School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: February 1, 2023 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 6:46 p.m., members present were, namely: Mayor Chau, Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin and Ms. Thompson. 3. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 3.1. Establishment of Subcommittees Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the revised established subcommittees; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, January 18, 2023 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, January 18, 2023; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter: February 1, 2023 Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter: seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 14) 6. MEMORIALS 6.1. Nathalea (Nat”) Torrey, a retired Rogers School teacher 6.2. Gerson Colon, a Lowell High School teacher 6.3. Barbara Doherty, sister in-law of School Committee Member Jackie Doherty 6.4. David Rith, Lowell Student 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [by Dominik Hok Lay]: Ask the Superintendent to communicate with City Manager in regards to the possibility of acquiring the property at Jean D'Arc School. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.2. [by Dominik Hok Lay]: Request the superintendent review the various types of translation services, including any relevant software that is used by LPS, to ensure that all school communication is accessible to all of Lowell Public Schools’ diverse language populations. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.3. [by Dominik Hok Lay]: Request the superintendent provide an update on the types of head coveris that are allowed and prohibited for students at Lowell High School and how the relevant rules are managed to ensure equity across classrooms and fairness in discipline for all students. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.4. [by Eileen DelRossi & Stacey Thompson]: Request the superintendent to report on the guidelines of cyberbullying before and after school: What are administrator’s directives/authority to search phones or make any actions on student phones. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.5. [by Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to work with the proper departments to enforce proper signage and possible crossing guard/police detail to be present for the Robinson and the McAuliffe and start and dismissal times to help with traffic and safety concerns. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.6. [by Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to research culturally diverse behavioral consultants to serve our districts’ diverse cultural population. Ms. Delrossi 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 14) 7.7. [by Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to research the feasibility of installing lockdown devices in classrooms in order to decrease overall anxieties of staff and students with increased amounts of shelter in place and lockdowns. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.8. [by Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide a comprehensive report on last year’s summer school program, including number of students enrolled for enrichment and credit recovery at each site, participation levels of both groups at each site, as well as historic data comparing current program compared to pre-pandemic levels (students and staffing). Ms. Martin made a friendly amendment with no objection from the maker of the motion to include growth data as part of the report. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.9. [by Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent report on the current number and percentage of ninth graders failing 1 or more core classes. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.10. [by Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide an update on the Parent Leadership Program, including information on newly hired administrator, program rollout and process for outreach/engaging parents, as well as other staffing initiatives. Ms. Doherty asked about a new job description that was posted at $40.00 an hour with teaching experience preferred. She would like information on that posting. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.11. [by Stacey Thompson]: Request that there forms a task force/working group between Curriculum Developers, Chief Equity Officer and vital stakeholders in the development if a rigorous, thoughtful financial wellness curriculum to be implemented at all levels throughout the district. Ms. Nanyika registered and spoke in favor of this motion Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee Meeting: Report and Approval of the Meeting of Wednesday, January 11, 2023 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] Ms. Doherty made a motion to take both Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee Meetings together; 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 14) Ms. Martin stated that at the Subcommittee meeting on January 11, 2023, Superintendent Boyd shared his SY2022 – 2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables with the Committee. The Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables discussed are as follows:  Goal 1: Improve Academics and Student Achievement at every School Site  Goal 2: Improve Operational Efficiency across the System  Goal 3: Improve Ensure that every School is Safe and Welcoming to every Student and every Family, Every day  GOAL 4: Increase Community Engagement and Empower Families as Partners in the Educational Process. The Subcommittee asked for more measurable information and asked Superintendent Boyd to follow up with that for the next meeting. The Subcommittee then met with Attorney McKenna, 1st City Solicitor and asked for an update on the bid process for acquiring outside counsel for the internal complaints Investigation. Attorney McKenna informed the Committee that the Law Department has interviewed three (3) of the four (4) firms from Boston. He stated they will make a recommendation after the last one (1) is interviewed. Chairperson Martin made a motion to receive materials within a week and to poll the Committee to have a Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee the week ending January 28, 2023 and to have the Law Department present again. Chairperson Martin stated that the Committee ultimately makes the selection and would like to see all the proposals (background, experience, etc.). The Subcommittee meeting on January 26th included the revisions to the SY2022 – 2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables. Ms. Martin stated at this point nothing will be added to the evaluation, but information discussed around some of the goals should still be provided to the Committee, but not as part of the evaluation. The Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables appear later on the agenda for final approval. Chairperson Martin addressed the update the Committee was waiting for from the Law Department. She stated that Attorney McKenna informed the Committee that he had been out of the office due to illness and didn’t have an additional update. Ms. Martin stated that she recommended that they reconvene the subcommittee meeting on Monday, January 30th, to receive the candidates and then the Committee can carve out the scope of services. She stated that it would be very helpful if the City Solicitor could join the meeting and to have that final interview completed and to provide an update to the Committee. Ms. Doherty stated that in her fifteen (15) years on the Committee as well as her five (5) years on the School Site Council, she has never seen this level of unprofessionalism. She stated the they’ve have had eight (8) meetings in two (2) months to get a list of Attorneys and that they never asked the Law Department to conduct interviews and finds this disrespectful to the Committee and the employees who have come forward. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 14) Ms. Doherty made a motion to have the recording secretary contact the three (3) law firms and have them provide their hourly rate and relevant experience for Monday, February 6, 2023; seconded by Ms. Martin. WITHDRAWN Mayor Chau asked the present City Solicitor if the law firms are ok. City Solicitor stated that the firms are very good and responsible firms. She stated that she apologized for the delay and that the Law Department has lost five (5) Attorneys. Mr. Lay stated that he’s not pleased with his colleagues taking action and that they’re no claims and wondering what we are taking action on. Ms. Martin stated that she doesn’t believe it’s a mystery. She stated that we’ve had people come forward with allegations and serious concerns on how this office has functioned. She stated that the scope of services needs to be presented to the public. She stated that with the turnover in the Law Department the Committee is making the right choice. Ms. Thompson stated that the worst thing that can happen when an employee doesn’t feel heard is to do nothing and that we need to find the right people. Ms. Delrossi stated we’ve had eight (8) meetings and I keep hearing there is nothing. She stated what concrete information are we going forward with. She stated that she’s against taking the City to court and what is the end game here. She stated she knows that there are things that were put in front of the Solicitor before and they were ignored. Ms. Chhoun stated that she agrees with Ms. Thompson and that she has received calls as well regarding issues. She stated that the Committee is the voice to advocate and that she wants to make the right decision. Ms. Doherty stated that she provided a scope of services for the Committee to look at and that we are not suing the city. She stated that we are investigating complaints and asking for a report to be prepared and provided to the Committee. She stated maybe this has no merit, but we don’t know that until we do this. She stated that it is the Committee’s moral and ethical responsibility to look into this responsibly and to respond to our employees. Mr. Lay stated that the letter is vague and the timing is suspect. I don’t know who made the complaints. Ms. Thompson stated that her experience working in HR tells her that the Whistleblower Act is why you don’t have the file. She stated that the Committee has already voted on this and that the Whistleblower Acts protects the employees. She stated that comfort should be that we are doing our due diligence. Superintendent Boyd stated that the district is obligated to be transparent to the public and he would like the Solicitor time to investigate. Ms. Doherty stated that there is a motion on the floor and we need to move on. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 14) City Solicitor stated she spoke with the previous City Solicitor to try and get some information. She stated that there is no file. She stated she can provide something by Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Ms. Martin stated that Tuesday in completely inappropriate. She stated that the Committee needs to create a scope of services and that it needs to be publicly voted on. She stated that the recording secretary can call the firms after the scope of services is approved. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the reports as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPRPOVED 8.2. Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee Meeting: Report of the Meeting of Thursday, January 26, 2023 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] Ms. Doherty made a motion to take both Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee Meetings together; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Martin stated that at the Subcommittee meeting on January 11, 2023, Superintendent Boyd shared his SY2022 – 2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables with the Committee. The Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables discussed are as follows:  Goal 1: Improve Academics and Student Achievement at every School Site  Goal 2: Improve Operational Efficiency across the System  Goal 3: Improve Ensure that every School is Safe and Welcoming to every Student and every Family, Every day  GOAL 4: Increase Community Engagement and Empower Families as Partners in the Educational Process. The Subcommittee asked for more measurable information and asked Superintendent Boyd to follow up with that for the next meeting. The Subcommittee then met with Attorney McKenna, 1st City Solicitor and asked for an update on the bid process for acquiring outside counsel for the internal complaints Investigation. Attorney McKenna informed the Committee that the Law Department has interviewed three (3) of the four (4) firms from Boston. He stated they will make a recommendation after the last one (1) is interviewed. Chairperson Martin made a motion to receive materials within a week and to poll the Committee to have a Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee the week ending January 28, 2023 and to have the Law Department present again. Chairperson Martin stated that the Committee ultimately makes the selection and would like to see all the proposals (background, experience, etc.). The Subcommittee meeting on January 26th included the revisions to the SY2022 – 2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables. Ms. Martin stated at this point nothing will be added to the evaluation, but information discussed around some of the goals should still be provided to the Committee, but not as part of the evaluation. The Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables appear later on the agenda for final approval. Chairperson Martin addressed the update the Committee was waiting for from the Law Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 14) Department. She stated that Attorney McKenna informed the Committee that he had been out of the office due to illness and didn’t have an additional update. Ms. Martin stated that she recommended that they reconvene the subcommittee meeting on Monday, January 30th, to receive the candidates and then the Committee can carve out the scope of services. She stated that it would be very helpful if the City Solicitor could join the meeting and to have that final interview completed and to provide an update to the Committee. Ms. Doherty stated that in her fifteen (15) years on the Committee as well as her five (5) years on the School Site Council, she has never seen this level of unprofessionalism. She stated the they’ve have had eight (8) meetings in two (2) months to get a list of Attorneys and that they never asked the Law Department to conduct interviews and finds this disrespectful to the Committee and the employees who have come forward. Ms. Doherty made a motion to have the recording secretary contact the three (3) law firms and have them provide their hourly rate and relevant experience for Monday, February 6, 2023; seconded by Ms. Martin. WITHDRAWN Mayor Chau asked the present City Solicitor if the law firms are ok. City Solicitor stated that the firms are very good and responsible firms. She stated that she apologized for the delay and that the Law Department has lost five (5) Attorneys. Mr. Lay stated that he’s not pleased with his colleagues taking action and that they’re no claims and wondering what we are taking action on. Ms. Martin stated that she doesn’t believe it’s a mystery. She stated that we’ve had people come forward with allegations and serious concerns on how this office has functioned. She stated that the scope of services needs to be presented to the public. She stated that with the turnover in the Law Department the Committee is making the right choice. Ms. Thompson stated that the worst thing that can happen when an employee doesn’t feel heard is to do nothing and that we need to find the right people. Ms. Delrossi stated we’ve had eight (8) meetings and I keep hearing there is nothing. She stated what concrete information are we going forward with. She stated that she’s against taking the City to court and what is the end game here. She stated she knows that there are things that were put in front of the Solicitor before and they were ignored. Ms. Chhoun stated that she agrees with Ms. Thompson and that she has received calls as well regarding issues. She stated that the Committee is the voice to advocate and that she wants to make the right decision. Ms. Doherty stated that she provided a scope of services for the Committee to look at and that we are not suing the city. She stated that we are investigating complaints and asking for a report to be prepared and provided to the Committee. She stated maybe this has no merit, but we don’t know that Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 14) until we do this. She stated that it is the Committee’s moral and ethical responsibility to look into this responsibly and to respond to our employees. Mr. Lay stated that the letter is vague and the timing is suspect. I don’t know who made the complaints. Ms. Thompson stated that her experience working in HR tells her that the Whistleblower Act is why you don’t have the file. She stated that the Committee has already voted on this and that the Whistleblower Acts protects the employees. She stated that comfort should be that we are doing our due diligence. Superintendent Boyd stated that the district is obligated to be transparent to the public and he would like the Solicitor time to investigate. Ms. Doherty stated that there is a motion on the floor and we need to move on. City Solicitor stated she spoke with the previous City Solicitor to try and get some information. She stated that there is no file. She stated she can provide something by Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Ms. Martin stated that Tuesday in completely inappropriate. She stated that the Committee needs to create a scope of services and that it needs to be publicly voted on. She stated that the recording secretary can call the firms after the scope of services is approved.Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the reports as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPRPOVED 8.3. Policy & Governance Subcommittee Meeting: Report of the Meeting of Monday, January 30, 2023 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson] Chairperson Doherty addressed the Committee and discussed the Pre-K and K registration. She stated that the first lottery is in May for Pre-K and then after that it’s first come first serve and if you do register during that time families are very likely to get their first choice. She stated Ms. Moffett was present and spoke about the present registration process and the impact on the health care system. Chairperson Doherty then spoke about the communications that should appear on the agenda. She stated that all emails from the website should be going to the Committee. She stated that she would like to revisit and continue this report when she receives the minutes from the meeting. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the revised Pre-K policy; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Thompson made a motion to accept the reports as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPRPOVED 9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. Update on Communication and Outreach to Families of Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds Ms. Thompson made a motion to send the update on Communication and Outreach to Families of Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds to the Equity & Access Subcommittee; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 14) 9.2. Update on Enterprise Resource Planning Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided an update that informed the Committee that a multi-year approach for converting manual processes within human resources and payroll to a cohesive automated platform was developed and will be continuously updated. The updates states that the City and the district currently have a shared ERP (enterprise resource planning) software system (Munis) that is designed specifically for municipalities and school districts. It is an impressive software tool that consolidates the process of gathering and organizing business data such as financials, procurement, human resources, payroll and revenue. However, the archaic processes currently used have departments working in silos which then allows for far more errors and the need for duplicate entry. Despite the use and access to this highly ranked ERP system, major changes need to occur before the school department can fully enjoy the benefits of modernizing our systems. Making scalable plans with small manageable projects has been our goal to make constant improvements despite our limitations. The cost implications are not as dire as some communities since we already purchased Munis which covers most of our needs. However, it is agreed between Lowell Public Schools and the City that we should hire a temporary position to spearhead the school side of all the Munis changes. The School Committee did approve this position and the City is in process of hiring the new position which will focus on Lowell Public School projects of improvement in the ERP system. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.3. Budget Update Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided an update that provided a continuous review of two (2) budget years simultaneously to ensure maximizing every funding stream. The topics included the following information that included general fund savings as of January 2023 and general fund reinvestment ideas:  Budget to Actuals for FY22/23 (savings and reinvestments  General Fund  ESSER (Updated Plans)  Revolving Account Balances  Update on Governor’s numbers  Foundation budget changes due to Student Opportunity Act  Tutors (more was charged to grants than anticipated)  Fall Reconciliation Line  Salaries – Vacancy Savings due to unfilled positions or late hires  Health Savings (Less staff elected health insurance than budgeted)  OOD Tuition Savings (130 students down to approximately 100)  Acceleration Academies  Supplies (Pre-purchase library books)  Overtime accounts • Increase to leases  After Dark/Early Promise  New positions approved on 9/29  Increases to Staff parking, copiers and SLBB costs Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 14)  ERP Application Specialist (City Hall)  Maintenance (summer supplies, vehicles, playgrounds –did request research into autism friendly)  Technology investments (including autism technology currently being compiled for 59 CSA classes) ESSER savings for years two (2) and three (3) included:  PBR Teachers  Library Books Year three (3)  Expand Transportation  PreK Expansion  PD – Additional days ESSER reinvestment suggestions were to Invest in delayed and overdue investments related to HVAC and air quality Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.4. Response to Motion 01. CEEO of 08/11/22 by Dominik Lay Regarding Educational Tour to Cambodia Ms. Phillips Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report that informed the Committee that in partnership with Middlesex Community College, Lowell Public Schools (LPS) was awarded a Fulbright- Hays Group Project Abroad grant to send ten (10) educators from LPS and MCC to Cambodia this summer. LPS participants, include: two (2) teachers from Lowell High School, one (1) teacher from the STEM Academy, one (1) teacher from the Bartlett Community Partnership School and one (1) teacher from the Stoklosa Middle school. Through this opportunity, participants will have a learning focus on healing connections: art, education and well-being. The Office of Educational Equity and Community Empowerment is also currently researching costs and eligibility for utilizing the district’s general fund to support additional LPS teachers and support staff with this type of professional development opportunity in Cambodia, but also expanding the learning opportunities available to educators to also include immersion in the culture of countries from which other large populations of LPS students and families have emigrated. Mr. Lay asked the administration to expand more about Cambodia. Superintendent Boyd stated that it should be discussed during budget discussions. He stated that more funding would allow more staff and teachers to attend seeing it’s a professional development opportunity. He stated they will also be looking at other areas as well. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.9 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 11 of 14) 9.5. Response to Motion 02. CSO of 11/02/22 by Eileen DelRossi Regarding Security Guards, Policies and Procedures Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that security guards report to Ms. Howe, Disciple & Operations Specialist and they meet with her bi-weekly as well as SRO Sgt. Kelly for updates and briefings on current issues, to review expectations, policies and protocols, as well as provide and receive feedback. The task of the security guard is to supervise and encourage positive behavior. When students are in violation of school policy, they’re deferred directly to the Assistant Principal or the Student Support Specialist of the applicable house. Ms. Delrossi asked how much do they get involved with fights and asked if they stop it or wait until the fight is over. Mr. Skinner stated that he can report back with that information because he didn’t get anything that specific. Ms. Delrossi asked what training is arranged, because CPI training may not be enough. Mr. Skinner stated that CPI training is very extensive. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.6. Response to Motion 03. CEEO of 05/04/22 by Stacey Thompson Regarding Academic Gaps & Utilization of Community Partnerships Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report that informed the Committee that a partnership between the district, Fortaleza Inc. (a community advocacy organization with a purpose of catalyzing stakeholders throughout communities towards the collective action to address inequities and barriers impacting the education of Latino students) and the UMASS Lowell Center for Program Evaluation, a study was conducted that analyzed the district’s PreK-12 Hispanic student experience in schools and evaluated current policies, procedures and practices to determine existing strengths as well as areas for improvement. The report stated that the district is currently in discussions with Fortaleza regarding stakeholder outreach sessions to share the results and plan next steps. Additionally, in collaboration with the Hispanic Student Success Task Force, the district is anticipating strengthening parent engagement which addresses gaps in Hispanic student success and the district is in the process of developing a city-wide implementation plan for family outreach regarding college and career readiness, with a focus on 9th grade course completion. Ms. Thompson about the Hispanic task force and what measures have been done to be effective & not effective. She asked what touchpoints have been done prior to the 9th grade. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.9 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 12 of 14) 9.7. Response to Motion 08. CEEO of 09/21/22 By Stacey Thompson Regarding Housing Insecurity and the Impact on Graduation Rate Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report that informed the Committee that the district currently has 1,753 students identified for McKinney-Vento services. The majority of these families are doubled -up (1,433 or 82%) and students who are identified as couch surfing or unaccompanied would fall into the doubled-up category. The report stated that 285 students are in shelter, thirty-two (32) are in hotel/motel, and three (3) are unsheltered. The definition for unsheltered is the living space is not meant for human habitation or is lacking basic utilities. The report states that the district has been awarded a Housing Partnership Grant from Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) for the past several years and the district’s partnership is with Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI). This partnership allows us to collaborate with CTI on supporting our families on their journey to securing stable housing. Through the grant the district has been able to create a full-time family liaison position, provide linens and towels for the CTI emergency apartment, and provide summer programming for students providing families time to job and search for permanent housing. The McKinney-Vento staff work closely with CTI to help families begin the process for housing or in some cases obtain housing. To support our students who are unaccompanied, most of whom are high school students, the McKinney-Vento Department created a part-time liaison with AP funds to focus on the needs of these students. This staff person is working on building our partnership with CTI and their Mill You Center on Dutton Street. The center is designed to meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.8. Response to Motion 09. CFO of 11/02/22 By Connie Martin Regarding Overtime Payments Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided a report that informed the Committee that a historical analysis of overtime accounts is shown below. The report states that there has been a significant increase in overtime line items due to the expansion of the after school and summer/vacation week programs as well as overage for COVID absences and coverage of unfilled positions or people out on workman’s compensation. She also stated that coverage for retirement and staff turnover is included. The report states that despite annual raises, the overtime accounts have not been increased in there has indeed been a steady increase to these accounts during high staff turnover coverage (payroll and HR) and unfilled positions during pandemic and post pandemic years due to staffing shortages. The report noted that these increased overtime accounts were/are often offset by savings in the salary lines due to unfilled positions. In addition, per the last two (2) excerpts there was a significant decrease in the use of facilities overtime line during school closures. Once resumed, the new payroll clerks charged the custodial overtime and man out overtime accounts rather than the use of facility line. All in all, there is a significant increase due to the pandemic. but much of it is offset by savings and funding in unused use of facility lines. Ms. Martin stated that she would like this tracked and would like to receive a monthly report. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.9 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 13 of 14) 9.9. Response to Motion 17. COO of 11/02/22 By Jackie Doherty Regarding Training on Security & Safety Protocols Dr. Hall, Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that the district currently has a crisis plan in place for every school. Every building leader/principal is responsible for training staff on this crisis plan. In addition, there is districtwide training for safety and compliance. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Budget Transfer Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $629,372.88; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.2. Approval of Budget Hearing Dates Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the budget hearing dates; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.3. All unions- consideration of proposed MOA for supplemental pay for March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022 Ms. Martin made a motion to table all unions- consideration of proposed MOA for supplemental pay for March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.4. Final Review & Approval of the SY2022-2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the SY2022-2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.5. Approval to Accept Donation of $500 from the Heather C. Clark Memorial Fund The Heather C. Clark Memorial Fund wished to donate $500 to the Laura Lee School for the purpose of purchasing children’s literature. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the donation of $500 from the Heather C. Clark Memorial Fund; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 11. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 11.1. Out of State & Overnight Travel Request: For Lowell High School Students to Attend an Adventure Excursion in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire Ms. Thompson made a motion to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 14 of 14) 11.2. In State & Overnight Travel Request: For the National leadership conference for LHS business professionals of America in Norwood, MA Ms. Thompson made a motion to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 11.3. Out of State & Overnight Travel Request: For the National leadership conference for LHS business professionals of America in Anaheim, CA Ms. Thompson made a motion to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 11.4. Out of State & Overnight Travel Request: For Portrait of Graduate Participants to Vista, California Ms. Thompson made a motion to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 12. COMMUNICATIONS 12.1. Communication from Chief Operating Officer Request for Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee Meeting Ms. Martin made a motion to poll for a Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee Meeting; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Lay made a motion to suspend the rules to discuss an item on the agenda that was already discussed; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Lay asked where the money is coming from for the investigation. Superintendent Boyd stated the line item surplus. 13. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Thompson made a motion to adjourn at 8:32 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