School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: September 4, 2024 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 lbedoya@lowell.k12.ma.us. If you have 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 6:31 p.m., all members present were, namely: Mayor Rourke, Mr. Bahou, Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi, Ms. Doherty and Ms. Martin. Mr. Lay arrived at 6:47 p.m. 3. MINUTES 3.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of August 19, 2024 Ms. Doherty spoke during the minutes portion of the meeting about a report she believes was not sufficiently addressed at the last meeting. Due to her absence, she was unable to raise her concerns when the report was presented. She requested an explanation as to why the hiring manager conducted an interview with a candidate alone, bypassing the standard interview process. Mr. Conway moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special School Committee meetings held on August 21, 2024, and August 26, 2024; seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay) APPROVED 3.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of August 21, 2024 Ms. Doherty spoke during the minutes portion of the meeting about a report she believes was not sufficiently addressed at the last meeting. Due to her absence, she was unable to raise her concerns at that time. She requested an explanation as to why the hiring manager conducted an interview with a candidate alone, bypassing the standard interview process. Mr. Conway moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special School Committee meetings held on August 21, 2024, and August 26, 2024; seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 7) 3.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of August 21, 2024 Ms. Doherty spoke during the minutes portion of the meeting about a report she believes was not sufficiently addressed at the last meeting. Due to her absence, she was unable to raise her concerns at that time. She requested an explanation as to why the hiring manager conducted an interview with a candidate alone, bypassing the standard interview process. Mr. Conway moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special School Committee meetings held on August 21, 2024, and August 26, 2024; seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay) APPROVED 3.4. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of August 21, 2024 Ms. Doherty spoke during the minutes portion of the meeting about a report she believes was not sufficiently addressed at the last meeting. Due to her absence, she was unable to raise her concerns at that time. She requested an explanation as to why the hiring manager conducted an interview with a candidate alone, bypassing the standard interview process. Mr. Conway moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special School Committee meetings held on August 21, 2024, and August 26, 2024; seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay) APPROVED 3.5. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of August 26, 2024 Ms. Doherty spoke during the minutes portion of the meeting about a report she believes was not sufficiently addressed at the last meeting. Due to her absence, she was unable to raise her concerns at that time. She requested an explanation as to why the hiring manager conducted an interview with a candidate alone, bypassing the standard interview process. Mr. Conway moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special School Committee meetings held on August 21, 2024, and August 26, 2024; seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay) APPROVED 3.6. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of August 26, 2024 Ms. Doherty spoke during the minutes portion of the meeting about a report she believes was not sufficiently addressed at the last meeting. Due to her absence, she was unable to raise her concerns at that time. She requested an explanation as to why the hiring manager conducted an interview with a candidate alone, bypassing the standard interview process. Mr. Conway moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special School Committee meetings held on August 21, 2024, and August 26, 2024; seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay) APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 7) 4. PERMISSION TO ENTER 4.1. Contract Approval for Assistant Superintendent for HR & Operations, James Hall Ms. Delrossi moved to approve the contract for the Assistant Superintendent for HR & Operations, James Hall; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay) APPROVED 4.2. Contract Approval for Assistant Superintendent of Finance, Derek Pinto Ms. Doherty moved to approve the contract for the Assistant Superintendent of Finance, Derek Pinto; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay) APPROVED 4.3. Permission to Enter: September 4, 2024 Ms. Delrossi moved to approve the Permission to Enter; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin) APPROVED 5. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 5.1. Response to Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 03/20/24) regarding the DESE Special Education Audit Ms. Brown-LeGrand, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services provided a report to the Committee that informed them that the US Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) monitors states to ensure they comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In turn, each state monitors public and private schools to ensure they meet IDEA requirements. This process is intended to improve educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Office of Public School Monitoring conducted a Special Education and Civil Rights Monitoring Review in the Lowell Schools on March 14, 18, 21, and 22, 2024. On June 14, 2024, a draft report of DESE’s findings were provided to the Lowell Public Schools. After collaboration with the Lowell Public Schools Special Education Department, a final report on the review's findings was provided on July 8, 2024. On July 8, 2024, the district received a final report from DESE outlining its findings. DESE evaluated thirty-eight (38) Universal Standards of Special Education. The district has developed a corrective action plan (CAP) which has been submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Public School Monitoring for review and approval. Once approved, the Lowell Public Schools Special Education Department will focus its efforts to improve its practices and training around special education to ensure implementation of the areas rated as partially implemented. Mr. Lay moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 7) 5.2. Response to Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 05/15/24) regarding McAuliffe Traffic Officer/Crossing Guard Ms. Crocker-Roberge, Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership, provided a follow-up to the traffic study at McAuliffe School. She stated that the City of Lowell Transportation Engineer, Elizabeth Oltman, and Lesa Breault-Gulbicki, Safety Coordinator for the Lowell Public Schools, engaged in additional consultation with Captain Penrose of the Lowell Police Department regarding the traffic flow and peak congestion times for both pedestrians and vehicles. The recommendations for repainting road markers, providing safety vests and signs to school staff on duty, increasing the number of school staff on duty during arrival and dismissal, and keeping two lanes of traffic flowing at all times have been implemented. During the two fifteen-minute windows of morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal, there is an increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic, which is to be expected. This causes some minor back-ups on Beacon Street which are expected to further abate after the first two (2) weeks of school when more students are typically riding the bus. A similar traffic congestion pattern during peak times is observed at the shared campus at Wang/Pawtucketville, which has singular, shared drop-off lanes for cars and buses that operate much like the pattern at Robinson/McAuliffe. The availability of additional police officers and crossing guards remains a challenge for the two 15-minute windows of time. There is a School Resource Officer assigned to the Robinson/McAuliffe campus, however, the SRO covers seven (7) schools in total and is not solely dedicated to this campus. At the time of the original report in February, there were two (2) crossing guard vacancies in the city. At this time, there are now four (4) crossing guard vacancies along with additional patrol officer needs to assist with navigating Lowell High School’s construction zone. As such, there are no patrol or crossing guard staff that can be assigned to McAuliffe t this time Mr. Lay moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED 5.3. Response to Motion (By Fred Bahou, 07/25/24) regarding Safety Awareness Ms. Crocker-Roberge, Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership, provided a report to the Committee that stated that as a public school district, our goal is not only to prepare students academically, but also with the social and safety awareness skills to enjoy a healthy life. Our Community Outreach Strategist, Jen Myers, and our Director of Mental Health, SEL and Behavior, Drew Rosenshine, along with members from the Curriculum office shared curricular resources used to educate students in the Lowell Public Schools about gun violence, domestic violence, and safety, in light of recent tragic events involving LPS students and gun/domestic violence in the home. Mr. Lay moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED 5.4. Response To Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 08/21/24) regarding Hiring of Tutors Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources provided a report that stated that the status of hiring tutors is ahead of schedule for SY25. Principals are authorized to begin work with tutors on or after September 9, 2024. As of this morning, over 104 tutors have already been hired and on-boarded Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 7) to begin work. This on-boarding is scheduled at this time to avoid the rush of in-processing hundreds of other personnel in late August for the start of school. Principals have identified the tutors that will fill these assignments within schools. Many are returning from last school year, but tutors must be rehired each year for this part-time, hourly assignment. Ms. Martin asked how many tutors were hired. Dr. Hall stated approximately 200 to 250. Mr. Lay moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED 5.5. Response to Bundled Motions (By Fred Bahou, Dave Conway, and Eileen DelRossi, 08/21/24) Regarding School Reopening/Construction Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources provided a report that stated that in many respects this year’s opening of school was thrilling as we opened newly-constructed spaces and welcomed students back to each campus. While it was truly a race-to-the-finish, considering construction projects to hiring, from big projects at our district offices to final paint touch-ups in new spaces, staff and students began the year happily and with excitement. Mr. Lay moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED 5.6. Report on Motions 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 on page 7, M-059 Health Curriculum - that she would like an update on that motion. She stated that on page 8, M-089 Band/Color Guard Program - she would like an update soon due to the time sensitive nature. Mr. Conway stated that on page 2 – M055 Park Ave East - that it reads completed, but he hasn’t seen any changes up there. Mr. Lay moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 5.1 through 5.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1. Request the School Committee to nominate two members to serve on the Strategic Goals Committee Mr. Conway moved to nominate Ms. Martin and Mr. Bahou (with their permission) to serve on the strategic goals committee; seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED. Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 7) 6.2. Approval to Accept and Expend Allocated FY25 Awards The grants funds provided in the report have been secured by the Lowell Public Schools through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve, accept and expend the allocated FY25 awards; seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED 6.3. Request Approval of Doctoral Research Proposal Daroth Yann, assistant principal at the Shaughnessy Elementary School, is proposing to conduct a research on the effectiveness of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and targeted professional development to enhance teachers’ efficacy and intercultural competency in order to better service our ever growing population of multilingual students with a diverse background. The findings of such a study can be used to improve teacher professional development to better foster a more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment. Mr. Conway moved to bundle and approve the doctoral research proposals; seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED 6.4. Request Approval of Doctoral Research Proposal Latifah Phillips, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer, is proposing to conduct a research to identify strategies for strengthening families’ sense of self-efficacy to engage with schools, strengthening relationships and communication with families of students who are academically several grade levels below. The study will focus particularly on Hispanic/Latino families and students. Mr. Conway moved to bundle and approve the doctoral research proposals; seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED 6.5. Home Education Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Cassandra Veillette Katelyn Primmer Belgica Martinez Steve Southard Scheliane Oliverira-Dahlgren Ms. Doherty moved to approve; seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 7 yeas APPROVED Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 7) 7. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Delrossi made a motion to adjourn at 7:03 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Conway. 7 yeas APPROVED Respectfully submitted, Liam Skinner, 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