School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: January 15, 2020 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., all members were present, namely: Mr. Descoteaux, Mr. Dillon, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Hoey, Mayor Leahy, Ms. Martin and Ms. Clark. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.I. Spotlight On Excellence: Pyne Arts Magnet School Musical The Spotlight on Excellence featured the Pyne Arts Magnet School Musical: “Into the Woods”. Under the direction of Seven Rose, cast members Ethan Ty, Kiara Simonphone, Jason Iraheta, Abigail Cruz, and Jelicity Mercado performed the musical number “It Takes Two”. 4. MINUTES 4.I. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes from the Special School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 18, 2019, the minutes from the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 18 2019 and the minutes of the Inauguration Exercises of Monday, January 6, 2020; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.II. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes from the Special School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 18, 2019, the minutes from the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 18 2019 and the minutes of the Inauguration Exercises of Monday, January 6, 2020; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 8) 4.III. Approval of the Minutes of the Inauguration Exercises of Monday, January 6, 2020 Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes from the Special School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 18, 2019, the minutes from the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 18 2019 and the minutes of the Inauguration Exercises of Monday, January 6, 2020; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.I. Permission to Enter: January 15, 2020 Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 6. MEMORIALS 6.I. Donna St. Laurent, Greenhalge School Secretary 6.II. Elai Vorn, Stoklosa School Student 7. MOTIONS 7.I. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with follow-up information to the report generated from my April 2018 motion regarding status of outdoor play spaces. The updated report should include information on newly added playgrounds as well as outline plans/timeline to ensure every elementary and middle school has access to safe, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, including collaborating with the City to target for extra oversight those city-managed parks that are the only outdoor play space for certain schools. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.II. [By Bob Hoey]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a report on the District’s compliance with Chapter 71, Section 69. Are flags provided and properly displayed in compliance with the law, and is each teacher in the District leading the class in a group recitation of the “Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag?” Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 8) 8. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 8.I. Grant Award Notification: FC528 Increased Access to Quality Afterschool And Summer Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer informed the Committee that the Lowell Public Schools was awarded a grant for $190,000 through a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education grant. The Lowell Public Schools received the highest level of funding for the ASOST grant in Massachusetts. The FC528 Increased Access to Quality Afterschool and Summer (Fund Code 528) grant will provide funding to the Pyne Arts and Reilly Schools to offer before and after school programming as well as summer programming for their students. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.II. Grant Award Notification: FC 181 Gateway City Grants for High Quality, Intensive English Language Learning Programs Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer informed the Committee that the Lowell Public Schools was awarded a grant for $83,000 through a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education grant: Gateway City Grants for High Quality, Intensive English Language Learning Programs – All Levels (Fund Code 181). This program will support district priorities in regard to closing the achievement gap for all students, particularly those who are English Learners. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.III. Grant Award Notification: Portrait of a Graduate Grant Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer informed the Committee that the Lowell Public Schools was one (1) of fourteen (14) recipients for the competitive Portrait of a Graduate grant. The office of Education Equity and Community Empowerment in partnership and collaboration with Project Learn and our three (3) schools (Lowell High, Leblanc Therapeutic Day School and the Career Academy) aims to develop the articulation of a robust definition of student success which includes academic skills and core competencies that will prepare our students for success in a 21st century workforce. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.IV. Strategic Planning Update Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer provided a PowerPoint presentation updating the Committee on the Strategic Plan. She informed the Committee that in November/December 2019 the administration solicited volunteers to participate in the development of the strategic plan. Over fifty (50) individuals submitted their name and expressed interest in participating. Priority was placed on inclusivity that underrepresented voices, untapped networks and diverse stakeholder groups have a seat at this decision-making table. The steering committee is composed of approximately twenty-five (25) Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 8) individuals, with half representing Lowell Public School staff (both building-based and central office) and approximately half representing the greater Lowell community (families, non-profit organizations, local business, and institutions of post-secondary education). Community and staff forums will be held to receive feedback on the strategic priorities and to help solicit input about potential challenges. Convening working groups to identify specific action steps necessary to advance strategic priorities are as follows:  Expanding early learning opportunities  Increasing access to high-performing seats  Aligning high school programming  Better leveraging Lowell’s diversity Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.V. Site-Based Budget & Fair Student Funding Update Superintendent Boyd introduced ERS which is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to transforming how school systems organize resources so that every school succeeds for every student. ERS provided a PowerPoint presentation that stated that Fair Student Funding can help districts accomplish three (3) goals with their funding system (Equity, Transparency and Flexibility). The schools instead of receiving staff allocations and supply budgets are allocated funds based on the characteristics of their students. These unlocked resources are distributed through a formula that weights different characteristics chosen to meet the individual district’s needs. These weights are combined with a set of policies to help the district strike a balance between equity and stability. With Site-Based Budgeting, school leaders then use their budget to determine the number and mix of staff and other resources to match school needs and priorities. Ms. Phillips also shared the proposed monthly schedule for school site council trainings and implementation of the site-based budgeting process. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.VI. Report On Motions Superintendent Boyd provided the Committee with an updated report on the status of outstanding motions and asked the Committee if they had any concerns or questions. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.VII. List of Eligible Teachers The List of Eligible Teachers officially informs the Committee of all eligible teachers by subject and grade. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 8) 8.VIII. Personnel Report The Personnel Report officially informs the Committee of all retirements, resignations, promotions and new hires. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.I through 8.VIII as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.I. Revision of School Assignment Policy File: JCA Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer explained all of the revisions in the School Assignment Policy to the Committee. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve the revisions to the School Assignment Policy File: JCA; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.II. Budget Transfer Department: SCHOOLS TRANSFER TO: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 94010105 512111 3520 Reilly - Student Activities $ 3,000.00 99341230 512152 1400 HR Relations Assistant $ 4,300.32 Director of 99347103 512906 4000 Operations/Maintenance $ 5,449.92 99341218 530103 1400 Legal - Settlements $ 12,300.00 Modular Classroom 99310006 575268 5300 Rental $ 2,000.00 99341504 530000 3100 Professional Services $ 50,000.00 TOTAL $ 77,050.24 Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 8) TRANSFER FROM: Account # Description A Org. Object Project DESE Function Pyne Arts Elementary 91810103 512903 2300 Teacher $ 25,050.24 Maintenance - 99347106 530002 4000 Contracted Svcs. $ 2,000.00 99328105 530002 3300 Contracted Services $ 50,000.00 TOTAL $ 77,050.24 Reason for Transfer: Adjustment to expend the budget. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $77,050.24; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.III. Permission to Post: Bilingual Family Liaison – Lead Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to post the Bilingual Family Liaison – Lead; seconded by Ms. Clark. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.IV. Permission to Post: Special Education Family Advocate Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to post the Special Education Family Advocate; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.V. Vote to Accept Donation Of $2,500 From Smith Purdon Foundation. The Bridge Program was notified that they received a $2,500 grant from the Smith Purdon Foundation. The funds will be used for Electives Programming, Ropes Course, and an Anti-Bully Conference. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept and approve a donation of $2,500 from the Smith Purdon Foundation; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.VI. Permission to Post: Assistant TV Production Staff (Part-Time) The Assistant TV Production Staff (Part-Time) will report to the Head of School and with receive a salary of $8,000 per school year, grant-funded. Ms. Doherty made a motion to post the Assistant TV Production Staff (Part-Time); seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 8) 9.VII. Establishment of Subcommittees Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve the Establishment of Subcommittees; seconded by Ms. Clark. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 10.I. In State Overnight Travel Request: 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 1st and 2nd 2020. The cost to attend the workshop of $380.00, the cost of the hotel of $350.00 for 2 nights, mileage and meals on the amount of $150 will be paid by Title 1 funding. No substitute is needed. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve all three (3) convention/conference requests together; seconded Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.II. Out of Country and Overnight Travel Request: LHS Permission for up to thirty [30] students and five [5] chaperones, Wayne Taylor, Thomas Thornton, Michelle Callahan, Jill Taylor and John Mellonakas, all Lowell High staff to travel to Belize during the February school vacation 2020. Students will miss one day of school, Friday, February 12, 2020 and four [4] substitutes will be needed for one day. The cost of the substitutes in the amount of $440 will be paid by LHS individual school budget. Each student traveling will incur the total cost of between of $3,225 and $3,525. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve all three (3) convention/conference requests together; seconded Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.III. Out Of Country and Overnight Travel Request: LHS Permission for Susan Brassard and two additional non-teacher adult chaperones Cassandra Johnson, Brianna Heughins and a group of eighteen [18] LHS students to travel on an international trip named Cuisine & Culture of Southern Italy during the February school vacation of 2021. Each student traveling will incur the total cost of $3,709. No Substitute teacher needed. Ms. Doherty made a motion to take and approve all three (3) convention/conference requests together; seconded Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 8) 11. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Doherty made a motion to adjourn at 9:03 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Respectfully submitted, Joel D. Boyd, Ed.D., Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee JDB/mes Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us