Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – March 7, 2018
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
March 7, 2018 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent DeCristofaro called the roll and present were School Committee Chair
Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. James
DeAmicis, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Chair.
Vice Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Mr. Michael DeMarco, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Dr. Beth Hallett, Mr.
James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms.
Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla; Quincy Police Chief Paul
Keenan; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; Citywide CoPresidents Scott Alessandro and Courtney Perdios; North Quincy High School
Student Representative Luke Molloy.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 2.7.2018
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for February 7, 2018 as presented. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
Citywide Parent Council Co-President Courtney Perdios announced that
tonight’s School Safety & Security presentation will also be given at the April 9,
2018 Citywide Parent Council meeting at 7:00 pm at Broad Meadows Middle
School.
Citywide Parent Council Co-President Scott Alessandro noted that the North
Quincy High School mascot discussion was prominent at the February 7, 2018
meeting with the recognition of Dr. Yacubian. At the March 12, 2018 Citywide
Parent Council meeting, a discussion of Yakoo is planned.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with Inspire Quincy,
featuring the Clifford Marshall Family Literacy Night, the Montclair Elementary
School Chinese New Year celebration, Atherton Hough Kindergarten Parent-Child
event, Girl Rising meeting with high school captains from the Swim & Diving
teams, A Matter of Heart CPR & AED Certification training for Grade 8 students
and families, Read Across America, and 8th Grade Fly Up Day for Band & Choral
students.
Dr. Hallett introduced the Quincy Band Boosters and K&C Music, who were
recognized as Quincy School~Community Partners. K&C Music has supported the
Quincy Public Schools through repairs, facilitating rentals, professional advice, and
donations of musical instruments ($58,000 in 2017-2018 alone). The Quincy
Band Boosters have provided percussion instruments, summer marching band
camp opportunities, and scholarships to fund private lessons.
Upcoming Partnership events include the Credit for Life Fair for high school
seniors scheduled for March 22 and the School~Community Partnership Breakfast
on March 29, both at the Tirrell Room. Read Across America events were held at
all elementary schools the week of February 6-March 2 in honor of Dr. Seuss’s
birthday. Partners send guest readers to many of the schools.
Kindergarten Registration began on March 6, with over 300 students registering
the first day at all eleven elementary schools.
Quincy Public Schools has been recognized by the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education for having a graduation rate well above the state’s average,
the highest level of all urban school districts in Massachusetts. Dr. DeCristofaro
credited our high school principals and professional staff for their continuing
focus on at-risk students and the goal of having no drop outs.
On March 14, student action in support of school safety is planned at all Quincy
Public Schools middle and high schools. At the middle school level, students will
have a moment of silence and planned activities and small group discussion. At
the high school level, students will be allowed to leave the building at 10:00 am for
the 17 minute observation on a voluntary basis. The high school principals are
working with their student councils to plan meaningful observation. The Quincy
Police Department will provide security for this outside event.
Mr. Gutro thanked Dr. DeCristofaro and the Quincy Public Schools administrators
for the proactive response, giving students a voice to express their feelings is
healthy and constructive.
Dr. DeCristofaro and Mrs. Lebo met with the Student Advisory Council to the
School Committee. Student Council members are collaborating with the principals
on planning the March 14 events. High school midterm exams were also
discussed and student feedback is being sought. At the next meeting, SMART goals
will be set for the 2018-2019 school year.
An updated schedule of Parent Academy events was shared with School
Committee. The Family Nutrition Night events in partnership with South Shore
Hospital were recently held at three school sites and an upcoming event will
showcase the Construction Trades programs at Quincy High School.
A Project Lead the Way Grant for STEM Education was recently awarded to Quincy
Public Schools, a total of $150,000 for all five middle schools to fund Professional
development, curriculum, and activity kits. Thanks to Science Curriculum Team
Administrator Ed Smith and Senior Curriculum Director Madeline Roy for their
leadership in securing this grant.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that Course Selection Information
Nights are being held on March 12 at North Quincy High School and March 13 at
Quincy High School.
§
Old Business
As there was no Old Business, School Committee moved on to the next item on the
agenda.
§
New Business
Safety & Security
Overview
Dr. DeCristofaro presented an Overview of Safety & Security, along with Quincy
Police Chief Keenan, Director of Safety & Security Michael Draicchio, and Senior
Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile. Quincy Public Schools Safety &
Security framework is built around the pillars of Prevention, Preparation,
Response, and Recovery. Through the District Improvement Plan, multiple teams
are involved with supporting the overall safety of the school system, including the
School Committee, the Superintendent’s Leadership Team, the Elementary,
Middle, and High School Principal Teams, the School~Community Partnership
Team, the Student Support Services Teams, the Alternative Programs Teams,
Student Placement Teams, Safety & Security Team, Transportation
Administration, and Facilities/Maintenance Team.
Prevention is focused on avoiding occurences; the Quincy School Committee
Policy Section 5.2 sets the goal of “providing a safe, violence free and drug free
place of learning for all students and staff.” Through a special appropriation in
2014-2015, Mayor Koch and City Council provided funding for the installation of
access control devices to allow for keyless entry, video intercoms, visitor
protocols, and identification badges that all work together to ensure that schools
are safe and accessible to students, staff, families, and city department staff. All
Quincy Public Schools classrooms have classroom door locks and all schools have
surveillance technology that allows for monitoring the buildings’ exteriors and
interior corridors.
Through collaboration with the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the
newest school buildings Quincy High School, Central Middle School, and the under
construction Southwest Quincy middle school have the newest in exterior door
and window technology. Through the Accelerated Repair Program, Lincoln
Hancock, Merrymount, North Quincy, Parker, and Wollaston all have new
windows and doors. Beechwood Knoll will have new windows and doors installed
in Summer 2018. Montclair has new windows, funded through the City of Quincy
prior to the establishment of the MSBA’s Accelerated Repair Program.
Mr. Draicchio reviewed the collaboration between the Quincy Public Schools,
Quincy Police Department, the City’s Traffic, Parking, Alarm, and Lighting (TPAL)
for signage, traffic and pedestrian signals, and the Department of Public Works
(crosswalks repainted annually). The Transportation Administration Team meets
monthly to ensure that bus maintenance and safety issues are addressed in a
timely fashion. The Quincy Fire Department provides support for Fire Safety,
inspecting all school buildings quarterly, ensuring that fire alarm systems are
updated and functioning, Science Laboratory safety compliance, and providing
Fire Safety Education for elementary school students.
The Quincy Public Schools Preparation (Planning, Practices, Evaluation) include
Emergency Procedures and Emergency Safety Drills to reinforce the safety
protocols with all school staff. Emergency Procedures for lockdown, evacuation,
reverse evacuation, and modified lockdown are posted in all classrooms and
offices. Emergency safety drills are completed at least twice per year and are
unannounced to staff members, ensuring an accurate assessment of response
time. The Quincy Police Department, Fire Department, and Brewster Ambulance
all participate in these drills. A new comprehensive chart for responding to bomb
threats was also developed in conjunction with the Quincy Police Department.
Through a grant from Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey, 911
radios have been provided to all schools for direct emergency communication
with the Quincy Police Department. Per School Committee Policy, Incident
Reports are created to report threats of harm, self-harm, or other concerning
behaviors.
The Quincy Public Schools Safety & Security Team meets monthly and has
membership from many community partners, including the Quincy Public Schools
Administrators, Assistant Principals, High School Deans, Security Staff, Quincy
Police Department, Quincy Fire Department, Norfolk County District Attorney’s
Office, Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, MBTA Transit Police, Brewster Ambulance,
the Department of Children & Families, Department of Youth Services, and Quincy
Probation Department. Professional development for Security staff are provided
by members of the Safety & Security Team, Student Support and Health Services
Teams, and the Technology Planning & Training Team. Communication on safety
and security issues is provided to Security Staff weekly and quarterly through the
Safety First newsletter.
Quincy Police Chief Keenan said that there is consistent communication between
himself and the Superintendent and Mr. Draicchio, the Quincy Police Department
is glad to provide support for special events such as graduation, proms, and
athletic events, in addition to daily support for Quincy Public Schools including the
DARE officers, three School Resource Officers, forty-five Traffic Supervisors, direct
communication with dispatchers, Pre-Prom seminar, and community building
programs such as Early Bird basketball.
Chief Keenan reviewed training initiatives the Quincy Police Department
participates in, including School Active Shooter In-Service, School Safety Drills, DeEscalation and Safety Assessment Training, and ongoing training for autism
disorder and mental health issues. In responding the critical incidents, the initial
response protocol continues to evolve to focus on quelling the incident as soon as
possible. SWAT training is held monthly and collaboration with Boston Police
Department has been established. The Quincy Police Department has trained
hostage negotiators, is part of a cooperative Police Department Network, trained
K-9, a memorandum of understanding with the BPD Bomb Unit. Internet and
cyber response threats are taken very seriously, threats are assessed and an
incident determination will culminate in a home visit and references for mental
health counseling. Incidents are handled thoroughly and professionally, without
sensationalizing.
All of the School Response Plans are in the process of being updated, Quincy Police
Departments have online access to Quincy Public Schools (and all city building)
floor plans. School Response Drills are planned for weekends in all buildings to
ensure familiarity with our facilities. Chief Keenan is confident that Quincy Public
Schools is a safe learning environment, we are on the right track, with constant
assessment for improvement.
Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile presented on the
Recovery phase, supporting students through traumatic events by responding to
their needs, informing students and families, and building school climate. Quincy
Public Schools Crisis Response is handled at the school site by established Crisis
Teams (Principal, Assistant Principal, Guidance Counselors, Psychologist Nurse,
Teachers). Information is disseminated carefully, and in a truthful and accurate
way. It is important to respect the students and support the trust between
students and adults. With social media, it is easy for misinformation to be spread
and so a timely and accurate response is critical to countering that. Crisis teams
will provide scripts for staff to talk with students, the goal is to provide a
community based response.
Mrs. Papile emphasized that there are four psychological tasks that children and
adolescents must accomplish for healthy coping: understanding, grieving,
commemorating, and going on. We have to be open to what students and staff
need in response to trauma, annual professional development for crisis team
members brings in new approaches, refine supports and communication.
Mr. Gutro thanked all of the presenters for the daily efforts to keep students and
staff safe. Mr. Gutro asked about special events during school hours, such as
visitors for Kindergarten registration and voting. Voter access is done through
dedicated entrances whenever possible and police officers are present; not all
schools are voting sites. For Kindergarten registration, visitors are admitted to
the building and directed to a specific area to complete registration.
Mr. DeAmicis asked if there are multiple officers on duty during voting. Chief
Keenan said the officers are assigned to the ballot boxes, and there are relief
officers scheduled to ensure constant Quincy Police presence inside the building.
Mr. Gutro complimented the communication about incidents, although due to
confidentiality, the explanations are vague. Students often know more details. Mr.
Gutro asked for a report of incidents types at the school level. Dr. DeCristofaro
said it is very difficult to communicate in a way that shares information and also
protects student confidentiality. Often communication is sent out during the
investigation phase and so details are vague.
Mr. Gutro asked about the security cameras, are they monitored in real time or
recorded for evidence. Mr. Draicchio said the cameras are used for both purposes,
most of the recorders have a 30 day capacity.
Mr. Bregoli noted that mental health issues have been a factor in many of the
school violence issues nationwide. He asked Mrs. Papile whether there is
adequate staffing in the Quincy Public Schools to address mental health issues.
Mrs. Papile said emergency safety assessments are made through South Shore
Mental Health not by Quincy Public Schools staff members. Mr. Bregoli is
concerned about athletic events, referees are contracted employees and not
screened by Quincy Public Schools. Dr. DeCristofaro said these are not easy
questions; high school events have security staff on duty and the Athletic Director
or game administrator are there to interact with the referees.
Mr. Bregoli brought up the issue of metal detectors, suggesting this is another tool
to keep students safe, particularly at an after school event. Complimented Mr.
Draicchio for all of his efforts, maybe there are additional supports to assist the
security staff.
Mayor Koch thanked Superintendent DeCristofaro, the Superintendent’s
Leadership Team, and Chief Keenan. The City is focused on providing resources
for student safety and there has to be a balance. At recent PTO meetings, parents
expressed concerns. Mayor Koch suggested adding a spiritual aspect to the
recovery part of the process and offered perspective about the big picture, in
Massachusetts, there are more safeguards to keep guns from inappropriate
owners, including background checks. Much progress has been made and there is
always room for improvement
Mrs. Hubley asked about the ALICE program. Chief Keenan explained that ALICE
has a component that teaches students about fighting back and prefers other
approaches to student response in an incident.
Mr. Andronico noted that the 911 radios allow direct contact with Quincy Police
Department and asked whether installing panic buttons in school offices has been
explored. Chief Keenan said that meetings are underway with vendors to provide
a mobile app that teachers and administrators that would be a direct 911 contact.
Mr. DeAmicis asked if the visitor protocols are reviewed regularly. Mr. Draicchio
said that the protocols are reviewed annually and reinforced with staff during
professional development. Mr. DeAmicis asked how school staff would be
supported if an unwanted person was outside the building. Mr. Draicchio said that
staff are trained to call 911 if concerned.
Mr. DeAmicis asked if a staff member forgot their identification, would they wear a
visitor pass. Mr. Draicchio confirmed they would need to be admitted by office or
security staff through the main door. Mr. Draicchio confirmed that both high
schools have security staff on duty until at least 7:00 pm daily.
Mr. DeAmicis asked Chief Keenan about whether a School Resource Officer is
considered a first responder. Chief Keenan confirmed that when they are on
scene, their training is to try to mitigate the threat and call for assistance.
Mr. DeAmicis asked Mrs. Papile if there was communication or dialogue between
students and administrators about whether they feel safe during the school day
and after school activities. Mrs. Papile said that the PBIS interventions support
the positive school culture and emphasize safety, all the while teaching the prosocial skills about safety. Social emotional curriculum at all levels involves conflict
resolution, helping to build coping skills and strategies.
Mr. DeAmicis asked about verbal threats and the protocols for reporting and
reacting. Mrs. Papile said that teachers are trained by guidance staff to make an
immediate report of any concern, for example, a student’s writing, online posts, or
behaviors. The concern will be investigated, a team approach with the Quincy
Police Department, South Shore Mental Health, and the student’s parents.
Mr. Gutro asked about student use of social media during a crisis situation. Dr.
DeCristofaro said that there is a limited amount that can be done to control
student use of social media. During an incident, it seems like it would be more
helpful than not as it could assist first responders.
Mr. Bregoli noted that School Committee members are also required to go through
proper visitor protocol to enter a school building.
Mrs. Lebo thanked the presenters, this presentation should be very reassuring to
parents and staff. The Quincy Police Department is very responsive.
Mrs. Lebo asked about Communication, would like to see more emphasis on
timeliness and also communication to School Committee. Mrs. Lebo referred to
Facilities & Security Subcommittee reporting of previous incidents, metal
detectors, and a review of the ALICE protocol.
Mrs. Lebo asked how the School Resource Officer job description differs from a
regular Patrol Officer. Chief Keenan said that the main purpose is for the School
Resource Officers to develop relationships with students, so that students will feel
comfortable turning them for assistance. School Resource Officers can and do
mitigate many problems at an early stage. Mrs. Lebo asked about evaluation of the
School Resource Officers. Chief Keenan said this is a joint process between the
himself, Lt. Glynn, and the Superintendent.
Mrs. Lebo noted that House Bill 3610, sponsored by Representative Marjorie
Decker would strengthen the preventions for firearm access for dangerous
individuals.
Mrs. Lebo noted that Section 5 of the Policy Book should be reviewed and updated.
Copies of Section 5 were provided to each School Committee member.
Mrs. Lebo is concerned about the muddy conditions on the side of Furnace Brook
Parkway at Bernazzani, which is a state road. The Department of Conservation
and Recreation said that stones would be installed but nothing has been done to
date. Mrs. Lebo asked Mayor Koch if he can assist since this is a safety issue for
parents and students.
§
New Business
Temporary Budget
Transfer Request
Director of Business James Mullaney presented that due to the damage from the
January 4, 2018 storm, Quincy Public Schools has been working with Arbella
Insurance to determine the extent of the damage to the mini-bus fleet. Arbella’s
conclusion is that all vehicles are a total loss and preliminary figures indicate
payments will be made to Quincy Public Schools totaling $900,000.00 to purchase
replacement vehicles. In order to begin the purchasing process, a temporary
transfer of funds is needed. Mr. Mullaney is recommending transferring funds
from the Special Education Professional Salaries line to the Transportation &
Rental Vehicles Account. As funds are received from Arbella, they will be
deposited in this account and then a request will be made to transfer the funds
back to the Special Education Professional Salaries line.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion for a $900,000.00 temporary transfer of funds from
the Special Education Salaries to the Transportation budget line.
On the motion, Mr. Gutro asked for documentation for the insurance settlement.
Mr. Mullaney said once School Committee approves the temporary fund transfer,
the settlement document will be created for signature and shared with School
Committee. Mr. Gutro asked for and received confirmation that no vehicles were
damaged in the March 2 storm.
Mrs. Hubley asked when the new mini-buses be available for student
transportation. Mr. Mullaney said nine are currently available and the other
thirteen are still to be manufactured, so delivery may take up to five months.
Mr. Andronico noted that the first payment will be $450,000 when the settlement
is signed and asked what the payment schedule would be for the remainder. Mr.
Mullaney said the payments will be made as vehicles are taken out of service and
turned over to Arbella’s Recovery Unit.
Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mr. Mulvey, Mr. Draicchio, Mr. Kevin Segalla, and Mr.
Mullaney for their work on this process with Arbella.
§
New Business
Gift
Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the gift of $8,500.00 from Blue Cross Blue
Shield and requested a letter of thanks be sent. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion
and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
§
New Business
Out of the Country
Travel
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the 2018 Out of the Country Travel of
Quincy High School to France, Monaco, and Italy. The motion was seconded by Mr.
DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
New Business
Overnight Travel
(In-State)
Mr. Andronico made a motion to approve the May 21-23, 2018 Overnight Travel
(In-State) of Sterling Middle School Grade 7 to Camp Wing, Duxbury,
Massachusetts. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to approve the April 27-29, 2018 Out of State Travel
(Overnight) of Quincy High School Academic Decathalon Team to Washington, DC.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: Regular Meetings on March 21, 2018 and
April 11, 2018 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 pm.
Subcommittee Meetings: Teaching & Learning on March 28 at 6:00 pm. On March
14, 2018, the Facilities & Security Subcommittee will meet at 6:00 pm and the
Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee will meet at 6:30 pm. On April 25, the
Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee will be held at 6:00 pm, followed by
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee at 6:15 pm.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Lebo noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.
Teaching & Learning
Subcommittee
Mrs. Lebo reviewed the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meeting held on
February 28, 2018. Curriculum & Assessent Management Team members
presented on the Close Reading, Google Classroom, and Differentiation in Math
Classroom initiatives.
The meeting minutes for the February 28, 2018 Teaching & Learning
Subcommittee were approved as amended.
§
Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
§
Adjournment
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 9:15 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Andronico and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.