1. Public Comment (3 Minutes):

2. Student School Committee Report:

3. Presentation of the Records for Approval:

• June 21, 2022 Regular Meeting
• June 28, 2022 Special Meeting
• June 30, 2022 Special Meeting

4. Reconsiderations:
None

5. Unfinished Business/Calendar:
#22-161: CPS Non-Discrimination Policy Updates: | Joint Motion by Member Bhambi, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Chair Rachel

WHEREAS: Cambridge Public School students and School Committee members have been working to update Cambridge Public Schools' Non-Discrimination Policy; and

WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Schools' Non-Discrimination Policy is due for updating in the interests of accuracy and clarity; and

WHEREAS: The School Committee has revised the policy with input from Cambridge Public School students; Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: The revised policy now states: (see attachment)

 

6. Awaiting Reports:
None

7. Superintendent’s Agenda:

7a. Superintendent's Update:
None
7b. Presentations:

Strategic Plan Update: Discussion of Strategic Objectives
Dr. Victoria L. Greer, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Lyndsay Brown, Chief Strategy Officer

7c. CPS District Plan:
None

7d. Consent Agenda:
#22-168 Recommendation: Approval of Family & Medical Leave, Parental Leave & Small Necessities Leave Policy (First Reading)
#22-169 Recommendation: Approval of the Policy Regarding Use of Electronic Signatures (First Reading)
#22-170 Recommendation: Approval to Retain the Law Firm of Morgan, Brown & Joy
#22-171 Recommendation: Appproval of a Request from the School Committee to the Election Commission for Mailing Addresses
#22-172 Recommendation: Contract Award: Lesley University: Instructional Services
#22-173 Recommendation: Contract Award: Breakthrough Greater Boston: Educational Services
#22-174 Recommendation: Contract Award: Cambridge School Volunteers: Educational Services
#22-175 Recommendation: Contract Award: City Sprouts: Educational Services
#22-176 Recommendation: Contract Award: Cambridge Housing Authority: Educational Services
#22-177 Recommendation: Contract Award: Tutoring Plus of Cambridge, Inc.: Educatinal Support
#22-178 Recommendation: Contract Award: UAspire: Educational Services
#22-179 Recommendation: Contract Award: IHealth Labs, Inc.: Covid-19 Self-Test Kits
#22-180 Recommendation: PJ Systems d/b/a HiQ Computers: Computer Hardware
#22-181 Recommendation: Contract Award: PowerSchool GroupLLC: Computer Softward
#22-182 Recommendation: Contract Award: Follett School Solutins: Computer Software
#22-183 Recommendation: Contract Award: Brightly Software: Computer Software
#22-184 Recommendation: Contract Award: BCM Controls Corporation: Security Maintenance
#22-185 Recommendation: Contract Award: Horan Communications: Consulting Services
#22-186 Recommendation: Contract Award: ThinkLaw: Professional Development
#22-187 Recommendation: Contract Award: Trustees of Boston College: Professional Development
#22-188 Recommendation: Contract Award: New England Estate Development, Inc.: Lease of Office Space-Amended
#22-189 Recommendation: Contract Award: Creative Office Pavilion: Office Furniture
#22-191 Recommendation: Contract Award: Cambridge Public Health: Nursing Services
#22-192 Recommendation: Contract Award: New England Ice Cream Corp.: Milk Products
#22-193 Recommendation: Contract Award: Mansfield Paper Company: Food Service Paper Products
#22-194 Recommendation: Contract Award: Fantini Baking Company: Bread Products
#22-195 Recommendation: Contract Award: Ace Endico New England: Groceries
#22-196 Recommendation: Contract Award: Kittredge Equipment: Food Service Equipment
#22-197 Recommendation: Contract Award: Interpreters & Translators, Inc.: Translation Srevices
#22-198 Recommendation: Contract Award: Burgess Pest Management: Fy23 Pest Management
#22-199 Recommendation: Contract Award: Day & Residential Program Services not Available from the Cambridge School Department
#22-200 Recommendation: Gifts/Miscellaneous Receipts

8. Non-Consent Agenda:
None

9. School Committee Agenda (Policy Matters/Notifications/Requests for Information):
#22-201: HBCU Early College | Joint Motion by Mayor Siddiqui, Member Wilson

WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Schools have a 70 percent persistence rate of students remaining enrolled in college, their first year (Class of 2018), and only 50 percent of students enrolled in a post-secondary education program attained a degree (Class of 2015); and

WHEREAS: According to the Cambridge Community Foundation’s Equity and Innovation Report: The State of Black Cambridge, only 33.5 percent of Black adults over the age of twenty-five in Cambridge have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in comparison to other race and culture groups who range from 51 percent to 92 percent; and

WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Schools has been designated as an early college district by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and has made significant investments in providing resources and opportunities for students to attend college and attain a degree through its Early College Initiative; and

WHEREAS: Kyrk Morris is the Founder of Citizens of the World, Inc., a non-profit agency which provides education and recreation experiences for youth and adults, provided college tours to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) including, Cheyney University, Lincoln University, Morgan State, Coppin State, Bowie State, Howard University, The University of the District of Columbia, and Delaware State University for students to stay overnight in those cities, meet with alumni, and understand the college experience before applying; and

WHEREAS: On April 18-22, 2022, 20 students from Cambridge and 34 students in total went on the tour and from the exposure many of them plan to apply to one or more of the schools visited; and

WHEREAS: Citizens of the World, Inc raised roughly $29,000 primarily from community members through their GoFundMe campaign; and

WHEREAS: The cost for each student is about $750, which includes meals, travel, and hotels; now

therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge Public Schools and Superintendent explore the feasibility of partnering with the Citizens of the World organization and other college and career preparation programs so that more Cambridge Rindge and Latin students can participate in tours of various colleges and universities including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to increase attendance and completion of Cambridge students in college; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge School Committee and Superintendent go on record recognizing Kyrk Morris, of Citizens of the World, Inc, and the amazing adult chaperones who accompanied the 20 students who attended the inaugural HBCU tour in spring 2022.

#22-202: Afterschool Transportation | Joint Motion by Vice Chair Rachel, Mayor Siddiqui, Member Fantini

WHEREAS: The Superintendent and School Committee have been working with the Department of Human Services Programs to expand access to afterschool programs; and

WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Schools have increased access to space for programs within school buildings, and have recruited district staff to apply for DHSP after-school positions; and

 WHEREAS: A waiting list of over two hundred families remains for city-run after-school programs this school year; and

 WHEREAS: Many students attend afterschool programs run by community partners; and

 WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Schools transportation policy has made extended considerations for students in grades 6-8 beyond the state requirement; and

WHEREAS: The School Committee requested a plan for transporting students to after-school programs last year (21-311, Members Wilson and Fantini); and

WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Schools provided additional funding to community partners last year to address the transportation needs of their participants; and

WHEREAS: The administration has examined options for bus routes and policies, including those outlined in the Student Transportation Assessment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge Public Schools will work with the contracted transportation company to address student transportation this year, including but not limited to allowing students to ride buses that have the capacity, and exploring adding stops along/near existing routes; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the administration will provide the School Committee with an update on related efforts no later than October 31, 2022.

#22-203: Report of the June 27, 2022 Buildings and Grounds Sub-Committee | Motion by Buildings & Grounds Sub-committee

Report of the June 27, 2022 Buildings and Grounds Sub-Committee

10. Resolutions:
#22-204: Jim Maloney Resolution | Joint Motion by Member Fantini, Mayor SiddiquiWHEREAS: James P. Maloney is retiring as Chief Operating Officer following 48 years of service to the City of Cambridge and Cambridge Public Schools (CPS); and

WHEREAS: James P. Maloney is a lifelong Cantabrigian who was educated in the Cambridge public schools, and earned his master’s degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University; and

WHEREAS: James P. Maloney began his career with the City in 1974 when he started as a Junior Budget Analyst in the Finance Department which led to the positions of Administration Analyst in 1976, Budget Analyst in 1978, and Chief Budget Analyst in 1979; and

WHEREAS: James P. Maloney continued to excel and gain experience within the municipal government, becoming an Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs in 1982, and finally, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Cambridge Public Schools in 2002; and

WHEREAS: As the COO, James P. Maloney is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction and vision for the non-academic and operational areas of the Cambridge Public Schools, including information systems and technology, facility planning and management,bstudent support services including safety and security transportation, food and nutrition, and student registration; and

WHEREAS: James P. Maloney brought a wealth of experience from his many years working in municipal government and his deep knowledge of Cambridge to this role, all of which has greatly benefited the students and families of the Cambridge Public Schools; and

WHEREAS: James P. Maloney is a member of the Superintendent's Executive Leadership team and plays a key role in strategic planning, analysis, decision making, and policy development and implementation; and

WHEREAS: During his time as the COO, James P. Maloney provided strategic leadership for major school district restructurings, including the implementation of the Innovation Agenda in 2012, strengthened and improved the function of all the operational areas and led the planning for three new CPS schools, each of which house an elementary and upper school; and

WHEREAS: Most recently, James P. Maloney’s tireless efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the development and implementation of health and safety protocols, enabled the Cambridge Public Schools to successfully reopen schools in the fall of 2020; and

WHEREAS: James P. Maloney’s retirement will allow him to spend more time with his devoted wife, Anne and their two children, Jack and Kate Maloney; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge School Committee go on record thanking Chief Operating Officer James P. Maloney for his 48 years of service to the City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Public Schools, for his wisdom, vision, and guidance through some of this school's most transformative years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and in wishing him a truly happy and joyful retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED: That a formal copy of this Resolution be prepared by the Executive Secretary to the School Committee to be presented to James Maloney.
#22-205: Robin Harris Resolution | Joint Motion by Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Chair Weinstein, Member Wilson: Download Attachment

WHEREAS: Robin Harris worked for the Cambridge Public School District for 22 years as the Principal of the Fletcher Maynard Academy, the Director of Family Engagement, and served two terms as a School Committee Member; and

WHEREAS: Robin has modeled respectful, caring relationships with students, families and educators throughout her service, considered the school community her “second family,” and gave her cell phone number for ready accessibility; and

WHEREAS: Robin championed disrupting and dismantling racism and created favorable conditions for racial equity work such as the Courageous Conversations at FMA; and WHEREAS:  During the pandemic, Robin and family liaisons ensured families had the resources they needed and provided groceries to families; and

WHEREAS: She received several awards during her career, including the Massachusetts Commission of Women Unsung Heroine Award, Cambridge NAACP Educator Award, Cambridge Peace and Justice Award, YWCA Outstanding Women Award, and several other awards; and

WHEREAS: Robin has worked with caregivers to identify, reduce, and remove structural barriers to equitable program access, and to ensure greater and more inclusive caregiver participation; and WHEREAS: Robin’s commitment and contributions are invaluable to CPSD and her legacy will live on in our school community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the School Committee extends a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Robin Harris; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Executive Secretary be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Robin Harris on behalf of the entire School Committee.

#22-206: Joanne Johnson Resolution | Joint Motion by Mayor Siddiqui, Member Fantini

WHEREAS: Joanne Johnson retired from the Cambridge Public Schools on July 30, 2022, after more than thirty years of service to the Cambridge Public School District; and

WHEREAS: Joanne joined the Cambridge Public Schools in 1992, holding numerous positions and retiring as the Operations Assistant; and

WHEREAS: As the Operations Assistant, Joanne was an integral part of the District’s operations including student registration, facilities, transportation, food services, safety and design committees for the CRLS renovation, Putnam Avenue, Cambridge Street, and Vassal Lane; and

WHEREAS: During the last two years, she coordinated the logistics for student and staff COVID testing; and

WHEREAS: Joanne’s commitment, positivity, and legacy are invaluable at CPSD and she will be remembered as a problem solver and change maker; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the School Committee extends a heartfelt congratulations to Joanne Johnson for her dedication and service to the Cambridge community; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Executive Secretary be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Joanne Johnson on behalf of the entire School Committee.

11. Announcements:
None

12. Late Orders:
None

13. Communications and Reports from City Officers:

• Mayor Siddiqui: Communicating Information on Joint CC and SC Ad-Hoc for Universal Pre-K

Updated on 08/04/2022