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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 10/30/2018Approved I1-27-18 rtr-hR V Mansfield School Committee Meeting reel- < r J f „ -1p Its C F F SCE Minutes for Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Town Hall, Room 3ab tGF� hi 23 A 9 45 An Open ,Me, tin Tf e Mansfield School Committee was held in room 3AB of the Town Hall on ,g_ Tues[gay4bgri"j=2;0J8, The open meeting session was called to order by Kiera O'Neil at 7:12 P.M. r-•.,.._ Members Present: Administration Present: Kiera O'Neil Teresa Murphy, Superintendent of Schools Lynn Cavicchi Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent (Teaching/Learning) Linda Fernando Edward Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent (Finance/Operations) Lauren Scher Jenn Walsh Members Absent: None Video Recording: None Communications: Superintendent Report: Teresa announced that Deborah Loomer has been hired to replace Linda Kincaid who is retiring after 18 years in special education. We thank Linda for all her years of service. Deborah comes from the QMS Special Education Office. Deb has been an asset over years and we are delighted she is making this move. Her position as a school year office assistant will be posted soon. Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations Report: Ed Donoghue provided a quick update on FY2020. The Select Board, Finance Committee and School Committee met jointly to discuss the parameters for this year's budget process. All departments are guided to meet a max 3% raise in salaries and a max 2% increase in expenses. Ed has met with all department heads and the high school. Later this week Ed will meet with QMS. He will compile everything by the end of next week. The next step will be to meet with each principal to review their individual budgets. Approval of Warrant: Motion to approve the warrant memo dated October 17, 2018 by Linda Fernando / Jenn Walsh Motion Carries S - 0 Approval of Minutes: Open Session Minutes of 10-16-18 Motion to approve the minutes by Linda Fernando / Jenn Walsh Motion Carries S - 0 Old Business: Committee Updates: Audit: No update CIP: Approved CIP earlier this evening to be brought to town meeting on November 13th. At 7:00 p.m. at Mansfield High School. Budget: No further update Page 1 of 7 Approved 11-27-18 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Town Ball, Room 3ab Facilities: Next meeting will be late November. Policv: Working through policies. Lauren met with Jocelyn LeMaire. Some will be ready in December/January. New Business: Field Trips. Tabled until November 13, 2018 District Technology Plan: Michael Connolly began by introducing the team. He thanked School Committee, Superintendent Murphy, and the District Technology Advisory Committee. Here tonight is the Small Working Group: Lori Letendre, Director of Technology; David McGovern, Principal of QMS; Rayna Freeman, teacher J/J and MassCUE President; Julia Greenstein, Director of Digital Learning. The entire committee consisted of Lori Letendre, Tanna Jango, Robinson Principal; John Nieratko, J/J Principal; David McGovern; Joshua Raposa (no longer with MPS), Cailyn Pawlowski, Roland Green Teacher, Paula Boylan, Robinson Teacher; Shawn O'Neill, Robinson Teacher; Rayna Freeman, Caroline Shruhan, J/J Teacher, Ruth Crowley, QMS Teacher; Eric Schultz, QMS Teacher; Jackie Prester, MHS Teacher and Treasurer of MassCue; Ed Rodrigues, MHS Teacher; Kate Farnham, Parent; Deb Stratton, Parent; Traci Mazur, Parent; Kim Zajac, Parent; Lauren Scher, Parent. Process: Mike formed a small working group in February 2018. The team reviewed our expired technology plan; visited other schools; took part in a MassCUE summer institute; created a process for developing the new plan. From March to June they reviewed ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Standards, expectations of Every Student Succeeds Act, Mansfield District Plan, Mansfield Staff Technology Needs Assessment, the National Education Technology Plan 2017, other district plans. Next, they created a technology vision statement, goals and action steps. This plan connects to the District Mission and Vision Statements, the District Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plans. Vision Statement: Mansfield Public Schools is committed to combining best teaching practices with the power of digital tools to inspire, empower, and engage all students. The small working group presented their findings to the committee as follows: Julia Greenstein focused on the Learning Goals. Rayna Freeman reviewed the Teaching Goals. David McGovern reviewed the Leadership Goals. Julia Greenstein spoke to the Assessment Goal. Lori Letendre spoke to the Infrastructure Goals. Michael Connolly then spoke to the year one initiatives. Comments; Questions and Answers: Kiera O'Neil commended the team on the presentation and the work completed. The technology plan is something the committee has requested for a long time. The vision statement and details are very helpful and she appreciated everyone's effort. Page 2 of 7 Approved 11-27-15 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Town Hall, Room 3ab Lauren Scher thought the presentation was fantastic. The presentation was a good portrayal of Lauren's own experience on the committee. The members of the group brought diverse thoughts, backgrounds and experiences. Everyone's voices were heard. This is a very ambitious plan and funding the efforts may be a challenge for our district. It is important to prepare staff and students so that they are ready for the changes that will be implemented. Linda Fernando asked if the committee has reviewed the cost component of the plan. Are there options in place to reallocate funds toward the plan? Are there backup options to the plan if funding becomes an issue? Michael Connolly stated that, like any budget year, we would balance our limitations of time and money. If budget needs are not met, the committee would revisit the plan to look at alternatives. It is possible that it will take a little longer to implement than we would like but we feel that this is very doable. Kiera O'Neil said she would like to see check -ins with school committee at least twice a year. Where we are and what needs to be done next. The next update will be in spring of 2019. She is very excited to hear that we are exploring 1 to 1 technology for our students. Jenn Walsh thought the presentation was fabulous. A lot of work was put in and the committee has come a long way. The plan looks great and she would love to see it all implemented but knows that we will be restricted by budget constraints. She felt that the benchmarks were easy to monitor. She appreciates getting a technology plan after many years without one. Lynn Cavicchi would like us to focus on the sustainability of the plan and the financial impact to our district. There are a lot of moving parts to this plan; can we maintain the plan and any technology or changes that come with it? She suggested looking at state grants that we may be able to use for funding. What other funding options are available? Lynn also suggested changes to the plan to make it easier to follow. She felt it would be difficult for the average person to understand our standards and expectations. What are we expecting students to learn? How will it be assessed? Will we address assessments on the report cards? How will a parent know if the student has met the standard? Mike Connolly took her suggestions for review. A motion to approve The Mansfield Public Schools Digital Learning & Technology Integration Plan 2018 - 2021 by Linda Fernando / Jenn Walsh Motion Carries 5 - 0 Teresa thanked everyone for their hard work and her appreciation of Mike who surrounded himself with knowledgeable people who were willing to work together; bring ideas and compromise on the best solution for our schools. Kiera thanked Lori Letendre for "steering the ship' during our time without a technology plan. Lynn Cavicchi congratulated Rayna Freeman on her new role of President of MassCUE. Itwas also noted that Jackie Prester and five other Mansfield community members serve on MassCUE board or committees. Student Activity Accounts: Edward Donoghue provided an update of the work that has been done on student activities. He has met with Lynn Cavicchi, Deb Scott and members of each school to clean the list of accounts and to Page 3 of 7 Approved 11-27-18 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Town Hall, Room 3ab answer open questions. Tonight the committee will review the list of student activity accounts by school. Annually, the list and the dollar balance per school must be voted. Motion to approve MHS Student Activity Dollar limit of $75,000 by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: None Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve QMS Student Activity Dollar limit of $32,000 by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: None Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve J/J Student Activity Dollar limit of $20,000 by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: None Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve Robinson Student Activity Dollar limit of $17,000 by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: None Motion Carries S - 0 Motion to approve Roland Green Student Activity Dollar limit of $10,000 by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: None Motion Carries S - 0 Motion to approve MHS List of student activity accounts (items in black only) by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: It was noted that there is a $21,000 item that still requires research. Ed will confirm at the next meeting. Also noted, items in green are not student activities per vote made by school committee at the prior meeting. Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve QMS List of student activity accounts by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: At QMS, it was noted that a balance from last year's summer reading book sale would be earmarked for a scholarship fund. Ed will work with Deb Scott on what needs to occur to make the reallocation complete. Per Ed Donoghue there are two accounts (turkey shoot and spoons project) with funds that will be donated along with this year's funds to the appropriate charities.) Jenn Walsh was concerned that several accounts have balances. Would that mean, for example, that if the drama club has extra money that ticket prices would be reduced next year? Dave McGovern noted that these are revolving funds and that there would typically be some money carried over from year to year so that there were funds available to start a new effort. For example, purchasing rights to a play over the summer for the fall musical occurs before incoming funds occur. It was suggested that we reassess the amounts charged to students if large balances exist. Lynn asked for an amended motion. Motion will remain intact but a new motion will be to reallocate funds from the summer reading book sale to a new scholarship fund which will be used at principal's discretion. Dave noted a need for these scholarship funds. QMS will move forward with adding the scholarship account. Lauren questioned the excess money in field trips. Dave noted that these are used for field trip scholarship money. Page 4 of 7 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Town Hall, Room 3ab Motion Carries 5 - 0 Approved 11-27-18 Motion to create a new student activity scholarship account funded by money remaining in the summer reading book sale account by Linda Fernando/Lynn Cavicchi Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve J/J List of student activity accounts by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: None Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve a stipend of $2250 for the musical performance advisor by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve Robinson List of student accounts by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: None Motion Carries 5 - 0 Motion to approve Roland Green List of student accounts by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Discussion: Committee wanted information on the $8000 balance. Teresa noted that in the past, parents were charged an annual fee for art supplies. This practice has ended and that account will be used going forward to purchase needed student supplies. Motion Carries 5 - 0 Human Resources Position: Teresa presented a proposal on changes to the Human Resources structure for the town/school. Several months ago, Kevin Dumas asked Teresa to consider a proposal that would create a town - wide Human Resources Director who would be in charge of all school and town employees. In the summer of 2017, the position shared by the town and school. It was determined at that time to split the position and the school hired its own HR Director. The town did not move forward with hiring a similar position. Our director has done a tremendous job with us but she is a department of one. We haven't been able to create the systems and processes that we would like. Teresa understands as a town leader that the town has a big potential liability related to the HR function. Asa school district with approximately 700 employees, one person is not enough. Across the area, many schools and towns are looking to consolidate positions in order to relieve financial burden. As a superintendent, Teresa does not want to lose any support that we provide schools currently. Her goal is to see a new HR department better meet the needs of all staff. The proposal hopes to do this. Jocelyn LeMaire would be physically housed in her current office within the school building. She will serve as director with two direct reports to be hired. One will be Human Resources Specialist managing recruitment, selection and hiring and the other will be a Human Resources Administrator responsible for providing customer services support to all Mansfield employees. Initially the administration of benefits and payroll will exist within the current frameworks of the town and school. However, we will revisit this in the future. In order to move forward, we must have approval from the Superintendent, School Committee, Town Manager, and Select Board. Teresa has reviewed this with our attorney and recommends that we look to consolidate the position as a benefit to our schools. It is fiscally responsible; will eliminate the duplication of tasks; will create "experts" in various HR functions. The increase in Page 5 of 7 Approved 11-27-18 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Town Hall, Room 3ab cost to the schools will be in the range of $10,000. Currently we pay 100% of an HR director. In the new model we will pay SO% of the HR department as it relates to personnel. The town will pay 100% of costs associated with non -personnel issues. The contract is written in a way that the School Committee could back out in the future if it so desired. Questions/Comments: Kiera felt this was a well thought out plan. She is concerned that the salaries proposed for the two new staff members may be too low and would impact our budget. Lynn believes we need this type of MOU in place to protect the district; to allow collaboration with the town and to make clear to employees how they are being supported. Linda Fernando suggested a few edit changes and inquired on the reporting structure. The new roles will need to be clearly defined and Jocelyn's role as director to multiple bosses must be defined especially for managing and providing performance reviews. It was noted that Jocelyn would report to Ed Donoghue and John Stanbrook. They would need to be in constant communication. Linda was also concerned with the entry salary information since the job descriptions seem to require a lot of work. Lauren asked if the current school staff would continue to report to Ed. There would be no change in staffing at this time. In the future, the schools and towns may look to consolidate some functions. She also wants to make sure that we can track the time spent on town vs. school tasks so that we know we are not losing any service time. Teresa is very comfortable that we will continue to receive the needed services. Motion to approve the HR organization changes as proposed by Teresa Murphy by Linda Fernando/Jenn Walsh Motion Carries 5 - 0 Policy Updates. Code Title Notes Action Motion Motion Vote 1 2 DFF/DH Control over Remove notations for bonding Revise LF JW S-0 Internal Funds IHB/IHBA Special Modify language from special Revise LF JW S_ 0 Instructional needs to disabilities Programs & Accommodations / Programs for Students with Disabilities IHAM Health Education New per MASC Adopt LF JW 5-0 IHAMA Parental Code Change / Modifications to Revise LF JW 5-0 Notification notification and review process Relative to Sex Education IHAMB Teaching About Code Change No vote n/a n/a n/a Drugs, Alcohol needed and Tobacco JJF Student Activity Modify language for check Revise as LF JW 5-0 Accounts cashing,bonding. Add lanua e Amended Page 6 of 7 Approved I1-27-18 Mansfield School Committee Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Town Hall, Room 3ab Upcoming Agenda Items: Review of upcoming meeting dates: 11/6 School Committee Cancelled 11/13 Town Meeting: Add meeting ahead of town meeting to discuss tabled field trips and student activity accounts. 11/27: MCAS Review 12/11 Budget Process (priorities and timelines) Organizational Chart 10/24 Board of Selectmen (Discuss CIP) Creation of school committee goals subcommittee FY20 Budget (11/27 agenda vote) Citizens Comments: None New School Committee Business: None Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting: None Documents Referenced: Digital Learning and Technology Plan / Presentation Student Activity Account lists by school HR MOD and Consolidation Plan Motion to adjourn: At 8:59 p.m., Motion to adjourn the open meeting by Linda Fernando / Jenn Walsh Motion Carries S - 0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Secretary to the Superintendent & School Committee Page 7 of 7 for training, establishing a new account, donations to charity, tax exempt language and closing out old accounts. Suggested amendment: Modify paragraph Establishment of Student Activity to generalize process as the same for all schools IHBF Homebound Tabled no Student vote Instructions Upcoming Agenda Items: Review of upcoming meeting dates: 11/6 School Committee Cancelled 11/13 Town Meeting: Add meeting ahead of town meeting to discuss tabled field trips and student activity accounts. 11/27: MCAS Review 12/11 Budget Process (priorities and timelines) Organizational Chart 10/24 Board of Selectmen (Discuss CIP) Creation of school committee goals subcommittee FY20 Budget (11/27 agenda vote) Citizens Comments: None New School Committee Business: None Other- Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting: None Documents Referenced: Digital Learning and Technology Plan / Presentation Student Activity Account lists by school HR MOD and Consolidation Plan Motion to adjourn: At 8:59 p.m., Motion to adjourn the open meeting by Linda Fernando / Jenn Walsh Motion Carries S - 0 Respectfully Submitted, Diane Nugent, Secretary to the Superintendent & School Committee Page 7 of 7