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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm 02/10/2025Approved 03-04-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 10, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held in person and virtually on Monday, February 10, 2025. The open meeting session was called to order by Chair Steve Schoonveld at 7:04 p.m. Members Present: Steve Schoonveld (Chair) Jenifer Sellon (Vice Chair) Lynn Cavicchi Jenn Walsh Vivian Webster (remote) Members Absent: None w i r� New Business: Discussion related to the appointment of the next superintendent of Schools: Chair Schoonveld acknowledged Superintendent Murphy's leadership of our district. Additionally, he thanked the members of the search committee, MASC and all who participated in surveys, focus groups, and candidate site visits. Members also acknowledged those that assisted and showed their appreciation for all of the hard work. Jenifer Sellon acknowledged that this was a very fast process but ensured that process has included due diligence and followed a very detailed process. MHS student representative Andrew Fleischmann thanked the school committee for giving him the opportunity to participate in the finalist interviews and for giving MHS students an opportunity to be included via focus groups, surveys and site visits. Steve Schoonveld declared that the matter is appropriately before the school committee. The appointment of the superintendent will require 3 or more affirmative votes cast for any candidate. He then opened the floor for a discussion of the candidates. All agreed on this process. Mr. Schoonveld noted that Mansfield is a high performing district with leaders who are instructional focused, have created an elevated bar and work well together. In his mind there is a clear candidate for this position and his views have not changed since the initial meetings. He felt strongly about the advanced degree and the classroom background. Steve recommends Michelle McKeon. Jenifer Walsh agrees with Steve on his suggestion. Michelle stood above the other candidates. It feels right; there will be a strong path forward for our district. She feels Michelle can work well with our leadership team, school committee and town officials. Jenn appreciated her professionalism during the interview process. She also noted that in the student site visit survey, Michelle was the only candidate to receive 100% support from students. Jenifer Sellon agrees as well. Initially based on resume reviews, she did not rank Michelle, but Michelle shined during interviews and site visits. She interacted well with all whom she came in contact. She had a very impressive interview and showed a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Site visit survey results showed the highest positive feedback from all stakeholders. Vivian Webster had her decision narrowed down to two candidates coming into this evening. Michelle did very well in the interviews and site visit. She noted Michelle's vision on special education and our high needs population. Vivian can support Michelle. Andrew Fleischmann met all three candidates in two different settings (site visit and final interviews.) Michelle showed consistent responses and a familiarity with how Mansfield works while also noting that she is willing to bring fresh ideas. Page 1 of 2 Approved 03-04-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, February 10,2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Lynn Cavicchi had the opportunity to be on the initial search committee. Her initial goal was to hire an experienced superintendent. However, Lynn left the search process feeling like Michelle can bring so much to the district. During the site visits, Michelle stood out with her soft skills, personality and skill set. Michelle will help us continue with the best that we have now and build on what Teresa has put into place. Michelle interacted very well with our students. Chair Schoonveld asked if anyone would like to make a motion. Jenn Walsh moved that Michelle McKeon be appointed Superintendent of Schools for Mansfield effective July 1, 2025 subject to the successful negotiation of a contract of employment mutually agreeable to the candidate and the school committee and signed by both parties or their designees. Jenifer Sellon seconded the motion. Roll Call vote: Lynn Cavicchi aye Jenn Walsh aye Jenifer Sellon aye Vivian Webster aye Steve Schoonveld aye Motion Passes 5 - 0 Steve will contact the candidate via phone. MASC will contact the other finalists. Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting: None Documents Referenced: None At 7:26 p.m., Chair Schoonveld called for a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn to enter into Executive Session not to Return to Open Session pursuant to MGL c. 30A, § 21(a) Under Exception No. 2, To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel by Tenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Roll Call vote: Steve Schoonveld aye Jenifer Sellon aye Jenn Walsh aye Vivian Webster aye Lynn Cavicchi aye Motion Passes 5 - 0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent & School Committee Page 2 of 2