DRAFT

 

Quincy Citywide Parents Council

April 13, 2009

Broadmeadows Middle School

 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm

 

Ron Mariano provided an update on the state of  Massachusetts’ economy:  revenues have fallen off a cliff and we’re looking at multiple ways to bridge the gap (between revenues and expenses).  The stimulus money will be gone by 2011, and we will now run a structural deficit (budget) now.   Mass is looking hard at increasing the sales tax (to increase revenues from $850M to $950M) with schools getting a portion and the MBTA getting a portion of the increase.

 

He opined that Mass gave a great deal of authority to state university Presidents and their Trustees who used that latitude to raise revenue.  Even as State tuition has tried to remain affordable, the “fees” that are charged students are almost as expensive as the tuition is.  Higher education has traditionally been the “stepchild” in the states education oversight.  Ron believes that will change in the future.

 

Ron commented on a recent article in “The Globe” which cited that 106 former state employees were receiving over $100,000/year in pension benefits.  Ron noted that the average pension for state employees is about $24,000/year and for city employees about $18,000/year.  He commented that most of the 106 pensioners were from U Mass or the Medical industry.  “The Globe” highlighted a handful of abuses, then suggested that state pensions be capped at $100,000.  Ron noted that perhaps the cap would put U Mass at a disadvantage (in hiring) with private institutions.

 

Ron indicated that we are approximately $3.5 billion short going into this year’s budget (already having cut $1 billion from last year’s budget).  The budget is approximately $28 billion, $14 billion of which represents fixed costs. 

 

Mr. Mariano then addressed Citywide’s concern about Quincy teachers.  He though that for the 2009 - 2010 academic year, QPS would not experience layoffs for several reasons:  1) our Superintendent looks at expense reductions outside the classroom first, then works his way in;  2) Quincy mayors have been diligent at maintaining the city‘s commitment to education (versus relying only upon the state); 3) the city received significant savings as a result of changing the healthcare program to the GIC; 4) we should receive approximately $4million from the stimulus program.  The 2010 - 2011 budget  could be more difficult than this year’s. 

 

Collen Roberts, Director of Curriculum, took the floor.  She invited that any group of kids or teachers can be recognized at the first 15 - 30 minutes of the School Committee meeting.  She mentioned that the children love seeing themselves on television.  Contact her to take a proposal to Dr. Christofaro.

 

Colleen and Edie Hughes (early childhood education) addressed the curriculum budget.  Last year, the budget was reduced by $1.5M and the curriculum reserves budget was reduced by 50% to $100,000.  In terms of the book budget, 4th and 5th grade Social Studies books cost $70K, Music - $7K, ELL - $10K, agenda books - $9K.  Colleen hears frequently that there aren’t enough books to go around.    Her budget provides classroom books to share.  Homework comes from study guides.  On-line text books are just coming out.   Every schools curriculum budget is determined by headcount.  As expected, elementary schools with their new math, reading, and workbooks (consumables) costs a great of money.  Principals typically determine how the money is best spent.  They will be moving away from that in the future.

 

There is no curriculum budget for MCAS testing per se.  All classroom books re based on a Mass framework (Design for Learning).  Some schools have gotten grants and mini-grants  that they’ve used to purchase MCAS preparation material.  Study Island is an example.

Fiona asked if parents had an option to buy text books (or a CD of the text book) that the child could keep at home (giving parents an option to donate it to the school at year end).  Colleen suggested that parents call the publisher directly.  She will prepare a list of all the text books used, the publisher, and the representative.

 

A comment was made that the Wollaston budget for paper and supplies was frozen.  Colleen thought that the money is probably all spent  -- she does not control the supply budget. 

 

Colleen answered a question about how Title I money is directed:  it can only go to Title I schools.  Quincy’s are Snug Harbor, Lincoln Hancock and Clifford Marshall.

 

A comment was made that a student teacher at NQH had taken over the course.  Colleen remarked that student teachers typically come in for a two week time frame under the supervision of the existing teacher.  She would look into it.

 

A question was posed about the success of the Trophies program.  (Trophies is a reading system that has three tiered interventions built in.)  Edie brought it in from a No Child Left Behind grant.  It has had a huge impact on our children.  All schools are using the same books using the same five foundations of reading, with pacing guides for the teachers.  From the dibble (?) scores and standardized reading tests for grades 2 and 3, we see dramatic improvement over the school year.  All schools also use the same math books, with the same scope, sequencing and pacing guides.  MCAS made sure that everyone is on the same page. 

 

Another question raised the issue of teaching cursive in Quincy.  Colleen thought that it is taught in the third grade.  Occupational therapists recommended the D’Nealian method of teaching cursive.  Handwriting isn’t taught as a subject itself, rather, it is taught as part of the mechanics of writing.

 

A question was asked about what the city is doing for advanced students.  Colleen noted that not enough challenging is going on.  She also commented that plans for a Social Studies MCAS have been delayed for two years.  And also noted that budget cuts, starting from the outside (of Dr. Christofaro’s circle) moving in, implies that there are “extra” things that can be eliminated.  Budget cuts of 50% in curriculum are huge.  It impacts the books for grade 3 science, high school and middle school language, middle school science, etc.  No one likes the options.  There were no more questions.

 

Citywide then approved March 9 minutes.  There was no Treasurer’s report and no activity.  Citywide typically spends money from dues on Senior Stay Outs, School Committee elections.

 

Nominations were held with the following results:  Kathy Hubler is next year’s President;  Susan Bill is Vice President; Deirdre Small is Secretary;  Kathy Bell is Treasurer.

 

Erin provided an update on the proposed cold weather recess policy.  Joann Bragg worded the policy  to indicate that children should not recess outside when the temperature is above 90 degrees or when the temperature and/or wind chill is less than 20 degrees based on Child Care Weather Watch guidelines.  A discussion ensued about what television station would be used if the policy would include a humidity index.

 

Upcoming events:    Making a Difference on Underage Drinking May 4, 2009.  Time/Location:7:00 pm, North Quincy High School Auditorium.  Contact: Quincy Public School’s Health Services Team

 

Bullying and Cyber-bullying  presented by MARC (Mass Aggression Regression Center housed at Bridgewater State).  May 12th Symposium at the Quincy Marriott Hotel.  Letters of invitation will be sent out to all schools.  Attendees will be trained in interpreting student behaviors and interventions. They will be given materials and knowledge which they can then return to their schools with and which they can use to train their colleagues. Schools should select attendees who are willing and able to successfully train their colleagues.   Contact Carol Dumas.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm.