School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE , 2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: July 16, 2025 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 1. SALUTE TO FLAG 2. ROLL CALL On a roll call at 6:34 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Martin, Mayor Rourke, Mr. Bahou, Ms. Delrossi and Ms. Doherty. Mr. Conway and Mr. Lay were absent. 3. MINUTES 3.1. The Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of June 11, 2025 Ms. Doherty moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee meetings that were held on June 11, 2025, and June 30, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 3.2. The Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of June 30, 2025 Ms. Doherty moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee meetings that were held on June 11, 2025, and June 30, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 4. PERMISSION TO ENTER 4.1. Permission to Enter July 16, 2025 Mr. Bahou moved to approve the Permission to Enter; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 5. MEMORIALS: 5.1. Guy Bord, Father of Veronique Roberts, Director of Accountability and Research 155 Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 8) 5.2. Joan Jones Lowe, Mother-in-Law of Paula Jones, Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School Principal 5.3. Richard E. Coleman, Father of Darcie Coleman, Social Worker at the Family Resource Center 6. MOTIONS 6.1. [By Connie Martin]: Motion to Request that the Administration report the impact of the Federal withholding of Education Funding for Title I, II, III and IV. Ms. Martin moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 6.2. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Motion to Request the Superintendent update the School Committee as well as the Bartlett Community School parents on the progress of the handicap accessibility: specifically, the 3 chair lifts as well as: Where the city and Lowell Public Schools are in regards to assuring this building is ADA accessibility? Ms. Turcotte registered and spoke in favor of the update and for the need to have this done. Mayor Rourke announced that, following a conversation with Assistant City Manager Machado, the chairlifts are scheduled to be installed within the next two weeks, with the project set for completion before the start of the school year. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 6.3. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Motion to request the Superintendent to work with the Bartlett Community School and Community School manager to help create a PTO to help with community school events. Ms. Turcotte registered and spoke in favor of the update and for the need to have this done. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). Ms. Doherty moved to suspend the rules to take agenda item # 9.3 out of order; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 7. SUBCOMMITTEES 7.1. The Approval of the Minutes of the Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee Meeting of June 16, 2025 Ms. Martin, Chairperson of the Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee, informed the Committee that all documents previously shared with the subcommittee will also be distributed to the L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 8) the end-of-cycle evaluation will be handed out at the next Committee meeting on July 16, 2025. Superintendent Skinner must submit all supporting evidence by August 20, 2025. Committee members are expected to return their completed evaluations to Dr. Hall by August 29, 2025, after which Dr. Hall will compile all scores and comments into a master document. Ms. Martin moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 7.2. The Approval of the Minutes of the Finance Subcommittee Meeting of June 16, 2025 Mr. Bahou, Chairperson of the Finance Subcommittee, provided the Committee with an update on the Q3 budget process. He stated that the finance team has collaborated closely with schools throughout the end-of-year period, maintaining strong communication between the finance office and school staff. He noted that negative balances are being addressed and that cleanup efforts are ongoing. Regarding the status of bad bills, he stated that the situation has improved compared to last year, although some vendor-related challenges persist. The finance department continues to work toward reconciling all outstanding balances. Mr. Bahou also reported out on the 2025 2026 budget, noting that $2 million currently remains in a suspense account on the city side, though it is still unclear when a vote will take place to allocate those funds to the school department. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 7.3. The Approval of the Minutes of the School & City Facilities Subcommittee Meeting June 17, 2025 Ms. Doherty, Chairperson of the Facilities Subcommittee, updated the Committee on the status of the underway, and the team is working with the Office of Sustainability to apply for a mechanical grant a process expected to take several weeks. In addition, reopening is September 2026, with elevators anticipated to be operational by early 2027. Ms. Doherty noted that Watermark, the project manager, was hired approximately six weeks ago. She then discussed the proposed merger of the City and School facilities departments, noting that both Council and Committee members expressed a mix of excitement and concern. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 7.4. The Approval of the Minutes of School Improvement & Performance Management Subcommittee Meeting of June 17, 2025 Mr. Bahou, Chairperson of the School Improvement & Performance Management Subcommittee informed the Committee that in April, the daily average of meals served was approximately 10,250, with peak days reaching up to 10,750. He stated that Aramark chefs regularly conduct tastings, and successful dishes are added to the menu. In addition, recipes from both Cooks and Project Bread have been incorporated into the offerings. He then moved the discussion on environmentally friendly packaging L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 8) and stated that the district is actively working to reduce plastic usage. He stated that there is a composting program in place at Lowell High School, Greenhalge, and Rogers STEM Academy, with compost materials being picked up daily. He stated that the issue will be researched further over the summer to determine feasible options. Mr. Bahou moved to have the Committee receive updates in October on packaging, breakfast options, and culturally diverse food offerings; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). He concluded by discussing alternative packaging options. He -ounce equivalent portions of grains and meat alternatives, placing the meals at the higher end of weekly nutritional requirements. These calculations are based on weekly averages and account for the fact that not all students take every meal component. If students were to consume every component, they would receive higher amounts of calories, fiber, and protein keeping them fuller for longer. However, increasing portion sizes could result in non-compliance with USDA regulations regarding calories, sodium, and saturated fat on many days. Additionally, providing larger portions to certain groups would require maintaining separate recipes and production records. For example, adding one additional protein portion for 8th-grade students alone would cost approximately $85,000. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 7.5. The Approval of the Minutes of Policy & Governance Subcommittee Meeting of June 23, 2025 Ms. Doherty, Chairperson of the Policy Subcommittee, informed the Committee that the subcommittee has successfully completed a comprehensive review of the policies in Section B. Ms. Martin requested that a report be prepared for the Committee outlining all revised policies in Section B that directly pertain to the Committee. Ms. Doherty moved to accept Section B with the accepted changes and policies identified; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). Ms. Martin moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 8. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 8.1. Act Relative to Bullying in Schools Ms. Martin moved to approve the Act Relative to Bullying in Schools; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 8) Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). Ms. Doherty moved to suspend the rules to take agenda item # 10.1 out of order; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 8.2. Key Performance Indicators Quarter 4 Report Ms. Crocker-Roberge, the Assistant Superintendent for Schools & Leadership, provided the Key Performance Indicators Q4 report to the Committee. The report included 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 requested information on the 3-year cycle of absenteeism. Ms. Doherty stated that she is concerned about the dropout rate. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 8.3. Response to Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 02/05/2025) Regarding 21st Century After-School Programs Ms. Fox Roye, Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Instruction, presented a report to the Committee providing an overview of the leadership and impact of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. The report explained that 21st CCLC is a federally funded initiative designed to offer academic enrichment and holistic development opportunities for students outside of regular school hours. Aimed at serving youth in high-poverty and low-performing schools, the program supports academic achievement, fosters social-emotional growth, and promotes family engagement. By integrating tutoring, enrichment activities, and community partnerships, the 21st CCLC program helps students build the skills, relationships, and confidence needed for success both in school and in life. During the 2024 2025 academic year, Lowell Public Schools operated 21st CCLC programs at 12 sites, serving 1,248 students during the school year and 1,025 students during Summer 2025. Participating elementary schools included Lincoln, McAuliffe, Moody, Morey, Rogers STEM Academy, Shaughnessy, and Washington. Middle school sites included Butler, Robinson, Stoklosa, and Wang, along with Lowell High School. These 12 sites reflect a wide cross-section of the district, ensuring equitable access to enrichment opportunities across grade levels and neighborhoods. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 8) Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 8.4. Response to Motion (Jackie Doherty, 05/07/25) Regarding f and Climate through K-12 Health, Sustainability, and Climate through K-12 to a Curriculum Subcommittee for further discussion; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 8.5. Summary of Updates to the 2025 2026 Student-Parent Handbook Ms. Doherty moved to approve the Updated 2025 2026 Student-Parent Handbook; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 8.6. Superintendent Evaluation: Discussion of Process and Timeline Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent of HR & Operations, provided a report that informed the Committee that the Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee met on June 16,2025 to discuss the Superintendent's Evaluation Process. The Subcommittee thought it was appropriate that the materials discussed at the subcommittee meeting be distributed at the next Committee meeting, and that the Superintendent would submit all supporting evidence by August 20,2025, and would return the completed documents by August 29,2025. The scores would then be compiled into a comprehensive document and placed on the agenda during a September meeting. The Superintendent has submitted the following materials for the Committee's consideration: Superintendent's submission to support his Evaluation MASC materials on "Evaluating the Superintendent Indicator Rubric for Superintendent Evaluation Summative Evaluation Report. Ms. Martin moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 8) 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. Approval to Accept and Expend Allocated FY26 Awards The grants funds provided in the report have been secured by the Lowell Public Schools from Early Education & Care (EEC), Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Community Initiatives (CI) and Massachusetts Life Science. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve, accept and expend the allocated FY25 awards; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 9.2. Proposed revisions to Graduation Mentor job description Ms. Delrossi moved to approve the Graduation Mentor Job description; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 9.3. Research Proposal PD Initiatives Ms. Doherty moved to approve the Research Proposal PD Initiatives; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 9.4. Quarterly Budget Update, 3rd Quarter, January 1-March 31, 2025 Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, presented a grant update to the Committee, offering an overview of how current grants are being utilized to advance educational initiatives and enhance school resources. The presentation reinforced the distri accountability in financial stewardship. It also highlighted our ongoing efforts to maximize the impact of grant funding in support of student success and long-term improvement across the district. The report covered Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), spanning from July 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025 (Q3). Ms. Martin moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). 10. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 10.1. Overnight Request: LHS - Moultonborough, NH 2025 Ms. Doherty moved to approve the convention/conference request; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 8) 11. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Doherty moved to adjourn at 7:28 p.m.; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 5 yeas, 2 absent (Mr. Conway, Mr. Lay). Respectfully submitted, Liam Skinner, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee LS/mes L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us