Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – January 24, 2018
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
January 24, 2018 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent
DeCristofaro called the roll and present were School Committee Chair
Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. James DeAmicis,
Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Mr. Michael Draicchio, Dr. Beth Hallett, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy
Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms.
Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla; Quincy Education Association President
Allison Cox; Citywide Parents Council Co-Presidents Scott Alessandro and
Courtney Perdios; and QHS Student Representative Timothy Nguyen.
School Committee Member Mr. Paul Bregoli was absent.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
12.6.2017
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for December 6, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Organizational Meeting Minutes Approved 1.10.2018
Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeAmicis to approve the
Organizational Meeting minutes for January 10, 2018. On a voice vote, ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
Mr. Scott Alessandro, Citywide Parent Council Co-President welcomed the new
School Committee members and Mrs. Lebo’s election as School Committee ViceChair. The Citywide Parent Council is looking forward to working with Mayor
Koch and School Committee on the important issues common to parents and
students and the School Committee.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with Inspire Quincy,
featuring the BOKS program, Sterling Middle School Healthy eating, Substance Use
Prevention Week, the Girls Rising Leadership Initiative at Lincoln Hancock
Community School, Point Webster Students of the Month, and Kindness Rocks at
Lincoln Hancock Community School.
Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile presented on the
Substance Use Prevention Week sponsored by the Mayor’s Office. Events were
scheduled for January 2-5 at both high schools, including speakers and other
events. Health Fairs at both schools were postponed by the snowstorm on
January 4, 2018. The Health Information fairs will be rescheduled for the week
prior to February vacation. Thanks to Mayor Koch and the Peter Thompson
Family for the support and funding.
Mayor Koch arrived at 6:45 p.m.
Commissioner of Public Buildings Paul Hines presented on the January 4, 2018
storm impact on the Quincy Public Schools facilities. The flooding at Broad
Meadows Middle School was a unique event, astronomically high tide was 15 feet
high and compressed the fill around the school building. The National Grid
transformer vault (flooded by 9 feet of water) and boiler room (flooded by 6 feet
of water) and front of auditorium (flooded by 2 feet through the ventilation
system) are all below sea level. Mobile boilers were secured along with
emergency generators as soon as possible and this prevented any further damage
from pipes freezing in the extreme cold. Restoration services were fully
completed within two weeks, mechanical contractors and manufacturing aligned,
and the school was only closed for one day (Monday, January 8, 2018). The efforts
of the Public Buildings and Maintenance staff, National Grid, outside contractors,
and the Quincy Fire Department Emergency Management are to be commended.
A long-term goal will be to raise the level of the boiler room above the flood level;
a request for emergency funding has been filed with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority.
On behalf of Principal Gilbert, the students, families, and staff of Broad Meadows
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mr. Hines, his staff, the outside contractors, and all who
responded to this crisis and ensured that the damage was as limited as possible.
Mr. Gutro asked if there were any classrooms flooded and whether there are
concerns about further issues developing over time, such as mold. Mr. Hines said
only the auditorium was affected, the floor and walls are concrete, the organic
wooden materials on the front of the stage have been removed; the boiler room
and vault are concrete block so will not be conducive to mold growth. Mr. Hines
said that the cold weather was in our favor in this case, the water that entered the
building was ocean water, so no contamination from street debris.
Mrs. Lebo noted that a letter from Department of Health Commissioner Scheele
was shared with School Committee. Mrs. Lebo said that one of the Broad
Meadows neighbors notified Principal Gilbert of the flooding in the neighborhood
and this led to the quick response.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Parks Department and the Department of Public
Works for their response with clearing the snow from school parking lots and
sidewalks throughout the city. Transportation services were impacted for the
Pre-Kindergarten for the weeks of January 8 and January 15. 15 mini-buses were
damaged by the storm and subsequent extremely cold weather. Vehicles from
other city departments were used to transport students and parent assistance
secured as needed. Thanks to the Department of Public Works mechanics for their
efforts in restoring the mini-buses to service and the Quincy Police Department
for their assistance in directing traffic around the Pre-Kindergarten locations. The
Superintendent’s Leadership Team has worked to revise bus routes several times,
the bus drivers have been flexible with the revised routes. The bus repairs will
have an impact on the budget and the details will be shared at the January 31
Budget & Finance Subcommittee.
Mrs. Hubley asked what caused the damage to the buses. Dr. DeCristofaro said
that for most of the buses, the electrical systems were affected by the storm surge.
Mr. Gutro asked for clarification about where the bus yard is located, in Squantum
behind the Senior Center. At a future meeting, would like to discuss what other
assets are in the flood zone, including school buildings.
Dr. DeCristofaro said four or five min-buses are still not in service, but all students
are being transported at this time on revised routes.
Mayor Koch said that the communication between the department chairs was
tremendous, Paul Hines’s immediate response saved both the Senior Center and
the Broad Meadows Middle School. Mayor Koch is very proud of our public
employees and the efforts of so many departments. Mayor Koch said that there
will be future discussions about a different site for the bus yard.
Mr. DeAmicis asked if in previous years, were there plans in place to move the
buses to a different location. Dr. DeCristofaro said that during the 2015 winter,
the buses were moved to Pageant Field, but this has not been implemented since.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the New School Committee Member Orientation held
with Mr. Gutro and Mr. Andronico on Saturday, January 6.
School~Community Partnership Events Update: A Matter of Heart provides for
CPR/AED training for Grade 8 students across the city, in partnership with
Brewster Ambulance. During the week of February 5-9, all Grade 8 students will
have an introductory lesson on CPR. On Saturday, February 10 a Full Certification
CPR/AED course will be offered for all Grade 8 students and parents at Central
Middle School.
The SPLASH program for Grade 2 students learning to swim is ongoing on
Tuesday afternoons in partnership with the South Shore YMCA, Tuesday
afternoons. All elementary schools will rotate through for 6 weeks over the
course of the school year, two schools per session. Read Across America events
will be held at elementary schools the week of February 26-March, in honor of Dr.
Seuss’s birthday. Other March Partnership events include the Grade 5 Student
Council Leadership event on March 8, the Credit for Life Fair on March 29 for high
school seniors and the annual Partnership Breakfast on March 31.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted the following Student Recognitions for the fall:
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Boston Globe Fall Athletic All-Stars and All Scholastics; (*) indicates Patriot
Ledger All Star as well. Cross-Country: All-Stars Devin Hiltunen (NQHS),
Ronan Kelley (NQHS), Abby Murphy* (QHS), Maeve White (NQHS);
Football: All Stars Ty Finn (NQHS), Tim Layden (NQHS), Nelson Walinjom
(NQHS), Jamal Williams* (QHS); Golf: All-Star Tom Kelley (NQHS);
Soccer: All Scholastic and Patriot League MVP Vanjel Gjergo* (NQHS); AllStars Doug Brown (NQHS), Isabel Doherty* (QHS), Jillian Hallisey (NQHS),
Kevin O’Shea (QHS), Gredi Zyba (QHS); Volleyball: All-Stars Shannon Foley*
(QHS), Julia Klincewicz (NQHS), Aleksandra Qose* (NQHS), Sharon Yang
(NQHS)
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Quincy High School student Daniel Hagborg (Clarinet) was selected as a
member of the Massachusetts Music Educators (MME) Eastern District
Senior Concert Band. Quincy High School students Emily Crosta, Stephen
Hallahan, Aisling Mannion, and Amanda Morris were selected as members
of the MME Eastern District Senior Chorus. These students auditioned for
their places in the Festival Chorus and Band and had the opportunity to
perform under the direction of nationally prominent music educators.
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The Quincy Lions Club Youth Speech Contest was held in December and
this year’s topic was “The Impact of Volunteerism.” Quincy High School
student Jola Laguda placed first and North Quincy High School student
Aymen Sadaka was named the alternate. Ms. Laguda will go on to compete
at the district level and if successful, compete at the statewide event where
five students will each represent different regions of the state.
-
Atlantic’s Young Writers Literary Magazine won the American Scholastic
Press Association’s First Place Award for Most Outstanding Intermediate
School Literary-Art Magazine for 2017.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that Quincy Public Schools recently received a donation of
$24,000 from Reebok International to fund the BOKS before school education
program. This is the third year of four-year grant and the program is held at all
elementary and middle school sites.
A Topping Off Ceremony was held on December 16 for the new Southwest Quincy
middle school, hosted by members of the Junior Building Committee. Executive
Director Jack McCarthy from the MSBA was present at the event along with
representatives from the City’s architect Ai3, the project construction firm Bond,
and owner’s project manager PCA 360.
Two Parent Academies were held on in January, the first was on educating parents
and community members about teen vaping and the second, held at the monthly
Citywide Parent Council meeting was on preparing students for MCAS.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that Mr. Michael Marani has been appointed as
Principal of the Snug Harbor Community School. Mr. Marani was previously the
Assistant Principal at Snug Harbor for four years. Ms. Diane Babcock has been
appointed Assistant Principal at the Snug Harbor Community School. Ms. Babcock
has been a Language Development Teacher at both Atherton Hough and Parker
Elementary Schools. Both Mr. Marani and Ms. Babcock have been acting
administrators in these roles since August 2017.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that Home School Connections
were shared with School Committee: Atlantic monthly newsletter, Broad
Meadows and Point Webster curriculum newsletters.
§
Old Business
2018-2019 School
Committee Meeting
Calendar & School
Year Calendar
Both the School Committee Meeting Calendar for 2018-2019 and the School Year
Calendar for 2018-2019 were on the table for discussion. These will both be
posted for public comment and voted on at the next School Committee meeting on
February 7, 2018.
§
New Business
2017-2018 Assessment
Calendar
Director of Special Education Erin Perkins, Senior Curriculum Director Madeline
Roy, and Curriculum Director Beth Hallett presented an overview of the
development process for the 2017-2018 Assessment Calendar. The calendar
integrates the state-mandated MCAS and ACCESS testing with district assessments
used for school-level decisions about individual student educational needs.
Each fall, elementary students are assessed through DIBELS Next, the
Developmental Reading Inventory (DRA), and the Measures of Academic Progress
(MAP). All benchmark data is reviewed during Integrated Learning Team
meetings where individual plans are created to meet student needs, including 3-
tiered interventions. At the middle school level, end of chapter assessments from
the core ELA, Mathematics, and Science curriculum are used, along with the MAP
Benchmarks and iReady Diagnostic tests. At the high school level, teachers use
formative assessments throughout the term. The MCAS retest also is scheduled in
November for ELA and Mathematics.
During the Winter, elementary students are progress monitored through the
DIBELS Next assessment. Middle school students are assessed through MAP and
high school students complete mid-year exam or projects at the conclusion of the
2nd term. English Language Learners are assessed in English proficiency through
the online ACCESS testing.
The Spring administration window has MCAS testing for Grades 3-8 and 10 for
ELA and Mathematics; Grades 5 and 8 for Science/Technology/Engineering; and
Grade 10 Biology. At the elementary and middle school levels, Mini-Integrated
Learning Team meetings occur between benchmarking periods and are used to
review progress monitoring data and make adjustments to interventions and
supports as needed. In addition, Quincy Public Schools’ newest students entering
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten are assessed for school readiness in the areas
of gross and fine motor development and pre-academic skills. For Grade 8
students, high school course level recommendations are created at the end of the
2nd term. For the high schools, Grade 10 students will also participate in a
mandatory online field test, in anticipation of DESE’s transition to online testing in
2019. High school juniors and seniors will take Advanced Placement exams in 19
subjects; SATs are scheduled throughout the spring. The year ends with
culminating final exams in the last week of high school.
Many staff members participate in the planning and execution of the QPS
Assessment Calendar, it is a collaboration of the Superintendent’s Leadership
Team, Principals, Teachers, Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Student Support and
Academic Teams, Grade-Level, Departmental, and Vertical Teams. Quincy Public
Schools educational philosophy is centered around Student Learning with a
continuous cycle of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.
Mr. Gutro said that as a parent, he is glad to hear that standardized tests are not
the only means of measurement of student achievement but is concerned that
other than the MCAS, there isn’t formal notification of these assessments being
scheduled. At the elementary and middle school level, many of these assessments
are used to individualize instruction and would be discussed for students with
interventions. The MAP student profile report is being shared with parents at the
elementary level. Since the MAP is new at the middle school, the reporting has not
yet been shared with families.
Mr. Gutro suggested that an overview of the assessment picture for students
would be helpful to be shared with parents for each grade. Mr. Gutro also
suggested that standard definitions and timeline be shared with principals and
teachers for conferences and PTO meetings.
Mrs. Lebo asked for clarification on the high school Biology test. It can be taken as
a retest in February or as an initial test in June. Mrs. Lebo requested that SATs be
added to the Assessment calendar, also noted that some school districts are now
administering SATs during the school day.
§
New Business
Elementary School
Technology Initiative
Executive Director of Instructional Technology Keith Segalla reviewed the Mayor’s
Technology Initiative. In preparation for the upcoming online testing for Grades 4
and 5 for MCAS, an analysis was performed and funding appropriated to ensure
that a device will be available for each student at each tested grade level. The
average ratio of computers to the total school population is no more than five
students for each computer at the elementary school level, with some schools
having lower ratios. Increased student access to the devices will allow for preassessment familiarity and reduce the number of days dedicated to testing at the
larger elementary schools.
Mr. Gutro asked if this remedied the concerns about the increased demand for
online testing. Mr. Segalla said this will ensure that on testing days, each
elementary student will be testing on a familiar device. At the middle school level,
the larger schools currently have a higher than optimal ratio which will hopefully
be addressed during the upcoming budget season.
Mayor Koch thanked Mrs. Perdios for her initiative in reaching out to him. PTOs
should not have to raise money
Mrs. Lebo thanked the Mayor for his appropriation and asked for clarification
whether the Grade 4 and 5 students test on different days, which they do. Mrs.
Lebo sked Mr. Segalla for a benchmark of the most favorable ratio of students to
computers for future planning.
§
New Business
MSBA Core SOI:
Squantum Elementary
School (Vote)
Mayor Koch made a motion to support the submission of the Core Program
Statement of Interest for the Squantum Elementary School.
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, prior to
the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, bylaws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to
submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest
Form dated April 6, 2018 for the Squantum Elementary School located at 50
Huckins Avenue, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the
following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may
be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority 7: Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to
provide for a full range of programs consistent with the state and
approved local requirements.
Description of Deficiencies for Priority 7: The Squantum Elementary
School was built in 1919 and an addition constructed in 1971. In fortysix years, it has not received any substantial upgrades or improvements
to the infrastructure or to the interior/exterior structures. Although
the custodial and maintenance staffs are attentive to this building’s
operational needs, a large portion of Squantum’s mechanical, electrical,
and plumbing systems were installed during the original construction
of the facility. Aside from the improvements needed to the physical
plant, educational components crucial for 21st century elementary
schools are lacking, specifically classrooms equipped for the integration
of educational technology and STEM concepts integral for standardsbased instruction for regular education, Special Education, and English
Language Learner students. Squantum’s nurse’s office, student support
staff offices, cafeteria/ gymnasium, and media center are all undersized
and under-equipped by modern educational standards.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of
Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any
other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or
commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a role call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mr.
Bregoli was absent.
§
MSBA ARP SOI:
F.W. Parker
Elementary School
Boiler (Vote)
Mayor Koch made a motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair
Program Statement of Interest for replacement of the boiler at the F.W. Parker
Elementary School.
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, prior to the
closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws,
and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to
the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated
February 16, 2018 for the F.W. Parker Elementary School located at 148 Billings
Road, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following
deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted
to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility
systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to
increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school
facility.
Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The F.W. Parker Elementary
School was built in 1917 and renovated in 1955 and 1995. Given the
innovations in HVAC technology since the building renovation was
completed, the F.W. Parker Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be
substantially improved by the installation of a replacement boiler.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of
Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any
other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or
commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a role call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mr.
Bregoli was absent.
§
MSBA ARP SOI:
Point Webster Middle
School Windows & Doors
(Vote)
Mayor Koch made a motion to support the submission of the Accelerated Repair
Program Statement of Interest for replacement of the windows and doors at the
Point Webster Middle School.
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, prior to
the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, bylaws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to
submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest
Form dated February 16, 2018 for the Point Webster Middle School located at
60 Lancaster Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the
following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be
submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility
systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to
increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school
facility.
Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Point Webster Middle School
was built in 1917 and renovated in 1998. Given the innovation in window
manufacturing technology since the building renovation was completed, the
Point Webster Middle School’s energy efficiency would be substantially
improved by the installation of replacement windows. New replacement
windows would also increase the amount of natural light entering
classrooms, creating a better learning environment.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of
Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any
other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or
commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
On the motion, Mayor Koch thanked the MSBA, Treasurer Goldberg, and MSBA
Executive Director Jack McCarthy, and the state legislature, Quincy has received
$135 million in reimbursements over the last decade.
Mrs. Lebo also thanked former Treasurer Mr. Timothy Cahill for his role in
creating the MSBA.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a role call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mr.
Bregoli was absent.
§
Gift: $7,500 from the
Randy C. Wolfe Trust
(Vote)
Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the gift of $7,500.00 to benefit the Quincy
Public Schools Music Department from the Randy C. Wolfe Trust. Mr. DeAmicis
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Gift: $3,420 from the
QHS Class of 1954
(Vote)
Mayor Koch made a motion to accept the gift of $3,420.00 from the Quincy High
School Class of 1954 to benefit Boys and Girls Athletics at Quincy High School. Mr.
Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Lebo asked that acknowledgment be sent on behalf of the School Committee.
§
New Business
Overnight Travel
(In-State)
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the February 9-11, 2018 Overnight Travel
(In-State) of Quincy High School to the Boston University Model UN Conference in
Boston, Massachusetts. The motion was seconded by Mr. Andronico and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the March 9-11, 2018 Overnight Travel
(In-State) of Quincy High School to the Massachusetts Association of Student
Council Conference in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The motion was seconded by Mr.
DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the April 6-10, 2018 Out of State Travel
(Overnight) of North Quincy High School AFJROTC to Yorktown, Virginia. Mr.
DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the March 16-19, 2018 Out of State Travel
(Overnight) of North Quincy & Quincy High School Robotics to FRC Robotics
Competition, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut. Mr. Andronico seconded
the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of the Country
Travel
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to approve the April 10-21, 2018 Out of the Country
Travel of North Quincy High School Robotics to Paris and Bourges, France. Mr.
Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: Regular Meetings on February 7, March 7,
and March 21, 2018 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 pm.
Subcommittee Meetings will be held on January 31, 2018: Budget & Finance at
6:00 pm and Teaching & Learning at 6:15 pm. Teaching & Learning meetings will
also be held on February 28 and March 28 at 6:00 pm. On March 14, 2018, the
Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee will meet at 6:00 pm and the Facilities &
Security Subcommittee will meet at 6:30 pm.
Mrs. Lebo noted that the QHS Science Fair is at 5:30 pm on February 7, 2018.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Lebo noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.
Policy
Subcommittee
Mrs. Hubley reviewed the Policy Subcommittee meeting held on January 17, 2018.
Drafts of the 2018-2019 School Committee Meeting and School Year Calendars
were shared and moved back to the full School Committee for consideration.
As there were no corrections, the meeting minutes for the January 17, 2918 Policy
Subcommittee were approved as presented.
§
Special Education
Subcommittee
Mr. Andronico reviewed the Special Education Subcommittee meeting held on
January 17, 2018. The meeting featured the annual Special Education Rights &
Responsibilities presentation, along with a review of the Special Education
Program Pathways.
As there were no corrections, the meeting minutes for the January 17, 2018
Special Education Subcommittee were approved as presented.
§
Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
§
Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:15 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.