School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE , 2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: November 19, 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 6:36 p.m., members present were, namely: Mayor Rourke, Mr. Bahou, Mr. Conway, Ms. Delrossi, Ms. Doherty and Mr. Lay. Ms. Martin was absent. 3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Spotlight on Excellence: Moody Elementary School "School of Recognition" for 2025 The Spotlight on Excellence recognized Moody Elementary School, recently named a 2025 School of Recognition. Principal Keefe expressed her gratitude to the Committee, emphasizing that the honor was the result of a true team. She was joined by several members of the school community and shared appreciation for the ongoing support received for staff, families and students. Mr. Lay moved to reschedule the School Committee meeting on December 3, 2025 to December 10, 2025 and to cancel the December 17, 2025 School Committee meeting; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 4. MINUTES 4.1. The Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Lowell School Committee Meeting of November 5, 2025 Mr. Bahou moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee meeting that was held on November 5, 2025; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 155 Merrimack http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 7) 5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission to Enter November 19, 2025 Ms. Doherty moved to approve the Permission to Enter; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). Ms. Doherty moved to suspend the rules to allow the Superintendent to provide updated information regarding the Washington School; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). Superintendent Skinner explained that no further testing is necessary, as the report he received just before the meeting indicated that there are no concerning levels of lead in the building. He mentioned that while there was some dust present, it did not pose a risk. Ms. Doherty requested that the document be uploaded by tomorrow so the community can access it and review the findings. Mr. Conway expressed his belief that additional testing is warranted, given the concerns raised by the school community. Superintendent Skinner reaffirmed that he does not believe retesting is required. He emphasized that the report, along with the expertise of the staff involved, confirms that the building is safe. 6. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 6.1. Strategic Planning Update 2025-2026 Ms. Crocker Roberge, the Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Leadership, informed the Committee that in Year 1 the district will implement new high-quality instructional materials for ELA in Kindergarten through Grade 10. This work includes supporting educators through a comprehensive professional development system that emphasizes lesson planning and internalization within collaborative structures to ensure high-quality, effective instruction. Year 1 priorities also include designing and piloting new str -welcoming and communication practices, launching a talent recruitment initiative, reviewing and refining operational procedures, developing a more equitable school enrollment system, and collaborating with city officials on long-term facilities planning. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.9 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 6.2. Response To Motion (By Jackie Doherty, 10/01/25) Regarding environmental impact competition Dr. Foy-Roye, Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Instruction, reported that Jay Mason, the former Chairperson of the Sustainability Council, is partnering with the Lowell Sustainability Council to L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 7) relaunch the Youth Climate Change Competition, supported by $11,000 in prize funds. Planning discussions have included representatives from the Sustainability Council and district staff. Meetings on October 10, 2025, and October 20, 2025, determined that student climate projects will be showcased and judged during the LPS Civics Showcase, rather than as a standalone event. Grades 8 and 10 will integrate climate projects into class time, and Grade 11 Honors Environmental Science may include a related end-of-year project, based on recent curriculum discussions. Coordination is underway with Auditorium staff to identify display space and potential overflow options. Proposed awards include $250 for first place and $100 for second place. Evaluation criteria are currently being developed, and an update will be provided to the Sustainability Council in November. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.9 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 6.3. Response to Motion (By Dominik Lay and David Conway, 11/05/2025) Regarding LHS Show Choir Program Ms. Crocker Roberge, the Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Leadership, provided an update on the current state of the Lowell High School Show Choir program. Lowell High School supports two competitive show choirs, both offered as school-day classes and extracurricular student activities. The ensemble is directed by Lowell High School music teacher Daniel Schmunk, whose leadership has contributed significantly to the stability and growth of the program. This school year, the show choirs have performed at multiple school and community events, including the Distinguished Alumni ceremony, the Veteran's Day ceremony, the National Honor Society Induction ceremony, and the 911 Memorial ceremony. These performances have showcased the students' strong preparation, discipline, and commitment to excellence. The groups are currently preparing for the upcoming competitive show choir season and will perform at other schoolwide events this year, like the LHS graduation ceremony. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.9 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 6.4. Response To Motion (By Fred Bahou, 11/15/25) Regarding Home Schooling Dr. Foy-Roye, Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Instruction, informed the Committee that the district recognizes the right of parents or guardians to educate their children at home, ensuring the process is lawful, equitable, and respectful of family diversity. Families with children ages six to sixteen must file a written notice of Intent with the Lowell Public Schools before withdrawing their child from public school, using the online application. The district reviews the application and prepares a request for home education for approval by the School Committee. Students must remain enrolled in school until approval is granted, after which parents receive an approval letter to withdraw their child formally. Homeschooled students are required to submit a mid-year progress report (January), an end-of-year report (June), and a renewed notice of intent if continuing home education. Reports may take the form of tests, portfolios, or narrative summaries. Students may participate in school curricular and L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 7) extracurricular activities, and instructional materials may be provided upon request. Parents retain due process rights, and students may continue home education during any review or dispute. Additional information was asked for regarding grade levels of the home schoolers. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.9 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 6.5. Quarterly Grants Update Overview Q1 07.01-09.30.2025 (FY26) Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, provided an update to the Committee that provided an overview of the use and impact of current grants in advancing educational initiatives and enhancing school resources. This presentation ensures transparency, fosters trust and demonstrates accountability. It supports our commitment to optimizing grant funding for student success and sustained improvement across the district. This report covers Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) from July 1 to September 30, 2025 (Q1). Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.9 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 6.6. Quarterly Grants Balances Update 07.01 - 09.30.2025 (FY26 Q1) Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, provided an update to the Committee that provided an overview of the use and impact of current grants in advancing educational initiatives and enhancing school resources. This presentation ensures transparency, fosters trust and demonstrates accountability. It supports our commitment to optimizing grant funding for student success and sustained improvement across the district. This report covers Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) from July 1 to September 30, 2025 (Q1). Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.9 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 6.7. Quarterly Grant Descriptors Q1 FY26 Dr. Pinto, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, provided an update to the Committee that provided an overview of the use and impact of current grants in advancing educational initiatives and enhancing school resources. This presentation ensures transparency, fosters trust and demonstrates accountability. It supports our commitment to optimizing grant funding for student success and sustained improvement across the district. This report covers Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) from July 1 to September 30, 2025 (Q1). Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.9 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 7) 6.8. KPI Report Q1 25.26 Ms. Crocker-Roberge, the Assistant Superintendent for Schools & Leadership, provided the Key Performance Indicators Q1 report to the Committee. The report included the Quarter 1 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. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.9 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 6.9. 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. Mr. Conway asked that M094 be marked ongoing rather than complete. He also requested M177 be marked ongoing. Mr. Bahou requested M149 be marked ongoing. Ms. Doherty stated that M156 can be removed. M174 can be removed. M141 the update should continue once a year. M175 can be removed. M181 should be presented annually (June). M157 can be removed. Ms. Delrossi moved to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 6.1 through 6.9 as reports of progress; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 6.10. Home Education Superintendent Skinner recommended that the following parents/guardians be allowed to home educate their child: Charlia Wright Mr. Bahou made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 7) 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1. 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 and the Peter R. Marsh Foundation. Mr. Bahou 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). 7.2. Approval to Accept Donation for Butler Middle School The National Life Group, pending acceptance wishes to contribute two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) to support the Butler Middle School's Student Activity Account. Mr. Conway moved to accept the donation of $2,500 for the Butler Middle School; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 7.3. Request to Accept Donation for Lowell High School The Chair of Fine Arts, Jessica Daviso, is requesting acceptance of a donation of musical instruments valued at $15,000.00 from the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation. Mr. Conway moved to accept the donation of musical instruments valued at $15,000 for Lowell High School; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lay. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 7.4. Budget Modification Request Mr. Bahou moved to approve the budget modification in the amount of $4,283.30; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 7.5. Revisions to the Lowell High School Admissions Policy for Chapter 74 The Lowell High School Admissions Policy for Chapter 74 Vocational Technical Education Programs presented for approval so that it can be provided to Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) by December 1, 2025. These policies were presented to the School Committee Policy & Governance Subcommittee on October 15, 2025. On February 5, 2025, the Lowell School Committee previously approved The Lowell High School Admissions Policy for Chapter 74 Vocational Technical Education Programs. The only substantiative revision to the policy appears to be a modification on page 2. The revision notes that an application that remains incomplete for 10 school days will not be automatically voided if there is good cause for the delay which warrants a brief extension. Additionally, we request approval to further revise this policy by adding the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy as an addendum to provide information to Middle Schoolers about opportunities that are available to them. Mr. Lay moved to approve the Lowell High School Admissions Policy for Chapter 74; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bahou. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 7) 7.6. Declaration of Technology Equipment as Surplus The Technology Department is seeking approval to move forward with the disposal of outdated technological equipment. These items are obsolete, broken, or no longer meet the operational needs of the district. All equipment will be recycled through a certified agency, which will handle pickup, documentation, sorting, processing, and responsible disposal of the materials. The district will receive a certificate of recycling or data destruction upon completion. Mr. Lay moved to approve disposal of the surplus vehicle; the motion was seconded by Ms. Delrossi. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 8. CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS 8.1. Out of State Overnight Travel Request - Robinson Middle School to Yellowstone National Park Mr. Conway moved to approve the convention/conference request; the motion was seconded by Ms. Doherty. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). 9. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Bahou moved to adjourn at 7:54 p.m.; the motion was seconded by Mr. Conway. The motion passed with 6 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). Respectfully submitted, Liam Skinner, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee LS/mes L http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us