Minutes
Quincy, MASSACHUSETTS – November 15, 2023
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Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
Chairman Presiding
A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 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, Ms. Tina Cahill, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo.
Also present were: Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Ms. Allison Cox, Ms. Moshi Doane, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. Ray Luo, Mr. Michael Marani, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Maura Papile, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Laura Tung, Ms. Heather Wojcik, Mr. Bin Wu; NQHS Student Representative Amy Tan, QHS Student Representative Mina A-Tikriti; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
School Committee Vice Chair Mr. Frank Santoro was absent.
School Committee observed a moment of silence for members of the armed forces serving overseas and at home.
Ms. Owens 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
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting for October 25, 2023. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Session for October 25, 2023. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Ms. Owens read a letter from Quincy Education Association President Gayle Carvalho thanking everyone involved in planning the November 7 Professional Day of Learning.
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Superintendent’s
Report
Superintendent Mulvey recognized Commended National Merit Scholars Jonathan Jasper Baldini, Franklin Chen, Laura Jiang, Aixin Liang, Joseph Ethan Mercado, Killian Sloan, Renee Su, and Chloe Wu from North Quincy High School and Katherine Bardwell, Emma Bateman, Gaetano Belfort, Sonia Dijkstra, and Stanley Tran from Quincy High School. Of the 1.6 million students who took the PSAT in October 2021, these seniors are among the top 50,000 nationwide.
A calendar of School & Program Improvement Plan Review Meeting Dates was shared with School Committee in their packets. Calendar invitations have also been sent for each meeting.
Superintendent Mulvey announced that on Saturday, November 18 at 11:00 am, there will be a dedication ceremony for former Quincy Public Schools Band Director Richard Kenneally. The ceremony will begin in the North Quincy High School Auditorium and conclude with the unveiling of the sign for the Richard Kinneally Arts Wing. The event is open to the public so any interested alumni and former colleagues are welcome to attend.
The Early College High School Pathway Newsletter was shared with School Committee in their packets and highlights the new staff members and program initiatives underway for this school year.
Upcoming Quincy Public Schools and City of Quincy events include Quincy High School Drama Club presenting The Tempest for four performances on November 16 & 18 at 7:00 pm and November 18 & 19 at 2:00 pm in the Lloyd Hill Auditorium. On Thanksgiving morning, the North Quincy and Quincy High School Football teams will meet for their annual competition at 10:00 am at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The winter holiday season officially begins in Quincy the next day with a weekend of events capped off by the 70th Annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, November 26 beginning at noon in Quincy Center and featuring floats and local marching bands, including our own QNQ Marching Band & Colorguard. On November 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, North Quincy High School Photography students will be hosting their annual sale to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital. In the spirit of the holiday season, Mayor Koch and the Quincy School~Community Partnership are once again sponsoring ‘Tis the Season… Symphony & Song on December 5 at 7:00 pm in the Quincy High School Auditorium. North Quincy High School’s Drama Club is presenting Almost, Maine on December 8 & 9 at 7:00 pm.
For our Grade 8 students and their families, the two high schools are hosting Open House events on Monday, December 11 at Quincy High School and Thursday, December 14 at North Quincy High School, both starting at 6:00 pm.
Elementary, middle, and high school parents will all have the opportunity to attend Report Card Conferences beginning in late November and continuing up to the holiday break. Winter Concerts are being scheduled for all schools, some in December and others in January after the return from winter break. A complete schedule will be shared on the Quincy Public Schools website and social media.
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New Business
English Learner
Program
Improvement Plan
Coordinator Heather Wojcik presented the English Learner Program Improvement Plan to School Committee. There are 1,632 English Learners in Quincy Public Schools receiving small group services provided at all school locations by highly-qualified teachers. In reflecting on last year’s goals, the first goal of increasing the percentage of students who made progress towards proficiency target was not met; the second goal of introducing the State Seal of Biliteracy was met with distinction with 44 students earning the seal last spring. The third goal was to increase social media network presence and this was met and exceeded; the fourth goal of increasing family engagement was met and will be expanded on during the Family Liaison presentation to follow. The final goal was to create a district interpretation and translation handbook; this has been completed and was shared with School Committee.
Goals for 2023-2024 are focused on increasing the percentage of students who make progress towards their proficiency targets (10% for Grades 9-12 and 6.9% for Grades 1-8); increased participation for the Seal of Biliteracy screenings (fall and spring dates will be offered this year), new parent orientation and engagement on social media channels; and parent academies. Staff members will begin training on development of language access service plans for students and families as well as piloting new curriculum for elementary and middle school students.
Mrs. Lebo said that the PIP was a pleasure to read, very comprehensive. Mrs. Lebo asked about the progress levels dropping for high school levels for previous years. Ms. Wojcik said that many high school ELs are beginner students and/or SLIFE so progress is more difficult as the students get older.
Mr. Gutro asked about trends for interpretation, Ms. Wojcik is tracking and has seen tremendous growth beyond IEP meetings to family meetings, school tours, and orientation events.
Mrs. Cahill asked about the number of families who opt out of English Learner services, Ms. Wojcik said it is a small number, less than 30 families.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the English Learner Program Improvement Plan. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Family Liaisons Update
Family Liaisons Bin Wu, Laura Tung, Ray Luo, and Moshi Doane shared an overview of the Quincy Public Schools language access resources such as the Language Line and interpreters for oral interpretation and written translation provided by the QPS website, SMORE platform, translated report cards and IEPs, social media such as WeChat and WhatsApp. Families are identified through the registration process and once registration is completed, the Family Liaisons will start the outreach process. New Parent Orientations are scheduled by language group (Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, Portuguese) and are offered monthly in-person and virtually (and more often if needed). Topics covered include use of the Quincy Public Schools website, the school year calendar, how to connect with school staff and utilize Aspen, school health information, English Learner education, ELPAC, and other community resources.
Parent academies are virtual meetings presented by the Family Liaisons on specific topics such as MCAS and other topics about the educational system that are frequently raised by parents. This year, morning and evening sessions are offered to avoid conflicts with parent work schedules. Topics for upcoming Parent Academies include using Aspen to check the student’s schedule, attendance, and review the report card; preparing for report card conferences; assessments; and summer program resources.
Mr. Gutro asked how many different home languages there are in Quincy Public Schools and a breakdown by percentage. Mr. Gutro asked about social media platforms such as WhatsApp and WeChat, Ms. Doane said that many families don’t have voicemail or email and use these apps to communicate.
Mr. Gutro asked about referring adults for English language lessons. QARI, Training Resources of America, and the Thomas Crane Public Library program are all options for adult English learners.
Mrs. Hubley asked if communication about transportation or after school activities is part of the new Parent Orientation. Mr. Luo said these are topics that can be integrated moving forward. Ms. Wojcik said that QARI is an important partner and provides translated flyers for their programs, including mentoring.
Ms. Al-Tikriti asked about parents who speak other languages beyond the top four languages, Ms. Doane said that the Family Liaisons use the language line to individually meet with families who speak other languages.
Mrs. Cahill asked if English Learner staff have manageable caseloads. Ms. Wojcik said there is an annual review during the budget process, there were three new teachers hired for this school year, one each for South~West, Lincoln Hancock, and Beechwood Knoll. Ms. Wojcik will continue to monitor as new registrations come in.
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New Business
Professional Day of
Learning Review
Superintendent Mulvey thanked Mayor Koch, the School Committee, and our community business partners for their support in creating this first full-day of Professional Day of Learning for 950 professional educators at Quincy High School. Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins shared a video review of the day with School Committee, thanked members of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team for their work on planning and executing the day. Thanks also to the Quincy Education Association for their collaboration and providing the lunch. Student volunteers from Quincy High School were instrumental in escorting the presenters to their rooms and assisting with troubleshooting technology issues.
A Professional Development survey was shared with staff and feedback will be incorporated into the planning for next year. 97% of staff said the day met their expectations; 98% said the communication was clear and informative; and 94% felt the sessions were relative to their grade levels and professional roles.
Mrs. Lebo heard comments from teachers in the community who were pleased with how the day went.
Mrs. Cahill said this is a great reflection of how a successful collaboration between the QEA and administration benefits our students.
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New Business
MASC Conference
Update
Mrs. Hubley reviewed that she and Mrs. Lebo attended the Massachusetts Association of School Committees conference last week. The Delegate Assembly featured a lot of lively debate and many amendments were proposed and voted down and ultimately many were tabled.
Resolution 1: Full, Stable Funding for METCO Passed
Resolution 2: Transportation Bidding Procedures Passed
Resolution 3: Regional Transportation Failed
Resolution 4: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tabled
Resolution 5: Massachusetts School Building Authority Passed with Amendment
Resolution 6: School Bus Stop Arm Surveillance Act Tabled
Resolution 7: Related to MCAS Tabled
Resolution 8: Safe Storage of Firearms Tabled
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New Business
Grant: McKinney-Vento
Homeless Education
(VOTE)
Superintendent Mulvey shared that for the 2023-2024 school year, a McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Grant of $20,000.00 was awarded to Quincy Public Schools. The funding will be used by Coordinator Leslie Bridson to support our families in unstable housing situations and unaccompanied youth.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Grant of $20,000.00. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Cahill and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mr. Santoro was absent.
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New Business
Grant for FY2024
Perkins Fund
(VOTE)
Superintendent Mulvey shared that the FY2024 Perkins Fund Grant of $160,202.00 was recently received by Quincy Public Schools. These funds are used to support our Career Vocational Technical Education programs through the purchase of equipment, curriculum, and technology.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to accept the FY2023 Perkins Fund Grant of $160,202.00. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gutro and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mr. Santoro was absent.
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New Business
Donation from
Granite
Telecommunications
Superintendent Mulvey announced that our generous community partner Granite Telecommunications recently purchased new choral risers for the Lincoln Hancock Community School, valued at $11,647.84.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to accept the donation from Granite Telecommunications of choral risers for Lincoln Hancock Community School, valued at $11,647.84. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mr. Santoro was absent.
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New Business
Donation from
Keches Law Firm
Superintendent Mulvey announced that another generous community partner, Keches Law Firm recently donated Thanksgiving meal kits for 40 Quincy Public Schools families, valued at $5,000.00.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to accept the donation of Thanksgiving meal kits from Keches Law Firm, valued at $5,00.00. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gutro and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mr. Santoro was absent.
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New Business
Referral of 2.5.7 to
Policy Subcommittee
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to move School Committee Policy Book Section 2.5.7 School Committee-Staff Communications to the Policy Subcommittee. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Overnight/Out of State
Travel (VOTE)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel/Out of State of South~West Middle School Grade 8 students to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania from June 4-6, 2024. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Cahill and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
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Communications
Mayor Koch noted upcoming School Committee Meetings on December 13, 2023, at 6:30 pm at the Coddington Building.
Mrs. Hubley said that she was elected to be the Division 3 Vice Chair at the Massachusetts Association of School Committees General Meeting.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mayor Koch reviewed the Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting held on October 25, 2023. Director of Business James Mullaney presented an FY2024 Staffing Reconciliation and a review of FY2024 1st quarter expenditures for all budget line items.
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Executive Session
Mr. Gutro made a motion to move to Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations at 7:50 pm. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mr. Santoro was absent.
School Committee will not return to Regular Session.
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Adjournment
Since School Committee did not return from Executive Session, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.
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