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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm 03/25/2025f',.. Mansfield School Committee Meeting Approved 04-29-25 Minutes for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held in person and virtually on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in room 3AB of the Town Hall. The open meeting session was called to order by Chair Steve Schoonveld at 6:00 p.m. Members Present: Administration Present: Steve Schoonveld (Chair) Teresa Murphy, Superintendent Jenifer Sellon (Vice Chair) Jessica Davis, Assistant Superintendent (Student Services) Lynn Cavicchi Ed Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent (Finance/Operations) Jenn Walsh Julia Greenstine, Interim Assistant Superintendent (Teaching/Learning) Vivian Webster (exec only) Members Absent: None The chair asked for a motion to enter into Executive Session under Exception No. 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 regarding collective bargaining of office assistants/clerks; paraprofessionals; buildings and grounds. ; Motion by: Jenn Walsh /Jenifer Sellon ROLL CALL Vote: Jenifer Sellon aye t r.� Jenn Walsh aye rj Lynn Cavicchi aye i! � Steve Schoonveld aye Motion Carries 4 — 0� ` Return from Executive Session at 6:30 pm. Public Hearing on the FY26 Budget Chair Schoonveld asked for a motion to enter into a public hearing on the FY26 school budget. Motion to open the legislative public hearing by: Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon ROLL CALL Vote: Jenifer Sellon aye Tenn Walsh aye Lynn Cavicchi aye Steve Schoonveld aye Motion Carries 4-0 Superintendent Murphy and Assistant Superintendent Donoghue presented the FY26 budget to the committee and large audience. Mr. Donoghue identified prior year increases and the limited increase we are able to move forward with this year. He then broke down the budget by cost center highlighting very limited increases in most areas. He also reviewed the NESDEC Enrollment Projections which show several past years of declining enrollment which appear to be leveling off or increasing slightly. Ms. Murphy reviewed staffing reductions which are unfortunately necessary. These include the reduction of a custodian and instructional technology coach; A nurse, custodian and .4 office assistant from the Roland Green closure; four classroom teachers at Robinson elementary; one classroom teacher at Jordan/Jackson, one high school assistant principal, one adjustment counselor as well as a world language, math and science teacher. In addition, the following programs will be eliminated: Little Hornets, MHS evening school, MHS bridge program, McLean Hospital support program, MHS school to career partnership, elementary summer school. Teresa noted that for each of these programs going away, the district is looking into alternatives to support the students in need. Page 1 of 7 Approved 04-29-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Ed then spoke of the reasons behind the closure of Roland Green specifically: capacity, building age, operational savings, long term staffing savings and the elimination of capital projects. Chair Schoonveld then spoke in regards to a slide projecting the budget for going forward. Of note, health insurance costs are going up a lot this year and very likely again next summer. Our budget problems will definitely continue into next year. At this point Chair Schoonveld opened up the hearing for public comment. Michael Robinson, 21 Shields Street: Noted that out of district tuition costs have increased a lot. How do we reconcile this with our budget? Teresa Murphy: We are members of the BiCounty Collaborative which offers us a lower tuition rate. Even there, tuitions went up 6%. Other programs had a big spike intuition last year. We do use circuit breaker refunds from the state to help offset some of those costs. Ed Donoghue noted that every district is facing the same challenge. Kathy Manganaro, staff non-resident: Very concerned with the cuts that have been made to our student supports for both general education and special education. These are basic fundamental supports and without these, she fears an increase in outplaced students in future years. We are experiencing a crisis with out students. Demands are increasing yet we are cutting services. Teresa Murphy agrees with her points. If an override passes, some of these services can be brought back. We are also looking into an alternative program for the high school. Sinead Rogazzo, 69 Warren Avenue: Please clarify how Little Hornet's is factored into the budget. Does the cost impact the school budget or the town budget? Steve Schoonveld noted that it is "One Town, One Budget." Salaries are covered through tuition but health benefits are paid for through the town budget. He also noted that there will be a new health insurance option offered starting July 1. Looking at the Space Study, estimates for adding on to Robinson would run $20 - 29 million. By restructuring space now, we will prevent a future debt exclusion. This allows us to focus funds on student needs at DIMS and MHS such as antiquated science labs. Caitlyn Kamm, staff non-resident: Has the town considered a higher override to help with long term costs rather than just a one-year approach? Steve Schoonveld noted we are already looking ahead to upcoming years but this is a short-term fix to get us moving forward. Are there details listed noting the money saved with the programs to be cut? She also noted that an addition to Robinson would benefit all of the staff and students already in the building. There are current issues that could be fixed. Teresa provided high level figures: Evening school $110,000, Bridge program: 2 staff members, McLean $52,000, School to Career partnership $35,000, Summer School- This was primarily covered by grant funding which will no longer be available. We would like to see summer school return with an override. The Robinson and 1/J administrators are looking to expand our jump start summer program to run sessions on all grades not just K and 3. Jake Alexander, 546 Fruit Street: What course of action are you taking regarding a solution for Little Hornets? Teresa reaffirmed that we are not looking to keep this program. Jake noted that he had sent the town manager an email about how the school/town budgets work and heard back that this is a school decision. Steve responded that it is a school decision, even if it impacts the town budget. Jake asked if the town manager is part of the ongoing decision making. No, he is not. Susan Keough, 9 Wicklow Lane: Asked why the preschool tuition is so low. Why are we not raising this fee? Teresa explained the model of the Roland Green and the recent tuition review that was completed. Natalie Cressy, student: How was the decisions made to cut some programs but save others? Superintendent Murphy noted that the districts priority per DESE requirements is our Pre-K to 12+ students. Page 2 of 7 Approved 04-29-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Molly Riley, 20 Lancelot Lane: If the goal was to close the gap, why didn't the district take a closer look at raising fees for Little Hornets? What happened between January and February for this decision to be made so quickly? Steve Schoonveld noted that one change was the health insurance costs, another was the further decrease we were instructed to make to our budget. Has the district reviewed all space options? Teresa noted that we looked at some options but none provided a solution. We have made the decision; the district has wanted to move Roland Green to Robinson for some time. Looking at the February budget cuts needed, and enrollment projections, the time to move is now. Molly noted the district has a dedicated and talented group of staff members that have cared for our children; don't take that away. Teresa noted that she has read the letters and emails that she has received some providing options for space. For example, J/1 was offered up in the space study as a temporary home if needed. However, it would take away current student opportunities for 1/1. Ultimately, it is the superintendent's decision how to use the space in schools. Stephanie North, 361on Keates Drive: What data and evidence does the district have to remove Little Hornets, a program that has allowed us to attract talented teachers. This was a capacity issue as previously noted. Tim Carpentier, staff non-resident: What do your actions show us? Why do private schools want to increase salaries for their staff but our district does not? Little Hornets is a big asset. The school committee should be the biggest cheerleader for the staff; it clearly is not. This decision is atrocious; Little Hornets was a big draw for talented teachers. Tina Karidoyanes, staff non-resident: These cuts are impacting our most vulnerable students. This year's bridge numbers may be low but they were not in the past and we cannot predict the future. This program helped kids access their education. Mansfield is going to lose our greatness. With the end of public comment and no further comments from the school committee, Chair Schoonveld called for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion to close the public hearing by Jenn Walsh, lenifer Sellon at 7:54 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Lynn Cavicchi aye Steve Schoonveld aye Jenn Walsh aye lenifer Sellon aye Motion Carries 4-0 Consideration of Approval of a FY26 Balanced Budget: Chair Schoonveld noted that the town has requested we present a balanced budget. Motion to approve the Balanced FY26 Budget presented tonight by Jenn Walsh, Jenifer Sellon Roll Call Vote: Motion Carries 4-0 Public Speak Eric Greenberg, 395 Central Street: Representing the paraprofessionals bargaining unit, presented a signed petition asking the committee to reach a fair agreement with the association and offer a living wage to these members along with parental leave and competitive benefits. There are 115 paraprofessionals working with our highest need students. Despite the role they play, they do not earn a living wage. He noted that many paras live in Mansfield, hold higher education degrees and often work two jobs to make ends meet. Frannie Podolsky, 10 Davis Street: Parents of special needs students share an anxiety of the care needed by their students. We, as paras, love our students and love this community but we are suffering financially. We are at a breaking point. Page 3 of 7 Approved 04-29-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Heather McPherson, 10 Casa Drive: As a special education teacher, she values the work and importance of paraprofessionals. Her classroom would not function without them. Paras also allow students to participate in after school events. Dan Joyce, 57 Tremont Street: His daughter had a wonderful experience at Mansfield Schools. She is on the autism spectrum and noted that at her time of enrollment there was a big spike in autism. Outsourcing all of these students would be impossible. The supports that Mansfield added were very effective including the support and care of paraprofessionals. The paras deserve to be paid a living wage. Michael Robinson, 21 Shields Street: Has three children all in the special education program. His family has benefited greatly from the paraprofessionals. Kerri Enright, staff non-resident: Presented a petition asking Mansfield to prevent the elimination of Little Hornets. The center is fulfilling an urgent need and has been a tremendous educational resource for Mansfield students. We are asking the town to study existing municipal space. She cannot fathom the unwillingness to find space. Release of information was delayed, benefit information was never provided. This was a last-minute irresponsible decision. Susan Keogh, 9 Wicklow Lane: A Mansfield taxpayer and wants to know why is moving Roland Green an emergency now. The district never looked at options; it could have increased tuition. The district should have given a one-year notice. If space is an issue then do not use it for school choice students. Chair Steve Schoonveld attempted to close the public comment portion of the meeting. He then allowed the public speak portion of the meeting go beyond the 15-minute limit. Nicole Robertson, staff non-resident: Many families have reached out to the superintendent and school committee. Why are space needs of Robinson not a concern? Relocating Little Hornets was said to be costly but the chair could not provide specific costs. Losing this program also hurts the students at MHS who benefit from working there. Scott Cohen, MEA president non-resident: Scott noted the great relationship he has had with Superintendent Murphy and the school committee in the past. He then at length highlighted his anger at the decision to move Roland Green and close Little Hornets with no discussion with the MEA. The communication was poor. He also noted that it was about time the district paid paraprofessionals what they deserve. Administrative Reports: Assistant Superintendent Ed Donoghue notified the committee that the Statement of Interest for the 1/J roof replacement has been submitted to MSBA for review. As a refresher, if approved, the state will reimburse the town roughly 50% of the cost. Approval of Warrant: Goods & Services Salary & Wages Goods & Services Salary & Wages 250325 2532PS 25034S 2633PS 2l4/25 2/14125 2118/25 2/28126 General Fund 789,497.96 1,761,981.22 542,696.32 1,812,383.64 Medicare - 2,615.20 - 2,615.20 Capital 75,238.51 - 55,101.00 - Revolving 34,457.12 88,373.66 2,069.97 78,705.55 Page 4 of 7 Approved 04-29-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Food Service 38,262.99 35,832.73 39,304.79 29,858.78 Gifts 5,803.47 426.50 - - Student Activity 5,827.33 - 2,203.39 - Grants - 68,773.13 3,684.98 32,848.85 Prior Year - - - - 949,087.38 1,968,002.44 645,060.45 1,956,412.02 Motion to approve the warrant memo dated 3-10-25 by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon. Motion Passes 4 - 0 Approval of Minutes: Date 1st 2nd Discuss Y/N Vote J. Sellon temporarily left the room 01-07-25 Workshop JW JS N 3-0 01-14-25Open 1W LC N 3-0 02-25-25TriBoard JW LC N 3-0 03-04-25 JW LC N 3-0 01-14-25 Exec 1W LC N 3-0 Not to be released 01-28-25Exec 1W LC N 3-0 " 03-04-25 Exec pre meeting JW 1S N 4-0 " 03-04-25 Exec post meeting JW IS N 4-0 " Gifts: The 250' Mansfield Committee (Rob MacDonald) came before the board requesting permission to plant a white oak tree on each of the school properties. This effort has been reviewed/approved by Matt Jacques, Ed Donoghue and Teresa Murphy. Chair Schoonveld asked if the Mansfield Tree Warden has approved. Mr. MacDonald will pursue. Lynn Cavicchi asked about the eventual size of the trees and about possible infrastructure problems from tree roots or branches. The locations were picked to prevent issues. Each tree was purchased from the Arbor Tree foundation for $175 a tree. Motion to accept the gift of oak trees from the 250`f' Committee by Jenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon. Motion Carries 4 — 0. Committee Updates / Old Business: Facilities: Reviewed projects to be completed over April vacation and a transition plan once Matt Jacques leaves. Policy: Met to discuss open items (to be brought forward tonight) and a plan for spring policy review. New Business: Year one Update on Student OpportunitVAct: Interim Assistant Superintendent Julia Greenstine presented a refresher of the SOA and a review of the goals for 2024 — 2027. She then went into detail on the year one activities that were completed or are in progress in order to meet these goals. To summarize, Julia then identified early evidence of change such as (in K — 5 Math) increased student engagement, and the use of various strategies, and increase in number sense skills. For grades 6 — 8, educators implementing the new ELA curriculum; noted the benefits of professional development offerings and the ability to modify curriculum to meet the needs of students. Early evidence of progress noted an increase in our benchmark scores (K-2 Math), growth in grade 4 students with disabilities, English Learners showed improvement in the number of students exceeding expectations. Page 5 of 7 Approved 04-29-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar In 25-26, the district will launch year one of our K-5literacy program; launch year one of our 6-8 Math program, continue our K — 5 math implementation (year 2) and explore opportunities for a Train -the -Trainer model for UDL. Discussion on School Choice: Discuss current school choice enrollment, enrollment projections and budget factors for next year's option. Ed Donoghue and Teresa Murphy reviewed the current school choice numbers and potential openings for the upcoming year. The committee will vote at the next meeting. Update on policies recently reviewed / no change required ADDA-R Background Checks JFABD Homeless students 1FABE Military children 1FABF Foster care KF Use of School facilities These can all move forward as reviewed. Subject: Consideration of Policies for Deletion Delete/ Title Notes V 2nd Vote Code JLID Safety of Walkers and Delete JW 1S 4-0 Cyclists Consideration of policy revisions as recommended by MHTL Revise/ Title Notes Motion Motion Vote Code 1 2 11CFB Bullying Note minor wording 1W JS 4-0 change JICFB-R Bullying Prevention and Postpone. Teresa would Intervention Plan like further review for some outdated language. JRD Student Photographs 1W 1S 4-0 KLG Relations with Police JW JS 4-0 Authorities School Committee Business: None School Committee Questions and Comments: None Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting:None Documents Referenced: Warrant Minutes FY26 Budget presentation SOI presentation Gift Form — Oak Trees Page 6 of 7 Approved 04-29-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Little Hornet's petition Paraprofessional petition Motion to adjourn: At 10:09 p.m., Chair Schoonveld called for a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Tenn Walsh / Jenifer Sellon Motion Passes 4- 0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent & School Committee Page 7 of 7