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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm Minutes 05/21/2013Mansfield School Committee Meeting as Amended Minutes for Tuesday, May 21, 2013 Town Hall, Room 3B & C An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Superintendent Brenda J. Hodges opened the School Committee Meeting for the purpose of the School Committee Re- organization and the Open Session Meeting. Members Present — roll call vote to oven meeting: Lynn Cavicchi New Member Linda Fernando New Member Mrs. Kiera O'Neil Wayne Smith Mr. Michael Trowbridge Also Present: Mrs. Brenda Hodges, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Edward Vozzella, Director of Finance & Operations The Superintendent, Brenda Hodges, opened the meeting to bring the Committee into reorganization. Committee Reorganization: Official Vote: The School Committee annually votes to choose new leadership for the Committee for the new school year 2013 — 2014. Mrs. Lynn Cavicchi nominated Mr. Michael Trowbridge as Chairman with a second from Mr. Wayne Smith. Mr. Wayne Smith then nominated Mrs. Kiera O'Neil with a 2 °d from Mrs. Linda Fernando. Mr. Trowbridge stated that if Mrs. O'Neil felt that she is ready to be chair and has the time, then he would withdraw his name. Mrs. Cavicchi suggested that where there were two new members and Wayne being just fmishing up his first year, we have lost a lot of experience, we need somebody that can lead the board this year, I would support Michael and if Kiera would continue serving as vice chair, they seemed to be a good team last year. Mr. Smith noted that you also need to, progression of someone at vice chair and chairman the next year, and not to say that Michael won't be running next year but if Michael decided not to nun next year, that would leave no one having any experience other than Kiera being vice chair. Now with Kiera being chairman and Michael still being around, she has someone she can fall back on and discuss things that are happening. That is why I would like to see Kiera. Mrs. O'Neil said that she would be willing to play either roll, if Michael would like to do it one more year, but she also felt that she could step up and take the roll if that is what is needed right now. Mr. Trowbridge withdrew his name for consideration. The Superintendent asked Mr. Trowbridge if he wanted to withdraw his name, to which he replied, yes. Mrs. Hodges then asked Mrs. O'Neil if she would be willing to take the chair of the Committee, with Mrs. O'Neil answering — 1 — that she would. Mrs. Hodges noted that she sometimes needs to be in contact with the chair during the day so she would need contact information. Mrs. Hodges then stated that there was a nomination on the floor for Kiera, because Michael, you want to withdraw? Mr. Trowbridge said he would like to withdraw. Mrs. Hodges stated that there was a nomination for Kiera; we had a second, so we need to vote on Kiera as Chair, the Superintendent called for a vote. Wayne Smith, yes; Mrs. Cavicchi; no, Mr. Trowbridge; yes; Mrs. O'Neil, yes; Mrs. Fernando, yes. The motion passes. Mrs. Kiera O'Neil is Chairman of the Mansfield School Committee. Motion U.C. 4 — 0 -1 Mrs. Hodges asked for a nomination for Vice Chair. Mr. Michael Trowbridge immediately nominated Mr. Wayne Smith as Vice Chairman with a 2nd from Mrs. Linda Fernando. Mr. Wayne Smith then nominated Mr. Trowbridge as Vice Chair. Mr. Trowbridge declined the nomination then stated that to be honest with you; he was kind of looking for a break, that's why he specifically asked if Kiera felt she had the time and if she was ready, then to go for it. Mrs. Cavicchi asked Mr. Smith if he was able to take on the Vice Chair position and if he had gone for the training? Mr. Smith stated he had not gone for the training but had tried to go to the training but has not fit into the schedule as of yet. Mrs. Hodges asked that given that, Michael and Kiera are the only ones that have gone for the training, Id be a little concerned for a Vice Chair that has not had training yet. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the training was just the one day seminar and that he felt that Wayne had already had trial by fire for the last year. Mrs. Hodges then noted that we have a motion and a second, Mrs. Cavicchi; no, Mr. Trowbridge; yes; Mrs. O'Neil, yes; Mrs. Fernando, yes. The motion passes 5 — 0. Mr. Wayne Smith is Vice Chairman of the Mansfield School Committee. Motion U.C. 5 - 0 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Personnel None APPROVAL OF WARRANTS Salary & Wages 2013 -18 03/01/13 1,378,329.08 Goods & Services 2013 -1032 03/05/13 245,512.72 Salary & Wages 2013 -19 03/15/13 1,412,087.19 Goods & Services 2013 -1034 03/19/13 397,011.61 Salary & Wages 2013 -20 03/28/13 1,450,397.12 Goods & Services 2013 -1036 04/02/13 351,859.48 Salary & Wages 2013 -21 04/12/13 1,455,206.51 Goods & Services 2013 -1038 04/16/13 368,604.01 Salary & Wages 2013 -22 04/26/13 1,425,452.82 Goods & Services 2013 -1040 04/30/13 492,043.47 $8,976,504.01 —2— Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to approve the warrants. A motion was made to approve the warrants l t by Mr. Michael Trowbridge, 2nd by Mr. Wayne Smith. Motion U.C. 5 — 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Executive Session Minutes of April 12013 Executive Session Minutes of April 2, 2013, were approved as amended. Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil, called for a motion to approve the Executive Session minutes for April 2, 2013. A motion was made to approve the minutes 1" by Mr. Michael Trowbridge, 2nd by Mr. Wayne Smith. Motion U. C. 5 — 0. 3 — 0 — 2 — New members abstained — Lynn Cavicchi and Linda Fernando were not on the board. School Committee Minutes of April 2.2013 School Committee Minutes of April 2, 2013, were approved as amended. Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil, called for a motion to approve the Executive Session minutes for April 2, 2013. A motion was made to approve the minutes 0 by Mr. Michael Trowbridge, 2nd by Mr. Wayne Smith. Motion U. C. 1. 3 — 0 — 2 ~ New members abstained — Lynn Cavicchi and Linda Fernando were not on the board. School Committee Minutes of April 23, 2013 School Committee Minutes of April 23, 2013, were approved. Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to approve the minutes for April 23, 2013. A motion was made to approve the minutes I" by Mr. Michael Trowbridge, 2ndby Mr. Wayne Smith. Motion U. C. 3 — 0 — 2 — New members abstained — Lynn Cavicchi and Linda Fernando were not on the board. School Committee Minutes of April 25, 2013 Session Minutes of April 25, 2013, were approved. —3— Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to approve the School Committee minutes for Apri125, 2013. A motion was made to approve the minutes I" by Mr. Michael Trowbridge, 2nd by Mr. Wayne Smith. Motion U. C. 3 — 0 — 2 New members abstained —Lynn Cavicchi and Linda Femando were not on the board. Budget FY'13 Update Mr. Vozzella stated that this was the time of year that there was about six weeks left that we try to wrap everything up, he had met with all the Principals and Directors and reviewed all of the encumbrances for all of the cost centers and we talked about the rules going forward, what constitutes a good encumbrance at year end and we charted a course, I'll be running the numbers again next week and for at least the next few weeks with everyone so that we can end the year. I do expect we are going to be favorable as I indicated before. We have had favorable results in Special Ed and that's going to drive savings, he was not ready to commit yet, but felt that we would be returning money again back to the town. FY'14 Budget Update Mr. Vozzella began with the fact that we have a balanced budget, and he was very happy with and that we worked very well with the town this year and we were able to achieve that in record time. It was a result of working closely with Bill and John, Brenda and himself. We are going through a number of changes to put all that detail into the budget. If you recall the number we had talked about was $500,050, that we were going to reduce the budget in order to tie out to the number that was approved by the town. We have some of those adjustments and we will continue to make more. What we can say is probably io of the 12 positions that we had on the list of additions well be able to afford. The two that won't make it and have to be cut is the Assistant Superintendent and reduce the two teachers in grade 5 to 1, so the other ten, we'll be able to afford. Mr. Trowbridge noted that the ways and means budget just came in and there was a small gap of a $23,00o difference. Mr. Trowbridge was wondering what they will do with that. Mrs. Hodges noted that they had not had that discussion yet. We keep looking where we are between now and June 30"' so it may be that the $23,000 may be used for some project we are working on or $23,000 that went back to the town. Mr. Vozzella did note that it was so minor that John may find a way to absorb it. Revote Amended Calendar The revised calendar was brought forward to the School Committee with the addition of one Professional Day for teachers with no students. The teachers must work 182 days, two Professional Development days, one the day before school begins and the second Professional day will be on the November voting day. The eight half days that were added tried to match up with the MCAS as well as Parent teacher meetings. —4— Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to approve and accept the additions made to the revised 2013 — 2014 school calendar. A motion was made to approve the calendar I" by Mrs. Lynn Cavicchi; 2nd by Mr. Michael Trowbridge. Motion U.C. — 5 — 0 NEW BUSINESS Jim Morrissey — Mansfield VFW Mansfield VFW Post Commander, Mr. Jim Morrissey, presented the Committee with information regarding the "Patriot's Pen Essay Competition ", an annual VFW's essay competition that is aimed at middle school students that gives them the opportunity to compete at the district level and become eligible to win monetary rewards as well as moving forward to the state level, with the ist prize winner receiving a trip to Washington, D.C. This essay contest also has a high school component that gives the students the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C. All essays are due by November 1, 2013. Student Handbooks Principal, Mrs. Michael Connolly and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Dawn Stockwell, brought forward the changes for the student handbooks. The MHS handbooks were approved. There were very few changes made. The handbook will be placed on the website as well as in the Principal's Newsletter and letters home to the parents / guardians. Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to approve and accept the changes to the MHS handbooks. A motion was made to approve and accept the handbooks 15` by Mr. Michael Trowbridge, 2nd by Mr. Wayne Smith. Motion U.C. — 5 — 0 The Elementary school handbooks were approved. There were very few changes made. Mrs. Lynn Cavicchi would like the gift giving policy to mirror the QMS policy. The handbooks will be placed on the website as well as in the Principal's Newsletter and letters home to the parents / guardians. Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to approve and accept the changes to the Elementary handbooks. A motion was made to approve and accept the handbooks 1" by Mr. Michael Trowbridge, 2nd by Mrs. Linda Fernando. Motion U.C. ~ 5 ~ 0 School Choice IS- Per State Department regulations, the School Committee is annually required to vote on the acceptance or rejection of School Choice for our district. The School Committee is recommending not to allow School Choice in Mansfield for the 2013 — 2014 school year. Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to vote not to allow School Choice in the Mansfield Public Schools for the 2013 — 2014 school year. A motion was made not to allow School Choice in the Mansfield Public Schools for the 2013 — 2014 school year,lst by Mr. Wayne Smith; —tad by Mrs. Linda Fernando. Motion U. C. 5 — 0 Appointment of Superintendent to BICO Board of Director Per Massachusetts Regulations, each local district is required annually to formally reappoint the Superintendent to the BICO Board of Directors. Mrs. Hodges requested that the Committee reappoint her to the Bi- county Collaborative Board of Directors for the 2013 — 2014 school year. The superintendent of each member district is required to represent the district on the Board of Directors. Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to reappoint the Superintendent to the RICO Board of Directors. A motion was made to formally reappoint the Superintendent to the BICO Board of Directors, 1st by Mr. Michael Trowbridge and 2nd by Mr. Wayne Smith. Motion U. C. 5 — 0 School Committee Meeting Dates — 2013 — 2014 The School Committee discussed the meeting dates for next year, made two changes and approved the meeting dates. Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to accept the new School Committee dates for the 2013 — 2014 school year._ A motion was made to accept the new School Committee dates for the 2013 — 2014 school year as amended, 1st by Mr. Michael Trowbridge and 2nd by Mrs. Linda Fernando. Motion U. C. 5 — 0 Field Trip Approvals (if any) French Exchange Program: The Superintendent spoke to the information given to the Committee by Department Head, Leslie Gildersleeve, regarding the request to restart the French Exchange Program. The Superintendent asked if there were any questions and reminded the Committee that we did not have the French or Spanish Program this year due to some issues that occurred with our Spanish exchange while our student were in Spain. We engaged in a number of meetings with parents 16— regarding that, so we have not had an exchange since but there is now a request to resume that starting with the French Program. Mrs. O'Neil asked Mrs. Hodges what her level of comfort was and Mrs. Hodges replied that there are a lot of things going on in our world in other countries and a lot of questions were asked and raised by our parents when they spoke to us about the Spanish Exchange, they had a lot of concerns about our level of responsibilities and wanted assurances regarding these things, and we have no way of assuring these things. Mrs. Hodges stated she had concerns that if anything should happen, I believe we live in a society that is quite litigious and we were certainly very fortunate that we did not experience that then there were a lot of things that were concerning that came forth and Michael Connolly certainly meet with a lot of parents regarding that. Mrs. Hodges stated that she always uses her own children to gage this, even though my children are older now, but I always, when I was a principal said, if I am comfortable for my children to go then I'd be comfortable for someone else's to go, I would not let my child go on this trip. I think if you have to deal with a police department in another country, you are at a real disadvantage, our host parents are not vetted, we do Cori checks in this country for our students, we have no way of Cori checking over there and our parents are not Cori checked when students come to us. As much as I certainly wanted to bring this to you you certainly as the School Committee make the decision, but like you say, if you ask me, my comfort level, I would not let my child go. Mrs. O'Neil asked if we had looked into any other alternatives rather than an exchange program that could give the children the same type of exposure so that we're not dealing with the level of concern that we experienced before and that that they were not truly chaperoned with these families. Mrs. Hodges did mention that we have the World Travel Club that have advisors that travel with them and stay with them at the hotels as well as eat and tour with them, there is very little time alone for the students. With the Foreign Exchange Program the children stay in family homes and depending on the values in that home and the level of supervision, it is hard to control. We certainly have had wonderful families in Mansfield that have hosted as well as wonderful families in other countries that have hosted students but I think that our experience in Spain certainly has opened a lot of eyes to the things that could happen and none more so than of our parents who came forward with many, many, pretty strong claims and expectations. When you ask if there is another program our kids can engage in, certainly, it is a program that any student that would like to go and that usually occurs every year and it's a wonderful opportunity for students to be able to have experiences in other countries. Mrs. Hodges was much more comfortable with that because the advisors are with those students really 24 hours a day. Our major discomfort level is that fact is that there is none of our personnel with these students in these homes and activities they may engage in, that we may not approve of. Mr. Trowbridge stated that as a father of somebody who actually did the Spain trip a few years ago and my daughter actually has maintained a friendship with that exchange student, I really do like the exchange program, it's an affordable trip compared to the World Travel and it opens it up to people, but I do know that there was a lot of concerns that came back. I know that Leslie gave us a several pages of information, but we did get it until actually tonight. I think that one of the things that I would support down the road is if everything was put together. We need to have a very thorough contract with what our expectations are, something that is legally binding and something that is review by our attorney that holds the kids affordable, and the parent s know what the expectations are. If the parents are notified up front that their child is not being supervised 24 hours a day, as long as everyone knows what's going on, he did not have a problem with that. Mrs. Gildersleeve spoke that they had six years of exchanges with this town and a small catholic school. Their principal came here —7— and saw what it was like here, Dr. Marusczak went there, we have a real relationship with these people, and if we wait another year we will lose them. They trust us to pick good families and we trust them. The document the School Committee received tonight was put together and signed by the parents in France for us. The kids have relationships that last for years and years. Mr. Trowbridge stated that we have a job to make sure our children are protected based on if you want to mix and match them or not. There were some issues, it's been two years, and I hate to say it, I'm getting this stuff the night of a meeting. That was unfortunate that we did not have time to read it. Mr. Connolly added that he understood and he also wanted a rich program for the students and he understands the difference between the World Travel and the exchange, it is an affordable program, but it is taking that leap of faith and the magic thing that is tough, with the research he has done, where is the vetting process on both sides and even that has its flaws. I do understand both sides. He did not want to expose staff to liability, our staff is very generous to go on these trips, its something that we have been working on at the high school, that all trips are extra careful and as the superintendent has said the litigation could be there. Mr. Trowbridge is all for this but he is also all for protecting the district. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the Superintendent, principal and Mrs. Gildersleeve could get together before the next meeting and come up with a comprehensive document that addresses some of the concerns. Mrs. Hodges said they could certainly get together. The superintendent did say that after the last trip, she did not know how we could put together the assurances the parents wanted based on how are you going to assure me. The attorneys said we can put all the disclaimers out there but they said that when it gets down to it, it's not worth the paper its written on. It does not release you from any legal liability. Mrs. Cavicchi noted that she had a different perspective because she actually works in study abroad and has developed program for over 15 years, this is very loose, she would not put this program forward at any of the University's she has worked at and there is a lot to be flushed out still. Mrs. Cavicchi did not feel comfortable putting the district in a position of sponsoring this. Now down the road, details get flushed out and there is more information, and we are able to make a better determination, but from what I have seen from the information that we got, I still have lots of questions. It's just loose. Mrs. Hodges noted that where Mrs. Cavicchi has some expertise with, maybe there is some things that you could share with us that might help us be able to work together to develop this. It certainly has been our intent to bring this back, but there are some things that are not in place yet. University of Maryland. College Park: High School History teacher, Ms. Julie Atwood, requested a field trip to Washington, D.C., with three of her students. There will be two chaperones, she and one of the parents that will accompany the students. The parent will also be driving the group. This trip will allow students to expand their knowledge in United States History as they attend tours in Washington and ultimately do research and produce a documentary that will be judged by the National History Day Competition. Students will be assessed on their research, adherence to theme, creativity and ability to meet requirements. The winners will be revealed at the rewards ceremony on Thursday morning. Chairman, Mrs. Kiera O'Neil called for a motion to approve the field trip of three students and their teacher, Ms. Julie Atwood to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National History Day Competition. A motion was made to allow this field trip to Washington, D.C., 1st by Mr. Michael Trowbridge and 2nd by Mr. Wayne Smith. —8- Motion U. C. 5 ~ 0 Motion to adjourn: Chairman, Mr. Michael Trowbridge, called for a motion to adjourn the School Committee Meeting of May 21, 2013 at 9:10 PM for the sole purpose of adjourning. A motion was made to close the meeting by Mr. Michael Trowbridge, 2nd by Mr. Wayne Smith. A Roll call vote to close: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, yes; Mrs. Kiera O'Neil, yes; Mr. Wayne Smith, Jr.; Mrs. Lynn Cavicchi, yes; Mrs. Linda Fernando, yes. Motion U.C. 5-0 -9- Respectfully submitted, Mary O. Jackson Secretary to the Superintendent &School Committee