School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: March 6, 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 6:32 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Martin, Mayor Samaras, Mr. Descoteaux, Ms. Doherty and Mr. Hoey. Mr. Lay and Mr. Nutter were absent. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.I. Spotlight on Excellence- Middlesex Partnership For Youth “Be A Voice, Not An Echo” The Spotlight on Excellence recognized Middle School student Mariah Frazier who received an honorable mention in the Middle School Division of the Poster Project and Lowell High School student Emily Rios who received an honorable mention in the High School Division of the Poster Project. Margie Daniels, Executive Director of Middlesex Partnerships for Youth and Anthony Pierantozzi, President of the Board were on hand to award both students. 3.II. Appointment of Jeannine M. Durkin as Superintendent of Schools Ms. Martin made a motion to defer agenda item #3.II. Appointment of Jeannine M. Durkin as Superintendent of Schools, item #5.I. Approval of Contract for Jeannine M. Durkin as Superintendent and agenda item #9.II. Election of Jeannine M. Durkin as Secretary to the Lowell School Committee to the next Lowell School Committee meeting; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 4. MINUTES 4.I. Minutes: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes from the February 13, 2019 Lowell School Committee Meeting and the minutes from the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee on February 25, 2019; seconded by Ms. Martin. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 9) 4.II. Minutes: Special Meeting Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee of Monday, February 25, 2019. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes from the February 13, 2019 Lowell School Committee Meeting and the minutes from the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee on February 25, 2019; seconded by Ms. Martin. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.I. Approval of Contract for Jeannine M. Durkin as Superintendent Ms. Martin made a motion to defer agenda item #3.II. Appointment of Jeannine M. Durkin as Superintendent of Schools, item #5.I. Approval of Contract for Jeannine M. Durkin as Superintendent and agenda item #9.II. Election of Jeannine M. Durkin as Secretary to the Lowell School Committee to the next Lowell School Committee meeting; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 5.II. Permission to Enter: March 6, 2019 Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 6. MEMORIALS 6.I. Memorial-Sopheak Puthiraksmey ‘Raksmey’ Sopheak, sister of Panhayuth Sopheak, Morey School student 7. MOTIONS 7.I. [By Dominik Hok Lay And Robert Hoey]: Move to change the time allowed for speakers from 3 minutes to 5 minutes at all school-related meetings. Ms. Doherty made a friendly amendment to refer this to a Policy Subcommittee. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 7.II. [By Connie Martin]: Request that the Administration prepare a report on the current Pre-School and Kindergarten admission policies and address any potential for offering readiness assessments for students not meeting the established birthday deadlines. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 9) 8. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 8.I. McKinney-Vento Report Rosa Segarra-Morales, District Support Specialist and Homeless Liaison provided an update to the Committee that informed them of the current number of homeless students in the Lowell Public Schools as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act. The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless students as students who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence due to economic hardship, loss of housing or similar reason. As of Mach 1, 2019, there are 825 actively enrolled students in the Lowell Public Schools who are homeless. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 8.II. English Learners Phala Chea, Coordinator of English Language Education Program informed the Committee that as of March 1, 2019, the district has identified 3,648 (25%) as English Learners. Approximately 50% of English Learners (ELs) are in middle school and high school. The racial makeup of ELs includes:  5% African American Black  46% Asian  37% Hispanic  11% White The most common language spoken by ELs is as follows:  37% Spanish  31% Khmer  8% Portuguese  24% Low Incidence Languages Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 8.III. Business Office Update Billie Jo Turner, Assistant Superintendent of Finance provided an update to the Committee regarding finance and operations. She informed them that the Creegan Studio’s Telvue server crashed and is not repairable due to the age of the equipment. The replacement cost is $117,000.00 and a memo has been sent to the City Council requesting assistance with this cost. Assistant Superintendent Turner updated her projections for the sick leave buyback, transportation and out of district tuition. She informed them that the Chief Human Resources Officer position has been posted. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 9) She also informed them that Aramark was the sole bidder and has been awarded the Food Service bid. She concluded her report speaking about raising the minimum wage in the district to $12. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 8.IV. Response to Mayor Samaras' Motion of 01/16/19 Regarding Portrait of Governor Benjamin Butler Robin Desmond, Assistant Superintendent Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment provided a report regarding the portrait of Governor Benjamin Butler. Robert DeLossa, Lowell High School History Department Chair informed the Committee that Stephen Stowell, Administrator of the Lowell Historic Board gave approval of the testimonial that was submitted. Mr. DeLossa then read the testimonial to the Committee. Mr. DeLossa will attend the upcoming City Council meeting to get their approval. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 8.V. Healthy Shenanigans Matthew Stahl, Principal of the Wang School provided a report to the Committee that informed that Acting Superintendent Durkin and Sharon Lagasse, Aramark, General Manager were interested in finding ways to get the district staff active in some healthy activities during the school day through the Health & Wellness Committee. They combined their efforts with the district’s current “Shenanigans”, which are activities designed between schools to help build community among and within our schools. As a result, a weight loss competition and step competition took place over six (6) weeks in the district. The results were 850 pounds lost and 66,930,765 steps taken which equals 29,000 miles. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 8.VI. Requested Additional Information Ingrid Markman, District Social Worker provided the Committee with additional information on 51As. The additional information included Mobile Crisis Evaluations, Crisis Evaluations (Ambulance), Crisis Evaluations (ER by Parent), 51As Filed and Hospitalizations. The data was collected from November 27, 2017 through February 2, 2018 and September 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 9) 8.VII. Report on Motions Acting Superintendent Jeannine Durkin provided the monthly report on the status of outstanding motions and asked the Committee if they had any concerns or questions. Mr. Descoteaux requested that motion titled “Subcommittee by Vote of the Full Committee” under the Superintendent’s portion of the report be removed. Ms. Martin stated that she believed that motion titled “Docket 101 or Education PROMISE Act” under the Superintendent’s portion of the agenda was completed. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 8.VIII. Enrollment Figures The district enrollment report provided to the Committee showed the breakdown by school and grade through March 1, 2019. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 8.IX. Home Education Acting Superintendent Durkin recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Stacy Crew 256 Market Street #301B Virginia Holly McIIwain 163 Pleasant Street, Apt. 2 Joanna Torres 6 Pine Hill Street Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.I. Revised FY19/20 Recommended Budget Calendar Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve the Revised FY19/20 Recommended Budget Calendar; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 9.II. Election of Jeannine M. Durkin as Secretary to the Lowell School Committee Ms. Martin made a motion to defer agenda item #3.II. Appointment of Jeannine M. Durkin as Superintendent of Schools, item #5.I. Approval of Contract for Jeannine M. Durkin as Superintendent and agenda item #9.II. Election of Jeannine M. Durkin as Secretary to the Lowell School Committee to the next Lowell School Committee meeting; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 9) 9.III. Budget Transfer Department: SCHOOLS TRANSFER TO: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 99341215 513001 1400 Overtime - Clerical $ 3,722.06 99037050 530002 2350 LHS SA - Prof Dev $ 15,000.00 92010112 544400 2300 Lincoln SA - General Supplies $ 9,800.00 98410612 544400 2300 Butler SA - General Supplies $ 1,800.00 98437031 530002 2350 Butler SA - Prof Dev $ 872.04 99340303 563601 5200 Student Accident Insurance $ 780.75 99341306 530002 1100 SC - Contracted Services $ 10,000.00 TOTAL $ 41,974.85 TRANSFER FROM: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function Transportation - Contracted 99348006 530002 3300 Svc $ 3,191.61 99348009 544400 3300 Transportation - Supplies $ 530.45 99010718 544400 2300 LHS SA - General Supplies $ 15,000.00 92037020 530002 2350 Lincoln SA - Prof Dev $ 9,800.00 98441106 530002 2200 Butler Other Exp $ 1,800.00 98441112 512111 2250 Student Body Activities $ 872.04 99310006 575268 5300 Modular Classroom Rental $ 556.04 99310303 530103 2100 Pre-Employment Physicals $ 224.71 99341224 570100 1400 Program & Analytical Svcs $ 10,000.00 TOTAL $ 41,974.85 Reason for transfer: Adjustments to expend the budget Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $41,974.85; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 9) 9.IV. Minimum Wage Increase-Cafe Workers Billie Jo Turner, Assistant Superintendent of Finance informed the Committee that on January 1, 2019, the minimum wage in Massachusetts increased to $12 an hour. According to the Department of Labor Standards (“Applicability of M.G.L. c. 151 to Town Employees”), legislative intent excludes state employees from the state’s minimum wage statue which extends to employees of municipalities as well. Conor Baldwin, the City CFO, stated that though we are not required to do so, we could “affirmatively elect to increase wages.” Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve increasing the minimum wage to $12 an hour; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 9.V. Vote to Accept Grant Award of $1,000 Grant Award to Lowell STEM Club Robin Desmond, Assistant Superintendent Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment informed the Committee that the Greater Lowell Community Foundation has committed funds in support of the Lowell Public Schools STEM Club pending acceptance by the Lowell School Committee. The funds will be used to help support students who participate in the Science and Engineering Fair as part of the STEM Club. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the Grant Award of $1,000 to Lowell STEM Club; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 9.VI. Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Lisa Van Thiel, Early Childhood Coordinator provided a report to the Committee informing them that the Early Childhood Department received notification of an award for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Fund Code 515. The funds will be used to hire a Data Analyst and an Assistant Early Childhood Coordinator. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve and post the Data Analyst job description; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 4 yeas, 3 absent APPROVED Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve and post the Assistant Early Childhood Coordinator job description; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 4 yeas, 3 absent APPROVED Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve the MOU for the Assistant Early Childhood Coordinator; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 4 yeas, 3 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 9) 10. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 10.I. Conference-Newell Permission for Melissa Newell, Coordinator of Language Arts & Literacy K-12, to attend the MRA (Massachusetts Reading Association’s) Annual Reading Conference in Quincy, MA on April 3rd and 4th 2019. The cost to attend the workshop of $380.00 will be funded by the Title 1 Account. The total cost for the hotel for 2 nights at the conference location, mileage and meals for a total of $450 will be paid by Title 1. No substitute is needed. Mr. Hoey made a motion to take and approve both convention/conference requests together; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 10.II. LHS- Varsity Basketball Team Trip To New York Lowell High Varsity Basketball Programs to participate in an overnight National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York from May 11 through May 12, 2019. The trip will be supervised by Head Coaches Dan Graham and assistant coaches, Mark Rurak, Cam Roper and Kyle Swenson. The cost of the trip including transportation, entry fees, meals and lodging will be approximately $5,500.00 paid for by the Lowell High School Baseball Parent Boosters. Mr. Hoey made a motion to take and approve both convention/conference requests together; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 11. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 11.I. UTL - Donated Sick Days The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell Hereby Donate fourteen [14] Sick Leave Days to Patricia Teague Daley School Paraprofessional. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 absent APPROVED 12. EXECUTIVE SESSION Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 9) 13. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to adjourn at 7:58 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent 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