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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 02/09/2021Approved 03-02-21 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held virtually on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. The open meeting session was called to order by Jenn Walsh at 6:03 pm. Members Present: Administration Present: Kiera O'Neil (6:10 pm) Teresa Murphy, Superintendent of Schools Lynn Cavicchi Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent (Teaching/Learning) Lauren Scher Edward Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent (Finance/Operations) Jenn Walsh Linda Fernando Members Absent: None 'All votes taken by roll call vote *** Roll Call: Kiera O'Neil Lynn Cavicchi aye Jenn Walsh aye Linda Fernando aye Lauren Scher aye Public Speak: Public Speak is open for 15 minutes for anyone who has registered via t-j -} GoToWebinar. ``' I0ro aa. Communications: None Administrative Reports: Superintendent Teresa Murphy spoke on four items. Vaccines for Educators: We still do not have any definitive answers on when staff can receive vaccines. We are hoping that the town will receive the necessary doses so that clinics can run locally. There is a DESE call on Thursday; perhaps we will hear more information. Both Teresa Murphy and MEA rep Scott Cohen signed a letter along with MEA reps and Superintendents in the State urging Governor Baker to speed up vaccines for teachers. NEAP: The National Assessment of Educational Progress was originally scheduled for our grade 8 students. We are pleased to announce that NEAP has backed off from this requirement and no testing will occur this year. Chair Kiera O'Neil arrived at 6:10 pm. Tiered Focus Monitoring: We are audited by DESE every three years. The areas up for review are Special Education, Civil Rights and English Learners. We continue to receive information from DESE and we will prepare accordingly. The actual audit will take place next year. Page 1 of 6 Approved 03-02-21 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar MassCUE Teacher of the Month: Jaime Steinbach is our visual arts teacher at Jordan/Jackson. This year, Jaime took on the role of remote teacher for all specials. She was recently recognized as the February Featured Educator by MassCUE. She has attended as many google classroom meets as possible in order to connect with students, she created safety posters for her school and has made movie trailers for teachers to show in classrooms. She has also learned and used several innovative techniques to engage students. It is her enthusiasm to embrace challenges and turn them into growing experiences that earned Jaime this recognition. Approval of Warrant: Goods & Goods & Goods & Services Salary & Wages Services Salary & Wages Services 21023S 2021-12 21025S 2021.13 21026S 12-8-20 12-11-20 12-22-20 12-24-20 12-29-20 General Fund 323,697.66 1,840,173.70 674,377.22 1,501,407.43 48,975.46 CARES 12,628.60 14,215.66 - 84,864.42 Medicare - 2,323.69 - 2,323.69 - Capital 50,976.94 - 15,379.24 - - Revolving 2,162.12 71,641.47 1,046.84 82,801.81 - Food Service 14,174.59 22,192.84 30,645.33 19,543.26 461.90 Gifts - - 298.82 - - Student Activity 5,264.13 - 955.86 - - Grants 32,630.10 121,511.87 63,566.01 103,335.98 - Prior Year - - 72,262.76 - 1,550.25 $ 441,534.14 $ 2,057,843.57 $ 872,747.74 $ 1,709,412.17 $ 135,852.03 Motion to approve Warrant memo dated 02-02-21 by Linda Fernando / Jenn Walsh Roll Call Vote: Lynn Cavicchi aye Jenn Walsh aye Kiera O'Neil aye Linda Fernando aye Lauren Scher aye Motion Passes: 5-0 Approval of Minutes: Summary of votes - Date 1st 2nd Discuss Vote Roll call Order Y N Open Meeting 08-19-20 LF JW N 4-0-1 Lauren S. (abstained) Linda F. Kiera O. Jenn W. Page 2 of 6 Approved 03-02-21 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Lynn C. Open Meeting 01-26-21 LF JW N 5-0 Lynn C. Jenn W. Kiera O. Linda F. Lauren S. Open Meeting 05-21-20 LF JW N 5-0 Lauren S. Linda F. Kiera O. Jenn W. Lynn C. Student Advisory 11-18-20 LF JW N 5-0 Lynn C. Jenn W. Kiera O. Linda F. Lauren S. Gifts: Superintendent Murphy announced a gift of $4000.00 from Karl Clemmey and family. This money supplements $6000 already received by the family which will be used to provide 10 $1000 scholarships to Mansfield High School seniors. We are very grateful to the Clemmey family who have been very generous to the Mansfield Public Schools. Old Business: Committee Updates: Audit: No update CIP: Lauren Scher and Kiera O'Neil met last week with the overall town CIP group. They went through all of the CIP items and came up with a list of items for department heads. The next meeting will be held on 2/25/21. Matt Jacques, Jim Leonard, Ed Donoghue and Teresa Murphy will present our CIP items. Budget: No update Facilities: No update Policy: No update Returning and Learning: Linda Fernando and Lauren Scher met with Superintendent Murphy and Assistant Superintendent Connolly to discuss the kindergarten back to school plan as well as status of student learning time. New Business: Robinson Back to School Plan for Kindergarten students., Assistant Superintendent Michael Connolly provided an update on the return to school. Health criteria: The numbers look good right now. Community cases are on the decline and transmissions are not occurring in the Robinson School. Our district dashboard is on our Returning and Learning page and constantly updated for anyone to view. A critical component of the return is the upcoming vaccine rollout so we will continue to monitor state plans. The district asks staff, students and staff to keep safe practices in mind over February vacation so that we don't roll back into high numbers. Page 3 of 6 Approved 03-02-21 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Selection Survey: This survey was sent to all kindergarten families on Friday. So far we have a 90% return rate. 86% of families want their students in 5 days per week while 14% would like the virtual remote cohort. Eight remote cohort students will switch to the full 5 days in person. One hybrid student will switch to fully remote. Twenty-three people have not responded and the district will reach out to these families tomorrow, Transportation: The district is working closely with Connolly Bus to prepare for any challenges. Specific items reviewed have been the number of kindergarten students on buses on Wednesday when the A, B and daily cohorts are at home; potential capacity issues; additional ridership as students move from 2 days per week to 5 days per week. We recognize the challenges in place for families and the school but this is one example of the Flexibility we need in order to make the return possible. The Robinson staff will proactively communicate any bus changes to families. Staffing: Mike Connolly and Principal Kerri Sankey will meet with staff tomorrow to discuss any concerns, questions, logistics, specialists, bus arrivals and dismissals, and best practices. Facilities: The Robinson school has reviewed cleaning protocols and schedules, PPE needs and furniture moves (in and out of storage as well as new desks). Facilities expects to be prepared. We have no set date for grade 1 or grade 2 students yet. We Floated a 2 week period between grades but we really want to make sure that we are successful with the kindergarten return. We will be cautious and allow our students and staff to adjust. Questions/Answers: Kiera O'Neil: was the Kindergarten parent meeting well received? Mike felt that it was. There were over 170 staff and families in attendance. We know that there are some people with concerns but overall the response was positive. Lynn Cavicchi: The CDC plans to release additional guidance on education this week. Will we refine the plan if needed? Of course; we will take all recommendations into account. Christine Dooling noted that the MA Department of Health takes all CDC guidance and interprets for the needs of the state. We follow what the DPH recommends. We will adjust accordingly. Lynn also asked Mike to confirm that we are moving kindergarten students only. Mike reiterated that we do not want to put specific timelines out. We want to monitor students and teachers. We will have our counselors provide input as to what they are seeing with our students. Teresa noted that we really need to have a better understanding of the vaccine rollout. Yes, we need students back in the building and that they represent little exposure risk. However, we need to think about our adult staff members. Lauren Scher noted that there are a lot of factors to consider as we bring additional students back: how crowded will our hallways be? Can we manage serving lunch? Will there be any transportation issues? Consideration of Policy; Page 4 of 6 Approved 03-02-21 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Code Title Action Motion Motion Disc Vote Order 1 2 Y N Pest Management Review- LF JW N 5-0 LaurenS. no change Linda F. EBAB Kiera O. Jenn W. Lynn C. FA Facilities Goals Review - No change Management of Change LF JW N 5-0 Lynn C. Facilities use of Jenn W. EC pronouns Kiera O. Linda F. Lauren S. Superintendent Teresa Murphy mid cycle review Annually mid -year, the superintendent provides an update on progress toward goals. Teresa provided an update on each of her goals starting with the student learning goal of providing professional development on inclusion and equity to faculty and staff. One workshop was provided in November with lukewarm responses from staff. As such, a new speaker was found for January. Staff was highly satisfied with this presentation. This goal has been met though district efforts to educate our staff will continue. The district improvement goal of participating in the MA Partnership for Diversity in Education is in progress. Teresa attends monthly meetings and is now part of a subcommittee to create a virtual job fair. Substantial progress has been made on this goal and is on target for completion. The professional practice goal of reading academic papers on diversity and equity is on target for completion. Teresa has read many of the articles referenced in "Guiding Mansfield Forward" a document put together by MHS alumni who had concerns about equity in our schools. Teresa is currently putting together highlights of these articles to share with the leadership team and eventually all staff. Questions / Answers: Linda Fernando asked if Teresa will continue to attend the MPDE meetings. Yes, Teresa will attend all throughout the school year as well as participate in the subcommittee to create a job fair. Linda also encouraged Teresa to continue having conversations with staff. She asked Teresa to define Racial matching. Teresa indicated that this is a practice of matching students to faculty of like backgrounds. Studies have shown that students thrive in these instances. If we cannot find teachers of various ethnic and racial backgrounds, we can work toward guest speakers. Lynn Cavicchi asked if Teresa requested feedback from staff on other professional development topics. Both Mike and Teresa do seek out input from staff. However, reminded the committee that we had limited professional development time once school started and we wanted to focus on diversity and inclusion. There is one additional half day of professional development and we are working with staff on topics. Kiera O'Neil commended Teresa on her great progress especially since we set her goals so late in the year due to COVID. Page 5 of 6 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Approved 03-02-21 Minutes for Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar FY21 3rd quarter unbudgeted COV/D expenses. Ed provided an update on these expenses as documented in handout. New School Committee Business: School Committee discussed progress toward goals. Leadership: Work with the administration on a District Improvement plan -This could be challenging due to the oddities of the year. It was suggested that a workshop be held to align the many components that need to be managed over the next year including school and district improvement plans. Policy: Complete policies on discrimination and harassment. These goals are complete. Financial: Work toward a budget for FY22. This is on target for completion as the committee continues to work with administration and the town. Professional Practice: Attend professional development and/or read articles on diversity, equity and inclusion and cultural competency. Members have begun this process and the committee is on target to reach the goal. Upcoming meetings: Dates have been finalized for March (02, 16), April (02,27), May (04, 18, 25 based on final date for Town meeting), and June (08, 22). The next Student Advisory meeting on February 24th at 11:00 needs to be confirmed. Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting; None Documents Referenced: Policies Teresa Murphy progress toward goals School Committee goals School Committee meeting dates Motion to adjourn: At 7:44 p.m., Motion to adjourn the open meeting by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Roll Call vote: Lynn Cavicchi aye Jenn Walsh aye Kiera O'Neil aye Linda Fernando aye Lauren Scher aye Motion Carries 5 - 0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Secretary to the Superintendent & School Committee Page 6 of 6 Select Board Meeting Minutes October 15, 2020 Present: The members of the Select Board all participated remotely via using GoToWebinar: Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Chairman; Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Clerk; Mr. Michael Trowbridge and Mr. Steve'',$phQonveld. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director also parligjppted using the GoToWebinar. The SI t6 d b A h f12 e ec oar mem ers atten e t e meeting o the Finance Committee. 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Chairman DelVecchio called the meeting to order at 6:OOPM and all Select Board members were present. 2. Select Board to Attend the Finance Committee Meeting Mr. LaCasse explained three different options for borrowing that the Town is considering as a way to fund the PFAS project which is estimated to be $14.8 million. The total cost with principle and interest for option one was $22 million, option two was about $23 million and option three was about $25 million. These options were discussed as well as the impact they have on the water rates and Select Board members asked a few questions. The discussion amongst the Boards moved to the vehicle spend requests from the Highway and Water Departments. The Select Board had no questions in regards to the vehicles. Motion: To recommend the PFAS and Well Improvements and Vehicle Recommendations. (Schoonveld/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes, Schoonveld—Yes, Passes 5:0 Trowbridge — Yes, Aptowitz — Aye DelVecchio — Yes, Mr. Dumas then provided information on the Appropriations for Special Fall Town Meeting that he was seeking support of from the Select Board and School Committee as the Finance Committee had already supported. He stated that $2,057,949 would be in the Finance Committee Reserve Fund transfer so that there would be flexibility in how that money is used. Chairman DelVecchio stated that the information had changed slightly since the last consensus meeting and then asked Select Board members to ask any additional questions. Mr. Schoonveld asked a couple questions that Mr. Dumas answered. Motion: To approve the appropriations as recommended by the Town Manager. (Schoonveld/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes, Schoonveld—Yes, Passes 5:0 Trowbridge — Yes, Aptowitz — Aye DelVecchio — Yes, 3. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Select Board Meeting of October 15, 2020 at 8:50PM. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes, Schoonveld—Yes, Passes 5:0 /-lti/ Si ature Trowbridge — Yes, Aptowitz—Aye Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Date �'-`%z// DelVecchio — Yes, Select Board Meeting Minutes October 15, 2020 Select Board Meeting Minutes February 18, 2021 Present: The members of the Select Board all participated remotely via using GoToWebinar: Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Chairman; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Clerk; Mr. Michael Trowbridge and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director also participated using the GoToWebinar. Not Present: Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting Chairman DelVecchio opened the Select Board meeting at 7:34PM and took a roll call to confirm the members of the Board that were present. 2. Select Board to attend the Finance Committee Meeting Members of the Select Board were present at the Finance Committee meeting for the presentation of Debra Penta from Penta Communications. The Select Board did not take any votes at this meeting. It was noted that the Select Board voted the day prior in full support of Phase II of Penta Communications Marketing Assistance. 3. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no other items. 4. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Select Board Meeting of February 18, 2021 at 8:3513M. (Schoonveld/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 4:0 Date Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Select Board Meeting Minutes February 18, 2021