Minutes of the Monson School Committee Regular Business Meeting April 14, 2022 “Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the Town of Monson School Committee will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found on the Town of Monson website, at www.monson-ma.gov. For this meeting, members of the public who wish to listen to the meeting may do so in the following manner: https://zoom.us/j/89190971285 Meeting ID:891 9097 1285, no in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so, despite best efforts, we will post on the Town of Monson’s website an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting. Present (In-person): Chair Colleen Flynn; Vice Chair Emily Graves-Harrison and Committee Members Jackie Watts, Alison Morgan; Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Clarke; Director of Business and Operations Leah Zippin; Director of Student Services/Early Childhood Center Suzanne Tetrault Also Present (Virtual): School Committee Secretary Kathryn Peterson Note: This meeting was recorded using Zoom technology. Ms. Flynn called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Morgan read the Mission & Vision Statements. Announcements/Recognition: Dr. Clarke stated that school vacation is next week and there is school on Good Friday, April 15, 2022. High school students are participating in a day of service throughout the district tomorrow. The National Honor Society Induction will be held on April 28, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. On May 3, 2022, the Early Childhood Center (ECC) Literacy Day, Bingo and Open House night for pre-school. The annual Town Meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2022. Granite Valley School will hold Open House on May 19, 2022. Senior Signing Day at the high school will be held on May 20, 2022. Athletic Awards will be held on May 26, 2022. Senior Awards Night has been scheduled for May 31, 2022. The Senior Banquet is planned for June 2, 2022. June 3, 2022, is graduation with a rain date of June 4, 2022. Dr. Clarke introduced and recognized Erin Fontaine, Community Outreach Coordinator adding that Ms. Fontaine is responsible for creating the Family and Community Resource Center located in the Central Business Office Pod at Quarry Hill Community School. Ms. Fontaine spoke at the podium saying that she is very passionate and excited about the new
School Committee Minutes
Regular Business Meeting – April 14, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-May 25, 2022
space. She added the Center is open Monday and Friday between 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and encouraged anyone needing anything after those hours not to hesitate to reach out. There are computers and printers available, a kid’s area, and an informational library in the Center. She noted that there was a recent grand opening and though it wasn’t well attended she has great hope going forward. On April 27, 2022, there will be an ocean theme story time and craft for children ages 5 and under. Information and registration are available on the website. Another Open House will be planned during evening hours for others to come out and see the Center. Ms. Fontaine noted that a parent survey would be sent out next week for suggestions on further serving parents and the community. Student Representative Report: Monson High Senior Mason Dumas gave the following report: Tomorrow high school students will be participating in a day of service working with students at the Early Childhood Center, Granite Valley, Parks and Recreation Department and in and around the buildings. Mason thanked Monson Savings Bank for sponsoring the tee shirts. The spring sports teams have played their first few games and the season is off to a good start. The sports schedule is available on the high school website and on Monson Athletic Instagram run by Mr. Dreher. The softball and baseball teams played a friendly scrimmage game that was won by the baseball team but the softball team will be anticipating a rematch. Mason said that students are looking forward to all the upcoming activities that Dr. Clarke outlined earlier in the meeting. He thanked the many staff members that have worked so hard in putting these events together. Superintendent’s Update: FY23 budget work continues, as it is a fluid document. Dr. Clarke added that she hopes that the number presented to the Town Finance Committee and Town will be approved by the School Committee this evening. Dr. Clarke noted that she did attend another Town Finance Committee meeting and is looking forward to working collaboratively with that Committee and all Town Departments. Strategic Plan: Dr. Clarke met with all faculties and departments regarding proposals discussed prior to the pandemic. She stated that the faculty members did an amazing job prioritizing the initiatives and coming up with new ideas. She said there was meaningful and excellent discussion and she thanked everyone for their thoughtfulness. The next step is to compile all the information and push it back out to the staff as the process continues to move forward. Dr. Clarke held a Coffee and Conversation on Tuesday and thanked the 2 gentlemen that attended adding that it was a great hour-long discussion. She will plan to hold another one via Zoom to make attendance more convenient. There was a full day of Clarke’s Corner at the M-PACT studio. Four episodes were taped that highlighted information and many district happenings. Dr. Clarke thanked Mrs. Zippin for coordinating the van transportation for all involved. Dr. Clarke met with members of the Union and they will vote on the new high school schedule after the April break.
School Committee Minutes
Regular Business Meeting – April 14, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-May 25, 2022
Public Session: Ms. Flynn opened Public Session at 7:11 p.m. No one came forward in-person or via Zoom to address the Committee. Ms. Flynn closed Public Session at 7:12 p.m. Subcommittee and Liaison Reports: No reports Several School Committee members and Dr. Clarke attended a recent Town Finance Committee meeting and there is a solid budget to move forward. Old Business: Dr. Clarke stated that the budget presented to the School Committee, Town Finance Committee and Select Board is the one being proposed. Dr. Clarke said that the district is anticipating 33 additional pre-school registrations and doesn’t want to turn anyone away. She went on to say that if that many new students are interested, she proposed posting for anticipated new positions of Instructional Aide and Pre-K Teacher to have in place should the numbers come to fruition. Dr. Clarke said that the Pre-K Program is largely self-funded and not part of the original proposed budget. Dr. Clarke presented the FY23 budget of $10,768,773 adding that the Town has allocated the amount of 10,770,000. A short discussion followed. Motion by Mr. Watts to approve the FY23 budget as presented. (Second by Ms. Graves-Harrison) No discussion Roll Call Vote: Ms. Morgan Yes Ms. Peterson Yes Mr. Watts Yes Ms. Graves-Harrison Yes Ms. Flynn Yes Motion carries 5-0 New Business: Dr. Clarke reviewed her evaluation goals, listed below, and provided a mid-year status update for each one. District Improvement Goal #1 Strategic Plan – By June 2022, develop the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan for the Monson Public Schools with key district stakeholders and district staff. District Improvement Goal #2 School Safety – Evaluate district safety and security protocols, training and infrastructure needs; implement as necessary. Professional Practice Goal: Community and Parent Outreach – Increase the number and types of engagement opportunities and methods of information dissemination with parents and community members to support our students, families and the district. Student Learning Goal: Provide Targeted Supports for Teachers and Students – By June 2022, 100 percent of district teachers will develop and implement targeted interventions to support student needs.
School Committee Minutes
Regular Business Meeting – April 14, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-May 25, 2022
Ms. Graves-Harrison offered a suggestion that one of the Finance Subcommittee Liaisons attend the Town Finance Committee meetings regularly to stay informed about anything concerning the school district. A brief discussion followed. Ms. Flynn would like to schedule an upcoming Working Meeting, following elections, to create upcoming Subcommittee Liaison meeting schedules Action Items: Schedule May 12, 2022, Regular Business Meeting. The annual Town Meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2022. Ms. Flynn requested that all Committee members attend the meeting. Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison to adjourn to Executive Session under M.G.L Chapter 30A, 21a. Purpose #2 – To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel to return to Open Session. (Second by Ms. Morgan) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Adjourned to Executive Session 7:29 p.m. Open Session re-opened at 8:07 p.m. Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison to enter into contract with Dr. Clarke for the term 2022-2025 to begin on July 1, 2022, and conclude on June 30, 2025, with minor changes to the previous contract and a 3% salary increase. (Second by Mr. Watts) No discussion Roll Call Vote: Ms. Morgan Yes Ms. Peterson Yes Mr. Watts Yes Ms. Graves-Harrison Yes Ms. Flynn Yes Motion carries 5-0 Dr. Clarke thanked the Committee adding that she is honored to continue serving the district. Motion by Ms. Morgan to adjourn Open Session. (Second by Ms. Graves-Harrison) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Open Session closed at 8:09 p.m.
School Committee Minutes
Regular Business Meeting – April 14, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-May 25, 2022
Documentation for this meeting: April 14, 2022-Regular Business Meeting Agenda Superintendent’s Evaluation Goals and Mid-Year Update Presented at meeting: Superintendent’s Mid-Year Goals Report Approved by Committee: _________________________________________________ Kathryn Peterson, Secretary