School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: May 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 an 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 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. 1. SALUTE TO FLAG 2. ROLL CALL On a roll call at 6:36 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Ms. Thompson and Mayor Chau. 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 3.1. FY2023 Budget Session Page 16 4000: Custodial & Security Services $7,692,702 Michael Sheehan spoke on this agenda item. Mr. Doherty made a motion to approve the bottom-line figure of $7,692,702; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Turner stated that this budget is all general fund and that ESSER and grant funds are not included. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 3) Page 17 5100/5200: Employee Benefits & Retirements $22,447,079 Mr. Lay asked about longevity. Ms. Turner responded that it’s for people who have been here a long time. Ms. Martin asked if we are on track for retirements. Ms. Turner stated yes. Ms. Chhoun asked about student insurance. Ms. Turner stated that it covers school based accidents and that we also an insurance umbrella with the city. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the bottom-line figure of $22,447,079; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED Page 18 5350: Rental of Buildings $552,672 Ms. Turner stated that we have increased our square footage and at this time there are no bids. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to approve the bottom-line figure of $552,672; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Page 19 7000: Capital Outlay $325,000 Ms. Martin asked what fell under equipment. Ms. Turner stated that snow blowers, lawn mowers, floor equipment, etc. She stated that its mostly custodial staff needs. Ms. Martin asked that a list of the equipment that falls under the capital outlay be provided to the Committee. She stated that ESSER could be appropriate for some of this. Ms. Doherty asked what capital improvement is. Ms. Turner stated that it’s any cost that does not fall under equipment replacement by the city. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve the bottom-line figure of $325,000; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 3) Page 20 9000: Out of District Budget $7,012,199 Ms. Doherty asked about mental health services and if we’ve factored in new students. Ms. Turner responded yes and that some students leave and new ones come in. Ms. Chhoun asked if this covers other districts or charter schools. Ms. Turner responded no and that they’re different. She stated that we use this to address needs in our district. Ms. Martin asked if we can draw down from circuit breaker and the stabilization fund. Ms. Doherty asked if they can only be spent on Special Education. Ms. Turner responded yes for both. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the bottom-line figure of $7,012,199; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Suspense Account $2,500,000 Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve the bottom-line figure of $2,500,000; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 4. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Doherty made a motion to recess at 7:12 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 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