* * * ** SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

The GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2 Blackburn Drive Tel: 978-281-9800

Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930 Fax: 978-281-9899 www.gloucesterschools.com

Our Mission is for all Students to be Successful, Engaged, Lifelong Learners

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, January 24, 2018 7:00 pm

District Office – Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930

AGENDA

Meetings are recorded

I. CALL TO ORDER/Statement of Mission

II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG

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IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON V. RECOGNITIONS

VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL VII. CONSENT AGENDA

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1. Building & Finance Sub-Committee of November 27, 2017 2. School Committee of November 29, 2917

3. Program Sub-Committee of December 7, 2017

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School Committee Meeting Agenda – January 24, 2018 Page 2

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1. Gift of $10,000 from Walter Herlihy, Director of Brace Cove Foundation (Note: Mr. Herlihy will be present)

2. Hockmeyer Studies, Inc. in the amount of $1,339.26 to West Parish Elementary School

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1. Debra Withers Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 2. Richard L. Andrews Scholarship in the amount of $500

VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

A. Summative Evaluation of the Superintendent

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IX. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (Items listed under X. ACTION may be brought forward with reports)

X. ACTION

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1. Gloucester Education Foundation in the amount of $11,891.56

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1. 48” Wood Lathe and Dewalt Radial Arm Saw 2. Three (3) Pianos

XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS A. Massachusetts School Building Authority Project Update

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School Committee Meeting Agenda – January 24, 2018 Page 3

XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

A. For the purpose of discussing the GAEP Grievance XIII. ADJOURNMENT

The listing of matters is those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Action items may include motions that come out of sub- committees.

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For items that are on the agenda, members of the public may address the Committee with the permission of the Chair. Persons speaking under Oral Communications shall be limited to three (3) minutes each and shall submit a copy of their prepared communication to the Recording Secretary. The School Committee Chair shall not allow complaints as to individual performance or character.

VII.A.1.

THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.

Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting Minutes

Monday, November 27, 2017 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA

5:00 p.m.

Members Present Administration Present

Tony Gross, Chairman Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent

Kathy Clancy, Vice Chairperson (5:08 p.m.) Tom Lafleur, CPA, Director of Finance

Jonathan Pope and Operations

Patty Wegmann, Director of Special Education

Ann-Marie Jordan, Preschool Director

Kathy Verga, Transportation Director

Also Present Melissa Teixeira Joel Favazza

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Gross called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and noted that there is a quorum of the School Committee present.

II. REPORTS/DELIBERATIONS/DISCUSSIONS (At this time, the agenda was taken out of order.)

C. Location of the Preschool – Dr. Safier reported that he, Ms. Wegmann and Ms. Jordan have grave concerns about the location of the preschool next year since the needs and requirements of the program are not getting the appropriate attention of the city administration with respect to decisions that are in process.

Dr. Safier indicated that city administration informed him in early fall of the city’s intent not to renew the lease at 2 Blackburn Drive and he was asked to look at the Pathways building again. After a visit to Pathways, the consensus was that there is not enough available space there to house the preschool. They were then asked to look at O’Maley and the high school. Kevin Buckley estimated a cost in excess of $4 million to renovate the space at O’Maley and $2 million in renovations at the high school, plus at least $800,000 for an indoor play area and to move the programs that are currently occupying that space.

B&F Subcommittee Meeting Minutes – November 27, 2017 – Page 2

Dr. Safier reported that John Dunn indicated several weeks ago that nothing is going to be accomplished before the next school year and, as such, he was going to enter into negotiations with the Blackburn Drive landlord for next year.

However,

Dr. Safier indicated that Jim Destino told Mr. Pope last week that the lease would not be renewed for next year and that we should look at Pathways again.

Dr. Safier stated that it came to his attention that Mr. Destino met with the director of Pathways the week before last, without a representative of the school district being present, which Dr. Safier considers to be disrespectful. He noted that the Pathways director indicated that our preschool students who are eligible for Head Start due to low income could be enrolled at Pathways.

Ms. Wegmann reported that we are required by law to offer services for students that are eligible beginning at age 2.9 to have an evaluation if there is a suspected disability and then to have an IEP in place by the age of three, and those services must be provided by certified staff. She expressed concern that Head Start staff at Pathway is not required to have a teaching certification. She also expressed concern with the number of classrooms and office space required, as well as privacy issues and parking.

Ms. Jordan stated Pathways does not have the space for our 114 preschool students as well as space for specialists and program staff. She is also concerned that there is a lack of importance on the part of city administration of the special education programming that we are providing, which is required by law. She emphasized the importance of finding adequate space for next year to allow for the programming that is required by law and by professional ethics. She believes we owe it to our families to find that adequate space.

Ms. Wegmann stated that we have 15 students in substantially separate programs.

If we had to send them to a local collaborative at a cost of about $80,000 per year per child, that tuition alone would be $1.2 million, plus transportation services, versus $234,000 to keep them here. MsThere was a discussion about identifying and addressing developmental delays early.

Dr. Safier reported that he, Ms. Wegmann and Ms. Jordan will be meeting with the mayor on Wednesday afternoon, and this issue will be discussed again at the School Committee meeting Wednesday night. Mr. Pope indicated that the only viable solution at this point is to stay at Blackburn Drive next year and suggested drafting a letter to the city requesting assurance. He noted that the landlord is still willing to negotiate. Dr. Safier reported that the Blackburn building was assessed at $3.2 million, or $3.5 million with a tenant.

Ms. Jordan stated that we have approximately 50 students currently on IEPs, and Ms. Wegmann noted that the law requires that we educate those students in the least restrictive setting. If a student would benefit from an integrated setting, we would not be complying with the law. She also mentioned the uneasiness this

might start looking elsewhere.

Finally, Dr. Safier referenced a recent article indicating that “a comprehensive review of research on several measures of the quality of early childhood education suggests that the instructional practices of preschool teachers have the largest impact on young children’s academic and social skills.”

A. West Parish Traffic Issue – Dr. Safier distributed and reviewed a spreadsheet of the current status of bus and parent transportation, which shows that only 15 students would be affected by elimination of bus fees (i.e. they live less than a mile away with no sidewalks). Mr. Pope noted that the main problem is the illegal parking.

Ms. Teixeira asked if students on Harrison Avenue are charged a bus fee, and Ms. Verga indicated that they have always been charged because they live within two miles of Veterans. Ms. Teixeira stated that she is disappointed to hear that because she specifically remembers saying they should not be charged because there is no safe way for them to get to school. Ms. Verga apologized and indicated that she was never provided with the new policy. Chairman Gross stated that safety at all of the elementary schools needs to be examined right away.

Dr. Safier reported that Stephanie is going to start calling the 57 families who live beyond two miles of West Parish but do not take the bus even though it is free.

He stated that he will be meeting with Chief McCarthy regarding a possible police presence in the afternoon to address illegal parking. Mr. Pope reported that the Ordinance and Administration Committee of the City Council will be taking up the issue of the one way on December 4th.

Ms. Teixeira suggested that the traffic design of the school be looked at if the building project has not been closed out yet. Mr. Pope noted that the designer was asked to separate the buses and cars on the site so that kids did not have to cross moving traffic on the school grounds, and that was accomplished. He stated that it is working really well except that people do not want to wait in the queue and are parking illegally. He believes the queue should run out onto Concord Street and that police should ticket vehicles that are parked illegally.

Mr. Favazza suggesting changing the choice policy to mandate bus ridership for choice students except for medical reasons or other necessity. Ms. Verga suggested staggered release times so that the buses leave first and then the bus lane could be used for parent pickup. Kathy Clancy noted that parents are arriving a half hour before school gets out.

Dr. Safier stated that the long-term solution would be to bring the designer back to possibly extend the length of the queue to minimize the number of cars on Concord Street and to look at space on the site for more parking. The short-term

B&F Subcommittee Meeting Minutes – November 27, 2017 – Page 4

solution is to eliminate the illegal parking and make Concord Street one-way for a half hour in the afternoon.

There was a discussion about whether the bus policy refers to free transportation for students living over 2 miles or 1.5 miles. Ms. Teixeira requested that

Mr. Lafleur research whether bus fees were ever eliminated in the past because she remembers talking about bringing them back in 2008.

Ms. Verga suggested establishing a centralized location for parents to park and put their kids on the bus, and Kathy Clancy suggested Stage Fort Park. Ms. Verga indicated that that would be ideal because she already has two buses going past that location.

(Mr. Favazza left the meeting at 6:35 p.m.)

Mr. Pope noted that waiving the bus fees at West Parish will not solve the traffic problem because it would only affect students that already take the bus.

Ms. Teixeira requested a report on how much we would lose by waiving the fees.

Mr. Lafleur stated that the administrative overhead to give refunds to families will be enormous, and Kathy Clancy suggested waiting until the start of the next school year to waive the fees.

After discussion, on a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Mr. Pope, it was unanimously

VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to recommend to the full School Committee that we direct the Superintendent to waive the bus fees for students that live less than two miles from West Parish School where there are no continuous sidewalks, consistent with the Walkers and Riders policy, File EEAA.

B. Truck Traffic on Eastern Avenue – Mr. Pope reported that the signs indicating that trucks coming down Route 128 that were going to Gorton’s go to the East Main Street lights and take a right were removed and that people are complaining about tractor trailers turning onto Eastern Avenue when school is getting out. He noted that this issue has to go to the state for a decision and stated that he would like to authorize a member of the School Committee to write a letter in support of eliminating the truck route on Eastern Avenue.

After discussion, on a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Mr. Pope, it was unanimously

VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to recommend to the full School Committee that we authorize the Chair to write a letter to the City Council in support of eliminating the truck route on Eastern Avenue.

III. ACTION – See Items II.A and B.

unanimously

VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting of November 27, 2017 at 7:04 p.m.

All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.

Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary

VII.A.2.

THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.

School Committee Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930

7:00 p.m.

Members Present Administration Present

Jonathan Pope, Chairman Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent

Kathy Clancy, Vice Chairperson Gregg Bach, Asst. Superintendent Joel Favazza, Secretary (8:00 p.m.) Tom Lafleur, CPA, Director of Finance

Melissa Teixeira and Operations

Michelle Sweet

Recorded by Cape Ann TV I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Pope called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and stated the

mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.

II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG

III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.

IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – None.

V. RECOGNITIONS – Mr. Bach recognized GHS science teachers Eric Leigh and David Enos, who were honored by the MassBioEd Foundation as Champions for Biotechnology Education. Mr. Bach stated that biotechnology at GHS has developed over a number of years, noting that in 2009 GHS was selected by the MassBioEd Foundation as a BioTeach school and in 2013 was distinguished with a Joshua Boger Innovative School of the Year Award for STEM education, which came with a $10,000 grant. In 2015, GHS was again selected as a BioTeach school by MassBioEd and in the spring of 2017 was awarded a

$100,000 Mass. Life Sciences Center Grant to establish a modern biotechnology classroom.

Mr. Bach read the following from the MassBioEd press release regarding the awards:

Dedicated educators, David and Eric are committed to providing students high

quality, engaging and relevant life sciences curriculum that prepares them for the 21st century. They developed a Biotechnology class at Gloucester High School and continue to work towards their goal of building it into a full-year course and certificate program. They also recruit students into Gloucester Biotechnology

Academy vocation program, which helps to illuminate biotechnology career pathways for high school graduates.

Mr. Bach went on to say that Eric and David describe their vision for the future of life sciences education at GHS to be one where more students get the opportunity to learn 21st century science skills through hands-on lab activities. We equip and motivate an increasing

number of students to pursue careers in a growing field. Teachers are better equipped to teach hands-on science with state-of-the-art equipment and strong professional development, and GHS becomes a regional magnet school through school choice for students who are interested in STEM.

Mr. Bach shared a brief video clip in which Governor Baker congratulated Mr. Enos and Mr. Leigh for being chosen as Educators of the Year and stated that what they are doing to bring more biotechnology education for the kids in Gloucester is truly terrific and exactly the sort of thing he hopes to see going forward.

Dr. Safier reported that Mr. Enos and Mr. Leigh also received a citation from the House of Representatives, and it was pointed out that this is the first time that someone outside of the industry, namely educators and schools, has actually received the award. Lastly, Dr. Safier stated that independent of the award that they have received, Mr. Enos and Mr. Leigh also worked on and received a grant in order to provide the necessary support for transforming the science department.

Kathy Clancy recognized Allison Cousins, Mary White, and the people who spoke at Career Night at O’Maley a couple of weeks ago.

Chairman Pope recognized the GHS Cheerleaders for winning the state championship and stated that they will be invited to the next meeting.

VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL – Samantha Gross and Henry Hardy introduced themselves and updated the committee on the following events at Gloucester High School:

cheerleaders state championship, JROTC Ball, Thanksgiving football game, pep rally, winter sports, blood drive, and eighth graders playing on high school sports teams.

VII. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes

1. School Committee of October 11, 2017

2. Building & Finance Subcommittee of October 18, 2017 B. Approval of Warrants – Cover Sheets

C. Approval of Transfers – October 3 to October 25, 2017 D. Referrals

E. Acceptance of Gifts

1. $186.13 from Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. to the Gloucester Public Schools 2. $100.00 from Jessica Gienow-Hecht and Heiko Hecht to Gloucester High

School

3. $1,508.31 from Hockmeyer Studios, Inc. to Gloucester High School

School Committee Meeting Minutes – November 29, 2017, Page 3

F. Acceptance of Scholarship – $250.00 from the GHS Theatre Program Booster Organization

G. Approval of Out-of-State Field Trips

1. GHS Docksiders to New York, New York from April 11 to April 14, 2018 2. GHS Foreign Language Department to Italy from April 11 to April 20, 2019 Chairman Pope removed Item G2 from the Consent Agenda.

On a motion by Ms. Teixeira, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously

VOTED: 4 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the Consent Agenda as noted above.

World Language teacher Celestino Basile spoke about the trip to Italy next April.

On a motion by Ms. Teixeira, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously

VOTED: 4 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the GHS Foreign Language Department trip to Italy from April 11 to April 20, 2019.

VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Safier updated the committee on the following

matters:

1. Preliminary Dropout Data 2. Coordinated Program Review

3. Next Steps for High School Field Tests in ELA and Mathematics

4. Loan Order for Feasibility Study for Combined EGS/Veterans’ Memorial Elementary School – Kathy Clancy suggested that each of the committee members reach out to their City Council liaison to answer any questions they may have. Dr. Safier reported that the Communication Subcommittee of the Building Committee met earlier today and discussed the development of talking points for those who wish to speak in favor of the motion, the

development of FAQs regarding the project, and setting up a separate website for the project with a link to the GPS website.

On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously VOTED: 4 in favor, 0 opposed to accept the Superintendent’s Report.

IX. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Building & Finance Subcommittee of November 15, 2017 – Kathy Clancy reported that the Building & Finance Subcommittee discussed the West Parish traffic problem and the consolidation of O’Maley and GHS at its meeting of November 15, 2017.

B. Building & Finance Subcommittee of November 27, 2017 -- Kathy Clancy

reported that the Building & Finance Subcommittee discussed the West Parish traffic issue again at its meeting of November 27, 2017.

After discussion, on a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously

VOTED: 4 in favor, 0 opposed to direct the Superintendent to waive the bus fees for students that live less than two miles from West Parish School where there are no continuous sidewalks, consistent with the Walkers and Riders policy, File EEAA.

Chairman Pope stated that this action would apply to students who are not currently taking the bus to encourage them to ride the bus in the hope of alleviating the traffic problem. There was a discussion about adding or adjusting bus stops for these students if they elect to take the bus. Ms. Teixeira indicated that this action was also taken to address the safety concern of kids walking to school in an area with no sidewalks.

Chairman Pope reported that the Building & Finance Subcommittee also discussed making Concord Street one-way from the school entrance to Essex Avenue for a half hour in the afternoon, which would require hiring a crossing guard to put a blockade at the Concord Street/Essex Avenue intersection. This issue will be presented to the City Council Ordinance and Administration Committee on Monday night. The subcommittee also discussed the possibility of establishing a centralized location for parents to park and put their kids on the bus, possibly at Stage Fort Park.

Dr. Safier indicated that the principal prepared a draft letter to parents indicating the need for live pickup as opposed to illegal parking on Concord Street and Essex Avenue. He will be reviewing the letter and would like Chairman Pope to review it, as well, and the timing of sending the letter out will need to be decided. There was a discussion about the lack of enforcement of illegal parking. Ms. Teixeira requested that Chairman Pope look into the process of requesting the MSBA to reevaluate the design of the site.

Chairman Pope reported that the subcommittee discussed the truck route on Eastern Avenue at its meeting of November 27, 2017.

After discussion, on a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously

School Committee Meeting Minutes – November 29, 2017, Page 5

VOTED: 4 in favor, 0 opposed to authorize the Chair to write a letter to the City Council in support of reinstating the truck route on Eastern Avenue.

Finally, Kathy Clancy reported that the Building & Finance Subcommittee discussed the location of the preschool at its meeting of November 27, 2017. Chairman Pope noted that Kevin Buckley indicated that in order for the preschool to be located at the high school, a new building would need to be constructed next to the science wing, which would be in the FEMA flood zone. Ms. Teixeira expressed concern that the seriousness of the situation is not being addressed by the city. Dr. Safier stated that he informed the city administration that we need an answer for next year as soon as possible.

X. ACTION

A. Acceptance of Grants

1. Exxon Mobil Education Alliance Energy North, Inc. to GHS in the amount of

$500.00 – On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously

VOTED: 5 in favor, 0 opposed to accept a grant from Exxon Mobil Education Alliance Energy North, Inc. to GHS in the amount of $500.00.

2. Gloucester Education Foundation Grants – On a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Ms. Teixeira, it was unanimously

VOTED: 5 in favor, 0 opposed to accept the following grants from the Gloucester Education Foundation:

(a) Additional funding in the amount of $1,000.00 for the spring 2018 production of Jungle Book at East

Gloucester Elementary School; and

(b) $2,225.00 for Biomechanics to Prevent Injury at Gloucester High School.

B. Recommendations from Building & Finance Subcommittee of November 27, 2017

1. Waiving of Bus Fees for West Parish Students – See IX.B.

2. Letter to City Council regarding Eastern Avenue Truck Route – See IX.B.

XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS A. MSBA Project Updates

1. East Gloucester/Veterans School – Chairman Pope reported that site visits will be taking place next week and that city councilors have been invited.

2. West Parish – Chairman Pope stated that he will look into the process of getting some additional design work.

B. “Sidewalk” Money from the State – Chairman Pope reported that he and Councilor Nolan met with Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante regarding sidewalks on Essex Avenue. He indicated that the state gives the city Chapter 90 money for road,

sidewalk and infrastructure repairs and the city administration prioritizes what the funds will be used for. He stated that the city’s priority for those funds is to rebuild the seawall at Lane’s Cove. Kathy Clancy suggested adding it to our capital plan so we do not lose sight of it.

C. Letter to Rockport School Committee Regarding Regionalization – Chairman Pope reported that this letter was drafted with the assistance of Mr. Bach.

On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Mr. Favazza, it was unanimously VOTED: 5 in favor, 0 opposed to authorize the Chair to edit and send out the

letter to the Rockport School Committee Chair.

XII. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously

VOTED: 5 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the School Committee Meeting of November 29, 2017 at 8:18 p.m.

All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.

Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary

VII.A.3.

THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.

Program Subcommittee Meeting Minutes

Thursday, December 7, 2017 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930

5:00 p.m.

Members Present Administration Present

Kathy Clancy, Chairperson Gregg Bach, Asst. Superintendent

Joel Favazza Matt Fusco, Veterans Principal

_________________________________________________________________________________

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Clancy called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m. and stated the mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.

II. REPORTS/DELIBERATIONS/DISCUSSION

A. Therapy Dog Policy – Mr. Fusco reported that he was able to find several different policies regarding therapy animals (included in the packet) and distributed a guide from Charlotte’s Litter entitled “Bringing Therapy Dogs to Your School.” He indicated that his speech and language therapist got her dog trained as a certified therapy dog and they are waiting to find out what the policy will look like, at which time they will decide how to introduce the dog to the kids, identify the students with which the dog will be working, when the dog should be at school, etc. Mr. Fusco noted that the other elementary schools are extremely interested in finding out how this will work.

Mr. Bach stated that he believes the Manchester policy is very thorough and well- done but noted that it continually refers to “the handler,” with the assumption that the handler is treated as an entity separate from the school and assumes full responsibility and liability for any damage to school property and injuries caused by the dog. The Manchester policy also references evaluation of the therapy dog and registration at least every two years, as well as an insurance requirement.

Mr. Bach believes that the companies that train and certify therapy dogs and their handlers have liability insurance that covers the dog and handler. He suggested that we specify in our policy the amount of the insurance and what it covers. He also indicated that we need to address whether we should accept proposals from outside therapy dog handlers. Chairperson Clancy stated that if the other elementary schools are interested, they probably do not have a staff member with a certified therapy dog, so we will need to consider outside handlers.

Mr. Fusco pointed out that the service animal section of the Animals in School policy, File IMG, states that the service animal is the responsibility of the owner or handler.

Mr. Favazza noted that if someone gets hurt, the school is going to get sued even if the handler has insurance. Mr. Bach suggested that Tom Lafleur research whether the district’s insurance covers therapy dogs. He noted that the guide from Charlotte’s Litter states that dog handlers carry coverage in $1-2 million to cover risks and liabilities.

Mr. Fusco reported that Riverside School in Danvers has a therapy dog and stated that he will check in with the principal about their policy. Chairperson Clancy requested a draft policy for review at the next meeting, as well as information about insurance coverage.

Finally, there was a discussion about having a trial period at Veterans before allowing other schools to request a therapy dog.

B. Consolidation of O’Maley Innovation Middle School and Gloucester High School – Chairperson Clancy indicated that Tony Gross provided FEMA maps of Gloucester High School at the last Budget and Finance Subcommittee meeting showing that all but the school itself is in a flood zone. Mr. Favazza believes the second and third floors of the science wing are not in the flood zone and stated that we could have parking on the first floor and then two floors of classrooms above it.

Chairperson Clancy asked whether the consolidation makes sense from an

educational perspective. Mr. Favazza responded that he wants to start thinking about how to deal with the dwindling population and noted that consolidation with

Rockport may address the problem. He understands that there is no support on the School Committee right now to continue looking at this issue, which is fine, but he would like to explore it in the near future.

Chairperson Clancy stated that if a major rebuild was necessary, she does not believe it would make sense to do it at the high school. She agrees that the number of

students has declined but does not believe it is continuing to decline. Mr. Favazza noted that the MSBA enrollment projection for the EGS/Veterans project shows the district trending downwards, and based on what he sees in the real estate field, Gloucester is getting less and less affordable for young families, which he does not believe will change in the future. Chairperson Clancy stated that as the district continues to improve and we replace elementary schools, families will want to be here.

Mr. Favazza stated that he would like to explore potential options for the future of the middle and high school before it becomes a crisis, such as the current situation with the preschool. Mr. Bach agreed that it is important to think about it and noted that he made a suggestion two years ago that Rockport and Gloucester start talking about regionalization because it is going to take a minimum of five years to make it happen.

Program Subcommittee Minutes of December 7, 2017 – Page 3

Mr. Bach indicated that Rockport has the same or a steeper decline in their 10-year projections and even if their school choice numbers stay where they are, they will not be able to sustain the district. He recommended that if nothing happens this spring with respect to regionalization and Rockport clearly signals that they are not interested, we should start looking into the five- to ten-year plan for ourselves and stated that we may want to consider different grade level configurations of the schools.

Finally, there was a discussion about not confusing issues for the City Council while we are working on the EGS/Veterans building project. It was the consensus of the committee to table this matter and revisit it in a year, if necessary.

III. ACTION – None.

IV. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Mr. Favazza, seconded by Chairperson Clancy, it was unanimously

VOTED: 2 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the Program Subcommittee Meeting of December 7, 2017 at 6:03 p.m.

All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.

Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary

2 Blackburn Drive Tel: 978-281-9800

Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930 Fax: 978-281-9899 www.gloucesterschools.com

Our Mission is for all Students to be Successful, Engaged, Lifelong Learners

Grant or Donation Acceptance Form

This form must be received and approved by the Gloucester School Committee before funds are distributed. Grants and donations will be used only for the purpose as requested and approved.

School: West Parish Elementary School

Staff Member receiving Grant/Donation: Telena Imel, Principal Name of Grant/Donation: Hockmeyer Studios, Inc.

Amount of Grant/Donation: $1,339.26

Purpose of Grant or Donation: Funds to be used at West Parish Elementary

School

1

VIII.B.

The Gloucester Public Schools

Our mission is for all students to be successful, lifelong learners Report of the Superintendent of Schools

January 24, 2018

1. Kindergarten Information Night

Kindergarten Information Night is scheduled for January 25. A flyer (attached) for the evening event has been mailed to everyone on the city birth list spreadsheet acquired from the Clerk’s Office at City Hall. Information has also been sent to all private preschools and Pathways along with Gloucester Preschool families with children entering kindergarten in September. News of the event has been sent to newspapers and cable outlets and it has been posted on the school district Facebook page.

As part of the process, we are crosschecking the city birth list mailing address data with preschool (GPS, Pathways, private preschools) mailing address data to make sure that we are mailing to correct addresses.

Last, a date is being established for the summer Countdown to Kindergarten event so that we can have a Save the Date flyer available January 25th. This event has been well attended over the last three years and provides a timely welcome to Kindergarteners and their parent/guardians a few weeks prior to the start of school.

2. 2017 School and District Report Cards

School and District Report Cards will be sent out to parents/guardians by January 30.

School and District Report Cards are intended to promote accountability for schools, districts, and states by publicizing data about student performance and program effectiveness for parents, policy makers, and other stakeholders. States and districts receiving federal Title I funds must prepare and disseminate report cards to all parents/guardians.

Report card information includes demographics of the student population by race and ethnicity as well as by subgroups (first language not English; English Language Learners;

Students with Disabilities; High Needs, and Economically Disadvantaged). School and District accountability provides the Level that the district or school is performing at. Also included for the schools is Enrollment and Student/Teacher Ratio. Student Achievement is demonstrated through the Composite Performance Index (CPI).

3. Coordinated Program Review (CPR) Update

Most of the Progress Report containing the district’s plans for corrective action has been submitted to DESE. The last of the information will be sent by Friday, January 26. There

2 for their respective schools (CR 17A). The other area where we are completing our response to this first progress report is in the area of translations regarding announcements, memos, activity notifications, responsibilities, and standards, and their links to respective websites. Although not due until late April, the last major document translation will be the high school’s Program of Studies, which will not be complete in its original form until February.

4. District Wide Typing Initiative

As an enhancement to the district’s elementary typing curriculum, Title I teachers have developed a typing incentive contest, complete with “prizes”. Children have the following options:

Type 10 words from your favorite book.

Type a letter to someone you know.

Type a sentence for each of the punctuation marks. ! . ? ,

Type the sentence: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

Type a poem.

Type a paragraph from your favorite book.

Type a favorite

recipe. Type stewardesses 3 times with only your left hand and lollipop 3 times with only your right.

How many times can you type your principal’s name in 2 minutes.

Type a letter to a famous person.

Type the chorus from your favorite song.

Type the ABC’s in a pattern of

uppercase and lowercase letters.

AbCdEfG...

Type the names of the 5 New England sports teams.

Red Sox, Revolution, Bruins, Celtics, Patriots

Record how long it takes you to type the 7 continents.

Type the home row 5 times.

The incentives are:

Finish three activities: students earn a certificate.

Finish five activities: students earn a certificate and pencil Finish ten activities: students earn a book

Finish fifteen activities: students earn scholastic money

As the committee is aware, Next Generation MCAS testing is moving toward full online mode for all grades. We hope that this contest will be an added plus to the curriculum.

3 5. Potential Federal Government Shut Down

According to the DESE, federal spending authority was authorized through January 19. With the shut down, DESE does not anticipate any significant impact in the near term; federal education grant programs for Massachusetts are funded for the full school year. There could be a delay in receiving grant requests if federal personnel are not available to process the requests, but this would be a temporary situation. The Department's federal nutrition funds could be impacted if the shutdown stretches into February, but the department has funding that should last through the end of the January.

6. State FY19 Budget Outline

On Friday, Governor Baker presented the broad outlines of the FY19 Budget proposal to the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s (MMA) Annual Meeting & Trade Show in Boston. The FY19 budget bill will include a 3.5 percent increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid, raising that account to $1.1 billion. The increase matches the projected rate of growth in state tax collections for fiscal 2019, a number agreed upon by administration and legislative budget writers.

The Governor said he would increase Chapter 70 education aid by $118 million, $15 million of which would be set aside to assist districts teaching Puerto Rico hurricane survivors who have come to Massachusetts to attend school. The roughly 2.5 percent increases would bring the Chapter 70 account to $4.87 billion. According to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, and reported by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, unrestricted local aid increased between fiscal 2016 and 2018 by 3.6 percent, 4.3 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively, while Chapter 70 aid increased by 2.54 percent, 2.58 percent and 2.57 percent. Increases from fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2018 were based on projected increases in state tax collections of 4.74 percent, 4.31 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively, again, according to the taxpayers’ foundation.

Kindergarten Information Night

The Gloucester Public Schools is holding a citywide Information Night for families of incoming Kindergarten students

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Please join us at Kindergarten Information Night!

Meet principals & staff * Learn about Gloucester schools Registration packets will be available * Meet other parents

Thursday, January 25, 2018 6:00 pm

East Gloucester School 8 Davis Street Extension

Completed registration packets will be accepted at this time.

Visit

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* Children must be 5 years old by August 31, 2018 to enter Kindergarten

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We look forward to seeing you on January 25th!

The GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

X.A.1.

2 Blackburn Drive Tel: 978-281-9800

Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930 Fax: 978-281-9899 www.gloucesterschools.com

Our Mission is for all Students to be Successful, Engaged, Lifelong Learners

Grant or Donation Acceptance Form

This form must be received and approved by the Gloucester School Committee before funds are distributed. Grants and donations will be used only for the purpose as requested and approved.

School: Gloucester Public Schools

Staff Member receiving Grant/Donation: Superintendent Safier Name of Grant/Donation: Gloucester Education Foundation Amount of Grant/Donation: $11,891.56

Purpose of Grant or Donation: Funding for the following programs:

• Tech Tub Class Pod Initiative Touch-Screen

Chromebook Program at East Gloucester Elementary School $ 8,666.56

• 2018 Production of The Jungle Book at

East Gloucester Elementary School (Additional Funding) $ 1,000.00

• Biomechanics to Prevent Injury at Gloucester High School $ 2,225.00

$11,891.56