HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm 12/18/2025Approved 01-13-26
Mansfield School Committee Meeting
Attendance at Mansfield Tri-Board Meeting
Minutes for Thursday, December 18, �0,2,Si
In Person & Virtual Meeting using �oTo')Nebinar
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An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held i"person and virtually on Thursday,
December 18, 2025 in room 3AB of the Town Hall. The open School Committee session called was called
to order by Chair Tenn Walsh at 6:05 p.m.
Members of the Finance Committee, Select Board, School Committee and Budget Subcommittee
convened. The meeting was run by the Budget Subcommittee.
Public Speak: Steve Schoonveld, 21 Newton Street presented his view of our health insurance offerings
and how modifications to the plan could net huge savings. The key point suggested was reducing the
town's share of benefits for those employees taking a PPO. His reasoning was the total cost of paying
the town share of PPOs outpaced the total for HMO families.
FY27 Budget shortfall stands at approximately $4.9 million. The reduction from $5 million is due to the
budget figures that were provided by the School Department. The boards spoke about the approach
moving forward. Modified budgets are required and the general sense was that the town could request
a $3 million override which leaves $2 million of cuts. A member of the select board suggested that the
cuts be split 35%Town and 65%Schools. This led to discussion on whether or not this split was
appropriate with several members of each board providing their insight. Suggestions from a 50-50 split
to anywhere in between were debated. In the end, it was agreed that interim Town Manager Reinke
and Superintendent McKeon would each work with the staff to identify the best available options for
cuts. Then they will work together to see where the cuts land. When and if needed, the multiple boards
can identify specific number goals. Another Select Board member brought up his concern regarding his
view that employee raises through step and lane were too high and not sustainable.
The committees discussed potential dates for town meeting. It was suggested that a town meeting prior
to the town election may be beneficial; however, this would require a Town meeting in late April,
Budget Public hearing in late March or early April. It was also noted that school staff must be notified of
any reduction of force by May 15`". Last year staff was notified in March.
Town Financial Policies were reviewed and approved by each board.
Next meetings tentatively scheduled: Budget sub on 02/11/26 and TriBoard on 02/26/26.
Any Items not anticipated 48 hours in advance: None
Motion to adjourn:
At 7:29 p.m., Chair Walsh called for a motion to adjourn
Motion to adjourn by Jen Sellon / Diane Ready
Motion carries 4 - 0
Respectfully Submitted,
Diane Nugent, Administrative Assistant to
Superintendent & School Committee
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Mansfield School Committee Meeting
Minutes for Tuesday, December 09, 2025
In Person prior to Town Meeting
No Quorum / No meeting required.