HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 11/10/2020 (2)Approved 01-12-21 /
Mansfield School Committee
Return to Learning Subcommittee
Minutes for November 10, 2020
A meeting of the Mansfield School Committee Return to Learning subcommittee was opened and called
to order at 8:05am.
Attendees: Lauren Scher, Linda Fernando, Teresa Murphy, Michael Connelly
Approval of Minutes
Tabled minutes from 9/25. Will approve at the next meeting
Old Business
None
New Business
• Update on Hybrid Model
o Want students in at higher numbers based on guidance from DESE
_ Fri
o Currently 1 size fits all timeline
o Robinson teachers have asked for a feasibility study for a change in the hybrid model.
• Issues that would need to be considered including:
• Cleaning protocols
• Additional transportation logistics and expenses
• Potential loss of overall time on in -person learning.
• Food service
• Teacher schedules
• Mike is going to work w Kerri to assess the feasibility.
• They will be looking at neighboring towns to get a better sense at how
alternatives are being implemented, including cleaning protocols between
cohorts.
• They are also reviewing and looking to adapt parent feedback surveys.
• If any changes were to be made to the hybrid model, they wouldn't occur until
January at the earliest.
Virtual remote cohort — There have been more recent requests for movement to virtual. There
are working to move a number of full remote students into virtual learning.
• Need to hire an additional teacher at the HS
Movement to/from hybrid/remote cohorts
o MHS has had to operate remotely this week due to staffing shortages
• Wide -spread absence of staff — not because of vacation, due to quarantining
• COVID cases / need for quarantining has impacted several different
departments
Approved 01-12-21
• There is an expectation that we will need to pivot between models through
school year, as needed, with the goal of prioritizing in -person learning whenever
possible.
• The district administration has been in touch with the Commissioner and DESE
staff. The move to remote was with everyone's knowledge and agreement.
Regarding the feasibility for fully in -person, there would be challenges at Robinson and
MHS
• Robinson: Based on the feasibility study, it is likely that classrooms could
accommodate 21 students at 3ft apart; however, if all remote students wanted
to come back, it would not be feasible.
• MHS: would be a challenge at 3 ft
• Would need to make major changes to class schedules to accommodate
fully in person learning.
• Administration will soon be starting to build the schedule for 2021-22.
communication with the public
• Messages from admin are as clear, coherent, and honest as can be
• There has been a lot of effort involved in communication.
Staffing / substitute concerns
o Staffing is biggest challenge, not only teachers but also substitutes, paraprofessionals,
custodians, facilities, monitors, administrators, bus drivers, etc.
o There is still a dire need for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals.
Parent feedback
o Administration believes that it is time to take a temperature check. School -specific
parent feedback surveys are being developed and will be sent out. Drafts can be shared
with the subcommittee for feedback/suggestions.
Draft description / purpose of subcommittee
o Do we need the original return to school committees need to comeback? Not at this
time.
o Lauren will work with Mike to draft a statement of purpose.
Next meeting date: December 8, 2020 @8am
Meeting adjourned: 9:05 am
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Fernando
School Committee