School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 17, 2015 TIME 6:33 PM SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. - SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. - ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 6:33 p.m., members present were: Mr. Conway, Mayor/Chairman Elliott, Mr. Gendron Mr. Leary, Ms. Martin and Ms. Ross-Sitcawich. Ms. Scott was absent. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 3. 2015 / 237 - Introduction of Newly Elected Superintendent of the Lowell Public Schools Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui Newly elected Superintendent Khelfaoui thanked the Committee and informed them that he is excited to start his new position as Superintendent of the Lowell Public Schools. 4. 2015 / 238 - Introduction of Mathew McLean, Pawtucketville Memorial School Principal and Teresa Soares-Pena, Butler Middle School Principal Newly elected Pawtucketville Memorial School Principal Mathew McLean and newly elected Butler Middle School Principal Teresa Soares-Pena introduced themselves to the Committee and both said that they are very excited for this opportunity and are eager to start. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 25) 5. 2015 / 240 - Spotlight on Excellence: Green Team Prize Winners Bartlett School Teacher, JoAnne Downing Daley School Teacher, Michael Bourque The Spotlight on Excellence honored Bartlett School teacher JoAnne Dowling and Daley School teacher Michael Bourque. Both of these schools received annual awards from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MEP). The Committee thanked these two teachers for bringing this honor to Lowell. 6. 2015 / 247 - Spotlight on Excellence: Lowell Public School Retirees Mayor Elliott read the names of all Lowell Public School employees who will be retired at the conclusion of the 2014—2015 school year. He thanked them for their dedication to the students and wished them well. 7. 2015 / 249 - Spotlight on Excellence: Robinson School Nurse The Spotlight on Excellence honored Tami Hayhurst, RN who is a school nurse at the Robinson School for her valiant efforts on assisting a school bus driver who was experiencing a non-expected medical issue when picking up the students at the end of the day. 8. 2015 / 248 - Spotlight on Excellence: Wang School Senior Custodian The Spotlight on Excellence also honored senior custodian, Dennis Ferreira for his immediate reaction to a student who was choking in the Wang School cafeteria on June 3, 2015. Dennis began performing the Heimlich maneuver and was able to clear the remainder of the food and the boy’s breathing was full restored. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 25) MINUTES: 9. 2015 / 232 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, May 20, 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 x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly 10. 2015 / 239 - Approval of the Minutes of the FY2016 Budget Hearing of Thursday, May 28, 2015. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 25) 11. - A motion was made to vote separately on the Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) contract in the amount of $ 1, 372,277. 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 11.1. - A motion was made to approve the contract for Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) for the amount of 1,372,277. Mayor Elliott publicly disclosed that he presently is a non-salaried board member of Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI). 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 Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 25) PERMISSION TO ENTER: 11.1.1 2015 / 251 - Permission to Enter: June 17, 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 x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly 12. 2015 / 255 - Ratification of the MOU for the Superintendent of Schools VOTING Motion by: David Conway 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 25) MOTIONS: 13. 2015 / 230 - [by Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent provide report on average age of text books in Lowell Public Schools. VOTING Motion by: Rodney M. Elliott 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 14. 2015 / 231 - [by Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent provide report on the number of incidents when ambulances are called to Lowell Public Schools. VOTING Motion by: Rodney M. Elliott 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 25) 15. 2015 / 267 - [by Rodney Elliott]: School Superintendent to report on vacant positions in the school department. 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 16. - A motion was made to defer the Technology Subcommittee report and approval of the minutes until the next regualarly scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting on July 15, 2015. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 25) SUBCOMMITTEES: 16.1. 2015 / 234 - Technology: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, June 2, 2015 [Steve Gendron, Chairperson] A motion was made to defer the Technology Subcommittee report and approval of the minutes until the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting on July 15, 2015. The motion passed. 17. - A motion was made to defer the Curriculum Subcommittee report and approval of the minutes until the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting on July 15, 2015. 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 17.1. 2015 / 235 - Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, June 9, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] A motion was made to defer the Curriculum Subcommittee report and approval of the minutes until the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting on July 15, 2015. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 25) 18. - A motion was made to suspend the rules for the Personnel Subcommittee minutes to be read. The Personnel Subcommittee was held on June 17, 2015 (prior to the Lowell School Committee Meeting). Chairperson Martin shared with the Committee that the Personnel Subcommittee was held previous to the Lowell School Committee meeting. The meeting informed the Committee that the new Superintendent recommended bringing in a consultant to work with the current Deputy Superintendent in regards to transitioning the Deputy Superintendent’s departure and assisting with the search process for a permanent replacement. 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 REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 18.1. 2015 / 241 - Domestic Violence Awareness Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Domestic Violence Awareness report that she received from M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. The report informed the Committee that the Healthy Futures Group, under the direction of Rhea Gordon, works in our middle schools throughout the year offering many programs to our students. 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 25) 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 19. - A motion was made to send the ELL Alignment report to the Finance Subcommittee for further discussion. 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 19.1. 2015 / 258 - ELL Alignment A motion was made to send the ELL Alignment report to the Finance Subcommittee for further discussion. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 25) 20. 2015 / 269 - Grant Funding Update Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Grant Funding Update that she received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The update informed the Committee of funding changes to date regarding Early Childhood and the Special Education Department. 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 21. 2015 / 243 - Foreign Language Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Foreign Language report that she received from M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. The report informed the Committee that the idea of middle school foreign language instruction is something that the district could promote in the future. The report included steps that need to be in place before foreign language instruction could be at the middle school level. 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 25) 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 22. 2015 / 245 - Strategic Plan for LHS Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Strategic Plan for LHS report that she received from M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. The report informed the Committee that the Lowell High School faculty and staff have been working on the 2015 NEASC Accreditation document since the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: David Conway 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 25) 23. 2015 / 244 - STEM Lowell High School Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the STEM LHS report that she received from M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. The report informed the Committee that Headmaster Brian Martin and Curriculum Director Amy McLeod met with School Committee woman Connie Martin and Councilor Edward Kennedy to discuss the STEM Program. The meeting included a PowerPoint presentation that showed that the high school is on track to pave the way for a Pathway for STEM education. 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 24. 2015 / 242 - Elementary Science Implementation Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Elementary Science Implementation report that she received from M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. The report responds to the concerns expressed during the budget hearing on May 28, 2015 with regard to the FOSS Science Kit money allocation. The district level feels that there has been some miscommunication that needs to be clarified so the science program can be moved forward. 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 25) 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 25. 2015 / 252 - Donation to IDEA Camp To approve the grant fund of $ 5,000 from Kronos to offset IDEA Camp costs; and that the funds be deposited in the IDEA Camp Revolving Fund and payment (s) dispersed from the IDEA Camp Revolving Fund for said purpose. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 25) 26. 2015 / 253 - 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: 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 27. 2015 / 254 - 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: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 25) 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 28. 2015 / 265 - UTEC Alternative Diploma Program Transition Report Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the UTEC Alternative Diploma Program Transition report that she received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The report informed the Committee that Margo Ferrick, Director of Alternative Education and David Robinson, Coordinator of Student Services have worked to develop transition plans for students affected by the elimination of the UTEC ADP. The report included current enrollment data. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 17 of 25) 29. 2015 / 266 - Protocol for Communication in the Event of an Emergency Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Protocol for Communication in the Event of an Emergency report that she received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The report included the Lowell Public Schools Crisis Plan. The report was accepted as a report of progress. 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 30. 2015 / 268 - Hiring of Staff Members from Diverse Backgrounds Superintendent Franco spoke about the Hiring Staff Members from Diverse Backgrounds report that she received from Michael Cassidy, Director of Human Resource. The office of Personnel & Recruitment endeavors to recruit, hire, and retain qualified diverse candidates to serve the Lowell Public Schools. A formal Diversity Plan will be established to guide the human capital goals for the 2015-2016 school year and beyond to continue to assist with developing and meeting recruitment and retention goals. The report also included current student and staff statistics. 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 18 of 25) 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 NEW BUSINESS: 31. 2015 / 256 - Permission to Post: Early Childhood Classroom Developer Mayor Elliott publicly disclosed that he presently is a non-salaried board member of Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI). 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 Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 19 of 25) 32. 2015 / 257 - Permission to Post: Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Developer This position is part-time, up to 16 hours per week, five (5) days per week for forty seven (47) weeks. The hourly rate is $ 30.00. Mayor Elliott publicly disclosed that he presently is a non-salaried board member of Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI). 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 Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly 33. - A motion was made to suspend the rules to include another conference under the convention/conferences section of the agenda. Dear Superintendent Franco: I am requesting permission for Greenhalge School Literacy Team members to attend the Teachers College June Institute on Teaching of Reading to be held from Monday, June 29, 2015 to Friday, July 3, 2015 at Columbia University in New York. The staff members attending are Carrie Cronin, Pamela Gendron, and Elaine Williamson. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 20 of 25) The cost of the conference (including travel, conference and lodging) will not exceed $1200 per person and will be funded by the School Improvement Grant. Learning from this conference will be tied to all prek-4 Reading standards from the 2011 Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, which include the Common Core State Standards. The attendees will share learning with staff through varied professional development opportunities in the upcoming school year. Carrie Cronin, Elaine Williamson and I understand the allowed reimbursement is not for more than the amount for which I am requesting approval. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Pamela Gendron 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 33.1. - A motion was made to take all seven (7) convention/conference requests together. 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 21 of 25) 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 33.1.1 - A motion was made to approve all seven (7) convention/conference . requests. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 22 of 25) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 33.1.1 2015 / 236 - On behalf of Superintendent Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui Superintendent Franco .1. respectfully requests permission for him to attend the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendent's Executive Institute in Falmouth, MA., from Tuesday, July 14 through Friday, July 17, 2015. The cost of the conference and stay will not exceed $1,800 and will be paid by the District's Professional Development funds and the cost of travel $50/day will not exceed $400. A motion was made to approve all seven (7) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 34. 2015 / 260 - Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Lt Col Pete D'Amic, MSgt Kevin Casilli, MSgt Susan Antolini, TSgt David Smith and Mrs. Gina Steward to travel with approximately [80] eighty students to Camps Edwards on Joint Military Base Cape Cod in Bourne, MA to attend MA-771's annual Cadet Leadership Course from Tuesday, August 18 and returning on Friday, August 21, 2015. All expenses will be paid by AFJROTC funds and/or students contribution. There will be no cost to the Lowell Public Schools. No school will be missed and no substitutes will be needed. A motion was made to approve all seven (7) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 35. 2015 / 261 - Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Student Council Advisor Tom Thornton to participate in the 2015 NASC National Conference on Friday, June 26-Sunday, June 28 2015 to be held in Albuquerque, NM. All expenses will be paid through the Office of Student Activities and LHS. No substitutes or school will be missed as school will out be before this trip. One LHS student will be also traveling to the conference separately and will be incurring all expenses. A motion was made to approve all seven (7) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 23 of 25) 36. 2015 / 262 - Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Dianne Luz, Deborah Linnehan, Sajeda Khalifa and Analiz Santiago all Lowell Public School Staff to travel to Washington, D.C. from July 20-23, 2015 with [41] forty one Upward Bound students. All expenses will paid with TRIO funds. There will be no cost to the Lowell School Department. No substitute teacher is needed. A motion was made to approve all seven (7) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 37. 2015 / 263 - Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Kendra Bauer to participate in an overnight camping and hiking excursion hosted by the Appalachian Mountain Club's Youth Opportunity Program along with [8] eight LHS students to travel to Cardigan Lodge in Alexandria, N.H. from Tuesday, August 18-Friday, August 21, 2015. No school will be missed; no cost to the LPS and no substitutes will be needed. A motion was made to approve all seven (7) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 38. 2015 / 264 - Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for 18 to 24 Students and chaperones, Thomas Thornton, Kathleen Keefe, Paul Francoeur and Kristie Volante, all Lowell High staff to travel to the Netherlands, Belgium, Paris and London during the February school vacation 2016. Students will miss one day of school leaving on Friday, February 12th and returning on Sunday February 21, 2016. The cost to the Lowell High School individual school budget will be for 2 substitutes for one day for a total of $200.00. A motion was made to approve all seven (7) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 24 of 25) PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 39. 2015 / 246 - The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate eleven [11] sick leave days to Katie Dolan, McAvinnue School teacher. 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 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 25 of 25) ADJOURNMENT: 40. - ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn at 8:19 p.m. by Ms. Ross-Sitcawich; seconded Ms. Martin 6 yeas, 1 absent 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