Minutes
Quincy, MASSACHUSETTS – March 6, 2024
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Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
Vice-Chair Presiding
A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room at the Coddington Building. Superintendent Kevin Mulvey called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair and School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Courtney Perdios, and School Committee Vice Chair Mrs. Tina Cahill.
Also present were: Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Andrea Huwar, Ms. Christine Ells, Ms. Erin Egan, Mr. Charles Hannaford, Ms. Robin Kaplan, Mr. Michael Marani, Ms. Rebecca McInnis, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Maura Papile, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; NQHS Student Representative Amy Tan; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
School Committee members Mrs. Kathryn Hubley and Mrs. Emily Lebo were absent.
School Committee observed a moment of silence for the following Quincy Public Schools retirees who passed away recently: Linda Thompson, 15 years in Food Services as a cafeteria helper and cook at North Quincy High School; Michael Mulkerin was a teacher for 35 years, at the John Hancock Elementary School, the Lincoln Hancock Community School, and the Broad Meadows Middle School.
Mrs. Cahill read the following statement into the record: Pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unperceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.
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Approval of Minutes
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting for February 7, 2024. Mayor Koch seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee moved on to the next item on the agenda.
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Agenda Out of Order
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to take the agenda out of order, seconded by Mayor Koch. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
New Business
CVTE Student of the
Year
Career Vocational Technical Education Executive Director Keith Segalla presented the CVTE Students of the Year nominees who each shared their submitted projects: Kaitlyn Sampson, Quincy High School Early Education & Childcare; Tina Cao, North Quincy High School, Health Care Technology; Katherine Ramos, Quincy High School, Film & Television Production; Isabelle Hogan, Quincy High School, Plumbing Technology; Kimi Vallee, Quincy High School, Fashion Technology, CVTE Student of the Year.
School Committee members had the opportunity to ask each student questions on their projects, hear about their future plans, and express their pride in the students’ accomplishments.
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Superintendent’s
Report
After a brief recess, the School Committee resumed the order of the agenda.
Superintendent Mulvey opened the Superintendent’s Report by updating on recent and upcoming Quincy Public Schools events. This past Monday, interested Grade 8 students from all five middle schools attended Performing Arts Flyup Day at Quincy High School to learn about the opportunities available to them next year as students at both high schools. The students saw performances by the Combined High School band, choir, and colorguard, the Jazz Band, and a drama performance by club members from both high schools. Students had the opportunity to talk with Performing Arts teachers, advisors, and current high school students. Thank you to Quincy High School for hosting the event and all the staff members who organized this showcase.
On Tuesday, March 19, the Curriculum Team will host a Parent Academy for Kindergarten through Grade 5: Bringing the Science of Reading Home at 5:00 pm on Zoom. Middle School STEM Fairs are scheduled for the next few weeks with Broad Meadows on March 14 at 5:30 pm; Central on March 21 at 5:00 pm; Point Webster on March 21 at 5:30 pm; Atlantic on March 21 at 6:00 pm; and South~West on April 30 at 5:00 pm. Incoming Grade 9 students and their parents/guardians are invited to learn about the course selection process at next week’s High School Course Selection Nights. Quincy High School will be Monday, March 11 and North Quincy High School will be Wednesday, March 13, both at 6:30 pm.
Spring Drama Productions will begin next week with Broad Meadows Middle School presenting Annie on March 7 and 8 at 7:00 pm and March 9 at 2:00 pm; North Quincy & Quincy High School Drama clubs are presenting Beauty and the Beast over two weekends in March: on Friday the 15th and 22nd at 7:30 pm and Saturday the 16th and 23rd at 2:00 and 7:30 pm.
Mayor Koch is hosting the 2nd Annual Remember the Ladies Presentation and Tea on Saturday, March 9 at 2:00 pm at Quincy High School. South~West Middle School Principal Courtney Mitchell is being recognized, along with Assistant District Attorney and former School Committee Member Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Linda Santoro from the Quincy Art Association, local business owner Ms. Caryn Smith, and Dr. Daurice Cox from Bay State Community Services. Members of the community are invited to attend this special event.
The following high school teams qualified for the 2024 Winter Athletics MIAA Tournament: #33 seed North Quincy Boys Hockey was defeated by Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School 5-3 in the preliminary round;
#20 seed North Quincy Girls Basketball was defeated by Whitman-Hanson 63-60 in the round of 32; #9 seed Quincy High School Girls Basketball defeated Hopkinton in the round of 32 but lost a very close game 50-49 to Lexington High School in the round of 16. Athletic Director Kevin Mahoney will present a more detailed review of Winter Athletics and a preview of Spring Athletics at Subcommittee on March 20 at 6:00 pm.
At the February 27, 2024 MSBA Board Meeting, the Squantum Elementary School Project was invited to move into the next project phase of Schematic Design. The next six months will be busy ones and focus on developing the Project Scope and Budget for review at the August 28, 2024 MSBA Board Meeting.
School Committee received a copy of the FY2024 Grant Booklet in their packets, this is a compilation of competitive and entitlement grants for the 2023-24 school year. Thanks to Jim Mullaney and Jill Polin for working with Superintendent’s Leadership Team members on administering these grants. The Grant Booklet can be discussed at an upcoming Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting.
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Old Business
School Committee
Meeting Calendar
2024-25
School Committee
Policy 2.4.5
Mr. Gutro reviewed that the School Committee Meeting Calendar for 2024-2025 and the School Committee Policy Book 2.4.5 Agenda Format Revision were approved at the February 7, 2024 Policy Subcommittee and are eligible for discussion tonight. Both items are eligible for vote at the March 20, 2024 School Committee Meeting.
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New Business
School Nutrition
Program Update
Project Bread Director of Community Nutrition Services Sam Icklan and Chef Educator Ryan Eckles presented on the partnership with Quincy Public Schools, including training and professional development through the School Food Fellowship program. Through the partnership, staff are trained on new culinary skills and techniques, recipe development, building kitchen leadership, and supporting staff in new positions. Monthly online trainings are on different topics of interest, including bringing personal culinary history to work, childhood hunger and health, reducing food waste in schools, kitchen hacks, and best practices.
Director Sara Dufour presented an overview of the School Nutrition program in the Quincy Public Schools. In September, Governor Healy came to Snug Harbor to sign the bill that made permanent the universal meal program for public school students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. Massachusetts is the 8th state to enact this benefit for students and families. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of students participating in the meals program has increased dramatically and the School Nutrition department is on track to serve 1,000,000 meals this year.
New equipment includes a new Food Services truck with refrigeration, a new serving line at Atlantic, new freezers/refrigeration at North Quincy HS, Clifford Marshall, Point Webster, and Broad Meadows, 10 new computers, increased hours for secondary cafeteria helpers to handle the increases in meals served, and increased hours for Elementary managers at schools that serve breakfast in the classroom.
The School Nutrition staff are working on culturally diverse meal options, expanding the food waste diversion program (now at both high schools and the packing room at NQHS), with an increased emphasis on recycling and using a share table. Ms. Dufour also shared the School Nutrition website and social media
Ms. Tan asked about filtering the menus for vegan preferences; Ms. Dufour will work with vendor to adjust options.
Mrs. Perdios asked about the menu items, some options seem more substantial than others. Ms. Dufour said the protein requirements are equivalent daily and students can take as many fruits and vegetables as they want.
Mrs. Perdios asked about determining quantities to ensure students at all lunches have access to the meal of the day. Ms. Dufour noted with the growing participation of the meal service, there are some challenges around predicting the quantities of meals to prepare.
Mrs. Perdios asked about the My School Bucks accounts from 2019-2020, how can we notify families to claim any leftover funds. Ms. Dufour said there is a link on the website and she can follow up with principals to be sure the message is out in the community.
Mrs. Perdios asked about issues with expired milk, Ms. Dufour said there are weekly milk deliveries and the staff spot check the cases to be sure the product is within use date
Mrs. Perdios asked about surveying students about their preferred meal items, Ms. Dufour said this is an item for follow up.
Ms. Tan asked about options for students with celiac issues, Ms. Dufour said the school nurses flag students and there are option for menu modifications for the individual students. The products are not universally available for students.
Ms. Tan suggested additional labeling for salad bars and soy product options, Ms. Dufour agreed that these are areas for further exploration.
Superintendent Mulvey thanked the presenters, citing the fantastic partnership between Quincy Public Schools and Project Bread. Ms. Dufour’s long-term goal is for cooking fresh food on site at as many schools as possible, and is collaborating with Commissioner Hines on renovations. The Governor and Legislature’s support of universal meals has made a tremendous difference to our families.
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New Business
SOA Plan Update
Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins presented an update on the work done to date in developing the updated Student Opportunity Act: in the last month, a series of meetings have been held with principals, educators, parents (ELPAC and SEPAC), and the community. A survey has been shared with staff and parents/guardians for written input and will be open until the middle of March. Ms. Perkins will present the final Student Opportunity Act plan at the March 20, 2024 School Committee Meeting.
Director of Business James Mullaney updated School Committee that Chapter 70 funding from the state will not be increased this year for Quincy. Mayor Koch asked for clarification, other Gateway Cities receive 60-80% of their budget from Chapter 70 and other state grants. Quincy receives around $40 million while other local cities such as Lynn and Brockton receive $200 million in aid.
Ms. Perkins reiterated that the Student Opportunity Act Plan will be based on the current budget projections, there will not be any increased funding available.
Mrs. Perdios asked about the format of the SOA meetings, Ms. Perkins said that the presentation was shared and participants had the opportunity to make suggestions and ask questions.
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New Business
Grant for Early College
High School (VOTE)
Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the Grant of $100,000.00 from the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education for the Early College High School program. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0. Mrs. Hubley and Mrs. Lebo were absent.
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New Business
Perkins Fund Grant
(VOTE)
Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the Grant of $21,160.00 from the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education for additional Perkins Funds for Career Vocational Technical Education programming. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0. Mrs. Hubley and Mrs. Lebo were absent.
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New Business
Donation from Rotary
Club (VOTE)
Mr. Gutro made a motion to accept the Donation of Picture Books for Quincy Public Schools Grade 1 students valued at $3,108.57 from the Rotary Club. Mrs. Perdios seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 5-0. Mrs. Hubley and Mrs. Lebo were absent.
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New Business
Referral to the EDI
Subcommittee
Mr. Gutro made a motion to move Chronic Absenteeism to the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Subcommittee. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Referral to the EDI
Subcommittee
Mr. Gutro made a motion to move SAFIS (Fingerprinting) for Volunteers to the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Subcommittee. Mrs. Perdios seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Referral to the Budget &
Finance Subcommittee
Mayor Koch made a motion to move Athletics Fees to the Budget & Finance Subcommittee. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Communications
Mrs. Cahill noted upcoming School Committee Regular Meetings on March 20, 2024; April 10, 2024; May 8 & 22, 2024; and June 12, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the Coddington Building.
Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings (at the Coddington Building):
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March 13, 2024: Special Education at 6:00 pm; Policy at 6:45 pm
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March 20, 2024: Athletics & Wellness at 6:00 pm (prior to Regular Meeting)
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March 27, 2024: Teaching & Learning at 6:00 pm; Policy at 7:00 pm
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April 24, 2024: Quarterly Budget & Finance at 6:00 pm; Teaching & Learning at 6:15 pm; Policy at 7:00 pm
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Cahill noted that Subcommittee minutes are posted on the Quincy Public Schools website in the School Committee section.
Mayor Koch reviewed the February 7, 2024 Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee where Director of Business James Mullaney reviewed the FY2024 2nd Quarter expenses and projected budget deficits and surpluses.
Mr. Gutro reviewed the Policy Subcommittee meeting from February 7, 2023 where the 2024-2025 School Committee Meeting Calendar was approved and a draft of the QPS School Year Calendar survey was reviewed and approved.
Mrs. Perdios reviewed the February 28, 2024 Joint Subcommittees Meeting of Teaching & Learning, Special Education & Policy where an update on the MCAS Science Technology Engineering Pilot, Special Education Rights & Responsibilities, and Related Service Provider Caseloads were all presented. In addition the Special Education Parent Advisory Council presented an update.
Following the review of Related Service Provider Caseloads at the February 28, 2024 Joint Subcommittees Meeting of Teaching & Learning, Special Education & Policy, it was decided to not move forward with creating a Policy. Mr. Gutro removed the item (#12) from Policy Subcommittee.
As there were no corrections to the minutes of the February 7, 2024 Quarterly Budget & Finance and Policy Subcommittees and the February 28, 2024 Joint Subcommittees Meeting of Teaching & Learning, Special Education & Policy, the minutes were approved as presented.
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Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes gave it.
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