School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: April 19, 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 6:37 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Delrossi, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Ms. Thompson and Mayor Chau. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Public Hearing Inter-District School Choice Program No one spoke in favor or in opposition 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Mr. Lay made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting that was held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter: April 19, 2023 Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter: seconded by Ms. Thompson. 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 7) 6. MOTIONS 6.1. [By Mayor Sokhary Chau]: Request the superintendent work with the chair of the personnel subcommittee to poll all committee members for a meeting during the week of April 24 to discuss options and timeline for the hiring of either an interim superintendent or permanent superintendent and the necessary steps for a seamless transition of leadership. Mayor Chau asked the body to change the meeting to a special meeting of the whole Committee instead of a subcommittee. No objection was made from the members. Mayor Chau made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.2. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with an update on pre-k and kindergarten registration numbers/percentages. I am particularly interested in the number/percentage of students who have completed immunization records in process with the Lowell Health Department. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.3. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a budget analysis (FY21-FY24) that lists how much additional funds each school received during that timeframe including the alternative schools. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.4. [By Stacey Thompson]: Motion to ensure building principals have been offered up-to-date EOE training as they maintain a measure of HR authority; to be supplemented by a report as to when these trainings were last offered and taken by the principals. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.5. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the Superintendent to report on the status of the compressors on the chillers at the McAuliffe School. Will the system be ready for when the hot weather comes? Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.6. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to set up a meeting with Massachusetts Association of School Committees so that the school committee can get direct guidance on recently hired outside legal counsel. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.7. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to provide the school committee with all invoices of cost incurred by BHBK law firm up to as current as possible. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 7) 7. SUBCOMMITTEES 7.1. Joint Curriculum & Policy Subcommittee Meeting: Approval of the minutes of the Meeting of Thursday, March 30, 2023 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson, Connie Martin, Chairperson] Ms. Doherty, Chairperson of the Policy & Governance subcommittee reported out on this at the April 5, 2023 school committee meeting. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.2. Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, March 30, 2023 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson] Ms. Doherty, Chairperson of the Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee reported out on this at the April 5, 2023 school committee meeting. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 8. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 8.1. Response to Motion 05. CSO of 03/15/23 by Eileen Delrossi Regarding Allocations of Tutors Mr. Skinner, Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that tutors are a wonderful resource in our schools, often providing key support to students. Tutors provided individualized instruction, targeted skill-building, personalized feedback, and imparting study and organizational skills. Ms. Delrossi asked about the anonymous survey that was distributed and if the results are shared publicly. Mr. Skinner stated that the results are not shared publicly. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to share the results of the survey publicly from the last two (2) years; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.2. Monthly Incident Report Ms. Phillips, Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report that informed the Committee that during the month of March 2023, ninety-five (95) incidents were reported using the online reporting system. The report stated that eighty (80) investigations were completed on these incidents, and fifteen (15) are in process. A synopsis of the investigation findings and administered consequences was included in Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 7) the presentation. During the month of March 2023, the completed investigations took an average of one (1) school day to launch an investigation and an average of 1.4 school days to complete. The report stated that they’re also continuing to collaborate with community partners, members of our anti-racism coalition and LSAC in identifying strategies for continued improvement that a) inform our understanding of the experience of the reporter and/or target throughout the investigation process b) assist us in identifying/implementing practices surrounding the restoration of safe and welcoming learning environments, including but not limited to relevant education for all parties involved. Ms. Thompson stated that she would like to discuss this further at an equity subcommittee meeting. She stated that she is concerned about the elevated percentages. Ms. Phillips stated that she is not sure they’re accurate and will have to get more information. Mr. Lay stated that bullying is very high and he stated that we need to something about that. Ms. Martin stated she would like more information on follow up with the individuals who filed and if they were happy with the process. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.3. Monthly Enrollment Report Ms. Phillips, Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report that informed the Committee that as of March 31, 2023, there are 14,352 students enrolled with the Lowell Public Schools. The report states that since March of 2022, families complete the registration process online using the Aspen online registration portal (OLR). The report states that families create an Aspen account, enter their child’s information required for registration, and upload the required registration documents directly to their online registration. During the month of March, the FRC processed 584 student applications and 74% of parents submitted their registration to the portal in one day or less. Submitting their application means they attached all required items and completed the required field. Ms. Thompson stated that she has been told that parents are having issues with using their password and that it’s was very case sensitive. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.4. 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. Doherty asked about her motion on page twelve (12) regarding all members having access to email and then asked all members if they had access. Ms. Martin and Ms. Thompson stated no. Ms. Doherty asked about her motion on page four (4) regarding the Family Resource Center hours and the center staying open until six (6) on Thursday nights as in the past. She stated that it reads that the motion is Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 7) still in progress and she would like the hours adjusted. She asked about her motion on page eleven (11) from December 2021 regarding a mental health audit and stated that she refiled it on April 6, 2022. She stated that it reads completed and that the response she received was that the Director of Mental Health Services was being hired. Ms. Thompson asked about her motion on page three (3) and page five (5). She stated that she would like an update on both. She stated that she’s also looking for a list of cultural field trips. She stated that on page seven (7) she made a motion around cyberbullying. Superintendent Boyd stated that he will come back with an update. Ms. Thompson spoke about on motion on page (8) around scholarships and stated that she doesn’t want it to get buried and that there needs to be access to that. She asked about her motion on page eleven (11) that spoke about Home Economics. She stated that it reads completed and it wasn’t. She stated that she has a motion on page twenty-five (25) was asking the Mayor to look into signage for parks and was wondering the status on that. Mayor Chau stated that the motion was presented and will ask the Assistant to the City Manager to send the report to the Committee. Ms. Delrossi asked if the anonymous survey went out. Mr. Skinner stated yes and that it is distributed twice a year. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to share the results publicly from the anonymous survey for the last two (2) years; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Chhoun asked about the report on cultural events and celebrations. Ms. Phillips stated that it is being put together from last year. Mr. Lay asked about his motion on page twenty-six (26) regarding St. Jeanne D’Arc School. Dr. Hall stated that last week the city looked at it for office space and for the Special Education department. He stated there are no firm dates to do that presently. Mr. Lay stated that he would like a tour of the facility. Superintendent Boyd stated that they’re working with the City Manager’s office. He stated that an RFP has been established and he will share the results with the Committee. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.5. Home Education Superintendent Boyd recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 7) Samath Kheam Jessica Row Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. Vote of Inter-District School Choice Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer provided a report to the Committee that recommends that the Lowell Public Schools do not consider participation in the inter-district school choice program for grades 9 – 12 for the 2023-2024 school year. The recommendation is based on discussions with Lowell Public School Attorneys as well a review guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in regards to School Choice; seconded by. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Doherty made a motion to not participate in the Inter-District School Choice Program for the 2023– 2024 school year; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas, APPROVED 9.2. Budget Transfer Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the budget transfer of 202,914.10; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.3. First Reading of Policy Proposal Regarding Communications to the Board on the School Committee Meeting Agendas Ms. Doherty made a motion to refer the first reading of the policy proposal regarding communications to the board on the School Committee meeting agenda to a Policy subcommittee; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 10.1. Out of Country and Overnight Travel Request: For Morey School Teacher, Tunde Boi, to attend a Conference in Budapest, Hungary Mr. Lay made a motion to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.2. Out of the Country & Overnight Travel Request: For Lowell High School Students to travel to Italy and Germany Mr. Lay made a motion to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; 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 7) 10.3. Out of State & Overnight Travel Request: For National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference Mr. Lay made a motion to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 11. COMMUNICATIONS 11.1. 2023 Graduation Dates & LHS Commencement Speaker Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the communication and to place it on file; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Doherty was looking for clarification regarding the link for BHPK on the website. Ms. Martin stated that she can bring it forward at the Special Meeting that is being held next week. 12. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Thompson made a motion to adjourn at 7:25 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