HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 06/06/2023 (2)Approved 07-18-23
Mansfield School Committee Meeting
Executive Session Minutes for Tuesday, June 06, 2023
Members Present: Administration Present:
Lynn Cavicchi, Chair Teresa Murphy, Superintendent of Schools
jenn Walsh, Vice Chair Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent
Steve Schoonveld (remote) Edward Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent
Jenifer Sellon
Vivian Webster
Members Absent: None
Committee opened and adjourned to 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 negotiations
for Mansfield Educator Association and Special Education Bus Drivers.
Executive session started at 7:00 p.m. Steve Schoonveld confirmed, as a remote participant, that he was
attending without anyone in close proximity.
Superintendent Murphy announced that the teachers ratified the new contract 118 - 2 and that the
school committee can move forward with voting. The contract for the Special Education Drivers has
not yet been ratified by the drivers and will be reviewed at our next meeting.
Steve Schoonveld had a few questions on the changes. For the new parental leave (#7) how do breaks
factor in to the time off? Teresa indicated that summer break does count toward this time but school
J days off including vacation weeks do not count toward this time. Regarding the request to obtain
volunteer high schoolteachers to teach additional classes, does the district have discretion as to who
we hire for these classes? Teresa noted that yes, we ask for volunteers, we post as needed and then the
district / high school hires who we choose. When teachers are asked to cover other classes (#10) are
those teachers required to grade coursework or exams? No, teachers step in to cover the class time
only. Lastly Steve asked how often the district reviews the stipends to determine if the work level of
that particular stipend matches the dollar amount of the stipend. He used the example of the QMS ski
club which now travels on two full Saturdays rather than on several Friday nights noting that the
stipend should probably be lower. Assistant Superintendent Donoghue noted that he, Teresa and union
rep John Ponies recently met to review and discuss all the stipends and they are happy with what is
listed. Regarding the ski club, the level of work is still the same in the prep work and in the hours spent
with the students. Teresa also noted that stipends remain in the contract even if there is a given year
where a club is not run. This could be due to lack of student interest, inability to obtain a teacher
advisor or lack of funds for the activity. This can vary year to year.
Teresa also noted that per MGL 1SOE:1, the Town Manager has a vote in all contracts including those
for the schools. She has a letter from Kevin Dumas approving this contract. The next step Js to vote on
the contract, return to open session and announce the result of our vote.
co M
Executive Session
Approved 07-18-23
E
N
R
Motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the new MOU between the Mansfield
Teachers Association and the School Committee for 2023-2026 by Jenn Walsh and Jenifer Sellon.
Roll Call vote:
Steve Schoonveld aye
Lynn Cavicchi
aye
Jenn Walsh
aye
Jenifer Sellon
aye
Vivian Webster
aye
Motion carries
5-0
Lynn Cavicchi called
for a motion to leave executive session.
Motion to adjourn at 7:15 p.m. by jenn Walsh J Jen Sellon
Roll Call Vote:
Steve Schoonveld
Aye
Vivian Webster
Aye
Jenifer Sellon
Aye
Jenn Walsh
Aye
Lynn Cavicchi
Aye
Motion Carries
5-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Diane Nugent
Administrative Assistant to
Superintendent &School Committee
Executive Session