HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 02/18/2021 (2)Approved 03-02-21
Mansfield School Committee Meeting
Executive Session Minutes for Thursday February 18, 2021
Remote via ZOOM
The open meeting session was opened and called to order by Kiera O'Neil at 6:02 p.m.
Members Present: Administration Present:
Kiera O'Neil, Chair Teresa Murphy, Superintendent of Schools
Lynn Cavicchi, Vice Chair Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Linda Fernando
Tenn Walsh
Lauren Scher
Members Absent: None
Under Exception No. 3: Under Exception No. 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective
bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or
litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.
On February 17, 2021 The MEA sent a letter to administration and school committee
demanding that we bargain over the Robinson return to school plan for full time 5 day per
week kindergarten. Administration would like to know how school committee feels about our
return to school, how we should proceed and what items should be part of negotiations.
Superintendent Teresa Murphy and Assistant Superintendent Michael Connolly reviewed the
time line of the return to school plan. This timeline showed that staff and union
representatives were well aware of our 5 day plan. The district was aware that the staff had
concerns about Wednesday and we offered an opportunity to discuss possible solutions.
However, at no time did staff indicate they would not work with us to move forward.
The committee provided their input. They understand any health concerns the teachers may
have and are empathetic to the difficulties they have had teaching in the pandemic. At the
same time, they are disappointed and frustrated that this demand to bargain came so close to
the planned start date. There have been many presentations regarding the return and these
are conversations that could have and should have happened sooner.. There is concern for the
parent backlash if we change course. This backlash could be against school committee,
administration and teachers. Bottom line is we should be prioritizing the needs of our
students.
According to Andy Waugh of MHTL, a change from one model to another is not up for
bargaining. However, working conditions, health and safety can be bargained. The result of
impact bargaining is an agreement or an impasse. It does not necessarily mean a change. The
district can, if it chooses, move forward with the plan even if negotiations break down or are
not complete.
l Discussion was held regarding Wednesdays, specifically how the teachers use the time
currently and how they would need to use the time going forward; social distancing at the
schools and any other health concerns.
Executive Session
Approved 03-02-21
�} The committee agreed that we should move forward with our 5 day per week kindergarten
return on March 1 regardless of negotiations. We cannot announce a change to parents a week
before our scheduled start. Additionally there is work needed to prepare for student return.
However, negotiations should continue and if a change to Wednesday were needed, we would
give parents ample notice.
It was noted that the district should have a well thought out contingency plan if we need to
stop the full in person at any time.
Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to leave executive session not to return to open meeting.
Motion to adjourn at 7:41 p.m. by Linda Fernando / Lynn Cavicchi
Roll Call Vote:
Lynn Cavicchi
Yes
Jenn Walsh
Yes
Kiera O'Neil
Yes
Linda Fernando
Yes
Lauren Scher
Yes
Motion Carries 5 - 0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Diane Nugent
Administrative Assistant
Superintendent & School Committee
Executive Session