DRACUT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING School Committee Meeting Minutes

Date: March 9, 2020

Location: Town Hall, 62 Arlington Street, Douglas Willett Board of Selectmen Chambers

School Committee Members Present: Allison Volpe, Chair Betsy Murphy, 1st Vice Chair Susan Koufogazos, 2nd Vice Chair Joseph Wilkie Sabrina Heisey

School Personnel and Others Present: Steven Stone, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Lafleur, School Business Administrator Attorney Brian Akashian Cynthia Curtis, Recording Secretary

Call to Order: The Dracut School Committee meeting was called to order by Mrs. Volpe at 7:00 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence: Mrs. Volpe called for a pledge of allegiance and moment of silence.

Approval of Minutes: 1. Motion by Mrs. Murphy, seconded by Mr. Wilkie to approve the minutes of the February 24, 2020 school committee meeting. Vote: Unanimously Approved

Approval of Bills and Payrolls: Bills and payrolls will be signed at the conclusion of the meeting.

Presentation by Student Representative: Shakira Kawuba provided an update of events at Dracut High School. The high school spring musical is the Wizard of Oz. Sports Awards are scheduled for March 11. Cap and gown measurements for seniors is scheduled for March 13.

Public Hearing: 2. Motion by Mrs. Volpe, seconded by Mrs. Murphy to open the Public Hearing for the FY21 Budget.

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Roll Call Vote: Mr. Wilkie Yes Mrs. Koufogazos Yes Mrs. Murphy Yes Mrs. Heisey Yes Mrs. Volpe Yes Vote: Motion passes 5-0

Superintendent Stone provided a presentation and review of the FY21 Budget. Mr. Stone recognized the Town of Dracut on the many non-recurring projects that have been funded, such as Technology Infrastructure Project, Security Infrastructure Project, Renovation of Dracut High, various supplemental appropriations for smaller physical plant repairs and FY20 funding to eliminate a current year transportation deficit. The following topics were reviewed during the FY21 presentation:

 Dracut’s recurring spending, as measured on a per pupil basis, ranks 320 out of 322 school districts in Massachusetts.  Cities and towns in Massachusetts average funding at 123% of Net School Spending. Dracut has most recently funded at 104% of Net School Spending.  The district has seen enrollment increase in each of the past two years.  The State has indicated that because of improving property values an income, the district’s Net School Spending should increase by $1,804,781.  The Interim Town Manager has signaled $800,000 in new dollars, plus an estimated increase of $331,487 in Chargebacks.  The budget includes a 7.62% increase in special education costs  The budget anticipates collective bargaining with all seven bargaining groups  The budget provides funding to recruit and retain high quality educators by closing the salary gap. This is about ensuring that we can compete in the market.  Dracut Teachers rank 18 out of 21 neighboring districts in average salary.  Dracut Teachers rank 114 out of 121 districts in northeastern Massachusetts in average salary.  Free and Reduced Lunch rates have increased.  The district continues the use of part time employees to save money on health insurance.  Before offsets the total increase in the budget is a 4.55% increase and after offsets is a 3.79% increase. The total overall increase is a 4.11% increase.

Mr. Stone reviewed some possible upcoming Town Meeting Warrant Articles: ● Establishment and Funding for a Special Education Stabilization Account (Non- Recurring) ● Roof Replacement Funding for the Brookside & Englesby Elementary (Non-Recurring) ● Appropriations to cover of $144,800 in Special Education costs (Non-Recurring) ● FY 21 School Department Budget (Recurring) ● Possibility of Capital funding for Technology ($205K) (Non-Recurring) ● Possibility of funding for math curriculum ($360K) (Non-Recurring)

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Public Input on the FY21 Budget: Conversation was held on the investing of teachers and how the district is losing them to other districts with a higher paying salary. Mr. Stone stated the district needs to retain teachers within the district. Mrs. Heisey inquired about increasing nursing staffing. Mr. Stone indicated there is long list of specific positions that need to be increased including Nurses. The budget does not call for additional staffing. The budget proposed is to retain current faculty and staff.

Mrs. Koufogazos commented on other departments who also invest in employees and then they leave for other districts, such as police and fire. Mrs. Koufogazos stated the community needs to make the same choice for our educators and administrators.

Mr. Wilkie thanked all those that attended this evening and thanked the teachers. Mr. Wilkie stated this proposal is an opportunity to support the teachers.

Christine Lord, 10 Rocky Road, DTA President, Teacher, Department Head and Parent thanked the Committee and Superintendent for the context in the budget proposal and for continuing to fight for the children. Mrs. Lord commented on 2012 staffing which in her department had 12.6 FTEs and currently there is 6.6 FTEs. Mrs. Lord indicated that the community needs to vote on this proposed budget and work towards retaining talent and rebuild what the district once had. Students have more needs and more expectations for education.

Rich Cowan, 12 Greenlawn Avenue, addressed the Town’s budget. Mr. Cowan stated that the net school spending requirement is increasing due to the increased needs of students and the town’s obligation to pay is increasing. Mr. Cowan reviewed the Interim Town Manager’s budget message and provided a copy to the Committee.

Michele Green, 13 Coral Drive, a Teacher and member of the Capital Planning. Ms. Green commented on development in Dracut and the strain to the school department.

Renee Young, 44 Old Pasture Road, commented on new development and the increase of new students. Ms. Young has a concern with class size and staffing. Ms. Young is an educator in another district and commented on smaller class sizes.

Angel Bacigalupo, 39 Roosevelt Avenue, parent and member of SEPAC. Ms. Bacigalupo would like to see per pupil increase. Mrs. Bacigalupo commented on the importance of Paraprofessionals.

Rebecca Sullivan, 12 Radcliffe Road, asked for clarification on increase in spending. Mr. Stone stated the budget is level service which is no additional programs and takes into consideration current contract increases, increases in utility costs, and assumes increases for collective bargaining. Mr. Stone stated it is a reasonable budget anticipating collective bargaining. Ms. Sullivan inquired about non-recurring costs. Mr. Stone referenced the list of non-recurring costs in the proposal. Ms. Sullivan asked how the district gets more foreign language, arts and other teachers. Mr. Stone stated the recommended budget is reasonable to operate the district. The budget exceeds what the Interim Town Manager is proposing.

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Mrs. Volpe encourages residents to attend Finance Meetings, Board of Selectmen Meetings and Town Meeting.

George Bernier, 90 Sue Ann Drive, inquired about school budget percentage of the total town budget. Mr. Stone stated the district operates around net school spending. Mr. Bernier asked about retaining staff like the police department. Mrs. Koufogazos commented that the school department has similar concerns with retaining teachers after receiving professional development and training. Mr. Bernier inquired about teacher salary pay scale compared to other districts. Mr. Stone stated the district is 114 out of 121 and locally 18 out of 21.

Nancy McDonald, 6 Quail Drive inquired about timelines and budget approval procedures. Ms. McDonald commented on the percentage of the town budget for the school department. The average is about 46%-48%. Ms. McDonald commented on the district being 320 out of 322 districts. Ms. McDonald thanked the Committee and the teachers. Mrs. Volpe stated that the school department is the largest department in the town.

Rich Cowan, 12 Greenlawn Avenue, inquired about the Finance Committee and being able to speak at the meeting and suggested people contact the Chair in advance. Mr. Cowan suggested people look at other towns to see how budgets are approved.

Mrs. Volpe thanked everyone for attending and supporting the district.

3. Motion by Mrs. Murphy, seconded by Mrs. Koufogazos, to close the Public Hearing on the FY21 Budget. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Wilkie Yes Mrs. Koufogazos Yes Mrs. Murphy Yes Mrs. Heisey Yes Mrs. Volpe Yes Vote: Motion passes 5-0

Community Calendar of Events: March 10 Brookside and Middle School PTO Meeting March 11 Winter Sports Awards March 12 Campbell PTO Meeting March 16 Greenmont Kindergarten Registration March 17 Brookside and Englesby Kindergarten Registration March 18 Early Release, Professional Development March 19 Campbell Kindergarten Registration March 20 2nd Trimester Grades released at elementary level March 18-20 Dracut Scholarship Telethon March 27 School Committee Meeting, Education Sub-Committee, Finance Committee

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Community Input: No Community Input

Committee Reports: Policy Sub-Committee This is the final reading of the Bullying Prevention Policy. The first reading was held at the February 24, 2020 meeting. A copy of the Intervention Plan was provided to the Committee. Changes in the flowchart, as requested at a previous meeting, have been inserted. Mr. Stone recommends the Committee adopt the revised Bullying Prevention Policy.

4. Motion by Mrs. Murphy, seconded by Mrs. Heisey, to adopt the Bullying Prevention Policy. Vote: Unanimously Approved

Mrs. Volpe thanked Mrs. Kimberly Lawrence for implementing the changes to the flowchart.

New Business: Athletic Waivers Athletic Director Trevor Blanchet is requesting a waiver for Baseball and Softball. Principal Manley and Principal McGuinness approve of the waivers, as well as Mr. Stone.

5. Motion by Mr. Wilkie, seconded by Mrs. Murphy to approve of the Baseball waiver for the spring 2020. Vote: Unanimously Approved

6. Motion by Mr. Wilkie, seconded by Mrs. Murphy to approve of the Softball waiver for the spring 2020. Vote: Unanimously Approved

Superintendent’s Informational Items: Coronavirus Update Mr. Stone provided an update on COVID-19. Mr. Stone has been in communication with the Board of Health, MASS, Department of Education, and Department of Public Health. At this time the school department is operating as usual. Any updated news will be communicated by Superintendent Stone.

Graduation Gowns Dracut High School Principal Mr. Manley updated the Committee on the request to examine the graduation gowns used at Dracut High graduation. Mr. Manley provided a review of the process.

Ten elected student leaders, representing five student body groups, and their faculty advisors met to review the question of graduation gown colors. These student leaders represented the following Dracut High School organizations: Class of 2020 (Seniors), Class of 2021 (Juniors), Peer Outreach, Student Council, and the Gay/Straight Alliance. In addition to three faculty

5 Dracut School Committee Minutes – March 9, 2020 advisors of the student organizations, the high school athletic director, science department chair, and high school administrators completed the membership of the ad hoc Graduation Committee. As a first step in reviewing the question of graduation gowns, Merrimack Valley high schools were surveyed regarding their graduation gown practices. Of eighteen responding schools, two high schools, Wilmington High School and Lawrence High School, indicated assignment of gowns by gender. Chelmsford High School instituted a uniform color for graduation gowns in 2019. Westford Academy will institute a uniform color for all graduation gowns in 2020. The Committee researched the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students: Guidance for Massachusetts Public Schools Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity. The Committee researched available school information related to Dracut High school colors, including the Superintendent of Schools’ April 2, 2015 Memo to Principals, Directors, and Coaches identifying navy blue as the primary school color and Carolina blue as the secondary color of Dracut High School. The Committee examined several graduation gown possibilities. A Carolina blue gown was ordered, displayed, and modeled by students. Committee consensus determined Carolina blue to be too light a hue and not desirable as a graduation gown for all students. Two additional gowns, each navy blue with different white accents, were examined and modeled. After research and careful consideration, the Graduation Committee selected a navy blue gown with a thin, white stripe around the lower end of the sleeve. The Committee determined this color was consistent with Dracut High School traditions, complementary to all students, and would create a unified visual aesthetic. Mr. Manley stated that senior students will be measured for caps and gowns on Friday, March, 13. The Committee thanked Mr. Manley and those involved in the decision making. Capital Plan Update The Capital Planning Committee will be taking a vote to recommend full funding of a computer reimbursement request. Capital Plan Committee will be recommending funding the full cost of the mathematics curriculum through an appropriation from Free Cash for FY21.

School Start Time Preliminary discussions have been held internally about school start times. As of now Richardson Middle School has the earliest time of 7:10 a.m. The district cannot afford to go back to three tiers. Some options include moving elementary schools to an early start time and secondary to a later start time. An alternative would be to shift the start times by ½ hour.

7. Motion by Mr. Wilkie, seconded by Mrs. Koufogazos to support the Superintendent to begin the investigation of changing the school start times. Vote: Unanimously Approved

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Old Business: Dyslexia Update Mr. Stone reported that the district has reached out to the Gaab Lab to inquire about a presentation at an upcoming school committee meeting. Student Services Director Kimberly Lawrence has been in communication with Dr. Gaab and will report further once she has received more information.

Report Requests Mrs. Heisey inquired about a meeting with the MASC representative on policy review. Mrs. Volpe responded that a meeting is scheduled for late March. The meeting will consist of Mr. Stone, Mrs. Volpe, Mrs. Curtis and the MASC Representative.

Mrs. Koufogazos inquired about the MASC representative attending a school committee meeting. Mr. Stone indicated that the district’s representative will provide the name of someone from MASC who has more knowledge regarding financials.

New Business: MSBA Statement of Interest for Campbell School Provided for the Committee is the Massachusetts School Building Authority Statement of Interest for the Campbell School for the Core Program. The last two years Campbell School has made it to the semi-finalist list.

8. Motion by Mr. Wilkie, seconded by Mrs. Koufogazos, Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on March 9, 2020 prior to the closing date, the Dracut School Committee, of the Town of Dracut, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest form dated February 7, 2020 for the Joseph A. Campbell Elementary School located at 1021 Methuen Street, Dracut, MA 01826, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future. Number (5) replacement, renovation, or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility and upgrade building security and number (7) replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits to the Town of Dracut Public School district to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Wilkie Yes Mrs. Koufogazos Yes Mrs. Murphy Yes Mrs. Heisey Yes

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Mrs. Volpe Yes Vote: Motion passes 5-0

Foster Care Transportation Reimbursement Program Mr. Stone reported on the application from the federal government for Forster Care Transportation reimbursement as part of Every Student Succeeds Act. Mr. Stone recommends approval from School Committee to sign on behalf of the school department. Mr. Stone will be presenting at the Board of Selectmen meeting on March 10.

9. Motion by Mr. Wilkie, seconded by Mrs. Murphy that pursuant to MGL c. 44, § 70, that the Dracut School Committee authorize the Superintendent of Schools Steven Stone, on behalf of the Dracut Public Schools, to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Every Student Succeeds Act and the administration of school of origin transportation costs under said act to maximize Federal Financial Participation from the Federal Government through Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. Vote: Unanimously Approved

Adjournment: 10. Motion by Mr. Wilkie, seconded by Mrs. Koufogazos to adjourn the school committee meeting. Vote: Unanimously Approved

The meeting of the Dracut School Committee was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted, Cynthia Curtis Recording Secretary

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