School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: April 1, 2020 Time: 6:30PM Location: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/746616574 Meeting ID: 746 616 574 1. SALUTE TO FLAG 2. ROLL CALL On a roll call at 6:38 p.m., all members were present, namely: Ms. Clark, Mr. Descoteaux, Mr. Dillon, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Hoey, Mayor Leahy and Ms. Martin. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. This Meeting Is Being Held Remotely In Accordance With The Governor Of Massachusetts’ March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions Of The Open Meeting Law G.L. C. 30A, Section 20. Mayor Leahy read to the public that this meeting was being held remotely in accordance with the Governor of Massachusetts’ March 12, 2020 order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L.C. 30A, Section 20. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Ms. Clark made a motion to approve and place on file the minutes from the regularly scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 4, 2020; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter 1: April 1, 2020 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 10) 5.2. Permission to Enter 2: April 1, 2020 Mr. Dillon made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED 6. MEMORIALS 6.1. Paula Abraham, Retired Teacher in the LPS 6.2. Violet Santamaria, Retired Teacher in the LPS, Who Lived A Very Long Life, 104. 6.3. Robert Hand, Jr. Lowell High School Custodian. 6.4 Marilyn Gill, Mother of Mary Geoffroy, Data Scheduler at Lowell High School, Grandmother to Gina Martel, Social Worker at the Freshman Academy and Aunt to Mayor Leahy. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Andy Descoteaux]: Ask the Superintendent to ask the City Manager what the status is of the empty judicial buildings in the city. If they are available for city use, the LPS could use one or two. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.2. [By Bob Hoey]: That the superintendent produce a report by April 1, 2020 meet with the following information charting out spend expenditures by year for the last 15 years (or as far as back as possible):  Number of total special education budget; l Percentage of kids receiving special location services;  Amount of money spent on out of district services; l Percentages of children utilizing out of district services;  Number of employees working in Special Education (please also provide their job descriptions);  Total of number of employees within the district per year Mr. Hoey stated that the administration can have as much time as they need to provide the information back to the Committee. Mr. Hoey made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Clark. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.3. [By Mayor John Leahy]: Request the Superintendent to update the Committee on district’s plan to support the 2020 United States Census. Mayor Leahey 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 3 of 10) 7.4. [By Andy Descoteaux}: Ask the Superintendent to provide a report at the next School Committee meeting on the legal ramifications of remote learning as it applies to our SPED population. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee Meeting: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, March 4, 2020 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] Chairperson Martin gave a report to the Committee from the Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee Meeting at the March 4, 2020 School Committee meeting. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee report as a report of progress; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.2. Policy Subcommittee Meeting: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, March 4, 2020 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson] Chairperson Doherty gave a report to the Committee from the Policy Subcommittee Meeting at the March 4, 2020 School Committee meeting. Mr. Hoey made a motion to accept the Policy Subcommittee report as a report of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. Student Opportunity Act Update The Student Opportunity Act Update provided to the Committee included the following:  Overview of the Student Opportunity Act  Core Beliefs and Fundamental Commitments  Review of LPS’ Long-Term Strategic Priorities  Alignment of Priorities and Allowable SOA Expenditures  SOA-Approved Program Areas and Resource Needs  Remaining Budget Considerations  Next Steps for SOA Plan Submission to DESE in April Mr. Dillion made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 10) 9.2. Report from the United Teachers of Lowell Paul Georges, UTL President spoke to the Committee about a survey teachers and paraprofessionals took that was conducted by the UTL. The survey included the following information:  Demographics: Respondents  District Proposed Priorities  Identifying Impediments to Students Learning and Teachers Teaching  Disruptive Behaviors & Social-Emotional Support  Statements from Teachers and Paraprofessionals  Staffing Needs  Responses to Staff Questions  Restoring Previously Eliminated Programs  Restoring Newcomer Classrooms  Resources  Other Issues that were Identified Through the Survey  Understanding School Site Councils  Educator Voice: How PD Needs are Best Determined  Time and Focus on Standardized Testing  Conditions of Buildings  Students Learning and Teachers Teaching: Impact of Addressing Concerns Lori McCarthy was registered and spoke to the Committee regarding the survey. Mr. Dillion made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.3. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Ms. Phillips, Chief Engagement & Equity Officer provided an update to the Committee regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response. The update included the following information:  Communication tools (messages by email, phone, social media and the website sent out to the entire student population and in multiple languages)  Breakfast and Lunch still being provided for students  Home Learning that includes an at home learning section on our website, home learning packets have been made available at the lunch sites, resources to address mental and social emotional needs have been uploaded on the website)  School Site Councils and School Based Budgeting Process  Central Office and Family Resource Center  Registration and the Knowledge Bowl finals have been delayed Mr. Dillion made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 10) 9.4. Article 24 Request Dr. Guillory, Chief Schools Officer provided a report that informed the Committee that each school responded to a request for materials. The report included schools and their requests. The total estimated amount requested in the report is $405,741.17. Mr. Dillion made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.5. 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. Mr. Dillion made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.5.1. Response to Motions 6 & 7. CAO of 03/04/20 by Mayor John Leahy: Idea Camp and Report on Summer School  Request the Superintendent provide the committee with an update on Summer School Programs.  Request the Superintendent provide the committee with an update on IDEA Camp. Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer provided the Committee with a report that informed them that preparation is well underway for the 2020 summer programming. Due to an increase in grants to the district we will be providing more summer learning opportunities for youth than in past years. She also informed the Committee that with support from the district and partners Project Learn and UMASS Lowell, the 2020 IDEA camp will once again be offered to our students in grades 5 – 10. The IDEA camp will be operating for three (3) weeks from July 6th – 24th. Scholarships are available for Lowell Public School students at a reduced rate of $40 per week. Mr. Dillion made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.5.2. Response to Motion 1. CSO of 02/19/20 by Andy Descoteaux: Ask the Superintendent to review whether or not all of our schools (save the High School) have incorporated recess into their daily schedules. Dr. Guillory, Chief Schools Officer provided a report that informed the Committee that all schools have incorporated recess (save the high school) into their daily schedules. The report included a chart that delineates the amount of time afforded for recess at each school/program serving elementary and middle school students. Mr. Dillion made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 10) 9.6. List of Eligible Teachers The List of Eligible Teachers officially informs the Committee of all eligible teachers by subject and grade. Mr. Dillion made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.7. Personnel Report The Personnel Report officially informs the Committee of all retirements, resignations, promotions and new hires. Mr. Dillion made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Budget Transfer Department: SCHOOLS TRANSFER TO: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 99341227 570102 1400 Admin. Tech. - Hardware $ 350,000.00 92510603 512110 2000 Molloy Coordinator $ 1,450.95 90141103 512902 2200 Cardinal School Clerk $ 40,950.82 90241103 512902 2200 Bailey School Clerk $ 10,567.31 91241103 512102 2200 McAvinnue Asst. Principal $ 6,460.05 91241103 512902 2200 McAvinnue School Clerk $ 9,328.84 91541103 512902 2200 Greenhalge School Clerk $ 14,124.58 92541105 512902 2200 Molloy School Clerk $ 9,328.81 92741103 512902 2200 Moody School Clerk $ 10,179.75 93641103 512101 2200 Pawtucket Principal $ 2,427.24 93641103 512902 2200 Pawtucket School Clerk $ 9,328.83 95041103 512902 2200 Shaughnessy School Clerk $ 9,328.84 95441103 512902 2200 LDS School Clerk $ 9,737.62 95541103 512902 2200 Washington School Clerk $ 5,275.94 97541103 512902 2200 McAuliffe School Clerk $ 9,799.93 98041103 512902 2200 Murkland School Clerk $ 9,328.85 98341103 512902 2200 Bartlett School Clerk $ 8,858.10 98541103 512902 2200 Daley School Clerk $ 16,829.31 98641103 512102 2200 Robinson Asst. Principal $ 66,603.00 Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 10) 98641103 512902 2200 Robinson School Clerk $ 8,676.52 98741103 512102 2200 Rogers Asst. Principal $ 116,062.84 98741103 512902 2200 Rogers School Clerk $ 12,560.34 99010703 512958 2200 LHS Paraprofessional $ 4,874.29 99030306 512112 2200 LHS Student Supt Spec - FA $ 7,090.70 99041103 512902 2200 LHS School Clerk $ 29,364.45 99241103 512902 2200 NONINSTRUCT/SEC&CLERSAL $ 57,559.84 92037020 530002 2350 Lincoln SA - Prof. Dev. $ 27.50 98737033 530002 2350 Rogers SA - Prof. Dev. $ 327.08 SW PROF STAFF/CLASSROOM 99237070 512903 2350 TEACHR $ 4,950.04 99310008 512155 2350 ACADEMIC COACHES $ 62,115.56 99310008 512963 2350 Teacher Acad. Mentors K-8 $ 3,400.00 99312003 512110 2350 Coordinator of Math (PK-4) $ 859.38 99035003 512105 2700 LHS Guidance Counselor $ 82,549.90 99320104 511000 3200 School Nurses - Special Ed. $ 39,050.38 93541408 512915 4000 LeBlanc Security Guard $ 2,284.50 99041403 512915 4000 LHS Security Guard $ 113,997.94 99047103 512960 4000 LHS Custodian $ 364,943.65 99347103 512906 4000 Director of Operations/Mainten $ 424.46 99347103 512960 4000 Administration Bldg. Custodian $ 46,851.05 95047103 512960 4110 Shaughnessy Custodian $ 3,586.18 TOTAL $ 1,561,465.37 TRANSFER FROM: Account # Description Amount Org. Object Project DESE Function 99341129 511000 2200 Principal Merit Increases $ 1,450.95 91810103 512903 2300 Pyne Arts Elementary Teacher $ 146,885.63 99328106 512969 2300 Behavior Specialist - K-4 $ 155,084.67 91811403 541500 2400 BASIC TEXT $ 2.09 92741113 541500 2400 BASIC TEXT $ 0.25 98410604 541500 2400 BASIC TEXT $ 151.00 98941104 541500 2400 BASIC TEXT $ 0.22 99338007 541600 2400 ELL Textbooks $ 3.36 91510124 541000 2450 Greenhalge SA - Technology Exp $ 100.00 95510124 541000 2450 Washington SA - Tech. Exp. $ 1.33 96010124 541000 2450 Stoklosa SA - Tech. Exp. $ 0.03 98310624 541000 2450 Bartlett SA - Technology Exp. $ 107.09 98410624 541000 2450 Butler SA - Technology Exp. $ 1,088.00 98810624 541000 2450 Sullivan SA - Technology Exp. $ 1,167.50 Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 10) 99030510 541000 2450 LHS SA - Technology Exp. $ 3.78 99311203 512112 2450 Tech. Instr. Suport Specialist $ 0.29 98735003 512105 2700 Rogers Guidance Counselor $ 4,714.81 99310451 512135 2800 Social Workers $ 159,190.14 99339004 512112 3100 District Support Specialists $ 27,653.01 COMMUNITY OUTREACH 99339004 512157 3100 STRATEGIST $ 24,442.73 99341403 512910 3100 Attendance Monitor $ 79.56 90247103 512960 4110 Bailey Custodian $ 6,339.88 91247103 512960 4110 McAvinnue Custodian $ 6,292.65 92747103 512960 4110 Moody Custodian $ 5,719.46 93047103 512960 4110 Morey Custodian $ 2,651.25 93547103 512960 4110 LeBlanc Custodian $ 1,121.10 93647103 512960 4110 Pawtucket Custodian $ 4,988.46 95547103 512960 4110 Washington Custodian $ 3,056.98 97547103 512960 4110 McAuliffe Custodian $ 3,780.39 98347103 512960 4110 Bartlett Custodian $ 6,415.30 98447103 512960 4110 Butler Custodian $ 5,895.19 98547103 512960 4110 Daley Custodian $ 3,665.57 98647103 512960 4110 Robinson Custodian $ 3,119.96 98747103 512960 4110 Rogers Custodian $ 6,870.02 98847103 512960 4110 Sullivan Custodian $ 3,112.71 98947103 512960 4110 Wang Custodian $ 6,720.83 99247103 512960 4110 Riverside Custodian $ 1,661.77 99345006 563600 5200 Employee Health Insurance $ 967,927.41 TOTAL $ 1,561,465.37 REASON FOR TRANSFER: ADJUSTMENTS TO EXPEND THE BUDGET Ms. Clark made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $1,561,465.37; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.2. Approval of MOA for Club Stipend for after School Activity A Memorandum of Agreement was presented to the Committee that would fund an additional advisor position: Spring Strength and Conditioning for the amount of $2,500.00. Ms. Clark made a motion to approve the MOA for Club Stipend for after School Activity (Spring Strength and Conditioning); seconded by Ms. Martin. 5 yeas, 2 nays (Ms. Doherty, Mayor Leahy) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 10) 10.3. Approval of MOA for Advisor Position and Coaches A Memorandum of Agreement was presented to the Committee that states: Continue work for Advisors and Athletic Coaches during the closure of schools by the Superintendent and then by the Governor’s orders. During this closure, Advisors, Head Coaches, and Assistant Coaches will continue work through meaningful remote interaction with students. This work is expected to continue through the closure of schools. The School Committee and the Union hereby agree modifications of the Contract only for the time period of the COVID-19 school closure and no longer than June 30, 2020 The Committee asked that the Superintendent provide back up to show that work had been done during the closure. Ms. Clark made a motion to approve the MOA for Advisor Position and Coaches; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 5 yeas, 2 nays (Ms. Doherty, Mayor Leahy) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 10) 11. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Doherty made a motion to adjourn at 9:24 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 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