Minutes of the
Monson School Committee
Regular Business Meeting
December 11, 2023
Members of the public were able to participate virtually in this meeting at https://us06web.zoom.us/j81441676764 Meeting ID: 814 4167 6764
Present: Chair Emily Graves-Harrison; Vice Chair Alison Morgan; Secretary Jamie Murphy; Committee Member Colleen Flynn; Committee Member; Karen Nothe-Valley; Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Clarke; Director of Business and Operations Leah Zippin; Director of Curriculum & Instruction Katherine Watts; Director of Student Services Colette Bidus; Granite Valley School/Early Childhood Center Principal Joseph Trivisonno and Monson High School Principal Arthur Murphy (via Zoom)
Note: This meeting was recorded by M-Pact TV and Zoom.
Ms. Graves-Harrison called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Ms. Murphy read the Mission & Vision Statements.
Announcements:
A Holiday Toy Drive, to benefit students and families, is being held this evening at Main Street Tavern.
The Select Board will be recognizing the Girls’ Varsity Team and Coach Eric Degnan for winning the state championship.
Grades 4-6 will host a Holiday Concert at Granite Valley School on December 13, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
The Early Childhood Center is having a Holiday Concert on December 20, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. and Grades 1-3 will hold a Holiday Concert from 1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. at Granite Valley.
Recognition:
Dr. Clarke congratulated Paige Clark, Grade 1 teacher, who was selected as a Most Valuable Teacher from Country Bank and the WooSox Foundation. Nolan Lyons, a student in her class, wrote in on her behalf.
Student Representatives Report:
Early Childhood Center:
Ms. Lyons and Ms. Presho, Preschool teachers at the ECC, shared a PowerPoint presentation of student work, explaining in detail the concepts and programs that are being utilized in the classroom.
Minutes:
Motion by Ms. Murphy to approve the November 29, 2023 Regular Business Meeting Minutes as presented. (Second by Ms. Morgan)
No discussion
Motion carries 5-0
Superintendent’s Update:
Dr. Clarke spoke of a very successful Holiday Event held on December 2, 2023. She noted that over 200 breakfasts were served, the vendors did very well, many sold out of their items. The Parent Teacher Student Association raised approximately $200 and the Travel Club raised $600. She added that there were so many toys and clothes donated as well. Dr. Clarke thanked Ryan Drago from the Journal Register for covering the event and writing a great article for the paper.
Ms. Brin and Dr. Clarke met with Town Clerk Mary Watson and the Friends of Monson this week to coordinate a toy drive for families. There will be an area designated for any leftover items that will be free to families in need.
The Administrative Leadership Team will have a full-day administrative retreat tomorrow. Agenda items will include participation in a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) webinar regarding attendance monitoring, and budget needs i.e. curricular materials, technology, special education services and staffing.
Dr. Clarke noted that she received a memo from Jamie Farnum, Town Accountant, stating that this year’s budget will be a level services budget, maintaining the same level of current services within the district, as opposed to a level funded budget.
Public Session:
Ms. Graves-Harrison opened Public Session at 7:15 p.m.
Mr. Lamb read a personal statement regarding the DESE Health Frameworks and how School Committee members are not taking a stand.
Ms. Graves-Harrison closed Public Session at 7:20 p.m.
Subcommittee and Liaison Reports:
Policy Subcommittee:
Subcommittee members met earlier this evening to continue the review of Policies. Dr. Clarke will make changes that were discussed to present to Committee for approval process.
Motion by Ms. Murphy to accept the second read of Policies GBEA, GBEB, GBEBC, GBEC, GBJ, GBK, GCA, GCBB, GCBC, GCJ, GBED, GBGB, GBI, GCBA, GCE, GCF, GCG, GCK, GCRD and GDO and move to a third read. (Second by Ms. Morgan)
Discussion to revise the November 29, 2023 accepted minutes, (Lines 145-148) to read “accept the second read of Policies GBEA, GBEB, GBEBC, GBEC, GBJ, GBK, GCA, GCBB, GCBC, GCJ, GBED, GBGB, GBI, GCBA, GCE, GCF, GCG, GCK, GCRD and GDO and move to a third read”.
Motion by Ms. Flynn to amend the previously approved November 29, 2023 Regular Business Meeting minutes to adjust the verbiage from first read to second read and second read to third read. (Second by Ms. Morgan)
No further discussion
Motion carries 5-0
New Business:
Dr. Clarke presented a detailed PowerPoint of the Homework Survey Results from staff and families. Ms. Watts, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, spoke to the Committee about the District Team Leader Committee (DTLC) meeting discussions. She reviewed the DTLC recommendations that were suggested as a result of the meetings. She added that, what constitutes effective homework, conversations are already in process. Discussion and a question and answer period followed.
Motion by Ms. Flynn to accept the District Team Leaders Committee’s homework recommendations as presented. (Second by Ms. Murphy)
No further discussion
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Nothe-Valley Yes
Ms. Flynn Yes
Ms. Murphy Yes
Ms. Morgan Yes
Ms. Graves-Harrison Yes
Motion carries 5-0
Action Items:
Schedule a Policy Subcommittee Meeting for January 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Negotiations are set to begin. Dr. Clarke will send meeting dates and times to Subcommittee members.
Motion by Ms. Morgan to adjourn Open Session. (Second by Ms. Murphy)
No discussion
Motion carries 5-0
Open Session closed at 8:02 p.m.
Documentation for this meeting:
December 11, 2023-Regular Business Meeting Agenda
November 29, 2023-Regular Business Meeting Minutes (For Approval)
Homework Surveys Results and Recommendations
Distributed/Presented at meeting:
N/A
Approved by Committee:
_________________________________________________
Jamie Murphy, Secretary