HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 09/12/2023 (2)Approved 09-26-23
Mansfield School Committee Meeting
Executive Session Minutes for Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Members Present: Administration Present:
Jenn Walsh, Vice Chair Teresa Murphy, Superintendent of Schools
Steve Schoonveld (remote) Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent
Jenifer Sellon Edward Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent "1
2 i
Vivian Webster
Members Absent:
Lynn Cavicchi, Chair
Fri
The committee adjourned from open session "
• Under Exception No,2: To conduct strategy sessions in preparatioh4or negotiations
with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining s sionsr W c tract
negotiations with nonunion personnel (Superintendent Murphy) Cal rn
• 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 (Food Services Bargaining Unit)
Executive session started at 7:50 p.m.
Food Services:
Six weeks ago, the food services bargaining unit approached the district to discuss struggles with hiring
and retention. Assistant Superintendent Donoghue has had concerns on their salary structure which
is low. In order to rectify this, the district would need to re -open the contract in a non -negotiating year.
Our attorney Andy Waugh had many reservations about this so we looked at options for other boosting
salaries. Melissa Rebello, the MEA representative for the union asked the district to re -open the
contract. We stated our concern that other groups will see this and also ask to re -open contracts. The
district then received an email from Melissa stating that the presidents of the other five unions all
support there -opening of the food services contract for salary; concerns and have agreed not to ask for
their contracts to be opened. Teresa asked if any of the school committee members had concerns with
the district moving forward with this. Steve Schoonveld asked if we could call this process something `
other than "re -opening the contract," What about a side letter? Ed noted that technically any side letter
is a re -opening of the contract. Jen Sellon asked if we can re -open specifically for salary only and
nothing else. Both Teresa and Ed noted that the district is not opening the contract as a whole and will
be very specific that this is a salary change only and that we will offer a specific increase of $1.50 per
hour which will not be open for negotiation. This will be across all positions and years and will provide
the new salary base for future contracts. The committee supported the decision; no vote was taken.
Superintendent Murphy's Contract:
Having held the evaluation for Teresa Murphy, Jenn Walsh offered a suggested salary option of
$211,000 or $212,000 extending the contract out by one year to 2027. The committee was agreeable
to a 331% increase bringing her salary to $212,000. Steve voiced concerns regarding the extension of
one year citing that this makes a perpetual contract.'Jenn Walsh and Jenifer Sellon felt that extending
the contract has been a past practice with administrators in the school district. Jenn Walsh felt
uncomfortable giving an evaluation of proficient yet not extending the contract to 2027. Vivian
Webster had no concerns about Teresa suddenly leaving the district and ending the contract. Jenifer
Sellon noted that the contract is well written and seems to provide flexibility as needed. Steve
continued to note his concerns but was agreeable to extending Teresa's contract by one year based on
the way that the contract is written.
Executive Session
Approved 09-26-23
Teresa Murphy was invited into the meeting to discuss and/or negotiate as needed. Jenn Walsh
announced a 2023-24 salary of $212,000 retroactive to July 1, 2023 and the end of the contract
extended to June 30, 2027. The percentage increase is 3.31%.
Superintendent Murphy very much appreciated the offer and thanked the committee for their support.
Jenn Walsh called for a motion to leave executive session and return to open session.
Motion to adjourn at 8:36 p.m, by Jenifer Sellon and Vivian Webster,
Roll Call vote:
Steve Schoonveld aye
Jenn Walsh aye
JeniferSellon aye
Vivian Webster aye
Motion carries 4-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Diane Nugent
Administrative Assistant to
Superintendent & School Committee
Executive Session