School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: February 16, 2022 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 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 Submit It Before 2:00 PM On The Day Of Meeting. 1. SALUTE TO FLAG 2. ROLL CALL On a roll call at 6:37 p.m., all members were present, namely: Ms. Thompson, Mayor Chau, Ms. Delrossi, Mr. Descoteaux, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay and Ms. Martin. 3. MINUTES 3.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee of Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 and the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 2, 2022; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 3.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, February 2. 2022 Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 and the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 2, 2022; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Martin made a motion to suspend the rules to take item #6.2. Consideration of City of Lowell Health Officials' Recommended Update to School Mask Protocol; Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 12) Ms. Doherty made a motion to suspend the rules to take item 6.4. Authorization to Procure Modular Units for Instructional Athletic Space at Cawley Stadium; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 4. MOTIONS 4.1. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request superintendent to report on status of Stem Academy growth including how many grade levels it now serves, how many sections in each grade, as well as the operation of essential products such as copiers, computers, whiteboards, digital whiteboards needed to effectively teach the vast grade level curriculums. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.2. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request superintendent to report on the implementation of separating students with a 48 month difference in age and bathroom procedure at the Stem Academy, Pyne Arts, and Bartlett Schools. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.3. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to report on the immediate facilities repairs that are necessary for our students to be safe and effectively learn. Including but not limited to gaps in door openings, holes in classrooms. The motion was referred to the Facilities Subcommittee. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.4. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request superintendent to report on delay of recent staff payroll. Ms. Turner gave a verbal report stating that the payroll department for the school department as well as the city payroll department has had a large employee turnover as well as new people in place in said roles. She also stated that staff never received their pay checks late, but did receive their pay stub later than usual. She stated that the two (2) departments are working well together. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.5. [By Stacey Thompson]: Motion to request the district create and host designated focus groups for student input on the spending of ARPA funds for the district. In these focus groups, space will be made for students to hear about the ARPA funds, and then share ideas of how they may envision the use of money for the betterment of their schools and overall educational experience. This motion was amended by the maker of the motion to read: “Motion to request the district create and host designated focus groups for student input on the spending of ARPA and ESSER funds for the district. In these focus groups, space will be made for students to hear about the ARPA funds, and then share ideas of how they may envision the use of money for the betterment of their schools and overall educational experience.” Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 12) Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.6. [By Stacey Thompson]: Motion to request professional development support surrounding mental health signs, symptoms, triggers and basics of support for classroom teachers, paras and support staff. This professional development would be designed to provide overall knowledge, general context, classroom management assistance; while supporting both school professionals and the students. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 5.1. COVID-19 Update Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer provided the Committee with a report that gave them a COVID-19 Data monitoring update that included Lowell Public Schools COVID positive cases, Pool Testing Participation and Testing Services (symptomatic testing, “test and stay” and routine COVID Pooled testing). The report also included the number of requested at-home test kits. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.2. Digital Learning and Technology Integration Plan Update Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer provided a report to the Committee that discussed the following:  Introduction  District Mission, Vision & Core Beliefs  Digital Learning & Technology Integration Goals  Actions and Activities Immediate  Next Steps Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.3. Key Performance Indicators: 2nd Quarter Review Mr. Skinner, Chief School Officer provided the Committee with a report that contained the 2nd Quarter update on the key performance indicators (KPI). KPI’s identified fall within four (4) categories:  Academic and Student Achievement  Safe and Welcoming Environment  Operational Efficiency, and Family  Community Engagement Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 12) The report stated that overall the district saw some improvements on KPI measures between Quarter 1 and Quarter 2. The areas of growth included academics and student achievement, safe and welcoming environment, operational efficiency, and family and community engagement. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.4. Enrollment Report Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report to the Committee that stated as of Thursday, February 10, 2022 there are 14,245 students attending Lowell Public Schools. Following the district’s standard format, the February 10th enrollment report includes other categories of enrollment that the district is responsible for monitoring, placing and/or supporting such as home schooled students, out of district student placements, community pre-K student program placements, and students referred for special education program evaluation, as well as students in the Family Resource Center (FRC) category awaiting school assignment. The report stated that when combining all of these categories together, the total enrollment on the February enrollment report adds up to 15,173 and as of Thursday morning, February 10th, the total number of K-12 students in the FRC category was ninety-six (96). Additionally, sixty (60) pre-K students remain on the waitlist and two (2) remain in the Early Childhood other category which adds up to a total of 158 in the FRC category. Currently, of the ninety- six (96) K-12 students in the FRC category, forty-two (42) students have been provided a school assignment and are ready to attend school and of the remaining fifty-four (54) students, twenty-one (21) students are awaiting medical clearance, twenty-two (22) are recent registrants needing to submit required documentation, ten (10) are English Leader students who need to complete language testing, and one (1) student has moved out of Lowell before completing enrollment. Ms. Doherty asked how long the students have been waiting. Ms. Phillips stated she will come back to the Committee with that data. Ms. Doherty than asked what the district is getting from the consultant doing the FRC audit. Ms. Phillips stated we have a scope of work, but she needs to go back to see how much of it can be completed. She stated once there is a timeline she will report back to the Committee. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.5. Home Education Superintendent Boyd recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 12) Yarixza Munoz Kasssandra Crotty Cynthia Soto Kristina Crotty Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.6. Supplemental Response on Motion by Andy Descoteaux- Feasibility of Neighborhood Schools Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer provided the Committee with a report that informed them that the St. Louis elementary school was under agreement; however, the part of the property is still for sale for $3,600,000.00. The report stated that it appears that the School Department would have the following possible uses to for the property:  Additional early learning space as the City moves toward universal pre-K options.  Use for Central Office (Rental Savings).  Additional green space and parking for the Greenhalge Elementary School.  Use potentially as a campus for smaller programs managed by the Special Education department, which would allow for the centralization of administration and programs.  Have it available for a neighborhood school, if necessary in the future. The report stated that if it became the will of the School Committee, funding would require additional discussion and partnership. There are several options which would require further study and analysis and that savings on various leases over the next several years could potentially “fund” part of the purchase. There also are a lot of possible mixed uses for the property, where both the City and the Lowell Public Schools could possibly use parts of the project. There are parts of the campus which could be used for a community center and/or an annex where those in the neighborhood could access some municipal services. It is unknown what the renovation costs would be for the property. It is offered for sale in “as is” condition. Mr. Descoteaux asked the Superintendent to speak with the City Manager regarding this property. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.7. Response to Motion 2. CFO of 01/05/22 by Jackie Doherty Regarding End of Year Financial Report Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided a report that stated that the end of year report has historically been late. The report stated that since 2015, the end of year report has been submitted after the due date of October 1st and this occurs for the following numerous reasons:  Grant data is required on the report, but final reports for grants are not even due until October 31st which means the data is not completed on October 1st. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 12)  We wait until the City gives us their numbers and their data was not submitted to us until October 8th.  This year in particular, we were late due to a myriad of pandemic related issues. In particular, the report required additional data to report on all of the pandemic funds. There were many questions across the state on how to complete this.  Seventy percent of the finance staff left so most staff that normally participate in this reporting process were replaced with new staff. The most seasoned staff member who was primarily responsible for this report left at the time in which the extension expired. She was limited as to when she could return to complete the report and experienced numerous obstacles such as issues with remote access and the Munis system being updated during the weekends when she was coming in to complete.  Up until a week before this was submitted, we were still working with City Hall on corrections to the report. Rob O’Donnell from Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) informed me that approximately forty (40) districts received the same letter this year. Last year, nearly sixty-two (62) districts were sent this letter in early December. All in all, the district was not alone with the obstacles faced or the late submissions. Ms. Doherty stated that she would have preferred that the Committee be notified of the issue regarding the end of the year report at a meeting which she believes is the open transparent way as opposed to an email. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.8. Response to Motion 4. COO of 01/19/22 by Stacey Thompson Regarding the Frequency of HVAC Unit Filter Changes Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer provided the Committee with a report that informed them that the maintenance of all HVAC equipment within the schools is the responsibility of the Lowell Department of Public Works (DPW). The DPW HVAC technicians provide filters for all of the equipment and replace the filters on the majority of the HVAC equipment in the schools. Our building services employees only replace the filters in the classroom unit ventilators which are provided by the DPW. Our employees do not change any filters that are not accessible from the ground as they are the responsibility of the DPW. These filter changes are carried out as part of the typical ongoing efforts by building services employees in each school. Work orders are only generated for work to be carried out by others outside of the schools. Filters are typically changed out on a very regular basis, usually during school vacations. The report stated that going forward building service employees will record the exact date that filter changes occur in each school, so that the Facilities Department can monitor the changes, and report the information to the School Committee. The Facilities Department has requested information from the City in regard to filter changes for the HVAC equipment in order to answer the majority of this motion; however, that information has not yet been provided. Ms. Thompson stated that she is glad that moving forward this will be done and was surprised that this wasn’t being done especially during the pandemic. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 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 7 of 12) 5.9. Response to Motion 19. COO of 01/19/22 by Jackie Doherty to Seek Advice from MASC and MASS Regarding Staff Shortages. Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer provided the Committee with a report that informed them that on January 25, 2022, the administration contacted Glen Koocher related to efforts to handle staffing shortages during the ongoing pandemic, such as extending availability of retirees, waivers for remote learning, or other measures that make sense for students and staff. He noted that they were collaborating with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to permit, on an emergency basis, the use of recent retirees and to allow them to work without loss of pension under a critical waiver provision. The report stated that they were also aware that Senator Kennedy (D-Lowell) had sponsored a bill in relation to retiree wage thresholds. The Human Resources Office has been working with Middlesex Community College to recruit some of their Adjunct Professors who may not be teaching classes in particular semesters. Additionally, the district is already working on a number of proposals to negotiate with the UTL in order to enhance recruitment and retention for the 2022/2023 school year. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.10. Response to Motion 3. COO of 01/19/22 by Eileen DelRossi Regarding Maintenance and Repairs Expenditures Mr. Underwood, Director of Facilities provided a report that had a summarized listing of the completed and expected maintenance and repairs expenditures for FY2022. The report included a listing that had expenditures listed by account and vendor. Each account was subtotaled by account and expenses typically initiated by the city, accrued and applied to maintenance of effort, were highlighted in blue. This year, these specific expenses have been paid for by the school department Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.11. Response to Motion 13. COO of 02/02/22 by Eileen DelRossi Regarding ESSER Positions Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer provided the Committee with a report that informed them that currently in the district there are seventy-nine (79) social worker positions. The School Committee last month approved filing these position with Adjustment Counselors, if sufficient Social Workers were not available for hire. Currently, the district has fifty-one (51) full time Social Workers on the payroll, with an additional four (4) people being paid per diem. The district has four (4) Adjustment Counselors hired, so twenty (20) positions are still unfilled. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.11 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 8 of 12) 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1. Budget Transfer Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $157,131,99; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.2. Consideration of City of Lowell Health Officials' Recommended Update to School Mask Protocol Adam Ferreira and Monica Lundberg registered and spoke on the item. Ms. Golden, Director HHS and Ms. Moffett, RN provided a report to the Committee and Ms. Moffet attended the meeting and informed them that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will not be renewing the mask requirement after it expires on February 28, 2022. Effective Monday, February 28, 2022 the DESE mask requirement will be lifted in schools statewide. The Lowell Health Department and the Lowell Board of Health support the new mask recommendation in Lowell Public Schools. Committee members discussed waiting until March 7th, which is a week after the school vacation break to approve the non-renewal of the mask requirement. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the non-renewal of the mask requirement effective March 7, 2022; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.3. Consideration of Temporary Adjustment to the Student Attendance Policy Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that COVID- 19 has had a direct and significant negative impact on student attendance this school year, leading the administration to examine the district’s retention, promotion and attendance more closely for projected impacts to students as well as fidelity and equitable implementation of policy across schools. The report stated that following initial discussions with school and district leaders, he’s recommending a temporary adjustment to the following policies to ensure consistency, equity and fairness across schools and to allow for school leaders to consider supports needed to address students’ varying needs and barriers that are resulting in high chronic absenteeism and subsequent learning loss:  IKE-R – Promotion/Retention Policy, Middle School  2021-22 Lowell High School Handbook, Attendance Section The report included recommended adjustments that were reflected in red. The reported stated that rates of daily attendance in our schools have tracked rates of COVID-19, with student attendance significantly adversely impacted by the pandemic. In the second quarter of the current school year, a preliminary calculation of the district average daily attendance (ADA) was 84%, a decrease from 90% in the first quarter. In contrast, for several years prior to the pandemic annual ADA was 94%. In addition, our current year-to-date chronic absenteeism rate is estimated at 43% and nearly half of these chronically absent students experienced excused absences due to Covid-19 quarantine. However, even Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 12) when adjusted for excused absences, it is clear that attendance has decreased from pre-pandemic times and these temporary adjustments will allow school leaders to consider supports that address the increased absenteeism. They will also enable a thorough review of the current data and barriers to attendance in order to develop a comprehensive plan that directs resources to educational recovery for future years. He also recommended that a larger policy discussion on retention, promotion and attendance policies be held prior to the start of the 2022-23 school year. Ms. Martin stated that this kind of policy change warrants a subcommittee meeting because this is substantive. She suggested meeting next week to further the discussion. She stated that she would like to hear from the principals, teachers and staff involved in crafting this. She stated that she appreciates that we need to move on this quickly and stated that the sands have been shifting on this for the last two (2) years. She stated what she would like to hear is what these plans are going to look like and how they’re going to be developed and how we are going to be held accountable to the students and families. She stated that this should be sent to the policy subcommittee. She stated she believes it is a big deal and wants to have the conversation with the people who will be responsible for implementing it. Ms. Doherty stated that the Committee has two (2) options – go back to the policy subcommittee or have a special meeting. She stated that the Committee can’t make these decisions in a rush and she would like more data. She stated that for two (2) years her colleague to the right of her has been asking what is being done for the loss of learning. She stated we have attendance issues and grading issues and this has a severe ripple effect and if the Committee makes this decision what impact does it have on the students from last year. She stated she needs more information and she will provide a list of questions to the Superintendent. Superintendent Boyd stated for the record that there are zero tolerance aspects of the current policy that have not been implemented historically with fidelity within this community and these zero tolerance policies would have a negative impact on students hence the reason for bringing this to you now is to align your policy with actual practice as we understand it within the district. He stated that the adjustment here was adjusting the language of your policy to create consistency with historic practice across the district so you don’t have these inequities occurring across the district. The reason for a policy is to create standardize practice across the district and that currently is not the case and the reason that the spotlight is on it is because of the need right now for greater consistency given the gravity or the scale of the impact due to COVID-19 and the policy right now as stated is a zero tolerance policy that will necessitate and should have necessitated previously, that we notified families of immediate retention. He stated that he wanted to be clear and transparent that those conversations have not historically taken place and have not taken place with families of the automatic retention of all students that have crossed these thresholds and he wanted to be clear in honoring his responsibility to implementing the Committee’s policies. He stated that the coaching and guidance that has been provided to schools right now has been the coaching and guidance to meet students’ needs and to make sure we intervene to provide the proper interventions to meet the needs of students and families and in all cases and that has not been zero tolerance retention and he stated that he said that to make sure the district is unified with one voice in terms of providing clarity to the schools. He continued and stated that because the policy themselves should provide that clarity and it is his understanding that at this current point historically there has not been complete alignment with the policies that have been on the books across schools here and he doesn’t want the school leaders and those who have been implementing on behalf of students to be in some ways communicated with that some way they’re out Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 12) of alignment with a policy that has been on the books for years that has not been implemented consistently and that was the reason to bring it to the Committee for a temporary adjustment, so the district could align their policy with the historic practice that has been, because there is a spotlight on this policy due to COVID-19. He stated that the longer term discussion would need to take place however the district is already past the time that conversations should have taken place with families across the board and the reason they haven’t because historically they have not. Mr. Skinner as a long time Principal was going to share with you tonight the historical practice and what this request was and why we felt it was beneficial to make the temporary adjustment so you could engage in an in depth discussion to get your policies updated to where the standard is in 2022. Ms. Martin responded that we are all looking forward to having this meeting. She stated that in the Superintendent’s statement he basically told the Committee that this policy has been ignored and she finds that very unfortunate. She stated that it may be historic, but she was not aware there was a policy being ignored throughout the district and perhaps that will put a different spin on this meeting which is unfortunate because she stated her intention was to have these changes that will help our students and families during a particular challenging time for students and families. She stated that she believes the whole purpose was to have put into context these conversations in a positive way while being able to keep the district’s focus on what student’s needs are and ensuring that we are accountable to them and the way we change our policies. She stated that it’s discouraging to note that apparently this policy has been ignored historically and finds that unfortunate, but it’s opportunity now to engage in the topic and ensure that the policies passed by the Committee are implemented in the Lowell Public Schools. Superintendent Boyd responded that he wants to note that the policy was adopted in 1975, so the policy here he doesn’t believe is being ignored, but the lack of consistency as it has been brought to his attention with implementation. Ms. Martin made a motion to refer this to a Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.4. Authorization to Procure Modular Units for Instructional Athletic Space at Cawley Stadium Matthew LeLacheur and Paul Georges spoke on the item. Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer provided a memorandum to the Committee from Rick Underwood, Director of Operations and Maintenance, outlining the need for and costs associated with replacing the existing athletic instructional modular units at Cawley Stadium. The memorandum states that in past years, when the existing modular units were fully functioning, the spaces were used for team meetings as well as strength and conditioning. These modular units are no longer accessible due to age and deterioration. It is also notable that there is a current community effort to improve the permanent facilities at Cawley Stadium. These improvements may affect the ability for Lowell Public Schools athletic programs to access indoor space for team gatherings in the future. Currently, there are sixteen (16) teams (Football, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Baseball, Softball, Boys Track and Field, Girls Track and Field, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Boys Crew, Girls Crew, Boys Tennis, and Girls Tennis) which would benefit from this modular unit replacement project. Ms. Desmond recommended procurement of the modular units at this time. The modular units may be moved to other Lowell Public Schools’ athletic locations once the community efforts to improve Cawley Stadium is completed. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 12) Mr. Descoteaux stated that he is upset with the City for not contributing to this project and would like answers from the City Manager seeing that the City is the owner and the Schools are the tenant. Superintendent Boyd stated that funding could come from mid-year savings due to staffing shortages. Ms. Doherty urged the Mayor to have a joint facilities subcommittee meeting. Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve the procurement of modular units at Cawley Stadium; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Doherty made a motion to have a joint school committee and city council facilities subcommittee meeting as soon as possible; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.5. Vote to Accept a Donation of $10.000 from the Billi Marcus Foundation Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer provided a report to the Committee that stated that the Billi Marcus Foundation, Inc. wishes to donate $10,000 to the Daley Middle School for use by the 6th Grade Team. Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the donation of $10.000 from the Billi Marcus Foundation; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 7.1. Permission For Jessica Daviso, Fine Arts Department Chair & K-12 Arts Curriculum, To Attend The National Art Education Association (NAEA) In New York City To Accept An Award On March 3, 2022 Through March 5, 2022. The Cost Of The Convention (Including Registration Conference Fees, Meals And Lodging) Will Be No Cost To The Lowell Public School Department. No Substitute Teacher Is Needed Ms. Martin made a motion to bundle and approve conference requests 7.1 through 7.4; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.2. Request Permission For LHS Varsity Baseball Team Along With Lowell High School Coaches, Dan Graham, Mark Rurak, Sean Riley And Nick Rand To Attend A Conference Games In Cooperstown, New York On Saturday, April 30, 2022 And Sunday, May 1, 2022. The LHS Baseball Parent Boosters Will Pay All Travel Expenses. There Is No Other Cost To Lowell High School Or The School Department. Ms. Martin made a motion to bundle and approve conference requests 7.1 through 7.4; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.3. Request Permission For 8th Grade Wang School Students, Along With Teacher/Chaperones Kathy Clark, Matthew Palmer, Alison Kuzara To Travel To Boston From Tuesday, May 31. 2022 Through Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Students Will Miss Two Days Of School. Fundraising Activities Will Be Held Throughout The School Year To Defray The Cost Of The Trip [$584/Per Student] For All Participating Students. No Substitute Teachers Are Needed. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 12) Ms. Martin made a motion to bundle and approve conference requests 7.1 through 7.4; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.4. Pre-Approved: International Travel Request - Lowell High School staff member, Susan Brassard and two additional chaperones (Cassandra Johnson and Brianna Heughins), along with approximately eighteen [18] LHS students, are requesting to travel to Rome and Sorrento, Italy during the school vacation the week of February 20, 2023 to February 24, 2023. The total cost of $3,220 will be paid by each student traveling. The need of adding the cost for substitute teachers may arise depending on total students enrolled by February 17, 2023. Contingent on COVID-19 restrictions. Change requested: Travel will be from Friday, February 17th returning on Monday, February 27, 2022 Ms. Martin made a motion to bundle and approve conference requests 7.1 through 7.4; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 8. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 9. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to adjourn at 8:53 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Lay. 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