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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm 10/14/2025Approved 11-18-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Professional Practice Goal: Conduct a comprehensive entry process that identifies district strengths, challenges, and priorities while building trust through consistent, transparent communication with all stakeholders. Student Learning Goal: Reduce chronic absenteeism while strengthening a district -wide sense of belonging. Establish systems and structures for monitoring and reporting progress on reducing chronic absenteeism. District Improvement Goal: Develop and maintain a responsible and transparent budget that equitably allocates resources, advocates for the needs of all students, and reflects the district priorities for teaching, learning and belonging. Discussion: The committee thought the goals were simple, measurable and appropriate. Mr. Schoonveld asked if we have a chronic absentee issue. Superintendent McKeon noted that we did. DESE has targeted all schools to reduce their absentee rates back to pre-COVID levels by 2027. We are looking at ways to help get these students to school. As an illustration, when a student misses 15 days of school, it is equivalent to the entire month of November. That is a lot of missed learning. Everyone agreed that the word transparent was not the best word to describe the budget goal; the word was removed and replaced with accessible. We need to do a better job at educating the public on the needs of the school and details behind the budget. Does the student learning goal apply to all students or particular sub groups? How will this goal be measured? Michelle noted that the goal is all students but the district will focus on our subgroups as a priority. Motion to approve the Dr. McKeon's 2025-26 Evaluator Goals by Jenifer Sellon / Steve Schoonveld Motion carries 4 — 0. Preliminary discussion on evaluation process and indicators: In a prior meeting the committee noted that they would like to identify specific indicators on which to evaluate the superintendent. Tonight, Dr. McKeon provided the committee with recommendations from DESE as to which indicators are best. Jenn Walsh and Jen Sellon will meet with Michelle to identify the best indicators to use. Members were asked to provide indicator feedback to Diane Nugent by Monday morning. Consideration of district salaries in relation to MA Wage Transparency Act: Director of Finance and Operations Matthew Violette reviewed the salary ranges that were created based on FY26 salaries. The format is based on that being used by the Town of Mansfield. He noted that this law goes into effect on November 1 and will require us to post these salary ranges on all job postings. It was noted that union related salaries will be based on current contracts. The next steps will be to look at a long-term plan to maintain this table and use it to do comps with other towns and between the town and school. It was decided that at a minimum the salary ranges should reviewed annually in late winter before hiring starts for the next school year. Motion to approve the district salaries for FY26 in relation to the MA Wage Transparency Act by Jen Sellon/Steve Schoonveld Motion carries 4 — 0 Consideration of a School/Town Cost Sharing Agreement: Director of Finance and Operations Matthew Violette reviewed the proposed document which highlights how some of the costs are shared between the town and schools. For example, the Treasurer's office is estimated to spend 16-18 hours a week on school related items. This is a small percentage of the total hours worked per week for the department but that cost would be allocated back to the schools. For historical purposes, this agreement was identified by DESE as one that Mansfield did not have. After approval tonight, the document will go to the Select Board for their consideration. It was noted that this document memorializes procedures that have long been in place but not documented in a formal agreement. Motion to approve the School/Town Cost Sharing Agreement by Jen Sellon/Steve Schoonveld Motion carries 4 - 0 Page 3 of 5 Approved 11-18-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Jenifer Sellon questioned how the group could make assumptions based on our student populations. How can we benchmark trends when we are directed by student need? Jessica noted that they look at an overall picture and compare with other districts. We are pulling out more students on average than neighboring schools, so it is something to look at. Ultimately, we do make decisions on the needs of the enrolled students. Lynn Cavicchi asked how this report will be incorporated into strategic planning so that we can monitor and measure improvements. Assistant Superintendent Davis noted that the biggest take away is that we need to improve professional development. We have already started to address this and will be able to show improved offerings. Michelle noted that the district leadership intends to support all students. Any planning that takes place will incorporate special education students as well. An example of this is our new elementary Wonders ELA and Reveal Math programs. These solutions offer scaffolding approaches with multiple lesson plans allowing us to teach to all students. Lynn also noted that the 504 program is not strong in Mansfield. Jessica Davis will be taking the lead on this and will work with Amy Bright to revise processes. Lynn also asked if Building Curriculum Accommodations Plans were being reviewed as they are outdated and families do not know they exist. Dr. McKeon made note and will review. Jenn Walsh noted that the district has very robust plans for professional development but little PD time available. How will the district move forward balancing this? Jessica noted that we have had this report and have already altered professional development for this fall. As part of a larger district -wide effort, Assistant Superintendent Bright is looking at professional development and will plan next year's programming each spring. In order to ensure special education is incorporated, Jessica will work with Amy. Director of Finance and Operations Matthew Violette gave an update on the FY27 Budget Process. Round one of the school -based meetings have kicked off and will be completed this week. Each group is going through the budget line by line. Follow-up meetings will occur next week as needed. Approval of Minutes: Date 1st 2nd Discuss Y/N Vote 09-30-25 TriBoard JS LC Y* 4-0 09-30-25 Open JS LC 4-0 *Correct name on opening paragraph from Jenn Sellon to Jenn Walsh. Committee Updates: Policy: Several policies have been reviewed and will be brought forward tonight and in December. Audit: One meeting held to discuss the MMED Audit Review. There was one change needed so approval deferred to 10-15-25. New Business (continued): Consideration of Superintendent McKeon's 2025-26 Goals: Dr. McKeon presented to the committee her goals for the upcoming school -year. She noted that the New Superintendent Induction Program (NISP) recommended simple goals in line with what she needs to complete for the NSIP program. However, Michelle elaborated on these and set goals to highlight the work she, along with district leadership, intend to do in the district. Page 2 of 5 Approved 11-18-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar School/Town Cost Sharing Agreement Wage Transparency Salary Ranges Motion to adjourn: At 8:34 p.m., Chair Walsh called for a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Steve Schoonveid / Lynn Cavicchi Motion Passes 4- 0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent & School Committee Page 5 of 5 Approved 11-18-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar Consideration of new policies: Revise/ Title Notes Motion Motion Vote Code 1 2 EBFA Food & Nutrition Meal Postpone to future Modification meeting. Procedures to be ironed out. ECAB Access to Buildings and Note 1 JS LC 4-0 Grounds KBG Parent Advisory Councils Note 1: There was a discussion regarding policies vs procedures. Public Access will be defined in a separate document to be placed on our website. It will include playgrounds, baseball, softball fields, Turf field and field hockey field. Consideration of policy revisions: Revise/ Title Notes Motion Motion Vote Code 1 2 KI Visitors to School Note 2 JS SS 4-0 GBEBC Gifts and Solicitations from Change the word Staff participating to organizing/running JS LC 4-0 JJE Student Fundraising Activities KBE Relations with Parent Organizations Note 2: Modify the third bullet to clarify when the badge will be issued. Remove this bullet and state this information once the two bulleted items are completed. School Committee Business: Two negotiations will take place this year: The Mansfield Teachers Association and Special Education Bus Drivers. Chair Walsh asked the committee to email her by Friday if they are interested in participating. She is looking for two members for MEA and one for the bus drivers. School Committee Questions and Comments: Ms. Cavicchi asked for an update on A.P. enrollments. Did the high school increase access? How were last year's test scores? The district will ask the high school to pull this together. Dr. McKeon noted that her and Principal Booth will present the MHS NEASC report at a future meeting. Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting: None Documents Referenced: Minutes Policy Superintendent Goals and suggested indicators Page 4 of 5 Approved 11-18-25 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 In Person & Virtual Meeting using GoToWebinar RECFIVED I Ul' N UE-RM OFFICE An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held on Tuesday, October14, 2025 in room 3AB of the Town Hall. The open meeting session was called to order by Chair Jenn Walsh at 6:M.m,!0 l 20 A 11: 41 ' Members Present: Administration Present: I [. (_ D Jenn Walsh, Chair Michelle McKeon, Superintendent HA'`ial.i'>[.jTC Jenifer Sellon, Vice Chair Jessica Davis, Assistant Superintendent Student Services Lynn Cavicchi Matthew Violette, Director of Finance and Operations Steve Schoonveld Members Absent: Diane Ready Public Speak: None Administrative Reports: Superintendent Michelle McKeon updated the committee on one of her first student engagement meetings. Last week, she along with Principal Booth met with "The Buzz' organization. This group produces a weekly news video for the MHS students which is a big hit with students. Dr. McKeon is working on a grant request that might help support the group with equipment. Assistant Superintendent Amy Bright's update was given by Superintendent McKeon. Plans are in the works for the first ELPAC meeting. Tomorrow afternoon is professional development time. There are many offerings across the district and an update will be given at the next meeting. Individual MCAS scores were mailed home today. On 10-28-25 a formal presentation will be given to the school committee. New Business taken out of order: Consideration of MHS field trip to MetLife Stadium (Marching Bond): Band Director Justin DeJoy presented his request to the committee. it is a two-day trip November 8`h and 9th with the competition late Saturday and a stop in NYC on day 2 to explore a small portion of Times Square. The committee discussed travel insurance and refund details for trip cancellation as well as the number of chaperones. District -wide field trip concerns include booster club involvement in field trips; money -handling, chaperones and student safety. The district needs to do a thorough review of field trip procedures. Motion to approve the MHS Marching Band field trip to MetLife Stadium in NJ by Jenifer Sellon / Steve Schoonveld Motion carries 4 — 0. Return to Administrative Reports: Assistant Superintendent Jessica Davis provided an overview on the Academic Discoveries Special Education Program Review. The District is required by DESE to perform a program review every 2 years. At the time, Jessica was a new to the role and she ordered a more comprehensive review. There were three key focus areas: Vertical Alignment, Over/Under-identification of Students with Disabilities and Special Education Allocation of Services and Resources. For each category, the review highlighted areas of strength and recommendations. As we received a draft report of this last spring, the district has already started to incorporate some of the recommendations. This vendor was chosen after a review of five organizations. Academic Discovery stood out as the best option to meet our needs. Discussion: Steve Schoonveld thought it was great to get an outside perspective and encouraged all families to read the report. He commented on several of the key areas identified by the review. Some concerns were already heard from our staff including targeted professional development, greater paraprofessional access to student IEPs, and improved co -teaching. Page 1 of 5