Lowell Public School Committee Regular Meeting Agenda
Date: February 3, 2021 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852
1. SALUTE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Members Of The Public May View The Meeting Via LTC And Those Wishing To Speak Regarding A Specific Agenda Item Shall Register To Speak In Advance Of The Meeting By Sending Email To The Superintendent Indicating The Agenda Item, A Phone Number And Email Address So We Can Provide A Zoom Link To Access The Meeting. Email Address Is [email protected] If No Access To Email You May Contact Us At 978-674-4324. All Requests Must Be Submitted Before 3:00 PM On The Day Of Meeting. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting Of Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Documents:
LSC MINUTES - JANUARY 20, 2021.PDF
4.2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (1).PDF
4.3. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Joint Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
1-LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (2).PDF
5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission To Enter: February 3, 2021
Documents:
PERMISSION TO ENTER -FEBRUARY 3, 2021.PDF
6. MEMORIALS 6.1. A. Patricia Caron, Retired Molloy School Secretary And Mother Of Ann Murphy, Retired Assistant Superintendent And Patricia Myers, Retired STEM District Specialist. 6.2. Barbara (Rooney) Sergi, Retired Robinson School Reading Teacher. 6.3. Kathleen E. Hunt, Retired Bartlett School Teacher. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with school leadership and student advisory teams at LHS to organize a virtual listening session with students and the school committee to discuss remote learning concerns, options and plans going forward.
7.2. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Direct the Superintendent to send a letter to Governor Baker on behalf of the Lowell School Committee requesting that teachers in urban and low-income districts be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination distribution as a critical component to safely returning children to in-person learning. Copy the letter to the Lowell Statehouse Delegation, the City Council, City Manager, and Board of Health.
7.3. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with the City Manager to determine if and how staff immunizations can be expedited or prioritized for school-based staff who are serving our most vulnerable students.
7.4. [By Hilary Clark]:
Request the superintendent explore the cost and benefits of a data visualization tool, where data from various source systems can be pulled into developed dashboards to provide useful information that can be rolled up, sliced, and filtered based on user access and need.
7.5. [By Hilary Clark]:
Require school committee members participate in an annual retreat for professional development purposes in collaboration with the superintendent. Topics may include:
l basic roles and responsibilities l protocols and norms l key public policy issues l parliamentary procedure l anti-racism, unconscious attitudes and implicit bias training (mandated by motion approved on July 15, 2020)
7.5.1. [By Connie Martin]: For the Lowell School Committee to establish a 48 hour minimum for all meeting agendas and materials to be publicly posted for all School Committee, Subcommittee and Special Meetings, in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law and and reflective of our commitment to transparency in government. 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Equity & Access Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, January 13, 20201 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson]
Documents:
EQUITY AND ACCESS SUBCOMMITTEE - JANUARY 13, 2021.PDF
9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. COVID-19 Data Monitoring
Documents:
DATA FOR COVID-19 PRESENTATION 3FEB2021.PDF
9.2. Budget Update
Documents:
BUDGET UPDATE FEBRUARY 3RD, 2021.PDF
9.3. Digital Learning Update
Documents:
SC PRESENTATION DIGITAL LEARNING PLAN.PDF
9.4. Home Education
Documents:
2021-29-1 SCHOOL COMMITTEE HOME SCHOOLING REQUEST.PDF
10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Delayed Bills
Documents:
MEMO - BAD BILL UPDATE (BATCH 2) JANUARY 28, 2021.DOCX.PDF
10.2. Budget Transfer
Documents:
MOTION TO TRANSFER THE BUDGET 1.28.21.PDF
10.3. Vote To Accept A Donation Of $10.000 From The Billi Marcus Foundation
Documents:
DONATION - BILLI MARCUS FOUNDATION - DALEY.PDF
10.4. Vote To Accept Donation From Grandpa’s Family Desks
Documents:
DONATION STUDENT DESKS.PDF
11. COMMUNICATIONS 11.1. Thank You Note From The Family Of Glenda Ouellette For The Moment Of Silence
Documents:
THANK YOU NOTE-GLENDA OUELLETTE.PDF
11.2. Letter To Governor Baker From The Merrimack Valley Superintendents Association
Documents:
LETTER - GOVERNOR BAKER 1.27.2020.PDF
12. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 12.1. LSAA-Donated Sick Days
The members of the Lowell School Administrator Association (LSAA) hereby request to donate fifty-three [53] sick days to Jennifer Kinsella, Special Education Social Worker.
Documents:
LSAA REQUEST FOR JEN KINSELLA.PDF
13. ADJOURNMENT
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/ Lowell Public School Committee Regular Meeting Agenda
Date: February 3, 2021 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852
1. SALUTE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Members Of The Public May View The Meeting Via LTC And Those Wishing To Speak Regarding A Specific Agenda Item Shall Register To Speak In Advance Of The Meeting By Sending Email To The Superintendent Indicating The Agenda Item, A Phone Number And Email Address So We Can Provide A Zoom Link To Access The Meeting. Email Address Is [email protected] If No Access To Email You May Contact Us At 978-674-4324. All Requests Must Be Submitted Before 3:00 PM On The Day Of Meeting. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting Of Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Documents:
LSC MINUTES - JANUARY 20, 2021.PDF
4.2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (1).PDF
4.3. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Joint Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
1-LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (2).PDF
5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission To Enter: February 3, 2021
Documents:
PERMISSION TO ENTER -FEBRUARY 3, 2021.PDF
6. MEMORIALS 6.1. A. Patricia Caron, Retired Molloy School Secretary And Mother Of Ann Murphy, Retired Assistant Superintendent And Patricia Myers, Retired STEM District Specialist. 6.2. Barbara (Rooney) Sergi, Retired Robinson School Reading Teacher. 6.3. Kathleen E. Hunt, Retired Bartlett School Teacher. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with school leadership and student advisory teams at LHS to organize a virtual listening session with students and the school committee to discuss remote learning concerns, options and plans going forward.
7.2. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Direct the Superintendent to send a letter to Governor Baker on behalf of the Lowell School Committee requesting that teachers in urban and low-income districts be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination distribution as a critical component to safely returning children to in-person learning. Copy the letter to the Lowell Statehouse Delegation, the City Council, City Manager, and Board of Health.
7.3. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with the City Manager to determine if and how staff immunizations can be expedited or prioritized for school-based staff who are serving our most vulnerable students.
7.4. [By Hilary Clark]:
Request the superintendent explore the cost and benefits of a data visualization tool, where data from various source systems can be pulled into developed dashboards to provide useful information that can be rolled up, sliced, and filtered based on user access and need.
7.5. [By Hilary Clark]:
Require school committee members participate in an annual retreat for professional development purposes in collaboration with the superintendent. Topics may include:
l basic roles and responsibilities l protocols and norms l key public policy issues l parliamentary procedure l anti-racism, unconscious attitudes and implicit bias training (mandated by motion approved on July 15, 2020)
7.5.1. [By Connie Martin]: For the Lowell School Committee to establish a 48 hour minimum for all meeting agendas and materials to be publicly posted for all School Committee, Subcommittee and Special Meetings, in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law and and reflective of our commitment to transparency in government. 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Equity & Access Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, January 13, 20201 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson]
Documents:
EQUITY AND ACCESS SUBCOMMITTEE - JANUARY 13, 2021.PDF
9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. COVID-19 Data Monitoring
Documents:
DATA FOR COVID-19 PRESENTATION 3FEB2021.PDF
9.2. Budget Update
Documents:
BUDGET UPDATE FEBRUARY 3RD, 2021.PDF
9.3. Digital Learning Update
Documents:
SC PRESENTATION DIGITAL LEARNING PLAN.PDF
9.4. Home Education
Documents:
2021-29-1 SCHOOL COMMITTEE HOME SCHOOLING REQUEST.PDF
10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Delayed Bills
Documents:
MEMO - BAD BILL UPDATE (BATCH 2) JANUARY 28, 2021.DOCX.PDF
10.2. Budget Transfer
Documents:
MOTION TO TRANSFER THE BUDGET 1.28.21.PDF
10.3. Vote To Accept A Donation Of $10.000 From The Billi Marcus Foundation
Documents:
DONATION - BILLI MARCUS FOUNDATION - DALEY.PDF
10.4. Vote To Accept Donation From Grandpa’s Family Desks
Documents:
DONATION STUDENT DESKS.PDF
11. COMMUNICATIONS 11.1. Thank You Note From The Family Of Glenda Ouellette For The Moment Of Silence
Documents:
THANK YOU NOTE-GLENDA OUELLETTE.PDF
11.2. Letter To Governor Baker From The Merrimack Valley Superintendents Association
Documents:
LETTER - GOVERNOR BAKER 1.27.2020.PDF
12. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 12.1. LSAA-Donated Sick Days
The members of the Lowell School Administrator Association (LSAA) hereby request to donate fifty-three [53] sick days to Jennifer Kinsella, Special Education Social Worker.
Documents:
LSAA REQUEST FOR JEN KINSELLA.PDF
13. ADJOURNMENT
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/ Lowell Public School Committee Regular Meeting Agenda
Date: February 3, 2021 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852
1. SALUTE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Members Of The Public May View The Meeting Via LTC And Those Wishing To Speak Regarding A Specific Agenda Item Shall Register To Speak In Advance Of The Meeting By Sending Email To The Superintendent Indicating The Agenda Item, A Phone Number And Email Address So We Can Provide A Zoom Link To Access The Meeting. Email Address Is [email protected] If No Access To Email You May Contact Us At 978-674-4324. All Requests Must Be Submitted Before 3:00 PM On The Day Of Meeting. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting Of Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Documents:
LSC MINUTES - JANUARY 20, 2021.PDF
4.2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (1).PDF
4.3. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Joint Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
1-LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (2).PDF
5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission To Enter: February 3, 2021
Documents:
PERMISSION TO ENTER -FEBRUARY 3, 2021.PDF
6. MEMORIALS 6.1. A. Patricia Caron, Retired Molloy School Secretary And Mother Of Ann Murphy, Retired Assistant Superintendent And Patricia Myers, Retired STEM District Specialist. 6.2. Barbara (Rooney) Sergi, Retired Robinson School Reading Teacher. 6.3. Kathleen E. Hunt, Retired Bartlett School Teacher. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with school leadership and student advisory teams at LHS to organize a virtual listening session with students and the school committee to discuss remote learning concerns, options and plans going forward.
7.2. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Direct the Superintendent to send a letter to Governor Baker on behalf of the Lowell School Committee requesting that teachers in urban and low-income districts be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination distribution as a critical component to safely returning children to in-person learning. Copy the letter to the Lowell Statehouse Delegation, the City Council, City Manager, and Board of Health.
7.3. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with the City Manager to determine if and how staff immunizations can be expedited or prioritized for school-based staff who are serving our most vulnerable students.
7.4. [By Hilary Clark]:
Request the superintendent explore the cost and benefits of a data visualization tool, where data from various source systems can be pulled into developed dashboards to provide useful information that can be rolled up, sliced, and filtered based on user access and need.
7.5. [By Hilary Clark]:
Require school committee members participate in an annual retreat for professional development purposes in collaboration with the superintendent. Topics may include:
l basic roles and responsibilities l protocols and norms l key public policy issues l parliamentary procedure l anti-racism, unconscious attitudes and implicit bias training (mandated by motion approved on July 15, 2020)
7.5.1. [By Connie Martin]: For the Lowell School Committee to establish a 48 hour minimum for all meeting agendas and materials to be publicly posted for all School Committee, Subcommittee and Special Meetings, in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law and and reflective of our commitment to transparency in government. 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Equity & Access Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, January 13, 20201 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson]
Documents:
EQUITY AND ACCESS SUBCOMMITTEE - JANUARY 13, 2021.PDF
9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. COVID-19 Data Monitoring
Documents:
DATA FOR COVID-19 PRESENTATION 3FEB2021.PDF
9.2. Budget Update
Documents:
BUDGET UPDATE FEBRUARY 3RD, 2021.PDF
9.3. Digital Learning Update
Documents:
SC PRESENTATION DIGITAL LEARNING PLAN.PDF
9.4. Home Education
Documents:
2021-29-1 SCHOOL COMMITTEE HOME SCHOOLING REQUEST.PDF
10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Delayed Bills
Documents:
MEMO - BAD BILL UPDATE (BATCH 2) JANUARY 28, 2021.DOCX.PDF
10.2. Budget Transfer
Documents:
MOTION TO TRANSFER THE BUDGET 1.28.21.PDF
10.3. Vote To Accept A Donation Of $10.000 From The Billi Marcus Foundation
Documents:
DONATION - BILLI MARCUS FOUNDATION - DALEY.PDF
10.4. Vote To Accept Donation From Grandpa’s Family Desks
Documents:
DONATION STUDENT DESKS.PDF
11. COMMUNICATIONS 11.1. Thank You Note From The Family Of Glenda Ouellette For The Moment Of Silence
Documents:
THANK YOU NOTE-GLENDA OUELLETTE.PDF
11.2. Letter To Governor Baker From The Merrimack Valley Superintendents Association
Documents:
LETTER - GOVERNOR BAKER 1.27.2020.PDF
12. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 12.1. LSAA-Donated Sick Days
The members of the Lowell School Administrator Association (LSAA) hereby request to donate fifty-three [53] sick days to Jennifer Kinsella, Special Education Social Worker.
Documents:
LSAA REQUEST FOR JEN KINSELLA.PDF
13. ADJOURNMENT
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/ Lowell Public School Committee Regular Meeting Agenda
Date: February 3, 2021 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852
1. SALUTE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Members Of The Public May View The Meeting Via LTC And Those Wishing To Speak Regarding A Specific Agenda Item Shall Register To Speak In Advance Of The Meeting By Sending Email To The Superintendent Indicating The Agenda Item, A Phone Number And Email Address So We Can Provide A Zoom Link To Access The Meeting. Email Address Is [email protected] If No Access To Email You May Contact Us At 978-674-4324. All Requests Must Be Submitted Before 3:00 PM On The Day Of Meeting. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting Of Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Documents:
LSC MINUTES - JANUARY 20, 2021.PDF
4.2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (1).PDF
4.3. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Joint Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
1-LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (2).PDF
5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission To Enter: February 3, 2021
Documents:
PERMISSION TO ENTER -FEBRUARY 3, 2021.PDF
6. MEMORIALS 6.1. A. Patricia Caron, Retired Molloy School Secretary And Mother Of Ann Murphy, Retired Assistant Superintendent And Patricia Myers, Retired STEM District Specialist. 6.2. Barbara (Rooney) Sergi, Retired Robinson School Reading Teacher. 6.3. Kathleen E. Hunt, Retired Bartlett School Teacher. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with school leadership and student advisory teams at LHS to organize a virtual listening session with students and the school committee to discuss remote learning concerns, options and plans going forward.
7.2. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Direct the Superintendent to send a letter to Governor Baker on behalf of the Lowell School Committee requesting that teachers in urban and low-income districts be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination distribution as a critical component to safely returning children to in-person learning. Copy the letter to the Lowell Statehouse Delegation, the City Council, City Manager, and Board of Health.
7.3. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with the City Manager to determine if and how staff immunizations can be expedited or prioritized for school-based staff who are serving our most vulnerable students.
7.4. [By Hilary Clark]:
Request the superintendent explore the cost and benefits of a data visualization tool, where data from various source systems can be pulled into developed dashboards to provide useful information that can be rolled up, sliced, and filtered based on user access and need.
7.5. [By Hilary Clark]:
Require school committee members participate in an annual retreat for professional development purposes in collaboration with the superintendent. Topics may include:
l basic roles and responsibilities l protocols and norms l key public policy issues l parliamentary procedure l anti-racism, unconscious attitudes and implicit bias training (mandated by motion approved on July 15, 2020)
7.5.1. [By Connie Martin]: For the Lowell School Committee to establish a 48 hour minimum for all meeting agendas and materials to be publicly posted for all School Committee, Subcommittee and Special Meetings, in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law and and reflective of our commitment to transparency in government. 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Equity & Access Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, January 13, 20201 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson]
Documents:
EQUITY AND ACCESS SUBCOMMITTEE - JANUARY 13, 2021.PDF
9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. COVID-19 Data Monitoring
Documents:
DATA FOR COVID-19 PRESENTATION 3FEB2021.PDF
9.2. Budget Update
Documents:
BUDGET UPDATE FEBRUARY 3RD, 2021.PDF
9.3. Digital Learning Update
Documents:
SC PRESENTATION DIGITAL LEARNING PLAN.PDF
9.4. Home Education
Documents:
2021-29-1 SCHOOL COMMITTEE HOME SCHOOLING REQUEST.PDF
10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Delayed Bills
Documents:
MEMO - BAD BILL UPDATE (BATCH 2) JANUARY 28, 2021.DOCX.PDF
10.2. Budget Transfer
Documents:
MOTION TO TRANSFER THE BUDGET 1.28.21.PDF
10.3. Vote To Accept A Donation Of $10.000 From The Billi Marcus Foundation
Documents:
DONATION - BILLI MARCUS FOUNDATION - DALEY.PDF
10.4. Vote To Accept Donation From Grandpa’s Family Desks
Documents:
DONATION STUDENT DESKS.PDF
11. COMMUNICATIONS 11.1. Thank You Note From The Family Of Glenda Ouellette For The Moment Of Silence
Documents:
THANK YOU NOTE-GLENDA OUELLETTE.PDF
11.2. Letter To Governor Baker From The Merrimack Valley Superintendents Association
Documents:
LETTER - GOVERNOR BAKER 1.27.2020.PDF
12. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 12.1. LSAA-Donated Sick Days
The members of the Lowell School Administrator Association (LSAA) hereby request to donate fifty-three [53] sick days to Jennifer Kinsella, Special Education Social Worker.
Documents:
LSAA REQUEST FOR JEN KINSELLA.PDF
13. ADJOURNMENT
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/ Lowell Public School Committee Regular Meeting Agenda
Date: February 3, 2021 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852
1. SALUTE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Members Of The Public May View The Meeting Via LTC And Those Wishing To Speak Regarding A Specific Agenda Item Shall Register To Speak In Advance Of The Meeting By Sending Email To The Superintendent Indicating The Agenda Item, A Phone Number And Email Address So We Can Provide A Zoom Link To Access The Meeting. Email Address Is [email protected] If No Access To Email You May Contact Us At 978-674-4324. All Requests Must Be Submitted Before 3:00 PM On The Day Of Meeting. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting Of Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Documents:
LSC MINUTES - JANUARY 20, 2021.PDF
4.2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (1).PDF
4.3. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Joint Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
1-LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (2).PDF
5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission To Enter: February 3, 2021
Documents:
PERMISSION TO ENTER -FEBRUARY 3, 2021.PDF
6. MEMORIALS 6.1. A. Patricia Caron, Retired Molloy School Secretary And Mother Of Ann Murphy, Retired Assistant Superintendent And Patricia Myers, Retired STEM District Specialist. 6.2. Barbara (Rooney) Sergi, Retired Robinson School Reading Teacher. 6.3. Kathleen E. Hunt, Retired Bartlett School Teacher. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with school leadership and student advisory teams at LHS to organize a virtual listening session with students and the school committee to discuss remote learning concerns, options and plans going forward.
7.2. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Direct the Superintendent to send a letter to Governor Baker on behalf of the Lowell School Committee requesting that teachers in urban and low-income districts be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination distribution as a critical component to safely returning children to in-person learning. Copy the letter to the Lowell Statehouse Delegation, the City Council, City Manager, and Board of Health.
7.3. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with the City Manager to determine if and how staff immunizations can be expedited or prioritized for school-based staff who are serving our most vulnerable students.
7.4. [By Hilary Clark]:
Request the superintendent explore the cost and benefits of a data visualization tool, where data from various source systems can be pulled into developed dashboards to provide useful information that can be rolled up, sliced, and filtered based on user access and need.
7.5. [By Hilary Clark]:
Require school committee members participate in an annual retreat for professional development purposes in collaboration with the superintendent. Topics may include:
l basic roles and responsibilities l protocols and norms l key public policy issues l parliamentary procedure l anti-racism, unconscious attitudes and implicit bias training (mandated by motion approved on July 15, 2020)
7.5.1. [By Connie Martin]: For the Lowell School Committee to establish a 48 hour minimum for all meeting agendas and materials to be publicly posted for all School Committee, Subcommittee and Special Meetings, in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law and and reflective of our commitment to transparency in government. 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Equity & Access Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, January 13, 20201 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson]
Documents:
EQUITY AND ACCESS SUBCOMMITTEE - JANUARY 13, 2021.PDF
9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. COVID-19 Data Monitoring
Documents:
DATA FOR COVID-19 PRESENTATION 3FEB2021.PDF
9.2. Budget Update
Documents:
BUDGET UPDATE FEBRUARY 3RD, 2021.PDF
9.3. Digital Learning Update
Documents:
SC PRESENTATION DIGITAL LEARNING PLAN.PDF
9.4. Home Education
Documents:
2021-29-1 SCHOOL COMMITTEE HOME SCHOOLING REQUEST.PDF
10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Delayed Bills
Documents:
MEMO - BAD BILL UPDATE (BATCH 2) JANUARY 28, 2021.DOCX.PDF
10.2. Budget Transfer
Documents:
MOTION TO TRANSFER THE BUDGET 1.28.21.PDF
10.3. Vote To Accept A Donation Of $10.000 From The Billi Marcus Foundation
Documents:
DONATION - BILLI MARCUS FOUNDATION - DALEY.PDF
10.4. Vote To Accept Donation From Grandpa’s Family Desks
Documents:
DONATION STUDENT DESKS.PDF
11. COMMUNICATIONS 11.1. Thank You Note From The Family Of Glenda Ouellette For The Moment Of Silence
Documents:
THANK YOU NOTE-GLENDA OUELLETTE.PDF
11.2. Letter To Governor Baker From The Merrimack Valley Superintendents Association
Documents:
LETTER - GOVERNOR BAKER 1.27.2020.PDF
12. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 12.1. LSAA-Donated Sick Days
The members of the Lowell School Administrator Association (LSAA) hereby request to donate fifty-three [53] sick days to Jennifer Kinsella, Special Education Social Worker.
Documents:
LSAA REQUEST FOR JEN KINSELLA.PDF
13. ADJOURNMENT
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/ Lowell Public School Committee Regular Meeting Agenda
Date: February 3, 2021 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852
1. SALUTE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 3.1. Members Of The Public May View The Meeting Via LTC And Those Wishing To Speak Regarding A Specific Agenda Item Shall Register To Speak In Advance Of The Meeting By Sending Email To The Superintendent Indicating The Agenda Item, A Phone Number And Email Address So We Can Provide A Zoom Link To Access The Meeting. Email Address Is [email protected] If No Access To Email You May Contact Us At 978-674-4324. All Requests Must Be Submitted Before 3:00 PM On The Day Of Meeting. 4. MINUTES 4.1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting Of Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Documents:
LSC MINUTES - JANUARY 20, 2021.PDF
4.2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (1).PDF
4.3. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Joint Special Meeting Of The Lowell School Committee Of Wednesday, January 25, 2021
Documents:
1-LSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 25, 2021 (2).PDF
5. PERMISSION TO ENTER 5.1. Permission To Enter: February 3, 2021
Documents:
PERMISSION TO ENTER -FEBRUARY 3, 2021.PDF
6. MEMORIALS 6.1. A. Patricia Caron, Retired Molloy School Secretary And Mother Of Ann Murphy, Retired Assistant Superintendent And Patricia Myers, Retired STEM District Specialist. 6.2. Barbara (Rooney) Sergi, Retired Robinson School Reading Teacher. 6.3. Kathleen E. Hunt, Retired Bartlett School Teacher. 7. MOTIONS 7.1. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with school leadership and student advisory teams at LHS to organize a virtual listening session with students and the school committee to discuss remote learning concerns, options and plans going forward.
7.2. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Direct the Superintendent to send a letter to Governor Baker on behalf of the Lowell School Committee requesting that teachers in urban and low-income districts be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination distribution as a critical component to safely returning children to in-person learning. Copy the letter to the Lowell Statehouse Delegation, the City Council, City Manager, and Board of Health.
7.3. [By Jackie Doherty]:
Request the Superintendent work with the City Manager to determine if and how staff immunizations can be expedited or prioritized for school-based staff who are serving our most vulnerable students.
7.4. [By Hilary Clark]:
Request the superintendent explore the cost and benefits of a data visualization tool, where data from various source systems can be pulled into developed dashboards to provide useful information that can be rolled up, sliced, and filtered based on user access and need.
7.5. [By Hilary Clark]:
Require school committee members participate in an annual retreat for professional development purposes in collaboration with the superintendent. Topics may include:
l basic roles and responsibilities l protocols and norms l key public policy issues l parliamentary procedure l anti-racism, unconscious attitudes and implicit bias training (mandated by motion approved on July 15, 2020)
7.5.1. [By Connie Martin]: For the Lowell School Committee to establish a 48 hour minimum for all meeting agendas and materials to be publicly posted for all School Committee, Subcommittee and Special Meetings, in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law and and reflective of our commitment to transparency in government. 8. SUBCOMMITTEES 8.1. Equity & Access Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, January 13, 20201 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson]
Documents:
EQUITY AND ACCESS SUBCOMMITTEE - JANUARY 13, 2021.PDF
9. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 9.1. COVID-19 Data Monitoring
Documents:
DATA FOR COVID-19 PRESENTATION 3FEB2021.PDF
9.2. Budget Update
Documents:
BUDGET UPDATE FEBRUARY 3RD, 2021.PDF
9.3. Digital Learning Update
Documents:
SC PRESENTATION DIGITAL LEARNING PLAN.PDF
9.4. Home Education
Documents:
2021-29-1 SCHOOL COMMITTEE HOME SCHOOLING REQUEST.PDF
10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1. Delayed Bills
Documents:
MEMO - BAD BILL UPDATE (BATCH 2) JANUARY 28, 2021.DOCX.PDF
10.2. Budget Transfer
Documents:
MOTION TO TRANSFER THE BUDGET 1.28.21.PDF
10.3. Vote To Accept A Donation Of $10.000 From The Billi Marcus Foundation
Documents:
DONATION - BILLI MARCUS FOUNDATION - DALEY.PDF
10.4. Vote To Accept Donation From Grandpa’s Family Desks
Documents:
DONATION STUDENT DESKS.PDF
11. COMMUNICATIONS 11.1. Thank You Note From The Family Of Glenda Ouellette For The Moment Of Silence
Documents:
THANK YOU NOTE-GLENDA OUELLETTE.PDF
11.2. Letter To Governor Baker From The Merrimack Valley Superintendents Association
Documents:
LETTER - GOVERNOR BAKER 1.27.2020.PDF
12. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL 12.1. LSAA-Donated Sick Days
The members of the Lowell School Administrator Association (LSAA) hereby request to donate fifty-three [53] sick days to Jennifer Kinsella, Special Education Social Worker.
Documents:
LSAA REQUEST FOR JEN KINSELLA.PDF
13. ADJOURNMENT
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/ LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: January 20, 2021 Time: 6:30PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852
1. SALUTE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
On a roll call at 6:34 p.m., members present were, namely: Mayor Leahy, Ms. Martin, Ms. Clark, Mr. Descoteaux, Ms. Doherty and Mr. Hoey. Mr. Dillon was absent.
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
3.1. Communication Remote Participation: Members of the public may view the meeting via LTC and those wishing to speak regarding a specific agenda item shall register to speak in advance of the meeting by sending email to the Superintendent indicating the agenda item, your phone number and email address so we can provide a zoom link to access the meeting. Email address is [email protected] if no access to email you may contact us at 978-674-4324. All requests must be submitted before 3:00 PM on the day of meeting.
4. MINUTES
4.1. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Lowell School Committee of Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes from the Special Meeting and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting of January 6, 2021; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
4.2. Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept and place on file the minutes from the Special Meeting and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting of January 6, 2021; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
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5. PERMISSION TO ENTER
5.1. Permission to Enter: January 20, 2021
Ms. Clark made a motion to approve the Permission to Enter; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
6. MEMORIALS
6.1. John Normandie, Retired Pyne Arts School Senior Custodian.
7. SUBCOMMITTEES
7.1. Equity & Access Subcommittee: Report of the Meeting of Wednesday, January 13, 2021 [Jackie Doherty, Chairperson]
Chairperson Doherty spoke to the Committee about the Equity and Access Subcommittee and informed them that the desired outcome is for all students to attend schools that are reflective of Lowell’s rich diversity, for students and families to have satisfaction in their school assignment that meets the needs as learners and community members and that all students have access to the wide range of quality services and programs across schools. The Subcommittee will be continuing the conversation at a future Subcommittee meeting and they will be receiving more data and transportation information at that meeting.
Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to accept the report as a report of progress; seconded by Ms. Doherty 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
8. REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
8.1. COVID-19 Update
Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer gave the Committee a COVID-19 Data monitoring update that included the Average Daily Incidence Rate per 100,000 and Percent Positivity Rate. It also reported the number of total staff and students as reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) of positive COVID cases, total number of quarantined due to in-person instruction, total number of quarantined due to outside school factors, and the approximate number of quarantined from September 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021, as well as COVID-19 positive cases per school from September 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021. He stated that the district is studying the feasibility of utilizing Abbott BinaxNOW antigen testing program for when more students are in school as well as sponsored pool testing. Lowell Public Schools also have a Covid-19 dashboard that provides data, protocols and guidelines, where to go to get tested, what to do if you test positive or if you have come in contact with someone who is positive, and information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Hall stated that the School Committee will continue to collaborate with the Board of Health (meeting is
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
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planned for January 25, 2021 to discuss the goals for returning to in-person learning) as well as continue to monitor PPE availability and options, continue to meet with City personnel on facility readiness and potential improvements, monitor onsite COVID-19 testing grants and options, meet with the City to collaborate on testing capabilities, work with the city to enhance contact tracing, and provide information in regard to vaccine availability for school personnel.
Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
8.2. Budget Update
Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided an update to the Committee on the budget. The update included the following:
FY22 Possibilities Fiscal Health Improved MGL 44 S64 Unpaid Obligations from FY19/20 (approved by City Council) Course Reimbursements Owed Examples of Issues that cause Bad Bills Additional Delayed Bills Being Analyzed Pandemic Delays Steps Taken
Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
8.3. SY21-22 School Improvement Planning and Site-Based Budgeting
Dr. Guillory, Chief Schools Officer and Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report to the Committee about the Quality Improvement Plan timeline and Site-Based Budgeting that included: needs assessment process; site based budgeting review with a projected timeline and School Site Councils timeline.
Committee members expressed interest in having a Special meeting of the Lowell School Committee in the future with various schools/members of School Site Councils.
Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
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8.4. Report on Motions
Superintendent Boyd provided the Committee with an updated report on the status of outstanding motions and asked the Committee if they had any concerns or questions.
Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
8.4.1. Response to Motion 1.CFO of 12/09/20 by Bob Hoey Regarding SEL Line Item for FY21-22
Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer informed the Committee that a budget line for Social Emotional Learning costs was added to the budget document as a placeholder until the district determines how much will be spent and on what.
Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
8.4.2. Response to Motion 2.CAO of 10/21/20 by Mike Dillon Jr. Regarding the Implementation of Effective Physical Education Across The District in a Remote Learning Environment
The Committee tabled this report to the next School Committee meeting due to Mr. Dillon’s absence.
8.4.3. Response to Motions 2.CSO of 12/16/20 and 3.CAO Of 10/21/20 By Andy Descoteaux Regarding Identifying Deficits/Missing Skills & Prep Courses
Ms. Desmond, Chief Academic Officer & Dr. Guillory, Chief Schools Officer provided a report to the Committee that addressed the following:
Prep Courses for Seniors ADHOC Committees LHS Overview Technology Google Classroom Teaching During a Pandemic for Teacher and Students Curricular Support/Adaptations for Remote Learning Parent Engagement/Communication Progress Monitoring Social Emotional Supports Additional Programming Athletic, Enrichment Opportunities, Student Voice
Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
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8.4.4. Response to Motion 2.CFO of 01/06/21 by Connie Martin Regarding Review of Bad Bills
Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided a report to the Committee informing them that as bills were received by the Business Office, they were submitted to City Hall for payment and then returned to us if they were classified as a bad bill. A spreadsheet was maintained to track such bills and eventually submitted to the City CFO to see approval from the City Council to pay. The process will now be as follows:
Submit bills to City Hall for payment. If and when bills are returned as bad bills, add them to the list. Bring such bills/list forward to the School Committee for approval to submit to the City Council for approval under MGL 44 S64. After such approval is obtained, submit to City CFO to obtain approval from City Council. Bills are paid.
Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
8.4.5. Response to Motion 1. CSO of 02/19/20 by Jackie Doherty Regarding Comprehensive Data- Driven Report on Remote Learning
Ms. Doherty made a motion to send the report back to the administration regarding Comprehensive Data-Driven Report on Remote Learning for clarification and data within context; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 4 yeas, 2 nays (Ms. Clark, Mr. Hoey), 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
8.4.6. Response to Motion 8. CEEO of 10/07/20 by Mayor John Leahy Regarding Adult Education
Ms. Phillips, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer provided a report to the Committee that informed them that in March 2020, the Adult Education Program transitioned to remote learning. During the spring, they responded to the many needs of our students. They assisted their students with information on school closure and facts about Covid-19. Also, during this timeframe they continued their program-wide campaign to educate and encourage students to respond to the 2020 Census. They provided support for students’ educational needs, as well as their concerns about food insecurity, navigating the unemployment system, housing and physical and mental health issues. They implemented an expanded remote summer school program to maintain educational continuity and used that as a pilot to inform our fall programming.
Ms. Doherty made a motion to accept the following Reports of the Superintendent 8.1 through 8.4.1 and 8.4.3 through 8.4.6 as reports of progress; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
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9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1. Permission to Post: Early Childhood Coach and Program Developer
Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to approve the Permission to Post: Early Childhood Coach and Program Developer with the following change: strike non-affiliated under terms of employment and change it to LSAA; seconded by Mr. Hoey; 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
9.2 Approval to Accept and Expend Allocated FY21 Awards
This item was inadvertently missed and will be voted on at the Special Meeting of the School Committee on January 25, 2021.
9.3. Budget Transfers
Ms. Martin made a motion to approve a budget transfer of $250,000; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
Ms. Martin made a motion to approve a budget transfer of $9,900; seconded by Mr. Hoey. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
9.4. I-Ready Diagnostic Research Program Proposal
Curriculum Associates, a vendor that the district is currently under contract with using their iReady assessment platform, is offering no-cost licensing for the i-Ready Diagnostic to districts across Massachusetts. As part of this offering, districts agree to take part in a collaborative research study being conducted by Curriculum Associates and Lesley University. The main objective of this research study is to better understand the overall impact of COVID-19 and school closures on student learning. Curriculum Associates proposes that the duration of the project will be from September 2020 through August 2021 and participating districts will begin using the i-Ready diagnostic assessment beginning in the Fall of 2020 and be given three-times in the academic year, with a minimum of twelve (12) weeks of instruction between administrations. Curriculum Associates will provide guidance related to the best assessment plan for Back to School 2020, including a tool to help determine how/when/where to test students. Lowell Public Schools has already established the three (3) administration windows for both ELA and Math. This research will help to determine what impact did different approaches to blended learning (e.g. in-person, online only, hybrid) have on student academic performance and what was the impact on students based on various student demographic characteristics?
Ms. Clark made a motion to approved I-Ready Diagnostic Research Program Proposal; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent APPROVED
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
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10. COMMUNICATIONS
10.1. Letters Of Appreciation To The Lowell Fire Department Local 853, Chief Phillip A.J. Charron And Retired Firefighter Larry Finn.
Ms. Martin made a motion to accept both communications and to place them on file; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
10.2. Thank You Letter from Paul Georges
Ms. Martin made a motion to accept both communications and to place them on file; seconded by Mr. Descoteaux. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
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11. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Doherty made a motion to adjourn at 9:21 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Martin. 6 yeas, 1 absent (Mr. Dillon) APPROVED
Respectfully submitted,
Joel D. Boyd, Ed.D., Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee
JDB/mes
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: January 25, 2021 Time: 5:30PM Location: Virtual
Pursuant To Governor Baker's Emergency Order Modifying The State's Open Meeting Law Issued March 12, 2020, Meetings Will Be Held Using Remote Participation As Follows: Members Of The Public May Not Participate In-Person And May View The Meeting Via LTC.ORG (On-Line; Live Streaming Or Local Cable Channel 99) And Zoom.
1. SALUTE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
On a roll call at 5:32 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Martin, Ms. Clark, Mr. Descoteaux, Mr. Dillon, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Hoey and Mayor Leahy.
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
3.1. An Executive Session May Be Called To Discuss Collective Bargaining, Strategies and/or Possible Litigation Under Open Meeting Law, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (A) (B), 2, 3 Of The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts General Laws. Open Meeting Discussion May Have A Detrimental Effect On The Bargaining Or Litigating Position Of The Public Body.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION
4.1. Items:
1. Bussing- Litigation and Negotiation update 2. SEIU- update on negotiations related to MOA related to Financial Officer (Payroll) 3. LSAA-update on negotiations related to return of in-person learning and MOA related to Early Childhood Coach and Program Developer 4. UTL-update on negotiations related to return to in-person learning 5. Litigation update and consideration of claims
Mr. Hoey made a motion to recess at 5:32 p.m. and to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Collective Bargaining, Strategies and/or Possible Litigation Under Open Meeting Law, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (A) (B), 2, 3 Of The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts General Laws related to Bussing- Litigation and Negotiation update, SEIU- update on negotiations related to MOA related to Financial Officer (Payroll), LSAA-update on negotiations related to return of in-person learning and MOA related to Early Childhood Coach and Program Developer, UTL-update on negotiations related to return to in-person learning, and a Litigation update and consideration of claims, of which Open Meeting Discussion May Have A Detrimental Effect On The Bargaining Or Litigating Position Of The Public Body, and to adjourn from Executive Session; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
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5. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Hoey made a motion to recess at 5:32 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Martin. 7 yeas APPROVED
Respectfully submitted,
Joel D. Boyd, Ed.D., Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee
JDB/mes
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: January 25, 2021 Time: 6:30PM Location: Virtual
1. SALUTE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
On a roll call at 6:36 p.m., members present were, namely: Ms. Clark, Mr. Descoteaux, Mr. Dillon, Ms. Doherty, Mr. Hoey, Mayor Leahy and Ms. Martin.
3. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
3.1. Members Of The Public May View The Meeting Via LTC And Those Wishing To Speak Regarding A Specific Agenda Item Shall Register To Speak In Advance Of The Meeting By Sending Email To The Superintendent Indicating The Agenda Item, A Phone Number And Email Address So We Can Provide A Zoom Link To Access The Meeting. Email Address Is [email protected] If No Access To Email You May Contact Us At 978-674-4324. All Requests Must Be Submitted Before 3:00 PM On The Day Of Meeting.
4. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Georges and Ms. Dumont, registered and spoke.
Members of the City of Lowell Board of Health that attended the meeting are as follows:
Ms. Keegan RN, MSN Dr. William Galvin, MD Ms. Golden RN, MSN Ms. Cullen-Lutter, RN, CNM
Ms. Boulanger, City of Lowell Health Director was also present.
4.1. Discussion, Consideration, and Action on Health Metrics, Thresholds, and Other Data Related to Returning to Previous 3% Level on February 1, 2021 and Previous 25% Level on March 1, 2021 for In- Person Learning
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Superintendent Boyd stated that these have been excruciating times trying to return students to school. He stated that the present data mirrors what the data was in November when the 3% were attending. He stated that he sent a letter out on Friday to our families, which stated that on the service level it appeared that the district was on track for the 3% to return. He thanked Ms. Keegan and the Board of Health for sharing and working with his team and the Committee.
Dr. Hall, Chief Operating Officer gave the Committee a COVID-19 Data monitoring update that included the Average Daily Incidence Rate per 100,000 and Percent Positivity Rate. It also reported the number of total staff and students as reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) of positive COVID cases, total number of quarantined due to in-person instruction, total number of quarantined due to outside school factors, and the approximate number of quarantined from September 1, 2020 through January 22, 2021, as well as COVID-19 positive cases per school from September 1, 2020 through January 22, 2021. He stated that the district is studying the feasibility of utilizing Abbott BinaxNOW antigen testing program for when more students are in school as well as sponsored pool testing. He stated that the State sponsored pool testing involves mixing several test samples together in a “batch” or “pool” and then testing the batch. He stated that this approach increases the number of individuals that can be tested using the same amount of resources. The test is performed once a week with an anterior nasal swab for all students and staff members. He stated that the results are delivered within 24-48 hours. If the pool test is negative, all are presumed to be negative. If the test is positive, all are quarantined until re-tested individually. Lowell Public Schools also have a Covid-19 dashboard that provides data, protocols and guidelines, where to go to get tested, what to do if you test positive or if you have come in contact with someone who is positive, and information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Hall stated the district is continuing to monitor PPE availability and options, continue to meet with City personnel on facility readiness and potential improvements, monitor onsite COVID-19 testing grants and options, meet with the City to collaborate on testing capabilities, work with the city to enhance contact tracing, and provide information in regard to vaccine availability for school personnel. He stated that the goals for returning to in-person learning are as follows:
February 1, 2021 Students in substantially separate special education programs who were previously participating in our in-person learning model. March 1, 2021 Students, who are not in a substantially separate special education program, but were previously, served in-person this school year as part of our original school reopening plan. April 1, 2021 Expansion of our in-person learning model to include additional students beyond those who were assigned to in-person learning at the beginning of this school year.
Dr. Hall stated that the current plans for the Massachusetts Roll Out are as follows:
The first group will include healthcare workers, people in long-term care, and first responders, as well as inmates at correctional facilities. The second phase will likely begin in February and targets those with underlying health problems, people over the age of 65 and essential workers like grocery store employees and teachers. Phase three (3) is for everyone else and is set to start in April.
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Mr. Lovato, Director of Special Education informed the Committee that there has been a significant decline in participation among the 3% of students, who struggle with learning on Zoom (for durations of up to thirty (30) minutes). He also informed the Committee that parents have informed his staff that they have seen a change in their child’s behavior (some aggressive). He stated that his team is trying to accommodate families with as many supports and learning options as possible.
Ms. Keegan addressed the Committee and stated that the Board of Health has received multiple letters from staff who have shared their concerns about returning with the 3% population on February 1, 2021 (students in substantially separate special education programs who were previously participating in our in-person learning model). She stated that the teachers have expressed concerns about students not being able to keep their masks on, which the teachers understand is no fault of the student. She stated that the students do have trouble keeping their masks on and with social distancing. She stated that studies in Washington and Michigan showed keeping schools open did not contribute to COVID-19 spread in communities with low to moderate levels of infection, but there was a correlation between in- person learning and spread in communities with higher rates. She stated that the Disease Control and Prevention guidelines indicate there is increased transmission when the community infection rate is between 8% and 10% and the average daily incidence rate per 100,000 is between fifty (50) and one hundred (100). She stated that Lowell’s current positivity rate is 10.15% and its average daily incidence is 87 per 100,000. She stated that there has been an increase in people under the age of nineteen (19) testing positive for COVID-19 (21% of weekly cases). She stated that in the past two (2) weeks, Lowell has had 159 cases in the school age group. She stated that there is a lot of good news with schools going back in the future with teachers starting to get vaccinated starting by mid-February.
Dr. Galvin stated that he agrees with what Ms. Keegan had stated and added that these decisions about returning to school are not just about kids, and that we want to make decisions based on what is best for society and that all factors need to be looked at.
Ms. Martin made a motion to have 3% of our student population (students in substantially separate special education programs) resume school on February 22, 2021 and on March 1, 2021 have 25% of our student population return; seconded by Ms. Doherty. 5 yeas, 2 nays (Mr. Dillon, Mr. Hoey) APPROVED
4.2. Approval to Accept and Expend Allocated FY21 Awards
Ms. Turner, Chief Financial Officer provided a report that requested that the Committee vote to approve and accept the list of FY21 grant allocations received to date. These funds include Federal and State targeted awards that have been secured by the Lowell Public Schools through the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE), as well as funding from Share Our Strength and the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Ms. Clark made a motion to approve and accept the Allocated FY21 Awards; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
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5. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Descoteaux made a motion to adjourn at 8:02 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Dillon. 7 yeas APPROVED
Respectfully submitted,
Joel D. Boyd, Ed.D., Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee
JDB/mes
Lowell Public Schools • 155 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us
Office of Finance and Operations Phone: (978) 674-4325 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 937-7620 Lowell, MA 01852 E-mail:[email protected]
PERMISSION TO ENTER
To: Joel D. Boyd, Superintendent of Schools
From: Billie Jo Turner, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business
Date: January 29, 2021
Subject: Permission to Enter – February 3, 2021 School Committee Meeting
RODRIGUIZ EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING AGENCY $ 44,000.00 632 Alfani Street Davenport, FL 33896
To provide technical assistance and coaching to support the effective implementation of Universal Design for Learning strategies in lesson plans at turnaround schools.
Funding provided by the Turnaround Grant______
SOUTH SHORE EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATIVE $ 77,022.00 75 Abington Street Hingham, MA 02043
To provide for the out-of-district cost for (1) one student enrolled and receiving services as outlined in their special education IEP.
Funding provided by the School Department Budget: SPED OOD Tuition______
RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CARE, INC. $ 10,030.25 270 Bridge Street, Suite 301 Dedham, MA 02026
To amend the existing contract to reflect price difference/increase per (OSD) Operational Services Division, MA effective 12/1/20.
Funding provided by the School Department Budget: SPED OOD Tuition______RODRIGUIZ EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING AGENCY $ 10,000.00 632 Alfani Street Davenport, FL 33896
To amend the existing contract to provide 10 additional sessions of intensive academy site specific support for the Robinson School. This includes doing observations with feedback, modeling instructional strategies in the classroom, co-teaching, supporting lesson design and materials to review instructional strategies, facilitating data meetings, and leading PD sessions.
Funding provided by the Robinson School Turnaround Grant______
NRT TRANSPORTATION Yr. 1 (FY21) $2,273,227.00 230 Main Street Yr. 2 (FY22) $2,638,286.00 North Reading, MA 01884
To provide special needs out of district transportation for students assigned to special needs programs outside of the City of Lowell.
Funding provided by the School Department Budget: Special Education Transportation ______
RCM HEALTH CARE SERVICES $ 228,150.00 575 Eighth Avenue, 6th Floor New York, NY 10018
To provide temporary Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapist remote services to special education students as positions are unfilled.
Funding provided by the School Department Budget: SPED Contractual Services______
JAG NEW ENGLAND $ 10,000.00 65 Stone Street Augusta, ME 04330
To provide training and development classroom instruction and connecting them to career oriented learning opportunities outside of the school building.
Funding provided by the School Department Budget: LHS SA General Supplies______
2 VOVAGER SOPRIS LEARNING $ 19,294.10 17855 Dallas Parkway, Suite 400 Dallas, TX 75287
To provide evidence-based professional development for teachers in the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to provide targeted tier -3 reading instruction to students with reading disabilities.
Funding provided by the SPED IDEA Grant______
3
2
Date Average Daily Percent Date Average Daily Percent Date Average Daily Percent Incidence Rate Positivity Incidence Rate Positivity Incidence Rate Positivity Per 100,000 Rate Per 100,000 Rate Per 100,000 Rate
8/12/20 2.24 1.18 10/22/20 13.3 2.89 12/31/20 91.1 10.80
8/19/20 2.9 1.34 10/29/20 17.6 3.95 1/7/21 78.8 10.15
8/26/20 2.4 1.18 11/6/20 27.7 4.97 1/14/21 88.0 10.42
9/2/20 4.2 1.5 11/12/20 42.1 6.45 1/21/21 87.0 10.15
9/9/20 5.9 1.74 11/19/20 64.2 8.85 1/28/21 72.5 8.37
9/16/20 6.4 1.98 11/27/20 80.7 10.18
9/23/20 7.9 2.24 12/3/20 78.3 10.37
9/30/20 10.9 2.71 12/10/20 102.03 11.90
10/7/20 16.3 3.57 12/17/20 134.4 12.33
10/14/20 16.4 3.29 12/24/20 120.9 11.49 3 Lowell Public Schools (9/1/20 - 1/29/21)
Total # Approximate # Total Covid Total # Quarantined Quarantined due Quarantined reporting Positive (as due to In-Person to Outside School period of 1/22/21) Instruction Factors (1/04 - 1/15)
Staff 64 125 106 14 Up by 2 Up by 2 Up by 9
Students 39 207 27 0
TOTAL 103 332 133 14 Up by 2 Up by 2 Up by 9
Notes: 1. The numbers above include In-Person Students and Staff ONLY 2. All the above numbers in parentheses represent change from the previous reporting period 3. The approximate # quarantined is variable since the return date is approved by the health department. This number changes daily especially since there are now (3) different quarantine guidelines for close contacts. 4. Numbers include Athletics (coaches and students, etc.) 4 Lowell Public Schools COVID-19 Positive Cases Per School (9/1/20 - 1/29/21)
Total 25% 25% 25% Total 3% 3% 3% Total Total Total positives By In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person Positive Positive School Students Staff Students and Students Staff Students Students Staff Staff and Staff School
Bailey 1 0 1 113 27 140 13 13 26
Bartlett 0 3 3 84 35 119 26 21 47
Butler 1 4 5 88 45 133 15 21 36
Cardinal 0 3 (1) 3 27 23 58 16 23 39
Daley 1 0 1 156 40 196 31 30 61
Greenhalge 2 1 3 116 46 162 22 24 46
Lincoln 0 2 2 134 34 168 5 30 35
Lowell High 11 6 (1) 17 258 131 389 57 105 162
McAuliffe 0 2 2 130` 38 168 9 36 45
*In-person numbers only Numbers in parentheses represent the chg from the last reporting period 5 Lowell Public Schools COVID-19 Positive Cases Per School (9/1/20 - 1/29/21) - Continued
Total Total Total 25% 25% 25% Total 3% 3% 3% Total positive positive positives In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person Students Staff by School Students Staff Students Students Staff Students and School and staff Staff
McAvinnue 1 2 3 129 26 155 18 25 43
Moody 0 3 3 85 23 108 0 23 23
Morey 1 1 2 129 36 165 9 20 29
Murkland 0 1 1 141 32 173 4 20 24
Pawtucketville 2 0 2 113 32 145 13 12 25
Pyne Arts 2 3 5 119 36 155 29 25 54
Reilly 3 0 3 107 45 152 13 26 39
Robinson 1 3 4 151 38 189 15 25 41 STEM 3 5 8 182 48 230 10 35 45
*In-person numbers only Numbers in parentheses represent the chg from the last reporting period 6 Lowell Public Schools COVID-19 Positive Cases Per School (9/1/20 - 1/29/21) - Continued
Total 25% 25% 25% Total 3% 3% 3% Total Total Total positive In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person positive positive By School Students Staff Students Students Staff Students Schools Students Staff and Staff and Staff Shaughnessy 0 1 1 102 46 148 14 32 46
Stoklosa 0 1 1 104 45 149 13 27 40
Sullivan 1 2 3 137 41 178 21 26 47 Wang 1 4 5 135 34 169 9 15 24 Washington 1 1 2 119 35 154 23 20 43 Laura Lee 1 2 3 19 14 33 14 14 28
LeBlanc 2 1 3 29 16 45 25 16 45
LHS Career Academy 0 0 0 13 10 23 7 5 12
Adie Day 4 3 7 40 41 81 41 44 85 Bridge 0 0 0 15 10 25 0 6 9
*In-person numbers only Numbers in parentheses represent the chg from the last reporting period on 1/4 7 Lowell Public Schools COVID-19 Positive Cases Per School (9/1/20 - 1/29/21) - Continued
Total 25% 25% 25% Total 3% 3% 3% Total Total Total positive In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person positive positive By School Students Staff Students Students Staff Students Students Staff and Staff and Staff School
Central 0 4 4 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Transportation 0 7 7 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Totals 39 64 103 2977 1027 4004 473 719 1192
*In-person numbers only Numbers in parentheses represent the chg from the last reporting period 8 9
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● Lowell School Committee prioritized electronics distribution within its approved budget which allowed a 100% completion rate for mobile device distribution, ensuring that all students had their own district-provided mobile device prior to the first day of school (14,650 devices issued prior to 9/17/20).
● Lowell School Committee funded “tech tents” which improved services to families and 8,000 technology support work orders have been resolved since the start of the school year. ● The Reopening Plan approved by the Lowell School Committee resulted in the most full-time, in-person learners in the Commonwealth in September (over 3,000 students on campus on 9/27/20). ● Lowell Schools received the 3rd largest total grant award among all districts in the Commonwealth to support remote learning, enabling the district to provide all families in need with free internet accessibility through mobile hotspots (1,500 mobile hotspots were provided to all families in need of internet access). ● On 10/7/20, Lowell Public Schools was among the first urban districts in the Commonwealth to ratify a MOA for in-person learning. ● Lowell Schools was one of the only urban school districts in the Commonwealth to provide continuous in-person learning for substantially separate special education students from the first day of school until winter vacation (9/17 to 12/21). ● Lowell Public Schools maintained one of the highest average daily attendance rates among all MA urban school districts across in-person and remote learning environments (92% district-wide ADA). ● The Reopening Plan approved by the Lowell School Committee allowed for higher average of hours of live, synchronous instruction for students, compared to other public schools. ● Lowell School Committee MOAs allowed for the continuation and expansion of cafeteria operations resulting in the production of approximately 1.2 million meals for the community during the pandemic.
Covid Vaccinations and K12 Faculty and Staff
January 27, 2021
Lowell Public Schools Budget Update February 3, 2021 2 Lowell Public Schools
Agenda
▫ FY21 (Current Year) Projection of Budget Busters ▫ FY21 (Current Year) Prioritized Needs and Opportunities ▫ State Budget Cycle ▫ Preliminary Revenue for FY22 (Next Year) ▫ Reminder of FY22 Baseline Budget ▫ Suggested Budget Calendar for FY22 (Next Year) 3 • Due to the hiring freeze and at least 60 unfilled FY21 Projections positions, the projected surplus with salaries is between $4 and $7 million. If we had filled all of Budget vacancies in January, the projection would be a $4 Busters million savings. Since we have not begun this process, the savings will be significantly higher. • Long Term Subs is projected to have a $300k Budget was built on forecasts and savings assumptions of spending. Due to the pandemic, actual spending was far less • Day to Day Subs is projected to have a $1 million than expected. Even though we suspected this could happen, we still savings had to budget conservatively • The transportation projected savings has doubled since the last projection since we did not return to school in January as the projection had assumed. Thus, the savings in transportation is estimated to be approximately $4.8 million. 4 • We cannot carry the funds forward to next fiscal year
• We can’t prepay for salaries or services for next year; Limitations of Use prepayments can only be for supplies/texts of Remaining FY21 • Window of time to make decisions – We can’t make Budget decisions too soon due to needed accurate forecasting but still need to make decisions quick enough to act.
• There are limitations to how funds can be used for facility improvements while remaining compliant with net school spending eligibility. We are researching this to understand better what our limitations are. Below is an excerpt of how facility costs actually fall under a NSS non- eligible cost category.
Acquisition, Improvement and Replacement of Fixed Assets Acquisition of land or existing buildings, improvements of grounds, construction of buildings, additions to buildings, remodeling of buildings, or acquisition of initial or additional non instructional equipment exceeding the $5,000 unit cost and $100,000 extraordinary maintenance cost as defined in 603 CMR 10.00. Costs corresponding to revenue received as a lump sum or progress payment revenue receipt from MSBA whether or not outstanding BANs exist. Costs directly related to a school construction project supported through local appropriation. 5 Reopening $3.5 million ▫ Supplemental Staff ▫ Expanded Learning Time FY21 ▫ COVID pool testing ▫ Technology Prioritized ▫ Professional Development FY22 Offsets $1.8 million Needs and ▫ Districtwide curriculum/supplies ▫ School-based materials/supplies Opportunities ▫ Replenish revolving accounts ▫ Special Education/OOD prepayments ▫ Grant Offsets delayed (carry forward grant funds) Digital Learning $2 million ▫ Student device replacement ▫ Staff device replacement ▫ Classroom Equipment Facilities Improvement $3 million ▫ Safety Plan to bring a full budget analysis to SC on 2/17 ▫ Welcoming Environment meeting following a full cost analysis of needs ▫ Educational Upgrades and investigation of allowable uses of funds Unpaid obligations for FY21 due to Pandemic $200,000 within these priorities 6 FY22 BUDGET PROCESS 7 2 YEAR GRANT
CATEGORICAL GRANT (e.g.. Title I) – WE HAVE TO FOLLOW THE RULES ON SPENDING 8 Similar increase in revenue from last year
9 Fixed Costs Increase Based on FY21 Baseline (replenishing accounts)
• Add back $4.1 million to health insurance line since we had moved the costs to the COVID grant lines • Add back approximately $250k to technology costs such as subscriptions/licenses since we had prepaid these last year and reduced the FY20/21 budget accordingly • Add back $500,000 to system wide supplies and curriculum • Move $1.5 million of out of district budgeted costs from the offset column back to the general fund column • Fund the contractual step increases $2.5 million • Health Insurance Increase (not known yet) • Contractual increases (eg. Transportation and out of district schools)
The $10 million Ch 70 increase may be enough to cover these baseline increases
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Katie Mahoney - Middle School KC Nelson - IT Manager Teacher (Wang)
Jason McCrevan - Washington Karien Driscoll - Elementary Teacher Principal (Washington)
Carolyn Rocheleau - Coordinator of Malinda Pires - LHS Technology Special Programs Integration Specialist
Elaine Santelmann - Coordinator of Michael Fiato - High School Principal Science and Social Studies Robin Desmond - Chief Academic Matthew Stahl - Wang Principal Officer
Michael Hoppe - IT Helpdesk Ashley Pennell - Assistant Special Coordinator Education Director ●
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Digital Learning - Staff Device Replacement Plan - Phased 5-year Plan - Needs Assessment - Device Insurance Plans Planning Overview - Student Device Distribution Plan - Learning Models - Staff - Hardware & - Device Replacement - Current Inventory - Professional Development Software Plan - Learning Labs - Needs Assessment - Student - - Acceptable Use Policy - 5-year Budget Projection - Educational Software Hardware & Review - Sustainability of 1:1 Ratios - Classroom Hardware Software - Network and Software - Infrastructure - Assistive Technology - Families - Securities - Professional Development - High quality EL/SWD Hardware & - Staff and Student Educational Software support supports through Software Expectations assistive technology - Lesson Planning Supports - Classroom Needs - Professional Development Platforms - Professional Development on Differentiation ●
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LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Offices 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852
Robin Desmond Tel: (978) 674-4323 Chief Academic Officer [email protected] Office of Teaching and Learning
TO: Dr. Joel Boyd, Superintendent
FROM: Robin Desmond, Chief Academic Officer
DATE: January 29, 2021
RE: Request for Home Education
The following parents/guardians seek permission to home educate their children:
Carolynn Deshler 180 Upham Street
Carolina Cruz 28 Sutherland Street
Under General Laws Chapter 76, Section 1, Home Education is constitutionally permissible. Therefore, I recommend approval of this request.
If granted, the number of families approved by the Lowell School Committee to home school will total 83 and the total number of children will be 120.
Home Schooling Page 1
LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Assistant Superintendent Phone: (978) 674-2020 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 937-7609 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: [email protected]
To: Joel Boyd, Superintendent From: Billie Jo Turner, Assistant Superintendent of Finance/CFO RE: Delayed Bills Update (Batch 2) Date: January 29, 2021
Per the motion made by Connie Martin on January 6th, we will now present delayed bills to the School Committee for approval prior to forwarding to City Council (per MGL 44 S64). On January 20th, the budget update included initial references about additional bills that were received after the first batch was submitted. Below you will find a summary of such bills that will include a description of what happened and what our recommendation is for each. Each bill has been certified by the vendors. Please note that we are not aware of any other bills but due to the unprecedented nature of last year (the pandemic), we cannot promise that more bills will not come in. To clarify, the School Committee does not require any additional appropriations from the City for any of the outstanding obligations listed below. Our circuit breaker revolving account that funds special education out of district costs has sufficient funds to cover these costs. If the School Committee approves the bills recommended below, we will forward to the City CFO to bring before the City Council for approval to pay under MGL 44 S64.
Devereux Foundation $6,162.86 – This bill was received in December 2020. Due to the pandemic, billing has been delayed. It was for services ended June 30. The billing date for such services were not until mid July. By the time the invoice would be received by the Business Office, it will always be past the City closing date. This may potentially be an ongoing problem.
Recommendation: Approval to forward to City Council for payment under MGL 44 S64 using funds from Lowell Public School’s general fund or circuit breaker revolving account Wayside Youth & Family $1,321.90 – This bill was received in December 2020. Due to the pandemic, billing has been delayed. It is for June services.
Recommendation: Approval to forward to City Council for payment under MGL 44 S64 using funds from Lowell Public School’s general fund or circuit breaker revolving account
Walker $5,941.74, $5,941.74 and $2,970 – These bills are for three different students’ June services. They were emailed to a retired staff member. In December, we received copies of the bills when the company was following up from non-payment. Recommendation: Approval to forward to City Council for payment under MGL 44 S64 using funds from Lowell Public School’s general fund or circuit breaker revolving account
Valley Collaborative $7,884, $7.008, $8,760 and $7,884 – These bills were for services for one student for March, April, May and June. There was a dispute over the residency of the student and whether or not Lowell was responsible for payment. When there is a dispute, DESE evaluates and decides who is fiscally responsible. Based on the Assignment of School District Responsibility letter from DESE, we are indeed responsible and must now pay.
Recommendation: Approval to forward to City Council for payment under MGL 44 S64 using funds from Lowell Public School’s general fund or circuit breaker revolving account
The Guild for Human Services $7,790.64 – This bill represents the unpaid portion of a bill for one child who stopped attending school in December 2019. The bill was for more days than the student attended. Lowell Public Schools disputed such charges stating that we should only get billed for days the student attended. The company countered that the contract demands a 14 day notice. Due to the pandemic, this conversation stopped. We received a follow up invoice in December 2020.
Recommendation: Approval to forward to City Council for payment under MGL 44 S64 using funds from Lowell Public School’s general fund or circuit breaker revolving account
Southshore Collaborative $25,591.42 – Bill was for student that did not attend Lowell Public Schools. When bill was first received, we rejected the bill since the student was not in our database so we thought it was a mistake and disputed it. Months later, we learned from DESE that this was a DSS placed student’s whose fiscal placement was Lowell due to parent’s last known address.
Recommendation: Approval to forward to City Council for payment under MGL 44 S64 using funds from Lowell Public School’s general fund or circuit breaker revolving account
Bay State Interpreters $38,087.55 - There was a significant increase to the usage of translations for both special education and districtwide. The bills were sent to the wrong contact in Lowell Public Schools until recently. Since the Business Office has no way of knowing how many translations have occurred, payments are only triggered from invoices. Since this realization, we have changed the contact.
Recommendation: Approval to forward to City Council for payment under MGL 44 S64 using funds from Lowell Public School’s general fund
Novak $22,500 – When the grant that funded this cost was ending, Lowell Public Schools reached out to the company to ask if there were additional invoices that were outstanding. The email shows that the company confirmed that there weren’t any additional invoices since COVID had interrupted the work. Several months later they have submitted bills for the work they said had not been completed. We asked the company to show proof that they did conduct the work they are billing us for. We still have not received that.
Recommendation: Accept the report on Novak as a report on progress and not submit to City Council until the company provides proof of work. This will be brought back to the School Committee if we receive the necessary proof and documentation.
Recommended Motion: Approval to forward $125,343.90 of unpaid obligations from FY19/20 with vendor certifications to City CFO for approval by City Council
LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Operations Phone: (978)674-4327 155 Merrimack St. Email: [email protected] Lowell, Massachusetts 01852
Donation from Grandpa’s Family Desks
TO: Dr. Joel D. Boyd, Superintendent
FROM: Dr. James P. Hall, Chief Operating Officer
DATE: January 29, 2021 ______
I wish to inform you that Grandpa’s Family Desks of 83 Brody Lane, Hudson, NH 03051, pending acceptance by the Lowell School Committee, wishes to donate 12 desks and chairs, to the Stoklosa Middle School for distribution to students who need desks at home. These desks are valued at $80-$100 each.
January 27, 2021
His Excellency Governor Charlie Baker Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street Office of the Governor, Room 280 Boston, MA 02133
Delivered Electronically and via Certified Mail
Dear Governor Baker,
We, the Merrimack Valley Superintendents Association, write to you as a unified group of 22 school superintendents joined in this effort by all 22 of the union presidents in our respective districts, to respectfully request that you reclassify educators and make them eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations during Phase 1 of the vaccination process.
We cite the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in urging you to prioritize the health and well-being of our educators so that Massachusetts school districts can operate at the fullest possible strength as our nation begins to emerge from this global pandemic.
In making our request, we cite the following:
1. Your office and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) have drawn from the guidance and wisdom of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which strongly advocates for students to return to, at a minimum, an in-person hybrid learning model. AAP further advocates that students should fully return to the classrooms where and when possible. 2. We, as educators and leaders, recognize and agree that the best place for learning for our children is in the classroom. 3. We have a profound responsibility to support the educational, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of the children across the Commonwealth. 4. First responders, healthcare workers, and educators share a commonality in their work in that they must come into contact with dozens or hundreds of people daily and often cannot be completely socially distant from those they serve. 5. The stress and anxiety placed on educators as they continue to put themselves in this position without the protection of an existing vaccination is unfair and is not in the best interests of advancing public education in the Commonwealth. 6. Beyond the teachers, themselves, there is a very real risk that an educator could expose their own families after contracting COVID-19 in the performance of their duties. 7. To perform our jobs at the level desired by your office, DESE, and the AAP, the professionals in our field should be vaccinated as quickly as possible so they can continue to work with the children with whom they come into contact daily. 8. The CDC’s guidance focuses on “Preservation of Societal Functions” under which health-care personnel, frontline essential workers, and other essential workers are identified for Phase I vaccination. We state, without reservation, that access to public education and access to school facilities is a societal function.
We believe it is inarguable that educators are front line workers. Given the societal need for public school – not just public school via Zoom – and the expectations set by your office and by DESE, educators should be vaccinated immediately and without delay so that they can perform their duties safely and securely.
While we understand that there is not an inexhaustible supply of vaccines, we believe the vaccination of educators should be a priority and is deserving of Phase 1 status. We also call your attention to other states of similar educational expectations including New York, Connecticut, and Maine that have classified educators in the first phase of vaccination.
As always, thank you for your leadership during this unprecedented time, and thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Andover Public Schools - Claudia Bach (Superintendent) & Matthew Bach (Union President) Ayer Shirley Regional School District - Mary Malone (Superintendent) & Stephen Tulli (Union President) Bedford Public Schools - Philip Conrad (Superintendent) & James Sunderland (Union President) Billerica Public Schools - Timothy Piwowar (Superintendent) & David Adams (Union President) Carlisle Public Schools - Jim O’Shea (Superintendent) & Linda Vanaria (Union President) Chelmsford Public Schools - Jay Lang (Superintendent) & Lauren Cochran (Union President) Dracut Public Schools - Steven Stone (Superintendent) & Christine Lord (Union President) Georgetown Public Schools - Carol Jacobs (Superintendent) & Joe Pittella (Union President) Greater Lowell Technical High School - Jill Davis (Superintendent) & Chris Andros (Union President) Groton-Dunstable Public Schools - Laura Chesson (Superintendent) & Nancy Murphy (Union President) Haverhill Public Schools - Margaret Marotta (Superintendent) & Anthony J. Parolisi (Union President) Littleton Public Schools - Kelly Clenchy (Superintendent) & William Miskinis (Union President) Lowell Public Schools - Joel Boyd (Superintendent) & Paul Georges (Union President) Methuen Public Schools - Brandi Kwong (Superintendent) & Jonathan Becker (Union President) Nashoba Valley Technical School - Denise Pigeon (Superintendent) & David McCloskey (Union President) North Andover Public Schools - Gregg Gilligan (Superintendent) & Ryan Landry & Lisa Rasanen (Union Co-Presidents) North Middlesex Regional - Brad Morgan (Superintendent) & Catherine Stepinski (Union President) North Reading Public Schools - Patrick Daly (Superintendent) & Peter Kane (Union President) Tewksbury Public Schools - Chris Malone (Superintendent) & Josh Bilodeau (Union President) Tyngsborough Public Schools - Michael Flanagan (Superintendent) & Shelby Gauvin & Jason Lewis (Union Co-Presidents) Wakefield Public Schools - Doug Lyons (Superintendent) & William Karvouniaris (Union President) Whittier Tech - Maureen Lynch (Superintendent) & Amanda Crosby (Union President)
cc: Michael J. Barrett, State Senator, 3rd Middlesex District John Cronin, State Senator, Worcester & Middlesex District Diana DiZoglio, State Senator, First Essex District Jamie Eldridge, State Senator, 37th Middlesex District Barry Finegold, State Senator, 2nd Essex & Middlesex District Cindy F. Friedman, State Senator, 4th Middlesex District Anne M. Gobi, State Senator, Worcester, Hamden, Hampshire, & Middlesex District Edward J. Kennedy, State Senator, 1st Middlesex District Bruce Tarr, State Senator, First Essex District James Arciero, State Representative, 2nd Middlesex District Colleen Garry, State Representative, 36th Middlesex District Thomas A. Golden, Jr., State Representative, 16th Middlesex District Kenneth I. Gordon, State Representative, 21st Middlesex District Tami L. Gouveia, State Representative, 14th Middlesex District Sheila C. Harrington, State Representative, 1st Middlesex District Vanna Howard, State Representative, 17th Middlesex District Bradley Jones, State Representative, 20th Middlesex District James Kelcourse, State Representative, 1st Essex District Marc T. Lombardo, State Representative, 22nd Middlesex District Christina Minicucci, State Representative, 14th Essex District Lenny Mirra, State Representative, 2nd Essex District Rady Mom, State Representative, 18th Middlesex District Frank Moran, State Representative, 17th Essex District Tram Nguyen, State Representative, 18th Essex District David Robertson, State Representative, 19th Middlesex District Danillo Sena, State Representative, 37th Middlesex District Andres Vargas, State Representative, 3rd Essex District January 25, 2021
Dr. Joel Boyd
Lowell Public Schools
155 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Dear Superintendent Boyd,
The members of the Lowell School Administrators Association hereby request to donate sick leave days to the following member:
Jennifer Kinsella, Special Education Social Worker Total Days: 53
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Shelby Boisvert
President
LSAA
CC: Deb Jarvis
Minerva Palazzo To: Supt. Dr. Joel Boyd
From: Shelby Boisvert, President LSAA
Re: Donated Days
The following LSAA members wish to donate days to Special Education Social Worker Jennifer Kinsella.
Melanie Crocker 1
Marissa Malboeuf 2
Maghin Hickok 1
Suzanne Keefe 2
Deena Meli 10
Melanie Mangion 1
Melissa Driscoll 1
Debbie Costello(social worker) 3
David Slattery 1
Jay Breen 3
Susan Rabias 2
Robert DeLossa 2
Michael Rosetti 1
Kristen McKay 1
Allison Bernstein 1
Paula Peters 1
Aaron Ribaudo-Smith 1
Laura Bateman 1
Heather Fruggoli 3
Mark MacLeod 2
Renee Espinola 1
Lori Casey 3
Carolyn Rosario 1
Maria Murillo 2
Daniel Davis 2 Elizabeth McKiernan 1
Gina Martel 1
Total 53