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Home My WebLink AboutSchool Comm. 02/28/2023 (2)Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 28, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Approved 03-28-23 �/ RECEIVED TO10-M CLERKS OFFICE An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held in person and virtu3poti'TuZZap Z' 11 February 28, 2023. The open meeting session was called to order by Chair Kiera O'Neilpjv,•�3, t'Tp1PID i r,� MASSACI-USUT S Members Present: Administration Present: Kiera O'Neil, Chair Teresa Murphy, Superintendent Lynn Cavicchi, Vice Chair Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent (Teaching / Learning) Lauren Scher (remote) Ed Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent (Finance/ Operations) Tenn Walsh Vivian Webster Members Absent: None Roll Call votes required tonight. *Note that executive session meeting was cancelled. Public Speak: None Communications: Letter from Special Education Drivers to begin negotiations Letter from Adrian LeCesne,12S Highland Avenue, Mansfield, MA requesting information on standards for declaring a snow day (School was cancelled last night due to forecasted snow.) Superintendent Murphy walked through the steps that occur when deciding on school closings noting her first priority is the safety of students and staff. Chair O'Neil had responded to the parent with a copy of the newsletter that went to all parents in November. Administrative Reports: Superintendent Murphy reviewed the recent Healthy Decisions Presentation. Unfortunately, only ten parents attended; in fact, there were more administrators than parents. Principal Russ Booth and Health Director Christine Dooling are looking into alternate ways to get the message out to families. The presentation was recorded. Kiera O'Neil asked when the next Communities That Care Survey will take place. The district will get back to the committee. Teresa then discussed the unified bocce team tournaments that are occurring this season. We have great participation and recently competed against teams from Foxboro and Taunton. We are so proud of our unified athletic program. The World Language Honor Society Induction was held. There was great teacher participation and the event was extremely well done. Principal Booth spoke to the audience in both English and Spanish. Finally. The performing arts department has many events coming up in March. Teresa encourages all to support our students by attending at least one of these events. Assistant Superintendent Connolly notified the committee that starting with the class of 2025, all SAT tests will be administered as a computer -based adaptive test. The test will be shorter, the software will have a calculator built in, the test is secure, it reduces barriers, returns a quick score and is flexible. The test adapts based on answers to the score of the first half of the exam. Different Page 1 of 8 Approved 03-28-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 28, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar sets of questions will appear. We know very little about how this will work but will keep the committee informed as we get additional information. We have not heard yet if this will impact PSATs. The ACT will remain a paper exam. Lynn Cavicchi inquired about the AP exams. We have not heard that the AP exam is changing. Mr. Connolly noted we are at the mercy of the College Board organization. Assistant Superintendent Donoghue provided the second quarter financial report for FY23. We continue to be looking at a favorable year. We have had very little snow which works well for our facilities budget. On the other hand, we are vulnerable with heating costs. Lynn asked if we have enough of a cushion for the year. Ed believes that we do but will look into. Approval of Warrant: Motion to approve the warrant memo dated 02-13-23 by Jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes Jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries 5 - 0 Salary & Goods & Salary & Goods & Wages Services Wages Services 2023.14 23027S 2023.15 230028S 1-6-23 1-10-23 1-20-23 1-24-23 General Fund 1,700,162.38 331,004.61 1,714,173.69 498,403.60 Medicare 2,465.60 - 2,465,60 - Capital - - - - Revolving 49.576.14 1,622.27 58,801.37 36,987.97 Food Service 20,915.02 66,944.71 26,693.01 29,308.62 `Gifts - 428.73 - 2,379.29 ... Student Activity 1,100.00 27,031.06 - 14,253.29 Grants 67,168.90 10,015.38 64,255.37 12.539.50 Prior Year - 86.81 - 11,075.63 8 S 8 8 1,841,388.04 436,033.67 1,866,389.04 604,947.80 Annroval of Minutes: Date 1st 2nd Discuss Vote Roll Call /comments Y/N Open Meeting 0 1 -31-23 Jenn Lynn None 5-0 LS, VW, KO, JW, LC Walsh Cavicchi Tri-Board Mtg 02-08-23 Jenn Lynn None 5-0 LS, VW, KO, JW, LC Walsh Cavicchi Page 2 of 8 Approved 03-28-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 28, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Old Business: Budget: Assistant Superintendent Donoghue reviewed progress on the FY24 budget process. The Town made some revisions to the revenue projections and assumptions and use of free cash. These changes have helped to reduce the gap. The Governor's MA budget came out on Friday so we have exact numbers to work with. Unfortunately, there was just a minimal increase from last year. Ed, Teresa and Barry LaCasse (Assistant Town Manager) will meet tomorrow to discuss the budget further. New Business: Consideration of Field Trips. MHS Performing Arts (Theater) to PPAC in Providence (Sheila Newtonl: This is a great opportunity for our students. We were offered 50 free tickets to see Hadestown. While there, students will study all facets of the play including acting, costumes, set design and lighting. Students will also write a critique of the play. Motion to approve the March 22nd MHS Theater Trip to the Providence Performing Arts Center by jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries 5-0 MHS Golf Team to Orlando. Florida (Chris Hall/Steve Smith): This trip is for existing (upperclass) students of the golf team so the participants are already established. This trip is actually cheaper than trying to go to Maine and play golf due to the time of year. Students will bond, go on a college tour and play several rounds of golf. The price per student will be approximately $1000 per student. Fundraising events are planned with hopes of getting this trip down to $800 per student. Questions/Answers: Kiera asked about transportation once in Florida. The team has rented a van and will be driven by Chris Hall and Ed Donoghue. Ed has reviewed the plan with the insurance company. Insurance will be covered by the district plan. What did the basketball team do when they went to Florida? Chris believes they rented a bus because the numbers were higher. Lynn Cavicchi is concerned about the structure of the trip. This seems like a liability to the district. Are we working through our town insurance policy? Lynn asked how tickets will be purchased. Chris noted that he would put all of the tickets on his credit card and then parents would pay him. Parents know that they are responsible for any losses due to trip cancellation. Lynn indicated that there should be travel insurance. All other trips that have been approved with a tour company includes trip insurance. Teresa asked Ed to look into the insurance. Lynn also asked that the district run the liability through legal counsel. She is concerned that we are not running this through a tom' provider. Page 3 of 8 Approved 03-28.23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 28, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Motion to approve the August 261h - 29th 2023 MHS Golf team field trip to Orlando, FL by Jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes Jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries 5-0 Consideration of Fee changes starting in 2023-24: Transportation: Ed Donoghue noted that we have not changed transportation fees in a very long time (at least 8 or 9 years.) We have signed new contracts with Connolly Bus and are looking to increase fees as follows: if Sunaf�erxtniles andall7`-12 students 1st` 2ri( 3rd Standard fee $225 $200 $150 $575 $20 Discount prior to early bird deadline (July??, 2022) $205 $180 $130 $515 New: K �under3miles.andall7-12 etudent3 "� f0i(tiihyn4�x'' Standard fee $275 $250 $200 $725 $20 Discount prior to early bird deadline (July ??, 2022) $255 $230 $180 $665 Questions/answers: Kiera O'Neil asked if we have completed a recent survey of surrounding districts. Yes, we have and Mansfield is still in the middle of other districts. Lynn noted that families pay for approximately 15% of the total bus costs. How do we fund the retraining costs? Ed noted that this comes from revolving fund. What is the balance of the revolving fund? It is approximately $800,000 which will be used. However, with no fee increase this fund will be depleted in two years. Lynn asked if Ed could provide a copy of the survey as well as the details of the revolving fund. Vote postponed to allow for further review Custodian Fees: Ed noted that due to increased hourly rates of custodians, we would be looking to increase the Summary of Changes: I Current I New Facilities Fee for Custodians (Mon thru Sat / Sunday) 1 $42 / $55 $47 / $60 Motion to approve the hourly increase in custodial fees for facilities rentals by Jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Page 4 of 8 Approved 03-28-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 28, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes Jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries 5-0 Consideration of change to Policy: Key changes to policy are due to changes in non-discrimination clause, The Crown Act and discipline law changes. Assistant Superintendent Connolly provided background, reviewed the process and highlighted the changes. All changes were reviewed by Felicia Vasudevan at MHTL. The committee discussed the best way to review and approve. It was determined that one vote would be sufficient. Motion to approve the changes oolicv as noted below by lenn Walsh / Lvnn Cavicchi Code Title Notes AC* Non -Discrimination Update of Non -Discrimination per MASC and Crown Act AC-R* Non -Discrimination & Anti- Update of Non -Discrimination per MASC and Crown Act Harassment Procedures Add Legal References ACAB Sexual Harassment Add language per MHTL (add language defining violence) Add contact info for both Mike and Jocelyn Title IX GBA Equal Employment Opportunity Update of Non -Discrimination per MASC and Crown Act Add Legal References Add&remove language per MHTL (clarifying Title IX, remove grievance language, remove note GCF Professional Staff Hiring Update of Non -Discrimination per MASC and Crown Act Add Cross Reference I) Instructional Materials Update of Non -Discrimination per MASC and Crown Act Remove a cross reference Add legal reference Remove note per MHTL JB Equal Education Opportunities Update of Non -Discrimination per MASC and Crown Act Add Legal References JBB Educational Equity Remove specific categories and make broad based. Add Cross reference JFBB School Choice Update of Non -Discrimination per MASC and Crown Act but keep language for athletic performance, academic performance, special need Add Cross Reference THIS IS NOT A VOTE ON SCHOOL CHOICE ITSELF JIC* Student Discipline Update Non -Discrimination per MASC and Crown ACT Update for new Discipline Law. (Add Para as noted by MHTL) Add Cross Reference JICFB* Bullying Prevention & Intervention Procedural change per MHTL (change language regarding timing of investigation) Add cross reference to IIC JICFB- Bullying Prevention & Intervention Update Non -Discrimination per MASC and Crown Act; R Plan Procedural change per MHTL Add cross reference to JIC Questions/Answers: Lauren asked if there was anything we could do to simplify our process with the non-discrimination clause as it seems to change every few years and there are many policies and documents that need to be updated. Lynn noted that we would like to do so but we have consulted with Felicia on many occasions and we cannot summarize. Perhaps we can summarize in our letterhead and we are working with Felicia on language. Page 5 of 8 Approved 03-28-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 28, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Lynn noted that there appeared to be an error in policy JIC. Noted, there were multiple options and all were still listed. Diane Nugent will make the correction. Lauren asked if it was ok for us to change the bullying investigation from a specific time frame to "promptly." Is this ok? We should track how long it takes for us to investigate. Michael Connolly noted that we already track the tinting on our new investigative report. The language of "promptly" was given to us by Felicia per state guidelines. Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes Jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries 5-0 Consideration of change to Handbooks due to policy changes: Handbook changes will be made to reflect the changes approved in policy (noted above.) Typically we make handbook changes once per year. However, these changes are significant enough that the handbook will be updated as soon as all the changes can be finalized. Questions/Answers: Lynn asked if we could make dress code language consistent across schools. For example, why is it only QMS that mentions sunglasses and how would the use of sunglasses be dictated by religious beliefs? Lynn would also like to see more affirming language (student positive.) For example, allowing students to express their religion or gender identity. All agreed that these changes could be made in the next round for 2023-24. How will we notify parents of mid -year handbook change? Mike noted that we will put a notification in a newsletter. Motion to approve handbook changes due to discipline law, non-discrimination and crown act by Jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes Jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries 5-0 Consideration of 2023-2024 School Calendar: Assistant Superintendent Michael Connolly brought forward the District proposal for next year's calendar. Highlights: start date Wednesday 9/6; end date Monday 6/17 (half day); curriculum nights and parent teacher conferences established. Four Y2 day professional development days and 2 full staff development days are built in. The first on 9/5/23 and the second on 3/5/24 which is the day of the presidential primary. The Committee reviewed the calendar and agreed. A motion was requested but discussion held on whether or not to hold the vote for a second reading. Page 6 of 8 Approved 03-28-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 28, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Typically there is a second reading due to changes and questions by the committee. As there are no changes and we are in late February, Kiera suggested we move forward with a vote. Motion to approve the 2023-2024 Mansfield School Calendar by Jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes Jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries S-0 Consideration of revised BICO Agreement: Changes to The BICO Collaborative Agreement will include the addition of Seekonk as of July 1; a change to language regarding member voting; a change to language regarding termination of the agreement and minor housekeeping changes. Once approved, Kiera will sign and the document will be sent to BICO. Motion to approve the revised BICO Agreement by Jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes Jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries 5-0 Consideration of letter to Governor Healey re Special Education costs: Chair O'Neil drafted a letter to Governor Healey addressing the increase special education costs due to the 14% tuition increase dictated by the state of MA. Since drafting the letter, the chapter 70 budget amounts have been released so a letter to the governor is not needed. However, the letter can be reworded and send to State Senators and Representatives. Motion to send a revised version of the special education letter to State constituents by Jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes Jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries 5-0 Page 7 of 8 Approved 03-28-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 28, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Consideration of revised draft of the special education reserve fund policy. Lynn noted that in 2017 Mansfield citizens, at town meeting, approved the establishment of a fund to provide us with some flexibility in funding special education costs. To date, only one deposit has been made. Additionally, the committee has been trying to establish a policy for both funding and withdrawing from this fund. The school committee and the Town of Mansfield have not been able to agree on all terms. Lynn is concerned that the policy as proposed by Assistant Town Manager, Barry LaCasse would limit the school's ability to use these funds even though state law indicates that we have some flexibility to transfer money from our excess budget into the fund. Kiera asked if we could remove the language related to funding the account. Lynn noted that perhaps there is no need for a policy if the committee's actions are driven by state law and we cannot agree on the policy wording. Kiera asked for clarification- Does State law dictate how and when schools can seed and withdraw from the reserve fund? Per Lynn, that is correct; we do not need motions at town meeting to add or subtract funds. Discussion Only. No Vote taken. School Committee Business: None Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting None Documents Referenced: Field Trip documents Fee proposals Policy Handbook language BICO contract 2023-24 School Calendar Letter to Governor Healey Special Education Reserve Fund Policy Motion to adjourn: At 8:57 p.m., Kiera O'Neil asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Jenn Walsh / Lynn Cavicchi Roll Call Vote: Lauren Scher Yes Vivian Webster Yes Kiera O'Neil Yes jenn Walsh Yes Lynn Cavicchi Yes Motion Carries 5-0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent & School Committee Page 8 of 8