Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at
6:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr.
Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Chair. Also attending were
Superintendent Richard DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Dr. Beth Hallett, Ms.
Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
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Dr. DeCristofaro presented on Challenges & Opportunities, an annual review of enrollment data
that informs budget development, staffing, and program placement. In reviewing the overall
district enrollment, over 10 years, there has been growth of 500 students. The first cohort of
Full-Day Kindergarten is now in Grade 11 and 51% of that grade have attended Quincy Public
Schools since Kindergarten.
In comparing between last year and this year, there has been an increase in Pre-K students and
growth at the high school levels, while elementary and middle school totals were relatively level.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the Quincy students attending other schools, roughly 10% of the
school-age population attend private or charter schools. Mr. Gutro asked if there was any trend
about this population, Dr. DeCristofaro said this number has been relatively flat for five years.
Mr. Gutro asked for more detail on the Special Education outside placement types and the tuition
costs associated with each.
Mr. Bregoli asked about GOALS, the students are not counted in the enrollment of their district
high schools. Mrs. Lebo clarified that the GOALS students’ MCAS scores are counted towards
their district high school.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed elementary class size, on the small end are the Kindergarten and
Grade 5 at Atherton Hough. On the higher end of the spectrum are the Kindergartens at Lincoln
Hancock with 23 and 24 students in each class. The review of class sizes will inform budget and
staffing and classes will be added and subtracted as needed from school sites.
Mrs. Hubley asked if Lincoln Hancock has the space to create an additional Grade 1 class and Dr.
DeCristofaro said it is possible if we think creatively.
Mr. Bregoli asked about redistricting, for example, given the enrollment at Atherton Hough,
should there be a consideration of moving students from Merrymount. Mr. Bregoli asked about
the subcommittee for redistricting, there was a presentation several years ago on options and no
action taken at that time.
In reviewing elementary site profiles, Dr. DeCristofaro noted the growth of the CARES program
at Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center. If there is a need for additional classrooms, there is
space at Point Webster Middle School now that Food Services is moving to North Quincy High
School over the summer. Mr. Bregoli noted that the Pre-Kindergarten CARES program has
doubled in size over the last two years.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the site profiles for each elementary, middle, and high schools, there
were no areas of major concerns about enrollment trends or capacity. Details about Open
Enrollment were shared for each level, along with class sizes.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the St. Mary’s property and the timeframe for a new school there. Dr.
DeCristofaro said there hasn’t yet been any discussion about the timeline.
Mr. Gutro noted that the MSBA has minimum dimensional requirements for classrooms and
asked about the size of the school that can be sited there. Dr. DeCristofaro said he will consult
with Mayor Koch to provide further information.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the district maps, these are available electronically and can be shared
with School Committee.
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Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 pm. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.