HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm Minutes 12/14/2010MANSFIELD SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Michael Trowbridge, Chairsnan- RECEIVED
Frank Del Vecchio, ViceChainnyn' (` =-EPKS OFFICE
Lisa Losiewicz 2012 MAR IQ P 2:2b
Jean Miller
Jim Pei
3.
7:00 PM Open Session
Adiourn to
EXECUTIVE SESSION - 7:01 PM - Superintendent's Office
Adiourn to
OPEN SESSION - 7:30 PM - Room 3 A & B
7:01 PM EXECUTIVE SESSION
AGENDA
1.) Collective Bargaining Strategy / Update
Build. & Grounds, Food Service, Little Hornet
Daycare, MEA, Para Prof., Sec. & Clerks, SPED
Drivers
7:30 PM OPEN SESSION
AGENDA
7:30 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
7:35
7:40 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
1.) QMS Principal Introduction
2.) Personnel /Union Negotiations
8:00 APPROVAL OF WARRANTS Enc.
8:05 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.) Executive Session Minutes of November 16, 2010 Enc.
2.) School Committee Minutes of November 16, 2010 Enc.
3.) School Committee Minutes of November 17, 2010 Enc.
8:10 OLD BUSINESS
1.) Bullying Plan Enc.
2.) Building Data Analysis Meetings
8:30 NEW BUSINESS
1.) Field Trip Requests Enc.
2.) FY' 12 Budget
3.) 2011 Graduation Date
4.) Superintendent's Evaluation Enc.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
9:00 SCHOOL COMMITTEE NEW BUSINESS
OTHER
Mansfield School Committee Meetine
Minutes for Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Town Hall, Room 3B & C
An Open Meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday,
December 14, 2010. After returning from Executive Session the Open Session meeting was
reopened and called to order by Chairman, Mr. Michael Trowbridge at 7:35 PM.
Motion U.C. 5 - 0
Members Present — roll call vote to open meeting;
Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman;
yes
Mr. Frank DelVecchio
yes
Mrs. Lisa Losiewicz,
yes
Mrs. Jean Miller
yes
Mr. Jim Perry
yes
Also Present:
Mrs. Brenda Hodges, Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Edward Vozzella, Director of Finance
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
Mr. Frank DelVecchio read a letter from Ms. Tracey Friedman, a parent in Mansfield, regarding the
formation of a Technology subcommittee to provide support by the technologist residing in
Mansfield. It is hoped that with the variety of skill sets and assistance from local business, we could
find ways of coordinating an effort of donated resources to improve the technology in our district.
Mrs. Hodges read a thank you letter from QMS teachers Ann Martinelli and Kristen Smith. The
teachers reported the children's enjoyment of their trip to the King Tut exhibit in New York and how
well behaved all the students were. The trip was educational as well as fun.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT:
OMS Principal Introduction:
The Superintendent proudly introduced the new Principal of the Qualters Middle School, Mr. Zeffio
Gianetti. Mr. Gianetti will begin his principalship February 7, 2011. We look forward to having Mr.
Gianetti as part of the Mansfield Public Schools.
Personnel / Union Negotiations:
Superintendent Brenda Hodges announced the tentative agreements between the Secretary & Clerks
and the Building & Grounds Unions. Mrs. Hodges thanked Mrs. Sharon Mullin and Mr. Rich
Nighelli, respective Union Presidents, for their cooperative effort and understanding in the
negotiation process. Mrs. Hodges noted how pleased she & the Committee were with the
cooperative approach to the negotiations process shown by each of the union leadership and members
and the MTA representative.
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APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
r The following warrants were presented and accepted by the School Committee on December 14,
2010,_ Good & Services, # 2011 - 1012 dated 11/02//2010 in the amount of $467,962.52. Salary &
Wages, #2011 -10 dated 11/13/2010, in the amount of $1,324,383.14; Goods & Services #2011-
1014 dated 11/17/2010 in the amount of $281,320.79; Salary & Wages, # 2011- 11 dated
11/25/2010, in the amount of $1,290,038,54 ; Good & Services # 2011 -1016 dated 11/3010, in the
amount of $460,526.66
Motioned by Mrs. Jean Miller. 2 "d by Mr. Michael Trowbridge
Motion U.C. 5 — 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Executive Minutes for November 16, 2010 were approved.
Motioned by Mrs. Lisa Losiewicz, 2 "a by Mr. Jim Perry.
Motion U.C. 3-0-2 - Mrs. Miller & Mr. DelVecchio not present for 11-16-10 mug.
The School Committee Minutes of November 16, 2010 were approved.
Motioned by Mrs. Lisa Losiewicz, 2 "a by Mr. Jim Perry.
Motion U.C. 3 — 0 - 2 - Mrs. Miller & Mr. DelVecchio not present for 11 -16 -10 nag.
The School Committee Minutes of November 17, 2010 were approved.
Motioned by Mr. Jim Perry, 2 "a by Mrs. Jean Miller.
Motion U.C. 4 — 0 -1
OLD BUSINESS
Bullying Plan:
Mrs. Hodges invited Ms. Teresa Murphy, Co- Principal of the Jordan Jackson Elementary School and
chair of the district Bullying Prevention Plan Committee. Ms. Murphy outlined the process by which
the committee utilized to design Mansfield's Bullying Prevention Plan. Ms. Murphy shared
information regarding the placement of draft plans at each of the schools and also at the Mansfield
Public Library, making it available for all town and community residents. She also mentioned that
the document had been made available on the Mansfield school website. Ms. Murphy met with the
parent group, "Stand for Children," and together they reviewed the Bullying Prevention Plan. The
group did make some suggestions which have been taken under advisement. This document is a
work in progress and will continue to evolve and will be updated every year especially through the
Health Advisory Committee. Mr. Frank DelVecchio remarked that the state usually updates policy
every two years or so and noted that this policy will be upgraded under the Health Advisory
Committee.
Motioned by Mrs. Jean Miller, 2 "a by Mrs. Lisa Losiewicz
Motion U.C. 5 — 0
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Building Data Analysis Meetings:
The Superintendent gave an overview of the building plans and the use of the data collected. Each
principal will present plans tomorrow which will include the process for gathering performance data
for all students K —12. This data will be analyzed and shared with teachers beginning in January.
Field Trip Requests:
The School Committee was presented with four requests for field trip approvals.
The first request is for the MHS Percussion Ensemble's World Championship Competition in
Dayton, Ohio from Tuesday, April 121h to Sunday, April 17`h. There will be approximately 35
students and 10 chaperones traveling on a coach bus. The trip will be paid through fundraising
efforts and the band parent's organization.
Motioned by Mrs. Lisa Losiewicz, 2 "d by Mrs. Jean Miller.
Motion U.C. 5 — 0
The second request was for the trip to New York for the Orchestra students on the weekend of May
27`h- 291h. There will be approximately 30 students and 5 chaperones traveling by coach bus. The
( cost of the trip will be covered through fundraising.
Motioned by N1rs. Jean Miller, 2 "d by Mrs. Lisa Losiewicz
Motion U.C. 5 — 0
The QMS Middle School Science Department is requesting approval for the 71h graders to travel to
Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire. They will be going on a day trip from 7:30 AM and
return at 4:00 PM and travel on a regular bus.
Motioned by Mr. Frank DelVecchio, 2 "d by Mr. Jim Perm
Motion U.C. 5 — 0
The final trip request came from Scott Brigante, MHS Arts Department Chairman. Mr. Brigante was
looking for approval for a trip to Tuscany, Italy during the February vacation. This trip would help
support the AP All History curriculum and preparation for the AP Exam in May. The trip would be
financed solely by the students, approximately $1,500 fixed costs. There are 25 — 30 students
participating and 3 — 5 chaperones. The School Committee approved the trip with the condition that
they have travel insurance and must adhere to any State Department travel warnings.
Motioned by Mrs. Lisa Losiewicz. 2 "d by Mr. Frank DelVecchio
Motion U.C. 5 — 0
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FY '12 Budget:
Superintendent Brenda Hodges presented the FY' 12 School Budget to the School Committee for
acceptance by the board before submitting it to the town by the December 31" deadline. Mrs.
Hodges explained that the FY' 12 Budget is built in three layers, similar to what was done a few years
ago. The base budget was constructed as a level service budget, with two additional layers.
The second layer includes the cost of educational programs, services and staff that are needed to
address the FY12 and immediate future educational needs of students.
The third layer reflects other needs within our schools that support our educational programs, but do
not directly impact teaching and learning. The total of these three components for the fiscal year
2012 is $41,168,221. This represents a 10.4% increase from fiscal year 2011.
Mr. DelVecchio asked that all boards and groups within the schools and town be invited to the
January 11th Budget Presentation so that they could see the budget first hand and see the process and
the information that it takes to make up the school budget.
The Committee proceeded to take a vote to accept the budget.
Motioned by Mr. Michael Trowbridge, 2 "d by Mr. Frank DelVecchio
Motion U.C. 5 — 0
2011 Graduation Date:
Mrs. Hodges informed the School Committee that a request had been made had been asked by Mr.
Bruce Montgomery, General Manager of the Comcast Center, to change the date for the high school
graduation from Sunday, June 12'1'. Mr. Montgomery made it clear he regretted the need to make
this request but shared that the Comcast had an opportunity to host a popular group that would
generate a substantial sum of funds for Comcast Comcast has graciously allowed Mansfield High
School to have their graduations at the center since 1987. Historically the date for graduation has
always been the first Sunday in June but the state stressed last year that graduation may not take place
sooner than 12 days before the actual last day of school including the five snow days allowed in the
calendar. Mrs. Hodges recommended the date be changed from Sunday, June 12th to Friday, evening
June 10th. The School Committee voted to accept the change in the high school graduation date and
thanked Comcast for hosting the graduations.
Motioned by Mrs. Lisa Losiewicz, 2 "d by Mr. Jim Pent'_
Motion U.C. 5 — 0
Superintendent Contract:
The School Committee, for the first time ever, publicly evaluated the Superintendent of Schools. The
new Open Meeting Laws now requires that the superintendent be evaluated by the School Committee
in an Open School Committee Meeting, with individual roll call votes. The Committee completed
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this exercise while the secretary tallied all votes onto a single document. This document was then
given to the chairman to finalize the evaluation.
The Superintendent received a high vote of confidence in meeting her goals as well as an excellent
and above average rating for her relationships with the Committee, community, management and
educational leadership.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
Mr. Kevin McGovern, MEA President read the attached document. After completing the reading of
this document, Mr. McGovern requested that all teachers present accompany him as he exited the
room.
Ms. Tracey Freidman made mention of our technology. Ms Antonia Glen asked for an explanation
to the prepared statement that was read aloud by Union President, Mr. Kevin McGovern, regarding
the Work to Rule by the teachers, then asked how parents would get the necessary information they
needed regarding their children's progress or how the children would receive extra help if the
teachers were not available. The other point made by Ms. Glen was regarding the 1993 Ed Reform
bill —wasn't it supposed to provide better funding? Committee member Frank DelVecchio spoke to
this question, as this bill was written for the original Chapter 70 monies, and thanked Ms. Glen for
bringing the subject forward, Ms. Pam Hoyle made mention of her attendance at the MASC seminar
and the information gathered was very informational. Ms. Christine Johnson, a parent of a 4th grader
at the JJ, asked why there were no computer labs at her daughter's level. A parent verbally expressed
a desire of she and other parents to help support presented the technology department and contribute
to their expertise and knowledge to help. Ms. Mary Barton Rau asked for the status of the RTTT,
which Mrs. Hodges informed her that the district is no longer participating in the RTTT due to a vote
taken by the MEA.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE NEW BUSINESS
OTHER
Motion to adiourn
Motion was made to adjourn the School Committee Meeting of December 14, 2010 at 9:15 PM for
the sole purpose of adjourning. Motion to close by Mrs. Jean Miller, 2 "d by Mr. Frank DelVecchio .
-Roll call vote to close: Michael Trowbridge, yes: Jim Perry, yes; Frank DelVecchio, yes: Mrs. Lisa
Losiewicz, yes, Mrs. Jean Miller.
Motion U.C. 5 - 0
Respectfully submitted,
Mary 0. Jackson
Secretary to the Superintendent
& School Committee