School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2015-12-02 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. ROLL CALL: MINUTES: 3. 2015 / 434 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, November 18, 2015 MEMORIALS: 4. 2015 / 455 John J. Leahy, Jr., retired School Psychologist. MOTIONS: 5. 2015 / 453 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent provide report on motion approved for scholarship opportunity ( Voice of Democracy ). 6. 2015 / 454 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: School Committee vote to release minutes for Executive Session relative to union contract negotiations/grievances. SUBCOMMITTEES: 7. 2015 / 437 Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, November 17, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chairperson Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 3) 8. 2015 / 444 Personnel: Report of the Personnel Subcommittee Meeting of Tuesday, December 1, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] 9. 2015 / 451 Policy Subcommittee: Report of the Meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 [Kimberly Scott, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 10. 2015 / 440 Response to Kimberly Scott's Motion of 02/18/15 regarding Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) Additional Stops 11. 2015 / 441 Response to David Conway's Motion of 09/16/15 regarding SWEAR Program 12. 2015 / 442 Response to Kristin Ross-Sitcawich's Motion of 10/07/15 regarding Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan 13. 2015 / 445 Response to Kristin Ross-Sitcawich's Motion of 02/04/15 regarding Snow Removal 14. 2015 / 452 Quarterly Reports on Motions NEW BUSINESS: 15. 2015 / 448 Approval of the CFO Contract 16. 2015 / 449 Establishing an Accountability Office 17. 2015 / 450 Revised Two (2) Hour Delay Policy Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 3) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 18. 2015 / 446 Permission for Margaret Ferrick, Director of the Alternative Education and Lauren Sumiko Combs, Full Service Community School Program Manager to attend the Community Schools National Forum 2016 in Albuquerque, New Mexico held on April 5, 2016 through April 9, 2016. The associated expenses will not exceed $3,500 and will be paid through the Full Service Community Schools Grant. No substitute teacher is needed. COMMUNICATIONS: 19. 2015 / 436 Thank you Letter to Lowell Fire Department PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 20. 2015 / 447 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate Ten [10] sick leave days to Tasha Kenney, Lowell High School Paraprofessional. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 21. 2015 / 433 Executive Session: Regarding UTL- collective bargaining and grievances and litigation update. ADJOURNMENT: 22. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2015-12-02 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. ROLL CALL: MINUTES: 3. 2015 / 434 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, November 18, 2015 MEMORIALS: 4. 2015 / 455 John J. Leahy, Jr., retired School Psychologist. MOTIONS: 5. 2015 / 453 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent provide report on motion approved for scholarship opportunity ( Voice of Democracy ). 6. 2015 / 454 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: School Committee vote to release minutes for Executive Session relative to union contract negotiations/grievances. SUBCOMMITTEES: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 4) 7. 2015 / 437 Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, November 17, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chairperson 8. 2015 / 444 Personnel: Report of the Personnel Subcommittee Meeting of Tuesday, December 1, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] 9. 2015 / 451 Policy Subcommittee: Report of the Meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 [Kimberly Scott, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 10. 2015 / 440 Response to Kimberly Scott's Motion of 02/18/15 regarding Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) Additional Stops 11. 2015 / 441 Response to David Conway's Motion of 09/16/15 regarding SWEAR Program 12. 2015 / 442 Response to Kristin Ross-Sitcawich's Motion of 10/07/15 regarding Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan 13. 2015 / 445 Response to Kristin Ross-Sitcawich's Motion of 02/04/15 regarding Snow Removal 14. 2015 / 452 Quarterly Reports on Motions NEW BUSINESS: 15. 2015 / 448 Approval of the CFO Contract Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 4) 16. 2015 / 449 Establishing an Accountability Office 17. 2015 / 450 Revised Two (2) Hour Delay Policy CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 18. 2015 / 446 Permission for Margaret Ferrick, Director of the Alternative Education and Lauren Sumiko Combs, Full Service Community School Program Manager to attend the Community Schools National Forum 2016 in Albuquerque, New Mexico held on April 5, 2016 through April 9, 2016. The associated expenses will not exceed $3,500 and will be paid through the Full Service Community Schools Grant. No substitute teacher is needed. COMMUNICATIONS: 19. 2015 / 436 Thank you Letter to Lowell Fire Department PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 20. 2015 / 447 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate Ten [10] sick leave days to Tasha Kenney, Lowell High School Paraprofessional. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 21. 2015 / 433 Executive Session: Regarding UTL- collective bargaining and grievances and litigation update. ADJOURNMENT: 22. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 4) Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, November 18, 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 434 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 John J. Leahy, Jr., retired School Psychologist. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 455 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent provide report on motion approved for scholarship opportunity ( Voice of Democracy ). To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 453 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: School Committee vote to release minutes for Executive Session relative to union contract negotiations/grievances. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 454 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Curriculum: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, November 17, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chairperson To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 437 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: 11-17-15 Curr. Subcommittee Minutes  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Henry J. Mroz Central Administration Offices 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Rodney M. Elliott Tel: (978) 674-4324 Mayor and Chairperson Lowell School Committee Fax: (978) 937-7609 Subcommittee on Curriculum & Instruction Connie A. Martin Vice-Chairman STEM Academy at the Rogers School Room 116 – TV Studio David J. Conway November 17, 2015 Stephen J. Gendron James D. Leary 7:00 P.M. Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Kimberly A. Scott Subcommittee member Connie Martin called the meeting of the Subcommittee on Curriculum and Instruction to order at 7:00 P.M. Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee Also present: members present: Central Office: Connie Martin, Chair M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent James Leary Martha Cohn, Coordinator of Science & Social Studies Bartlett Staff: Peter Holtz – Principal Lisa Trudel – Grade 5 Math/Science Teacher Kristin Weigold – PreK-1 Special Education Teacher & Site coordinator for the 21st CCLC Afterschool Program Rachel Crawford – Music Teacher Bartlett Students: Nicholas Weigold – 6th grade student involved in the programs Samantha Weigold – 8th grade student UML Staff: Graduate School of Education Dr. Anita Greenwood – Dean of the Graduate School of Education Dr. Patricia Fontaine – Graduate Coordinator for the GSE Dr. MinJeong Kim – Associate Professor College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Dr. Gena Greher – Professor of Music & Music Education at UML GSE College of Science Dr. Jesse Heines – Professor of Computer Science College of Engineering Shawn Hevey – Student of Ed Hajduk – Coordinator of ASCE Student Chapter of Engineering Outreach Activities Kristin Bartone – Student of Ed Hajduk – future Coordinator of ASCE Student Chapter of Engineering Outreach Activities Subcommittee on Curriculum & Instruction November 17, 2015 Page 1 The agenda for this subcommittee meeting included the following topics: 1. Research Study NSF Grant Proposal 2. Spotlight School - Bartlett Community Partnership School 3. Moving Science Forward – STEM Club and Mentors 1. Research Study NSF Grant Proposal Dr. Jay McCarthy, UMASS Lowell Professor and the Principal Investigator for the NSF Grant along with Project Learn spoke to the focus and intention of the proposal.  This ITEST Strategies project will create a partnership between the University of Massachusetts, The following is a brief report on the NSF Grant using the ITEST Strategies. Lowell (UML), Project LEARN (the intra-district development arm of the Lowell Public School district), and four urban schools in Lowell to bring creative computing and integrative engineering experiences to elementary and middle school students. Schools involved in study are: The STEM Academy at the Rogers School, Bartlett Community Partnership School, Henry J. Robinson Middle  The district, and each of the four schools, has significant populations of underrepresented groups in School and the B.F. Butler Middle School. computing and engineering. More than 60% of the students are African-American, African, Hispanic, or from under-represented Asian groups (such as Cambodians: the Lowell area’s Cambodian population is the largest of any place in the United States). The partnership will result in a 30-hour  The curriculum will be delivered to 755 per year. The partnership model is collaboration with district computing curriculum that is deployed in existing engineering and mathematics courses.  Each school will implement the curriculum differently: one school will implement it across the entire teachers. Teachers will receive 39+ hours of professional development over each project year. 4th grade as separate course; one school will implement it across the entire 7th and 8th grades integrated into math courses; one school will implement it as an intensive after-school activity attended by roughly half of all 3rd to 5th grade students; and the final school will implement it as an  Project faculty, staff, and students will support implementations. The project curriculum is based on intensive summer-camp attended by roughly a quarter of all rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. best practices for broadening participation in computing, includes creative and hands-on work, as well as career awareness activities. A keystone of our project is community participation and collaboration with implementing teachers, other teachers in the school, local technologists, and student’s parents.  Students will use Bootstrap, a Web-based mathematically-focused programming environment for designing programs and exploring computation to better understand the engineering process and how computing integrates into it. Undergraduate computer science students and industry professionals will  If successful, the plan is to move the same opportunities to other schools in the district. visit project classrooms and work with students at all levels. MOTION: by Mr. Leary, seconded by Ms. Martin: to recommend to the committee as a whole: Authorization to accept the report as a report of progress. 2-0 Accept. 2. Spotlight School – Bartlett Community Partnership School Principal Peter Holtz began the evening speaking of the many opportunities afforded to the BCPS students and faculty as well as the opportunities for UMASS Lowell students as they continue their studies mowing forward in the field of education. Mr. Holtz discussed the ongoing projects for this year. There have been many in the past but the focus for the evening was for the 2015-2016 school year.  Colonial History Tutoring at Grade 3 The current projects are:  Literacy Buddies tutoring visit to college campus O’Leary Library Subcommittee on Curriculum & Instruction November 17, 2015 Page 2   Jumpstart which includes PK Literacy work, Math Tutoring 5th grade, Science lessons 3rd-5th grade  tutoring for all Critical Literacy Project, which includes PreK-K classrooms from 2012-2015, fostering critical  thinking skills in Literacy, Social issues, culturally relevant texts.  Technology in Music Education, Cambodian Cultural Project and General Music Methods  After school Science Program  Tsongas Industrial History Center, after school programing  Engineering after school programing Computing and Music Education The presentation was extremely well prepared and all had a voice in discussing the projects. Presenters were UMASS Lowell Department Chairs, Professors, Adjunct Faulty, UTEACH students from UMASS and we were fortunate to have a student in attendance as well. Dr. Anita Greenwood spoke on behalf of UMASS Lowell and the impact this work is having on the students from UMASS and the wonderful opportunities presented to them where they are completing their practicums in the field in real life classrooms every day. Dr. Greenwood also spoke to a new initiative that is being planned for the spring semester beginning January 19, 2016-April 29, 2016. The new project is entitled “Urban Teaching Fellows Residency Program”. This project will once again foster a wonderful partnership between the Graduate School of Education (GSE) and the Bartlett Community Partnership School. This pilot will include a residency program where five teacher candidates, who have already completed their elementary teaching license practicum, will transfer to the BCPS for the spring to continue to work towards a license in Special Education. UMASS Lowell students will be assigned to a particular grade level but may also be able to work in other classrooms over the 13 week time period. The idea is for the teachers to deepen their knowledge of the dynamics of the school day, month and year. They will gain more knowledge of the many different needs of a diverse population within the school. They will be able to work in classrooms thus allowing for two teachers in a classroom to meet the needs of all students. As Mr. Holtz describes this, it is a “Win, Win” for both the University and the BCPS. This is meeting the vision developed many years ago in that the collaboration between the University and the BCPS is building a structure that assists University students in deepening their understanding of life in an urban district and classroom. There is also parallel structure that allows teachers and students from the BCPS to work alongside teachers, and for students the presence of these teachers in classrooms assist students to ensure they are receiving the skills they need to succeed in the world that awaits them. The GSE will provide finances for this pilot at a cost of $30,000. Each candidate will receive a scholarship of $2300 to cover the costs of their tuition and fees; additionally, they will receive a stipend of $3700 for the additional hours they spend working in the school beyond the 12.5 hours/week of practicum work. The BCPS will receive at No Cost: 422.5 hours of time from each UML teacher candidate for a total of 2112.5 hours in the service to the BCPS students. The University is able to cover the initial cost of this new initiative; however to complete the semester an addition cost of $3500 per student will be needed to ensure this pilot project completes the essential work taking place at the school. MOTION: by Mr. Leary, seconded by Ms. Martin: to recommend to the committee as a whole: Authorization to accept the report as a report of progress with an option of discussing further. 2-0 Accept. Subcommittee on Curriculum & Instruction November 17, 2015 Page 3 3. Moving Science Forward – STEM Club and Mentors  Coordinator of Science and Social Studies grades K-12, Martha Cohn presented an update of all the  happenings in the field of STEM. STEM Club membership has grown since its inception in 2013. We have grown membership from 80  students to 220. The STEM Club is being supported by the Mass State Science and Engineering Fair by providing a mentor liaison that works with Education partners such as TRC, M/A COM. Technology, Merrimack  College, Aptima, and Middlesex Community College.  The GEMS Foundation provides financial support to the STEM clubs yearly. Members from the MIT WOMEN IN STEM Initiative will be visiting Lowell Middle Schools during the week of January 3, 2016. A schedule of school visits and times will be forthcoming for all who would like to attend. MOTION: by Mr. Leary, seconded by Ms. Martin: to recommend to the committee as a whole: Authorization to accept the report as a report of progress. 2-0 Accept. MOTION: by Mr. Leary, seconded by Ms. Martin: to ADJOURN. The meeting adjourned at 8:16 P.M. 2-0 Accept. Respectfully submitted, M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Dr. Salah Khelfaoui, Superintendent and Secretary, Lowell School Committee Subcommittee on Curriculum & Instruction November 17, 2015 Page 4  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Personnel: Report of the Personnel Subcommittee Meeting of Tuesday, December 1, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 444 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Policy Subcommittee: Report of the Meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 [Kimberly Scott, Chair] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 451 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Response to Kimberly Scott's Motion of 02/18/15 regarding Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) Additional Stops To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 440 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Response to David Conway's Motion of 09/16/15 regarding SWEAR Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 441 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us SWEAR Program Report To: Dr. Salah Khelfaoui, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: November 23, 2015 The attached report is provided in response to a motion by School Committee Member David Conway which was approved at the September 16, 2015 School Committee Meeting: “Request the Superintendent to examine the feasibility of implementing the SWEAR Program [Stand with Everyone Against Rape] at Lowell High School.” Special thanks to David Robinson, Lowell High School Coordinator of Student Support Services, for preparing this report.  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Lowell High School 50 Fr. Morissette Blvd. Lowell, Massachusetts 01852-1050 David Robinson Tel. (978) 446-7228 Coordinator Fax (978) 446-7327 Student Support Services Student Support Services Memorandum RE: September 16, 2015 School Committee Motion  On September 16, 2015, School Committee Member David Conway made the following motion: SWEAR Program: Request Superintendent to examine the feasibility of implementing the SWEAR Program [Stand with Everyone Against Rape] at Lowell High School.  After researching the website http://www.iswearto.org/ it appears very similar to a program LHS is recently implementing for the 2015-2016 school year: MVP Program.  Details regarding the MVP Program through Northeastern University: o MVP (Mentors in Violence Prevention) Program o Leadership education program focused on preventing all forms of men’s violence against women. o Bystander approach: domestic violence, gender roles, non-violent interventions, healthy relationship unit o Approx. 20 hours of training over 4-5 months for 20-25 student leaders o Training is conducted by Northeastern staff o Target Grade 10 and 11 student leaders: get broad cross-section of student leaders o Those students can then train 9th graders o After training is completed:  Student leaders promote in school, possibly during a Health period or Advisory period  Student leaders educate/discuss with 9th and possibly 8th graders  Student leaders have been nominated: Dave Robinson, Maureen Schwartz, and Yvette Cheeks met with the students to explain the program  The first training session is scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd in the Little Theater (full day)  Future trainings will be held on Early Release Days from 11:45-2:30  Program is no cost to LHS (funded by grant at Northeastern)  After vetting the SWEAR Program and comparing it to the MVP Program through Northeastern University, Recommendations: we recommend moving forward with the MVP Program this year.  In June, 2016, we will review the progress and success of the MVP Program and revisit our decision for 2016-2017.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Response to Kristin Ross-Sitcawich's Motion of 10/07/15 regarding Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 442 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan To: Dr. Salah Khelfaoui, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: November 23, 2015 The following report is provided in response to a motion by School Committee Member Kristin Ross-Sitcawich which was approved at the October 7, 2015 School Committee Meeting: “Request the Superintendent review and revise as needed, the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, per plan language, must be reviewed/revised biannually. The Lowell Public School Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan is reviewed annually by the Office of Student Support Services as per state regulations concurrently along with the review of Lowell Public School Student and Parent Handbooks. Revisions are made to the Bullying and Intervention Plan in accordance with amendments to state regulations. When such revisions are deemed necessary to maintain compliance with the law, revisions to the district plan are made in consultation with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education staff and Lowell Public School Legal Counsel for Student Support Services. All recommended revisions are brought forward to the School Committee for a vote to amend the policy. Revisions to the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan are provided to school leaders annually during Summer Administrative Leadership and all school staff during Orientation. Additionally, Legal Counsel for Student Support Services provides training and consultation for students, parents and staff over the course of the school year to address specific school- based needs and district-wide considerations.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Response to Kristin Ross-Sitcawich's Motion of 02/04/15 regarding Snow Removal To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 445 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Quarterly Reports on Motions To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 452 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  QUARTERLY REPORT ON STATUS OF OUTSTANDING MOTIONS   On-going Spotlight on Excellence – 1st meeting of  Recognize Retirees: June   each month School Maintenance Report: Every June  Quarterly Report on Motions: December 2nd Annual Report on Textbook Purchases: Overtime & Extra Payments – reported August  monthly Athletic Reports: Fall/January, Winter/March, Spring/July DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 1. 4/16/14 Contingency Plan for MS [by Steve Gendron and James Leary]: Request the Superintendent prepare a contingency plan to accommodate the increase in middle-school population expected for the 2017- 2018 school year and report to the Facilities Subcommittee. 2. 02/18/15 LRTA Stops Reported at the [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent work with the City Manager to 12/2/15 Meeting explore the possibility of the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) providing COMPLETED additional stops at Lowell High School during set morning hours. 3. 10/21/15 DESE Mandates [by David Conway]: Request the Superintendent review the mandates that have been adopted by DESE and see if they are still required under the new federal guidelines. FINANCE AND OPERATIONS 1. 02/4/15 Snow Removal Reported at the [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell 12/2/15 Meeting to ensure that the process of snow removal in and around all schools, includes the COMPLETED removal of snow from all walkways and traffic lanes, including the enforcement of the sidewalk snow removal ordinance for sidewalks within the vicinity of schools. 2. 04/1/15 Before And After School Care [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop and issue an RFP to provide before and after school care at all of our elementary and middle schools. 3. 07/15/15 Lincoln School Mill City Grows Community Garden Reported at the [by Steve Gendron]: Requests the Superintendent to determine the status of the lot 9/2/15 Meeting behind the Lincoln School playground and pursue options to use it as a Mill City Grows On going community garden. 4. 10/21/15 School Lunch Services [by Kimberly Scott]: Develop a plan to require a higher quality school lunch be provided in our bid process and include a report on the feasibility of bringing school lunch services back in house. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 18, 2015 Meeting Page 1  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT 1. 04/01/15 Advocacy For Newcomer Program 11/19/15 [by James D. Leary and Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request the Superintendent contact Referred to the Congresswomen Tsongas, Senator Markey and Senator Warren in order to discuss Curriculum and appropriate funding for the students entering the Lowell Public Schools Newcomers Student Support Subcommittee 2. 04/01/15 Refugee Receiving Districts 11/19/15 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the superintendent provide a report on the "receiver" Referred to the communities for Newcomers in Massachusetts, how they are chosen and the numbers Curriculum and received in recent years. Student Support Subcommittee 3. 05/16/14 Foreign Language [by Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a plan to reinstate middle school foreign language instruction for the 2015/2016 school year. 4. 10/01/14 Communication with Greater Lowell Technical High School [by James Leary]: Request the superintendent provide an update regarding the discussion with the Greater Lowell Technical High School and the number of Lowell Public School students on their wait list. In addition, provide recommendations to the Lowell School Committee regarding methods and financial costs that would provide vocational technical education to our students on the wait list. 5. 11/19/14 Middle School Lyceum Program [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a middle school Lyceum program. 6. 09/02/15 Programs Changes After the 2015-2016 Budget Session [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide a report of all programming changes made after the 2015-2016 budget session. 7. 09/02/15 Health Curriculum [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent prepare a plan to provide the same health curriculum in all of our middle schools. 8. 11/04/15 Alignment Between our Curriculum and Common Core State Standards [by David Conway]: Request the Superintendent a report on our strategies for school improvement and accountability. Given that MCAS scores determine school accountability level, create a document that shows the alignment between our curriculum and the Common Core State Standards, for teacher use. 9. 10/21/15 Scholarship Opportunity for LHS [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent work with Headmaster to communicate scholarship opportunity for LHS students through the Veterans of Foreign War Scholarship program. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 18, 2015 Meeting Page 2  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 1. 09/16/15 SWEAR Program Reported at the [by David Conway]: Request Superintendent to examine the feasibility of implementing 12/2/15 Meeting the SWEAR program [Stand with Everyone Against Rape] at Lowell High School. COMPLETED 2. 10/07/15 Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Reported at the [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent review and revise as needed, 12/2/15 Meeting the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, per plan language, must be COMPLETED reviewed/revised biennially. 3. 10/07/15 Status of the District Wide Safety Assessment [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent provide an update as to the status of the district wide safety assessment. 4. 10/21/15 Waiting list System Online [by Kimberly Scott]: Develop a plan to post our waitlist system online and provide a better understanding for our parents on where they stand on the waitlist the process involved. Request that the feasibility of making the process public by posting student id numbers of waitlist standing be explored. 5. 11/04/15 Invest in Higher Education [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to partner Lowell Public Schools with Inversant, a non profit organization that works with families to invest in higher education. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday November 18, 2015 Meeting Page 3  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Approval of the CFO Contract To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 448 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: CFO Contract  CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER This AGREEMENT made and entered into this 4th day of January, 2016, by and between the SCHOOL COMMITTEE of the CITY OF LOWELL, hereinafter referred to as "COMMITTEE", and ____________________, hereinafter referred to as the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER In consideration of the promises herein contained, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows: 1. EMPLOYMENT: The COMMITTEE hereby employs ____________________as the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER of the public schools of Lowell and the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER hereby accepts employment on the following terms and conditions: 2. TERM: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be employed for a three and a half year period commencing January 01, 2016 through June 30, 2019. The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall not later than January 1, 2019 advise the Superintendent of Schools and the COMMITTEE by written notice whether he desires to negotiate a successor agreement. Failure to so notify the Superintendent of Schools and the COMMITTEE shall result in the expiration of this agreement on June 30, 2019 unless this agreement is otherwise terminated for cause as stated herein. 3. COMPENSATION: a.) The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be paid an annual salary of One Hundred Forty Five Thousand Dollars ($145,000) for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, payable in equal installments in accordance with the policy of the COMMITTEE governing payments of salary of other professional staff members in the school department. The amount will be prorated as per the actual starting date of employment. b.) Salaries for all subsequent years will be renegotiated between the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER and the Superintendent of Schools, ninety (90) days prior to the anniversary date of the contract, subject to the approval of the School Committee. 4. SEVERANCE CLAUSE: At the time of the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’s retirement, death, termination, the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER or his estate will receive 100% of all accrued vacation. 5. TERMINATION: In the event that said CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER desires to terminate this contract before the term of services shall have expired, he may do so if he gives at least sixty (60) days written notice of his intention to the Superintendent of Schools 1 and the Superintendent of Schools accepts said resignation, otherwise, termination of the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 42, as amended by the Education Reform Act of 1993. 6. DUTIES: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall perform faithfully to the best of his ability, the duties of CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, as outlined in the attached exhibit marked "A". 7. CERTIFICATE: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall furnish and maintain throughout the term of this contract a valid and appropriate certificate qualifying him to act as CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER of the Lowell School Department in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, as amended by the Education Reform Act of 1993 and applicable provisions of 603 C.M.R. 8. OTHER ACTIVITIES: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER may accept speaking, writing, lecturing, or other engagements of a professional nature as he sees fit, provided they do not derogate from his duties as CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER and further provided that said activity complies with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 268A. 9. REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES: The COMMITTEE shall reimburse the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER for all expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of the duties under this contract in accordance with the laws of Massachusetts and the policies and ordinances of the City of Lowell. Such expenses shall include, but shall not be limited to, toll and mileage reimbursement at the rate determined by the United States Internal Revenue Service, and costs of attendance at appropriate local, state and national meetings. The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be satisfied by a monthly travel allowance of Three Hundred ($300.00) Dollars. Any additional reimbursements, including, but not limited to plane fare, room and board, meals, etc., will be based on submission of receipts. 10. STATE REITREMENT SYSTEM: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System as required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 32, Section 2. 11. FRINGE BENEFITS: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be entitled to all insurance (medical, hospital and life) benefits and all other fringe benefits currently available to teachers, such benefits not to reduce benefits expressly provided for in this contract or to be agreed upon in the future. The COMMITTEE and the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER may agree or alter components of these benefits or to add benefits not currently available to professional personnel. 12. ANNUAL VACATION: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall earn twenty (25) vacation days per fiscal year. These vacation days will be earned at a rate of “two (2) days per month for a total of Twenty Four (24) days during the fiscal year. One additional day will be earned at the completion of every fiscal year. All vacation days must be used within 2 sixty days after the end of the fiscal year. A maximum of five (5) carry-over vacation days will be allowed beyond the sixty-day period per fiscal year, unless otherwise authorized by the superintendent. At no time shall the Administrator have more than Forty-Five (45) vacation days on account, unless approved by the Superintendent. All accumulated vacation time, at the rate earned and not redeemed, will be paid to the Administrator (or his estate) in the next pay period following resignation, retirement, termination or death at the then effective per diem rate of pay calculated based on the actual number of days in each year the Administrator is required to work. In no case shall more than forty five (45) days be used to calculate this benefit. 13. SICK LEAVE: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be entitled to sick leave in an amount equal to, but not in excess of twelve (12) days of sick leave for each year of this contract and any extensions hereunder. The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER's unused sick leave shall be cumulative. The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be eligible for extended sick leave benefits as are presently available to administrators and as such benefits may be amended from time to time. 14. INDEMNIFICATION: The Committee hereby represents that the City of Lowell is bound by the provisions of Section 9 of Chapter 258, and Section 13 of Chapter 258 of the General Laws, which provides that the City shall indemnify and save harmless municipal officers, elected or appointed, from personal financial loss and expense including reasonable legal fees and costs, if any, in an amount not to exceed One Million Dollars, arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of any act or omission, except an intentional violation of civil rights of any person, if the official at the time of such act or omission was acting within the scope of his official duties or employment. 15. PERSONAL DAYS: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be granted two (2) personal days per contract year. No accumulation of personal days exists under this agreement. 16. PERFORMANCE: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall fulfill all aspects of this contract. Any exceptions thereto shall be by mutual agreement between the COMMITTEE and the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER in writing. 17. EVALUATION: The CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER shall be evaluated by the Superintendent using the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Educator Evaluation tool. 18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This contract embodies the whole AGREEMENT between the COMMITTEE and the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER and there are no inducements, promises, terms, conditions, or obligations made or entered into by either party other than those contained herein. The contract may not be changed except by writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement thereof is sought. 3 19. INVALIDITY: If any paragraph or part of this AGREEMENT is invalid, it shall not affect the remainder of said AGREEMENT, but said remainder shall be binding and effective against all parties. 20. The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that all municipal fees, including real estate taxes, due and owing to the City of Lowell, have been paid in full. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto signed and sealed this AGREEMENT and a duplicate and triplicate thereof, this ____ day of ______, in the year 2015. APPROVED: _________________________ By________________________________ Dr. Salah Khelfaoui . Superintendent Chief Financial Officer APPROVED AS TO FORM: __________________________ ___________________________________ Christine P. O’Connor City Solicitor ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ . School Committee 4  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Establishing an Accountability Office To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 449 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowell Public Schools Office of Accountability At Lowell Public Schools, our work is focused on ensuring that every student graduates from high school with the skills and knowledge essential to preparation for college and 21st century workplace. As part of these efforts, LPS continually monitors the progress our students make. As a district, we are proposing the Office of Accountability to maximize the use of our data to make decisions about teaching and learning, resources and funding, and about what types of supports to provide to students and teachers. This office will manage strategy, logistics and data. The strategic plan and data dashboard will be an integral part of the work of this group. A goal of this Office of Accountability is transparency with our families, partners and the community through the strategic plan and its dashboard. This office will increase transparency with the community about how the district uses data to make decisions and to best meet the needs of our schools. We hope that parents can also use this information to engage with their child’s teacher and make informed decisions affecting their child’s academic success. This office will evaluate key projects, educational initiatives and programs on behalf of the Superintendent. Coalition building and further development of relationships with our stakeholders is also a key component of this work. This office will also oversee strategic management of federal and state grants ensuring compliance and alignment with district strategy. This office, comprised of current personnel, will be designed and lead with the assistance of a consultant. This consultant will be paid up to $75,000 to come from Title I monies, pending approval.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Revised Two (2) Hour Delay Policy To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 450 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Permission for Margaret Ferrick, Director of the Alternative Education and Lauren Sumiko Combs, Full Service Community School Program Manager to attend the Community Schools National Forum 2016 in Albuquerque, New Mexico held on April 5, 2016 through April 9, 2016. The associated expenses will not exceed $3,500 and will be paid through the Full Service Community Schools Grant. No substitute teacher is needed. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 446 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Thank you Letter to Lowell Fire Department To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 436 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Central Administration Offices 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 Tel: 978-674-4324 Salah E. Khelfaoui, Ph.D. Fax: 978-937-7609 Superintendent of Schools E-Mail: skhelfaoui@lowell.k12.ma.us November 20, 2015 Chief Winward Lowell Fire Department 99 Moody Street Lowell, MA 01852 Dear Chief Winward, I am writing to thank you on behalf of many of our Lowell Public School students who received a free coat on October 17th, 2015, through the tireless efforts of Local 853. The department raised close to $8,000 to provide new coats, in partnership with Kohls, to 200 students. The name of the fund is “Coats From Ann Above” coordinated by Larry Finn in dedication to Mr. Finn’s mother. This effort makes a difference for many of our students who may not have the opportunity to buy a warm winter coat this year. In addition to the new coats distributed at Kohls, the fire fighters also provided a coat give away on Saturday morning, October 24th for families who could not participate in the Kohl’s event. This event was a testament of the kindness and dedication that makes a difference in the lives of our children. Sincerely, Salah E. Khelfaoui, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate Ten [10] sick leave days to Tasha Kenney, Lowell High School Paraprofessional. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 447 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Executive Session: Regarding UTL- collective bargaining and grievances and litigation update. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 433 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: