School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: April 2, 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 6:32 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Delrossi, Ms. Martin, Mayor Rourke, Mr. Bahou and Mr. Conway. Ms. Doherty arrived at 6:38 p.m. Mr. Lay arrived at 6:48 p.m. Surika S. Prak, LHS Student Advisory Council was also present. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Spotlight On Excellence Knowledge Bowl Champions 2025: Daley Middle School Deferred to the next meeting. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 26, 2025 Mr. Bahou moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special & Regularly Scheduled School Committee meetings that were held on February 26, 2025, and March 19, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay). 4.2. The Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of March 19, 2025 Mr. Bahou moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Special & Regularly Scheduled School Committee meetings that were held on February 26, 2025, and March 19, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay). 155 Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 12) 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter - April 2, 2025 Ms. Martin moved to approve the Permission to Enter; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay). 6. MEMORIALS 6.1. Brenden J. Keegan, Father of Kathleen Cote Bailey School Teacher 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the Superintendent to update the school committee on the parking situation at the STEM Academy. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay). 7.2.[By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to work with the proper department to organize a Lowell Public Schools' Lowell General Hospital Cancer Walk Team in order to promote student community engagement. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay). 7.3. [By David Conway]: Request the Superintendent and the appropriate departments compile a list of all Lowell Public School administrators with their job description and salary. And further include the most up-to-date certification status. Mr. Conway moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay). 7.4. [By David Conway]: are fully or partially funded with federal monies. Mr. Conway moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay). 7.5. [By David Conway]: Request the Superintendent give an update on the LHS/Lowell Sun partnership. Mr. Conway moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 6yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay). L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 12) 7.6. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent to give an update of the family leadership institute for student success course offerings over the past year. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay). 7.7. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request to have the superintendent poll for a combined family community engagement and equity and access subcommittee meeting. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay). 7.8. [By Fred Bahou]: Have proper department submit a detailed report on how Lowell Public Schools includes Financial Literacy courses to our High school students curriculum & prepares them for with long term financial knowledge upon leaving high school. Mr. Bahou moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Lay). 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. The Approval of the Minutes of the Policy and Governance Subcommittee Meeting of February 25, 2025 Ms. Doherty, Chairperson of the Policy Subcommittee, informed the Committee that the subcommittee has successfully completed a comprehensive review of the remaining policies in Section A and is now in the process of reviewing the policies in Section B. Additionally, the subcommittee has reviewed the policy for unaffiliated staff, with the first reading already presented at the recent school committee meeting. Mr. Conway moved to accept the following report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Finance Subcommittee Meeting of March 6, 2025 Mr. Bahou, Chairperson of the Finance Subcommittee, informed the Committee that three key items were addressed during the subcommittee's meeting. The first item was the proposal to increase the threshold amount for entering permission reports, suggesting a rise from the current $5,000 to $25,000. He sought feedback from the Committee on whether this proposed increase was deemed too high, or if they preferred to defer the matter for further review in the coming month. The subcommittee then turned to the issue of outstanding prior-year expenditures, commonly referred to as 'bad bills.' Mr. Bahou reported that the were presented to the City Council, which approved the majority of them, with the exception of three bills. As mentioned, the three bills are still under review, and a written opinion s. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 12) Mr. Bahou also reported that permission to use the $1.1 million returned to the city by the schools which is now available as free cash was requested. Mr. Bahou indicated that discussions are ongoing with the city to refine the expenditure and contract processes, particularly noting the challenges of mid- year contracts that require multiple approvals. Next, the subcommittee reviewed the vendor selection and payment process. Mr. Bahou explained the requirements for onboarding new vendors and the importance of restricting employee purchases for several reasons. He highlighted that since the city is tax-exempt, purchases made by employees would not benefit from this exemption, complicating the reimbursement process. He also expressed concerns about employees using city credit cards, which can accumulate reward points but may also result in unpredictable expenses for the schools. To avoid discrepancies, all purchases must undergo thorough verification. Finally, the subcommittee discussed the process for employee reimbursement checks. Mr. Bahou stated that the schools are collaborating with the city to provide a detailed breakdown of services on each check, ensuring employees have clear visibility into the specific services for which they are being reimbursed. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the following report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8.3. The Approval of the Minutes of the Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee Meeting of March 25, 2025 Ms. Martin, Chairperson of the Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee, informed the Committee that the subcommittee received an update on the curriculum adoption process for English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy. She explained that Lowell Public Schools is currently undertaking a comprehensive review and adoption of a new K-8 ELA and Literacy curriculum. This initiative followed a Curriculum Audit Review conducted by Attuned Education Partners, which identified both strengths and areas for improvement in the district's literacy instruction.The district is presently evaluating three potential curricula American Reading Company, EL Education, and Core Knowledge/Amplify with significant input from educators. Feedback is being gathered through surveys, a curriculum fair, and opportunities for in-depth material reviews. The objective is to select a research-based, comprehensive, and culturally responsive curriculum that ensures equitable literacy opportunities and enhances student achievement district-wide. The ELA and Literacy Curriculum Selection Survey for educators closed on Friday, February 28, 2025. Of the 125 responses received, 65% came from K-4 teachers, and 38% came from 5-8 teachers. The survey identified three curricula as top choices. The district plans to recommend its top two choices, along with the rationale for the selection, in early April 2025. The final decision will be made by the Superintendent later that month. Committee members requested an update on the health curriculum and asked for a financial education report. The committee requested that both topics appear on the next Curriculum Subcommittee agenda. 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. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 12) 9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. Response To Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 2/5/25) Regarding Students of all Cultures Understands American History Dr. Fox Roye, the Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Instruction, presented a report to the Committee detailing the history and social studies curriculum in Lowell Public Schools (LPS). The curriculum emphasizes accurate, fact-based history and showcases the unique contributions of various cultures across all grade levels. The Massachusetts History and Social Science Frameworks is designed to help students appreciate the diversity of both U.S. and global cultures, while also understanding the significance of different groups within the broader historical narrative. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.8 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.2 Response to Motion (By Dave Conway and Dominik Lay, 3/06/2024) Network Outage Update Dr. Fox Roye, the Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Instruction, provided the Committee with an update on the district's network and data security issues. The Director of Technology applied for a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to conduct both internal and external security audits of the system. This audit will help the district identify any potential weaknesses in the network and address them accordingly. On March 10, 2025, the Technology Department, in collaboration with TOSS C3: Boston Managed IT Services, participated in the audit, which is funded by the grant. This audit marks the first step in a multi-phase process outlined by the grant. Should any vulnerabilities be identified, the district may be eligible for additional funding to cover remediation costs. TOSS C3, the company conducting the audit, has informed the district that due to a backlog, the results are expected within a month. Following the audit, the next step will be to pursue additional grant funding from the state to implement the recommended remedies. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.8 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.3. Strategic Planning Update The Lowell Public strategic planning process is entering its final phase of plan development as the district gets ready for approval and implementation. Since August, the steering committee has worked with our Attuned Education Partners to utilize an inclusive process, developing shared goals and priorities intended to set the Lowell Public Schools on a five-year course for systemwide transformation. At the heart of our work is teaching and learning and the ongoing development of a Culture of Continuous Improvement (CCI) that articulates how we work collaboratively to increase outcomes for all students, with specific priorities for our Multilingual Learners and Students with Disabilities. The plan will include a review and finalization of the implementation measures for the Year 1 pilot. The next steps are as follows: Draft the final plan document. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 12) Share the draft with the School Committee for feedback. (Target: School Committee Meeting on May 21, 2025) Approve the Strategic Plan and publicize it to the community. (Target: June 18 School Committee Meeting) Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.8 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.4. Diversity Hiring Report 03.27.2025 Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent of HR & Operations, provided the Committee with an update on the significant progress made by the Human Resources Department of Lowell Public Schools (LPS) in its recruitment and retention efforts. These efforts are particularly focused on enhancing the diversity of the district's workforce and addressing the educational needs of our students. The district has prioritized breaking down barriers to applications, attending local job fairs, and promoting the benefits of working in LPS. The report highlighted participation in career fairs, partnerships with MassHire offices across workforce. On March 25, 2025, LPS participated in the annual Middlesex County MassHire Career Fair, a key event for connecting with potential candidates. The HR team engaged with over 300 job seekers, providing information about available teaching and paraprofessional positions within the district. This event not only serves as an important recruitment opportunity but also as a platform to emphasize LPS's commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.8 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.5. Equity, enrollment projections, and Space Utilization Study update Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, provided an update to the Committee regarding the selection process for external services. Over February and March, three proposals were received from NESDEC, Sanborn, and Cropper GIS. After reviewing the proposals and conducting vendor interviews, the decision has been made to proceed with Cropper GIS for the required services. In evaluating the proposals, several factors were considered, including the content of the proposals, the vendors' presentations, their comprehensive responses to interview questions, prior relevant work experience, and an assessment of the vendors' responsiveness and responsibility. Price point was also a key consideration. Cropper GIS's proposed services include: Data Collection, Development, and Analysis: This will involve the development of detailed Census demographic profiles. Population/Enrollment Forecasting: This includes creating school-level analyses of student migration patterns and the development of 10-year population and enrollment forecasts. Utilization Study / Master Planning Work: This will encompass a series of student assignment models aimed at balancing building utilization, demographics, and transportation. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.8 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 12) 9.6. Budget Update FY25 and FY 26 Budget Process Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, provided a report to the Committee that informed them of the following: Feb 24 - March 17: Completed a second round of budget meetings with all school site Cost Centers: Hour-long appointments were held twice daily (on most days) Topics discussed: FY25 year-to-date budget, open purchase orders, funds transfers, position control, and Q&A March 4: Presented the first round of Outstanding Prior Year Expenditures to the City Council. Finalized school site transfers moving funds to appropriate accounts for final-quarter spending. On March 27, Dr. Pinto sent a note to the School Committee to revise the Budget Book presentation and hearing dates. Presented a new set of budget workbooks to the Central Office leadership. Completed the review of all school site budget workbooks. Ongoing work to review and refine budget lines. Next Steps are as follows: Finalize the FY26 Budget Book, incorporating LHS student artwork. Prioritize budget requests from all Cost Centers. Poll the School Committee for availability on proposed hearing dates. Dr. Pinto stated that the budget will be presented to the Committee for the May 7, 2025, School Committee meeting. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.8 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.7. Chapter 74 Update Dr. Fox Roye, the Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Instruction, provided the Committee with a report that informed them that Lowell High School has completed and submitted Part B of Chapter 74 applications. The applications were due on March 7th, and feedback from the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education will be provided after April 4th. Final approval is expected at the end of June. One challenge the district is currently facing is the ongoing construction, as it is critical to ensure that both space and staffing are adequately prepared and in place by the designated deadline. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.8 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 12) 9.8. 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. Martin and Ms. Doherty stated that all their motions that read complete can be removed. for the AD-HOC subcommittee to be established. Mayor Rourke stated that Ms. Martin will be the Chair of the AD-Hoc subcommittee, and the members with be Mr. Bahou and Ms. Delrossi. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.8 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.9. Home Education Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Francesca Santiago Zeb Khan Mr. Conway moved to approve home education; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Crest Collaborative Request for Amendment Approval On March 26, 2025, the CREST Collaborative (CREST") Board of Directors approved the second reading of the Amendment to CREST Collaborative's Articles of Agreement, which are similar to an organization's By-Laws. CREST's Articles of Agreement were last amended in 2015. CREST is one of twenty-four collaboratives in Massachusetts providing special education services to students and districts. Lowell Public School District is one of sixteen CREST member districts whose board seat is held by your Superintendent. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires collaborative boards of directors to hold two readings of any proposed amendments to the Articles of Agreement. Before presenting the proposed changes to CREST's Board, DESE communicated its preliminary consent to the proposed amendments. CREST's Board of Directors met on March 12 th and March 26th and respectively approved the proposed amendments for the first and second (final) readings by CREST's Board. The final step to finalizing the Amendments CREST's Articles of Agreement is for each of CREST's member district's school committees to vote acceptance of the Amendments which CREST's Board has already approved. DESE requires a majority of member school committees to approve the proposed amendments. The primary purpose of amending the Articles of Agreement is to provide greater flexibility to CREST'S Board in appearing the annual budget. The most significant change to the L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 12) articles involve the removal of a cap that non-member districts tuition premium cannot be more than twenty percent (20%) above member districts' tuition. Additional language changes bring CREST's Articles of Agreement in alignment with DESE requirements and recommendations. Mr. Lay moved to approve the Amendments to the CREST's Articles of Agreement as approved by CREST's Board of Directors on March 12th and 26th, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.2. 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, Community Initiatives, and One8Foundation. 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. 10.3. Donation for Butler Middle School Mr. O'Connor, wishes to contribute five hundred dollars (5500.00) to benefit the Butler Middle School's student laundry room. Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve agenda items #10.3 through 10.7 (Butler, Daley, Stoklosa, Civics Day, Laure Lee & STEM); the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.4. Donation for Daley Middle School The Marcus Foundation, whose philanthropic efforts include targeted community support wishes to donate twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) to support Daley Middle School's Student Activities Fund. The funding has been offered by a former Daley Middle School staff member who, in association with The Marcus Foundation, wishes for the funds to be donated to the following areas, and they will be used in the following manner: $5.000 Art supplies to support the after-school student art program and supplemental art supplies for the school year. $5,000: 7th grade team will use the money towards: A subscription to Magic School Al, a subscription to Gimkit, stools, bookshelves, math manipulatives, field trips (TBD), and presenters (TBD). $10,000: 2024 2025 yearbooks for all 8" grade students, 2025 2026 School Culture t-shirts for all students, attendance incentives & acknowledgements. Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve agenda items #10.3 through 10.7 (Butler, Daley, Stoklosa, Civics Day, Laure Lee & STEM); the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 12) 10.5. Donation for Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl The Lowell Public Schools received a $613.00 donation through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) to the Kathryn Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Fund, to support general operating expense. Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve agenda items #10.3 through 10.7 (Butler, Daley, Stoklosa, Civics Day, Laure Lee & STEM); the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.6. Donation for Civics Day The following organizations wish to contribute to the Lowell Civics Day student exhibition: Enterprise Bank: Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) Eno Martin Law: Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union: Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) The Lowell Plan: Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) In total, these generous donations amount to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) to support the event. Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve agenda items #10.3 through 10.7 (Butler, Daley, Stoklosa, Civics Day, Laure Lee & STEM); the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.7. Donations from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation The Greater Lowell Community Foundation wishes to contribute: Nine hundred seventeen dollars ($917,00) for the benefit of Laura Lee's student activity account. One thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the benefit of the STEM Academy's student activity account. In total, these generous donations amount to one thousand nine hundred seventeen dollars ($1,917,00) to support student activities for Lowell Public School's students. Ms. Doherty moved to bundle and approve agenda items #10.3 through 10.7 (Butler, Daley, Stoklosa, Civics Day, Laure Lee & STEM); the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.8. Proposed 2025-2026 School Calendar Mr. Lay moved to approve the 2025-2026 School Calendar; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 12) 11. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 11.1. Out of State overnight Request Robinson Middle School - Yellowstone National Park Mr. Conway moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 11.2. Out of State Conference Request - Crisis Prevention in Nashua, NH Mr. Conway moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 11.3. Out of State National Leadership Conference - Orlando, FL Mr. Conway moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 12. COMMUNICATIONS 12.1. Lowell High School 2025 Graduation Information The LHS Commencement will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Tsongas Center at UMASS Lowell beginning at 4:30 PM. Mr. Conway made a motion to accept the communication and to place it on file; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 13. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 13.1. The Members Of The United Teachers Of Lowell Hereby Donate five [5] Sick Leave Days To Tina Lawrence Bartlett Community Partnership Paraprofessional, five [5] Sick Leave Days To Nakia Lucas Leblanc Therapeutic Day Program Paraprofessional, Seventeen [17] Sick Leave Days to Mary Lynch McAvinnue Elementary School Teacher, and sixty [60] Sick Leave Days to Aemy Morris Bartlett Community Partnership School Teacher. Ms. Conway moved to approve the professional personnel; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 12) 14. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lay moved to adjourn at 7:44 p.m.; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. Respectfully submitted, Liam Skinner, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee LS/mes L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us