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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 02/06/2024Approved 02-27-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 6, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GOTOWrIVED TOWN CLERKSOFFICE An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held inliN anfl virtuall}?o Tuesday, February 6, 2024. The open meeting session was called to order by Cly�ir&f(aIjcchi at 6:30 p.m. Members Present: Administration Present: MASSACHUSETTS Lynn Cavicchi (Chair) Teresa Murphy, Superintendent Jenn Walsh (Vice Chair) Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent (Teaching/Learning) Jenifer Sellon Ed Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent (Finance/Operations) Steve Schoonveld Vivian Webster (at 6:40 pm) Members Absent: None Chair Lyme 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 to discuss the MEA contract. Motion to enter into executive session by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon at 6:02 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Steve Schoonveld aye Lynn Cavicchi aye Jenn Walsh aye Jenifer Sellon aye Motion Carries 4 - 0 The committee returned to Open Session at 7:15 p.m. Public Speak: Nicole Burch, 57 Fairfield Park, Mansfield requested an update on progress of the Diversity and Equity strategic Plan. Superintendent Murphy provided a brief update stating that it has become the foundational work for our district and school improvement plans. Some examples of work in progress includes MTSS, changes to harassment policies and procedures, the initiation of text messages to parents in order to broaden our reach. It is the core of the work that we are doing across the district. Administrative Reports: Superintendent Teresa Murphy noted that last week Russell Johnston, Senior Associate Commissioner at DESE came to Mansfield to speak of the IEP improvement project. Over 200 staff members attended his presentation. He was insightful and noted how impressed he was with our district's professional development day. Regarding the summer projects, the district has sent letters to local sports groups letting them know about our projects, the time line and the impact to their activities. We do not anticipate the field to be ready for use until late September or early October. It is possible that we start work in early May. Steve asked if there will be any limitations on use once the new construction is done. We anticipate that access will not change though there may be some rules that will need to be followed. Page 1 of 6 Approved 02-27.24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 6, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar District Report cards are ready from the DESE which highlight district profiles and MCAS results. A newsletter will be sent to families on Thursday. The visual identity refresh is well on its way. A group representing the school has reviewed a few vendor proposals including revisions to the hornet, 'M', standardizing shades of green and fonts. Meetings will continue next week. Our goal is to complete the revisions in time for any gym or field construction this summer. As a reminder, we have been the Mansfield Hornets since 1946. We have no plans to remove the hornet. Assistant Superintendent Edward Donoghue provided an update on facilities projects. We have signed a contract for the QMS boiler so we are ready to move forward this spring. Site visits for the summer projects begin tomorrow and requests for bids have been placed. Bids are due later this month. Jenifer Sellon asked where things stand regarding the elevator projects. Equipment has been ordered and the contract is signed. As soon as school is out, work will begin. Anoroval of Minutes: Date 1st 2nd Discuss Y N Vote #ell Comments Executive Session 01-23-24 not to be released JW JS 5-0 Open Meeting 01-09-24 JW JS 5-0 Open Meeting 01-23-24 JW JS 5-0 Committee Updates: Budget: Met last night to prepare for the larger budget subcommittee meeting on Thursday. Reviewed the presentation and talking points for the meeting. New Business: Consideration of a Mansfield Public Schools Vision and Mission Statement: Presenters Rayna Freedman, Josh Curry and Andrew Robinson (teachers), Nicole Burch (parent) and Reese Nason (student) discussed the history of the project, the participants, the methodology used, the proposed statements and next steps. They emphasized that both statements should appear together wherever posted. The proposed statements are: Vision: The Mansfield Public Schools will foster an environment where all students share a sense of belonging and experience academic and personal growth. We will inspire and empower active and engaged learners, citizens, innovators, and communicators. Mission: The Mansfield Public Schools supports each student so they feel recognized and valued. All students are empowered academically, socially, and emotionally so they can reach their maximum potential. Questions/Answers: Steve Schoonveld noted that each school currently has their own vision. Will the five schools adjust their visions to match this one? Ultimately, yes, this vision will be reflected in an age appropriate way for each school. Teresa also noted the desire to have a tagline that will make it easy for students and staff to remember our vision. Page 2 of 6 Approved 02-27-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 6, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Vivian Webster appreciated that we want our students to feel recognized and valued. Perhaps a QR code can be used on posters for easy access to the statements. How will this be rolled out to the community? Rayna noted that it was not part of their charge and district leadership will devise plans. Motion to approve the Mansfield Public Schools' Vision and Mission statements by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries 5 - 0 Consideration oMansfield Public School2024-25 School Calendar: There have been no changes since the last reading. Motion to approve the Mansfield Public Schools' 2024-2025 School Calendar by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries 5 - 0 Consideration ofiob description and title change for the Director ofSpecial Education: Superintendent Murphy invited Special Education Director Jim Leonard to speak about his upcoming retirement and search for a replacement. After several conversations both Jim and Teresa felt that it would be appropriate to modify the job description and title to reflect what actually happens in this capacity. Jim has been in the position for six years; has seen the responsibilities grow significantly and the title, Director of Special Education, does not capture the essence of what the position has become. Superintendent Murphy is proposing the new title of Assistant Superintendent of Student Services which will include all of the various wrap around services we offer to or students. We are seeing this trend across other districts as well. It is important to note that this person is responsible for 25% of the total district budget. Questions / Answers: Jenifer Sellon asked for the addition of a line item under responsibilities. There is a statement in the old description regarding IEPs. There was also a statement about being part of the emergency planning team. Both of these will be added back in. Vivian Webster asked if the new assistant superintendent would have a seat at the table for school committee meetings. This will be looked into and determined as time goes on. Steve Schoonveld asked if the assistant director titles would also change. This has not been discussed yet. The question and role of counselors under the umbrella of this position was discussed. Teresa noted that the Director of Counselors is not responsible for all counselors in the district; rather they focus on the high school and to a lesser degree the middle school. Typically, these staff members are supervised by the principals. The Special Education Director supervises adjustment counselors, psychologists and social workers. Steve asked if the three-year minimum qualification would limit internal candidates. No, it does not. Jim noted that it is very important for our district to get a qualified candidate. Motion to approve the new job description and title of Assistant Superintendent of Student Services with changes discussed regarding IEP monitoring and the emergency management planning team by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Page 3 of 6 Approved 02-27-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 6, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Motion Carries 5 - 0 Consideration of MA School Building Authoritv Statement of Interest for VJ Roof Replacement: MSBA has reopened applications for the accelerated repair project. This year the school district will request consideration for the Jordan/Jackson Roof replacement which is over 32 years old. There is a shift with these projects. We received funding for the MHS and QMS boilers through MSBA; however, they are no longer looking at heating systems, instead looking at roof repairs. Motion entered as follows by jenn Walsh eniter Sellon: Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on February 6, 2024, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the School Committee of the Town of Mansfield, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated February 5, 2024, for the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School located at 255 East Street, Mansfield, MA 02048 which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future. Submitted Statement of Interest — Priority 5- the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School, located at 255 East Street, was constructed in 1992. The building roof is over 30 years old and in poor condition; numerous active leaks are negatively impacting the learning environment. This situation and the environment it creates present many challenges in delivering the best education possible for the students of Mansfield; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the Town to filing an application for finding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Motion Carries 5 - 0 Next, the Select Board will consider this motion and the documentation will be sent to MSBA for consideration. Deadline is March 1st. !Update on Policies recently reviewed but no changes required: Chair Lynn Cavicchi reviewed the steps to date on all policies as well as the reasoning for no changes on the following: EBAB Pest Management EC Facilities Management EEAEJ Motor Vehicle Idling GBA Equal Employment Opportunity GBD School Committee / Staff Communications GBEBC Gifts Solicitations from staff GBEBD Online fundraising & Crowdfunding GBED Use of Tobacco and Tobacco -Free Products GBGB Staff Personal Security and Safety GBJ Personnel Records GCQF Suspension and Dismissal of Professional Staff Members GDA Support Staff Positions GDO Evaluation of Support Staff Members Page 4 of 6 Approved 02-27-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 6, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar EEAEC Student Conduct on School Buses / JICC Student Conduct on School Buses was reviewed but requires further discussion based on questions this evening. Consideration of Policies for deletion: The following policies are recommended for deletion per MASC: Delete/ Title Notes 1st 2nd Vote Code EBC-S COVID Policy Overrides Delete No longer needed Jenn Walsh EBCB Fire Prevention and Fire Delete This is state Law; no Drills policy required. Jenifer Sellon Rescinded from 5-0 MASC. EBCBB Emergency Bus Drills Delete This is are Law; no policy required. Rescinded from MASC. GA Personnel Policy Goals Delete Per guidance from MASC. No value in policy. The following policies are recommended for modification ner MASC: Revise/ Title Action Notes Motion Motion Vote Code 1 2 EB Safety Program Revise Minor changes per MASC GBEA Staff Ethics / Conflict of Revise Minor changes per Interest MASC Jenn Walsh Jenifer Sellon GBI Staff Participation in Revise Minor changes per Political Activities MASC 5-0 GCA Professional Staff Revise Minor changes per Positions MASC GCBA Professional Staff Salary Revise Minor changes per Schedules MASC GCBB Employment of Revise Minor changes per Principals MASC GCBC Professional Staff Revise Minor changes per Supplementary Pay MASC Plans School Committee Business: Upcoming agenda items and meeting dates were reviewed. Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting: None Page 5 of 6 Approved 02-27-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 6, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Documents Referenced: Minutes MPS Vision and Mission Statement presentation 2024-25 School Year calendar Job Description (old) for Director of Special Education Services Job Description for Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Statement of Interest for J/J Roof replacement Motion language to move forward with Statement of Interest Policy Motion to adjourn: At 9:10 p.m., Lynn Cavicchi asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion made by by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon. Motion carries S - 0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent & School Committee Page 6 of 6