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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 06/07/22Approved 06 21-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 7, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar C W E D ? 5 OFFICE An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held in person and via alq0,n?1%e2ay,: 10 June 07, 2022. The open meeting session was called to order by Chair Kiera O'Neil at 6,3, 'P.rn. Members Present: Administration Present: Kiera O'Neil, Chair Teresa Murphy, Superintendent of Schools Lynn Cavicchi, Vice Chair Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent (Teaching/Learning) Lauren Scher Ed Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent (Finance/Operations) Vivian Webster Jenn Walsh Members Absent: none ***All members in person — Roll call vote not required *** Celebration of 2022 Retirees: Superintendent Teresa Murphy spoke about the group as a whole. Select Board Chair Michael Trowbridge, State Senator Paul Feeney and State Representative Jay Barrows all had certificates for the staff members. Gifts were given to each retiree. Ann Anacone Nancy Breef-Pilz James Carver -Brown Beth Condon Kelly Crawford Ellen Dumont Gerald Hazeldine Shawna Leary Patricia McLoughlin Sergio Morales Barbara Palie Diane Pape Susan Rivard Cynthia Sperrazza Jean Shea Debora Wirth Public Speak: Eric Greenberg, 395 Central Street, Mansfield, MA. Eric congratulated retirees and then spoke on behalf of the paraprofessionals and the current contract negotiations. He spoke about the high standards in Mansfield as well as the hard work of all staff including paraprofessionals. He provided a spreadsheet of all para rates in the area and noted that there was currently a 2% disconnect between the district and union. Communications: None Administrative Reports: None High School Representative Report: Olivia Barry presented highlights of the end of the school year including academic finals, sport tournaments, performing arts and senior activities. Page I of 7 Approved 06-21-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 7, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Approval of Warrant: Motion to approve the warrant memo dated 5-13-22 by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5 - 0 Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the open meeting minutes dated 5-3-22 by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve the open meeting minutes dated 5-11-22 by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve the executive session minutes dated 5-11-22 by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5 - 0 Old Business: None New Business: Damaged and Lost Chromebook Fees: Leo Bunyea an Jackson Kiglore from the Mansfield Schools Technology Department presented information on our current chromebook repairs and cost to the district. The number of repairs is steadily increasing to an unstainable level both in man-hours and cost. Currently there are no consequences to students. The IT department is on track to do approximately 1400 repairs this year alone. They are proposing a new repair fee structure that will help to recoup some of the cost of repair parts. Additionally, there is a new process in place for logging repairs, identifying repair history and uploading information to Aspen. From Aspen, emails can be sent out to parents with invoices. Repairs will be categorized by normal wear & tear; physical/accidental damage and intentional damage. The district cannot enforce payment but hopes to encourage accountability to reduce the number of repairs. For those that do pay, it will reduce our expenses. PROPOSED COSTS „, ;xz= N ercoaienra[Fn3a /15A?ioblr all icos��a:� ivi n�Eu;l 'sza Is rnn nmo.�o? . I.LLWwkC��. 5] s sm n:nae. 15m 'usmomuue $Is Page 2 of 7 Approved 06-21-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 7, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Questions/Answers: Lynn Cavicchi: How do our damage/repair rates compare to other local districts? Leo: It seems that we are on par with other districts at a rate of 23% of devices need repair. How are expectations communicated with students and parents? Mike Connolly: We were working on a handbook prior to COVID when the rollout was forced upon us quickly. An overview document and web page were created to guide families. We will return to enhancing this document. Tim Tichacelc: It was hard to set expectations this year since everything was in flux. We did hold in - person presentations and provided handouts. We are working toward better language in the handbook and more in person training. Dave McGovern: When students first returned to QMS they were struggling to carry everything (books, devices, pencil cases...) around all day with the new class structure. We noted a lot of kids were dropping their devices and we felt that there was too much burden on the students to carry everything. We worked with faculty to allow backpacks to be carried and are still trying to fine tune this process. We are keenly aware of the challenges and are looking at multiple options to make things easier on the students. John Nieratko: At J/J we are looking to go back to carts in the classroom. We do not have class to class transition issues but going back and forth between home and school has been challenging. Rayna Freeman: Students are required to review the Responsible Use Policy each year. How are other districts managing repairs? And is it possible for a family to purchase individual insurance? Leo: we have seen mixed solutions in other districts but everyone is struggling. Kiera O'Neil: Did you consider any other fee structure that may have been simpler? Leo: We had not, but are open to any suggestions that the committee has. Vivian Webster Are there consequences for parents who do not pay? Leo: We cannot, as a district, force payment. Our only hope is to start setting some accountability and hopefully recoup some of our costs. We will work with school administrators to mediate questions on a case by case basis. Lauren Scher: Are there better, stronger cases that we can purchase? Leo: There are not a lot of options for chromebooks (unlike phones). We feel that we have the best cases that we can buy. Can we look toward better training for our students with a refresher in January? We should also look at having one on one conversations with students who are repeat offenders. Finally, I have concern about who is judging whether or not the damage is intentional. Is this an added burden for principals? Tim Tichacelc: The assistant principal role is already challenging due to the number of discipline referrals. Adding to this will be a challenge. However, we recognize the need for accountability. We need to take steps toward training and improved accountability. He suggested that Leo and Jackson present directly to students as they did such a great job here this evening. Dave McGovern: Schools are about relationships. When there is intentional damage, we will have conversations with those students and parents. Often families offer to help with repairs on their own. John Nieratko noted that often the damage appears to be intentional but when we have Page 3 of 7 Approved 06-21-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 7, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar conversations with the families we determine that the damage was an accident. So it isn't always easy. Kiera noted that we may need to look at policy change going forward. Lynn noted that it will require handbook and other communication methods as well. Director of Technology Lori provided a brief summary. Her team will work on extensive documentation and information that can be shared. We need to understand that these costs will continue to rise if we don't create accountability. The exact motion was discussed and determined that it will be made to approve fee changes. Language, communication and processes will be ongoing by the district. Motion to approve the revised Chromebook Fees by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries S - 0 Consideration of Policy changes: Christine Dooling and Teresa Murphy discussed changes to the Head Injury Policy and Plan. The policy was reviewed and no changes needed. The plan has minor changes in order to incorporate band, color guard and to improve communication with parents. Lynn Cavicchi asked how coaches are made aware of protocols. Christine noted that all coaches, students and parents read protocols annually and participate in imPACT testing. Motion to approve "no changes" to JJIF Head Injury Policy by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries S - 0 Motion to approve changes to JJIF Head Injury Plan by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries S - 0 Consideration of School Improvement Plan: Presentation given by Superintendent Teresa Murphy along with Principals Tichacek, McGovern, Nieratko, Sankey and DeMello. The details of the school improvement plan can be found in the slides. There are four high level strategic initiatives: Teaching & Learning, Collaborate to Achieve, Equitable & Inclusive Practices, Multi -tiered system of supports. Teaching & Learning: Raise the floor with the right supports and advance higher learning. Various initiatives include implementation of Illuminate Ed (data and assessment), new RG curriculum, ELA & Social Studies curriculum work at Robinson, Literacy needs and social studies curriculum at J/J, year 3 of science, technology and engineering curriculum plan and world language curriculum at QMS, and NEASC accreditation at MHS. Questions & Answers: Lauren Scher is glad that the Jordan/Jackson is thinking through a revised social studies curriculum because history is so important in our society today. Vivian Webster appreciates hearing about the Page 4 of 7 Approved 06-21-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 7, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar important of self -care for our students. Kiera O'Neil asked how the new world language Grade 8 framework impacts the high school. Dave McGovern noted that the middle school world language program took a huge hit during COVID. He is working closely with Department Chair Carolina Dibiasi on ways to catch students up over a multi -year period. A summer institute is also planned for staff to work on the World Language transition from QMS to MHS. Lynn Cavicchi inquired about the writing at J/J. What assessments are planned? John Nieratko noted that common writing prompts will return after a break during COVID. How long will it take to get the social studies curriculum through the three grades? John noted that some grades may progress faster than others and they are working through timelines. Equitable & Inclusive Practices: MPS will develop a positive school climate and create opportunities to make our schools more personalized and inclusive. Various initiatives include completion of our equity audit, creation of school -based culture and inclusivity teams, supporting economically disadvantaged students by offering 10 tuition free spots at Roland Green, developing a building - based curriculum accommodation plan at Robinson and J/J (rather than just having a district plan) and regular reviews of discipline and attendance data with a final report in May of 2023. Questions/Answers: Lauren Scher thinks the Roland Green idea of providing free tuition is a great idea but is concerned about the impact to our budget. Krista DeMello noted it is a disservice to our community to provide preschool only to those who can afford it. Tim Tichacek noted that when more kids have access to education at a young age, fewer supports are needed at the higher grades and he is in support of this measure. Lauren also noted that regarding inclusivity, the district needs to be careful as some students do not want to bring attention to themselves. Dave McGovern noted that QMS staff is cognizant of this and already takes this into consideration. Multi -tiered System of Supports: MPS proactively identify and address the strengths and needs of all students by optimizing data -driven decision -malting, progress monitoring, and the use of evidence -based tiered supports and strategies with increasing intensity to sustain student growth. Various initiatives include universal screening for dyslexia, review of student discipline to identify trends and patterns, modifications to RTI and social emotional learning at Robinson and J/J, an updated curriculum accommodation plan at QMS and MHS with a new behavioral support plan for the school community. Collaborate at Innovate: MPS will identify and cultivate innovative learning environments and pathways. Various initiatives a district -wide architectural review to discuss long range building plans, district -wide SMART Board replacement, use of tablets at Roland Green, review of math curriculum at Robinson and JJ, enhancements of the co -teaching model at QMS and the development of an early college program at MHS. Questions / Answers: Lynn asked if it is possible that the elementary schools will bring a new math curriculum to the school committee for approval and budgeting. Yes, we may be looking to replace or extend when the current contract expires in 2024. Page 5 of 7 Approved 66-21-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 7, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Kiera asked if we will get to see a revised scope of the district architectural review. Ed will get a revised copy to Kiera. Vivian is enthusiastic about the early college programs. Although a vote to approve is not required, Teresa asked if the committee would consider voting their acceptance of the plan. Motion to accept the 2022-23 School Improvement Plan by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5 - 0 Lynn Cavicchi asked if we could flag any items with budget impact. She also asked if there can be a final presentation on the progress toward this year's School Improvement Plan. Consideration of BICO Appointment. - Motion to approve Teresa Murphy's appointment to the 2022-23 BICO Board of Directors by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5 - 0 Chair O'Neil signed an approval letter which will be sent to BICO. A copy of minutes will be sent to BICO. School Committee Business: At the last meeting the chair and vice chair were chosen. Tonight, the subcommittees were assigned as follows (no votes required): SC Subcommittees: Budget (2) - Lynn Cavicchi Jenn Walsh Facilities (2) - Lauren Scher Vivian Webster Policy (2) - Lynn Cavicchi Jenn Walsh Mansfield Committees: Audit (1) Kiera O'Neil CIP (2) Kiera O'Neil Vivian Webster Motion to approve Lauren Scher's appointment to the 2022-23 Health & Wellness Committee by Jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Motion Carries 5 - 0 Meeting dates for 2022-23 were on the agenda but will be postponed until the next meeting. Topics for next week's workshop were discussed. Committee will send ideas to Diane. Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting_ None Documents Referenced: Public Speak statement on para salaries Chromebook Repair and Fee presentation School Improvement Plan Policy Page 6 of 7 Approved 06-21-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 7, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Motion to adjourn: At 9:49 p.m., Kiera O'Neil asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5-0 (Executive Session not required and not held.) Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent & School Committee Page 7 of 7