School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE , 2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: November 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 call at 6:35 p.m., members present were, namely: Mr. Lay, Ms. Martin, Mayor Rourke, Mr. Bahou, Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi and Ms. Doherty. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Spotlight On Excellence: Washington Elementary School " School of Recognition" for 2025 The Spotlight on Excellence recognized Washington Elementary School, recently named a 2025 School of Recognition. Principal Haines expressed his gratitude to the Committee, emphasizing that the honor was the result of a true team effort. He was joined by several members of his school community and shared his appreciation for the ongoing support received for both his staff and students. 4. MINUTES 4.1. The Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of October 15, 2025 Ms. Martin moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee meeting that was held on October 15, 2025; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter November 5, 2025 Mr. Conway moved to approve the Permission to Enter; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 155 Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 8) 6. MEMORIALS 6.1. Brian Richard Yeadon, Husband of retired Jane Campbell Evaluation Team Chairperson in Special Education 6.2. Molly Sheehy, Mother of Anne Sheehy Technology Teacher at The STEM Academy. 6.3. Ruth Ann Diette, Mother of Bonnie Rose, Pyne/Arts Teacher 6.4. Mary Meehan Carnevale, Sister of Pawtucketville Memorial Librarian: Maureen Meehan, Retired teachers: Kathy Meehan-Bailey and Colleen Turco and President of UMass/Lowell: Marty Meehan . Aunt of Amanda Farley and Catie Bernier. Cousins of Erin Meehan, and Kaitlin Urban. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Dominik Lay and Fred Bahou]: Ask the Superintendent to research on creating a second or more STEM schools(s) and whether that would better serve students at the Robinson and other middle schools. Mr. Lay moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 7.2. [By Fred Bahou]: A motion to schedule a joint meeting of Lowell SC finance Subcommittee & CC finance subcommittee to discuss Maintenance of Effort charges, Maintenance of Effort Agreement which has not been updated since 2011 & ongoing efforts to work in a timely fashion to collaboratively develop a plan to address MOE charges throughout the school year. Mr. Bahou moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 7.3. [By Jackie Doherty]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with an annual list of the Ms. Doherty amended her motion to read as follows: concerns for the committee to review before submitting to the city. Ms. Doherty moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 7.4. [By Dominik Lay and David Conway]: Request a report from the Superintendent regarding the present and prospective status of the High School Show Choir. Mr. Lay moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 8) 7.5. [By Dominik Lay]: Request that the new academic building at Lowell High School located at the corner of Arcand Drive and Father Morissette Blvd be named in honor of the late Senator Edward J. Kennedy. Mr. Lay moved to approve; the motion was seconded by Ms. Martin. Ms. Martin moved to send the motion to an AD HOC subcommittee for further discussion; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. The Approval of the Minutes of the Policy and Governance Subcommittee Meeting of October 15, 2025 Ms. Doherty, Chair of the Policy & Governance Subcommittee, reported that the subcommittee had completed a review of all policies and presented recommendations for approval, as well as identified policies requiring legal review. She noted that once legal guidance is received on the tabled policies, Section E will be brought forward for a vote. Ms. Doherty moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8.2. The Approval of the Minutes of the Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee Meeting of October 21, 2025 Ms. Martin, Chair of the Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee, reported that the subcommittee discussed the reporting structure for translations/bilingual liaisons and guidance counselors. She noted that while adjustments to this structure may be necessary in the future due to budget considerations, no changes are being recommended at this time. Ms. Martin moved to accept the report as a report of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 8.3. The Approval of the Minutes of the School & City Facilities Subcommittee Meeting October 28, 2025 Ms. Doherty, Chair of the Facilities Subcommittee, reported that the joint subcommittee reviewed several ongoing and upcoming projects. The discussion included updates on the Bartlett School parking lot, focusing on current work, associated costs, and the project timeline. She also highlighted the long- address all lift systems. In addition, Ms. Doherty emphasized the importance of paving the parking area to i progress of current site work and the need for additional assessments to guide construction planning. It was reported that the installation of a new elevator will extend the overall construction timeline. Finally, the Pawtucketville Memorial School roof repair project and its projected schedule were reviewed, and L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 8) the subcommittee concluded with a discussion on the potential merger of the City and School Facilities Departments. Ms. Doherty stated that the Superintendent referenced the involvement of financial and human resources staff in establishing this joint department. 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. 9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. Response to Motion (By David Conway, 09/17/2025) Regarding asbestos inspection and awareness training. Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Operations, reported that all senior custodians completed their Asbestos Awareness Training on September 23, 2025. The report stated that Mr. Leahy and Mr. Underwood successfully completed the required eight-hour course on October 2, 2025, and that all junior custodians received their two-hour Asbestos Awareness Training on October 16, 2025. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.2. Response To Motion (By Eileen DelRossi, 07/16/25) Regarding Bartlett PTO Ms. Crocker Roberge, the Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Leadership, informed the Committee Bartlett Community Partnership School currently employs a full-time bilingual Parent Liaison who is working collaboratively with the Community Schools Manager to support efforts to increase parent and family engagement. In addition to an initial meeting in September, members of the PTO's organizing committee met on October 2, 2025, and October 16, 2025 to work on the following items: Development of an Executive Board for the PTO. Development of PTO bylaws to govern its activities and operations. Discussion of accounting best practices and next steps for setting up a PTO account. Fundraising efforts to support student and staff activities for the 2025-2026 school year. Recruitment efforts for increasing parent/family participation in PTO for the 2025-2026 school year On October 25th, current PTO members represented at the school's Open House and engaged in recruitment efforts to increase parent and family participation in PTO-sponsored activities and events. There is a core group of six PTO members currently and they are actively working with the Parent Liaison and Community Schools Manager to add parents and family members to the PTO. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 8) 9.3. Response To Motion (By Jackie Doherty, 10/01/25) Regarding School Elevators and Classroom Lifts at the Bartlett School. Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Operations, reported that the facilities department was in regular contact with DPW regarding the delays in fixing the school elevators at the Barlett Community Partnership School. The elevator was repaired around the time of the last School Committee meeting. It was also reported at the last School Committee meeting that the DPW informed the facilities department that the failed safety parts were ordered immediately after the technicians visited the school. These parts are not stocked shelf items and had to be sourced from the manufacturer once the issue was diagnosed. The delivery of the parts had been delayed which was beyond the control of the DPW. It was also reported to the manufacturer that this was a dire need. The DPW suggested the best way to address this going forward is to continue to monitor and inspect the evaluators as required and begin the process of acquiring technicians as soon as possible, or improving the speed of contracting channels. As previously reported, all three chair lifts at the Bartlett School are scheduled to be replaced/installed and be fully operational within the next four weeks. Ms. Doherty asked the Superintendent to get confirmation for the first meeting in December. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.4. Response to Motion (By David Conway, 10/15/2025) Regarding Tennis Courts and Backboards at Shedd Park Dr. Hall, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Operations, reported that the Assistant City Manager and the DPW Commissioner had already talked about this issue earlier in the month. The DPW is still currently reviewing the condition of the backboards and condition of the courts and the potential timing of repairs. The DPW was asked by the City Manager's office to provide a response to the School Committee's motion when its assessment was complete. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.5. FY26 Quarter 1 Summary Report Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, informed the Committee that as of September 30, 2025, the total non-salary expenditures and encumbrances represent 48.55% of the total FY26 budget of $69.4 million, with $11.4 million expended and $22.2 million encumbered. These results are consistent with expected early-year spending patterns, as schools and departments complete annual procurements, contract renewals, and instructional supply orders. The Finance Office will continue to monitor expenditures and provide detailed updates in subsequent quarterly reports. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 8) 9.6. Personnel Report The Personnel Report officially informs the Committee of all retirements, resignations, promotions and new hires. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 9.1 through 9.6 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 9.7. Home Education Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Desiree Parknow Mr. Lay made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Request to Accept Donation for Robinson Middle School Mr. Conway moved to accept the donation of $1,000 for the Robinson Middle School; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.2. Permission to Post Approval of four (4) job descriptions for the Abisi Adult Education Center for part-time, grant funded positions are as follows: HSE/ESOL Student Liaison HSE Technology & Learning Support Assistant HSE Registrar Aide and Tester ESOL Registrar and Attendance Aide Mr. Lay moved to approve the Permission to Post; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.3. Budget Modification Request Mr. Bahou moved to approve the budget modification in the amount of $6,970; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.4. Request for Authorization to Pay Prior Year Invoices Past invoices that represent valid obligations for goods and services received during Fiscal Year 2025, which were not processed for payment before the close of that fiscal year. As a result, L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 8) these invoices exceed the prior year's appropriations and must be approved for payment from the current fiscal year's budget. Ms. Martin moved to approve paying prior year invoices; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 10.5. Request Approval of Disposal of Surplus Vehicle To declare the 2012 Ford Econo Van (VIN IFTNE2EL2CDB08395) as surplus property and authorize the School Business Administrator to dispose of it by junking the vehicle through an approved salvage or scrap process, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30B and School Committee policy. Mr. Conway moved to approve disposal of the surplus vehicle; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 11. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 11.1. Out of State Travel Request - LHS Winter Guard International to New Jersey Mr. Logan registered and spoke on this request and shared some background information with the Committee about the competition. Ms. Martin moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 11.2. Out of State Travel Request - LHS Winter Guard International to Dayton, OH Mr. Logan registered and spoke on this request and shared some background information with the Committee about the competition. Ms. Martin moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 11.3. Out of State Overnight Request - AASPA 2026 HR Conference Ms. Martin moved to bundle and approve the convention/conference requests; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 12. COMMUNICATIONS 12.1. Postponed Commencement of Classes at Lowell High School on January 5, 2025 Mr. Lay moved to accept the communication and to place it on file; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 7 yeas. L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 8) 13. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 13.1. The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell Hereby Donate nine [9] Sick Leave Days to Jared Gauthier Laura Lee School Teacher and sixty [60] Sick Leave Days to Aemy Morris Bartlett Community Partnership School Teacher. Mr. Lay moved to approve the professional personnel; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 7 yeas. 14. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Martin moved to adjourn at 7:21 p.m.; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. 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