School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: October 18, 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 6:43 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Ms. Thompson, Mayor Chau, Ms. Chhoun and Ms. Delrossi. 3. MINUTES 3.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee of October 4, 2023 Ms. Thompson 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, October 4, 2023; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 3.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of October 4, 2023 Ms. Thompson 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, October 4, 2023; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 4. PERMISSION TO ENTER 4.1. Permission to Enter: October 18, 2023 Ms. Ortiz registered and spoke on this agenda item. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 8) Ms. Delrossi made a motion to suspend the rules to take Item # 6.1 & 6.9 out of order; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 5. MOTIONS 5.1. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request interim superintendent to report on where the district stands with communication to parents in terms of transportation cancellation and delays. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.2. [By Eileen Delrossi]: Request interim superintendent to organize a search committee to begin the interview process for a new transportation department head as well any other department heads within the school district that we know will be retiring in the near future. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that the Transportation Director hasn’t officially informed the district that he is retiring. He stated that currently there is someone shadowing him in the office. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.3. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request interim superintendent to work with the proper department to highlight the white lines for handicap parking, as well as, remove the overgrowth of trees covering the handicap sign at the McAuliffe School. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 5.4. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request interim superintendent to provide the committee with a current status in terms of facilities of all school buildings in Lowell. Ms. Delrossi made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 6. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 6.1. Strategic Goals 2023 – 2024 Ms. Tesini registered and spoke on this agenda item. Interim Superintendent Skinner informed the Committee that an earlier draft of the 2023 - 2024 Strategic Goals was presented at the last School Committee meeting. He stated that based on the members' feedback, particularly with regard to a lack of measures in the first draft, he is providing an updated version. He stated that the Measures of Success have been added to each goal area. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 8) 6.2. KPI Report Ms. Anderson, Director of Research & Accountability provided a report to the Committee that informed them that this school year, based on School Committee requests, KPI reports will include important new features:  Comparisons between current performance and past performance on the same metric.  Disaggregation on each metric where disaggregated data is available.  Clear defined terms setting out explicitly what each metric measures and the source of the data being reported. The report contains the KPIs that will be measured this year, definitions of how the metrics are measured and the data source, as well as, a simulated KPI report that will be provided each quarter. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Lay made a motion to suspend the rules to take Item # 6.6 & 7.3 out of order; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.3. Personnel Report Ms. Ortiz registered and spoke on this agenda item. The Personnel Report officially informs the Committee of all retirements, resignations, promotions and new hires. The report also included a list of all positions in the district that are currently filled under an emergency or emergency extension license. The hiring authority also communicated or confirmed the reasoning for the hiring action. Many of these individuals are actively working towards passing their required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure or have already completed such work and are awaiting full licensure status in the desired field and in some circumstances a candidate may have been hired due to being the only qualified individual who applied for the position. Ms. Doherty asked about the Personnel Report and how often the Committee receives them. She also stated that the information should be coming to them in an easier way. She stated that the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education is ending the emergency licenses on November 7, 2023. Dr. Hall stated that the reports come out quarterly. Ms. Doherty made a motion for a follow up report on the licensure report and has requested that the report include the number of people of the remaining 104 as they receive their licenses, and would like this report to be provided to the Committee periodically (first one mid-year); seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; 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) 6.4. FRC Monthly Update Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided an update that informed the Committee that as of October 1, 2023, there were 14,395 students enrolled with the Lowell Public Schools. The report stated that during the month of September, the Family Resource Center (FRC) processed 254 student applications. The report stated that 87% of parents submitted their registration to the portal within one (1) day. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.5. Bias/Bullying Incidents Report Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that during August and September of this current school year (2023-2024), forty-six (46) incidents of bullying, harassment, discrimination and racism were reported using the online reporting system. The report stated that forty-one (41) investigations were completed on these incidents and five (5) are still in process. A synopsis of the investigation findings and administered consequences were included in the report. The report stated that over the summer, the Equity Office finalized posters to be distributed in schools with the goal of increasing student awareness of the online reporting form and these posters’ message and design were based on feedback from students who participated in the district’s Anti- Racism Symposium in June 2023. The posters will be distributed to all schools within LPS by the end of October. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.6. 2023 Attendance Intervention Plan Ms. Ortiz registered and spoke on this agenda item. Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer presented a revised attendance intervention plan to the Committee for approval. The original plan was created in 2014 in accordance with Massachusetts state policy districts to enact a “pupil attendance notification program” that dictates how and when schools must communicate with families regarding their children’s absences from school (Massachusetts General Law Title XII, CH 76) and “develop action steps for student attendance” Massachusetts Session Laws, Ch. 22. The proposed current revisions reflect current, updated guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on components of a districtwide attendance intervention plan. Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the 2023 Attendance Intervention Plan; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 8) 6.7. Response to Motion (By Mayor Sokhary Chau, 10/04/23) Regarding Field Trip Funds Ms. Ortiz registered and spoke on this agenda item. Interim Superintendent Skinner provided a report to the Committee that informed them that the approved field trip budget of $435,000.00 will be disbursed to schools per School Committee request. The report stated that for elementary and middle schools, the amounts per school are calculated on a per student basis - equivalent to $37.35 per student. While the costs of field trips/admission and transportation vary greatly depending on the destination, estimates suggest that the amount provided will allow for two (2) field trips per student. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.8. Response to Motion (By Jackie Doherty, 06/21/23) Regarding Physical Education Curriculum Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that Ms. Duda, Special Programs District Support Specialist, worked with physical education teachers to identify immediate needs for professional development to be implemented during the 2023-2024 school year. A formal working group is currently being established to review newly released state standards and develop a curriculum map for physical education K-8. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.9 Response to Motion (By Eileen DelRossi & Stacey Thompson, 10/04/23) Regarding Mental Health Ms. Boisvert registered and spoke on this agenda item. Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that the Office of Teaching and Learning is currently engaged in the implementation of year one (1) of a three- year mental health, behavior and social emotional learning (SEL) plan. The report stated given the increased need of students following COVID-19 remote learning, and the significant increase in staffing and other support resources which have been instituted across schools, the district's Office of Mental Health, Behavior and SEL has been focused on scaling up the operation and impact of school-based mental health screening and response systems to support our students’ social emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. The report stated that over the past few years, Lowell Public Schools (LPS) has focused efforts on tier I, II & III mental health supports and social emotional learning. The report stated that because of this investment the district has hired a Director of Mental Health, Behavior and SEL, a Social Emotional Learning Coordinator and a District Support Specialist for Mental Health, Behavior and SEL, the purchase of a social emotional learning curriculum for grades K-9 and the DESSA tool to Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 8) measure students’ social and emotional competencies. In addition, the department has provided many mental health providers and supports, and access to these supports, are available to Lowell students and families as well as addressing website collaboration between district and school-based sites. Ms. Doherty asked about her motion regarding a mental health audit and if that is what is being referred in the strategic goals. Interim Superintendent Skinner stated that the district has not been able to obtain any bidders after two (2) RFP’s were out to bid. He stated that they believe that the new Director and his staff can do the mental health assessment. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.10. Response to Motion (By Dominik Lay, 10/04/23) Regarding The After Dark Program Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that the After Dark program is a collaboration between Lowell High School (LHS) and Greater Lowell Technical High School (GLTHS) that provides LHS students with an opportunity to receive technical skills training in addition to their core academics. The program requires a two (2) year commitment and is open to LHS students in their junior and senior years. The report stated that to be eligible for participation, students must be passing all their academic courses and have passed algebra 1 and geometry at the end of their sophomore year. Additionally, they must enroll in algebra 2, financial algebra or pre-calculus during their junior year. Students who participate in the After Dark program have a modified class schedule - taking academic classes at LHS during the school day and technical training at GLTHS from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Transportation is provided to and from GLTHS for all students. At present, Information Technology, HVAC, Automotive Technology and Metal Fabrication/Welding are offered. Metal Fabrication/Welding was added to programming for this school year. Currently, forty-four (44) students are enrolled in the After Dark program. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.11. Response to Motion (By Stacey Thompson, 10/04/23) Regarding LHS Bathroom Access Mr. Fiato, LHS Head of School provided a report that stated their foremost concern lies in balancing the individual needs of our students with the imperative of maintaining a secure and well-organized learning environment. The report stated that in the initial weeks of the academic year, the administrative team and security personnel have diligently strived to establish a safe and controlled atmosphere, all the while seeking to maintain restrooms with as much accessibility as possible. According to our existing plan, there are no anticipated obstacles regarding restroom access that would hinder student usage. It is Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 8) important to note that restroom accessibility is not dependent on any ongoing hiring requirements or staffing issues. Presently, there are two (2) vacant positions, neither of which entail direct responsibilities or relevance to the provision of support or oversight for restroom facilities. The report concluded stating that they will continue to strive to uphold the accessible availability of restroom facilities in a safe, fair and equitable way across the entire campus. Ms. Thompson stated that in the 500’s the bathrooms are still closed and if it is due to staffing issues then we need to address that. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 6.12. Response to Motion (By Mayor Sokhary Chau, 10/04/23) Regarding School Lunch Lowell Public Schools Food service is a federally and state funded program. USDA sets a basic meal pattern, which tells school districts that each lunch must offer five meal components. The five required meal components are fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and/or meat alternates, and milk. The meal pattern lists the meal components that must be offered at lunch, minimum amounts of each component, and requirements or limits for calories, sodium, and saturated fat in a weekly menu. The menu is balanced to meet the needs of students by grade level. School lunch meets one third of the nutrition needs of most children for the day. The products purchased for our program are made specifically for school nutrition to meet the USDA guidelines. This year Aramark is piloting a QR survey at Lowell High and during middle school lunches to provide continual feedback on menu items. Our team of chefs continue to work on recipe and development and staff training to continue to provide the highest quality meals for our students. The report included a LPS Student Nutrition Feedback Report. Mr. Lay made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.12 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1. Approval of New Job Descriptions Due to the Human Relations & Labor Relations Subcommittee not being reported out on, these positions will be brought back for approval at the next School Committee meeting. 7.2. Mold Remediation Team Request Dr. Hall, Chief Operations Officer requested that the School Committee approve the expenditure of up to $35,000 to train volunteers for an in-house mold remediation team. He believes this will provide a faster response time and provide the School Department and City with more options in the future. The report also stated that the district will also need to negotiate with the UTL on what the rate of compensation will be for building services personnel who perform this function. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 8) Ms. Thompson stated that it’s important that we find out why the molding is growing. Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve the mold remediation team request; seconded by Ms. Chhoun. 7 yeas APPROVED 7.3. Proposed LHS Graduation Policy Changes - 1st Read This policy will be on the agenda for approval at the next School Committee meeting. 7.4. Budget Transfer Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the budget transfer of $7,249,167; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. 7 yeas APPROVED 8. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 8.1. Overnight Request: Lowell High School - Discover South Africa Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the Convention/Conference request; seconded by Ms. Thompson. 7 yeas APPROVED 9. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 9.1. The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell Hereby Donate Thirty [48] Sick Leave Days to William Borelli, Stoklosa School Teacher. Ms. Chhoun made a motion to approve the Professional Personnel; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED 10. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Thompson made a motion to adjourn at 8:43 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Martin. 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