School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: January 16, 2019 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 6:35 p.m., members present were, namely: Mr. Descoteaux, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Hoey, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Mr. Nutter and Mayor Samaras. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.I. Spotlight On Excellence- McAuliffe School STEM Wars The Spotlight on Excellence featured McAuliffe School STEM Wars that was held on November 21, 2018. A brief video was shown to the Committee that highlighted the STEM project-based learning that occurred that day. Every student, in each grade level, participated in a Star Wars themed Engineering Challenge to stop Darth Vader from creating an army of Storm Troopers to take over Lowell. 4. MINUTES 4.I. Minutes: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 19, 2018. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the minutes and to place them on file; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.I. Permission to Enter: January 16, 2019 Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 17) 6. MOTIONS 6.I. [By Mayor William Samaras]: Request that the School Committee begin establishing the process for the appointment and hiring of the permanent Superintendent of the Lowell Public Schools. Mayor Samaras made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. Ms. Martin made a motion to have a Personnel Subcommittee meeting on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. and to invite and work with the City Wide Family Council as well as invite the community at large regarding the Superintendent process; seconded by Mayor Samaras. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.II. [By Mayor William Samaras]: Request the LHS Social Studies Department work with Lowell Historic Board administrator on crafting a more fitting testimonial to display with the portrait of Benjamin Butler in Lowell City Hall and request that it be sent back to the City Council for final approval. Mayor Samaras made a friendly amendment to his motion and the motion now reads “To ask the Superintendent to see if the LHS Social Studies Department would work with Lowell Historic Board administrator on crafting a more fitting testimonial to display with the portrait of Benjamin Butler in Lowell City Hall and request that it be sent back to the City Council for final approval:; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.III. [By Robert Hoey]: Move to pay all unaffiliated staff the same amount the Unions receive. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED It was requested that the Superintendent provide a report on the number of unaffiliated staff and what the cost would be. Mr. Nutter made a motion to approve the $85,000 salary as it appears in the budget for the Facilities Director; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.IV. [By Mayor William Samaras]: Request that the Lowell School Committee draft a resolution in support of Massachusetts Senate Docket 101, An Act providing rightful opportunities and meaningful investment for successful and equitable education, also known as the Education PROMISE Act. Ms. Martin made a motion to suspend the rules and to allow Ty Chum to speak about item #6.IV; seconded by Mayor Samaras. 7 yeas APPROVED Darcy Boyer and Ty Chum spoke about motion item #6.IV. Acting Superintendent Durkin informed the Committee that she has been to three (3) forums and she has been asked if the next forum could be held here in Lowell and she said yes. She will be receiving additional information about the date and time of the forum that was requested to be held here in Lowell and will update the Committee with that information when she receives it. Mayor Samaras made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 17) 6.V. [By Robert Hoey]: Requesting that the Administration provides the Committee with a report on how many 51As have been filed by schools for the 2018-2019 school year and for what reasons. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.VI. [By Dominik Hok Lay]: Schedule a Technology Subcommittee meeting to review the district’s current technology and assess anticipated needs for current and additional technology. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.VII. [By Robert Hoey]: A Report on how many in district transfers, and departures out of the district. A list from each individual school for the past five years. Mr. Hoey stated that he will defer this report until we have a Human Resources Director in place and more clerical support. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Nutter. 7 yeas APPROVED 7. SUBCOMMITTEES 7.I. Finance Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, December 19, 2018 [Gerard Nutter Chair] Mr. Nutter, Chairperson of the Finance Subcommittee moved to accept this report as a report of progress. The Finance Subcommittee addressed the following: Financial/Personnel Overview  Approved budget and positions that were originally eliminated.  Additional funding received in Chapter 70 and keep other sources.  Shortfalls discovered during budget review.  Positions presently not filled, combined or eliminated due to current financial challenges. Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 8. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 8.I. Rezoning The District To Neighborhood Schools Mr. John Descoteaux, Interim Assistant Business Manager of Transportation gave a presentation about the different zones throughout the City while trying to address neighborhood schools. Mr. Descoteaux met with faculty from UML as well as Dr. Dimitris Bertsimas, MIT Professor who has performed similar Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 17) work for Boston and has developed an algorithm and software package that could result in a $1 million dollar savings for the district. Dr. Dimitris Bertsimas is available to speak with the Committee at a Subcommittee meeting to discuss his algorithm and software package. Mr. Nutter made a motion to refer report item #8.I. Rezoning the District to Neighborhood Schools to a Finance and Transportation Subcommittee meeting for further discussion and for it to be held next Tuesday, January 22, 2018 in the Mayor’s Reception Room; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.II. 2018 District MCAS Results and Accountability Overview Paul Schlichtman, Coordinator of Data provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Committee regarding the 2018 District’s MCAS results. The presentation included calculations based on five categories: achievement, growth, high school completion, progress toward attaining English language proficiency and additional indicators (chronic absenteeism, advance coursework completion). The calculations are for all students and the lowest perform quartile. Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.III. LHS Dress Code Proposal Marianne Busteed, Head of Lowell High School spoke to the Committee about the students at Lowell High School and how they are proposing a change to the current dress code policy in the Lowell Public Schools handbook. They would like the new policy to allow head wraps and scarves to be worn at school. A short video of students speaking about the proposed change was also shown to the Committee. Ms. Doherty made a motion to amend the dress code policy to remove the words all head coverings, head wraps and scarves; seconded by Mr. Nutter. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.IV. Special Education Indicators Jennifer McCyrstal, Director of Special Education provided a report to the Committee regarding the Special Education Indicators. The report is a summary of memos from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Each year the state reviews special education data to ensure the district remains in compliance. The Office of Public School Monitoring has reviewed all of Lowell’s corrective action plans and associated data and they have determined that Lowell Public Schools is now in compliance in all of the areas. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 17) Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.V. Response to Gerard Nutter’s Motion of 09/19/18 Regarding Temperature Issues and Andy Descoteaux’ S Motion of 08/15/18 Regarding MSBA Proposals. Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent provided a report to the Committee informing them that there are plans in place at the schools when dealing with temperature issues. She also informed them that the Statements of Interest closing date for districts who are submitting for consideration under the Accelerated Repair Program (the “ARP”), which is primarily for the repair and/or replacement of roofs, windows/doors, and/or boilers in an otherwise structurally sound facility, is Friday, February 15, 2019. A vote from the Committee appears later on the agenda. Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.VI. Citywide Family Council Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent provided a report to the Committee informing them that she has attended all of the Citywide Family Council Meetings during the 2018-2019 school year to date with the exception of the last meeting scheduled on November 27, 2018. In addition, she has met on several occasions with LZ Nunn, Executive Director of Project Learn as well as Shamir Rivera, Project Learn Alumni and Engagement Coordinator and Rebecca Duda, Family Resource Coordinator, all of who provide support and oversight to the CityWide Parent Council. Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.VII. Turnaround Grant 325 Award Notification Robin Desmond, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment provided a report that notified the Committee that Lowell Public Schools has been awarded a Targeted Assistance grant for $130,000. Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.VIII. Use of Facilities Review Billie Jo Turner, Interim Assistant Superintendent provided a report to the Committee informing them that the Business office has reviewed the current Use of Facilities system to identify concerns, lack of controls and to ensure equitable use. In addition, a projection for the year end net for this revolving account since it was used as a funding source. The district currently has 65 renters. The report included some improvements that were implemented and further suggestions for improvement. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 17) Mr. Nutter made a motion to refer item #8.VIII. Use of Facilities Review to a Finance and Policy Subcommittee for further discussion; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.IX. Residency Notification and Verification Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent provided a report to the Committee informing them of an upcoming notification that will be sent to all families in multiple languages via ConnectEd during the week of February 3, 2019. The purpose of this notice is to remind families about Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76, section 5 that details residency requirements for public schools. Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.X. Knowledge Bowl 2019 – Competition Schedule The Kathryn Philbin Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl will hold its Preliminary Matches on March 4th, March 5th and March 7th. The Elimination Rounds will take place on March 11th, March 12th and March 14th. The Final Competition will be held on March 18th. Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.XI. Human Resource Director RFP Update The following people registered and spoke about the Human Resource Director RFP Update: Ty Chum Darcy Boyer Katie Irwin Marisa Shea Chrystal Roberts Joseph Boyle Billie Jo Turner, Interim Assistant Superintendent provided a report to the Committee informing them that on January 4, 2019, a quote was sent out from her office to four (4) organizations requesting assistance with a Human Resource Director Talent Search. The deadline was January 11, 2019. Ms. Martin made a motion to refer agenda item #8.XI. Human Resource Director RFP Update to the Personnel Subcommittee for further discussion to get a sense of quotes and to see if there is some interest and to look at the job description and salary; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 17) Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.XII. Response to Gerard Nutter’s Motion of 09/19/18 Regarding the Feasibility Of Eliminating February/April Vacation Beginning in the 2019/2020 School Year, Creating 1 Vacation Week In March Robin Desmond, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment provided a report informing the Committee that a Google form survey was created regarding eliminating February and April vacation and creating a vacation week in March. The survey had 1,156 staff respond and the results were 22.4% in favor and 77.6% not it favor. Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.XIII. Enrollment Figures The district enrollment report provided to the Committee showed the breakdown by school and grade through January 11, 2019. Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.XIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.I. Vote to Approve Changes to the Approved FY19 Budget Billie Jo Turner, Interim Assistant Superintendent provided an update to the Committee regarding all of the suggested reductions and changes to close the $2.4 million dollar deficit over the last several weeks. The updated budget that was provided showed all the changes and considerations by DESE function code as well. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the 2019 Lowell Public Schools budget bottom line figure of $182,425.32; seconded by Mr. Nutter. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.II. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School Under The Accelerated Repair Program Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of Lowell is preparing applications for the Massachusetts’s Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), which aims to ease the financial burden of repairing or replacing large building systems which have gone beyond their useful life, including roofs, boilers, windows and doors. Part of the requirement of the application is a vote by the governing body of the Lowell School Committee to take a vote to support the Superintendent of Schools to submit a statement of interest, which serves as the starting point for a possible invitation into the program. The following schools have been recommended: Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 17) Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School School. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve Items # 9.II through 9.X (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.III. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The James S. Daley Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of Lowell is preparing applications for the Massachusetts’s Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), which aims to ease the financial burden of repairing or replacing large building systems which have gone beyond their useful life, including roofs, boilers, windows and doors. Part of the requirement of the application is a vote by the governing body of the Lowell School Committee to take a vote to support the Superintendent of Schools to submit a statement of interest, which serves as the starting point for a possible invitation into the program. The following schools have been recommended: Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School School. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve Items # 9.II through 9.X (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.IV. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement Of Interest For The Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School Under The Accelerated Repair Program Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of Lowell is preparing applications for the Massachusetts’s Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), which aims to ease the financial burden of repairing or replacing large building systems which have gone beyond their useful life, including roofs, boilers, windows and doors. Part of the requirement of the application is a vote by the governing body of the Lowell School Committee to take a vote to support the Superintendent of Schools to submit a statement of interest, which serves as the starting point for a possible invitation into the program. The following schools have been recommended: Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 17) Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School School. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve Items # 9.II through 9.X (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.V. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Abraham Lincoln Elementary School Under The Accelerated Repair Program Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of Lowell is preparing applications for the Massachusetts’s Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), which aims to ease the financial burden of repairing or replacing large building systems which have gone beyond their useful life, including roofs, boilers, windows and doors. Part of the requirement of the application is a vote by the governing body of the Lowell School Committee to take a vote to support the Superintendent of Schools to submit a statement of interest, which serves as the starting point for a possible invitation into the program. The following schools have been recommended: Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School School. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve Items # 9.II through 9.X (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.VI. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Lowell High School Freshman Academy Under The Accelerated Repair Program Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of Lowell is preparing applications for the Massachusetts’s Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), which aims to ease the financial burden of repairing or replacing large building systems which have gone beyond their useful life, including roofs, boilers, windows and doors. Part of the requirement of the application is a vote by the governing body of the Lowell School Committee to take a vote to support the Superintendent of Schools to submit a statement of interest, which serves as the starting point for a possible invitation into the program. The following schools have been recommended: Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 17) Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School School. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve Items # 9.II through 9.X (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.VII. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School Under The Accelerated Repair Program Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of Lowell is preparing applications for the Massachusetts’s Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), which aims to ease the financial burden of repairing or replacing large building systems which have gone beyond their useful life, including roofs, boilers, windows and doors. Part of the requirement of the application is a vote by the governing body of the Lowell School Committee to take a vote to support the Superintendent of Schools to submit a statement of interest, which serves as the starting point for a possible invitation into the program. The following schools have been recommended: Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School School. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve Items # 9.II through 9.X (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.VIII. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School Under The Accelerated Repair Program Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of Lowell is preparing applications for the Massachusetts’s Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), which aims to ease the financial burden of repairing or replacing large building systems which have gone beyond their useful life, including roofs, boilers, windows and doors. Part of the requirement of the application is a vote by the governing body of the Lowell School Committee to take a vote to support the Superintendent of Schools to submit a statement of interest, which serves as the starting point for a possible invitation into the program. The following schools have been recommended: Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 17) Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School School. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve Items # 9.II through 9.X (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.IX. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The STEM Academy At Rogers School Under The Accelerated Repair Program Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of Lowell is preparing applications for the Massachusetts’s Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), which aims to ease the financial burden of repairing or replacing large building systems which have gone beyond their useful life, including roofs, boilers, windows and doors. Part of the requirement of the application is a vote by the governing body of the Lowell School Committee to take a vote to support the Superintendent of Schools to submit a statement of interest, which serves as the starting point for a possible invitation into the program. The following schools have been recommended: Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School School. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve Items # 9.II through 9.X (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.X. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program Jeannine Durkin, Acting Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of Lowell is preparing applications for the Massachusetts’s Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), which aims to ease the financial burden of repairing or replacing large building systems which have gone beyond their useful life, including roofs, boilers, windows and doors. Part of the requirement of the application is a vote by the governing body of the Lowell School Committee to take a vote to support the Superintendent of Schools to submit a statement of interest, which serves as the starting point for a possible invitation into the program. The following schools have been recommended: Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 17) Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School School. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve Items # 9.II through 9.X (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for The Dr. Gertrude M. Bailey Elementary School, James S. Daley Middle School, Fredrick T. Greenhalge Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell High School Freshman Academy, S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School and the James F. Sullivan Middle School Under The Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.XI. Budget Transfer Department: SCHOOLS TRANSFER TO: Account # Description Amount DESE Org. Object Project Function 98810612 544400 2300 Sullivan SA - General Supplies $ 8,811.82 98537031 530002 2350 Daley SA - Prof Dev $ 4,000.00 90137001 530002 2350 Cardinal SA - Prof Dev $ 3,000.00 96037070 530002 2350 Stoklosa SA - Prof Dev $ 5,000.00 98037080 530002 2350 Murkland SA - Prof Dev $ 5,000.00 95073050 530002 2350 Shaughnessy SA - Prof Dev $ 3,000.00 93010112 544400 2300 Morey SA - General Supplies $ 3,000.00 TOTAL $ 31,811.82 TRANSFER FROM: Account # Description Amount DESE Org. Object Project Function 98810624 541000 2450 Sullivan SA - Technology Exp $ 8,811.82 98510615 541600 2400 Daley SA - Textbooks $ 2,000.00 98510624 541000 2450 Daley SA - Technology Exp $ 2,000.00 90110112 544400 2300 Cardinal SA - General Supplies $ 3,000.00 96010112 544400 2300 Stoklosa SA - General Supplies $ 5,000.00 98010112 544400 2300 Murkland SA - General Supplies $ 5,000.00 95010124 541000 2450 Shaughnessy SA - Tech Exp $ 3,000.00 93037030 530002 2350 Morey SA - Prof Dev $ 3,000.00 TOTAL $ 31,811.82 Reason for Transfer: Adjustments to expend the budget Mr. Nutter made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $31,811.82; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 17) 9.XII. Disposal of Surplus Supplies Billie Jo Turner, Interim 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. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Disposal of Surplus Supplies; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.XIII. Vote to Accept Grant Award of $5,000 to The J.G. Pyne Arts Magnet School from Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant Wendy Crocker Roberge respectfully requests the Lowell School Committee’s consideration and approval for Pyne Arts to accept this grant award for $5,000 from Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant. The funds are to be utilized to purchase five (5) round metal picnic tables to begin the outdoor classroom project this spring. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the grant award for $5,000 from Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Hoey made a motion to suspend the rules to take Item 10.I. LHS - Trip to Florida out of order; seconded by Mr. Nutter. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 10.I. LHS - Trip to Florida Head of School Marianne Busteed, request permission for ROTC staff members Lt. Col Eileen Ironfield, MSgt Kevin Casilli, and TSgt David Smith to travel to Daytona Beach, Florida with approximately 45 students for the Multi-Service JROTC Drill Competition. The competition is scheduled for Friday, May 3, 2018 through Sunday, May 5, 2018. The team will depart Lowell High School at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2018 and travel by bus paid for by the AFJROTC funds, and will return on Wednesday, May 7, 2018. The estimated cost of the competition will not exceed a total of $43,500 including transportation; lodging and food. This will be paid with Air Force funds, fundraising, and donations. Mr. Nutter made a motion to approve Item # 10.I. LHS - Trip to Florida – Option A; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 14 of 17) 10.II. LHS - Trip to Hyannis -Student Council Permission for twelve (12) LHS Student Council Representatives as well as Student Council Advisor, Thomas Thornton to attend the 2019 Massachusetts Association of Student Council Workshop on Wednesday, March 6 through Friday, March 8, 2019 held at the Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis, in Hyannis, MA. Students will miss three (3) days of school. No substitutes will be needed and all expenses will be paid through the Office of Student Activities at LHS funds not to exceed $3,000. There is no cost to the Lowell School Department. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve all six (6) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.III. LHS - Trip to Italy And Greece Lowell High School staff members Thomas Thornton, Wayne Taylor, Kara Pigeon and Michelle Callahan, along with thirty five [35] students, to travel to Rome, Italy and Athens Greece during April 2020 school vacation. The students will miss one day from school Friday, February 17, 2020 and will be returning on Sunday, April 26, 2020. The total cost of $3,485 will be paid by each student traveling. The cost of $315 for one substitute teacher per day will be paid by the LHS Individual School Budget. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve all six (6) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.IV. LHS - Trip to Paris Head of School Marianne Busteed, requests permission for twenty four [24] to forty [40] LHS students and four [4] chaperones, Susan Brassard, Seth Bernier, Cassandra Johnson and Brianna Heughins, all Lowell High staff to travel to Paris, France and the Riviera during the February school vacation 2020. Students will miss one day of school, Friday, February 14, 2020 and two [2] substitutes will be needed for one day. The cost of the substitutes in the amount of $210 will be paid by LHS individual school budget. Each student traveling will incur the total cost of between of $3,060 and $3,239.00. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve all six (6) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.V. LHS - Trip to British Isles Permission for eighteen [18] to twenty four [24] LHS students and three chaperones, Thomas Thornton and two other staff members to be determined, to travel to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England during the February school vacation 2020. Students will miss one day of school, Friday, February 14, 2020. The cost of two substitutes in the amount of $210 will be paid by LHS individual school budget. Each student traveling will incur the total cost of $3,080.00. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve all six (6) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 17) 10.VI. Trip to N.H. - LHS Outdoor Adventure Club Head of School Marianne Busteed, request permission for LHS Outdoor Adventures Advisors, Kendra Bauer and Donna Newcomb, to participate in an overnight winter adventure excursion supported by the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Youth Opportunity Program with 8 club members. They will be traveling to Pinkham, N.H. from Friday, January 18th through Sunday, January 20, 2019. The club will travel via van, which will be paid for by the students and subsidized by the club’s funds. Each student traveling will incur the total cost of $20. The cost of one substitute in the amount of $110 will be paid by LHS individual school budget. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve all six (6) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.VII. Trip- D.C. - Wang and Sullivan Schools Previously Approved: The 8th grade Wang School students, along with teacher/chaperones Kathy Clark, Matthew Palmer and Alison Kuzara to travel to Washington D.C. from Tuesday, May 28 through Friday, May 31, 2019. Fundraising activities will be held throughout the school year to defray the cost of the trip [$742/per student] for all participating students. No substitute teachers are needed. Additionally: The 8th grade Sullivan School students (10-20), along with teacher/chaperone Keith Valliere and Wang School students to travel to Washington D.C. from Tuesday, May 28 through Friday, May 31, 2019. Fundraising activities will be held throughout the school year to defray the cost of the trip [$725/per student] for all participating students. No substitute teachers are needed. Mr. Nutter made a motion to take and approve all six (6) convention/conference requests together; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 11. COMMUNICATIONS 11.I. Letter Of Appreciation to Manuel Silva for the 33 Years Of Service to the LPS Mr. Nutter made a motion to accept the communication and to place it on file; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 12. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 12.I. LSAA-Donated Sick Days - The members of the Lowell School Administrator Association (LSAA) hereby request to donate forty two [42] sick days to Shelby Boisvert, Lowell High School Guidance Counselor. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 17) 12.II. The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell Hereby Donate Eight [8] Sick Leave Days to Tamara Jordan, Robinson School Teacher. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 12.III. The Members of the United Teachers Of Lowell Hereby Donate Five [5] Sick Leave Days to Patricia Jussaume, Butler School Teacher. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 17 of 17) 13. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lay made a motion to adjourn at 10:28 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas Approved Respectfully submitted, Jeannine M. Durkin, Acting Superintendent and Acting Secretary to the Lowell School Committee JMD/mes Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us