School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: March 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 6:34 p.m., members present were, namely: Mr. Bahou, Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin and Mayor Rourke. Surika S. Prak, LHS Student Advisory Council was also present. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Spotlight On Excellence: The Career Academy's recently opened kitchen spoke about the recently opened kitchen at the Career Academy and informed the Committee that it is now fully operational. She also presented a short video showcasing students and outside agencies preparing macaroni and cheese, as well as breakfast tacos. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 13, 2025 Ms. Martin moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and Regularly Scheduled School Committee meetings that were held on February 5, 2025, and February 13, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 155 Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 9) 4.2. The Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of February 5, 2025 Ms. Martin moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special and Regularly Scheduled School Committee meetings that were held on February 5, 2025, and February 13, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter - March 5, 2025 Mr. Conway moved to approve the Permission to Enter; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 6. MEMORIALS 6.1. James F. McMahon, Retired Deputy Superintendent of Schools and Former Shaughnessy School Principal, husband of retired Murkland School Literacy Specialist MaryAnn McMahon and father of Erin Hart teacher at Greenhalge School. 6.2. Irene (Vasconcelos) Silva, Mother of Fernanda Lopes STEM Academy Math Resource Teacher and Anabel DaSilva Sullivan Middle School Instructional Specialist. 6.3. Patrick J. Moran and Leah K. Moran, Father and Mother of Lynn Moran Administrative Assistant at the Family Resource Center Central Office. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Fred Bahou]: Have proper department look into allowing students to change their email passwords upon entering Junior High School & thereafter. Mr. Bahou moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 7.2. [By Fred Bahou]: Have proper department look into the possibility of having students email not be disabled after High School graduation. Mr. Bahou moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 7.3. [By Fred Bahou]: Have proper department provide a report of employment opportunities approved in 2024-2025 Budget which are still not filled. Mr. Bahou moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 9) 7.4. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to work with the appropriate departments in order to plan for the new placements of all the classrooms and programs in the basement of the 1922 building that will be impacted by the construction. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 7.5. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the Committee with an update on the number of teachers, by school, who have not received their full certification/licensure along with the Ms. Doherty moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. The Approval of the Minutes of the Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee Meeting of February 4, 2025 Ms. Martin, Chairperson of the Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee gave the Committee an overview of the curriculum audit that took place from April 2024 through January 17, 2025. She stated that Attuned partnered with Lowell Public Schools to support the 2024-2025 literacy efforts to evaluate and refine literacy instruction in service of equitable outcomes. In the fall of 2024, Attuned team members interviewed stakeholders and analyzed instructional artifacts. Additionally, Attuned Education Partners visited 55 classrooms across the following ten schools: Bartlett, Pyne Arts, Lincoln, Greenhalge, STEM Academy at Rogers, Morey, Shaughnessy, Bailey, Wang, and Stoklosa. Attuned hosted several focus groups of school leaders, campus-based coaches, and classroom teachers better to understand current literacy approach. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. Response to Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 1/15/25) Regarding creating an easy to access link if buses are delayed Ms. Sharry, Transportation Director provided a report to the Committee that informed them that the transportation department and NRT have collaboratively implemented a live spreadsheet on the Lowell Public Schools website that provides families with real-time updates on vehicle changes, route splits, and the estimated number of minutes the vehicle is behind schedule. This initiative has proven to be an effective communication tool for our families, making it easier for families to plan ahead especially during the times of driver shortages and inclement weather. Additionally, the spreadsheet is accessible from both computers and cell phones, ensuring that families can stay informed on the go. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 9) Ms. Doherty requested that the date be displayed on the spreadsheet. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.2. Response to Motion (By David Conway, 1/15/2025) Regarding LHS Dismissal Ms. Crocker-Roberge, the Assistant Superintendent for Schools & Leadership, informed the Committee that as of January 26, 2025, there are exactly 3,400 students enrolled at Lowell High School, including 1019 freshmen and 2,381 upperclassmen across the multi-block campus. While the morning arrival process spans at least 15 minutes, at dismissal, all students exit the buildings simultaneously, with the exception of those remaining at school for clubs, athletics, or after-school support. As such, there is a large concentration of students who either board the city buses, get picked up by parents or caregivers, walk to their vehicles in the parking garage, or walk home within a window of just a few minutes. Ensuring a safe and orderly dismissal requires a comprehensive plan that is consistently implemented and refined when needed. Lowell High School dismissal occurs at 2:30 pm. When the students begin exiting the buildings, we have 12 LRTA buses on site, security, and administration, and LPD traffic control positioned to monitor activity and safety as the students begin making their way home. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.3. Response to Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 1/15/25) Regarding Greenhalge Traffic Pattern Change Ms. Crocker-Roberge, the Assistant Superintendent for Schools & Leadership, informed the Committee that the Greenhalge Elementary School instituted a new procedure for arrival and dismissal starting on January 2nd. The procedure was communicated to families via Class DOJO, our school-wide communication app, for the 2 weeks before the December break and then again following the break. Updates and helpful reminders have been shared this month via DOJO as well to help it run more smoothly. Four staff members were reassigned from other duties to support arrival and dismissal on Victor Street. Administrators have been present as well for additional support. With the new procedure, families pull to the left-hand side of Victor Street and can drop their students off. Parents are asked not to get out of their cars during this time. At dismissal, the same process is completed in reverse. Families were provided with signs with their child's name to aid staff and expedite the process. Overall, the process is going well and cutting down on illegal parking on the surrounding streets. 9.4. Response to Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 1/15/25) Regarding migrant students who receive ELL support Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, there were 93 Lowell Public Schools students living at the ICC. To date, there are only 84 students living at ICC, as nine students (5 families) have obtained housing in neighboring communities (Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, Medford, & Billerica). While the term L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 9) -Vento students who are living in the State Identified Emergency Shelter. Families began enrolling in LPS in December 2023. The Lowell Public Schools team has been working very closely to support the families with this transition. There are multiple departments throughout the district that provide support for the students and families currently housed at the ICC. Ms. Doherty requested more information on the Family Leadership Institute. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.5. Update on Lowell High School Construction The Committee was provided with a hard copy of the update that was shared at the Building Committee meeting. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.6. Midyear progress on Strategic Goal 3.3 Mental Health District Wide Planning Mr. Rosenshine, Director of Mental Health, SEL and shared a PowerPoint presentation to the Committee that provided a mid-year progress update. During the course of the 2024-25 school year the mental health office has made significant progress in refining and further developing a comprehensive school mental health system for the Lowell Public Schools. This includes updating procedures and building screening systems to identify and support student needs, so intervention can occur earlier. The office has provided many professional development sessions on trauma informed practices to staff across the district with the focus of adapting classroom environments to match the needs of our students. These focused Tier 1 MTSS trainings address needs previously identified by both district and building administrators and will continue on an ongoing basis with the intention of training all staff in trauma informed practices over the next year. At the same time the office continues to facilitate training and support for clinical staff, to ensure the use of best practices regarding mental health and student support in our schools. The office is engaged in an on-going cycle of assessment and improvement to ensure MTSS structures across levels and schools can support students and families to their fullest capacity, while ensuring consistency across the district. In this effort, considerable time has been invested in expanding our partnerships in the community and with vendors who can effectively support our work in schools. The main focus is to build a comprehensive school mental health system in Lowell Public Schools by conducting a needs assessment in several areas. Mr. Bahou moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 9) 9.7. Home Education Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Cyan Murphy Clarivel Marin De Dragas Elizabeth Tavares Ms. Martin moved to approve home education; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. 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. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve, accept and expend the allocated FY25 awards; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.2. FY25.FY26 Budget Update Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, provided an update to the Committee informing them that the finance office has had their second set of budget meetings for FY25 with all cost centers (schools, Central Office Departments). The finance office also met with the schools and discussed best practices. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.3. Budget Modification Request Ms. Delrossi moved to approve the budget modification in the amount of $332,517.62; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.4. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for the Joseph A. McAvinnue Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program Mr. Conway made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 10.4 through 10.11. (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for Joseph A. McAvinnue Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School, John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School, Benjamin F. Butler Middle School, Bartlett Community Partnership School, James S. Daley Middle School, Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School, and Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 9) 10.5. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for the STEM Academy at the Rogers School under the Accelerated Repair Program Mr. Conway made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 10.4 through 10.11. (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for Joseph A. McAvinnue Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School, John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School, Benjamin F. Butler Middle School, Bartlett Community Partnership School, James S. Daley Middle School, Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School, and Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.6. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for the John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program Mr. Conway made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 10.4 through 10.11. (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for Joseph A. McAvinnue Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School, John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School, Benjamin F. Butler Middle School, Bartlett Community Partnership School, James S. Daley Middle School, Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School, and Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.7. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for the Benjamin F. Butler Middle School under the Accelerated Repair Program Mr. Conway made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 10.4 through 10.11. (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for Joseph A. McAvinnue Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School, John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School, Benjamin F. Butler Middle School, Bartlett Community Partnership School, James S. Daley Middle School, Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School, and Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.8. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for the Bartlett Community Partnership School under the Accelerated Repair Program Mr. Conway made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 10.4 through 10.11. (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for Joseph A. McAvinnue Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School, John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School, Benjamin F. Butler Middle School, Bartlett Community Partnership School, James S. Daley Middle School, Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School, and Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 9) 10.9. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for the James S. Daley Middle School under the Accelerated Repair Program Mr. Conway made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 10.4 through 10.11. (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for Joseph A. McAvinnue Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School, John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School, Benjamin F. Butler Middle School, Bartlett Community Partnership School, James S. Daley Middle School, Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School, and Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.10. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for the Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program Mr. Conway made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 10.4 through 10.11. (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for Joseph A. McAvinnue Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School, John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School, Benjamin F. Butler Middle School, Bartlett Community Partnership School, James S. Daley Middle School, Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School, and Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 10.11. Vote-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for the Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program Mr. Conway made a motion to bundle and approve Items # 10.4 through 10.11. (Votes-Authorize MSBA Statement of Interest for Joseph A. McAvinnue Elementary School, STEM Academy at the Rogers School, John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School, Benjamin F. Butler Middle School, Bartlett Community Partnership School, James S. Daley Middle School, Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School, and Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School under the Accelerated Repair Program); seconded by Ms. Doherty. 7 yeas APPROVED 11. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 11.1. Out of State Request - LHS to Emerson College in Boston, MA Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 11.2. Out of State Request - The Barr Foundation LHS to Washington, D.C. 12. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 12.1. The Members of the Lowell School Administrators Association of Lowell Hereby Donate thirty-six [36] Sick Leave Days to Shelby Boisvert of Student Support Services. Ms. Martin moved to approve the professional personnel; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 9) 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 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us