School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: January 20, 2021 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 6:34 p.m., members present were, namely: Mayor Leahy, Ms. Martin, Ms. Clark, Mr. Descoteaux, Ms. Doherty and Mr. Hoey. Mr. Dillon was absent. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Communication Remote Participation: Members of the public may view the meeting via LTC and those wishing to speak regarding a specific agenda item shall register to speak in advance of the meeting by sending email to the Superintendent indicating the agenda item, your phone number and email address so we can provide a zoom link to access the meeting. Email address is mpalazzo@Lowell.k12.Ma.us if no access to email you may contact us at 978-674-4324. All requests must be submitted before 3:00 PM on the day of meeting. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee of Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes from the Special Meeting and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting of January 6, 2021; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 4.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes from the Special Meeting and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting of January 6, 2021; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 8) 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter: January 20, 2021 Ms. Clark made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 6. MEMORIALS 6.1. John Normandie, Retired Pyne Arts School Senior Custodian. 7. SUBCOMMITTEES 7.1. Equity & Access Subcommittee: Report of the Meeting of Wednesday, January 13, 2021 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson] Chairperson Doherty spoke to the Committee about the Equity and Access Subcommittee and informed them that the desired outcome is for all students to attend schools that are reflective of Lowell’s rich diversity, for students and families to have satisfaction in their school assignment that meets the needs as learners and community members and that all students have access to the wide range of quality services and programs across schools. The Subcommittee will be continuing the conversation at a future Subcommittee meeting and they will be receiving more data and transportation information at that meeting. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 8. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 8.1. COVID-19 Update Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer gave the Committee a COVID-19 Data monitoring update that included the Average Daily Incidence Rate per 100,000 and Percent Positivity Rate. It also reported the number of total staff and students as reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) of positive COVID cases, total number of quarantined due to in-person instruction, total number of quarantined due to outside school factors, and the approximate number of quarantined from September 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021, as well as COVID-19 positive cases per school from September 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021. He stated that the district is studying the feasibility of utilizing Abbott BinaxNOW antigen testing program for when more students are in school as well as sponsored pool testing. Lowell Public Schools also have a Covid-19 dashboard that provides data, protocols and guidelines, where to go to get tested, what to do if you test positive or if you have come in contact with someone who is positive, and information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Hall stated that the School Committee will continue to collaborate with the Board of Health (meeting is Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 8) planned for January 25, 2021 to discuss the goals for returning to in-person learning) as well as continue to monitor PPE availability and options, continue to meet with City personnel on facility readiness and potential improvements, monitor onsite COVID-19 testing grants and options, meet with the City to collaborate on testing capabilities, work with the city to enhance contact tracing, and provide information in regard to vaccine availability for school personnel. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 8.2. Budget Update Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided an update to the Committee on the budget. The update included the following:  FY22 Possibilities  Fiscal Health Improved  MGL 44 S64  Unpaid Obligations from FY19/20 (approved by City Council)  Course Reimbursements Owed  Examples of Issues that cause Bad Bills  Additional Delayed Bills Being Analyzed  Pandemic Delays  Steps Taken Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 8.3. SY21-22 School Improvement Planning and Site-Based Budgeting Dr. Guillory, Chief Schools Officer and Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report to the Committee about the Quality Improvement Plan timeline and Site-Based Budgeting that included: needs assessment process; site based budgeting review with a projected timeline and School Site Councils timeline. Committee members expressed interest in having a Special meeting of the Lowell School Committee in the future with various schools/members of School Site Councils. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 8) 8.4. 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. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 8.4.1. Response to Motion 1.CFO of 12/09/20 by Bob Hoey Regarding SEL Line Item for FY21-22 Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer informed the Committee that a budget line for Social Emotional Learning costs was added to the budget document as a placeholder until the district determines how much will be spent and on what. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 8.4.2. Response to Motion 2.CAO of 10/21/20 by Mike Dillon Jr. Regarding the Implementation of Effective Physical Education Across The District in a Remote Learning Environment The Committee tabled this report to the next School Committee meeting due to Mr. Dillon’s absence. 8.4.3. Response to Motions 2.CSO of 12/16/20 and 3.CAO Of 10/21/20 By Andy Descoteaux Regarding Identifying Deficits/Missing Skills & Prep Courses Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer & Dr. Guillory, Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that addressed the following:  Prep Courses for Seniors  ADHOC Committees  LHS Overview  Technology  Google Classroom Teaching During a Pandemic for Teacher and Students  Curricular Support/Adaptations for Remote Learning  Parent Engagement/Communication  Progress Monitoring  Social Emotional Supports  Additional Programming  Athletic, Enrichment Opportunities, Student Voice Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 8) 8.4.4. Response to Motion 2.CFO of 01/06/21 by Connie Martin Regarding Review of Bad Bills Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided a report to the Committee informing them that as bills were received by the Business Office, they were submitted to City Hall for payment and then returned to us if they were classified as a bad bill. A spreadsheet was maintained to track such bills and eventually submitted to the City CFO to see approval from the City Council to pay. The process will now be as follows:  Submit bills to City Hall for payment.  If and when bills are returned as bad bills, add them to the list.  Bring such bills/list forward to the School Committee for approval to submit to the City Council for approval under MGL 44 S64.  After such approval is obtained, submit to City CFO to obtain approval from City Council.  Bills are paid. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 8.4.5. Response to Motion 1. CSO of 02/19/20 by Jackie Doherty Regarding Comprehensive Data- Driven Report on Remote Learning Ms. Doherty made a motion to send the report back to the administration regarding Comprehensive Data-Driven Report on Remote Learning for clarification and data within context; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 4 yeas, 2 nays (Ms. Clark, Mr. Hoey), 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 8.4.6. Response to Motion 8. CEEO of 10/07/20 by Mayor John Leahy Regarding Adult Education Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that in March 2020, the Adult Education Program transitioned to remote learning. During the spring, they responded to the many needs of our students. They assisted their students with information on school closure and facts about Covid-19. Also, during this timeframe they continued their program-wide campaign to educate and encourage students to respond to the 2020 Census. They provided support for students’ educational needs, as well as their concerns about food insecurity, navigating the unemployment system, housing and physical and mental health issues. They implemented an expanded remote summer school program to maintain educational continuity and used that as a pilot to inform our fall programming. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 8) 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. Permission to Post: Early Childhood Coach and Program Developer Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve the Permission to Post: Early Childhood Coach and Program Developer with the following change: strike non-affiliated under terms of employment and change it to LSAA; seconded by Mr. Hoey; 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 9.2 Approval to Accept and Expend Allocated FY21 Awards This item was inadvertently missed and will be voted on at the Special Meeting of the School Committee on January 25, 2021. 9.3. Budget Transfers Ms. Martin made a motion to approve a budget transfer of $250,000; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED Ms. Martin made a motion to approve a budget transfer of $9,900; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 9.4. I-Ready Diagnostic Research Program Proposal Curriculum Associates, a vendor that the district is currently under contract with using their iReady assessment platform, is offering no-cost licensing for the i-Ready Diagnostic to districts across Massachusetts. As part of this offering, districts agree to take part in a collaborative research study being conducted by Curriculum Associates and Lesley University. The main objective of this research study is to better understand the overall impact of COVID-19 and school closures on student learning. Curriculum Associates proposes that the duration of the project will be from September 2020 through August 2021 and participating districts will begin using the i-Ready diagnostic assessment beginning in the Fall of 2020 and be given three-times in the academic year, with a minimum of twelve (12) weeks of instruction between administrations. Curriculum Associates will provide guidance related to the best assessment plan for Back to School 2020, including a tool to help determine how/when/where to test students. Lowell Public Schools has already established the three (3) administration windows for both ELA and Math. This research will help to determine what impact did different approaches to blended learning (e.g. in-person, online only, hybrid) have on student academic performance and what was the impact on students based on various student demographic characteristics? Ms. Clark made a motion to approved I-Ready Diagnostic Research Program Proposal; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 8) 10. COMMUNICATIONS 10.1. Letters Of Appreciation To The Lowell Fire Department Local 853, Chief Phillip A.J. Charron And Retired Firefighter Larry Finn. Ms. Martin made a motion to accept both communications and to place them on file; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED 10.2. Thank You Letter from Paul Georges Ms. Martin made a motion to accept both communications and to place them on file; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) 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 9:21 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) 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