Approved Minutes as of 1/12/2009

 

Quincy Citywide Parents Council

October 20, 2008

Broadmeadows Middle School

 

Guest Speaker:  Dr. Richard DeChristofaro, Superintendent

 

Dr. DeChristofaro reviewed the 2008 - 2009 school year processes and priorities:

 

The District Improvement Plan (DIP) drives everything QPS does:

                The School Improvement Plan (SIP)

                The Program Improvement Plan (PIP)

                Professional Development Plan

                Budget

 

The DIP provides evidence that QPS is working on “X” and making progress by measuring progress and results.  Currently there are 84+ teams working on  specific elements of the DIP.  Dr. DeChristofaro suggested that Citywide Parents Council consider becoming a “team” and develop the top one, two or three goals to bring to the school committee defining our specific, relevant (and timing of) goals.  He conjectured that a Citywide team would improve our visibility and strengthen our voice.

 

Dr. De Christofaro moved on to discuss the system planning process:

                Planning begins in May/June,

                Implementation commences in September,

                Evaluation occurs in Jan/Feb,

                How to improve on results and new plans begin again in May/June

 

Dr. DeChristofaro reviewed the history of QPS budget and announced that the 2008-2009 budget  was reduced $1.5 million from the “level service” budget of 2007- 2008.  The general school supply budget decreased (same amount $877,662 as last year with more students) but PTO’s significantly to this budget.

 

Texts and Learning materials decreased over $150,000 from the previous academic year, while instructional equipment (technology) was decreased over $100,000.  All of these cuts were made while QPS’ overall enrollment increased almost 200 students since academic year 2006 - 2007. 

 

A specific breakdown by school was provided by Dr. DeChristofaro.  NQH and QH deserved special mention.  Quincy Public schools has had Open Enrollment since 1994, and overall the High Schools have been steady.  Last year’s recent shift to NQH brought 2 QHS teachers to NQHS to keep high school classes relatively the same size.

               

                Note:  It’s hard to keep all classes small because over 1100 programs are offered and popular        subjects can get crowded.  At the high school level, QPS tries to keep a balanced ratio between             teachers and students “serviced” by teachers to 80 - 85.  At QHS that ratio is currently about 83 -       90.  At NQS that ratio is about 86 - 95.

 

                Note:  QPS has been able to keep classes small due to 23 retirees in the past academic year.

 

                Comment:  If the physical footprint doesn’t change, that school could become overcrowded,         specifically in the lunchroom.  Suggestion:  take a hard look at the students who go home, eat in           teachers’ offices, etc. to see if perceived overcrowding could negatively effect the educational     experience. 

 

                Comment #2:  When QHS is finished , there might be an enrollment swing the other way.

Approved Minutes as of 1/12/2009

Page 2

 

Quincy Citywide Parents Council

October 20, 2008

Broadmeadows Middle School

 

Much discussion ensued re: rumors about reconfiguring schools (e.g. middle schools for grades 9 - 10, and high schools for grades 11 - 12).  Dr. DeChristofaro assured that “there is no imminent anything.”  Dr.

DeChristofaro has been discussing reconfiguration ideas with the School Committee.

 

Dr. DeChristofaro then addressed general questions:

 

Q:  What is the dropout rate in the Quincy High Schools?

A:  The drop out rate for NQH  ( 2.0 - 2.1) and QHS (4.3 - 4.4)

 

Q:  If a student doesn’t pass the MCAS in 4th grade, can he/she still go on to 5th grade?

A:  Yes.  They will get “stopped in 10th grade.”

 

 

The City-Wide meeting is now over time.  Last minute announcements and comments included:

 

Go to Rally for Rory.com for Rory Ellis’ fund raiser at Florian Hall

 

A question was asked if it were possible to implement a school uniform policy throughout the Quincy Public Schools.  There is nothing that forbids it, but also no was to enforce it.

 

Upcoming speakers include Mike Dracchio, January 12th 2009.  No speaker in December because of the Holiday.

 

Meeting adjourns at 9:09pm

 

The Citywide Secretary was not in attendance at the November 10th 2008 meeting so there are no minutes for this meeting.

 

The December 8th 2008 Citywide meeting was canceled.