School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE , 2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: October 1, 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: Ms. Doherty, Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Mayor Rourke, Mr. Bahou and Mr. Conway. Ms. Delrossi arrived at 6:39 p.m. 3. MINUTES 3.1. The Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of September 17, 2025 Mr. Bahou moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee meeting that was held on September 17, 2025; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent. (Ms. Delrossi). 4. PERMISSION TO ENTER 4.1. Permission to Enter October 1, 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. (Ms. Delrossi). 5. MEMORIALS 5.1. Ana DeSousa, Mother of Fatima DeSousa, CLSP Coordinator 5.2. Roger F. Landry, Retired Principal of the Green and Murkland Schools 155 Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 7) 6. MOTIONS 6.1. [By David Conway]: Request a review on the sufficiency of bike racks at each school to ensure there is adequate space to safely lock and store bikes (and scooters) during the school day for students who may bike to school. Mr. Conway moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent. (Ms. Delrossi). 6.2. [By David Conway]: Request that the Lowell School Committee reinstate the "Safety Subcommittee". Mr. Conway moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent. (Ms. Delrossi). 6.3. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent create a focus group involving Lowell Police, safety coordinator, asst superintendents, representatives from all bus transportation companies, and parents to develop a clear timeline of September 3 events to improve overall communication and safety procedures in emergency/lockdown situations during arrival and dismissal times. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. Ms. Martin made a motion to send this to the Safety Subcommittee for further discussion; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 6.4. [By Eileen DelRossi]: Request the superintendent begin to collaborate with the city manager in efforts to update the current maintenance of effort agreement. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 6.5. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Lowell Public Schools under the guidance of the Superintendent (or his designee) collaborate with the Lowell Sustainability Council to develop an annual environmental- impact competition for middle and high-school students that would result in awards/recognition for outstanding student projects. Ms. Doherty moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. Ms. Doherty moved to take agenda item # 8.2. Response To Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 7/16/25) Regarding the Bartlett Community Partnership School out of order; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 7) 6.6. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a report regarding the process/reason for delays in getting school elevators repaired including the classroom lifts at the Bartlett that have not been functional since June. The report should include proposed solutions going forward. Ms. Wilson, Ms. Satterfield and Ms. Downing all spoke in favor of this motions and the difficulties they face as staff with the elevators not being functional. They also addressed the lack of handicap parking. Committee members requested clarification regarding the respective responsibilities of the City and the School Department. They also suggested that updates regarding elevators, etc. should be added to the agenda at an upcoming Joint Facilities subcommittee. Ms. Delrossi also asked for an update to be included in the report on the status of handicap parking accessibility at the Bartlett. Ms. Doherty moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 7. SUBCOMMITTEES 7.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee Meeting of September 16, 2025 Ms. Martin, Chair of the Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee informed the Committee that an including planetary health, sustainability, and climate change in K 12 education. The curriculum that is being used is aligned with the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Frameworks and the National Science Education Standards to ensure high academic quality and rigor. At the elementary level (grades K 4), Mystery Science is used and that builds foundational knowledge and scientific skills around planetary health, sustainability, and climate change. For middle and high school, the district uses OpenSciEd, a curriculum grounded in inquiry-based learning that helps students examine the impacts of climate change and explore possible solutions through real-world applications. High school students may also choose from three electives focused on environmental topics: Environmental Studies Focuses on developing awareness of environmental changes and their effects, Environmental Science A comprehensive course in ecological and environmental systems, and Environmental Sustainability A semester-long course on fossil fuels, renewable resources, pollution, and sustainability efforts. Ms. Martin then provided an update on the professional learning initiatives undertaken to support the district's implementation of the new K-8 ELA curriculum. The new curriculum consists of American Reading Company (ARC) for Grades K-4 and EL Education for Grades 5-8. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 7) 7.2. The Approval of the Minutes of Policy & Governance Subcommittee Meeting of September 16, 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 C and started Section D. She stated that section C will be sent to the Committee for review with edits. Section D is still in the process of being reviewed due to many policies being sent to the Finance Department and the Law Department for further review and legal guidance. Mr. Lay moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 8.1. 2025 Assessment and Accountability Reporting Ms. Crocker Roberge, the Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Leadership provided an outline of the accountability data that was released by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) on September 29, 2025. The accountability results by school are at their best, bettering pre-COVID results. There are 20 schools not requiring assistance or intervention compared to 14 in 2024 and 4 schools requiring assistance or intervention compared to 11 in 2024. The number of schools requiring assistance is at its lowest, with 4 schools in this category, compared to 8 before COVID or 11 in 2024 and compared to 2024, the school percentile improved for 18 schools. The report stated that assessment participation targets were met in all subjects and student groups and that chronic absenteeism targets for non-high school students were met or exceeded in all student groups except one. The report stated that progress toward obtaining English Language Proficiency was met for non-high school and exceeded by high-school students. The 4-year graduation rate exceeded target in most student groups, and the dropout rate exceeded target overall. There was high growth in both English and Mathematics for non- high school students. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 with report 8.5 withdrawn as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8.2. Response To Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 7/16/25) Regarding the Bartlett Community Partnership School Dr. Hall, the Assistant Superintendent of HR & Operations, provided an update to the Committee that informed them that the Facilities Department continues to monitor on a daily basis the elevator and chair lifts due to the urgent need for completion of the projects. The DPW relayed today, regarding the elevator, that the failed safety parts were ordered immediately after t two weeks ago. These parts are not stocked shelf items and had to be sourced from the manufacturer. The delivery of the parts has been delayed and is now scheduled to be delivered on October 1st after several other delays in sourcing. The manufacturer is aware of the dire need for a working elevator in this building. We have been told by the DPW that the parts will be installed immediately after delivery of the parts regardless of the time of day and no matter how long it takes to make the repair. Regarding the lifts, the DPW relayed today that the old lifts have been removed, the electricity has been updated, L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 7) and the lifts will be installed as soon as the equipment arrives. The equipment is expected to arrive in the next 3-4 weeks. This information was also told to the Principal and the families. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 with report 8.5 withdrawn as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8.3. Quarterly Grants Update, 4th Quarter July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 Dr. private grants. Each funding source serves distinct purposes and comes with specific spending and reporting requirements. Federal grants typically support broad educational initiatives, such as literacy improvement and special education, and come with strict compliance guidelines. State grants often address regional priorities. Private grants, usually from foundations or corporate donors, fund innovative or targeted school programs. The district also oversees entitlement grants (e.g., Title I, awarded based on demographics) and competitive grants, which require successful applications. This comprehensive system ensures that grant funding is strategically leveraged to enhance educational programs and meet the specific needs of our schools and students. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 with report 8.5 withdrawn as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8.4. Quarterly Budget Update, 4th Quarter Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, provided an update that informed the Committee that many purchase orders remain open, and that not all invoices had been received both very normal happenings in budget operations. The figures do not reflect manual encumbrances or adjustments entered during the year-end closing process. Accordingly, the results should be considered preliminary and subject to adjustment. This FY25 Q4 Financial Report (included in the report) is a summary of the Operating Budget, and is organized into two sections: Non-Salary Expenses Payroll (Salary) Expenses Highlights Ms. Doherty moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 with report 8.5 withdrawn as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas 8.5. Adult Education and Family Literacy Grants This report was withdrawn. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 7) 8.6. Exit Survey Feedback Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent of HR & Operations, updated the Committee on staff exit data for the 2024 2025 school year. The personnel office conducted 126 exit interviews through in-person, virtual, and Google Form surveys. Respondents included those retiring, resigning, or transferring within the district. The most common reason for leaving was taking another job, followed by retirement, relocation, health issues, workload, scheduling, further education, promotions, and commute distance. Most unpreventable exits were due to retirement or personal circumstances. Feedback was largely positive, with many citing supportive colleagues, strong student relationships, and teamwork as highlights. A large majority said they would recommend LPS as a workplace, and many expressed interests in returning as substitutes or part-time tutors. While most departures were outside district control, a few respondents mentioned workload and support as factors in their decision. The Superintendent has reviewed these concerns and addressed them with school leaders where appropriate. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.6 with report 8.5 withdrawn as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas 8.7. Home Education Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Shatira Solivan Vanny Duong Caroline McDonough Jaime Aguayza Mr. Conway made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent. (Ms. Martin). 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 through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Greater Lowell Health Alliance, and the Barr Foundation. Ms. Delrossi moved to approve, accept and expend the allocated FY26 awards; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 9.2. Budget Modification Request Mr. Lay moved to approve the budget modification in the amount of $155,000; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 7) 9.3. Request for Additional Security Officers at Lowell High School LHS Head of School Michael Fiato and his campus safety team have reassessed the staffing needs for the Security Guard position following the opening of additional finished spaces at Lowell High School. Given budget constraints, they requested two additional campus security guards. Mr. Conway moved to approve two Additional Security Officers at Lowell High School; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.4. Request for Approval to Pay Invoices Rendered Prior to Contract Execution The School Committee was asked to approve, payment of expenditures provided in the report that was provided that are not to exceed $270,970.67, utilizing previously encumbered funds. Ms. Doherty moved to approve paying the invoices rendered prior to the contract execution; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 10.1. Out of State Travel Request - AFJROTC Drill Team to New Jersey Ms. Delrossi moved to approve the convention/conference request; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.2. Out of State Overnight Request: RPPL Conference Washington DC Ms. Delrossi moved to approve the convention/conference request; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 11. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Delrossi moved to adjourn at 7:48 p.m.; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. 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