School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: November 15, 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 6:40 p.m.; all members were present, namely,: Mr. Gendron, Mr. Gignac, Mr. Hoey, Mayor Kennedy, Ms. Martin, Mr. Descoteaux and Ms. Doherty. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.I. Spotlight On Excellence: Summer Mathematics Program The Spotlight on Excellence presentation featured the tenth year of the Grades K – 8 Summer Mathematics Program. The following list recognizes the school and invited students who were the lucky drawing winners of a $20.00 gift certificate to the Barnes and Noble Bookstore: Bailey School: Natalia Fuentes, Sofie Grady, Claire Guthrie Bartlett School: Arinola Ajayi, Soriyah Heak, Joshua Sandoval Butler School: Kasia Buth, Gabriel Cuevas, Zoiee MacIsaac Daley School: Javier Gonzalez, Emily Hembree, Gabriel Lemos Greenhalge School: Thomas LeMarch, Daires Melo, Samantha Phillips Lincoln School: Joseph Froemming, Payton Gaspar, Daffeny Porseng McAuliffe School: Santiago Arroyo, Abel Cuevas, Zoe Provencher McAvinnue School: Aaliyah Colcord, Nayla-Lynne Mbeca, Anthony Peov Moody School: Alex Cruz, Ava Hiraldo, Collin Landry Morey School: Sally Lach, Jaxon Mercado, Heidi Timoney Murkland School: Lanai Melecio, Parinha Pooh, Kayden Sgro Pawtucketville School: Trevor Dodge, Jayanna Santiago, Teahvin Soung Pyne/Arts School: Kelvyn Baez, Nathaniel Haley, Isabella Sequeira Reilly School: Caleb Bastien, Madison Marshall, Madeline McQuaid Robinson School: Gretchen Marx, Zachary Medina, Hailena Lim-Nou Shaughnessy School: Lisandra DaRocha, Leonardo Khuong, Khalia Toeuy STEM Academy: Nyssarra Heng, Monique Im, Caleb Kokeh Stoklosa School: Fatima Ahmed Ali, Jaziel Huertas, Erik DeOliveira Sullivan School: Emma Burns, Olivia Gallagher, Ashly Vargas Wang School: Almyra Drinkowsky-Mean, Alice Mwangi, Enrique Raudales Washington School: Cameron Cloutier, Ava Koehn, Aubrey Norinth Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 9) 4.PERMISSION TO ENTER 4.I. Permission To Enter: November 15, 2017 Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Ms. Doherty made an amendment to the Permission to Enter to ask the Law Department to negotiate our termination agreement with SP & R and to insure that we have the Check Mate safety devices installed on the buses as soon as possible while we work toward our transition with a new bus carrier; seconded by Mr. Gendron. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 5. MEMORIALS 5.I. Memorial - MacLeod William C. MacLeod, Father of Claire Golas, Daley School Teacher. 6. MOTIONS 6.I. [By Jacqueline Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a report on the professional development activities conducted throughout the district on November 7, 2017. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Gendron. 7 yeas APPROVED 7. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 7.I. Response to Robert Hoey's Motion Of 05/03/17 Regarding A Task Force For New Maintenance Agreement (Indirect Cost) Mr. Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance provided the Committee with a report that informed them that he and Mike Cassidy, the former Assistant Business Manager met with Mr. Conley and Mr. Baldwin from the City. At the meeting it was decided that it was appropriate to review the maintenance of effort agreement since it has been ten (10) years since it was developed. The first review consisted of reviewing the administrative service charges for the Treasurer, MIS, Purchasing and City Auditor. Currently, the City charges the School Department a percentage for the cost of each administrative department. At the first meeting, the school department requested the payroll for each of these administrative departments. Some of the positions that are prorated and charged to the school department such as GIS Manager should be removed from the formula. Once the review is finished and proposed changes are made the new proposal will be brought to the City Council and to the School Committee. Also, Mr. Underwood, Director of Operations and Maintenance addressed the Committee about the current heating issues at Lowell High School as well as all of the schools. Mr. Underwood reported that it would cost about $65,000 to correct the current heating issues at Lowell High School. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 9) The Committee asked for a full report on heating issues at all schools. Mr. Gendron stated that he also will be having a Facilities Subcommittee meeting to address these issues. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept all the Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.II. Response to Steve Gendron’s Motion Of 05/17/17 Regarding Free LRTA Transportation for LHS Students Mr. Jonathan Richmond was registered and spoke to the Committee about agenda item # 7.II. Mr. Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance provided the Committee with a report that informed them that there are 1,095 students that live 1.5 miles or greater from the high school. This is approximately at least a 20 minute walk for those students. The cost for providing a LRTA bus pass is $20. If the district provided bus passes for those students each year for the winter months of January, February and March it would cost $65,700. Mr. Gendron asked Mr. Frisch to inquire with the LRTA about possibly having the bus pass only be valid for use on school days in order to reduce the cost of the pass. Ms. Doherty made a motion to move forward and provide transportation for the winter months of January, February and March for each student that lives 1.5 miles away from the high school; seconded by Mr. Gendron. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Martin made a motion to accept all the Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.III. Enrollment Projection Mr. Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance provided the Committee with a report that informed them that the enrollment projection for the 2017 through 2018 uses a 98% cohort survival method to project the enrollment. The report compared enrollments from October 1, 2017 to actual results, and the elementary enrollment was down 77 students and the middle school enrollment was up 39 students. The high school enrollment was also down by 31 students. The significant development is that elementary enrollments are down 158 students for the 2017-2018 school year and they’re projected to decrease another 198 students in 2018-2019 for a total of 356 students in two years. Middle school enrollments have grown by 118 students and are projected to increase by 68 students in 2018-2019. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept all the Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 9) 7.IV. Response to Mayor Edward Kennedy’s Motion Of 03/01/17 Regarding Parking Spots for Veterans at Lowell Public Schools Mr. Underwood, Director of Operations and Maintenance provided a report to the Committee that informed them that he has been in contact with Veteran Affairs Commissioner Eric Lamarche in regards to the placement of a Veteran’s Parking sign at one of the schools. Mr. Underwood recommended that the sign be placed in front of Lowell High School. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept all the Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.V. Response to Connie Martin’s Motion Of 11/09/17 Regarding The Status on The State of Operations at the Robinson Middle School. Jeannine Durkin, Deputy Superintendent for Student Support Services and Robin Desmond, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment provided the Committee with a report that included a list of current supports that the district is providing the Robinson School. The district has also added one (1) security guard that is trained to work with school-aged students. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept all the Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.VI. Response to Connie Martin’s Motion Of 09/06/17 Regarding the Status on Declaratory Judgment Superintendent Khelfaoui provided a report to the Committee that states that the Lowell School Committee accepted the Superior Court Judgement in favor of Lowell City Council in regard to the new Lowell High School location. No further action will be taken by the Lowell School Committee. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept all the Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.VII. Quarterly Report on Motions The following motions have been asked to be reviewed: Mr. Hoey stated that he made a motion seeking to fix and/or help the Human Resources Department. [Connie Martin]: Requesting that the administration provide the explanation from the City Solicitors office on the delays during the FY17-18 budget process. Information requested at Lowell School Committee Meetings on May 3, 2017 and on May 8, 2017. [by Jacqueline Doherty]: Respectfully request the Superintendent meet with key stakeholders to develop a plan and timeline for addressing adequate nursing coverage in all schools. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept all the Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 9) 7.VIII. Presentation of the Superintendent: The Year in Review (Superintendent Evaluation Report) Superintendent Khelfaoui provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Committee. Superintendent Khelfaoui stated that this year concludes his two (2) year evaluation cycle. During the past two (2) years, the district has faced some of the most serious challenges ranging from the worse school based racial incident to labor contract negotiations that had been at an impasse for nearly two (2) years. These past two (2) years, Lowell Public Schools had the most teachers and paraprofessional hires ever, as well as the highest number of new school leaders and administrators hired. Student enrollment continues to increase particularly at the middle school level. Classroom capacity is tighter than ever. In the face of these and several other challenges, the Lowell Public Schools remains one of the most fiscally sound and conservative few urban districts. The district operated two (2) years in a row with balanced budgets not requiring additional funding from the city. The district also delivered one of the best academic performances to date. We have more schools in level 1 and 2. More schools perform above urban and state averages. The district achieved historically low dropout rates, increasing graduation rates and highly improved suspension rates. The Superintendent shared the following goals:  Professional Practice Goal: Develop a Comprehensive Strategic Plan  Student Learning Goal: Narrow the Achievement Gap for All Students  District Improvement Goal: Increase Community Engagement and Transparency  District Improvement Goal: Improve the Diversity in Hiring  District Improvement Goal: Statewide Development of Innovative Educational Assessments and Objective Accountability System Superintendent Khelfaoui also spoke about the following standards:  Standard I: Instructional Leadership  Standard II: Management and Operations  Standard III: Family and Community Engagement  Standard IV: Professional Culture The Superintendent also shared a preliminary report with the Committee on state testing results and trends. Superintendent Khelfaoui concluded by again informing the School Committee members that they can meet individually with him regarding his evaluation if they choose. He stated that 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 made a motion to accept all the Reports of the Superintendent as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 9) 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.I. Budget Transfer Department: SCHOOLS TRANSFER TO: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 92012004 512111 3520 Lincoln - Student Activities $ 34.00 91241112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 39.00 98013004 512111 3520 Murkland - Student Activities $ 50.00 92741112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 79.00 91841112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 126.00 90110603 512111 2100 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 188.00 93610114 512111 3520 Pawtucket - Student Activities $ 204.00 93041112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 205.00 96010105 512111 3520 Stoklosa Student Activities $ 221.00 91910115 512111 3500 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 280.00 99241106 512111 2200 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 295.00 98541112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 367.00 98641112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 382.00 93510112 512111 2300 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 446.00 92510704 512111 2300 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 1,221.00 98710605 512111 2300 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 1,462.00 91810112 544400 2300 Pyne Arts SA - General Supplies $ 430.00 93610112 544400 2300 Pawtucket SA - General Supplies $ 1,700.00 96010112 544400 2300 Stoklosa SA - General Supplies $ 16,980.00 98510612 544400 2300 Daley SA - General Supplies $ 1,700.00 98610612 544400 2300 Robinson SA - General Supplies $ 5,060.00 98910612 544400 2300 Rogers SA - General Supplies $ 13,100.00 98910612 544400 2300 Wang SA - General Supplies $ 3,300.00 99010718 544400 2300 LHS SA - General Supplies $ 852.00 TOTAL $ 48,721.00 TRANSFER FROM: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 91510105 512111 3520 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 976.00 97510104 512111 3520 McAuliffe - Student Activities $ 464.00 98441112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 287.00 98841112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 235.00 95041112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 229.00 Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 9) 98341112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 196.00 98941112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 141.00 90237003 512111 3520 Bailey - Student Activities $ 72.00 95541112 512111 2250 STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES SW $ 49.00 94010105 512111 3250 Reilly - Student Activities $ 20.00 90210112 544400 2300 Bailey SA - General Supplies $ 2,600.00 91210112 544400 2300 McAvinnue SA - General Supplies $ 1,900.00 92010112 544400 2300 Lincoln SA - General Supplies $ 4,100.00 92710112 544400 2300 Moody SA - General Supplies $ 2,100.00 93010112 544400 2300 Morey SA - General Supplies $ 400.00 94010112 544400 2300 Reilly SA - General Supplies $ 1,500.00 95010112 544400 2300 Shaughnessy SA - General Supplies $ 4,200.00 95510112 544400 2300 Washington SA - General Supplies $ 1,400.00 97510112 544400 2300 McAuliffe SA - General Supplies $ 2,300.00 98010112 544400 2300 Murkland SA - General Supplies $ 700.00 98310612 544400 2300 Bartlett SA - General Supplies $ 4,410.00 98410612 544400 2300 Butler SA - General Supplies $ 220.00 98810612 544000 2300 Sullivan SA - General Supplies $ 4,947.00 98710617 512903 2300 Rogers Pre-School Teacher $ 15,275.00 TOTAL $ 48,721.00 Reason for Transfer: Adjusting Student Activity and School Based Allocations for the 2017-2018 school year. Mr. Gignac made a motion to approve the budget transfer; second by Mr. Gendron. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.II. School Choice Tuition – Revolving Fund Mr. Frisch, Assistant Superintendent for Finance informed the Committee that the school department has been advised by the City that a school choice revolving fund needs to be set up similar to the fund that the School Committee approved last year for the special education reserve fund. Mr. Gendron made a motion to approve establishing the school choice revolving fund as set by statue MGL c. 71 & 71F for the purposes of collecting the school choice funds; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.III. Discussion and Action on the Enter Judgment of The Superior Court Regarding LHS Site. Mr. Gignac made a motion that the Lowell School Committee accepted the Superior Court Judgement in favor of Lowell City Council in regard to the new Lowell High School location. No further action will be taken by the Lowell School Committee; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 9) 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION 9.I. Executive Session  Special Transportation Contract Negotiations Executive Session did not take place. The following motion was made at the November 9, 2017 Lowell School Committee: 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 Mr. Gendron brought the issue back to the floor and made the following motion: Mr. Gendron made a motion to approve 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, with the stipulation that the School Committee will receive a report indicating how it will be learning based. 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; seconded by Mr. Gignac. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 9) 10. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Martin made a motion to adjourn at 9:55 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux 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