5) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 37. 2015 / 212 - The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate thirty [30] sick leave days to Gary Buckley, Lowell High School teacher, six [6] sick leave days to Katie Dolan, McAvinnue School teacher and forty three [43] sick leave days to Linda Hunt, McAuliffe School paraprofessional. 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 22 of 23) EXECUTIVE SESSION: 38. 2015 / 228 - Executive Session: Regarding matters of pending litigation, public discussion of which could have a detrimental effect on the City’s position and also to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel. A motion was made to recess at 8:27 p.m. and enter into Executive Session and to adjourn the meeting from Executive Session. The motion passed. 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 23 of 23) ADJOURNMENT: 39. - ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn from Executive Session at 9:18 p.m. by Mr. Leary; seconded Mr. Gendron 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