School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 04, 2017 TIME 7:18 PM SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. - SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. - ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 7:18 p.m., all members were present, namely: Mr. Gignac, Mr. Hoey, Mayor Kennedy, Ms. Martin, Mr. Descoteaux, Ms. Doherty and Mr. Gendron. MINUTES: 3. 2016 / 494 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 7, 2016 VOTING Motion by: Andre Descoteaux Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 19) PERMISSION TO ENTER: 4. 2016 / 495 - Permission to Enter: January 4, 2017 VOTING Motion by: Andre Descoteaux Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x MEMORIALS: 5. 2016 / 481 - Pauline M. (Turcotte) Foley, mother of Freshman Academy Student Support Specialist, Michelle Harvey. 6. 2016 / 482 - Constance Cote, mother of Mayor’s Aide, Celine Gettings. 7. 2016 / 483 - Cesare C. DeLizza, stepfather of Washington School Principal, Cheryl Cunningham. 8. 2016 / 492 - Dr. Ann Lisien, retired Lowell Public School Teacher and Special Education Department Supervisor, wife of the late S. Henry Lisien, Lowell Trade School teacher, mother of Murkland School Teacher, Henry Lisien, retired Lowell Public School teacher, Ruth Buckely, mother-in-Law of Gary Buckley, retired Lowell Public School teacher. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 19) 9. 2016 / 493 - Dr. George V. Gianis, father-in-Law of Kathleen Gianis, retired Lowell Public School teacher, grandfather of Lindsey Gill, Lowell Public School teacher, grandfather-in-Law of Mark Rurak, Lowell Public School teacher. 10. 2016 / 496 - Ronald (Ron) F. Boisjoly, retired Lowell Public School teacher, husband of Claudette Boisjoly, retired Lowell Public School teacher. MOTIONS: 11. 2016 / 497 - [by Robert Hoey]: Request that the Superintendent direct Human Resources to provide a sick time report indicating how sick time is tracked and reviewed across the district. VOTING Motion by: Robert Hoey Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 19) 12. 2016 / 498 - [by Robert Hoey]: Request that the Superintendent direct Human Resources to provide a report on the percentage of male and female teachers and paraprofessionals to inform our diversity in hiring efforts. VOTING Motion by: Robert Hoey Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x 13. 2016 / 505 - [by Jacqueline Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a comprehensive update on the Lowell High School Latin Lyceum program, including any changes since 2014 related to admission standards, enrollment, and curriculum, as well as plans relative to LHS designation as a participant in School Choice. Report should include information as to how the Latin Lyceum is marketed to colleges, including copy of letter sent along with student transcripts. VOTING Motion by: Jacqueline Doherty Second by: Stephen Gendron Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 19) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x 14. - An amended motion was made to approve the proposal of $248,053.57 to hire teachers and paraprofessionals to address the special needs issues the district is facing by approving Phase 1 and Phase 2 and to refer Phase 3 to a Finance Subcommittee and at that time inform the Committee how the district is funding Phase 1 and Phase 2 and how the district plans to fund Phase 3. VOTING Motion by: Robert Gignac Second by: Jacqueline Doherty Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 19) 14.1. - A motion was made to approve the proposal of $248,053.57 to hire teachers and paraprofessionals to address the special needs issues the district is facing by approving Phase 1 and Phase 2. VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: Jacqueline Doherty REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 14.2. 2016 / 478 - Special Education 2016-2017 Year to Date Report Deputy Superintendent Jeannine Durkin asked Jennifer McCrystal, Special Education Director to give the Committee a year to date report regarding the Special Education Program for the 2016-2017 school year. Ms. McCrystal shared a PowerPoint presentation with the Committee. The PowerPoint presentation informed the Committee of the following:  CSA Program data trends from 2014 through November 2016;  Costs and staffing needs associated with programs and placements;  Potential strategies and action steps to address the increase in enrollment. A motion was made to approve the proposal of $248,053.57 to hire teachers and paraprofessionals to address the special needs issues the district is facing by approving Phase 1 and Phase 2. An amended motion was made to approve the proposal of $248,053.57 to hire teachers and paraprofessionals to address the special needs issues the district is facing by approving Phase 1 and Phase 2 and to refer Phase 3 to a Finance Subcommittee and at that time inform the Committee how the district is funding Phase 1 and Phase 2 and how the district plans to fund Phase 3. The motion passed. A motion was made to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent: 2016/478, 2016/487, 2016/489, 2016/506, 2016/507 and 2016/509 as reports of progress. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 19) 15. 2016 / 487 - Response to Connie Martin's Motion of 12/07/16 Regarding Science and Engineering Fair Opportunities. The Science and Engineering Fair Opportunities report provided to the Committee from Robin Desmond, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment informed the Committee that the 4th annual Science and Engineering Fair will take place on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Lowell High School and the fair will be partially supported by the Gelfand Family Trust Foundation. Over 250 students will be participating including members of the Lowell High School Science Club, Maker Space Club, M2D2 class held at UML, and representation from 8 middle schools. A motion was made to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent: 2016/478, 2016/487, 2016/489, 2016/506, 2016/507 and 2016/509 as reports of progress. The motion passed. 16. 2016 / 489 - Quarterly Report on Motions Superintendent Khelfaoui presented the Quarterly Report on Motions to the Committee and welcomed any questions they may have. A motion was made to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent: 2016/478, 2016/487, 2016/489, 2016/506, 2016/507 and 2016/509 as reports of progress. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 19) 17. 2016 / 509 - Monthly Financial Report The Monthly Budget Report that was provided to the Committee by Gary Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance/School Business Administrator showed the budget report for the period ending November 30, 2016. Mr. Frisch gave the following summary: Original Budget $158,445,232 Carrying Forward from Last Year $1,841,011 Adjusted Budget $160,286,243 Year-To-Date Expenditures $46,346,882 Outstanding Purchase Orders $10,594,048 Remaining Balance $103,345,313 A motion was made to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent: 2016/478, 2016/487, 2016/489, 2016/506, 2016/507 and 2016/509 as reports of progress. The motion passed. 18. - A motion was made to include in the RFP that the Lowell Public Schools must be located within the City of Lowell central business district when obtaining a Lease for New Central Offices. VOTING Motion by: Edward J. Kennedy, Jr Second by: Stephen Gendron Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 19) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x 18.1. 2016 / 506 - Lease for Central Office Space The Lease for New Central Offices memorandum that was provided to the Committee by Michael Cassidy, Assistant Business Manager provided a background on the proposed Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Lease of New Lowell Public Schools Central Offices. The current lease is expiring on July 31, 2017. The contract still has two one-year options, which the district could exercise or may have an opportunity to obtain an improved professional space for our organizational needs over the next three to five years. The rationale for reposting is to obtain a more accessible, single office space for all Central Office departments. The report included a tentative schedule for the RFP is posting and award as well as a proposed moving schedule. A motion was made to include in the RFP that the Lowell Public Schools must be located within the City of Lowell central business district when obtaining a Lease for New Central Offices. The motion passed. A motion was made to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent: 2016/478, 2016/487, 2016/489, 2016/506, 2016/507 and 2016/509 as reports of progress. The motion passed. 19. 2016 / 507 - Personnel Report Superintendent Khelfaoui shared the Personnel Report that he received from Anne Sheehy, Director of Human Resources. The report officially informs the Committee of all retirements, resignations, promotions and new hires. A motion was made to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent: 2016/478, 2016/487, 2016/489, 2016/506, 2016/507 and 2016/509 as reports of progress. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 19) 20. - A motion was made to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent: 2016/478, 2016/487, 2016/489, 2016/506, 2016/507 and 2016/509 as reports of progress. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Robert Hoey Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x 20.1. 2016 / 501 - Home Education Superintendent Khelfaoui recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Linda Sessa & Keith Cantone 130 John Street, Apt. 146 & Linette Reed 402 Adams Street, Apt. 113 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 19) VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Robert Hoey Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x NEW BUSINESS: 21. 2016 / 486 - Vote to accept Grant Award of $ 42,000 to Henry J. Robinson School from Summer Star Foundation for Nature, Art and Humanity, Inc. The Robinson School was recently notified that they have been selected to receive a $42,000.00 from the Summer Star Foundation for Nature, Art and Humanity, Inc. VOTING Motion by: Robert Hoey Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 19) 22. 2016 / 488 - Career Academy 501(c)(3) Status The Career Academy received Innovation status through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on July 1, 2016. One of the many benefits of having the Innovation designation is that it enables schools to obtain nonprofit 501 (c) (3) status, allowing the Career Academy to become a nonprofit fundraising entity. The Career Academy is moving forward in the process to secure the 501 (c) (3) status. VOTING Motion by: Robert Gignac Second by: Robert Hoey Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x 23. 2016 / 499 - Permission to Post: Early Childhood Consult Specialist This position is not to exceed 15 hours per week, pending Preschool Expansion. The rate is $30.00 per hour. VOTING Motion by: Jacqueline Doherty Second by: Andre Descoteaux Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 19) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie 24. 2016 / 500 - Permission to Post: Data Analyst VOTING Motion by: Jacqueline Doherty Second by: Andre Descoteaux Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 14 of 19) 25. 2016 / 503 - Permission to Post: Sales Associate This position is not to exceed 18 hours per week. The rate is $15.00 per hour. VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: Robert Hoey Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x 26. 2016 / 504 - Permission to Post: LHS Graduation Mentor This position is not to exceed 18 hours per week, grant funded. The rate is $30.00 per hour. VOTING Motion by: Jacqueline Doherty Second by: Andre Descoteaux Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 19) 27. 2016 / 508 - Vote to accept a Grant Award of $2,500 from 2016 Votze Butler Charitable of the Lowell Foundation to Murkland School. The Murkland School was recently notified that they have been selected to receive $2,500.00 from the 2016 Votze Butler Charitable Fund of the Greater Lowell Foundation. VOTING Motion by: Robert Hoey Second by: Andre Descoteaux Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x 28. - A motion was made to take and approve all three (3) field trip requests together for approval. VOTING Motion by: Jacqueline Doherty Second by: Andre Descoteaux Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 19) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 28.1. 2016 / 484 - Trip previously approved on January 6, 2016: Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for twenty four [24] to thirty [30] students and three [3] chaperones, Jill McNamara, Wayne Taylor and Danielle Lessard, all Lowell High staff to travel to Paris, The Riviera and Rome during the February school vacation 2017. Students will miss one day of school, Friday, February, 2017 and two [2] substitutes will be needed for one day. The cost of the substitutes in the amount of $200 will be paid by LHS individual school budget. Each student traveling will incur the total cost of between of $2,285.00 and $3,170.00. Change Requested: Travel begin on Thursday, February 16, 2017 as a result, students need to have an excused absence from school for 2/16/17 & 2/17/17. The trip was changed to Paris, Florence & Venice. Additionally, the price of the trip was reduced by $150.00 and upgraded with an additional excursion to Siena and San Gimignano free of charge. A motion was made to take and approve all three (3) field trip requests together for approval. The motion passed. 29. 2016 / 485 - Robinson School Principal Thad King, requests permission for [20] twenty 7th grade students and five chaperones, Dan Sargent, Bryan Duggan, Kelly Sanborn, Thad King and one yet to be determined to attend an educational field trip to Yellowstone National Park. The field trip is scheduled for April 15 through April 22, 2016. No school will be missed. All expenses will be paid through the Summer Star Foundation Grant. There are no costs to the School Department Budget. A motion was made to take and approve all three (3) field trip requests together for approval. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 17 of 19) 30. 2016 / 502 - Lowell High School staff Thomas Thornton, Kathleen Keefe and Michael McLeod , along with eighteen [18] to twenty-four [24] students, to travel to Italy during February 2018 school vacation. The students will miss one day from school Friday, February 16, 2018 and will be returning on Saturday, February 24, 2018. The total cost of $2910 will be paid by each student traveling. The cost of $100 for one substitute teacher will be paid by the LHS Individual School Budget. A motion was made to take and approve all three (3) field trip requests together for approval. The motion passed. COMMUNICATIONS: 31. 2016 / 490 - Letter of appreciation to Mickie Dumont, Educational Chair Person for U.T.L., and Co-chair for Lowell Books on Wheels, and Dr. Amy Bisson, retired Lowell Public School Teacher and Co-chair of Lowell Books on Wheels. The communication was accepted and placed on file. VOTING Motion by: Jacqueline Doherty Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 18 of 19) 32. 2016 / 491 - Letter of appreciation to Roberta (Robbie) Keefe, Moody School Principal, Participants of the Moody School Veteran’s Day Musical performance. The communication was accepted and placed on file. VOTING Motion by: Robert Hoey Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Gendron, Stephen x Descoteaux, Andre x Doherty, Jacqueline x Gignac, Robert x Hoey, Robert x Martin, Connie x Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 19 of 19) ADJOURNMENT: 33. - ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn at 8:26 p.m. by Mr. Hoey; seconded by Ms. Martin 7 yeas Respectfully submitted, Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee SEK/mes Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us