Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 09/20/2022Approved 11-15-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, September 20, VEIVEQ In Person & Virtual Meeting using.Gn�4I�t]RO$ OFFICE �' �U1 . � Q12 NOV i b A II: 50 An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was hel In person and vir ually on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. The open meeting session was called to orderMy'�W. Vii IRi O leil at 6:06 p.m. Pi AS`*A� ail- )r 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: ***All members in person —Roll call vote not required *** Chair O'Neil called for a motion to enter into Executive Session under Exception No. 4: To discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices, or strategies with respect thereto Motion to enter into executive session by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher at 6:06 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Jenn Walsh aye Kiera O'Neil aye Lauren Scher aye Motion Carries 3 - 0 The Committee returned to Open Session at 6:40 p.m. Lynn Cavicchi and Vivian Webster arrived for the start of the executive session. Public Speak: Joyce Collins, 1361 East Street. Joyce is following up on a request made at the last meeting to disclose the cost of the Equity Audit. Assistant Superintendent noted that we provided that information directly to the person who had requested it. The total cost was $89,110 broken down by: Original contract $72,200 Additional Training $ 2,310 Translation services $ 5,000 Travel costs $ 9,600 Communications: None Administrative Reports: Page 1 of 7 Approved 11-15-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, September 20, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Superintendent Teresa Murphy: The opening of schools went smoothly. Students have settled into the year very similar to pre-covid years. A lot of different in -person events have already taken place including curriculum nights, MHS senior night, sports, kindergarten social and the MESA Harvest festival this upcoming Friday. There have been some staff changes late this summer. Mary Cotillo took a principal position in another district. Jim Schliefke moved from MHS to QMS to take over this role. In Jim's place, MHS Chemistry teacher Ellen Noto has accepted a one-year interim position for the MHS Assistant Principal. We posted for Ellen's position and are very fortunate that we found a retired chemistry teacher who misses teaching and is excited about taking a one-year position with Mansfield. A new QMS Spanish teacher resigned the first week of school due to a family situation. World language positions are extremely difficult to fill. While pursuing a replacement, we have contracted with Edunity to provide online teaching to these 7m and 8m grade classrooms. A QMS substitute teacher will be trained and provide supervision in the classrooms. We do have a couple of candidates who applied so we are hopeful that we can find a replacement. Overall the district is in great need of teacher and para subs. Assistant Superintendent Michael Connolly provided an update on the Equity Audit. On 9/13/22 the strategic planning team kicked off with a virtual meeting of 30 participants (11 staff and 19 parents.) All but 3 people attended. We will follow up with those missing to determine if they still want to participate. At this meeting: Get to know each other; setting norms (speak the truth, maintain confidentiality, be open minded) All members received a copy of the report and presentation. The next meetings will be held on October 3 and 4 during the day. At these meetings the committee will create a shared vision, identify priorities, and set measurable goals. On October 25th there will be another committee meeting and then a session open to the public with a question and answer segment. Mike also noted that we recognize the need to involve students and are working with MA Insight on possible solutions. Questions/Answers: Lauren Scher asked about the degree of diversity on the committee. If certain voices are not represented how to we go out and engage those families? MA Insight did not request any profiles from volunteers. Some have offered some information in the break out sessions. Lynn Cavicchi asked if we can have the committee members anonymously self -identify so that we have a picture of the diversity. Lauren then asked if the size of the group is too large? It may be difficult to come to any consensus. Mr. Connolly worked closely with MA Insight and both parties feel that this is a manageable group. One member has already dropped out; two of the members are Teresa and Mike who will participate peripherally so that the voices of the committee lead the way. We also expect that there maybe others who cannot commit the entire time. Kiera O'Neil is pleased that so many offered to help and is happy that we did not turn anyone away. Lauren Scher asked how this information will be reported back to the committee; is MA Insight presenting again? Mike has thought about this and is working on ways to keep the committee in the loop. Mr. Connolly then reviewed the 2022 Summer Institutes which are comprised of curriculum development and training. Curriculum efforts include developing standards and pacing, developing Page 2 of 7 Approved 11-15-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, September 20, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar new methods of study, creating formative assessments, and reviewing prior year formative assessments. These efforts crossed all areas of study. In addition, there was significant training on the new SmartBoards. In total there were 43 sessions, 412 hours of staff time and 274 participants. Assistant Superintendent Ed Donoghue provided an update on Transportation. Mansfield had a very smooth start to the school year. 95% of our students were registered for the bus in August which simplified the routing process significantly. This eliminated the massive number of calls and route changes during the first week of school. Additionally, the email test to families provided the bus number, stop and time. We look to improve upon this process for next year. Our new transportation manager was very busy. Our feedback has been positive from parents and from the school offices. We have all new buses this year which are labeled "Mansfield" rather than "Connolly Bus." Each bus is equipped with 4 cameras (a few still in progress.) The committee ask& if we were able to reduce any buses. Not this year but we will look toward next year. Our issue is that we contract for the number of buses we need for the day. We still need the 29 buses to transport QMS and MHS students even though the capacities are lighter at the elementary level. Approval of Warrant: Motion to approve the warrant memo dated 9-12-22 by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5 - 0 Salary & Goods & Salary & Goods & Wages Services Wages Services 2023-3 23006S 2023-4 23008S 8.5-22 8-9-22 8-19-22 8.23-22 General Fund 316,630.05 118,025.05 332,538.19 312.075.94 Medicare 2,465.60 173,815.64 2,465.60 - Capital - - - - Revolving 85,321.70 3,362.27 39,639.34 2,698.69 Food Service 4,680.29 722.81 4,680.29 100.80 Gifts 1,075.01 1,373.45 - 5,273.74 Student Activity - - - 448.00 Grants 25,434.23 2,527.80 44,845.79 928.10 Prior Year 1,064,387.24 54,512.53 1,067,677.60 156,645.98 1,499,994.12 354,339.55 1,491,846.81 478,171.25 Page 3 of 7 Approved 11-15-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, September 20, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Approval of Minutes: None Gifts: Appreciation to Emerson Automation Solutions for their generous donation of school supplies which were distributed to each school in the district. Appreciation to Yvette Politas-Cromack and St Gregory The Theologian church for their continued support. Once again, donating school supplies which have been distributed across the district. Chair Kiera O'Neil suggested that 48-hour business moved up in agenda: (unanticipated field trip) MHS Performing Arts staff Justin DeJoy and Sheila Newton were in attendance to provide details on a MHS Marching Band field trip to MetLife stadium in NJ for the weekend of 11/4. jenn Walsh recused herself from the committee as she is President of the Band Parents Association. jenn Walsh joined Justin to explain the details of the upcoming trip. Highlights are: MHS Marching Band (Grade 9 -12 only) will compete in the Open Class Finals which is a national competitive Marching Band Circuit. Finances were broken down to a cost per student of $225 which takes into consideration lodging, travel, food, entrance fees as well as a generous donation from the band parents association. Justin is looking for School Committee approval. Questions / Answers: Vivian Webster asked about COV1D concerns. Teresa noted that we are following overnight protocols that were followed last year. For example, if a student becomes ill, they will be moved to another room and a chaperone will stay back at the hotel with that student until a parent drives down to NJ to bring them back. The district is not responsible for reimbursement of funds to students who cannot attend. Teresa noted that the there has been discussion on making this a two night trip so the band can stop at the Natural History Museum in NYC on the way home. The preparations for this meeting have been fluid as Russ Booth and Justin DeJoy work out details. jenn Walsh (as Band Parent president) noted that there is a good amount of financial aid available to students because there has been a hold on travel. As such, the trip could be expanded while still making it affordable to families. Teresa noted that she is open to the committee considering a two night trip if they so choose. Justin summarized what the cost "could be" for a two night trip. One extra hotel night, lunch in NYC and museum entrance. He feels it can come in around $350 per student. Lynn Cavicchi asked what other trips are planned for the year. The only other big trip is the Dayton trip as well as a day trip to CT for the percussion group. She suggested that the committee approve a two day trip with a maximum dollar amount per student and then have performing arts send the Committee the final trip details for the record. Lauren suggested it is best to approve tonight as Page 4 of 7 Approved 11-15-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, September 20, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar there are deadlines approaching. Kiera noted that this is an extenuating circumstance since both Principal Russ Booth and Justin are new to the district so she feels we can move forward. Lauren did ask that going forward the performing arts teams start planning ahead to avoid emergency approvals. Teresa noted that Russ has asked for a list of tentative trips for the year and for this to continue at the beginning of every year. Motion to approve the MHS Marching band for a two day trip to NJ/NY dated November 4 - November 6 by Lauren Scher / Lynn Cavicchi Motion Carries 4 - 0 (Jenn Walsh abstained as she is a band parent) Old Business: Committee Updates: Budget: TriBoard met on 8-31-22. Next meetings are in October and February. Audit: First meeting scheduled on October 3rd CIP: Next meeting scheduled for October 26th Facilities: Next meeting scheduled for October 6th Policy: Meetings to be scheduled. New Business: FY22 Year End Closing Report: Assistant Superintendent Ed Donoghue provided a summary of the end of the year close. Each line item was reviewed and summarized. He noted that $336,943 was returned to the town's free cash account. In addition, $138,366 was returned as part of unused prior year encumbrances. This total is slightly higher than normal partially due to a lot of the COVID funding we received. He noted that next year's budgets look like they will be very tight. Consideration of FY23 Superintendent Goals: Superintendent Murphy presented her ideas for her 3 goals for 2022-2023. Student Learning Goal: Work with our students as part of the Town wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. The town has asked that the schools be represented by the Superintendent, a school committee member and three students. This will give Teresa an opportunity to work closely with some of our students. District Improvement Goal: Teresa will work with staff to update the Mansfield Public Schools Crisis Manual for Staff. The last overhaul of the book was in 2013. Upon completion the new manuals, we will be printed and provided to all staff and located in all key locations across the district. Professional Practice Goal: Teresa will complete her doctoral dissertation. The purpose of the study is to investigate the leadership practices during periods of turmoil. Specifically it will examine the challenges faced by superintendents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A time line was also provided. Questions/Answers: Lauren Scher asked how the dissertation connects with Mansfield Public Schools. She suggested that the final presentation or updates to school committee include information specific to Page 5 of 7 Approved I1-15-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, September 20, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Mansfield. How can Mansfield learn / improve from this? She also suggested presenting to other districts as well (for example at the annual Superintendent's conference.) Vivian Webster asked who was directing the DEI committee? Teresa noted that it is the Select Board. Both Kiera O'Neil and Lynn Cavicchi noted they have a lot of questions regarding this project. Lynn Cavicchi suggested that, regarding the crisis manual, Teresa should implement a more formal review process so that we are always up to date. She was also concerned about the scope. Teresa noted that it is not as difficult as it seems. Many sections will not require changes. Lynn also suggested a formal review and training for staff once published. Lynn questioned how 3 students can represent the entire district in the DEI committee. This is one of many questions she has for the town in their planning process. How does Teresa think we can measure progress? Teresa noted the challenge. She was not expecting to be participating on this committee so having this added, it seemed important to add it to her goals. Lynn suggested that we further refine these goals as we hear more about the committee. Motion to approve the Superintendent Murphy's FY23 Goals by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5 - 0 School Committee Business: Town of Mansfield Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee: Chair O'Neil asked if anyone wanted to volunteer to be the school committee representative to this committee. Lauren noted that it is very hard to commit without knowing the scope. Lynn noted that the schools recognized the need for a consultant. It does not appear that the town is hiring anyone from outside so the audit will be determined by the views of the committee. The Committee asked Diane Nugent to seek additional information and then forward it to the committee for review. Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting_ moved up Documents Referenced: FY22 Closing figures Teresa Murphy Goals 2022-23 MHS Field Trip Motion to adjourn: At 8:30 p.m., Kiera O'Neil asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Jenn Walsh / Lauren Scher Motion Carries 5-0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to Page 6 of 7 Approved 11-15-22 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, September 20, 2022 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Superintendent & School Committee Page 7 of 7