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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 06/13/2023Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held in person and virtually on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. The open meeting session was called to order by Chair Lynn Cavicchi at 6:06 p.m. Members Present: Administration Present: Lynn Cavicchi (Chair) Teresa Murphy, Superintendent Jenn Walsh (Vice Chair) Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent (Teaching/Learning) Steve Schoonveld Ed Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent (Finance/Operations) Jenifer Sellon Vivian Webster Members Absent: None Chair Lynn Cavicchi called for a motion enter into Executive Session 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 for consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Special Education Bus Drivers. Motion to enter into executive session by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon at 6:08 p.m Roll Call Vote: Steve Schoonveld aye a Vivian Webster aye Lynn Cavicchi aye M� -a Jenn Walsh aye r- M UTI JeniferSellon aye r> o 'n Motion Carries 5 - 0 r , c) < ��� Mr CD= The committee returned to Open Session at 6:31 p.m. All members present ---I^� "_*1 GO N n Public Speak: None rn Communications: None Administrative Reports: Superintendent Teresa Murphy announced the resignation of QMS Assistant Principal Kevin Hoffman who has chosen a position closer to home. Kevin has been with us for 6 years and helped guide us through COVID. Dr. Kerri Sankey, Robinson Principal, has also announced her resignation as she moves to become principal at a smaller elementary neighborhood school. Ms. Murphy noted how different our community is with the centralized school system rather than neighborhood schools. Dr. Sankey started in our district 31 years ago as an art teacher and moved her way up as a department chair, middle school assistant principal before becoming principal at Robinson. Assistant Director of Special Education Kelly Steele has resigned after three years with the district, moving to a collaborative program. Thank you all for your years of service to Mansfield Public Schools. As we move into the summer and hiring season, Teresa wanted to point out a few positions. Through attritions, etc. we have reduced a Robinson assistant principal, a kindergarten teacher Page 1 of 10 Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar (who will move to another elementary position), J/J special education teacher, grade five teacher, QMS world language teacher (due to enrollment and the increased number of students attending literacy classes), and at the high school: a science, math and English teacher. The loss of these positions will not change what we offer or have any significant impact on class sizes. We are still retaining our interventionists which we feel is very important. Chair Lynn Cavicchi thanked Kerri Sankey (in the audience) for all the work she has done through the years to support our students. Annroval of Warrants: Goods & Salary & Goods & Salary & Goods & Services Wages Services Wages Services 23044S 2023-23 230046S 2023.24 23048S 512/23 5/12/23 6116123 6/26/23 5/30/23 General Fund 480,545.32 1,724,387.85 847,318.61 2,087,394.12 426,142.34 Medicare - 2,465.60 - 150.88 - Capital - 28,910.00 - 2,500.00 Revolving 5,639.70 36,075.16 2,753.52 41,086.15 1,747.46 Food Service 23,753.87 26,260.46 46,368.93 28,212.28 61,470.54 Gifts - - 1,239.89 1,500.00 2,670.59 Student Activity 20,760.90 - 9,128.86 11,074.52 47,869.42 Grants 7,733.75 75,876.08 30,760.04 122,146.96 - Prior Year - - - - 40,199.00 $ $ S S $ 638,433.54 1,866,065.15 966,479.76 2,291,664.91 582,499.36 Motion to approve the warrant memo dated 06-07-23 by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries 5-0 Approval of Minutes: None Efts: None Old Business: None New Business: Update on Facilities Projects (Matt Jacques): Matt began by identifying the philosophy of the facilities department since he came here 6 years ago. Our goal is to look from the outside in; what can we do differently? People make a big difference and strong maintenance is the best way to move forward. We currently have a strong custodial / maintenance team. Water testing has concluded for QMS and J/J with no issues reported. As a refresher, we test for copper and lead in our systems. Anything above standard would be pointed out and addressed. Our filtration system is very effective. Any faucets that have not passed inspection in past years are marked "For handwashing only." Our facilities represent over 600,000 square feet of space which are cleaned nighty plus 13 acres of green space. We process hundreds of workorders each year plus standard care and special Page 2 of 10 Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar requests such as field day or graduation. Our facilities are in really good shape and present well to the public. During the eight weeks of summer several projects are planned including removing items from all classrooms and doing a thorough cleaning and floor care, cleaning of common spaces, offices and hallways. While doing so, we work around several classrooms filled with students. Additionally, we plan to remove the Robinson underground oil tank, replace ten univentilators, install a new generator at MHS, chair lift at Roland Green, lighting in the QMS cafeteria and first floor of MHS, painting of several classrooms and offices all while prepping for occupancy inspections in August. The MSBA high school boiler replacement project began on May 16th as soon as we could turn off the heat. The old equipment has been removed and we are currently working on new piping. The new equipment arrives later this week and the installation phase can begin. The QMS MSBA project design is complete. We will be meeting with the architect tomorrow to discuss findings. Once finalized, the project will go out to bid. Remaining approved capital projects include the MHS gym floor design, MHS elevator repairs, MHS track feasibility study and the replacement of one special education bus. Matt thanked School Committee for their ongoing support. Questions/Answers: Lynn Cavicchi asked for an update on the MSBA projects. The MHS boiler will be completed by early fall and expected to be up and running for heating season. Most of the work will be completed this summer. The QMS boiler design is due on 6/27/23 and we be considered at the 8/30/23 MSBA Board Meeting. If approved we have 90 days to provide initial funding. We have asked for an extension to allow for approval at fall town meeting. Ed stated that we hope to go out to bid in November. We received 9 bids on the high school project and are hoping for a similar level of response. jen Sellon asked if Ed could describe MSBA. One percent of all tax money is put away into this fund for accelerated repair. Schools submit requests and the MSBA committee approves funding. The town fronts the money but then is reimbursed for approximately 51% of the cost. This is how we have funded large capital projects such as the MHS curtain wall and boilers. It is a tremendous financial benefit for us. Steve Schoonveld asked how the other 48% is funded? Is it at town meeting? Ed noted that the town must approve the entire amount and then receive reimbursement from MSBA. He also noted that the QMS project would be more complicated than the high school due to the difficult accessibility of the boiler, the type of heating unit and the age. Steve noted that looking ahead there are roof replacements needed. How will we fund those? Ed noted we are unclear of upcoming MSBA allocations so we may have to fund those ourselves. Steve asked for clarification on the MHS gym floor design as it was not noted on the town website that it would be addressed. Ed confirmed that it is in fact listed in the motions for Thursday night's town meeting. Page 3 of 10 Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Jenn Wash thanked the facilities department for all of their hard work and their pro -active approach on keeping up with our aging district and saving us money along the way. She appreciates the efforts made to secure MSBA funding on these sizeable projects. Lynn asked if supply chain issues have improved. Matt indicated that we have no major concerns as many vendors have caught up. Teresa Murphy announced that phase I of the playground project is underway as we are preparing to remove the old oil tank as soon as school ends. We are on target for a summer of 2024 playground build. Steve asked if the hard top can be used by students next year. Teresa assured everyone that the playground will be useable. Presentation and Discussion of School Improvement Plans (SIP): Superintendent Murphy kicked off the presentation with a summary and explanation on how the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Plan is the basis for our District Improvement Plan. This plan is then incorporated into the school improvement plans that you will see tonight. Chair Cavicchi added context by indicating that school improvement plans are approved by the superintendent after consultation with the school committee. The district plan will be approved this summer. Julia Greenstine, Director of Instruction and Assessment, reviewed the initial slides of the SIP which cover our district data assessments. On March 29th, DESE informed all districts of our accountability targets for 2022-23. Districts were given one of two pathways: "recovery" or "path forward." In three categories (ELA for all students at MHS, ELA for all students grades 3 - 8 and Math for all students grade 3 - 8) we have been assigned recovery mode which indicates that our test scores were higher in 2019 than in 2022. In other words, we not fully recovered from COVID and are expected to show significant improvements within the next 1- 2 years. In three other categories (Math and Science for all students at MHS, Science for all grade 3 - 8 students), we are on the "path forward" showing improvement or little to no decline. We are expected to continue improvement in these areas. There is a complex formula that DESE uses in identifying various student subgroups but we have summarized these subgroups for our presentation. Administrators and staff still look at gaps in each sub groups. Lynn Cavicchi asked for information on DESE's formula. For example, what if four grades meet the target but one does not? Julia emphasized that we look at all the detailed data even if DESE combined the information into one rating. Superintendent Murphy also noted that we look at more than just MCAS scores when identifying gaps and learning needs. Regardless of how we break down our assessments, we must still utilize these DESE high level goals to meet important accountability standards. Michael Connolly noted that we are looking for growth at a level much more detailed than what DESE provides. Steve Schoonveld asked how we are expected to grow even if we are already in the "path forward" category? Julia noted that districts are always expected to show improvement regardless of the starting point. As a district we must always look at various ways to create improvements. Page 4 of 10 Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Jen Sellon asked for clarity on the comparison process. For example, for grade 3, does DESE compare current grade 3 students to prior grade 3 students or does it compare the same student at different points in time. DESE compares by grade level so it looks at the current group of grade 3 students to last year's grade 3 students. Vivian Webster asked that we correct the language descriptors to include Cape Verdean Creole. Superintendent Murphy described our process of creating a new vision statement based on the DEI action plan. Rayna Freeman will lead a group of staff members, parents and community members to modify this vision statement. She also noted how we incorporated these thoughts into the budget. We currently have faculty that serve on various teams such as Inclusion, Culture and Unity (ICU), Secondary Leadership team (SST), Curriculum Associates and Multi -tiered system of supports (MTSS.) Our budget already accounts for these stipend positions. Summer Institutes and professional development are also incorporated into the budget. Also included are consultants through our professional development line item, Tools of the Mind curriculum at Roland Green and the new math program at the elementary level were part of the operating budget. Going forward we consider these items when creating our budget plans. Academic Advancement plans by school were reviewed by each principal as noted on the presentation. School Committee members had the following questions: Jenifer Sellon: Can you explain how we use a Building accommodation Plan (BCAP.) Teresa noted that the district identifies how it will carry out the delivery of curriculum accommodations in the District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP). Each building then takes that information and drills down so that it is age appropriate for students. For example, a plan can be set into place but it is up to each building to identify how the plan will be carried out in the BCAP. Are these student - specific or classroom -specific? Dave McGovern noted that it is typically classroom based but we can target individual student needs as necessary. The DCAP has been in place for some time but we updating it to be available at the building level. When looking at the new math step up program, are we looking ahead at how this impacts the student transition into high school? Principal Dave McGovern noted that it is being reviewed as a whole. An example of this is that a grade 6 student could place into a grade 7 accelerated math program. One point of note is that many students who mature in math skills often double up on classes in grade 9. Dave would like to research how 8th grade students can take grade 9 math. This would be a challenge based on the different schedules of each school while also noting the students would have to leave the building. Do we have supports for these students when they become seniors and have taken their math requirements already? Principal Russ Booth noted that there are several offers for seniors including AP Calculus, AP Stats and will look at other opportunities. Dave noted that we are looking at probably 3 or 4 kids per grade that this would apply to. Jenn Walsh asked how this acceleration impacted the pathways at the high school. Does it make the pathways even more restrictive? Dave McGovern does not believe so. There will be even more flexible options as it is accelerating paths not changing them. Page 5 of 10 Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Vivian Webster noted that it is important for QMS to analyze the data to find any current barriers. Dave noted that they have been studying this as the make up of our student population has changed a lot over the last 5 years. Steve Schoonveld asked what data is used to identify students and determine if extra supports are needed. Julia Greenstine noted that there are several skill -based tools such as FastBridge and math screeners. Standards based tools include unit assessments, common assessments and our Data Analysis software. How does QMS envision grade 8 students taking grade 9 math courses? Dave noted that sending them to the high school is not a workable model so we are looking to use our existing staff and have someone teach geometry at QMS. Steve then asked if QMS was looking to do this acceleration in any other subjects. Dave noted that math is first and we will analyze our successes and look at available resources. Other courses do not accelerate as easily as math. Lynn Cavicchi noted that the current pathway shows the accelerated path to get to AP Calculus. Will this change or be phased out? Dave noted that the new offering will move some students along at a faster pace without having to double up in freshman math. Other students will still have opportunities and we will make updates in the next program of studies. Dave noted that he is also looking at multiple paths through an equity lens to get students from Sth grade math to 7th grade math. In other words, he does not want a student's path to be dictated just by the class they take in 6thgrade. Lynn agreed that we cannot make pathways constrictive. Steve Schoonveld asked if a student could make this jump in accelerated math at any time other than in grade 6. Dave is still looking into these options. Steve noted that he hopes Dave is coordinating plans with John Nieratko. Lynn Cavicchi asked about revised math curriculum at J/J. John noted that this past year, the advisory team did an assessment of the curriculum. We are currently licensed through June of 2024. We have looked at the state, our dart districts and narrowed it down to 6 options. We will narrow it down further to two and then recommend a solution. During 2023-24 we plan on holding training and start implementation with a start use date of September, 2024. A new reading program will be part of the FY26 budget. She reminded us that school councils need to be involved. The next Category is Professional Development. Steve asked Dave McGovern how he plans to measure success of the trauma informed instructional practices. Mr. Connolly noted that we can monitor the number of office referrals, attendance and results of the student perception surveys. Steve asked if we have that information already available. Dave noted that it is difficult to quantify but we can tell a lot by what we see and hear. Is the QMS staff trained to recognize microaggressions? Dave noted that the staff has received some training. Jen Sellon noted that office referral and attendance issues appear to be increasing. Regarding MHS, Lynn was curious about the vision of the graduate and would like to be presented with more detailed information. Principal Booth invited the committee to come to the high school for a detailed discussion. Steve noted that it should be the "Vision of the graduates" plural as we need to help all students and it may look different for each student. Regarding social and behavioral growth, Jen Sellon asked about John Nieratko's proposal for a new J/J program. Why can't this be district -wide? Teresa Murphy noted that it is a program tailored to Page 6 of 10 Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar younger students. We will likely expand the concept of this program to other schools but it may look different. Jen noted that similar terminology would be helpful. Jen also asked that we make sure to track impact of restorative circles. Jenn Walsh loved the MHS initiatives, especially those that were born out of concerns of students voiced at the student advisory committee meetings. Vivian Webster noted that it is important to build relationships with our stakeholders and to let families know that we are hereto help. Dave McGovern noted that as we look at our trends in population we need to examine all of our resources. They are not always locally based so it is difficult for us. She asked what options we have for restorative circles. Dave noted that the concept has been added to the handbook. We have had mediocre success at the middle school but hope that trend changes. Our counseling resources in the building are critical to our success. Steve would like to make sure that we revitalize clubs at QMS and increase interest. Dave noted that we have very high participation in our clubs. Steve also asked why QMS does not have a flex block period. Dave is exploring this option and will monitor what happens at MHS next year. Steve also requested from Russ that we consider sending perception surveys out to out graduating seniors. Discussion and Consideration of QMS Cross Country Program and fees (Dave McGovern): Dave McGovern thanked Tim Selmon and the QMS faculty that helped work on this program. The goal is to increase connectivity between students and the school, reduce barriers and improve social/emotional development. Cross country is an easy entry into athletics for QMS. The cost is low and we can run the practices outside since gym space is sometimes limited. This will be open to grade 7 and 8 students. We plan to have 4 meets starting October with 3 practices per week. Dave will make announcements to the students starting on the second day of school. We anticipate the total cost to be approximately $8000 which includes transportation to 4 schools for meets, coaching staff and shirts. Families would incur costs of the fee and for running shorts and shoes. We ran a survey and it looks like we may have interest from approximately 40 students. We can use the existing MHS athletics registration system, require physicals, impact testing and liability form signatures. He is very excited about this opportunity. Jenn Walsh thinks this is a fantastic idea. Clubs are very important to our students. Steve asked Dave to elaborate on the gym space issue. Dave noted that many of the high school athletic teams do hold practices in our gym and wrestling room. For example, it would be challenging to start a basketball program in the winter because the high school uses our gym for practices. However, we can look at "offseason" opportunities. We do not want to impact MHS Athletics. Lynn Cavicchi also commended Dave on his idea to expand club opportunities. She did want to make sure we are not limiting participation by having a fee based/targeted program. No, this is in addition to the free running club that is offered to students who want a more casual program. Ed noted that we will likely deposit funds in the athletics revolving account and offer the same fee waivers as those at the high school. Page 7 of 10 Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Motion to support the QMS Cross Country Program and associated fees of $75 by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries S - 0 Discussion and Consideration of2023 Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Chair Cavicchi noted that at the last meeting, Steve Schoonveld suggested parameters around considering articles for town meeting. In the past, the Chair, Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent would identify those articles that were pertinent and required school committee support. She asked how the committee would like to move forward with approvals. When Lynn reviewed the articles, she felt we could provide input on articles 2, 7, 14 and possibly item 1. Jenifer Sellon asked about zoning articles. How are these handled and if it means additional housing and an increase of students, can we provide input? Lynn noted that we can opine on a specific budget issue but we don't get asked about new subdivisions. Teresa noted that the most recent apartment complexes in Mansfield brought only 35 students to the district. Steve Schoonveld noted that we should provide an opinion on anything that impacts our operations, employees, financials, facilities. Article 1 includes expenses related to Southeastern Regional and employee benefits. He feels we should provide our input on articles 2, 7, 11 and possible 13. What is the capital expenditure for article 11 and does it impact our schools? What investment is needed and will it compete with our facility needs? Regarding article 14, even though the committee has already voted, the current members should have a say and vote. Jeri Sellon asked if we had already requested information in the past (example article 13.) The following action was taken: Motion to support Article 1, Motion 2 with respect to the $14.3 million associated with Mansfield Public Schools by Steve Schoonveld / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to support Article 2, Approval of Mansfield Public Schools Budget of $57,482,994.00 by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to support Article 7 Motion 1 Capital Improvement Projects by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries S - 0 Steve Schoonveld requested review of article 11 as he felt it impacted our staff. Ed Donogue indicated it was a town contractual issue and we have no say in this. No vote taken. Steve requested review of Article 13 Transit Oriented Development effort. Lynn recommended that we do not vote on this as it is beyond the scope of the committee. We cannot provide input on what is or is not being built. Steve felt it was important to voice our opinion but suggested we do not take a vote because the board does not have enough information. By voting to not take any action it sends a message to the town. Jenn Walsh wants to move on. Motion to not take any action on this article by Steve Schoonveld / Jenifer Sellon. Motion Carries 5 - 0. Article 14 was voted in April. The Committee voted not to support. Some members of the committee favored a re -vote. Page 8 of 10 Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Motion to Not Support Article 14 by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries 4-0-1 with Steve Schoonveld abstaining. Information regarding the Memorandum of Understanding: Superintendent Murphy is pleased to announce that there is a signed agreement between Mansfield Public Schools and the Special Education Bus Drivers. The group ratified the agreement yesterday which will be in effect July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026. Our Committee voted to support and Town Manager Kevin Dumas has approved. Teresa thanked all those that participated in the negotiations. Ed Donoghue noted that the salary increase will be a total of 7.4% over the three-year period. Discussion and Consideration of School Nurse Appointment: Chair Cavicchi advised the committee that the Superintendent hires our physician and school nurses while the School Committee makes the final appointment. Meredith McCarthy has been interviewed for the position of school nurse at the Robinson School replacing the retiring Sue McGinley. Meredith previously worked in our district as a substitute nurse over the last two years. Previously she worked at Fresenius Medical Care Center. Steve Schoonveld asked if she has the qualifications for a school nurse. Teresa confirmed that she does. Motion to appoint Meredith McCarthy as Robison School Nurse by jenn Walsh / Jennifer Sellon. Motion Carries 4 - 0 (Vivian Webster stepped out of the room momentarily) School Committee Business: Discussion of Board Committee Appointments: Chair Cavicchi noted that she would like to step off of the Budget Subcommittee so that she can focus her time on her role as chair and continuing efforts with policy. Jenn Walsh noted that she is willing to step in. Lynn Cavicchi, therefore, appointed Jenn Walsh to the budget subcommittee. She noted that she can assign the chair or the board can vote. Steven indicated his desire to be the chair of the budget subcommittee. However, Lynn noted Jenn's experience on the budget sub and appointed Jenn Walsh as the chair. Educational Space Study: The presentation of these results will be made on July 18th. Steve Schoonveld asked that the School Improvement Plan be posted on our webpage. Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours urior to this meeting None Documents Referenced: School Improvement Plans QMS Cross Country Town Meeting Articles Meredith McCarthy background Meeting Minutes Warrant dated 6-7-23 Motion to adjourn: At 9:42 p.m., Lynn Cavicchi asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion made by by Steve Schoonveld and Jenn Walsh. Page 9 of tO Approved 09-12-23 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Steve Schoonveld aye Vivian Webster aye Lynn Cavicchi aye Jenn Walsh aye Jenifer Sellon aye Motion carries 5-0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent & School Committee Page 10 of 10