“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/91236835300 Meeting ID: 912 53683 5300, 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: Chair Jeffrey Lord; Vice Chair Emily-Graves-Harrison; Committee Members; Colleen Flynn and Jackie Watts Also Present: Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Clarke; Director of Student Services/Early Childhood Center Suzanne Tetrault; Granite Valley School Principal Katherine Watts; Granite Valley School Assistant Principal Joe Trivisonno; Director of Guidance Robert Bardwell; Director of Food Services Melody Gustafson; Monson High School Principal William Metzger; Monson High School Assistant Principal Jill Foulis; Early Childhood Center Dean of Students/Special Education Coordinator Colette Bidus; and Recording Secretary Karen Methe Note: This meeting was recorded using Zoom technology. Mr. Lord called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Mr. Watts read the Mission & Vision Statements. Announcements: Dr. Clarke congratulated Sydnie DeVries for scoring her 1000th point in basketball, adding it is quite a feat given the pandemic athletic restrictions. Mrs. Watts talked about the very popular Change Challenge fundraiser going on at Granite Valley School. In 3 days students have raised $800, proceeds will be used to outfit the new Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) incentive room. Pathfinder School Committee Vacancy: Selectmen Committee members, Dr. Smith and Ms. Hull were in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Dr. Smith opened their meeting at 7:08 p.m. and turned the meeting back to Mr. Lord who invited Anthony Allard, who is interested in filling the Pathfinder School Committee representative for Monson position, to address both Committees. Mr. Allard introduced himself and provided a brief description of why he was interested in being appointed. He spoke of his experience with his brother attending Pathfinder and how he felt the choice to attend the school is beneficial to some students. He said that in 8
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th grade he was given the opportunity to visit Pathfinder, though Granite Valley Middle School, to determine if it was a fit for him. Though he chose to attend Monson High School, he did so because all his friends were staying in Monson. He went on to say that he would recommend, to students trying to make the decision whether to attend Pathfinder or Monson High School, to research the information on both schools and decide which best suits their continued education. A brief question and answer period followed. Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison to appoint Anthony Allard as the Pathfinder School Committee member until the next election. (Second by Dr. Smith) No further discussion Roll Call Vote School Committee: Mr. Watts Yes Ms. Flynn Yes Ms. Graves-Harrison Yes Mr. Lord Yes Motion carries 4-0 Roll Call Vote Board of Selectmen: Ms. Hull Yes Dr. Smith Yes Motion carries 2-0 Members of both Committees congratulated Mr. Allard on his appointment and thanked him for his interest in serving in this position. Mr. Lord encouraged him to reach out to any Committee member if he has questions or would like guidance. Ms. Hull made a motion to adjourn the Selectmen’s portion of the meeting. Dr. Smith seconded the motion and the meeting closed at 7:22 p.m. Minutes: Motion by Ms. Flynn to approve the March 3, 2021-Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. (Second by Ms. Graves-Harrison) No discussion Motion carries 4-0 Motion by Mr. Watts to approve the March 17, 2021-Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. (Second by Ms. Flynn) No discussion Motion carries 4-0 Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison to approve the March 24, 2021-Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. (Second by Mr. Watts)
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No discussion Motion carries 4-0 Subcommittee and Liaison Reports: Policy Subcommittee: Ms. Graves-Harrison noted that there hasn’t been any public feedback on the first read of Policies posted to the website. Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison to accept the second read of Policies BBA, BBBA/BBB, BDE, BDE-E, BEDA, BIBA and CBD and move to a third and final read. (Second by Ms. Flynn) No discussion Motion carries 4-0 Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Clarke stated that pooled testing continues and all 93 tests completed have been negative to date, adding that there has been an increase in participation. She noted from prior information that there were 2 positive results from rapid testing. The state has now funded the pooled testing until the end of the school year, which Dr. Clarke commented was great news. The Quarry Hill Community School (QHCS) roof project has been awarded to Rivet Roofing. The work will commence in May and has a completion date of August. Dr. Clarke noted that this project includes sidewalk repair and replacement to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The opening of the pool at QHCS is on target for the end of April 2021. A representative from Desert Aire, which manufactured the dehumidifying unit, will come to QHCS to inspect the unit and formally commission it for use. Dr. Clarke reported that many staff members have been fully vaccinated and many others have had at least their first vaccination. She noted that an anonymous poll was done following her recent update to staff. She gave the specific results of the poll. Transition activities for next year have been discussed, the Administrative Leadership Team (ALT) will meet tomorrow to continue the planning these events. Dr. Clarke reported that she is happy to see that athletics are going well. She offered a reminder that sign-ups for the spring season are now available on-line. Dr. Clarke reviewed the new shift in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Testing. Grade 11 is no longer required to take the test and fully remote students in grades 3-8 will have remote administration, though no specific information was given. In-depth discussion followed which included questions and answers (if they had been provided). Dr. Clarke and Mrs. Loglisci will attend the Town Finance Committee meeting on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The FY22 school and transportation budget will be presented to the Committee. There will also be representation from Siemen’s available to answer any questions about the Energy Service Company (ESCO) project. Public session: Mr. Lord opened Public Session at 7:39 p.m.
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No one came forward to address the Committee. Mr. Lord closed Public Session at 7:40 p.m. Old Business: Dr. Clarke said that it has been a great time welcoming staff and students back to 5 day in person learning. She has visited each school and commented on how happy and behaved the students were. She specifically noted that the library at Granite Valley School, which now serves as an auxiliary lunchroom, is working so well adding that all facets of the return to in-person learning have been very favorable. New Business: Mr. Metzger began by recognizing Sydnie DeVries for scoring her 1000th point in basketball. He offered his sincere congratulations on her accomplishment. The high school will host a Hat Day fundraiser on Friday, April 9, 2021. He equated the scheduling of some senior activities to a game of balance given the continued pandemic restrictions. Mr. Metzger noted that he is hoping to make it as typical as possible for senior students this year. Graduation remains on June 4. 2021 as an outdoor, socially distanced event. At this time, with the current restrictions, each student will be allowed 6 guests. He stated that a venue had been reserved for the prom but the Department of Education (DOE) has strongly advised against proms this year, though he feels it would be possible for a district of this size to have a successful event. To be determined is a site for an outdoor, socially distanced event for senior students on May 27, 2021. Mr. Metzger said the plan is to move the prom to the last day of school, June 17, 2021 in the evening with hopes that further vaccinations may change the current restrictions. The chosen venue would be able to safely accommodate all junior and senior students and their dates. Ms. Flynn commented on how happy she was that Mr. Metzger is able to make these events happen for students and it was an innovative move to change the date of prom. Ticket price was discussed and Mr. Lord requested that Mr. Metzger reach out to the Committee for any help needed to be sure every student that wants to attend is able to do so. Mr. Metzger said that as soon as concrete information is available, it will be sent out to students. It was noted that parents, the community, staff and School Committee are always offering to help and it is most appreciated. A short discussion was held on whether the Europe trip, that was cancelled last year, will be able to be re-scheduled. Mr. Metzger said that it is still being considered. Mrs. Loglisci presented and explained, in detail, each line of the preliminary FY22 Bus Division- Transportation Budget, noting that this is the first one with services being outsourced. J.P. McCarthy & Sons, Inc. was awarded the bid contract. The transportation office will remain at its current location at Quarry Hill Community School with most drivers continuing their employment with the new company. Mrs. Loglisci next reviewed the FY22 Van Division Transportation Budget. This service will remain in the district. Mrs. Loglisci added that the partnership with Palmer Public Schools has worked very well and noted the possibility of other surrounding districts being interested as well. A short question and answer period followed the presentations. Action Items: Dr. Clarke and Mrs. Loglisci will present the FY22 School and Transportation Budgets to the Town Finance Committee. Post for Public Budget Hearing on April 14, 2021.
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Post for joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen on April 27, 2021, re: FY22 School and Transportation Budgets. Motion by Mr. Watts to adjourn to Open Session. (Second by Ms. Graves-Harrison) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Open Session closed at 8:15 p.m. Documentation for this meeting: April 7, 2021-Regular Business Meeting Agenda Transportation Department FY22 Preliminary Budgets (Bus and Van Divisions) Distributed at meeting: N/A Approved by Committee: ________________________________________ Kathryn Peterson, Secretary
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