School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: August 10, 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 6:51 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Ms. Thompson, Mayor Chau, Ms. Chhoun and Ms. Delrossi. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Spotlight On Excellence: Robinson School Performance The Spotlight on Excellence featured students from the Robinson School who performed the National Anthem for the Committee and viewing audience. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, July 13, 2022 Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting that was held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 and the Special Meetings of the Lowell School Committee that were held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 and Wednesday, August 3, 2022; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 10) 4.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, July 13, 2022 Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting that was held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 and the Special Meetings of the Lowell School Committee that were held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 and Wednesday, August 3, 2022; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting that was held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 and the Special Meetings of the Lowell School Committee that were held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 and Wednesday, August 3, 2022; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter: August 10, 2022 Ms. Turner noted the following corrections: The Carroll Center for the Blind, Inc. had an incorrect funding source. The funding source is actually Out of District, Local. Community Teamwork, Inc. had an incorrect funding source. The funding source is actually ESSER. Also, the part-time rate is $30.00 not $40.00 as written. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Lay. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED 6. MEMORIALS 6.1. Susan Nutall, Moody School Paraprofessional 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Mayor Sokhary Chau]: Request the School Committee Temporarily Waive the Ad Hoc Subcommittee Requirements Under Policy FF and Authorize the Superintendent to Begin the Process of Naming the Basketball Court at Lowell High School After Ramon Rivera. Mayor Chau made a motion to approve, seconded by Ms. Martin. Ms. Martin shared her concerns with the Committee in regards to not having an AD Hoc Subcommittee to properly vet the process. She stated that she is in full support of the naming of the basketball court in Ramon Rivera’s name, but wants to make sure the process is done correctly. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 10) Ms. Martin made a substitute motion to empower the Mayor to create an AD HOC Subcommittee regarding the naming of the basketball court at Lowell High School after Ramon Rivera; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APROVED 7.2. [By Stacey Thompson]: Request to the Superintendent regarding prior, ongoing or the establishment of anti-racism training at the administration and principal level to continue to support the work of equity in the district. This is to be a complement to any bias, racism or discrimination work being carried out/implemented in the district. This training to then be made accessible for professionals throughout the district. Ms. Thompson amended the motion with no objection from the Committee to include the School Committee. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.3. [By Dominik Hok Lay and Eileen DelRossi]: To request the Superintendent to request the City CFO to provide a report with the following, each year for the last 5 (five) years: "Charge back" that the City charged against the Schools Contribution in the School budget. And also the actually amount that the City spent. 1. List all the "Charge back" category that the City has charged against the School contribution. 2. Itemize descriptions for each charge back for each category. 3. Charge back amount for each item and total for each category. 4. What are the actual amount that the City spent for each item? 5. What accountability and measures taken to ensure accuracy? Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.4. [By Dominik Lay and Stacey Thompson]: Request Superintendent to provide the following report, listed by school, to the School Committee twice yearly: in first meeting of March and November. In an effort to keep track of the diversity hiring gains, as they pertain to racial/ethnic and cultural diversity. 1. The total of teachers per race/ethnicity-by school. 2. The total of paraprofessionals per race/ethnicity. 3. A chart/configuration of percentage change. In addition, a once or twice yearly presentation by the district HR department on strategies, successes and misses. Mr. Lay amended the motion with no objection from the Committee to include students as well. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 10) 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Family and Community Engagement Subcommittee Meeting: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, July 11, 2022 [Eileen DelRossi, Chairperson] Ms. Delrossi, Chairperson of the Family and Community Engagement Subcommittee reported out on this at the July 13, 2022 School Committee meeting. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.2. Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee Meeting: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, July 20, 2022 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] Ms. Martin, Chairperson of the Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee informed the Committee that the Subcommittee met to discuss the Superintendent’s Evaluation and the Superintendent’s Evaluation took place on August 3, 2022. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.3. Joint Curriculum & Policy Subcommittee Meeting: Report and Approval of the Meeting of Wednesday, July 27, 2022 [Connie Martin, Chairperson and Jackie Doherty, Chairperson] Ms. Doherty, Chairperson of the Policy Subcommittee informed the Committee of the recommendations that were provided were regarding Lowell Public Schools (LPS) high school graduation requirements, expectations of MASSCore and the current literature on post-secondary readiness; and to develop a policy recommendation to improve the alignment of the LPS graduation requirements with the community-based Portrait of a Graduate. The changes would start with the graduating class of 2026 and subsequent changes projected to be made between 2026 - 2029. The goal presented is to implement the next phase of Lowell High School’s redesign with a current comprehensive analysis of Lowell Public Schools (LPS) high school graduation requirements Ms. Thompson stated that she has concerns about the Latin X population, increasing the rigor and not leaving people behind. Ms. Doherty stated that she is not in favor of the pilot study regarding the health requirement. Ms. Doherty made a motion to support adding Math, Science and Social Studies for school year 2026- 2027 and to have the Health component be a separate vote; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Ms. Doherty made a motion to take Item 10.1. Consideration of Update to Graduation Requirements Policy; File # IKF out of order; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 10) Ms. Doherty made a motion to support the revised update to the Graduation Requirements Policy; File # IKF adding Math, Science and Social Studies for school year 2026-2027 and to have the Health component be a separate vote; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. Update On School Opening Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer provided an update to the Committee. The report included the following:  Components of readiness  Methods of tracking progress  Readiness timeline Ms. Doherty asked about school assignments. Ms. Phillips stated that there are 270 who are awaiting medical clearance, 300 awaiting completion of their registration and 200 that have put in a transfer request. She stated that all other students have been assigned. Data Roll Out is August 15th. Ms. Doherty stated that she thinks that seems tight. She then asked how many staff openings we still have. She also asked about furniture purchases. Dr. Hall stated that we are better than last year, but he didn’t have the information in front of him and would have to get back to her. He stated that Mr. Underwood is still working on the furniture purchases, but the Bartlett does have tables. Ms. Chhoun asked if AC will be working and about health/immunizations and information getting out to people. Dr. Hall stated that the City is organizing vaccinations. He stated that very few of our schools have AC, but the Stoklosa is one of our schools that has it and a part is on order. He stated that information is going out. Ms. Thompson asked for a facilities assessment when the administration receives it. Superintendent Boyd stated sure, he can send it to the Committee and post it on the dashboard in intervals. Ms. Martin stated that the dashboard should be on our website seeing it’s a public document. Superintendent Boyd stated that we will work toward that. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 10) Ms. Delrossi asked about the high school schedules. Superintendent Boyd stated that they’re ahead of schedule from last year. Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.2. Update On Capital Improvements Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer provided a report to the that showed the ongoing Facilities’ projects approved by the School Committee for execution. The report included:  Playground at Cardinal O’Connell, Bartlett and STEM Academy at Rogers  Screen Repairs (SY22)  HVAC Study  Cawley Stadium and STEM Academy at Rogers Modulars  Facilities Master Plan RFP Ms. Doherty stated that she didn’t remember voting on a $500,000 assessment plan. Superintendent Boyd stated the he will halt the assessment contract. Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.3. Response to Motion 01. CFO of 04/06/22 by Eileen DelRossi Regarding Line Item Budget from Munis Ms. Turner, Assistant Superintendent of Finance/CFO provided a report from Munis that reports all of the general fund accounts for the school department. The report includes the DESE function code, revised budget amounts, year to date expended and encumbered and the available balance. The report stated that we still have over $3 milliion open in purchase orders for FY22 and the available balance shows a deficit of $227,927.15 which will be corrected in the year end clean-up process. Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.4. Response to Motion 05. CFO of 05/04/22 by Eileen DelRossi Regarding Additional Funding for SEL Ms. Turner, Assistant Superintendent of Finance/CFO provided a report that stated that our district funds mental health positions such as Psychologists, Social Workers, Guidance Counselors, and Behavior Certified Behavioral Analysts through the general fund. It states that when grant funds become available to enhance or expand current programming for SEL, applications are submitted. There are three (3) recent funding additions (ESSER, SEL 311 and SEL 613) to help support these endeavors. Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 10) 9.5. Response to Motion 06. CFO of 05/04/22 by Stacey Thompson Regarding Diversifying Contractors & Partnerships Ms. Turner, Assistant Superintendent of Finance/CFO provided a report that informed the Committee that the response will be presented in two (2) parts since information gathering for same portions will take longer since they’re not part of the Business Office recording keeping. The report stated that there was an extensive list of contracts, and a sampling was done to determine minority and/or women owned businesses and the result resulted in less than 10%. Data will continue to be collected from schools and other departments on their existing partnerships and whether they offer diversity and equity. The list will be shared when competed. The report stated that they will continue to make purposeful efforts for diversity contracts, partnerships and organizational needs. Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.6. Response to Motion 07. CFO of 06/15/22 By Jackie Doherty Regarding Vacancy Savings Ms. Turner, Assistant Superintendent of Finance/CFO provided a report that informed the Committee throughout each fiscal year, the general ledger accounts are monitored to adjust for accounts with saving and accounts that are short. The Finance office completes transfers regularly to continuously address the dynamic nature of a large deficit with people coming and going and changes to original plans. Ms. Doherty asked for a quarterly report on savings and asked if we filled all the Social Worker positions last year that were discussed. Ms. Turner stated that vacancy savings come from multiple lines and that she is unsure how many were filled. Ms. Doherty stated that it would be helpful to see the ESSER funds for positons that weren’t used. Ms. Turner stated that it would match up with Fair Student Funding. She stated that she can do it the old fashion way and run reports. Superintendent Boyd stated to let the Administration know and they will include it in the budget. Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.7. Personnel Report The Personnel Report officially informs the Committee of all retirements, resignations, promotions and new hires. Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 10) 9.8. Home Education Superintendent Boyd recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Emily Gonzalez Dierdre Robbins Chanda Serrano Ada Muriel Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Consideration of Update to Graduation Requirements Policy; File # IKF This was vetted through the Joint Curriculum & Policy Subcommittee with the following revised motion. Ms. Doherty made a motion to support the revised update to the Graduation Requirements Policy; File # IKF adding Math, Science and Social Studies for school year 2026-2027 and to have the Health component be a separate vote; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 10.2. Update to Student Handbooks for SY2022-2023 Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided the Committee with updates to the Student Handbooks for SY2022-2023. The recommended updates and changes to the high school handbook were made by a team of administrators from Lowell High School and reviewed by the district’s legal team. The elementary and middle school includes minimal changes. Superintendent Boyd stated that the updated gradation requirements will be included in the high school handbook. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to approve the updates to the Student Handbooks for SY2022-2023; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.3. Approval of Job Description & Permission to Post: Director of Parent/Family Leadership Institute Ms. Doherty stated that she is not in favor of this. Ms. Martin stated that she doesn’t agree with the salary range and it being unaffiliated. She also stated that she believes the Subcommittee discussion is not reflected. Mr. Lay stated that he agrees with Ms. Martin regarding salary range. Superintendent Boyd withdrew the job description. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 10) 10.4. Vote to Accept and Expend Allocated FY22 Awards Ms. Turner, Assistant Superintendent/CFO requested that the Committee vote to approve and accept the list of FY22 grant allocations received to date. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve and accept the Allocated FY21 Awards; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.5. Budget Transfer Ms. Maritn made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $312,525.50; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.6. Approval of a Doctoral Research Proposal for Janet Koza Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer informed the Committee that Janet Koza is enrolled in a doctoral program at Northeastern University’s Education program. A requirement of the program is to complete a dissertation-in-practice research case study. Ms. Koza’s objective of her research is to examine teachers’ experiences of restorative practices because while research strongly suggests that punitive practices harm all students, the systemic shift to restorative practices lags, especially in urban schools. This qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) will explore teacher preparation for implementation of a restorative justice initiative interrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Gloria Ladson Billings’ Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) will provide the framework to explore how teachers made sense of restorative justice in education (RJE) through teacher conceptions of self, the structure of social relationships in school, and conceptions of knowledge. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to approve the doctoral research proposal of Janet Koza; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.7. Approval of a Doctoral Research Proposal for Jason McCrevan Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer informed the Committee that Jason McCrevan is enrolled in a doctoral program at University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Educational Leadership program. A requirement of the program is to complete a dissertation-inpractice research case study. Mr. McCrevan’s objective of his research is to identify and understand the historical barriers to Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) student achievement in Lowell Public Schools. The historical case study will use qualitative methods to examine these intersecting factors that impede STE teaching and learning. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the doctoral research proposal of Janet Koza; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.8. Approval of a Doctoral Research Proposal for Kimberly Gonzalez Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer informed the Committee that Kimberly Gonzalez is enrolled in a doctoral program at University of Massachusetts Lowell’s School of Education. A requirement of the program is to complete a dissertation-in-practice research case study. Ms. Gonzalez’s objective of her Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 10) research is to understand how the district’s affinity group addresses the professional learning needs of their teacher of color. The research is guided by two research questions that focus on the reasoning and processes of creating the district affinity program and how do educators describe and explain their experiences within a district affinity program. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the doctoral research proposal of Janet Koza; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 11. COMMUNICATIONS 11.1. Memo from The Office of Finance and Operations Requesting a Meeting of the Personnel & Labor Relations Subcommittee Ms. Martin made a motion to poll for a Human Relations & Labor Relations Subcommittee; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the communication and to place it on file; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED Mayor Chau made a motion to suspend the rules to reconsider the Mayor’s motion that read: “Request the School Committee Temporarily Waive the Ad Hoc Subcommittee Requirements Under Policy FF and Authorize the Superintendent to Begin the Process of Naming the Basketball Court at Lowell High School after Ramon Rivera” due to the painting of the gym floor; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Mayor Chau made a motion to waive the Ad Hoc Subcommittee in regards to the naming of the Basketball Court at Lowell High School after Ramon Rivera and to have the Administration do the proper vetting process for said naming; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 12. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Doherty made a motion to adjourn at 8:53 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