Meeting called to order at 7:20 PM.  

Schools represented: BMMS, QPAC, Beechwood Knoll, Bernazzani, Central, AP, Merrymount, Montclair, NQHS, Parker, Point Webster, QHS, Squantum and Wollaston.

December meeting’s minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s report – Handout distributed and approved.  Noted that some schools have dues outstanding.

Ken McPhee, QPS Director of Security and Transportation, gave a presentation and answered questions. 

Mr. McPhee gave an update of the current lockdown training and protocol, noting that any interested parent is welcome to make arrangements to attend and observe a practice lockdown, which are scheduled at each school, twice/year.  His department is creating a training tape, using Atlantic MS.  He also emphasized his intention to assure parents and make them aware that staff and students are well prepared, that training is ongoing, and that procedures are current.  In response to a question about a recent actual reverse lockdown at Wollaston, he noted that because of the timing (dismissal) some students were not brought back into the school.  Maureen Lynch noted that as a substitute she has been very impressed with students’ compliance to lockdown protocols. 

Mr. McPhee indicated that security equipment in schools is steadily being replaced and updated where needed.  Barbara Isola asked about communication systems, procedures for locking doors after school hours, and caller ID on school phones.  Problems with faulty communication systems at Sterling, LH and Central are being addressed.  There are bi-monthly checks of door locks.  There is no uniform time at schools for locking doors after the regular school day ends and extra activities take place.  There is some vulnerability caused by the need to have reasonable access for students and staff and, at the high schools, to have some flexibility for security guards. As new phone systems are installed, caller ID will be active on all phones.  

Regarding busses, Mr. McPhee vehemently countered a recent TV news report by Hank Phillipi Ryan stating that Quincy used unsafe busses.  He explained the new RMV procedures now keep busses out of service for problems that are not safety-related (ex. dents, body rot) and that Quincy adheres to the procedures.  Compliance caused some disruptions when the RMV began inspections and has required some schedule adjustments.  There are 41 busses; 2-3 (average) are out of service any day.  Bill payment for bus parts is now streamlined to Jim Mullaney’s office to assure no delay. Regarding bus service, Mr. McPhee noted that QPS runs its system and therefore knows and is more confident with the people who are responsible for 9000 students/day.  There are service problems, particularly with a substitute driver, in bad weather, or with heavy traffic.  Parents should call his office with any problems or with a request to change a bus stop.  In response to a parent’s inquiry about parent volunteers as bus monitors, Mr. McPhee explained that there are paid monitors on SPED busses and that there would likely be a union objection to volunteer positions.  Mr. McPhee indicated that concerns and questions about crossing guards should be addressed to Gerry Gardner, QPD. 

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTS

Maureen Lynch reported that she and Kathy Bell represented Citywide at the January 9^th meeting held at Merrymount School.  The meeting included the following: 

            -Principal Ann Pegg welcomed the committee and spoke about her schools’ recent accomplishments and activities.

            -  The superintendent’s report included a DOE grant and the health services newsletter.    -  The Merrymount and Central School Assessment Teams reported. 

            -  The Superintendent reported that Keith Segalla has been appointed Director of Career and Technical Education. 

Bonnie Marcel attended the January 23^rd meeting but was not present.  A copy of meeting minutes was circulated. 

Roseann Russell attended the February 6^th meeting, which included the following: 

-          The Superintendent noted that principals Don Houghton (Squantum School) and Alan Osborne (Snug Harbor) would retire in June.  Student athlete accomplishments include Emily Milone (NQHS) to play Div I soccer at Mercer, Rebecca Gorham (NQHS) and Doug Scott (QHS) each scoring their 1000^th point in basketball. 

-          The CASASTART program, in which 2 social workers work closely with families of students identified as likely to dropout, has been implemented and shows success at Snug Harbor and Broadmeadows.  Four more years of funding has been awarded from the Dept. of Public Health.

-          The Grant Administration Information booklet for the current year was distributed and reviewed.

-          Janet Powell noted that there are +/- 222 homeless students in QPS.

-          Concerns about public election voting at schools will be discussed and possible action, to be made before the fall, may include schedule changes.

-          The next meeting will include an executive session to continue negotiations about the outstanding union contracts.

-          Budget is being watched closely.  Custodian overtime is high because of summer work moving the administration departments and implementing Honeywell energy improvements. 

Roseann Russell announced that Nick Puleo had been elected to the School Committee at the joint convention.

Old Business – The NQHS reps reported that a committee including SC Ann Mahoney, SC Nick Puleo, SC Dave McCarthy, Supt. DiCristofaro, parents Tracey Cristello, Barbara Isola and Patti Leahy and Councilor Brian McNamee would meet concerning traffic at NQHS.  NQHS Citywide reps’ opinion is that the situation has reached a point that will result in significant action. 

The new assistant Superintendent, Ritchie O’ Brien will be our guest speaker at the Citywide March 10^th meeting. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.