School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: November 6, 2024 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 Members of the public can view the meeting via LTC. Those wishing to speak about a specific agenda item must register in advance by emailing the Superintendent. Please include the agenda item, as well as your phone number and email address so we can provide a Zoom link for access. The email address is lbedoya@lowell.k12.ma.us. If you do not have access to email, you may contact us at 978-674-4324. All requests must be submitted by 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 and Mr. Lay. Ms. Delrossi was on Zoom. Ms. Doherty arrived at 6:33 p.m. and Ms. Martin was absent. Surika S. Prak, LHS Student Advisory Council was also present. 3. MINUTES 3.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of October 16, 2024 Mr. Bahou moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee meeting that was held on October 16, 2024; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Doherty) APPROVED 4. PERMISSION TO ENTER 4.1. Permission to Enter Mr. Lay moved to approve the Permission to Enter; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Doherty) APPROVED 155 Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 8) 5. MOTIONS 5.1. [By Connie Martin]: Request the establishment of a monthly Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee to provide consistent updates on classroom implementation of curriculum initiatives and teaching practices across the district. This motion was deferred to the next regularly scheduled meeting on November 20, 2024. 5.2. [By Fred Bahou]: Request the Superintendent to report on the feasibility of having all students in K- 4 of LPS students to not take home their Lowell Public School issued chromebooks & IPads & consider all homework assignments to be sent home using their books or worksheets. Mr. Bahou moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED 5.3. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with an update on the curriculum review currently in process, including a list of staff (by role) involved in the collaboration. The staff involved in the review must include teachers from across the district at relevant grade levels. Ms. Doherty stated that she believes that teachers should be involved with this audit so the district can take a deeper dive. Ms. Doherty moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED 5.4.[By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provides the committee with a finance update on the purchase order process and payment timelines, how to get approved vendor status, compensation schedules to teachers for professional development and other time outside standard work hours, and the policy for reimbursing staff for appropriate school-related purchases. Ms. Doherty moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED Ms. Doherty moved to hold a Finance Subcommittee to further discuss item # 5.4 Request the Superintendent provides the committee with a finance update on the purchase order process and payment timelines, how to get approved vendor status, compensation schedules to teachers for professional development and other time outside standard hours, and the policy for reimbursing staff for appropriate school-related purchases , item #7.2 Response To Motion (By Dave Conway, 03/06/24) Regarding Abrahams Report, and item 7.4 ESSER Funds, Allocation and Use; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED 5.5. [By Eileen DelRossi and Fred Bahou]: Request the superintendent to report on the policies and procedures for staff members when they are injured by students with disabilities and also when students without a disability category injure staff members. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 8) 5.6. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to report on the amount of students who receive -out services) as well as what determines the setting and amount of time each student may receive ELL services within the district. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED Mr. Conway moved to request the Superintendent contact the State's Executive Office of Public Safety to see what steps we need to take to qualify for the FY25 Student Awareness of Fire Education Grant Program; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED 6. SUBCOMMITTEES 6.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Policy & Governance Subcommittee Meeting of October 29, 2024 Ms. Doherty, Chairperson of the Policy & Governance Subcommittee, informed the Committee that the subcommittee along with Ms. Mallon reviewed the following policies: JICFA Prohibition of Hazing: It was recommended that the district adopt the MASC version as written, as Lowell Public Schools does not have its own version. JICFA-E Hazing: The MASC model policy was updated in 2021, and it is recommended that the district adopt this version, replacing the Lowell Public Schools' version of JICFA-E Hazing. JICFB Bullying Prevention: The MASC model policy was also updated in 2021. It is recommended that the district adopt this version and replace Lowell Public Schools' version of JICFB Bullying in Schools. JICK Harassment of Students: It is recommended that the district adopt the MASC version, as Lowell Public Schools does not have its own version. EFC - Universal Free School Meals: The MASC model policy has been updated to reflect recent legislation. It is recommended that the district adopt the MASC version, replacing Lowell Public Schools' version of EF Food Service Management. EFD School Nutrition Program Charge Policy (MASC): This MASC model policy was also updated to reflect recent legislation. It is recommended that the district adopt the MASC version, replacing Lowell Public Schools' version of EFC Free and Reduced-Price Food Services. EFE Civil Rights Complaint Policy for Child Nutrition Programs (MASC): It is recommended that the district adopt the MASC version as written, as Lowell Public Schools does not have its CHCA Approval of Handbooks and Directives: It is recommended that the district adopt the MASC version. These policies have been approved to move forward to the Committee and will appear later on the agenda under New Business for their first readings. Mr. Bahou moved to accept this report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 8) 7. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 7.1. Response To Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 9/18/24) Regarding Greenhalge Teacher Parking A report from the city informed the Committee that through discussions with school staff and neighborhood representatives, the following short-term solutions are recommended to improve traffic flow during the drop-off and pick up periods: The signage along the Ennell Street frontage should be modified from the current one-hour drop sidewalk area by removing the potential for personal vehicles to park in this location during the day. The existing Resident Only parking should be maintained on the south side of Victor Street. between Beaulieu Street and Boisvert Street. This will aid in school drop off and pick up by removing parked vehicles on both sides of the street from blocking circulation. School Staff believe that this length is sufficient to trial a change in drop off and pick up practices. Currently, some teacher/staff vehicles overflow the existing parking lot and park along the north side of Victor Street between Ennell Street and Beaulieu Street. This can be maintained during the initial trial period of the new practices. The location where the most pedestrian/vehicle conflict was observed was the intersection of Beaulieu Street and Victor Street. It is possible that the buses along Ennell Street, if there are vehicles in the no parking zone, could block access to Victor Street, which would cause parents to form the habit of using Beaulieu Street. It is recommended during the trial period to encourage parents to use Ennell Street to access Victor Street to limit conflicts between student pedestrians and vehicles at the crosswalk across Victor Street at Beaulieu Street and allow more queueing area. Street. -day Trial Order.: The following longer-term solutions are recommended: The crosswalks across Victor Street at Ennell Street, Beaulieu Street and Boisvert Street would benefit from ADA-compliant curb ramps. The crosswalk across Victor Street at Beauleau Street would be a perfect location for a raised crosswalk. The missing sidewalk connection along the school driveway entrance from Ennell Street should be constructed. The mid-block crosswalks across Boisvert Street should be removed and a new crosswalk be placed across Boisvert Street at Victor Street. Mr. Conway moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.4 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 8) 7.2. Response To Motion (By Dave Conway, 03/06/24) Regarding Abrahams Report Ms. Doherty moved to hold a Finance Subcommittee to discuss item # 5.4 Request the Superintendent provides the committee with a finance update on the purchase order process and payment timelines, how to get approved vendor status, compensation schedules to teachers for professional development and other time outside standard hours, and the policy for reimbursing staff for appropriate school-related purchases , item #7.2 Response To Motion (By Dave Conway, 03/06/24) Regarding Abrahams Report, and item 7.4 ESSER Funds, Allocation and Use for further discussion; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED Mr. Conway moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.4 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED 7.3. Response to Motion (By Dominik Lay, 10/16/2024) Regarding Minimum Required MCAS Score Ms. Crocker- Roberge, Assistant Superintendent for Schools & Leadership, provide a report to the Committee that informed them that the official graduation rate for 2024 remains embargoed by the state. The report contained detailed data for the years 2019-2023 combined. During the years reported, there were a total of 174 students who dropped out and out of the 174 students, 2 students eventually earned a Certificate of Attainment, 8 students eventually earned a diploma, and 164 remained classified ly 1 attempt at taking the MCAS, which means they dropped out or did not take the test after Grade 10. Students may attempt MCAS a total of 5 times prior to graduation, beginning in Grade 10. Ms. Doherty asked if more information could be given to the Committee around what the state will do moving forward. Mr. Conway moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.4 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED 7.4. ESSER Funds, Allocation and Use Ms. Doherty moved to hold a Finance Subcommittee to discuss item # 5.4 Request the Superintendent provides the committee with a finance update on the purchase order process and payment timelines, how to get approved vendor status, compensation schedules to teachers for professional development and other time outside standard hours, and the policy for reimbursing staff for appropriate school-related purchases , item #7.2 Response To Motion (By Dave Conway, 03/06/24) Regarding Abrahams Report, and item 7.4 ESSER Funds, Allocation and Use for further discussion; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED Mr. Conway moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 7.1 through 7.4 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin) APPROVED L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 8) 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.1. 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, Peter R. Marsh Foundation and the Eos Foundation. Mr. Lay moved to approve, accept and expend the allocated FY25 awards; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED 8.2. Approval of Job Description and Permission to Post: Data Office Restructuring Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve and post the Data Office Assistant position; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED 8.3. First Reading of LPS Policies Drafted by MASC Section J JICFA Prohibition of Hazing JICFA-E Hazing JICFB Bullying Prevention JICK Harassment of Students Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the first reading of LPS Policies Drafted by MASC Section J; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED 8.4. First Reading of LPS Policies Drafted by MASC Section E EFC - Universal Free School Meals EFD - School Nutrition Program Charge Policy (MASC) EFE - Civil Rights Complaint Policy for Child Nutrition Programs (MASC) Mr. Lay made a motion to approve the first reading of LPS Policies Drafted by MASC Section E; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED 8.5. First Reading of LPS Policies Drafted by MASC Section C CHCA-Approval of Handbooks and Directives Ms. Doherty made a motion to approve the first reading of LPS Policies Drafted by MASC Section C; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 8) 8.6. Home Education Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Jaliyah Figueroa Samuel Gonzalez Liam Celeste Ms. Doherty moved to approve home education; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED 9. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 9.1. Overnight Request: Conference in Philadelphia, PA Mr. Conway moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED 9.2. Overnight Request: Leadership Conference in Chatham, MA Mr. Conway moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED 9.3. Overnight Request: Coalition for Community Schools Conference Mr. Conway moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED 10. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 10.1. The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell Hereby Donate Eleven [11] Sick Leave Days to Rosali Cabrera Cardinal School Paraprofessional. Mr. Conway moved to approve the professional personnel; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 8) 11. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Doherty moved to adjourn at 7:07 p.m.; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Martin, Ms. Delrossi). APPROVED Respectfully submitted, Liam Skinner, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee LS/mes L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us