School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: May 17, 2021 Time: 5:00PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 Pursuant To Governor Baker's Emergency Order Modifying The State's Open Meeting Law Issued March 12, 2020, Meetings Will Be Held Using Remote Participation As Follows: Members Of The Public May Not Participate In-Person And May View The Meeting Via LTC.ORG (On-Line; Live Streaming Or Local Cable Channel 99) And Zoom. 1. SALUTE TO FLAG 2. ROLL CALL On a roll call at 5:07 p.m., members present were, namely: Mr. Dillon, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Mayor Leahy, Ms. Martin, Ms. Clark and Mr. Descoteaux. 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, a 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. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4.1. Budget Session Paul Georges and Darcie Coleman registered and spoke on this agenda item. Mayor Leahy asked Superintendent Boyd to apprise the Committee with the updates that were provided in the packet. Superintendent Boyd stated that he appreciated the feedback on the ESSER funds and stated that’s not what is on the agenda for discussion for tonight. He stated that the Committee can adopt the general fund budget tonight if they want, but if they don’t it can be adopted on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Mr. Dillon stated that he wanted to hear from the staff members who are present and registered to speak. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 3) Ms. Martin stated that she also wants to hear from them and shared concerns that she has regarding the ESSER funds and the confusion around the general budget and the ESSER funds. She stated that she also shares the concerns of the social workers and the importance of licensure, although she understands the way it was presented in the budget. Ms. Doherty shared her concerns about the climate specialist positions and the issue of licensure and stated we shouldn’t rush into anything and understands the social workers not feeling a sense of security not being in the general fund. Superintendent Boyd stated that the district is committed to licensed social workers and that none of these positions are taking the place of social workers, just complimenting their work. Mr. Descoteaux shared his concern about all of the new programs that the district is starting and believes we need to deal with the loss the students have had to deal with and how the district is going to mitigate that loss. He doesn’t believe we should be putting more work on teachers. Mr. Underwood addressed the Committee and informed them why he needs an Assistant to the Facilities Director. He stated that the district has a lot of new projects and that if the district is serious about keeping up our facilities we need this person. He stated that he needs a person to take an active role in the schools as well as help with deliveries between schools and deliveries from the administration building. Mr. Fiato also addressed the Committee and spoke about the importance of the position of Associate Head of School that has been brought forward. He stated that he can’t be in multiple places at once and having this person can really help out working within the school and the community at large. Ms. Martin made a motion to place the two (2) positions that total $180,000 into the Suspense Account and to approve the bottom line figure for the FY22 Budget of $194,284,378 and submit it to the City Manager; 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 3) 5. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Doherty made a motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 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