School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: September 7, 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 6:38 p.m., members present were, namely: Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Ms. Thompson, Mayor Chau, Ms. Chhoun and Ms. Doherty. Ms. Delrossi was absent. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Ms. Martin made a motion to suspend the rules to welcome Hugo Barbosa, Deputy Consulate General from Brazil in Boston; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, August 10, 2022 Ms. Martin made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting that was held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022; seconded by Mr. Lay. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter 1: September 7, 2022 Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 7) 5.2. Permission to Enter 2: September 7, 2022 Mr. Georges registered and spoke not in favor. Ms. Turner, Chief Finance Officer gave an HVAC contract update and stated that officially there is no HVAC contract. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 6. MEMORIALS 6.1. Joseph August Rodrigues, Grandfather of Robert Gignac, Former School Committee Member 6.2. Robert Macdonald, Retired Daley School Teacher 6.3. Charles Norton, Retired Stoklosa School Building Service Employee 6.4. Patricia Fitzpatrick, Retired Lowell High School Music Teacher 6.5. David Barbera, Father of Keliann Woodlock, Morey Assistant Principal 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request Superintendent to provide a status list of all major HVAC replacements and repairs. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Lay. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 7.2. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request Superintendent to provide a report in regards to current social emotional curriculum in the district. As well as to report on programs such as DESSA and Quaver and where the funding for these programs have been redirected if we no longer have these programs. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 7.3. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the Superintendent to report on the new space that was created at the Stem Academy so that the family and community members are aware. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 7) 7.4. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the Superintendent to report on the internal hiring process across the district. Please include any form of hiring rubrics that are used to score candidates. Ms. Doherty stated that she supported this motion and shared the following concerns she has and requested it be addressed in the report: 1. Awarding positions while final interviews are still being conducted. 2. Not respecting the role of the Screening Committee and ignoring the Screening Committee’s recommendations or hiring someone the Screening Committee didn’t interview. 3. Bringing employees in at a higher step than their experience allows. 4. Providing interviews and positions for candidates with emergency licensure over candidates who have licensure. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 7.5. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with an Enrollment Analysis for the Oct. 5 meeting that compares current enrollment data by school/grade/strands with enrollment data over the last five years (2017-2022). The analysis should also include expected enrollment trends going forward based on preschool numbers and other available data that would impact future enrollment numbers. Ms. Martin asked about transient students and information that can be obtained as they come in and out of the district. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Joint Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee: Report and approval of the minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, August 10, 2022 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson & John Leahy, Chairperson] Ms. Doherty, Chairperson of the Joint Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee informed the Committee discussions took place regarding an update on progress made regarding windows, screens, shades and door locks. The also spoke about prioritizing HVAC concerns that were identified with plans, timelines, and costs that are most pressing. Ms. Doherty made motion to bring in a neutral party to provide a reconditioning report and to share the cost of the report 50/50 with the City; 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 Ms. Thompson. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 7) 9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. School Opening Recap Superintendent Boyd introduced Ms. Myers, LPS Community Outreach Strategist, who provided a brief narrative and slideshow of Opening Day at our schools. Dr. Hall provided a report with open positions. Committee members asked the follow questions. Ms. Doherty stated that it was a great job on only having three (3) open teaching positions. She asked how may children were still in the enrollment process. She also stated that the Cardinal O’Connell has a beautiful playground, but there is concern because there is no fence around the area. Ms. Phillips responded that there are 167 awaiting placement due to the fact that they’re missing documents. She stated 1600 students have been placed. Superintendent Boyd stated that he will reach out to the DPW to discuss the fence at the Cardinal O’Connell. Ms. Doherty then asked about how many social worker positions that were discussed last year were filled. Dr. Hall stated only a few of them and he will look into it. Ms. Martin asked what the obstacle is with the documents. She also asked how many students were being transported and how many of the LRTA bus passes are being utilized. Ms. Phillips stated a few examples such as proof of address, missing information on the document or they’re not readable. Superintendent Boyd stated that when he was at the high school his observation was that there was a long line of students waiting to receive an LRTA bus pass, but said he will provide that information. Mr. Lay stated that he appreciates the LRTA program and hopes the students are taking advantage and asked when the students can use them. Superintendent Boyd stated that it’s only active to and from school. Ms. Thompson asked if high school parents are redirected from the LRTA so they don’t have to pay. Dr. Hall stated that he was unsure. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 7) 9.2. Home Education Superintendent Boyd recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Borivy Yin-Mak Shonjia Pierre-Louis Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Budget Transfer Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $544,908.00 seconded by Ms. Thompson. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 10.2. Consideration of MOA for Paraprofessionals to Continue Terms of 2021/2022 MOA when Paraprofessionals serve as Substitute Teachers Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve the MOA for Paraprofessionals to continue terms of 2021/2022 MOA when Paraprofessionals serve as substitute teachers; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Ms. Martin made a motion to withdraw approved motions on agenda items 10.2 and 10.3 and to schedule an Executive Session to discuss agenda items 10.2 through 10.6; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 10.3. Consideration of MOA Related to Evaluations for Cafeteria Employees, Building Services Employees, and Paraprofessionals Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the MOA related to Evaluations for Cafeteria Employees, Building Services Employees, and Paraprofessionals; seconded by Mr. Lay. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Ms. Martin made a motion to withdraw approved motions on agenda items 10.2 and 10.3 and to schedule an Executive Session to discuss agenda items 10.2 through 10.6; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 10.4. Consideration of MOA Related to Lowell High School Clubs and their Advisors Ms. Martin made a motion to withdraw approved motions on agenda items 10.2 and 10.3 and to schedule an Executive Session to discuss agenda items 10.2 through 10.6; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 7) 10.5. Consideration of MOA with UTL Related to Cooks' Pay Ms. Martin made a motion to withdraw approved motions on agenda items 10.2 and 10.3 and to schedule an Executive Session to discuss agenda items 10.2 through 10.6; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 10.6. Consideration of MOA with UTL Related to Advisors Ms. Martin made a motion to withdraw approved motions on agenda items 10.2 and 10.3 and to schedule an Executive Session to discuss agenda items 10.2 through 10.6; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 10.7. Approval of a Doctoral Research Proposal: John William McKenna Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer informed the Committee that Dr. John McKenna is an Associate Professor for moderate disabilities at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Dr. McKenna is seeking to conduct a research study to obtain an understanding of inclusive instruction for students receiving special education for Emotional Impairment by collecting data on teacher self-reported knowledge, use, and perceived effectiveness of recommended classroom practices for this student population. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the doctoral research proposal of John William McKenna; seconded by Ms. Martin. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 10.8. Approval of a Doctoral Research Proposal: Kerien Driscoll Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer informed the Committee that Kerien Driscoll 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-in practice research case study. Ms. Driscoll’s objective of her research, using a small-scale mixed methods study that will help the researchers understand how policies and practices influence day to-day experiences for principals, teachers, and students related to elementary science. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the doctoral research proposal of John William McKenna; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 11. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 11.1. Lowell High School in State and Overnight Travel Request: Baystate Showchoir Festival in Easton, MA Ms. Martin made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 7) 12. COMMUNICATIONS 12.1. Communication from the Office of Teaching & Learning Regarding Fine Arts, Health Credits and Graduation Requirements Ms. Martin made a motion to accept the communication and to place it on file; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 13. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lay made a motion to adjourn at 8:09 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi) 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