School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: September 20, 2023 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 1. SALUTE TO FLAG 2. ROLL CALL On a roll call at 6:34 p.m., members present were, namely: Mayor Chau, Ms. Delrossi, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin and Ms. Thompson. Ms. Chhoun arrived at 6:42 p.m. 3. MINUTES 3.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of September 6, 2023 Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Chhoun) APPROVED 4. PERMISSION TO ENTER 4.1. Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement with SEIU Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement with SEIU; seconded by Mr. Lay. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Chhoun) APPROVED 4.2. Permission to Enter: September 20, 2023 Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter A: seconded by Mr. Lay. 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Chhoun, Ms. Martin) APPROVED Mr. Lay made a motion to take item # 8.1 on the agenda out of order; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED Dr. Hall informed the Committee that if approved Aries Building Systems, LLC in the amount of $5,684,000.00 will provide an eight (8) classroom modular structure with two gang toilets connected to the current school structure. He stated that the funding will be provided by the ESSER Grant. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 8) Ms. Delrossi asked why the bid was dated in September. Dr. Hall stated that the builders received an extension because they needed more time. Ms. Delrossi asked what architectural oversight means. Dr. Hall stated that it could escalate up to $70,000 due to prices. Ms. Thompson asked what the overall amount is that the district will be spending. Dr. Hall stated that its $6.5 million. Ms. Martin asked for an update on the district’s ESSER spending. She also asked how this will be paid for over time when the ESSER monies run out. Ms. Turner stated that she believes they have been billing for work that has been completed. She stated that also at times you do pay up front for supplies that are needed. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter B: seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. MEMORIALS 5.1. Gerard H. “Jerry” Dumont, Husband of Mickie Dumont, UTL 6. MOTIONS 6.1. [By Stacey Thompson]: Motion for the school committee to have a state of transportation department address, to provide general understanding of where the district stands with their current transportation coverage, needs and challenges. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. Mr. Descouteaux, Transportation Director provided an update to the Committee on transportation. He stated that pre-pandemic, we had sixty-six (66) buses and last year we were only able to run forty (40) buses. He stated that the district transports 7,000 students and the average time on the bus per student is forty-three (43) minutes and each bus has approximately sixty (60) passengers. He stated that NRT informed him that they would provide forty-eight (48) buses for 2023-2024 school year, but by mid- August informed the district that they didn’t have enough help and again we would be looking at forty (40) buses. He stated presently there are forty-three (43) drivers so if any drivers call in sick, students will either be picked up later or not at all. He stated that what is happening right now on a daily basis is unsustainable. He stated that he believes that if the district makes eligibility two (2) miles, as opposed to 1.5 miles for middle schools, it will help alleviate some of this. He stated the only schools that will be affected are Sullivan, Daley ad Stoklosa. He stated that this will not affect anyone who has to cross a bridge. He stated in order to make this happen a policy change needs to take place. Ms. Thompson thanked Mr. Descoteaux for coming to the meeting and for being so transparent with the Committee. She stated that she has many feelings around this and has been hearing a lot of chatter. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 8) Ms. Martin asked what the staff deficit is and if other districts are dealing with this. Mr. Descoteaux stated that four (4) or five (5) spare drivers would be ideal, but right now they only have two (2) to three (3), and it’s going to get worse as we enter flu season. He stated that other districts are also in tough shape and that it may be time for the district to think about neighborhood schools. Ms. Chhoun asked about the proposal that was discussed previously around hiring staff. Mr. Descoteaux stated that they don’t have a trainer to train drivers. He stated that it takes up to eight (8) weeks to obtain your CDL license. Ms. Delrossi asked if we could partner with LRTA. Mr. Descouteaux stated LRTA is not allowed to have a school bus route because it’s against the law. He stated that the LRTA is also experiencing the same issues the district is. Mr. Lay asked how many students are affected if we change the requirement. Mr. Descoteaux stated 400-450 students. Mr. Lay stated that we contracted with NRT and what does it mean that they can’t deliver. He asked if it was a breach of contract Mr. Descoteaux stated that it is, but if the district pursued that issue, who would do this work. Ms. Thompson made a motion to send item # 6.1 to a Facilities & Transportation subcommittee for further discussion; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.2. [By Stacey Thompson]: Motion to receive a report to obtain understanding of our current supports, training opportunities and wellness investments in our mental health, guidance and social workers, as the district has tapped so heavily into these employees due to increased need within the student population. In addition, to receive feedback from these district staff members as to efficacy of these offerings. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.3. [By Susie Chhoun]: Request the superintendent to work with Lowell City Manager and City Councilors about traffic flow and speeding on Andover Street and Roger Street coming from Reilly Elementary School and Sullivan Middle School. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.4. [By Eileen Delrossi]: Request the superintendent to look into the feasibility of creating permanent PBIS positions instead of just having PBIS teacher positions funded by ESSER. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 8) 6.5. [By Eileen Delrossi]: Request the superintendent to report on the status of positions funded by grants throughout the district. The maker of the motion asked to include any additional grant funded positions in FY23. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.6. [By Eileen Delrossi]: Request the superintendent to report on the current environmental status of the 1922 building specifically in regards to the basement. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.7. (By Dominik Lay]: Request the Superintendent to give us update on HR investigation; including what stage the investigation is on currently, how much it costs thus far, and how much more are we anticipating. If we need an HR subcommittee, then I would like to request to have an HR subcommittee meeting to update us on this investigation. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that the district has received a bill for $75,000 and that he anticipates more invoices. Ms. Martin stated that she believed there was a contract and asked that the contract be forwarded to the Committee. Dr. Hall stated he didn’t believe that there is a contract. Ms. Thompson asked for an itemized bill as well. The maker of the motion removed “Request the Superintendent to give us” from the motion…the motion now reads: 6.7. [By Dominik Lay]: Request an update on the HR investigation; including what stage the investigation is on currently, how much it costs thus far, and how much more are we anticipating. If we need an HR subcommittee, then I would like to request to have an HR subcommittee meeting to update us on this investigation. Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 7. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 7.1. School Assignment Update Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity Engagement Officer provided an update that informed the Committee that as of September 14, 2023, there are 14,454 students enrolled in the Lowell Public Schools. The report stated that on September 1, 2023 the FRC has placed 190 new students and of these students, there are seventy-four (74) who are awaiting medical clearance in order to attend school. Additionally, ninety- nine (99) applicants are currently in the review process. The FRC will continue to work with schools and Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 8) families to ensure as many students as possible are able to gain medical-clearance leading up to the October 1st student reporting deadline. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.2. Response to Motion 3. CSO of 08/16/23 by Eileen DelRossi Regarding Protocol on Bullying Ms. Crocker-Roberge, Interim Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that stated all students, staff, and families have access to the bullying reporting tool via the LPS website. She stated that incident reports initiated by staff must occur within seventy-two (72) hours of being notified of a complaint of bullying. A report of bullying does not need to be via the reporting tool and may be communicated by various other means, including emails, texts, face-to-face reports, and phone calls. School principals or their designees are responsible for investigating all charges of bullying, cyberbullying and/or retaliation and determining findings according to the definitions of bullying and cyberbullying included in the Massachusetts General Laws, referenced at the conclusion of this report. Ms. Thompson stated that it’s almost impossible to find the reporting tool. Ms. Crocker-Roberge stated that you don’t have to just go through the portal. She stated it can also be reported through emails, texts, face-to-face reports, and phone calls. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.3. Response to Motion 5. CSO of 09/06/23 by Dominik Lay Regarding Elementary Recreational Equipment Ms. Crocker-Roberge, Interim Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that stated elementary principals were queried regarding the type of recess play equipment they had on site and whether it was sufficient for student use at this time. The report stated that all principals report having recess equipment available for use at this time. She stated that two (2) principals indicated that the amount of available equipment was not yet sufficient and that orders have been submitted or are being submitted for additional equipment at this time. The report stated that central office clerical personnel supported the Reilly School with submitting its purchase order for new equipment due to a vacancy with the school clerical staff position at this time that was holding up the purchase order. The typical turnaround time for purchase orders from this vendor is short, and we anticipate all elementary schools to have a full selection of available equipment as soon as the deliveries are made. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.7 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 6 of 8) 7.4. Response to Motion 24. COO of 08/16/23 by Jackie Doherty Regarding Emergency Licenses Dr. Hall, Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed the Committee that the information requested will be included in the next personnel report which will be on the agenda at the the next School Committee meeting. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.5. Response to Motion 21. and 25. COO of 09/06/23 By Stacey Thompson and Dominik Lay Regarding Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School Dr. Hall, Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed the Committee that at the last School Committee meeting the facilities department provided and in person report on the Pawtucketville Memorial. The report stated that the facilities department has been in daily contact with the city and DPW in an effort to resolve the underlying issue with the HVAC system permanently. The report stated that on September 20th, the DPW and the facilities department were at the school to review the issue. They were also jointed by contractors who will bid on the investigation in regard to what caused the mold. Dr. Hall stated in the report that he will continue to inform the Committee any new information is provided. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.6. Financial Wellness Curriculum Update Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer provided an update to the Committee that informed them that a task force has been created and has already met three (3) times in the spring prior to the closing of the school year. The group decided the natural grade level to begin building a comprehensive, district, K-12 Financial Literacy curriculum would be with the middle school health teachers since Financial Literacy is part of the health frameworks. The report stated that the task force has another meeting planned for September 19, 2023. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.7 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.7. Report on Motions Interim Superintendent Skinner 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 stated that some of the motions she requested to be removed were still there and she was unable to find some that she wanted to remain. She stated that she will look at it again and see if some more can be taken off. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.7 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 8) 7.8. Home Education Interim Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Marcos Miranda Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Chhoun) APPROVED 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.1. STEM Deliverance of Modular Proposals and Selection Dr. Hall informed the Committee that if approved Aries Building Systems, LLC in the amount of $5,684,000.00 will provide an eight (8) classroom modular structure with two gang toilets connected to the current school structure. He stated that the funding will be provided by the ESSER Grant. Ms. Delrossi asked why the bid was dated in September. Dr. Hall stated that the builders received an extension because they needed more time. Ms. Delrossi asked what the architectural oversight means. Dr. Hall stated that it could escalate up to $70,000 due to prices. Ms. Thompson asked what the overall amount is that the district will be spending. Dr. Hall stated that its $6.5 million. Ms. Martin asked for an update on the district’s ESSER spending. She also asked how this will be paid for over time when the ESSER monies run out. Ms. Turner stated that she believes they have been billing for work that has been completed. She stated that also at times you do pay up front for supplies that our needed. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter B: seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.2. Approval of New Job Descriptions Ms. Doherty made a motion to refer the approval of the New Job Descriptions to a Human Resources & Human Relations Subcommittee; seconded Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 8.3. Budget Transfer Ms. Chhoun made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $414,998.52; 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) 9. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 9.1. Overnight Request: Lowell High School Portrait of a Graduate Convening for Students Making Change Ms. Doherty made a motion to bundle and approve the Convention/Conference requests; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.2. Out of State Travel Request: Lowell High School Portrait of Graduate to Travel to New Haven, CT Ms. Doherty made a motion to bundle and approve the Convention/Conference requests; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 9.3. Out of State & Overnight Travel Request: For Sara Zatorski to Travel to New York City, NY Ms. Doherty made a motion to bundle and approve the Convention/Conference requests; seconded by Mr. Lay. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lay made a motion to adjourn at 8:22 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