School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 15, 2015 TIME 6:30 PM SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. - SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. - ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 6:37 p.m., members present were: Mayor/Chairman Elliott, Mr. Gendron, Ms. Martin Ms. Scott and Mr. Conway. Mr. Leary and Ms. Ross-Sitcawich were absent. 2.1. - A motion was made to suspend the rules to take the Joint Policy and Student Support Services Subcommittee minutes under the Subcommittee portion of the agenda out of order. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 22) SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 3. 2015 / 292 - Spotlight on Excellence: Nila Webster, Author –Video The Spotlight on Excellence honored Nila J. Webster, author of The Gift of You, The Gift of Me. Ms. Webster selected Lowell as one of the cities to send a book to every third grade student. A short video was shown to the Committee highlighting the Pyne Arts schools receiving the book. MINUTES: 4. 2015 / 271 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 2015 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 22) PERMISSION TO ENTER: 5. 2015 / 288 - Consultant’s Agreement – Frank Antonelli 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 6. 2015 / 287 - Contract Ratification – SEIU, Local 888, Library Aides 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 22) 7. - A motion was made to delay motion # 2015/276 to the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2015. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x MOTIONS: 7.1. 2015 / 276 - [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request Superintendent and appropriate School Department personnel present a report to the School Committee as to the budgetary impact of the most recently enacted Earned Sick Leave Law, in particular as it relates to non-benefitted, part time personnel. A motion was made to delay motion # 2015/276 to the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2015. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 22) 8. 2015 / 280 - [by Connie Martin]: Requesting that the Administration update the committee on the new Community Eligibility and Direct Certification standards for the Free and Reduced Lunch programs and how these changes may impact the Chapter 70 Funding formula for the district in the future. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 9. 2015 / 291 - [by Steve Gendron]: Requests the Superintendent to determine the status of the lot behind the Lincoln School playground and pursue options to use it as a Mill City Grows community garden. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 22) SUBCOMMITTEES: 10. 2015 / 272 - Technology: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, June 2, 2015 [Steve Gendron, Chairperson] Mr. Gendron, Chair of the Technology Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the Technology Blueprint Review findings and also spoke about the technology updates for the 2014-2015 school year. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 11. 2015 / 273 - Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, June 9, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] Ms. Martin, Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about a presentation that was given by the Daley School. Ms. Martin also gave an update on the Teaching Strategies Gold as well as the implementation of FOSS Science Kits at the Elementary Level. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kimberly Scott Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 22) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 12. 2015 / 283 - Personnel: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 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 June 17, 2015 School Committee Meeting. The report was accepted as a report of progress. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 13. - A motion was made to accept the proposed changes to the Lowell High School and Elementary and Middle School handbooks for the 2015/16 school year. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 22) VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 13.1. - A motion was made to approve the draft Health and Wellness Policy as presented. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 22) 13.1.1 - A motion was made to approve the draft Life Threatening Allergic . Reactions and Epi-Pen Policy as presented. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 13.1.1 - A motion was made to approve the draft Domestic Violence Leave Policy as .1. presented. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 22) 13.1.1 2015 / 274 - Joint Policy and Student Support Services: Report and Approval of the .1.1. Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, June 24, 2015 [Kimberly Scott, Chairperson and Kristin Ross-Sitcawich, Chairperson] Ms. Scott, Chair of Policy Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the proposed changes to the Lowell High School and Elementary and Middle School Handbooks. The following motion was then made to accept the proposed changes to the Lowell High School and Elementary and Middle School handbooks for the 2015/16 school year. The motion passed. She then brought forward the following motions for approval. A motion was made to approve the draft Health and Wellness Policy as presented. A motion was made to approve the draft Life Threatening Allergic Reactions and Epi-Pen Policy as presented. A final motion was made to approve the draft Domestic Violence Leave Policy as presented. All motions passed. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 22) REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 14. 2015 / 277 - Report of Ambulance Incidents 2014-2015 Superintendent Khelfaoui spoke to the Committee about the Ambulance Incidents for 2014/2015 report that he received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The report informed the Committee that there were a total of 46 documented ambulance incidents during the 2014/15 school year. The report also included a chart detailing the number of incidents when an ambulance was called from August 2014 through June 2015. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 15. 2015 / 286 - Personnel Report Superintendent Khelfaoui shared the Personnel Report that he 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. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 22) 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 16. 2015 / 285 - List of Eligible Teachers Superintendent Khelfaoui shared with the Committee the List of Eligible Teachers Report that he received from Michael Cassidy, Director of Human Resources. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 22) 17. 2015 / 278 - Home Education Superintendent Khelfaoui recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Laura & Steve Brown 37 Beech Street Clarivel Marin De Dragas & Dario Dragas 69 Mary Theresa Terrace 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x NEW BUSINESS: 18. 2015 / 275 - Vote to Approve the Establishment of CREST Capital Reserve Fund The Committee approved the CREST Collaborative Agreement. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 14 of 22) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 19. 2015 / 279 - Appointment to the CREST Board Dr. Khelfaoui was appointed as the School Committee’s representative to serve on the Collaborative for Regional Educational Services and Training (CREST) Advisory Board. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 22) 20. 2015 / 294 - Election of Secretary Superintendent Khelfaoui was elected Secretary to the Lowell School Committee. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 21. 2015 / 293 - Authorization to Release Deputy Superintendent Lang Superintendent Khelfaoui asked the Committee and received authorization to allow him to release Deputy Superintendent Lang from his employment in Lowell at an earlier date due to the appointment of Frank Antonelli who will be replacing Deputy Superintendent Lang on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is hired. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: Connie Martin Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 22) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 22. 2015 / 281 - Permission to Post: ASE Registrar & HiSET Test Assistant This position will be 35 hours a week. The anticipated salary is $ 23.88 per hour and will be funded through a DESE grant. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 17 of 22) 23. 2015 / 282 - Permission to Post: ASE Registrar & HiSET Test Proctor This position will be 35 hours a week. The anticipated salary is $ 17.50 per hour and will be funded through a DESE grant. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 24. 2015 / 284 - Permission to Post: Full Service Community Schools (FSCS) Program Manager This position will be a grant funded position for 5 years or the duration of the grant. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kimberly Scott Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 18 of 22) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 25. 2015 / 296 - Food Services FY15 Uncollected Funds Superintendent Khelfaoui spoke to the Committee about the Food Services FY15 Uncollected Funds report that he received from Deputy Superintendent Lang. Deputy Superintendent recommends in the report that a transfer of $ 153,783 from the School Committee Suspense Account to the Food Service Revolving Fund account be made. The Committee approved the requested transfer. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 19 of 22) 26. - A motion was made to take all four (4) convention/conference requests together. 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 Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 26.1. - A motion was made to approve all four (4) convention/conference requests. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 20 of 22) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 26.1.1 2015 / 270 - McAvinnue School staff Betty Curley and Laura Lamarre-Anderson to . attend the Lucy Calkins Writing Institute at Columbia University in New York from Monday, August 3rd through Friday, August 7, 2015. The cost of $1,200/per teacher will be funded by the School Improvement Fund. A motion was made to approve all four (4) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 27. 2015 / 289 - The Lowell High School Football Team requests permission to travel out of state for an overnight football camp at Camp Winaukee in Moultonborough, N.H. from August 26, 2015 through August 29, 2015. The following coaching staff will be supervising the trip; John Florence, Kyle Swenson, Daniel Graham, David Casey and Tom Thornton. An Athletic Trainer will accompany the team. The cost of the camp is approximately $ 10,000 and will be paid by the Lowell High Alumni/Football Golf Tournament funds. Transportation cost of $1,900 and additional insurance coverage of $ 600 will be paid from the Lowell High School Athletic department budget. A motion was made to approve all four (4) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. 28. 2015 / 290 - Prior Approval Granted: Request permission to attend an overnight out of state conference for Margaret Ferrick, Director of Alternative Education at the Project Director meeting in Washington, DC from July 8, 2015 thru July 10, 2015. No substitute needed. The total cost will not exceed 1,200 and will be reimbursed through the Full-Service Community Grant. A motion was made to approve all four (4) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 21 of 22) 29. 2015 / 295 - Permission for District Social Worker Ingrid Markman and District Support Specialist to attend the National PBIS Leadership Conference held on October 21, 2015 through October 23, 2015 in Rosemont, Illinois. The associated expenses will not exceed $3,000 and will be paid through the Federal Elementary School Counseling Grant. No substitute teacher is needed. A motion was made to approve all four (4) convention/conference requests. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 22 of 22) ADJOURNMENT: 30. - ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn at 7:49 p.m. by Mr. Conway; seconded Mr. Gendron 5 yeas, 2 absent Respectfully submitted, Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us