June 8, 2021
June 8, 2021
Brockton, Massachusetts
Regular School Committee Meeting
June 8, 2021
Live Stream
The Regular Meeting of the Brockton School Committee was held this evening, at seven o'clock. These minutes contain a summary of the meeting and list items that were under discussion.
Mayor Sullivan, Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and asked that we please stand and salute to our American Flag.
Mayor Sullivan read the following information for the record.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic and State of Emergency, on March 12, 2020, Governor Baker issued an Executive Order Temporarily Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20. Pursuant to the Order, public bodies are temporarily relieved from the Open Meeting Law’s requirement that meetings be held in public places, open and physically accessible to the public, so long as measures are taken to ensure public access to the bodies' deliberations "through adequate, alternative means."
This meeting will be held and will be accessible to the public via Brockton Community Access, Brockton Public Schools website, www.bpsma.org, YouTube and Comcast channel 98 and /1071HD Version.
The public can access this meeting via this link: www.youtube.TheBrocktonChannels
Mayor Sullivan thanked BCA for always assisting us relative to School Committee meetings.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call to establish a quorum.
Mayor Sullivan, Chair – Yes
Mr. D’Agostino, Vice-Chair – Yes
Ms. Asack – Yes
Ms. Mendes – Yes
Mr. Minichiello – Yes
Mr. Rodrigues – Yes
Ms. Sullivan – Yes
Mr. Sullivan – Yes
Also Present: Superintendent Thomas, Executive Team Members
Hearing of Visitors None
Mayor Sullivan took a moment to congratulate all the graduates on Friday, June 4th and Saturday, June 5th and said, “It was awesome.” He thanked the School Committee members for attending both events.
Mayor Sullivan thanked Superintendent Thomas and School Committee members who appeared, along with himself, at the Brockton City Council Budget meeting on Monday, June 7th.
Mayor Sullivan read the following information for the record.
Tonight’s agenda includes the annual STUDENT RECOGNITION AWARDS ceremony in the Nelson Auditorium at 7 p.m. Regular School Committee business will resume in the Little Theatre after the ceremony.
Mayor Sullivan asked Superintendent Thomas to call up our Senior Representative for the past two years and now a graduate of the class of 2021, and Harvard University bound, Ms. Georgina Younes.
Ms. Georgina Younes gave a highlight of events that happened over the past few weeks within BHS.
* The Brockton High Drama Club performed “On with the Show” outdoors right on the front steps of the fine arts building.
* The band and chorus held their annual POP’s concert outdoors.
* The class of 2021 just graduated this past weekend (June 5th) after a year and a half of remote and hybrid learning. Despite the circumstances, the class of 2021 was able to find unique ways to celebrate their great achievements.
* The Senior Class Executive Committee, along with advisors Mr. Brophy and Mrs. Otero, was able to organize a couple of unique events to bring the class together while still being safe.
* On May 11th the class held a drive-in-movie in the school parking lot. The movie “Love and Basketball” was projected onto a 40-foot screen and students were able to hear the movie audio by tuning into a set radio station while being able to social distance with a handful of friends in their cars.
* The class also organized a field night at Marciano stadium. Students gathered and celebrated with pizza, ice cream, games, and music. Many students wore their college and post high school merchandise to celebrate where they are heading in the fall.
* The Class of 2021 Class Instagram account was run, by the senior class officers Royale Baez, Isabelle Staco, Caroline Green, Class Secretary, Georgina Younes. The postings, like other schools in the area, celebrated achievements by featuring students and their post-graduate plans. You can view the student features @brocktonhigh2021 on Instagram.
* On May 25th, the last day of school for Seniors, Gianna Deveau and Georgiana Younes organized a Senior Sunrise, where students met at the Arnone and South Middle School to decorate the schools with balloons and cards in hopes of putting a smile on the students' faces. Both schools suffered a tremendous loss so it was thought that even a small act of kindness, such as leaving balloons from the class, could brighten the day for others.
* The Last day of school for all students is June 16th.
Ms. Younes shared that she would be attending Harvard University in the fall and studying economics. She thanked Brockton Public Schools for all of the incredible opportunities it had provided her and wished all an amazing summer.
Superintendent Thomas acknowledged Georgina, and the student body, for always showing class and grace and, with appreciation for her service, the School Committee members presented to her a gift. (applause)
Mayor Sullivan asked for a motion to go into recess at this time with the understanding that we will come back and reconvene the Regular School Committee meeting.
Ms. Sullivan motioned to take a recess. Seconded by Ms. Mendes.
The roll call passed unanimously.
Mayor Sullivan hereby brought out of recess the Brockton School Committee for June 8, 2021 and established a quorum.
Mayor Sullivan, Chair – Yes
Mr. D’Agostino, Vice-Chair – Yes
Ms. Asack – Yes
Ms. Mendes – Yes
Mr. Minichiello – Yes
Mr. Rodrigues – Yes
Ms. Sullivan – Yes
Mr. Sullivan – Yes
Consent Agenda
Mayor Sullivan explained the purpose of the Consent Agenda and asked members if they would like to remove any items for further discussion. There being none, Mr. Sullivan moved the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety. Seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
A. Approval of Minutes: May 20, 2021 Accounts Review Subcommittee Meeting
B. Approval of Minutes: May 18, 2021 Regular School Committee Meeting
C. Approval of Minutes: May 18, 2021 Public Hearing FY2022 School Budget Meeting
D. Approval of Minutes: May 18, 2021 Public School Choice Meeting
E. Approval of Minutes: May 13, 2021 Bid Review Subcommittee Meeting Report
F. Acceptance of Notification: Personnel Appointments: Non-Certified Personnel
G. Acceptance of Notification: Personnel Actions: Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety.
The roll call vote passed unanimously.
Superintendent’s Report
Student Recognition Awards
Superintendent Thomas thanked Mayor Sullivan, School Committee members, parents and students who attended, and those unable to attend, tonight’s recognition award ceremony. He stated, “We’re all proud of you for the awards that you achieved during this most difficult time.”
Renée Heywood, Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Superintendent Thomas introduced the first ever Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Ms. Renée Heywood. She comes to us from the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, where she served as a Regional Education Coordinator, a resident of Brockton for over 30 years, past PTA President at West Middle School in 2007-2008 saying, “We are excited to have her in this important position.” Ms. Renée Heywood thanked everyone and shared a few highlights about herself. (PowerPoint)
My Background
* 15 Years in Racial and Social Justice in Education
* UMass Amherst Grduate School of Education - Fellow in Ph.D. program
* Traveled to Guatemala, Nicargaua and Australia
Data Gathering
* Visits to all schools by June 14th
* Imput from various stakeholders
* Review of school data and school information
Application – Areas to focus on for the districts needs
* Hiring
* Professional Development and Training
* Curriculum Development
* Student Engagement
* Community and Parent Partnerships
Ms. Heywood appreciates the enthusiam and excitement about this new position and appreciates the feedback from all and looks forward to partnering together.
Mayor Sullivan and School Committee members thanked her for the presentation and welcomed her to this new position.
Superintendent Thomas thanked Ms. Sharon Wolder, Executive Chief Officer of Student Support Services, who has lead the equity work for several years with the Diversity Task Force Team.
Summer Programs/Update
Superintendent Thomas welcomed Community Schools of Brockton Director, Dr. Soraya de Barros, to give an update on our Summer programs and registration. Parents are encouraged to sign their children up for summer programs. There is transportation and our academic programs are all free this year. Please visit the website www.bpsma.org and look for the Community Schools page for all summer programs offered.
Dr. de Barros thanked the School Committee for their support, partnership of learning enrichment and empowerment efforts. She also shared that we were awarded from the state, two new sites (Angelo and Ashfield) for the 21st Century programs giving a total of 7 sites beginning September 2021.
Dr. de Barros shared a PowerPoint of 2021 Summer Camps offered.
* To ensure students are provided with opportunities and fun-filled enrichment programs.
* Following all guidelines from BPS and other sources.
* Provide programs to our students at either an affordable cost or completely free.
* Summer programs run from July 6th until August 5th. (except drivers ed and raise up basketball)
Dr. de Barros spoke briefly about the catalog that was handed to the committee member, pointing out it is available on the website. Text messages and phone calls are being sent to parents to encourage registering their children.
Dr. de Barros thanked Ms. Beth Keane, Ms. Melissa Shephard, and staff members in the office for all their hard work and continued support.
Questions/Answers/Comments
School Committee members thanked Dr. deBarros for her presentation and the informational packet provided.
A lengthy discussion was held concerning swimming and the need to have it offered to younger children and
have it more accessible for our community considering the recent tragedy in Brockton.
Dr. de Barros mentioned that Ms. Sharon Wolder and Mr. John Snelgrove have an idea how to work together to provide swimming classes to families with children. She is contacting the supervisors of the swimming program to begin ASAP.
Brockton resident students and teachers with children may also sign up for a summer program. If a camp is full, they can be placed on a wait list and available programs will be offered.
Mayor Sullivan pointed out the City of Brockton has subsidizing Camp Massasoit, a remote camp through the YMCA, where Brockton kids can go and enjoy the lake life. Free swimming lessons are available at the Lawrence R. Cosgrove Memorial Pool (Eastside) and Brockton High school. It is offered by lifeguards before it’s open to the public or in the afternoon.
Committee members agreed there was a need to make a push this summer, before students leave school, of the programs offered and making parents aware of what is being offered and available in multiple languages. The Bilingual Department, using their advocates and facilitators, are making calls to parents and tell them about the programs and help register them for the summer.
Mayor Sullivan mentioned we should do an outreach to clergies, pastors, and organizations here in Brockton to forward the information to their congregation.
DESE Fall Reopening Guidance
Superintendent Thomas gave an update on the DESE Fall Reopening Guidance. There is no option of remote learning next year when school opens in September 2021. Learning must be in person five days a week. If you’re absent, the option of remote is no longer available and will not count towards Student Learning Time.
We have applied for a K-12 Single District Virtual School, which would be a separate school. Dr. Cancell and a team have been working on it. Mr. D’Agostino has received emails from the Department of Education. The initial application was submitted. A survey will go out to parents to try and get a hard number of who will want a virtual school.
Mayor Sullivan mentioned Dr. Richard Herman is available to attend a School Committee meeting to give any updates as guidelines change in September.
Items to Refer to Subcommittee
Mr. D’Agostino is requesting a Curriculum Subcommittee meeting regarding opting out of swimming. Information will be sent in the Friday packet.
Unfinished Business
Bid Review Subcommittee Meeting
Mr. Sullivan gave a verbal report of the Bid Review Subcommittee meeting held on June 8, 2021.
Item #1 – FY2021 RFQ for Excavation Concrete Work for Generator at Crosby
Item# 2 – To accept the following bids: FY2022 Paving New Work at Various Schools, FY2022 Paving Work at Various Schools
Mr. D’Agostino gave a special thank you to State Representatives Gerard J. Cassidy and Claire D. Cronin for their work in assisting Brockton with funds to do the various paving jobs.
Mr. Sullivan motioned to approve the verbal report of the June 8, 2021 Bid Review Subcommittee Meeting (Zoom). Seconded by Mr. Minichiello.
On the motion, Mr. D’Agostino mentioned Item #1 was rejected by the Bid Review Subcommittee it was the only bid and exceeded the budget set for that work.
The roll call vote passed unanimously.
Mr. Sullivan motioned to accept and approve the two paving bids, Items 2 and 3 as presented in the verbal report. Seconded by Mr. Minichiello.
The roll call vote passed unanimously.
Mayor Sullivan mentioned this coming Monday, June 14th and Tuesday, June 15th is the second Pfizer vaccination for approximately 700 middle school students in Brockton. It’s the first of its kind in the commonwealth, kudos to everyone involved.
Mayor Sullivan thanked everyone that participated in the wonderful graduation ceremonies. He thanked the Facilities Department, Jamie Dimestico, Dr. Cobbs, Ken Thompson, Lt. Vadaro, Officer Vaughn, School Police and Brockton Police.
Mayor Sullivan also thanked Superintendent Thomas, Malinda Campbell, School Committee members and the graduating boys and girls.
New Business
FY21 Non-Net School Spending Budget Transfer
Mayor Sullivan mentioned the FY21 Non-Net School Spending Budget transfer came out favorably during the Finance Subcommittee meeting held earlier this evening.
Ms. Sullivan motioned to approve a one-time transfer of $300,000 from the Non-Net Spending budget line item, School Crossing Guard Traffic Duty, to the City. This is a one-time surplus and it is due to the full remote learning model for most of this past school year. Seconded by Mr. D’Agostino.
The roll call vote passed unanimously.
Executive Session
Mayor Sullivan, informed School Committee members that it was confirmed with Superintendent Thomas and legal counsel that Executive Session was not needed this evening.
Seeing no further business Mr. D’Agostino motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
The roll call vote passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Thomas
Superintendent/Secretary
mdc
PowerPoints: Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Community Schools of Brockton Programs Update
Handout: Community Schools of Brockton/Summer Camp July 6 – August 20