School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: October 5, 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: Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Ms. Thompson and Mayor Chau. 3. MINUTES 3.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meetings that were held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 3.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meetings that were held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 4. PERMISSION TO ENTER 4.1. Permission to Enter: October 5, 2022 Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Lay. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 8) 5. MEMORIALS 5.1. Sheila Singer, Mother of Marcy A. Winer Moody School Paraprofessional 6. MOTIONS 6.1. [By Susie Chhoun]: Request the Superintendent develop a legislative agenda for the Committee’s consideration which advances the policy interests of Lowell’s students and families at the state level ahead of the next legislative session. Ms. Weil-Pourfard and Ms. Danas registered and spoke on this motion. Committee members were in support and suggested that Ms. Chhoun bring a motion back to them to endorse the Fair Share Act. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.2. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Family Resource Center return to previous dates for registering pre-k and kindergarten classes. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. Ms. Doherty withdrew the motion. Ms. Phillips will be providing data on student registration. 6.3. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to look into Massachusetts Safe and Supportive Schools Grants to enhance overall safety in all schools across the district. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.4. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to provide a report on the pros and cons of installing metals detectors at LHS. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.5. [By Stacey Thompson]: Motion to have a list of the current cultural field trips that the district is sponsoring this year to advance exposure and education to different cultures, to include sites such as Hidden in Plain Sight exhibit currently showing at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center. She stated that field trips should be considered moments of cultural experience. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 8) 7. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 7.1. SY2022-2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables Superintendent Boyd recommended that to finalize the goals and deliverables that were provided to the Committee in the packet, the process that was established previously included a first reading with a full presentation and in-depth discussion through the Human Resources and Labor Relations Subcommittee, where the Subcommittee can review the rationale and intended impact of each initiative and action step and discuss opportunities for further refinement. Once vetted by the Subcommittee, the goals discussed can be presented to the full Committee in open session and approved as part of the annual Superintendent evaluation process. If the Committee chooses that approach this year, the Superintendent will work to organize a Subcommittee meeting with the designated Subcommittee Chair as soon as it is authorized. In addition, as part of our discussion at the end of last year’s evaluation cycle, we discussed the importance of further clarifying the roles of the School Committee and Superintendent, including the organizational value of defining a clear operational line between governance and management. He stated that he has since conducted a review of relevant strategies utilized in other complex, urban districts around the country to determine an approach which could be effective and sustainable here in Lowell and is looking forward to sharing an option for the Committee’s consideration and recommends that those discussions occur one-on-one and in an executive session in the near future. Ms. Doherty stated that in terms of discussion of governance and management the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) should be invited to offer guidance to the Committee. She doesn’t believe that it belongs in Executive Session and that it isn’t in the spirit of the open meeting law. Superintendent Boyd stated that discussions around language in his contract regarding his duties belong in Executive Session, but will do what the will of the Committee is, although he believes it would be ill advised. Ms. Martin stated that she concurs with Ms. Doherty and believes having MASC here to offer guidance around the role of the School Committee is a good idea and would be beneficial. She stated to Superintendent Boyd that she believes we are talking about two (2) different things. She stated that if we are taking about the role of the School Committee having that discussion in open session is fine. She stated that if we are taking about opening up the contract that would belong in Executive Session. Superintendent Boyd stated again that he does not agree for the record. He stated he is not looking to negotiate a contract. Ms. Doherty stated that we should have the Subcommittee and the Special Meeting/Retreat first and then if there is language discussion around the Superintendent’s contract going into Executive Session is fine. Ms. Doherty made a motion to send SY2022-2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables to a Human Relations & Labor Relations Subcommittee for further discussion; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 8) Ms. Martin made a motion to have a Special Meeting of the School Committee for a retreat to meet with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to offer guidance around defining the role of the School Committee when it comes to management and governance; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.2. 2022 MCAS Results and Accountability Report Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that stated that due to the impact of the COVID pandemic on schools statewide, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has devised a new calculation to measure accountability for 2022. This calculation will also serve as a new baseline against which future results will be compared. It consists of a combination of the 2019 and 2022 results, with greater weight applied to the 2022 results (60% vs. 40%). For Lowell, the overall 2022 results are not dissimilar to the 2019 results, and trends in our results mirror those in state results, which indicates considerable recovery from pandemic learning loss. Results at the high school level show growth, for example, and more Lowell schools improved than declined their percentile ranking compared to schools across the commonwealth. These outcomes are especially noteworthy since they span a period of unprecedented disruption in schooling when urban areas have generally fared considerably worse than others. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.3. Report on Motions Superintendent Boyd provided the Committee with an updated report on the status of outstanding motions and asked the Committee if they had any concerns or questions. Ms. Thompson stated on the first page under ongoing reports her motion regarding incidents of discrimination, racism and bullying should appear. She also stated that on page 11 her motion regarding contracted partnerships has not been completed and on page 2 trainings offered to teachers and staff has been in progress since May and she is looking to know where we are with it. Ms. Thompson also about her motion regarding Financial Wellness on page 7 and asked where that is going to live, because she does not want it to die. Ms. Doherty added that the Committee has not received monthly updates on the Lowell High School project that was requested. She also stated that on page 7 she asked for a Mental Health Audit and stated that although the RFP received no respondents the first time, she would like the administration to try again or go to a Subcommittee to come up with a scope. Superintendent Boyd stated that he will go to the Director of Mental Health Services that was hired and come back with the information. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 8) 7.4. Response to Motion 06. CAO of 06/04/22 by Jackie Doherty Regarding Sex Education in Middle Schools Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer provided a report to the Committee informing them that there are currently six (6) middle schools with health teachers. The amount of time dedicated for health classes differs between schools. The class periods range from fifty (50) minutes to sixty (60) minutes. The health teachers follow the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Standards for Health Education. Last year, Lowell Public School middle school health teachers met monthly as a "Health Education Task Force." The goal of the task force is for LPS health educators to share ideas and resources. This task force developed great community connections. They partnered with a member of the Lowell Health Dept., Lowell Community Health Center, Greater Lawrence Health Center, Elevate and the Clearinghouse Massachusetts Health Promotion. One middle school established a partnership with University of Massachusetts Lowell to provide a graduate student who will support that school in developing a youth community needs assessment. Clearinghouse, Elevate, Healthy Futures and Teen Block are some of the guest speakers used in the middle schools. Ms. Doherty asked what the other middle schools who don’t have health teachers are doing. Superintendent Boyd stated that they’re meeting the standards in another way. Ms. Doherty stated that more discussion needs to take place. Ms. Doherty made a motion to refer the response to motion by Jackie Doherty Regarding Sex Education in Middle Schools to a Curriculum Subcommittee meeting to receive a fuller explanation and to provide a more comprehensive report; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.5. Response to Motion 07. CEEO of 09/07/22 by Jackie Doherty Regarding Enrollment Analysis Ms. Philips provided a report to the Committee that stated that the analysis for this motion should also include expected enrollment trends going forward based on preschool numbers and other available data that would impact future enrollment numbers. The report provided included the initial enrollment data report which was compiled and presented in comparative charts and graphs by the district’s Office of Accountability. Additional information and analysis regarding projected enrollment trends based on preschool numbers and other available data will be provided after the October 1, 2022 reporting period which is when the projections process for the next year’s enrollment typically begins. Ms. Doherty asked about the October 1st enrollment process. Superintendent Boyd stated that October 1st is the cutoff and then the validation process begins which takes about a month. He stated that the 2nd quarter budget process will provide more answers. Ms. Doherty stated that in 2017 the district had 300 more students. She stated that if it is not as crowded now why are we putting so many students at the STEM Academy. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 8) Superintendent Boyd stated placement is around English Language Learners and their needs as well as Special Education students. Ms. Doherty stated that that does not address capacity. Superintendent Boyd stated that they go through an analysis regularly around space. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.6. Response to Motion 21. COO of 09/07/22 by Eileen DelRossi Regarding Internal Hiring Process Dr. Hall, Chiefs Operating Officer provided a partial motion response that said additional time will be needed to put together a response focused on Lowell High School hiring’s. Additionally, further information will be provided in response to the motion related to “staff turnover”. Ms. Delrossi stated that she was looking for a rubric regarding the hiring process. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.7 Home Education Superintendent Boyd recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Ester Costa Stephanie Berg-Whitcroft Jennifer Geggis Ms. Martin made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.1. FY23 Quarter One Budget Update, Reconciliation and Transfer Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provide a year to date budget report that is sorted by Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) code to best reflect the sorting found in the budget document approved by the School Committee each year. The report states that the Munis budget matched the approved $213,706,072. The $1,957,432 listed in the column labeled “transfers/adjustments” is the total of all the FY21-22 purchase orders that were carried over so that we can still charge the outstanding invoices to last year. The report also states that most salaries are not going to reflect the 25% due to school staff salaries for FY22-23 starting at the beginning of the school year, not July 1st. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $685,365,96; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7yeas, 2 absent APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 8) 8.2. Permission to Post: Director of English Language Services Grades K-12 Ms. Doherty made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 8.2 through # 8.7; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.3. Permission to Post: Two District Support Specialists Ms. Doherty made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 8.2 through # 8.7; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.4. Permission to Post: Human Relations Assistant (HR Generalist) Ms. Doherty made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 8.2 through # 8.7; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.5. Permission to Post: Two Security Guards Ms. Doherty made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 8.2 through # 8.7; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.6. Permission to Post: Attendance Monitor Ms. Doherty made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 8.2 through # 8.7; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.7. Permission to Post: Bilingual Family Liaison-Lead Ms. Doherty made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 8.2 through # 8.7; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 9. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 9.1. Out of State & Overnight Travel Request: For Bailey & Daley School Literacy Specialists Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve the convention/conference request; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. COMMUNICATIONS 10.1. Invitation from Mass Association of School Committees Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the communication and to place it on file; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 8) 11. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lay made a motion to adjourn at 8:26 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Martin. 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