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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm Minutes 10/28/2014Approved 11 -18 -14 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Town Hall, Room 3A &B An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, October 28, 2014. The open meeting session was opened and called to order by Chairman Michael Trowbridge at 7:00 p.m. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 embers Present: - roll call vote to enter into Open Session: Michael Trowbridge, Chair yes Kiera O'Neil, Vice Chair yes Lynn Cavicchi yes Linda Fernando yes Wayne Smith, Jr. yes Also Present: Zeffro Gianetti, Superintendent of Schools Edward Vozzella, Director of Finance Ms. Dana Hourigan of 15 Evan Circle was taping the meeting. Personnel - None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: School Committee Minutes of October 7, 2014 Minutes to be amended to remove the word "power" from the ELA Report Card section of the minutes. Will be stated as "ELA changes include new standards" A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made 1St by Wayne Smith, 2�d by Kiera O'Neil. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 School Committee Executive Session Minutes of October 7, 2014 A motion was called to approve the minutes 1St by Kiera O'Neil, 2nd by Wayne Smith. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 Old Business Budget Update: Ed Vozzella reported that we are still seeing some unexpected maintenance items. There is a paving project in progress at Robinson to repair holes in the pavement near the playground. We are using the company that has the paving contract with the town. Estimated cost is $15K to $16K. Approved 11 -18 -14 Budget for FY 2015 -16 is in progress. A first pass is expected next week to review preliminary budgets from directors and principals. He has also been reviewing salaries and wages. The Budget Subcommittee will meet next Thursday. Looking for some direction as to what the budget might look like for next year. Superintendent's Search: Search is progressing as scheduled. Sub Committee Updates: Audit Committee: Planning another meeting to determine details on an RFP for the auditor. CIP: School Committee is set for December 2, 2014. A few meetings have been held. CIP developed for schools will be reviewed at November School Committee meeting in order to be ready for the December meeting. Budget: Meeting Scheduled for Thursday, November 6th. Policy: In progress. A few changes will be introduced later in the meeting. Section B complete and ready for review. Section C in progress. Sick Bank: No updates. New Business District WAS 2014 Analysis: Christine Kalinowski, Teresa Murphy, Cindy Carli, and Janet Hogan presented an overview of the 2014 test results for ELA, Math, Science & Technology. Highlights include: • Grade 3 - 5 Math (Kalinowski) o Very good results with Advanced and Proficient numbers exceeding state levels. Trend showed a substantial increase distancing ourselves from the state averages. o Envision Math program has been in place for a few years and hopefully has benefited our students. o Will focus on Needs Improvement category in Grade 4 and 5 moving forward. o Grade 5 showed a dip in the total number proficient or higher. Factors could include: Difficulty of test, PARCC test fatigue. • Grade 6 - 8 Math (Kalinowski) • Very good spread between Mansfield and State on Proficient or higher numbers. • RTI is in place which has hopefully contributed to improvements. • Grade 8 dipped slightly but at the same rate as State. • Will look closely at Needs Improvement scores. • Grade 10 Math (Kalinowski) • Mansfield Advance Students greatly exceeds state numbers. • Good gap trend between Mansfield and State over the last 4 years. • Grade 3 - 5 Overview (Murphy) o Teresa Murphy commended the entire staff and their administration of the MCAS. She also noted that in every grade, every subject, the percentage of if students who performed at proficient or higher is equal to or higher than the State. o Teachers receive analysis on their current students and their students from the previous year. o Teresa's goal is to lead jj from a Level 2 to a Level 1 Accountability Status. She is also looking to show improvement in individual student growth percentages. Approved 11 -18 -14 Grade 3 — 5 ELA (Murphy) • Generally speaking students performed very well with multiple choice questions but struggled with open responses. JJ staff is really working hard to improve in this area. • High scores: vocabulary acquisition and the integration of knowledge and skills. There was a slight decline in Grade 5 grammar which will be addressed via a new Common Core program titled GUM (Grammar, Usage and Mechanics) • Grade 3 to Grade 4 is where we start to see student growth percentiles. Even if scores are low, there maybe significant growth for individual students. JJ is showing growth of 55% in Math and 47% in ELA. • Although the percentage of Proficient or Higher for Grade 5 ELA declined, there was significant growth for these same students from lastyear. Grade 6 — 8 ELA (Carli) • Continue to score above the state average for Advanced and Proficient and below the state average for Needs Improvement and Failure. • Trends are showing growth and improvement in scores. Grade 10 ELA (Carli) • Advanced category significantly above State Average at 99 %. • Cindy reviewed the details of both the Grade 7 and Grade 10 long composition questions. These were both challenging questions and she commended the students for their strong performances. Questions can be viewed on DESE / MCAS website. • Compositions can take as long as an entire day though most students do finish by lunch time. Grade 5 Science (Murphy) • Grade 5 is the first year that students take the MCAS Science. Content is based on information they have learned from grades K- 5 which requires a good amount of retention. • Again, multiple choice responses were higher than open responses. Teresa Murphy will continue to focus on comprehension skills. • An area of weakness was Earth Sciences which were taught back in Grade 3. • Kiera O'Neil asked if the subjects were random every year. Teresa Murphy responded that yes, we don't know which science subject would be emphasized any given year. This makes preparation challenging. • Lynn Cavicchi asked if new curriculum or Professional Development could assist teachers. Teresa agreed and said that a lot of these supports have already been added or proposed in the upcoming budget. • Teresa Murphy has set a goal to improve retention information by students. As an example Nate Thorsteinson and Sarah Duggan are setting up Science Closets by subject to facilitate teacher prep. Also, our STEM program is expected to help with retention. Grade 8 Science (Hogan) • Z. Gianetti commended the 8t" grade teachers and the MCAS Science Prep nights that were held last year. Teachers put together a strong program and many students attended. Janet Hogan noted that anything we can do to work toward retention is a great asset. • Four subjects are drawn upon for questioning: Earth Science, Physical Science, Life Science, technology. • Several of these questions are not released in the results booklet. This makes it difficult to assess where we have weak areas. • Upcoming Professional Development will focus on some specific curriculum areas. Grade 9 Science (Hogan) • Results are from the 2013 test since students take this in Grade 9. • Students continue to perform well in this Biology test. • A review program is in place to assist students who did not pass in Grade 9 or have recently moved into the district. • Recently a science portfolio process was put in place where students create a portfolio in grade 8 to bring forward to grade 9. This program was successful and will be expanded to start in grade 6. Summary o Zeff Gianetti pointed out that this presentation is a very general overview of the scores. • General changes to curriculum may not necessarily result in changes. • Individual schools drill down a lot deeper into these reports, A lot of our RTI efforts (tutoring, specialized programs) are targeted toward specific students or groups of students, Targeting these students has a much better impact on growth trends. • When interpreting scores make sure to look at trends over time. The number of students moving in and out of the district in a particular grade may impact overall test scores. For example, our high needs group is an increasing demographic in our district. Many factors play into scores for an individual year. Approved 11 -18 -14 o Chris Kalinowsld: The results are a vehicle for us to set goals. As a district we are expected each year to half the gap between our prior year and 100% proficiency. A Composite Performance Index is used to measure these goals. Targets have been set through the 2016 -17 year. The Progress and Performance Indicators are used to show how well the district is worldng toward closing the gap. Level of the District is set at the lowest level of an individual School. Our district is set at a Level 2 which allows us minimal engagement with the state. o Michael Trowbridge stated that we performed exceptionally well and he was impressed with the number of students performing in the advanced category. He also commended the schools in doing well to respond to the scores. MHS Bleacher Update: Mike Vaughan and Joe Russo presented a two phased proposal to reconfigure the bleachers, set up padded logo chairs for athletes and install a new scoreboard table which would include a digital sponsorship sign. Mike Vaughan began by commending the job done to patch the gym floor. Michael Trowbridge thanked Bill Ross, Mike Ahearn and Doug Annino for suggesting the patch approach saving us a lot of money and yielding a great result. An employee of Harbor One Bank has a student participating in MHS basketball. He approached MHS and offered fund raising help. A generous donation of $10,000 by Harbor One has allowed Mike Vaughan to move ahead with his plan. We have had a relationship with Harbor One in the past including sponsoring half -time shots for prizes and contributing to scholarships. Harbor One is looking to partner with our schools in teaching students basic financial responsibility. The first phase will be completed by the start of the basketball season. Fund raising during this season would then allow the second phase to occur. Michael Trowbridge noted prior concern with signage on the walls in the gym. Mike Vaughan responded that there would be some signs on the wall (ie. Harbor One Platinum sponsor. ) However, the plan was modified to limit the area of the wall signs and to include new digital signage at the score table. Sponsors will be limited to school appropriate vendors. (ie. No pubs or alcohol advertised.) The digital sign can be removed from the gym when appropriate. The new scoreboard also offers a lot of great features for our teams and athletes. One half of the funds for phase 1 have been raised. Michael Vaughan has tentative commitment from several other vendors for the remaining funds. Lynn Cavicchi requested information on maintenance costs. Mike Vaughan reported that maintenance was expected to be minimal. The monitor is encased for protection and individual sign panels can be changed easily as well. A motion to move forward with the MHS Bleacher Project in two phases was made 1st by Wayne Smith and 2nd by Kiera O'Neil. Motion U.C. 5 - 0. Field Trips: 1. Spanish Classes to Providence, RI (Columbus Theater) on 11/10/14 to study Spanish Culture. Field Trip transportation was modified as follows: Instead of train, students will take a bus from MHS directly to /from theater. Cost of field trip will increase slightly for students and some money will be supplemented by MHS. A motion to approve this field trip was made 1st by Linda Fernando and 2nd by Kiera O'Neil. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 2. Project Teammate to Providence, RI (Dave & Busters) on 11/14/14. Students will practice social skills in a large social setting as well as physical skills while playing games. A motion was made to approve this trip 1s' by Kiera O'Neil, 2nd by Linda Fernando. Approved 11 -18 -14 Motion U.C. 5 - 0 3. Gulf Coast Relief Effort to New Orleans, LA 4/18/14 - 4/25/14 (April Vacation) for community service projects serving the residents still affected by Hurricane Katrina. A motion was made to approve this trip 1st by Kiera O'Neil, 2nd by Linda Fernando. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 Policy Updates (Various): 1. GBEBC: Gifts to and solicitations by staff modified per recommendations by MASC. A motion to approve was made 1st by Kiera O'Neil and 2nd by Wayne Smith. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 2. ECAF: School Security Cameras, originally reviewed on 10/7/14, was modified to include "reasonable expectation of privacy' based on recommendations of Andy Waugh. A motion to approve was made 1st by Kiera O'Neil and 2nd by Wayne Smith. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 3. EEAJ: Motor Vehicle Idling. This is a new policy. Discussion held on signage and sharing information with parents possibly on the web or newsletters. A sentence indicating signage criteria has been removed. Michael Trowbridge pointed out that although this is anew documented policy for Mansfield, there are already state guidelines for idling at schools. A motion to approve as amended was made 1st by Linda Fernando and 2nd by Kiera O'Neil. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 4. MASC Policy Updates (ADDA, J /C): Changes as proposed by State. A motion to approve the revisions was made 1st by Wayne Smith and 2nd by Kiera O'Neil. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 High School Representative Report: Derek Lynch updated the committee on the following: • Homecoming was held last weekend which included a Pep Rally, Homecoming Court, Bleacher Decorating and obstacle course contests pitting graduating classes against each other. • Recent vote by students to name our new Mascot. Results to be announced soon. • Several strong showings by our fall sport teams including Hock Champs: Field Hockey, Cross Country (Boys and Girls.) Volleyball and Girls soccer are heading to tournaments. • The volleyball team as a group participated in the Walk for Autism. • National Honor Society recently held a Blood Drive. • Foreign Language Honor Society Induction to be held soon. • Parent Teacher Conferences upcoming. • Mural in gym is looking fantastic and close to completion. • Common Connections Club just held their Halloween party. Over 100 students participated in this event. This club brings together students who are and are not in the Special Education Program. Approved 11 -18 -14 Citizens Comments: Michael Galanti 265 Willow Street: Mr. Galanti is confused about budget figures from prior meeting, specifically regarding budget overages for unexpected projects. Ed reviewed the budget overages for various HVAC and other maintenance costs from 2013 -14. Mr. Galanti requested budget figures for HVAC maintenance in the 2013 -14 and 2014 -15 budgets. Ed did not have those numbers on hand at the meeting, but did note that we are trending to go over budget this year with unexpected costs. Mr. Galanti also posed questions regarding the overall budget that may be anomalies or unexpected which would cause us to go over budget. Ed Vozzella pointed out that we are working with an outside vendor to develop a maintenance program. A lot of the overages were due to catch -up on work that was not previously done. Mr. Galanti pointed out that in the past we were understaffed. Mr. Galanti asked if filters in heating system were currently being maintained. Ed Vozzella responded that yes they were being maintained by Mansfield employees. Mr. Galanti was concerned about the markup cost of materials from outside vendors. Michael Trowbridge pointed out that there were markup costs for internal employees as well to cover benefits, retirement, etc. Multiple companies are coming in to replace the work of prior individuals. Mr. Galanti requested more detailed information on the budget for the next meeting. It was noted that budget information for the current year is on the website and available for viewing. Kiera O'Neil pointed out that a lot of the current projects would be handled by outside contractors whether we had outsourced or not. School Committee New Business: none School Committee Other Business: none Motion to adjourn: Mr. Trowbridge called for a motion to adjourn at 8:39 PM. A motion was made to adjourn for the evening 1St by Wayne Smith, 2na by Kiera O'Neil. A roll call vote to close: Michael Trowbridge yes Kiera O'Neil yes Lynn Cavicchi yes Linda Fernando yes Wayne Smith yes Motion U.C. 5 -0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent