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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 11/07/2024Approved 12-03-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Thursday November 07, 2024 In Person An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held in person on Thursday November 07, 2024 in the Town Hall room 2AB. The open meeting session was called to order by Chair Steve Schoonveld at 7:05 p.m. Members Present: Administration Present: Steve Schoonveld (Chair) Teresa Murphy, Superintendent Jenifer Sellon (Vice Chair) Lynn Cavicchi Jenn Walsh Vivian Webster Members Absent: None Public Speak: None New Business Consideration of the selection of a superintendent search consultant: Chair Steve Schoonveld summarized the work that has been done to date. Two vendors have provided proposals and brief presentations on what they have to offer. Those two vendors are the MA Association of School Committees (MASC) and the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) who are commonly used by schools for administrator searches. Mr. Schoonveld noted that although the intent was to vote on a vendor this evening, the committee has not followed the appropriate procurement process as defined by policy DJE, MA General Law, Select Board Maureen Doherty and the Assistant Town Manager Matt Violette. For any bids between $10,000 and $100,000 certain requirements apply. In order to move forward Mr. Schoonveld has requested at least one more quote, preferably more so that we can explore all options. Lynn Cavicchi asked if we would be forced to choose the lowest bidder if we go out for several quotes. The response was no, as long as we can document why our choice is more appropriate than the lowest bidder. Superintendent Murphy noted that she spoke with Assistant Superintendent Ed Donoghue and he was going to reach out to the Cape Cod Collaborative for a quote. To move forward, Chair Schoonveld asked the committee to discuss a list of requirements that we would be, looking for in a vendor. Some ideas: • Have completed a search already • Includes focus groups (create and facilitate) • Provides electronic surveys ;; U) 1, • Can meet our timelines • Can help determine how to engage stakeholders f -' Q i • Have sufficient tools to conduct a thorough search t c>(-J t • Will guarantee a candidate and a successful hire for a minimum period of time U) Cu 7 • Will conduct background checks for us n n7 After much discussion with no set requirements, Lynn Cavicchi noted that recently Andover began a search and she read their job scope as it appeared on their website. It was agreed to start with their basic premise and add 1) the ability run an accelerated search 2) has sufficient tools 3) will guarantee a search for a year. As the procurement officer, Ed Donoghue will request an estimate from a 3rd vendor. Discussion regarding searchtimeline, process and focus groups: The committee discussed potential focus group scenarios. Suggested were: • Parents (10 —15) • Students • Staff (paras, teachers, department heads, union leaders, etc) • Leadership team (approx. 25) Page 1 of 3 Approved 12-03-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Thursday November 07, 2024 In Person • Town Staff (ie Town Manager Police Chief, Fire Chief, DPW, Select Board) • Community Much discussion on who would participate. It was suggested to look at individuals who would cross several check lists. For example a parent with students in more than one school, with a student on an IEP. Or a principal who has had many rolls in the district. A survey would go out first to students, families, staff and the community for input. At the end of the survey, they will be asked if they are interested in a focus group. Consideration of the establishment of a search committee: The search committee should expect at least a 20 hour commitment. Members of the search committee were discussed including the following possibilities: • School Committee (2) • Administrator Elementary • Administrator Secondary • Teacher Elementary • Teacher Secondary (one of these teachers with special education background • Parent elementary • Parent secondary • Union Rep • Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations • Assistant Superintendent of Student Services • Non -parent community member • High School student It will be important to have a balanced committee of internal and external members. Further discussion will occur once a consultant is hired and can provide direction. Consideration of school committee representatives to the search committee: Chair Schoonveld turned over the gavel to Vice Chair Jenifer Sellon and then made a motion to appoint himself and Lynn Cavicchi to the search committee. Jenn Walsh seconded. No discussion. Motion Carries 5-0. Reverting back to the discussion on the process, Superintendent asked if the committee would review a draft of the job description. The district built this, with permission, from the Weston Public Schools Superintendent job description. A few items were adjusted based on descriptions at Boston and Barnstable public schools. The description resides on the shared google drive for all members to view. Again, it is hoped that the consultant will advise us on the best language for a job description. It is the hope that the committee can vote on a job description at the 11/19 or 11/21 meeting. This is pending the hiring of a consultant and how quickly they can get started with US. Overall there was much discussion on how to move forward, what our criteria will be, concerns about the timeline, and how to ensure the hiring of a consultant follows all procurement laws. School Committee Business: Chair Schoonveld referenced an article on how to run overrides that was recently in a local newspaper. Information from the MASC conference will be sent by Lynn Cavicchi. Lynn also provided a general overview of the conference. School Committee Questions and Comments: None Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting: None Documents Referenced: Draft superintendent job description Page 2 of 3 Approved 12-03-24 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Thursday November 07, 2024 In Person Proposal by MASC Proposal by NESDEC Motion to adjourn: At 8:21 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 3 of 3