School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: February 5, 2025 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 skeo@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., members present were, namely: Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Mayor Rourke and Ms. Delrossi. Mr. Bahou arrived at 6:33 p.m. and Ms. Doherty arrived at 6:38 p.m. Mr. Conway was absent. Surika S. Prak, LHS Student Advisory Council was also present. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Spotlight On Excellence: CAGS Program The Spotlight on Excellence celebrates graduates from Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 of the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership and Management Program (Ed.S. in EDLM) offered through the Lowell Teacher Academy (LTA) in partnership with Fitchburg State University (FSU). These 50 graduates worked tirelessly during their two-year accelerated program to understand the systematic and programmatic challenges of leading a large district, with instruction from administrators throughout Lowell Public Schools and central office staff. This unique partnership allows our Lowell Public Schools employees to take graduate courses here in Lowell, benefiting our students, families, and community by developing leaders through the lens of Lowell and its unique strengths. Graduates are as follows: Casey Bettencourt, Elizabeth Borrelli, William Borrelli, Bryan Brunelle, Lori Casey, Lori Conlon, Lindsay DiZoglio, John Durkin, Sarah Giavroutas, Julie Gillis, Wendy Gregoire, Briana Gross, Jacqueline Hoffman, Sherianne Kinney, Katie Lanzi, Linda Lunn, Kayla Williams, Kerry Marshall, Danielle McLaughlin, Amy McManus, Jocelyn Morrow-Anderson, Paula Peters, Pattian Spence-Cox, Marcella Trainor, Lauren Trombly, Kristin Weigold, Diva Decarvalho, Holly Donovan, Rebecca Evans, Jessica Fennell, Cassandra Floor, Mikaela Keefe, Brianne LeMay, Marissa Tanguay, Molly McHale, Elizabeth McQuaid, Jessica Laffey, Elizabeth 155 Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 11) Nolan-Stack, Jessica Nucefora, Katie Pudil, Rafael Quiles, Elizabeth Quirbach, Paula Renaud, John Rolfe, Shannon Smith, Kelly Tavares, Katelyn Tupaj, Jessica Robinson, and Marguerite Klobucher. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of December 11, 2024 Mr. Bahou moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and Regularly Scheduled School Committee meetings that were held on December 11, 2024, and January 15, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 4.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of January 15, 2025 Mr. Bahou moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and Regularly Scheduled School Committee meetings that were held on December 11, 2024, and January 15, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 4.3. The Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of January 15, 2025 Mr. Bahou moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and Regularly Scheduled School Committee meetings that were held on December 11, 2024, and January 15, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter - February 5, 2025 Ms. Doherty moved to approve the Permission to Enter; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 6. MEMORIALS 6.1. Travis J. McCarthy, son of Paul McCarthy retired teacher at LHS and Jackie Kelleher-Roy (sister) budget and funding analyst at central office. 6.2. Avra Skrekas, Retired Paraprofessional Sullivan School, Mother of Retired Teacher Georgia Skrekas Stoklosa School. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Dominik Lay]: Request to approve an early dismissal day for Halloween on Friday, October 31, 2025 Mr. Lay withdrew his motion. L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 11) Ms. Delrossi made a motion to suspend the rules to take agenda item # 9.1 (Rights of Immigrant Students) out of order; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 7.2. [By Fred Bahou]: A motion to have the Superintendent provide an update on the timeline to begin school is American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant including other renovations needed to support the opening of the school for our students & staff in a timely fashion. Currently there is an RFP that is still open and once all the bids are in and opened the information will be shared with the Committee. It is a twelve to eighteen month project. Mr. Bahou moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 7.3. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide an update and the Mayor convene a joint City Council and School Committee Facilities Subcommittee meeting to discuss the status and work planned under the New American Schools grant as well as the timelines and the work required to utilize Ms. Doherty stated that she is concerned about the broken lifts at the Bartlett and how it is not currently ADA compliant. She requested that a joint (School Committee and City Council) facilities subcommittee be held. Ms. Doherty moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 7.4. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Lowell School Committee agree to join other elected officials in support of the *enclosed (or paste link below) letter/petition to Governor Healy requesting more statewide investment in supports for our unhoused rather than requiring unrealistic timelines and restrictions that do not provide solutions, but further traumatize these families and their children. Ms. Doherty moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 7.5. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the Superintendent to work with the proper departments to support elementary, mddle, and high school students receive appropriate educational guidance to ensure overall safety around the current deportation executive orders in order to help to diminish any fears and reinforce our current policies. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 11) 7.6. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the Superintendent to work with the proper departments to ensure that our history curriculum includes accurate fact-based curriculum to ensure our students of all n the broader narrative of their role in American History. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 7.7. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the Superintendent to immediately begin to work with proper departments to develop a task force to define any current K-12 curriculum, instruction, programs, or activities that could place Lowell Public Schools at risk for losing federal funding and put a proactive plan in place to assure we do not lose any of our federal funding. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty The motion failed with 1 yea, 5 nays (Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Mayor Rourke, Mr. Bahou, Ms. Doherty), 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 7.8. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to work with the adequate departments to report on the 21st century after school program and the impacts on student academic progress. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. The Approval of the Minutes of the Policy and Governance Subcommittee Meeting of January 16, 2025 Ms. Doherty, Chairperson of the Policy Subcommittee, informed the Committee that the subcommittee has completed a thorough review of several policies in Section A. Additionally, the subcommittee examined the LHS Admission Policy for Chapter 74, which is listed on the agenda for final approval, as well as the Pre-School Assignment Policy, which is up for a first reading. The review of the remaining policies in Section A is scheduled for the next Policy Subcommittee meeting on February 25, 2025. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the following report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). 8.2. The Approval of the Minutes of the Special Education Subcommittee Meeting of January 16, 2025 Ms. Delrossi, Chairperson of the Special Education Subcommittee, informed the Committee that the subcommittee discussed the improvement plan which involves programming at the Bartlett School. She stated that the Bartlett has traditionally served as a hub for students with mobility challenges, but the facility itself presents significant obstacles. She shared that the district is exploring alternative options, though these efforts have been paused for the current school year. She stated that a committee is being formed to address the issue. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the following report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 11) Mr. Lay moved to recess at 7:18 p.m. and to return to open session after a brief break; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Conway). On a roll call at 7:23 p.m., members present were, namely: Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Mayor Rourke and Ms. Doherty. Mr. Bahou arrived at 7:50 p.m. Mr. Conway and Ms. Delrossi were absent. 9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. Rights of Immigrant Students Mr. Del Orbe spoke on this report and requested that this be translated in all languages for the public. The report states that the Lowell School Committee is committed to the success of every student in each of our schools. The vision of the Lowell Public Schools is to inspire all learners to discover and develop their talents; engage learners to think creatively and critically; and empower learners to become active, contributing members of the community, our nation and our world. We value the limitless potential of all students and teachers; equity and transparency in all our actions and interactions; school cultures that are welcoming, respectful, safe and healthy, and partnerships with schools, families and the community. The Lowell School Committee believes that it is imperative to understand and respond to the needs and interests of the whole child by providing respectful and joyful learning experiences for all students, embracing students' diversity, supporting their personal safety and social-emotional well- being, addressing their physical and nutritional needs and by nurturing their talents and interests before, during, afterschool and throughout the summer months. As such, the Lowell Public School System does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying. The School Committee deems that this welcoming, respectful, safe and healthy environment would be undermined if the district failed to abide by Plyler v. Doe. The Lowell School Committee further affirms that it must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that requires schools to respect every student's right to confidentiality and privacy, and prevents schools from sharing student information, including their citizenship status, if they know it (even with U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement, Le. ICE) without parental consent. All student records, including student files, are generally exempt from disclosure or subject to redaction to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information. This protects against the sharing of personally identifiable student information except for certain narrow exceptions including in response to a court order or subpoena, FERPA also requires prior notice to parents before responding to a subpoena or court order. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 9.2. FY26 Budget Process and the recent Federal Funding Updates Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent of Finance provided a report to the Committee that informed them s as well as the completion of budget workbooks that have been distributed to schools. A survey was also released in English and will be released in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Haitian Creole. Surveys will remain open for two weeks. The survey will be delivered on multiple platforms: LPS Leader and LPS Connector, along L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 11) . He stated that on January 27, 2025, the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memorandum directing a funding pause on discretionary grants at the Department of Education. These were to be reviewed for alignment with the Trump Administration priorities. The Department of Education is working with OMB to identify programs not covered by the memo. We (Lowell Public Schools LPS Finance) received information that the temporary pause did not impact Title I, IDEA, or other formula grants. On January 29th, the School freeze and that an administrative stay will be in place until February 3. Another court hearing is scheduled for that morning to consider the issue. information from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) to examine the latest developments and impacts to LPS. LPS Finance will update the Committee when there is more to share. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 9.3. FY25Q2 District Spending Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent of Finance provided a report to the Committee that provided them with a financial overview of the FY25 second quarter financial covering July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. This FY25 Q2 financial report is a summary of the Operating Budget. The report is organized into non-salary expenses and salary expenses. The budget continues to progress as expected, with ongoing evaluations to ensure spending reflects district priorities and operational needs. The report stated that purchases and transfers are being monitored closely, and the finance office is investigating whether some expenses can be reallocated to grant funds. Regarding payroll expenses, the finance office is reviewing staff assignments to ensure alignment with funding sources, and to ensure that grant- supported roles are aligned with grant periods. Variable costs can place significant financial pressure on the budget. Costs that we are monitoring include but are not limited to the following: unpaid bills in the current or prior years, substitute staffing, overtime, sick leave buy back, emergency instructional technology and software needs, out-of-district (OOD) tuition, special education\homeless\other transportation needs. The next steps for the finance office include monitoring spending trends and investigate potential budget transfers. Identify cost-saving measures while maintaining essential services. Reallocate funds where appropriate to reflect accurate spending and maximize grant opportunities. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 11) 9.4. Response To Motion (Bundled By David Conway, Connie Martin, Jackie Doherty 11/20/24) Regarding the new Lowell school buildings on university avenue. Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource provided two graphic design proposals for the Committee's consideration and decision. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 9.5. Response To Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 1/15/25) Regarding creating an easy to access link if busses are delayed This report will be reported out at the next School Committee meeting. 9.6. Response to Motion (By David Conway, 1/15/2025) Regarding LHS Dismissal This report will be reported out at the next School Committee meeting. 9.7. Response To Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 1/15/25) Regarding Greenhalge Traffic Pattern Change This report will be reported out at the next School Committee meeting. 9.8. Response To Motions (By Jackie Doherty and Connie Martin 01/04/2023) Regarding Authority to Remove Motions and (Eileen DelRossi) Action Plan on student litigation City Solicitor Williams informed the Committee that currently there are no cases in the Solicitor's office related to "staff on student" litigation. He also informed the Committee that there is only one person with the authority to remove a member's motion from the School Committee agenda prior to public notification and that is the Committee member who initially submitted the motion to be removed. It would not be inappropriate, nor uncommon, for an elected member of a public body to request withdrawal of a motion they sponsored. If this occurs prior to publication of the agenda, the process is straightforward and a simple request to the Superintendent (who is tasked with preparing the agenda) to not include said motion on the agenda. If this occurs after the agenda is published, the Committee member would publicly make a motion to withdraw the motion at the SC meeting. The Mayor, as Chair of the Committee, does not have the authority to exclude a member's motion from the agenda. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 11) 9.9. Response To Motion (By Dominik Lay, 10/16/24) Regarding letters to be communicated into Khmer Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that to support phone communication with families who are speakers of languages other than English, all schools have access to the Language Line, which is a telephonic interpretation service. Additionally, schools have access to in- Bank and through the central office bilingual liaison team. For written translations, schools and central office departments can request translations of documents from the Language Bank as well as from the central office bilingual liaison team. All translators and interpreters through our contracted services are certified to provide these services. Additionally, for regular communication between educators and families, several communications platforms are being used which have a translation function. Some of these include SMORE, Class Dojo, Remind, Talking Points as well as Google translate. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 9.10. Response To Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 1/15/25) Regarding migrant students who receive ELL support This report will be reported out at the next School Committee meeting. 9.11. KPI Report Q2 24.25 Final Revision Ms. Crocker-Roberge, the Assistant Superintendent for Schools & Leadership, provided the Key Performance Indicators Q2 report to the Committee. The report included the Quarter 2 update on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The KPIs identified fall within four main categories: Academics and Student Achievement Safe and Welcoming Environment Operational Efficiency Family and Community Engagement Key highlights are presented within each area with supporting tables and charts that illustrate the metrics and comparisons from the previous year. Data is also disaggregated by reporting groups where applicable. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.11 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 9.12. Home Education Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Maria Cintron Erin Pirrotta Kristy Hayward L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 11) Mr. Lay moved to approve home education; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Approval of Vacation Rates for Cafeteria Operations Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources requested the approval of the following rates of pay, to support cafeteria operations for February, April, and summer vacations in 2025: DRIVER: $24.00/hour CAFETERIA WORKER: $22.00/hour COOK: $26.00 hour Working during these vacation periods is optional and is not contractually obligated. These rates of pay are recommended in recognition of the rate of pay needed to staff kitchens in consideration of the optional nature of this additional work outside of the school year. Mr. Bahou moved to approve the vacation rates for cafeteria operations; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 10.2. Vote To Accept Donation of $1,000 From Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race Ms. Martin moved to accept the donation of $1,000 from the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 10.3. Budget Modification Request Ms. Doherty moved to approve the budget modification in the amount of $1,889,062; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 10.4. Outstanding Expenses from Prior Fiscal Year Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent for Finance shared information on outstanding expenses from the previous fiscal years that remain unpaid. He stated that immediate attention is needed to ensure accurate financial reporting and avoid potential penalties related to late payments. Ms. Martin moved to forward the unpaid obligations for fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024, to the City Council for payment using FY25 funds; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 10.5. First Reading of Preschool Assignment Policy Mr. Lay made a motion to waive the first reading of Preschool Assignment Policy and to send it to the next School Committee meeting for approval; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 11) 10.6. Second Reading of Chapter 74 Policy Ms. Martin made a motion to approve the Chapter 74 Policy; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 11. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 11.1. Overnight Request: National School Safety Conference in Orlando, FL Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 11.2. Out of State Request - Professional Development Summit Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 11.3. Overnight Request: Lowell High School to Providence, RI Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 11.4. Overnight Request: Lowell High School to Norwood, MA Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 11.5. Overnight Request: Lowell High School to MSSASA Conference Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 11.6. Overnight Request: Lowell High School to Hyannis, MA Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). 12. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 12.1. The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell Hereby Donate fifty four [54] Sick Leave Days to Courtney Toombs STEM Academy Teacher and six [6] Sick Leave Days to Nancy Daigle Paraprofessional Morey School. Mr. Bahou moved to approve the professional personnel; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 11) 13. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Doherty moved to adjourn at 8:27 p.m.; the motion was seconded by Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi). Respectfully submitted, Liam Skinner, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee LS/mes L Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us