School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: June 21, 2017 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 1. ROLL CALL On a roll call at 6:40 p.m.; members present were, namely,: Ms. Martin, Mr. Descoteaux, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Gignac, Mr. Hoey and Mayor Kennedy. Mr. Gendron was absent. 2. SALUTE TO FLAG 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3. I. Spotlight on Excellence: Lowell Public School Retirees Mayor Kennedy read the names of all Lowell Public School employees who will be retired at the conclusion of the 2016—2017 school year. He thanked all of them for their dedication to the students and wished them well. 3. II. Spotlight on Excellence – Robinson Yellowstone National Park The Summer Star Foundation for Nature, Art and Humanity provided a grant for the second straight year to the Robinson Middle School to fund Expedition Yellowstone: a program permitting twenty (20) Robinson School students and 5 chaperones to visit Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and to participate in a week long curriculum-based residential program for teachers and students. Mr. Dan Sargent, a teacher and chaperone from the Robinson School addressed the Committee about how appreciative the school was for this opportunity. Mr. Sargent also shared a short video with the Committee and asked each student that participated in the trip to address the Committee and tell them what they enjoyed about their trip and what they learned. 3. III. Spotlight on Excellence: Pyne Arts School "Action Civics" The Pyne/Arts School was unable to attend the School Committee meeting. 3. IV. Introduction of New Principals - Introduction of newly appointed Principals Fred McOsker, Morey School, Jim Neary, Greenhalge School, Kevin Andriolo, Murkland School, Edward Foster, Sullivan School. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 13) Superintendent Khelfaoui introduced the newly elected Principals to the Committee individually and all of the new Principals said that they are very excited for this opportunity and are eager to start. Superintendent Khelfaoui also informed the Committee that James Cardaci will become the Principal of the Stoklosa. Mr. Cardaci was unable to attend the meeting due to a commitment at the Stoklosa School. 4. MINUTES 4. I Minutes of The FY2018 Budget Hearings - Approval of the Minutes of the FY2018 Budget Hearing of Wednesday, May 10, 2017 and May 17, 2017. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the minutes and to place them on file; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 4. II. Minutes - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, May 17, 2017 Mr. Gignac made a motion to accept the 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: June 21, 2017 The Collaborative for Regional Educational Services & Training contact request for $144,562 will be voted on separately and not included on the Permission to Enter vote below. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the Collaborative for Regional Educational Services & Training contract request for $144,562 on the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 6. MEMORIALS 6. I. Memorial - McDonough Brian L. McDonough retired Lowell High School English Department Chair, husband of Carole McDonough, retired Lowell High School teacher, father of Geoffroy McDonough, Morey School teacher and Gregory McDonough, Career Academy school teacher, father in law of Robyn McDonough, Lowell High School teacher and Susan Silk, Adult Education teacher. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 13) 6. II. Memorial - Sheehan Brian D. Sheehan, father of Ashley M. Galipeau, Sullivan School Teacher and brother of Mary Sheehan, Student Support Services Executive Secretary and Lowell School Committee Recorder. 6. III. Memorial - McCoy-Bator Thomas F. "Mike" McCoy, Jr., brother of Mary R. Bator Executive Secretary of Finance & Operations, brother-in-law of retired Daley School custodian Ronald Bator and uncle of Susan McCoy Washington School teacher 6. IV. Memorial - Viggiano Rose [Marzullo] Viggiano, retired Shaughnessy School Paraprofessional. 7. MOTIONS 7. I. [By Jacqueline Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide quarterly reports to the committee regarding all personnel issues that rise to the level of investigation. Ms. Doherty withdrew her motion. 7. II. [By Robert Hoey]: Request the Superintendent send a letter of appreciation on behalf of the Lowell School Committee to Phala Chea, Coordinator English Language Education, Ang Pheng, Nicholas Bull and Michael Joseph, Parent Liaisons for their work and support of the Annual ELE Awards Night. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 7. III. [By Robert Hoey]: Request the Superintendent report of a meeting on Safety and Security with Deputy Durkin and the Police Superintendent of Taylor. Mr. Hoey would like the report be presented to the Lowell High Subcommittee for further discussion. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 7. IV. [By Jacqueline Doherty]: Request that every school provide space for Catie’s Closet so that all Lowell public schoolchildren have equal access to the benefits of the program (amount of space to be determined by individual school-site leadership depending on availability). Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 7.V. [Robert J. Hoey]: Request the Superintendent send a letter of appreciation on behalf of the Lowell School Committee to Kendall Wallace, Jim Campanini, the Lowell Sun, the Lowell Five, Jim Neary, Coordinator of School Improvement and the parents, coaches and administrative team of the Daley Middle School for their support of the Kendall Wallace Knowledge Bowl. Special thanks to students and staff of the Daley School for representing the Lowell Public Schools so well. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 13) Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.I. Joint Finance Meeting Lowell School Committee & Lowell City Council: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, May 30, 2017 [Robert Gignac, Chairperson and Rodney Elliot, Chairperson] Mr. Gignac, Chairperson of the Finance Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the Joint Finance Subcommittee that was held between the School Committee’s Finance Subcommittee and the City Council Finance Subcommittee. Chairperson Gignac said that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Net School Spending and the FY18 budget. He also informed the Committee that the Memorandum of Agreement was done ten (10) years ago and that the School Department and the City will be reviewing the Agreement and both bodies have agreed to review the maintenance of effort agreement and bring back any recommendations they have with revisions if needed. He also said that a number of questions about the FY18 budget were raised at the Subcommittee meeting from the School Department and at this time we are still waiting for answers. Mr. Gignac made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.I. Lowell Public Schools 2017-2018 Handbook Revisions Dr. Roxane Howe, Discipline & Operations Specialist went over the changes with the Committee being made to the Lowell High School Parent and Student Handbook for 2017-2018 school year. Mr. Gignac made a motion to approve the proposed revisions in the Lowell High School Parent and Student Handbook for the 2017 - 2018 school year; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Deputy Superintendent Jeannine Durkin went over the changes with the Committee being made to the Elementary and Middle Schools Parent and Student Handbook for 2017-2018 school year. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the proposed revisions in the Elementary and Middle Schools Parent and Student Handbook for the 2017 - 2018 school year; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. II. Disposal of Surplus Supplies Gary Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance provided the Committee with a report that listed textbooks that were forwarded by the Curriculum Office that have been deemed as surplus and are no longer utilized in the educational program. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 13) Mr. Gignac made a motion to approve the Disposal of Surplus Supplies; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. III. Satellite Meals Updates Mr. Cassidy provided a report to the Committee that gave them an update on the Satellite Meals program. The following areas in the Satellite program were updated:  Leblanc Therapeutic School Pilot Program & Leblanc Student Survey & Results  Three Year Satellite Enhancement Plan  Quality Control (follow the food)  Re-training of staff Mr. Cassidy also discussed equipment and a new layout for the seven (7) satellite schools at the cost of $186,528 plus an additional $7,000 for small ware, i.e. bowls, serving utensils ($1,000 per site). In addition, the costs do not include electrical and carpentry costs performed by the City’s DPW Lands and Buildings. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve allocation for funding for each year of this project that totals $263,523.44 over the three years; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. IV. Summary of the RFP Process for Lease of Classroom Space Mr. Cassidy provided a report to the Committee that gave a summary of the RFP Process for the Lease of Classroom Space. The purpose of the RFP was to obtain a one (1) year lease with two (2) one year options for approximately 11,500 square feet of classroom and administrative space to be occupied by the Lowell Public Schools day school to support students with autism for August 1, 2017. The RFP was advertised and distributed by the City of Lowell Procurement Officer. The Superintendent appointed an evaluation committee made up from Central Office staff to review the submitted proposals. Only one (1) RFP was received prior to the deadline on Monday, June 12, 2017. The evaluation committee determined that the Collaborative for Regional Educational Services and Training (CREST)’s bid of $144,562 was within the budged amount for this project. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 13) 9. V. Capital Improvement Report Mr. Cassidy provided a report to the Committee that gave an update on the SY18 Capital Projects Requests. The report included a memorandum from the Department of Public Works from November, 2016 with a school project priority list and budget estimates. Many of the projects are shown in a modified spreadsheet that was included in this report of an ongoing capital plan request summary. In February, the City Manager’s Office started to update the City’s comprehensive, five-year capital plan. As part of the plan, departments needed to submit new projects for consideration. The School Department submitted the following:  Cardinal O’Connell, Restroom Rehabilitation  Cardinal O’Connell, Window Replacement  Career Academy, Window Replacement  Adult Education, Restroom Rehabilitation  Adult Education, Window Replacement  District Wide, Phone/Public Announcement System Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. VI. Report on DESE and Local School Climate Surveys Paul Schlichtman, Coordinator of Research, Testing & Assessment spoke to the Committee about the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and how they appended a School Climate Control survey to the Grade 5, 8 and 10 MCAS. DESE views this as a means to gather climate data from elementary, middle and high schools that will be reported back to districts, and would potentially be used to pilot climate data in a new school accountably calculation for 2018. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. VII. Update on Free LRTA Bus Passes For Lowell High School Students This report will be discussed at the next regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee meeting. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 13) 9. VIII. Community Service Learning Program Robin Desmond, Interim Assistant Superintendent provided a report to the Committee that showed that elementary and middle school students have performed 297,278 hours of community service for the 2016-2017 school year. She also included a spreadsheet in the report with the hours calculated by school. The hours completed by Lowell High School will be provided upon the completion of the school year. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. IX. Recruiting Trip Report Mr. Jonathon Richmond was allowed to address the Committee under public participation in regards to this report. Anne Sheehy, Director of Human Resources provided a report that outlined a recruiting trip that April Rourke, Assistant Director of Human Resources took to St. Augustine’s and Shaw University in Raleigh, NC as well as Winston-Salem State University, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. X. Quarterly Reports On Motions Superintendent Khelfaoui presented the Quarterly Report on Motions to the Committee and welcomed any questions they may have. Some Committee members asked a few questions regarding completed motions and it was suggested that the Committee members send the Superintendent a list of questions regarding the motions and he will make adjustments as they apply. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. XI. Monthly Financial Report The Monthly Budget Report that was provided to the Committee by Gary Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance showed the budget report for the period July 1, 2016 through June 13, 2017. Mr. Frisch gave the following summary: Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 13) Original Budget $158,445,232 Carrying Forward from Last Year $1,841,011 Adjusted Total $160,286,243 Year-To-Date Expenditures $130,306,314 Outstanding Purchase Orders -$4,800,116 Remaining Budget $25,179,814 Remaining Payrolls -$23,518.638 Expenditure Transfer to be made $129,998 Estimated Expenditures/P.O.’s -$1,791,174 Year End Projection $0 Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. XII. List of Eligible Teachers The List of Eligible Teachers officially informs the Committee of all eligible teachers by subject and grade. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 9. XIII. Personnel Report The Personnel Report officially informs the Committee of all retirements, resignations, promotions and new hires. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress: 9.III, 9.IIII, 9.IV, 9.V, 9.VI, 9.VIII, 9.IX, 9.X, 9.XI, 9.XII and 9.XIII; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 13) 10. NEW BUSINESS 10. I. Budget Transfer Please see the transfer amount below of $423,548.00. The transfer allocates the School Committee Suspense Accounts and other accounts that were under-spent are transferred to remove debt deficit balances from various accounts. Department: SCHOOLS TRANSFER TO: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 99341303 512902 1100 School Committee Secretary $ 6,500.00 99341212 570701 1200 In State Travel Reimbursement $ 5,000.00 99341203 512205 1200 Asst. Supt. - Student Suppt Svcs $ 14,756.00 99341230 512902 1400 Clerical Staff - Admin $ 87,563.00 99341207 512902 1400 Clerical Staff - Special Ed $ 30,620.00 99341215 513001 1400 Overtime - Clerical $ 8,000.00 99341233 520703 1400 Tech Helpdesk Coordinator $ 5,403.00 99310103 512402 2300 Long Term Substitute Teachers $125,000.00 99337006 531904 2350 Tuition Reimbursement $ 30,000.00 99237070 512903 2350 SW PROF STAFF $ 3,104.00 99311203 512120 2450 Director of Technology (ICTS) $ 13,045.00 99347103 512906 4000 Director of Operations/Maintenance $ 15,000.00 99047103 512960 4000 LHS Custodian $ 50,604.00 99347103 512960 4000 Administration Bldg. Custodian $ 18,953.00 99347103 513101 4000 Overtime - Man Out $ 10,000.00 TOTAL $423,548.00 TRANSFER FROM: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 99341224 570402 1400 Internet Service Provider $ 30,000.00 99341224 575422 1400 Photocopier Maintenance/Serv $ 32,682.39 99341224 575270 1400 Photocopier Purchase/Lease $ 15,000.00 99341224 570100 1400 Program & Analytical Services $ 15,000.00 99310103 512401 2300 Day to Day Substitutes $125,000.00 99300003 577771 2400 School Committee Suspense $179,920.00 99347103 513000 4000 Overtime - Custodial $ 10,000.00 99347103 512963 4000 Energy Mgmt. System Monitor $ 15,945.61 TOTAL $423,548.00 Corrective actions Mr. Gignac made a motion to approve the budget transfer; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 nay APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 13) 10. II. Budget Discrepancy Gary Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance informed the Committee that the School Committee had approved a budget for $162,942,846 on May 17, 2017. The City Council approved a budget for the School Department for $162,073,324 which is $869,522 less that what the School Committee has approved. It was recommended that the School Committee make a motion to approve a budget amendment of $869,522 to increase the appropriation. Ms. Doherty made a motion to request that the City Council approve a budget amendment of $869,522 to increase the School Department appropriation to $162,942,846; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 10. III. Vote to Accept Grant Award of 2,500 to IDEA Camp from Kronos Company Robin Desmond, Interim Assistant Superintendent informed the Committee that Kronos Incorporated committed funds in support of the Lowell Public Schools IDEA Camp to encourage the implementation of workshops and pre-engineering programs offered to middle school students for STEM career paths. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the grant of $2,500 from Kronos Incorporated to offset IDEA Camp and funds deposited in the IDEA Camp Revolving Fund for payment(s) to be dispersed from the IDEA Camp Revolving account in support of the program; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 10. IV. Vote to Accept Grant Award to Butler Middle School Athletics Programming Robin Desmond, Interim Assistant Superintendent informed the Committee that that Justin J. Watt Foundation committed funds in support of the Butler School Intermural Athletics Program. Mayor Kennedy made a motion to accept the grant funded amounts of $10,590 from the Justin J. Watt Foundation; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 10. V. Proposed Position EC Specialist Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the Early Childhood Specialist posting; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 10. VI. Director of Accountability Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve the Director of Accountability posting; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 13) 10. VII. Job Position Changes Gary Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance informed the Committee that Mr. John Descoteaux is resigning from his position as Family Resource Coordinator on August 18, 2017. The current job description had the coordinator responsible for assigning schools to new students, registration and coordinating the bus transportation services for the public, private and charter schools in Lowell. Prior to Mr. Descoteaux there were two (2) positions and it is recommended to replace the current Family Resource Coordinator position into two (2) new positions. Mr. Gignac made a motion to replace the Family Resource Coordinator position into two (2) new positions, Transportation Manager and Family Resource Coordinator (FRC); seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 11. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 11. I. LHS - Trip to Central Europe April 2019 Head of School Brian Martin, requests permission for twenty four [24] and four [4] chaperones, Suzanne Riley, Kathleen Keefe, Thomas Thornton, and Margaret Kennedy, to travel to Central Europe (Berlin, Dresden, Prague and Krakow) during the April school vacation 2019. Students will miss one day of school, Friday, April 12, 2019 and return on Saturday, April 20, 2019. Each student traveling will incur the total cost of $3,386.00. No substitute teacher needed. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve all five (5) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 11. II. LHS- Trip to Ireland April 2018 Head of School Brian Martin, requests permission for eighteen [18] to twenty four [24] students and four [4] chaperones, Thomas Thornton, and the other three to be named at a later date, to travel to Ireland during the April school vacation 2018. Students will miss one day of school, Friday, April 13, 2018 and three [3] substitutes will be needed for one day. The cost of two substitutes in the amount of $200 will be paid by LHS individual school budget and the third substitute will be paid by EF Tours. Each student traveling will incur the total cost of between of $2,948.00. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve all five (5) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 13) 11. III. Conference - Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui Superintendent Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui respectfully requests permission to attend the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendent’s Executive Institute 2017 in Falmouth, MA from Tuesday, July 18th through Friday, July 21th, 2017. The cost of the conference and stay will not exceed $1,800 and will be paid by the District's Professional Development funds and the cost of travel $50/day will not exceed $400. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve all five (5) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 11. IV. LHS - MCC TRIO Upward Bound Program Field Trip Head of School Brian Martin, requests permission for Dianne Luz, Sajeda Khalifa and Analiz Santiago along with a group of 30 Upward Bound students participating in the MCC TRIO Upward Bound program to attend an educational and cultural Summer Field Trip to New York City scheduled for June 24 through June 28, 2017. There are no costs to the School Department Budget. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve all five (5) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 11. V. Conference for Jeannine Durkin Deputy Superintendent Jeannine Durkin respectfully requests permission to attend the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendent’s Executive Institute 2017 in Falmouth, MA from Tuesday, July 18th through Friday, July 21th, 2017. The cost of the conference $750.00 and will be paid by the District's Professional Development funds and the cost of travel $50/day will not exceed $400. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve all five (5) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 12. COMMUNICATIONS 12. I. Thank You Note Thank you note from Maryalice Foley for the naming of the Butler School Auditorium-The Maryalice Foley Auditorium. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the communication and to place it on file; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 13) 13. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Gignac made a motion to adjourn at 9:13 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux 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 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us