HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 10/24/2018RECEDED
IO`,°!'' I;`.0 OFFICE
218 NOV 28 A 9' 45
Mansfield School Committee Meeting
Joint Meeting with Board of Selectmen
Minutes for Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Town Hall 3A/B
Approved 11-27-18
lU �
An opefi Imeetiry fbf-� e.NVansfield School Committee was held at Town Hall on Wednesday, October 24, 2018
wit�ihHe Tbw 11% sfield Select Board and Finance Committee. The School Committee open meeting session
was called to order by Lynn Cavicchi at 6:33 p.m.
Members Present
Lynn Cavicchi, Vice Chair, Lauren Scher, Jenn Walsh
Members Absent
Kiera O'Neil, Linda Fernando
Select Board Acting Chair, Jess Aptowitz explained the purpose of the joint meeting was to initiate discussions
on the FY20 Budget. Finance Director, John Stanbrook and Town Manager, Kevin Dumas presented high level
information. John Stanbrook discussed parameters based on three views of our finances: conservative,
moderate and aggressive. Document is attached.
Senator Paul Feeney was in attendance and discussed his role in helping Mansfield with their planning and in
any needs the town may seek out from Senator Feeney's office.
Lynn Cavicchi addressed the committees to express her priorities from the school committee.
1. The state has mandated a new complex accountability reporting system for MCAS test results. The
district must direct funds towards very specific student populations. However, they have not provided
any additional funding for us to research and complete the efforts.
2. Special Education outplacement costs were down last year. Rarely do we see a decrease so Mansfield
must be prepared for higher costs in the upcoming year.
3. A couple of years ago the stabilization fund for special education was established by vote of the School
Committee and Select Board. However, we have not addressed policies regarding the funding of the
account and the withdrawal of funds.
4. Several union contracts are up for renewal in July of 2019.
5. The state recently passed a bill requiring all schools to screen for dyslexia. Though this is an important
screening effort, the state did not allocate any funds for the planning or execution of the screening.
There is concern that similar laws will continue to be passed without funding.
6. The foundation budget is very important for schools in order to maintain control of the school budget.
It was disappointing to see that it did not pass through the House this year.
7. Mansfield is going to pursue changes in regards to school safety and inquired of Paul Feeney if there
were any grants available. His staff will research.
Seeing there were no other points of discussion, Lynn Cavicchi called for a motion to adjourn the School
Committee meeting at 7:36 p.m. A motion was made by Jenn Walsh and seconded by Lauren Scher.
Motion U.C. 3-0
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Nugent
Secretary to School Committee