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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 05/28/2024Approved 06-04-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, May 28, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held in person and virtually on Tuesday, May 07, 2024. The open meeting session was called to order by Superintendent Teresa Murphy at 6:30 p.m. Members Present: Steve Schoonveld (Chair*) Jenifer Sellon (Vice Chair*) Lynn Cavicchi Jenn Walsh Vivian Webster *Positions voted at this meeting Members Absent: None Administration Present: Teresa Murphy, Superintendent Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent (Teaching/Learning) Ed Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent (Finance/Operations) All members attended in person; roll call votes are not required. As this is the first meeting with the current board members, Superintendent Murphy announced that the first order of business is to complete the annual reorganization. She asked for nominations for a chair and noted that seconds are not required. Jenn Walsh made a motion to nominate Lynn Cavicchi. Vivian Webster made a motion to nominate Steve Schoonveld. Ms. Murphy asked if there were any other nominations. There were none. Discussion: None Superintendent Murphy asked for a roll call vote: Steve Schoonveld: Steve Schoonveld J Vivian Webster: Steve Schoonveld Lynn Cavicchi: Lynn Cavicchi Jenn Walsh: Lynn Cavicchi Jenifer Sellon: Steve Schoonveld Steve Schoonveld voted Chair 3 — 2 and will now preside over the meeting. Chair Schoonveld asked if there were any nominations for a Vice Chair. Vivian Webster f ade a inotioh to nominate Jenifer Sellon. Chair Schoonveld asked for discussion of which there was none. nr Jenifer Sellon elected Vice Chair 5-0. Public Speak: None Administrative Reports: Superintendent Teresa Murphy informed the committee of the Healthy Kids / Healthy Programs Summit that she attended along with Food Services Director Dawn Langtry and Health Services Director Christine Dooling. At the summit, Russell Johnston, Acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded several districts including Mansfield as MA School Wellness Champions. Approval of Warrant: Goods & Salary & Goods & Salary & Goods & Services Wages Services Wages Services 24040S 2024-21 240425 2024-22 24044S Page 1 of 5 Approved 06-04-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, May 28, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar 4-2-24 4-12-24 4-16-24 4-26-24 4-30-24 General Fund 630,820.71 1,734,223.72 564,263.55 1,715,169.45 256,488.54 Medicare - 2,539.20 - 2,539.20 - Capital 8,110.00 - 23,660.00 - 171,714.75 Revolving 5,689.48 53,343.68 7,545.00 41,757.64 8,083.39 Food Service 42,362.39 34,245.42 61,646.58 27,635.32 58,278.82 Gifts 1,194.47 - 503.61 - 418.20 Student Activity 4,866.16 245.34 2,271.71 1,051.69 36,982.12 Grants 156,858.62 78,559.09 21,845.29 92,463.45 - Prior Year - - 4,000.00 - - $ 849,901.83 $ 1,903,156.45 $ 685,735.74 $1,880,616.75 $ 531,965.82 Motion to approve the warrant memo dated 05-10-24 by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion carries 5 —0. Annrnval of Minutac Date 1st 2nd Discuss Y/N Vote 05-07-24 Open 1W 1S 5-0 05-07-24 Exec Session JW 15 Not to be released 5-0 05-22-24 Open / Town Meeting 1W JS 5 — 0 Committee Updates / Old Business: Budget: Meetings regarding next year's budget will start in June. Chair Schoonveld noted that the committee, Superintendent Murphy and Assistant Superintendent Donoghue need to start meeting soon to prepare a budget that does not come in too high. Policy: Met in early May to discuss many policies. Jenifer Sellon will work through special education related policies. Lynn Cavicchi met with Ed Donoghue and Dawn Langtry to discuss food services; Mike Connolly and Lynn are working on Title IX changes with our attorney. Many other policies are in the works and a few will be brought to committee soon. New Business: Consideration of QMS Program of Studies (part ii): Principal David McGovern presented the QMS proposal for next year. As a whole there are some loss to our program. However, there are many gains as well. Not changing are core subjects, special education and the bell schedule. He thanked the committee for reviewing a portion of the program of studies last month when they approved literacy and world language changes; the elimination of grade 7 and 8 enriched math and the renaming of Math 7 Accelerated to Pre -Algebra 7 and Math 8 Accelerated to Algebra 8. Changes have been made to support declining enrollment, budget restrictions, the new DESE MTSS blueprint and feedback on ensembles, interventions and services. Page 2 of 5 Approved 06-04-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, May 28, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar It was important to staff that we maintain the middle school model while adopting ways to support DESE's MTSS and report card structures. Mr. McGovern researched nearby districts and recognized community feedback. During a typical school day, a student will spend 4 periods on team in core courses. Two periods per day will be used for specials, literacy, world language or special education support. The last period is a mixed -use portion of the day where students will split up depending on individual student needs and course selection. Students will attend an ensemble, receive study skills or interventionist support, attend enrichment courses or participate in the HIVE which is a support -based opportunity for our students. The specials available at each grade are: ➢ 6- Wellness A, Wellness B, Science & Engineering (was grade 8), Digital Literacy, Language Exploration (30 days of Spanish and 30 days of French), Art or Theater. ➢ 7- Wellness, Science & Engineering, Art or Theater (whatever course was not taken in grade 6) ➢ 8- Wellness A, Wellness B, Computer Applications. The enrichment courses available at each grade are: ➢ 6- Business (Middle School Money Management), Critical Thinking and Problem Solving ➢ 7- The science of Sound and Music, Broadcast Journalism ➢ 8- Art, Science in the News Questions/Answers: Jenifer Sellon asked Dave McGovern what he feels is the biggest loss? Dave indicted that it depends on the person and their perspective. Losses that he feels are big are: removal of the Successful Student Course, reduction of art and theater hours, loss of Social Studies specials, loss of Wellness hours. Superintendent Murphy also noted the impact to staff as some have lost their positions or have been moved to another school. Steve Schoonveld asked if we can supplement the losses. Dave indicated that it is difficult; there is only so much that can fit into a day. Teresa noted that extracurricular and after school clubs will be helpful. Dave followed with the importance of maintaining the middle school environment. In most districts following this model, art and theater are not even offered. Jenn Walsh looked for clarification on ensemble students. Is it correct that a student in an ensemble could not take an enrichment class and if that is the case, is Dave worried that enrollment in ensembles will decline? Yes, it is correct that students will take one or another. He does not feel that there will be a decline though. He anticipates that approximately 40-45 students will take an enrichment course per trimester. These are strong academic courses with a criteria (academic and attendance based)that must be met. There may be handful that choose these classes over an ensemble but he thinks it is unlikely. Ensembles build upon themselves each year which is a plus. Superintendent Murphy reminded the committee why we looked at this schedule. It is to provide special education or intervention support to students without pulling them out of core courses. It also allows students to participate in ensembles without missing classes. Page 3 of 5 Approved 06-04-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, May 28, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Lynn Cavicchi asked if there would be a negative impact to the 8" grade civics MCAS results with the loss of the social studies specials. The MCAS is based on the coursework in the 8t1 grade social studies core curriculum so no. Can students use "Hive" time to make up missed work or exams? Not really, students will be booked for a specific program during that time. For example, they may be attending one of the enrichment classes. For those students who are absent frequently, it may be possible as those students would not be eligible for an enrichment class. Can students choose to join an ensemble in any of the 3 years? Yes, each fall the ensembles will be open to new students. Lynn recognized that there is no such thing as a perfect schedule. The idea of the enrichment programs follows some schedules in years past. It still appears to be a robust offering. Dave agreed. We still stand out among local middle schools. Steve Schoonveld noted some minuses that he hopes we can supplement. He noted that for some students there is a full course load; how can students get extra help? After school is still available but we hope to see a decline in this need so students can participate in afternoon clubs, etc. Each schedule is based on the unique needs of a student with consultation with families. Lynn asked how this will be rolled out. Dave intends to communicate with families by the end of this week. Steve asked that documentation be further clarified so that families know how students in each grade are impacted. Motion to approve the QMS Program of Studies for 2024-25 by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries 5 - 0 Consideration of Superintendent Murphy's Appointment to the 2024-25 BICO Board: Motion to approve the appointment of Superintendent Murphy to the 2024-25 BICO Board by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Discussion: Chair Schoonveld asked for a description of Teresa's role on the board. Essentially the board acts as the school committee for BICO dealing with the same issues that our own committee faces such as budget and policy. The board meets monthly and attendance is important for a quorum. BICO offers member districts locations that specialize in specific needs. For example, our site at the Jordan/Jackson school supports medically fragile students from member districts with highly trained BICO staff. Some of our Mansfield students attend BICO programs in other districts. Motion Carries 5 - 0 Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting: None School Committee Business: Reorganization of Subcommittees: Chair Schoonveld lead discussion among the board to determine members of subcommittees. After discussion, the following was determined. However, Chair Schoonveld noted that per policy these positions must be voted. As this was not posted for a vote on the agenda, the vote will be added to the June 04" agenda. Page 4 of 5 Approved 06-04-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, May 28, 2024 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Budget: Steve Schoonveld and Jenn Walsh Facilities: Jenn Walsh and Jenifer Sellon Policy: Lynn Cavicchi and Jenifer Sellon Town of Mansfield Audit: Steve Schoonveld Town of Mansfield CIP: Jenn Walsh and Vivian Webster Town of Mansfield DEI: Jenifer Sellon Town and Schools Needs Assessment: Jenn Walsh, Vivian Webster Negotiations committees: not yet assigned. However, the following will be negotiated this upcoming year: Office Assistants & Clerks, Buildings & Ground, Food Services, Paraprofessionals Health and Wellness: Vivian Webster Jenn Walsh motioned to appoint Vivian to the Health and Wellness Committee. Jenifer Sellon seconded. Motion Carries 5 — 0. Upcoming Meeting Dates for 2024-25: The district and committee reviewed potential dates for next year discussing limitations such as district events, holidays and the Zoning Board meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. After review, the Chair asked that we book these dates with the town offices and can always add to them as desired. Other: The committee reviewed the timeline for Superintendent Murphy's upcoming review which will be held on June 11t6. Member evaluations are due soon; Steve will complete the summary of the evaluations. Steve noted that he would be remote for the June 041h meeting and asked Jenifer Sellon to run the meeting. Documents Referenced: Presentation of QMS Program of Studies Program of Studies Document BICO approval form Minutes Proposed Dates for next year Subcommittee listings Motion to adjourn: At 8:04 p.m., Chair Schoonveld called for a motion to adjourn Motion to adjourn by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Carries 5 - 0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent & School Committee Page 5 of 5