HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 09/25/2020Approved 12-08-2020
Return to Hybrid Subcommittee (now called "Returning and Learning" subcommittee) rT'jIFFICE
Meeting Minutes 9/25/2020
Attendees: Lauren Scher, Linda Fernando, Teresa Murphy, Mike Connolly
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1) Approval of Minutes from 08-27-20
2) New Business
• Health and safety update:
o Provisioned to have the most up to date health and safety information. The
information Christine has sent that includes COVID rates in Mansfield and
surrounding towns has been helpful.
o Wipes have been an issue. Have had to order smaller sizes due to supply issues —
but would prefer the larger bulk wipes.
o Goggles/Face shields have been ordered.
o Have been developing inventory and protocols for requests — office assistance
with each of the schools to fine tune the requested facilities.
o HVAC —final report was supposed to be submitted Wednesday or Thursday. Staff
will want to take a look at. However, much of the concerns in the report have
been addressed.
o Custodial staff —There have been some retirements. On staff member has been
replaced and the district is still hiring one more. Two temporary custodial
helpers have been retained for the year.
o The district is still waiting on additional furniture and equipment, however, there
is enough furniture to make do with what we have.
o Tents with not sides will be set up at QMS and Robinson courtyards, at the front
of the school at MHS. A already has shade structures. It is unclear whether A will
add tents.
o There will be designated mask break area outside of the classroom
• Staffing and planning for hybrid implementation
o The district has had to hire a music teacher at QMS and JJ as well as quite a few
paraprofessionals to fill long term leaves, resignations, and retirements. To
temporarily fill the gap, part-time paraprofessionals are taking on additional
hours.
Substitute teachers. There's a thought about organizing a sub/para teacher
recruiting fair to encourage people to apply. The district is working to get the
word out.
o One of the biggest challenges of staying open is the availability of substitutes.
The state has had to provide a lot of waivers, including increasing the amount of
Approved 12-08-2020
time a teacher can teach outside of their license. Mansfield's need for
substitutes is not unusual.
o Some vacancies are due to staff needing to have a fully remote day.
o There are some staff who are in quarantine right now. They are healthy and can
still work. However, when students are in the classrooms, substitutes will need
to be overseeing their learning.
o During cold and flu season, there may be at a point where not enough
substitutes and there would be a need for moving to remote.
o Have increased the rate for paraprofessionals and teacher substitutes.
o There is a need for promotional materials.
• Technology update
o Will make the section of the previous school committee meeting recording that
discussed technology concerns available to families. Some technology issues may
be due to different service providers at home. Some people had poor reception
of school committee meeting.
o There's no evidence that Chromebooks are worse.
o The Google Enterprise upgrade may be a strain but offers great features.
. Communication and outreach
Need to point people to the Returning and Learning website. Not as well -used as
it could be. At least 3 occasions, the school committee has posed questions that
are on the Returning and Learning site.
3) Any items not anticipated by the Chairperson 48 Hours prior to this meeting
None