School Committee

Lowell Public School Committee Regular Meeting Minutes Date: January 18, 2017 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 1. SALUTE TO FLAG 2. ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 6:34 p.m., members present were, namely: Mr. Hoey, Mayor Kennedy, Ms. Martin, Mr. Descoteaux, Ms. Doherty and Mr. Gignac. Mr. Gendron was absent. Madeline Leahy, LHS Student Representative was also present. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.I. Spotlight On Excellence: STEM Academy @ Rogers 1 - 18 - 17 SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE - STEM ACADEMY.PDF The Spotlight on Excellence featured the STEM Academy @ the Rogers School. Jason McCrevan and his team of students and staff presented the latest STEM initiatives to the Committee. The following initiatives were shared: The iCoding Program Turtle Rehabilitation Program Spheros Gardening Flying a Drone 4. MINUTES 4.I. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting Of Wednesday, January 4, 2017 Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the January 4, 2017 Lowell School Committee minutes and to place them on file; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.I. Permission To Enter: January 18, 2017 Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 6. MEMORIALS 6.I. Memorial - Peter F. Gill Peter F. Gill, father of Mary Geoffroy, Lowell High School Clerk, and grandfather of LHS Freshman Academy Social Worker Gina Martel. 6.II. Memorial- Jeffrey Lembo Jeffrey Lembo, son of Kevin Parrington, Sr., retired Lowell Public School custodian, brother of Colleen Parrington, Sullivan School teacher. 7. MOTIONS 7.I. [By Connie Martin]: Requesting that the Administration, including all members who are cited as School Committee Representatives, provide the Lowell School Committee with a complete report on the history and current status of the charge filed by the LSAA regarding parking for Central Administration LSAA union members. This report should include: •the legal language differentiating a “charge” vs a “grievance” and notification protocols required by each, •a timeline of past meetings with Union leadership and •all associated documents and minutes from those meetings Ms. Martin made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 7.II. [By Robert Hoey]: Request the Superintendent refer the Homework Policy to the Policy Subcommittee to review and revise if necessary. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 7.III. [By Robert Gignac]: Request the Superintendent provide a report on all extracurricular activities at each school throughout the district. A request was made to also have stipends that are given for extracurricular activities included in the report. Mr. Gignac made a motion to approve; seconded Ms. Doherty. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 7.IV. [By Jacqueline Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a report on the time allocated for students to have recess, lunch, physical education, and health at each of our elementary and middle schools. Please include in the report any government mandates or recommendations regarding time allotted for these activities as well as if students are allowed to talk during lunch. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 7.V. [By Jacqueline Doherty]: In view of the upcoming implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) this fall, request the Superintendent develop local measures of assessment focused on the whole child such as school culture, social and emotional learning, and the arts. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 8 REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 8.I. Participation Opportunities In Food & Nutrition Program The Participation Opportunities in Food & Nutrition Program report shared with the Committee informed the Committee that many children who receive breakfast and lunch during the school year are not receiving the same benefit over the summer break. The food service program is looking to increase participation in the breakfast and lunch program by purchasing a new specialized vehicle. A new truck would allow the Lowell Public Schools to deliver more prepared food to students in the city. A fifteen inch (15’) foot truck would need to be purchased and outfitted with heating and cooling elements, shelving and lettering. The preliminary cost of a new vehicle is $125,000. Ms. Doherty made a motion to support exploring purchasing a new vehicle to feed children off site during the summer; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Mr. Gignac made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 8.I., 8.II. and 8.VI.; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 8.II. Science And Engineering Fair Update The Science and Engineering Fair Update informed the Committee that the Gelfand Family Trust Foundation Grant was awarded to the Lowell Public Schools during the 2013-2014 school year. This four year grant was specifically focused on implementing a sustainable Science and Engineering Fair in a district that did not have a pre-existing program. The Lowell Public Schools also has established IDEA Camp as a summer program. The camp provides a venue for teachers to participate in high quality learning opportunities to strengthen their confidence in project based learning. In addition, a STEM club has been established at all middle schools, which continues to be facilitated by at least one STEM advisor. Mr. Gignac made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 8.I., 8.II. and 8.VI.; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 8.III. Sick Time Report Ms. Doherty made a motion to refer the Sick Time Report to a Policy Subcommittee for further discussion; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 8.IV. December Financial Report Mr. Gignac made a motion to refer the December Financial Report to a Finance Subcommittee for further discussion; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 8.V. Lowell High School Education Program And Space Use Plan Mr. Gignac made a motion to refer the Lowell High School Education Program and Space Use Plan to a Joint Facilities and Lowell High School Subcommittee for further discussion; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 8.VI. Facilities Maintenance Report The Facilities Maintenance Report gave the Committee an update on the status of the following: HVAC – The department is working closely with the Department of Public Works (DPW) on HVAC repairs. Exhaust Venting – Custodial staff has inspected all exhaust venting in bathrooms and classrooms and requests have been entered in the work order system. Roof Leaks – The department is evaluating roofs and creating replacement plans. Grounds – The Department is beginning solicitation for the replacement of sprinkler systems in the schools for next year’s budget. Walkways/Stairs/Railings – The department is reviewing pending work orders related to paving, resurfacing or replacement of handicap railings. Windows – The Lowell Police Department continues to be diligent on patrols in school premises to prevent any vandalism and broken windows. Mr. Gignac made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 8.I., 8.II. and 8.VI.; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 8.VII. Home Education Superintendent Khelfaoui recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Nicole & David Nickerson 91 Lupine Road Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9 CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 9.I. LHS Drill Team Competition Field Trip- Dayton, Ohio Headmaster Brian Martin, request permission for AFJROTC staff members Lt col Eileen Ironfield, MSgt Kevin Casilli and TSgt David Smith to travel to Dayton, Ohio with approximately 45 students for the Air Force Drill Competition. The team will depart Lowell High School on Friday, March 17, 2017 and will return on Monday, March 20, 2017. The students will miss two days of school. The estimated cost of the competition will not exceed a total of $23,000 including transportation, lodging and food. The only cost will be for two substitute teachers for two days at the cost of $400 to be charged against LHS Professional Development. This trip will be funded using a combination of AFJROTC funds, student fundraising, and student contribution. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve both field trip requests together for approval; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9.II. LHS Trip To Colts Neck, New Jersey For The Air Force Drill Competition Headmaster Brian Martin, request permission for AFJROTC staff members Lt col Eileen Ironfield, MSgt Kevin Casilli and TSgt David Smith to travel to Colts Neck, New Jersey with approximately 45 students for the Air Force Drill Competition. The team will depart Lowell High School on Friday, February 17, 2017 and will return on Sunday, February 19, 2017. The students will miss two days of school. The estimated cost of the competition will not exceed a total of $10,000 including transportation, lodging and food. The only cost will be for two substitute teachers for one day at the cost of $200 to be charged against LHS Professional Development. This trip will be funded using a combination of AFJROTC funds, student fundraising, and student contribution. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve both field trip requests together for approval; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 10. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 10.I. The Members Of The United Teachers Of Lowell Hereby Donate Eighteen [18] Sick Leave Days To Ely Rivera, McAvinnue School Paraprofessional. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 11. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Martin made a motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Gignac 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Respectfully submitted, Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee SEK/mes Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us