School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Date: November 9, 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 6:38 p.m.; all members were present, namely,: Ms. Doherty, Mr. Gendron, Mr. Gignac, Mr. Hoey, Mayor Kennedy, Ms. Martin and Mr. Descoteaux. 3. MINUTES 3.I. Minutes: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, October 18, 2017 Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the minutes and to place them on file; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 4. PERMISSION TO ENTER 4.I. Permission to Enter: November 9, 2017 Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to delay the approval of the Permission to Enter contracts until the Committee speaks about agenda item 7.III Consideration of Special Transportation Proposal by PrideStar Ems, Inc.; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 nays APPROVED Mr. Gendron made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter with the exclusion of the PrideStar EMS, Inc. contract in the amount of $9,743,250; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. MEMORIALS 5.I. Memorial - Tsapatsaris George N. Tsapatsaris, retired Lowell Public School Superintendent. 5.II. Memorial - Candelario Javien Candelario, Lowell Public Schools Student. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 10) 6. MOTIONS 6.I. [by Connie Martin]: Request that the Administration provide a status report on the state of operations at the Robinson Middle School. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED 7. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 7.I. Communities that Care Survey Selected Results - Spring 2016 Jeannine Durkin, Deputy Superintendent for Student Support Services asked Dr. Robin Toof, Co-Director of the Center for Community Research and Engagement at the University of Massachusetts Lowell to speak to the Committee about the report Ms. Durkin had provided to the Committee regarding the results. Dr. Toof informed the Committee that she had recently received the 2016 middle and high school Communities that Care Youth Survey results from Maria Ruggerio, Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative Program Director who had facilitated the administration of the survey in the Lowell Public Schools during the spring of 2016. Dr. Toof spoke about the areas of promise as well as the areas of growth. The report also provides the Lowell Public Schools and the LYDC group of nonprofits and governmental agencies with data to support future prevention planning. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.I, 7.II, 7.IV, 7.V, 7.VI, 7.VII and 7.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.II. Translation for Channel 22 Educational Programs Follow Up Jeannine Durkin, Deputy Superintendent for Student Support Services provided the Committee with an update from Jack Pinard, Educational Television Program Coordinator regarding translation for Channel 22 and the possible use of using the Comcast Revolving funds to pay for the service. Mr. Pinard reached out to Shaun McCarthy from the Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) and right now their program is in its infancy. Once the CBA and Lowell Telecommunications (LTC) have been able to translate one or two meetings, they hope to hold focus groups to determine the usefulness of the programming to the community. They will also review the costs and efficiency of the steps involved to create the overdubbed program. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.I, 7.II, 7.IV, 7.V, 7.VI, 7.VII and 7.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 10) 7.III. Consideration of Special Transportation Proposal by Pride Star Gary Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance spoke to the Committee about the proposed contract with PrideStar EMS, Inc. Mr. Frisch recommended that the Lowell Public School cancel the SP & R contract, effective date to be determined, but not before December 31, 2017 and after giving at least thirty (30) days written notice to SP & R. The Lowell Public Schools would then enter into a contract with PrideStar EMS, Inc. to assume the SP & R routes for a three year term with the ending date to be determined. The total of amount of the contract is not to exceed $9,743,520. Mr. Frisch then asked David Daly, Founder and CEO of PrideStar EMS, Inc. to address the Committee. Mr. Daly informed the Committee that the contract PrideStar EMS, Inc. is proposing is slightly lower in cost for 1 ½ years, because they have agreed to hold the 2017-2018 rates through 2018-2019. PrideStar EMS, Inc. is proposing a 3 year contract with two (1) year options because they’re planning on investing 2 million dollars in equipment. Mr. Daly said that all the vehicles will have the safety devices as well as technology that will allow the Lowell Public Schools to be able to see exactly where the vehicles are at all times. Mr. Daly also spoke about his team and how they’re all Lowell Public School graduates and that they’re committed to the city of Lowell. The following people registered to speak: Mr. Michael Tatro Ms. Adrienne Fontaine Mr. Gendron asked Mr. Daly if the company would be ready to service the students in seven (7) weeks with all equipment and drivers. Mr. Daly said they will be ready. He has met with the vendors and is holding two (2) job fairs. Ms. Doherty asked how much the difference is in cost savings. Mr. Daly said he believed the first year savings was about $100,000 dollars. Mr. Daly also stated that he believes that with future efficiencies PrideStar EMS, Inc. can reduce cost even more. Mayor Kennedy made a motion to recess at 7:45 p.m. and to go into Executive Session for the purposes of discussing the proposed contract with PrideStar EMS Inc.; seconded by Mr. Gendron. 7 yeas APPROVED On a roll call at 8:44 p.m.; all members were present, namely,: Ms. Doherty, Mr. Gendron, Mr. Gignac, Mr. Hoey, Mayor Kennedy, Ms. Martin and Mr. Descoteaux . Mr. Gendron made a motion to delay action on the proposed contract with PrideStar EMS, Inc. until the next scheduled Lowell School Committee meeting on November 15, 2017; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 nay APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 10) 7.IV. Lowell High Fall 2017 Athletics Community Service A motion was made by General Consent to take Item # 7.IV Lowell High Fall 2017 Athletics Community Service out of order. Robin Desmond, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment provided the Committee with a report highlighting the Community outreach efforts of some of Lowell High School’s Athletic Teams. David Lezenski, Director of Athletics informed the Committee that the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) recognized several Lowell High School athletic teams for their outstanding community outreach during the Fall 2017 season. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.I, 7.II, 7.IV, 7.V, 7.VI, 7.VII and 7.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.V. Overtime and Extra Earnings Report Gary Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance provided the Committee with an overtime report and extra duty pay for all staff members from October 1, 2017 – October 31, 2017. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.I, 7.II, 7.IV, 7.V, 7.VI, 7.VII and 7.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.VI. 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 October 31, 2017. Mr. Frisch gave the following summary: Original Budget $162,073,324 Carrying Forward from Last Year $804,150 Adjusted Budget $162,877,474 Year-To-Date Expenditures $-31,704,438 Outstanding Purchase Orders $-12,966,481 Remaining Balance $118,206,555 Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.I, 7.II, 7.IV, 7.V, 7.VI, 7.VII and 7.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 10) 7.VII. Dissertation Instrument Report Jeannine Durkin, Deputy Superintendent for Student Support Services shared the report provided to her by Family Resource Coordinator Rebecca Duda that requested additional information relative to Ms. Duda’s Dissertation Project for Endicott College. The title of Ms. Duda’s dissertation project is “Parent- teacher engagement during the transition from middle school to high school.” The study will be an existential phenomenological qualitative study. The instruments to be used in the study are questions to be asked of the participants to learn what their perceptions are of communication between teachers and parents. The data collected from the instrument will be analyzed in the software program Dedoose. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.I, 7.II, 7.IV, 7.V, 7.VI, 7.VII and 7.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.VIII. Monthly District Enrollment Report Rebecca Duda, Family Resource Center Coordinator provided a report to the Committee that shows the district’s enrollment figures as of November 7, 2017. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.I, 7.II, 7.IV, 7.V, 7.VI, 7.VII and 7.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.I. LHS Athletics - Rule 53 Waiver Request Jeannine Durkin, Deputy Superintendent for Student Support Services provided the Committee with a request from David Lezenski, LHS Athletic Director seeking the approval of the Lowell School Committee for Lowell High School to seek a waiver with the MIAA to allow 8th graders to participate in Ice Hockey for the 2017-2018 school year. Mr. Gendron made a motion to approve the Rule 53 Waiver Request; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.II. Donation Acceptance for Lowell STEM Clubs Robin Desmond, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment provided the Committee with a report that informed them that the Lowell Kinetics Sculpture Race has committed funds in support of Lowell Public Schools’ STEM clubs pending acceptance by the Lowell School Committee. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the donation of $500 and to have the funds be deposited in the Community Schools SES Revolving Fund; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 10) 8.III. Budget Transfer Department: SCHOOLS TRANSFER TO: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 95410112 544400 2300 LDS SA - General Supplies $ 5,000.00 91510112 544400 2300 Greenhalge SA - General Supplies $ 8,000.00 98437031 530002 2350 Butler SA - Prof. Dev. $ 8,500.00 99210612 544400 2300 Brady - General Supplies $ 8,635.04 TOTAL $ 30,135.04 TRANSFER FROM: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 95437054 530002 2350 LDS SA - Prof. Dev. $ 5,000.00 91537015 530002 2350 Greenhalge SA - Prof. Dev. $ 8,000.00 98416012 544400 2300 Butler SA - General Supplies $ 5,000.00 98410624 541000 2450 Butler SA - Technology Exp $ 3,500.00 99210618 541600 2400 Brady - Textbook Exp $ 8,635.04 TOTAL $ 30,135.04 Reason for Transfer: The purpose of this transfer is to move budgets from school based accounts to other school based accounts per the request of principals. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve the budget transfer; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 10) 9. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 9.I. Conference- Patricia Guziejka Permission for Title I Director Patricia Guziejka, to attend the annual Council of Administrators of Compensatory Education (C.A.C.E.) Conference to be held on Tuesday, November 28th through Friday, December 1, 2017 in Harwich, MA. The cost of the conference will not exceed $895.00 and will be funded by Title I. Mr. Gendron made a motion to take and approve all convention/conference requests together with the exception of Item # 9.IV – Wang Students – Washington D.C. and to get a recommendation from the Superintendent; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.II. LHS - Choir Marianne Busteed, request permission for Sam Descoteaux, LHS staff, and CORIE'D chaperones, Wendy Barrett, Jen Plourde and Denise Quigley to attend the Bay State Choir Festival to be held in Easton, MA on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11, 2017 with [68] sixty eight choir students. The cost of the trip is approximately $3,580 and will be funded using a combination of the Student Activity Account funds and/or student contribution. No substitute teacher is needed. Mr. Gendron made a motion to take and approve all convention/conference requests together with the exception of Item # 9.IV – Wang Students – Washington D.C. and to get a recommendation from the Superintendent; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.III. LHS- Outdoor Adventure Club to Russell, MA Head of School Marianne Busteed, requests permission for Lowell High School Outdoor Adventure Advisor, Kendra Bauer, Donna Newcomb and Jacqueline Hoffman along with 15-20 club members to attend the Appalachian Mountain Club's Youth Opportunities Program. They will be traveling to Noble View Center in Russell, MA on Friday, March 2nd to Sunday, March 4, 2018. The cost of $300.00 for substitute teacher will be covered by the school professional development account. Transportation cost will be split between club members and LHS Student Activity account. Mr. Gendron made a motion to take and approve all convention/conference requests together with the exception of Item # 9.IV – Wang Students – Washington D.C. and to get a recommendation from the Superintendent; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 10) 9.IV. Wang Students- Washington D.C. The 8th grade Wang School students, along with teacher/chaperones Kathy Clark, Steve Silva, Julie Ramalho and Matthew Palmer to travel to Washington D.C. from Tuesday, May 29 through Friday, June 1, 2018. Fundraising activities will be held throughout the school year to defray the cost of the trip [$697/per student] for all participating students. No substitute teachers are needed. Mr. Gendron made a motion to take and approve all convention/conference requests together with the exception of Item # 9.IV – Wang Students – Washington D.C. and to get a recommendation from the Superintendent; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.V. LHS- David Lezenski Head of School Marianne Busteed, requests permission for the Director of Athletics David Lezenski to attend the 48th National Athletic Directors Conference on December 8-12, 2017, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The cost of the trip is approximately $1690.47 and will be funded by LHS Professional Development account. No substitute teacher is needed. Mr. Gendron made a motion to take and approve all convention/conference requests together with the exception of Item # 9.IV – Wang Students – Washington D.C. and to get a recommendation from the Superintendent; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. COMMUNICATIONS 10.I. Letter of Appreciation to Lowell Fire Department Letter of Appreciation to Lowell Fire Department, Chief Jeff Windward, retired Fire Fighter Larry Finn and Local 853. Ingrid Markman, Title 1 Social Worker spoke to the Committee about the annual coat drive “Coats from Ann Above” and how Lowell Public School students were able to benefit. Larry Finn, retired Lowell Fire Fighter whose tireless efforts made this opportunity happen for the students was also present at the meeting and also addressed the Committee. The communication was accepted and placed on file. 11. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 11.I. UTL Donated Sick Days - Silva The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate sixty [60] sick leave days to Maria Silva, Lowell High School food services. Mr. Hoey made a motion approve; seconded by Mr. Gendron. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 10) Mayor Kennedy informed the Committee that at the Lowell School Committee meeting on November 15, 2017 there will be a presentation by the Superintendent for his Evaluation titled “The Year in Review”. The summative form for the School Committee will also be distributed that night. Between November 15, 2017 and November 30, 2017, School Committee members can meet individually with the Superintendent if they choose. All forms from the School Committee are due by December 1, 2017 and should be sent to the Mayor’s office. At the December 6, 2017 Lowell School Committee meeting the Mayor will present the summary and the School Committee will vote. Ms. Martin took a point of personal privilege and stated that there are many motions and subcommittees that have not been answered or rescheduled and would like a timeline at the next meeting of when those will be rescheduled and addressed. 12. EXECUTIVE SESSION 12.I. Executive Session  Review, consideration, and discussion of LSAA Collective Bargaining, Proposals, Fact Finding and Strategies.  Update and Discussion on LHS Site Litigation. Mr. Hoey made a motion to recess at 8:57 p.m. and enter into Executive Session and to adjourn the meeting from Executive Session; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 10) 13. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Hoey made a motion to recess at 8:57 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas 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