School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: August 16, 2023 Time: 6:30PM Location: Virtual - Zoom Meeting https://lowell-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/81374686834?pwd=a0lQaXdiTUsyaDUzYVY4cTBrRDlMdz09 Meeting ID: 813 7468 6834 Passcode: 759228 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 6:36 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Ms. Thompson, Mayor Chau, Ms. Chhoun and Ms. Delrossi. Ms. Martin made a motion to suspend the rules to take item # 9.4 LHS Athletics – Rule 53 Waiver Request out of order; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Introduction of Interim Chief Schools Officer Mr. Perez registered and spoke on this agenda item. Ms. Crocker-Roberge thanked the Committee and stated that she is excited for this opportunity. 3.2. Introduction of New Principals: Introduction of newly appointed Principals Matthew Steinberg, Wang School, Jeffrey Haines, Washington School, Michael Munroe, Pawtucketville Memorial and Kathleen Huntley, Lincoln School. Interim Superintendent Skinner also included Ms. Lori Lang, Interim Pyne/Arts Principal. All of the candidates were excited for the opportunity and thanked the Committee. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 10) 4. MINUTES 4.1. The Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee of Wednesday July 19, 2023 Ms. Martin made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meetings that were held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 and Wednesday, July 26, 2023; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, July 19, 2023 Ms. Martin made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meetings that were held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 and Wednesday, July 26, 2023; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.3. The Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee of Wednesday July 26, 2023 Ms. Martin made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meetings that were held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 and Wednesday, July 26, 2023; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 4.4. The Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee of Wednesday July 26, 2023 Ms. Martin made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meetings that were held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 and Wednesday, July 26, 2023; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Contract Approval for Interim Chief Schools Officer, Wendy Crocker-Roberge The following people registered and spoke on this agenda item: Joy Sorota Erin Hebert Katie Pelton Suzanne Cromwell Rebecca Starcevic Ms. Thompson asked for a scope of the historical responsibilities and what the Interim Superintendent’s intention is. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the contract for Interim Chief Schools Officer, Wendy Crocker- Roberge; seconded by Ms. Martin. 5 yeas, 2 nays (Mr. Lay, Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 10) 5.2. Permission to Enter: August 16, 2023 Ms. Martin made a motion for the Committee to vote separately on the Community Teamwork, Inc. contract; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the amended Permission to Enter (minus Community Teamwork); seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Chhoun made a motion approve the Community Teamwork, Inc. contract; seconded by Mr. Lay. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED 6. MOTIONS 6.1. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request Superintendent to post new health and physical education curriculum on all parent websites and have question and answer sessions for a variety of cases. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.2. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request Superintendent to report on protocol of student on student bullying reports. Maria Perez registered and spoke in favor of this motion. Ms. Delrossi stated that she is very concerned about bulling in schools. Ms. Thompson stated that we need to be capturing what is happening in our schools. She asked if it is being reported and is it being properly addressed. Mr. Lay stated that he agrees with Ms. Delrossi. Ms. Delrossi stated that receiving a phone call as well is very important to a parent. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.3. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Requests staff on student bullying reports as identified on the dashboard and have administrators have professional development day in order to best handle students on Academic and social individual education plans as to no overwhelm a student. Ms. Thompson with no objection from the maker of the motion added that she believes the training should be external. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 10) 6.4. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request Superintendent to report on the number of cases of student litigation in terms of staff on student cases so that we can get put a corrective action plan together and reduce litigation. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that to his knowledge there is no litigation of this sort. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.5. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request Superintendent to increase number for school resource officers within middle schools. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.6. [By Stacey Thompson]: Motion to receive a 90 days’ report from the Interim Superintendent to include his district priorities, a list of goals and organizational concerns prior in the next SC meeting. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.7. [By Stacey Thompson]: Motion to poll members of the Equity Subcommittee and schedule a meeting for the purposes of parsing disaggregated data surrounding already specified areas: dropout rates, failure rates, attendance rates and Hispanic/Latinx support needs with specific district commitments. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.8. [By Connie Martin:] Request the Administration develop a proposed Remote Work/Hybrid schedule policy to be presented to the Policy Subcommittee. Ms. Martin stated that she would like to see a comprehensive and actual policy for consistency purposes. Ms. Martin made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 7. SUBCOMMITTEES 7.1. Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Thursday, July 13, 2023 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] Ms. Martin reported out on the Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee at the July 19, 2023 School Committee meeting. Mr. Doherty made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 10) 8. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 8.1. Superintendent’s Entry and Transition Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that his entry plan sets out on how he’ll work to better understand and address the needs of the community by meeting with representatives of local government and community groups to build relationships, foster support, and create a collaborative and inclusive environment conducive to positive educational outcomes for all students. He also stated that his plan will address his need to understand the functioning of the central office from the lens of his role. He also addressed his goals and stated that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) outlines a five (5) stage process for evaluation including self-assessment, goal setting, action planning, formative assessment, and summative evaluation. The self-assessment began with the introduction of his entry plan. The report stated that the first three (3) goals are directly in relation to the commitments listed in his entry plan and that the two (2) others address pressing needs, one (1) being related to mental health and the other related to planning for air conditioning in schools. Ms. Thompson stated that she wanted to see something more specific. She stated that it was a good narrative, but wanted something more measurable. She asked him to address staff support. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that he was guided by his mentor to keep his goals separate. He stated to support teachers on their professional growth. Ms. Thompson asked if the goals he wanted to uphold and change was collaborative or by him. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that it was with both his coach and the Chiefs. Ms. Thompson stated that she believes that she should lean on his Chiefs. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that he can’t achieve his goals without the cabinet and the principals. Ms. Thompson asked him for this thoughts around opportunities for growth on page 5 of his plan. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that he didn’t have a specific answer for that, but that it will be involving parents, community members, cabinet, etc. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.2. Superintendent's Goals Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that his entry plan sets out on how he’ll work to better understand and address the needs of the community by meeting with representatives of local government and community groups to build relationships, foster support, and create a collaborative and inclusive environment conducive to positive educational outcomes for all students. He also stated that his plan will address his need to understand the functioning of the central office from the lens of his role. He also addressed his goals and stated that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 10) Education (DESE) outlines a five (5) stage process for evaluation including self-assessment, goal setting, action planning, formative assessment, and summative evaluation. The self-assessment began with the introduction of his entry plan. The report stated that the first three (3) goals are directly in relation to the commitments listed in his entry plan and that the two (2) others address pressing needs, one (1) being related to mental health and the other related to planning for air conditioning in schools. Ms. Thompson stated that she wanted to see something more specific. She stated that it was a good narrative, but wanted something more measurable. She asked him to address staff support. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that he was guided by his mentor to keep his goals separate. He stated to support teachers on their professional growth. Ms. Thompson asked if the goals he wanted to uphold and change was collaborative or by him. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that it was with both his coach and the Chiefs. Ms. Thompson stated that she believes that she should lean on his Chiefs. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that he can’t achieve his goals without the cabinet and the principals. Ms. Thompson asked him for this thoughts around opportunities for growth on page 5 of his plan. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that he didn’t have a specific answer for that, but that it will be involving parents, community members, cabinet, etc. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.3. School Reopening Report Ms. Crocker-Roberge, Interim Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee around school returning. The report informed the Committee that school and district personnel have worked throughout the summer in preparation for the return of all staff on August 28, 2023, as well as the return of students in grades 1-12 on August 29, 2023, and the beginning of preschool and kindergarten on September 5, 2023. Readiness for school reopening has been monitored in the following areas:  Administrative Staffing  School-Based Personnel Staffing  Facilities Preparation  Technology Deployment  Curriculum Provisioning  Transportation Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.9 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 7 of 10) 8.4. Family Resource Center Update Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided an update to the Committee that informed them the as of August 10, 2023 enrollment in preschool for SY24 is as follows:  178 students with special needs are enrolled in sub-separate and inclusive preschool  classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds  339 four-year-olds are enrolled as peer models  35 additional students with special needs are in the placement process  14 students will receive special education services at Head Start  14 preschoolers will receive service only (speech and language, OT, or PT) The updated report stated that there are currently fifty-seven (57) inclusive preschool openings – ten (10) in morning sessions across three schools and forty-seven (47) in the p.m., with sessions across seven (7) schools. Currently, for this upcoming school year, 140 families requested a full day seat yet only fifty-four (54) seats were available. Families who were not assigned a full day seat via the pre-K lottery are being offered half-day LPS seats in addition to the option of full-day seats in partnering community programs. Transportation continues to present a barrier for some families who would like access to preschool for their children. Another important note is that the district does not offer programs for three (3) year old peer models. Offering 3-year-old programs would provide age- appropriate peer models for our three-year-old students with disabilities. Solutions for these challenges are continuing to be explored within the Early Childhood Department. As of Friday, August 4th, 187 students had not been medically cleared for school. The health liaison situated within the FRC is coordinating with the Lowell Community Health Center to conduct follow ups with families of non- medically cleared families and schedule them for one (1) of two (2) immunization clinics that have been confirmed to take place on August 12th and August 26th. Ninety (90) students can be serviced at each scheduled clinic – for a total of 180 students – and students must have an appointment in advance in order to receive the service. Students who have not received medical clearance by the first day of school will still receive their school assignment; however, they will be barred from attending class until receiving approval by the health department designee, FRC health liaison or school nurse. Ms. Martin asked for another update at the next meeting so they can see that the numbers have gone down. Ms. Doherty stated that she also has a concern around the numbers and with kids not attending school. She stated that we’ve had multiple lotteries and that the nurses have stated that they believe it’s too late to process and want earlier registration. She stated that she would like to see the data on late registrations and data on late immunizations. She stated that she would also like to see the extended hours include being open late on Thursdays. Ms. Phillips stated that the additional hour would be overtime. Ms. Doherty stated that it was done before and wasn’t considered overtime. It was cost neutral and the staff member staying late came in late. Ms. Chhoun stated that parents have not received their schedules as of yet for the Freshman Academy. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 10) Interim Superintendent stated that they should reach out to the high school or refer them to the Superintendent’s office. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.5. August Leadership Academy Report Ms. Crocker-Roberge, Interim Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that stated that since late spring, district leaders have been working in collaboration with Rachel Skerritt and other consultants from Attuned Educational Partners to craft a robust and well-aligned plan for a full year of focused professional learning for school and district leaders. The report stated that during the upcoming academic year, school and district leaders will come together each month to engage in work focused on the District’s Prioritization Plan, which centers on two key components:  Student engagement  Improving academic and social-emotional outcomes for all students, ensuring acceleration of these outcomes for our Hispanic/Latinx students This work begins with August Leadership Academy, taking place August 15-17 at UMass Lowell’s Coburn Hall with the continuation of our Research Practice Partnership with the University. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.6. Update On Lowell High School Scholarships Mr. Fiato, Lowell High School Head of School provided a report that informed the Committee that to increase parent involvement the high school is doing the following:  Coffee with Counselors  College and Career events for grades 9-12 are advertised on multiple sites.  Honors Night Scholarship  Starting in 2023-2024 several steps are being incorporated to increase scholarship awareness and completion. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.7. Response to Motion 10. CFO of 05/17/23 by Jackie Doherty Regarding Community Schools Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided a report that informed the Committee that the School Manager position for the Career Academy has been returned to the Career Academy. In addition, funding was provided to the Career Academy based on the total number of students currently matriculating at the school rather than a much lower student prediction. The report stated that this should enable the addition of priority positions as requested by the Academy’s School Site Council. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 10) The report also stated that during the budget approval process, the School Committee voted for a portion of the Alternative Ed Expansion funds earmarked in ESSER to fund this position for this year. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.8. Verbal Response to Motion by Dominik Lay Regarding School Crosswalks Interim Superintendent Skinner informed the Committee that the City has been working hard and that the school parking lots and crosswalks are being redone/refreshed and are expected to be done by the first day of school weather permitting. Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.9. Report On Motions Interim Superintendent Skinner asked the Committee to take into consideration removing all the old motions and that some of the motions on the report are two (2) years or older. Ms. Martin stated that they need to get the report under control and that she would recommend Committee members email the Interim Superintendent with the motions that they would like to remove and to remain. Mr. Lay stated that completed motions should also be removed. Ms. Doherty agree that informing the Interim Superintendent by email is the best way to do this. She stated that she has many long standing motions that have not been responded to. She stated that she has been waiting for three (3) years for a mental health audit that has not been fulfilled. Ms. Martin made a motion to have any motions from a previous Committee (former members) be eliminated; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.9 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.10. Home Education Interim Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Lissette Cumba Ramzi Al Brahim Nicole Lanza Nicole Maguire Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Chhoun. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 10) 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. Lowell High School Graduation Policy Change Request Ms. Martin made a motion to refer the Lowell High School Graduation Policy Change to a Policy Subcommittee for further discussion; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.2. Lowell Public Schools Handbook Updates Mr. Lay made a motion to approved the Lowell Public Schools Handbook Update; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.3. Budget Transfer Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the budget transfer of 64,379; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 6 yeas , 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 9.4. LHS Athletics – Rule 53 Waiver Request Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer proved a request for approval of MIAA Rule 53 to allow 8th graders to participate in the following Fall 2023 sports:  Golf  Swim & Dive (girls team)  Soccer (JV level, girls team) Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the LHS Athletics – Rule 53 Waiver Request; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 10.1. Out of State & Overnight Travel Request: Lowell High School Choir to Travel to Solon Ohio Ms. Thompson made a motion to approved the convention/conference request; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Delrossi) APPROVED 11. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Thompson made a motion to adjourn at 9:18 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED Respectfully submitted, Liam Skinner, Interim Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee LS/mes Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us