May 19, 2020
May 19, 2020
Brockton, Massachusetts
Regular School Committee Meeting
May 19, 2020
Live Stream
The Regular Meeting of the Brockton School Committee was held this evening, at six o'clock. These minutes contain a summary of the meeting and list items that were under discussion.
Mayor Sullivan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by a salute to the flag.
Mayor Sullivan, Chair 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 12
The public can access this meeting via this link: www.youtube.TheBrocktonChannels
Mayor Sullivan, Chair took a roll call vote under the revised open meeting law.
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
Superintendent Thomas – yes (non-voting)
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
Superintendent Thomas – yes (non-voting)
Mayor Sullivan thanked Malinda Campbell, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and all her efforts compiling the agenda’s and Mike Simmons and the Brockton Community Access for all their efforts in facilitating our zoom meetings.
Also Present: Executive Team Members, Kim Gibson BEA President, Richard Bath
Mayor Sullivan gave an updated report on the COVID-19 cases in Brockton. As of today, we have a total of 224 lives lost, 1,940 confirmed positive cases and over 3,725 lives impacted. Our thoughts and prayers go to the departed and their surviving families.
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. Mr. D’Agostino asked to remove Item B, Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2020 Finance Subcommittee Meeting and Item C, Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2020 Policy Subcommittee Meeting giving an overview report on the following consent agenda items.
Mr. Sullivan asked to remove Item D, Approval of Bid Review Subcommittee Report, May 11, 2020 giving an overview report on the following consent agenda item.
Item B, Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2020 Finance Subcommittee Meeting discussing the agenda items:
1. FY2020 budget
2. FY2021 budget
3. Transportation vendors
4. SPED Out of District placement school tuition payments
5. New business
Ms. Sullivan moved to approve Item B, Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2020 Finance Subcommittee Meeting; the motion was seconded by Ms. Asack.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve Item B, Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2020 Finance
Subcommittee Meeting.
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Item C, Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2020 Policy Subcommittee Meeting discussing the agenda items:
1. BHS grading policy during closure
2. Middle school grading policy during closure
3. Elementary grading policy during closure
4. New business
Ms. Sullivan moved to approve Item C, Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2020 Policy Subcommittee Meeting; the motion was seconded by Ms. Asack.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve Item C, Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2020 Policy
Subcommittee Meeting.
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Item D, Approval of Bid Review Subcommittee Report – May 11, 2020 discussing the agenda items:
a. To accept the repot of the Subcommittee as presented.
b. To accept the following bids:
• FY2021 Lease of General Warehouse Space
• FY2021 Electrical Service
• FY2021 Elevator Services
• FY2021 Energy Management Controls Service
• FY2021 Fire Alarm
• FY2021 Food Service Equipment Repair Service
• FY2021 Heating & Venting Services
• FY2021 Plumbing
• FY2021 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
• FY2021 Telecommunication Service
• FY2021 Floor Finish Supplies
• FY2021 Liner & Paper Services
Mr. Sullivan moved to approve Item D, Approval of Bid Review Subcommittee Meeting Report – May 11, 2020; the motion was seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve Item D, Approval of Bid Review Subcommittee Meeting Report – May 11, 2020.
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Ms. Sullivan moved the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the remainder Consent Agenda items: A, E, and F seconded by Mr. D’Agostino.
A. Approval of May 5, 2020 Regular School Committee Meeting Minutes
E. Approval of 2020-2021 BPS Academic School Calendar
F. Acceptance of Notification of Personnel Actions: Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve the remainder Consent Agenda items:
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Communication None
Superintendent’s Report
Recognitions
Superintendent Thomas introduced Mr. John Fortes, Brockton High School graduate class of 1999 and Mr. Kenny Monteiro a local mentor and a Brockton High School graduate class of 1999 who joined forces and donated food from Cape Cod Pizza and Deag’s Local Diner to: Brockton Public Schools cafeteria workers, Brockton Police Department, Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, Brewster Ambulance and West Acres Nursing Home. Mr. Monteiro was unable to join us the evening as he and his wife are proud parents of a baby boy.
Superintendent also introduced Ms. Katie Sandford who through a grant at Brockton Covenant Church, was able to secure 13 smart phones with mobile hot spot capability (prepaid for 3 months from Boost Mobile) for 13 George School families who have no internet and cannot connect to one of the free spots in the city.
Principal Natalie Pohl at the Manthala George, Jr. School joined in on the conference call to say a few words about this kind donation.
Mayor Sullivan, Superintendent Thomas and School Committee members thanked all for their support giving back to the community.
Certificates will be mailed to recipients.
Student Report
Student Representative Georgiana Younes gave a report on happenings at Brockton High School.
• Currently, the class of 2020 is in the process of receiving their senior lawn signs and t-shirts.
• Most students have worked on creating their schedules with their guidance counselors through email utilizing online AP and IB applications and the course of study guide.
• For high school students, this Friday, May 22, 2020 is the last day to submit any makeup work prior to the closure and any enrichment activities to support their grade.
• AP students will be completing their online exams by the end of this week. In response to school closures college board altered the exam format, timing, and even content. The exams began on May 11th and will conclude this Friday, May 22, 2020.
• IB students' formal written exams that were scheduled between April 30th and May 22nd for Diploma Programme and Certificate candidates were not held. IB students will be awarded a Diploma or a Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work. This is based on student's coursework and the established internal assessments already built into the programs.
• The BHS Art department created a blog to showcase student artwork made throughout this time at home. The blog which showcases both student and teacher art can be viewed at studentquarantineart.blogspot.com
• The Brockton High School Drama Club & Concert choir created both a Senior Choral video and a musical montage that can be viewed on YouTube under the channel Brockton High School Concert Choir.
Superintendent Thomas thanked Dr. Murray, deans and the team at Brockton High, parent volunteers and transportation vendors for coordinating in the delivery of lawn signs and t-shirts to the seniors.
Mayor Sullivan thanked Georgiana for the update of information.
Graduation Dates
Superintendent Thomas discussed the original graduation date change from June 6th to July 27th due to COVID-19, after further discussion Superintendent Thomas is recommending moving the graduation date change to June 27th and June 28th having a virtual ceremony with BCA, being accessible to everyone thru cable, streaming and YouTube. In the past week both the diploma and cap and gown companies have opened to process our order for the 1300 graduates.
Comments
Mr. Minichiello and Mr. D’Agostino both agree and support moving the graduation date to June 27th and June 28th. Upon state and local guidelines allow larger gatherings we will commit to some form of celebration.
Questions/Answers
• Will yearbooks be available on time?
Yes, both yearbooks and diplomas will be available on time.
Mr. D’Agostino moved the Graduation date to June 27, 2020 and June 28, 2020 a virtual ceremony. When State, Local and Federal guidelines allow larger gatherings, we will commit to having a gathering and celebration for our 2020 graduates, seconded by Mr. Sullivan.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve the Graduation date to June 27, 2020 and June 28, 2020:
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Superintendent Thomas discussed the last official day for seniors is Friday, May 29, 2020 per the Department of Education guidelines, the week of June 1st thru June 5th is available for seniors to finalize grades/credits.
Modified Competency Determination for Class of 2020
Superintendent Thomas invited Dr. Murray and Dr. Cancell to give an update about the modified competency determination.
Dr. Murray discussed steps that are required to gather for the Department of Education of any senior that has not successfully completed one of the three MCAS exams. Transcripts are being reviewed to see if a student meets the criteria established by the state, that would be successfully completing a course that would cover the competency in the specific MCAS ELA, math or science exam. There is a small amount of seniors that this will apply to. The Department of Education will give further information and instructions of what is required to submit for a waiver on June 1st.
Superintendent Thomas thanked Brockton High School Deans, Assistant Deans, Department Heads and Teachers for their efforts and support to the seniors.
Remote Learning Update
Superintendent Thomas invited June Saba-Maguire to discuss the remote learning plan. He thanked the Principals, Administrators, teachers and staff for their outreach and support to parents and students.
Ms. Saba-Maguire reiterated what Superintendent Thomas spoke about on ways that our teachers, principals, administrators and adjustment counselors can connect with our families. Resources are provided on the BPS website every week. As a district we are fortunate to have a talented curriculum team that includes district coordinators and instructional coaches that put together resources for our teachers and students, our content leads, associate principals and department heads. She recognized our teachers and the excellent job they have done to support our students with resources and to supplement through enrichment and other learning activities.
She presented an overview of how we’ve approached this phase of our remote learning based upon what the Department of Education pre-requisite standards are and how the district has mapped out the standards. As we begin to plan for re-entry we can look at the standards that we have focused on since March 12, 2020. As we identify the standards that were covered we can provide extra support to students who may have missed or may have not had enough time to engage with them.
Thank you, School Committee members your support is always appreciated.
Thank you, Dr. Murray, Dr. Cobbs and Tobias Cowans in assisting with the learning printed packets that are available to students and parents without internet access.
Questions/Answers
• Do we have any information on the students that were not engaged?
Attendance officers are contacting parents and students reconnecting them to their schools. The NAACP and other community partners are assisting in making calls and connecting with families/students to become engaged with their school and teachers. Families are reaching directly to their child’s school on their own. The City Champion Mentors are going door to door to reach out to the remaining students, speaking with students in the community hanging out to re-engage them to their school and teachers to access their work that we’re providing while school is in session. More information will be given at the next school committee meeting.
Internet Access
Superintendent Thomas invited Karen McCarthy Director of Title One to discuss internet access for families that are in need.
Ms. McCarthy discussed a conversation that she had with Comcast today. Title One is able to purchase 500 access codes that will help 500 students access the internet. The bilingual office has reached out to families and principals to identify families in need. We have 92 families signed up to receive codes with internet access for six months upon sign up. We as a district will need to decide how long to keep the enrollment open, other districts are opening enrollment until June 30th. A decision we will need to make is, do we have Comcast send out letters to parents or do we have principals, teachers and administrators call the families. Ms. McCarthy feels it would be more effective if we reach out to the families and give the access codes and translate to families that need assistance in their language.
Superintendent Thomas thanked Ms. McCarthy for her assistance with Comcast. We will have Chief Public Relations Officer Jess Hodges send a message to families and direct them to contact their child’s principal directly if they need internet access to engage with their teachers. Principal’s will continue to reach out to families that teachers have identified as non-engagement and connect them directly to Karen where she can provide internet access code.
Laptop Donation Campaign
Superintendent Thomas invited Dr. Soraya deBarros Director of Community Schools and Ms. Michele Bolton Communication Director to give an update on funds raised for the laptop donation campaign.
Ms. Bolton discussed the laptop donation campaign and reported funds raised in a week totaled $38,527.75 Superintendent Thomas asked to do this fundraiser because so many laptops have been handed out to families and we have families in the district that are not able to afford devices. The goal is to get devices for families that will help students to succeed in remote learning.
The campaign was launched two weeks ago with a goal of $10,000 and within an hour Dan Vigeant Director of Tech Services received a pledge of $10,000 from Ockers Company, a local vendor the district purchases from. We are able to get 30 laptops from this kind donation. The goal was then raised to $20,000 and within a few hours we met that goal and raised it to $30,000 and higher. In this short period of time we have gained momentum to raise $40,000.
Dr. deBarros discussed how they are contacting personal businesses. This week they are working on mailing letters to 700 local businesses in Brockton and emailing people they know asking to share with their contacts.
Ms. Bolton has posted information on five social media platforms along with providing the link to the donations and asked everyone to share with their platforms as well. The link is currently on Brockton Public Schools, Brockton High School Athletics, Brockton High School Alumni Community Schools and Brockton Community and Family Center. This is an effort being hosted by Community Schools and Brockton Educational Foundation. The donation form is set up where you can contribute in a variety of choices, for example you can donate in memory of a graduate, teacher or family member. Staff was asked to share the link resulting in many staff members donating of their own choice, and many have shared with their own network. Director of Advancement Mary Kelly from Stonehill College also reached out to help.
Dr. deBarros and Ms. Bolton thanked everyone that has helped support this campaign, Superintendent Thomas, Jess Hodges, Dan Vigeant and Principals.
Questions/Answers
• Have we reached out to larger companies for donations?
Yes, larger companies have been reached out to for donations.
Superintendent Thomas thanked both Dr. deBarros and Michele Bolton for their hard work and effort.
TAG Selection for 2020
Superintendent Thomas will provide information at the next school committee meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
Grade 6 Placements
Superintendent Thomas mentioned next week we will have an update on grade 6 special educational student placement numbers for middle schools, Ms. Laurie Mason Director of Special Education is working on the list and a timeline when letters will be mailed out for placement for next year.
Vote on School Choice 2020-2021
Mr. D’Agostino discussed the School Choice 2020-2021 meeting held earlier this evening giving an update on the recommendation for BPS to continue to participate in School Choice 2020-2021, 50 students at BHS, 10 at Edison Academy and 6 – 8th grade students.
Mr. Sullivan made a motion to approve BPS to continue to participate in School Choice 2020-2021, 50 students at BHS, 10 at Edison Academy and 6-8th grade students, seconded by Mr. Minichiello.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve School Choice 2020-2021:
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Approval of Summer Schedule of School Committee Meetings
Superintendent Thomas discussed the summer schedule of School Committee meetings. The following schedule is suggested: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 virtual at 6:00 p.m., and Tuesday, August 11, 2020 virtual at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. D’Agostino moved to approve the Summer Schedule of School Committee Meetings on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 virtual at 6:00 p.m., and Tuesday, August 11, 2020 virtual at 6:00 p.m., seconded by Ms. Asack.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve the Summer Schedule of School Committee Meetings:
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Items to refer Public Hearing Budget– Tuesday, June 2, 2020
to Subcommittee Superintendent Thomas reminded School Committee members of the public hearing budget on, Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 5:45 p.m. Information will be sent in their Friday’s packet for review.
Ms. Mendes motioned to refer the Public Hearing Budget for Tuesday, June 2, 2020, seconded by Ms. Asack.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve the Public Hearing Budget:
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Finance Subcommittee Meeting – Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Mr. D’Agostino mentioned the Finance Subcommittee Meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, May 26, 2020 and suggested moving the meeting to Wednesday, May 27, 2020 due to Monday being a holiday and City Council having to move their meeting to Tuesday at the same time which will conflict with the taping from BCA.
All School Committee members agreed to the change of the Finance Subcommittee meeting to Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Facilities Subcommittee Meeting
Ms. Asack is requesting a Facilities Subcommittee Meeting.
Unfinished Business
Student Opportunity Act (SOA) 3-year District Plan
Superintendent Thomas reported that the submission for the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) is June 19, 2020 and could possibly change. We will keep you posted on any changes.
New Business
Mr. D’Agostino shared an email regarding Principal Rogan and teacher Ms. Lavigne at the Kennedy School, and how they took the time to reach out to their student who was having medical challenges, and how it meant so much speaking to them telling her to remain “Cougar Strong”. The mother commented that she was surprised and didn’t expect Principal Rogan to take the time out and call her daughter but went on to say, “we all know how he cares for his students”, and Kennedy School is amazing.
Superintendent Thomas discussed the Finance Subcommittee meeting held earlier this evening, a vote was taken to return excess transportation funding on the non-net spending back to the city.
Mr. D’Agostino motioned to transfer $2 million dollars of non-net school spending back to the city, seconded by Mr. Rodrigues.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote to approve the transfer of $2 million dollars of non-net school spending back to the city:
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Mayor Sullivan shared information of phone calls that he has with the Governor, Mayors, Senators, House Speakers, State Delegation, Superintendent Thomas, Chief Financial Officer Aldo Petronio, City Chief Financial Officer Troy Clarkson and Council President Shirley Asack letting us know that we need to be on the same page, the financial status for Brockton is not looking good. Some Mayors are projecting a 20% cut in local aid which would be Chapter 70 and UGGA (Unrestricted General Government Aid). If we have a 20% cut that would be $40 million dollars, if we have a 10% cut that would be $20 million dollars. What Superintendent Thomas, Chief Financial Officer Aldo Petronio, City Chief Financial Officer Troy Clarkson and the Mayor are doing is pleading our case and asking for guidance from Beacon Hill. They are having conversations with Representative Claire Cronin, Representative Michelle DuBois, Representative Gerard Cassidy and Senator Michael Brady and are working to get that information. The speaker is saying perhaps a 1/12 budget and the senate president is saying probably not, however the Mayor feels it will be drastic for the City of Brockton. Once the Mayor receives information from Beacon Hill he will share it with us.
Superintendent Thomas thanked Mayor Sullivan for allowing him to be on the calls and is hopeful we get Chapter 70 funding sooner rather than later to know where we stand. He also mentioned BEA President
Kim Gibson and MTA are pushing for Chapter 70 funding as well.
Mr. Rodrigues asked if the school side could provide support services to the Board of Health to help input data information and a graph. Superintendent Thomas replied Ms. Linda Cahill and BPS nurses are inputting data. City Council Jeff Thompson emailed help with creating a graph and the Math Department Head at Brockton High School Mr. Daniel Corbett along with math teachers are able to help. If information needs to be displayed on the message board at Brockton High school, please contact Jess Hodges.
Mayor Sullivan mentioned School Committee members Cynthia Mendes and Tony Rodrigues are on the Health Equity Taskforce, if anyone wants to join the Mayor welcomes all. He had a conversation with Attorney General Maura Healey yesterday, Mayor Walsh, Mayor Kim Driscoll, Mayor Tom McGee, Mayor Yvonne Spicer, and other Mayors as they are looking for data; age, race and gender that DPH is no longer giving. Any data that Brockton receives will help map out the second serge. Mayor Sullivan thanked BEA President Kim Gibson and Superintendent Thomas for their help of nurse Linda Cahill and 8 BPS nurses to assist with nurse Evelyn Labraun. Linda Cahill will work through the summer and return to the school side in September. The Board of Health will hire a permanent Executive HealthOfficer.
Ms. Asack asked if schools and other programs that occur during the summer are cancelled. Superintendent Thomas replied yes, all rentals were canceled on March 12th for the summer. The Task Force Committee is working on what the re-opening of school will look like, updates and presentations will be provided in June.
Ms. Asack asked will Chartwell’s provide food during the summer. Superintendent Thomas is awaiting confirmation to see if the 10 locations will operate. Chief Financial Officer Aldo Petronio confirmed we are receiving documents to allow us to go from the regular school year and into the summer program.
In the past children would have to go to the park to eat, however the rules will change this summer due to social distancing students will be allowed to come to the site for pick up.
Ms. Asack thanked everyone for their continued support to our students making the best to an unforeseen situation.
Mayor Sullivan thanked United Way as he negotiated the Brockton Together Fund is in conjunction with Plymouth County and Mass Bay, $10,000 was donated from National Grid and $20,000 was donated as seed money from United Way raising money that will help Brocktonians. The money will be paid out and distributed to non-profit social service agencies that then will give it to Brockton residents.
Executive Session None
Seeing no further business, Ms. Sullivan made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Mendes.
Mayor Sullivan took a roll call vote:
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
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Thomas
Superintendent/Secretary
mdc
