Minutes of the Monson School Committee Regular Business Meeting February 17, 2022 Hybrid Model “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/88414860184 Meeting ID:884 1486 0184, 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; Secretary Kathryn Peterson and Committee Members Jackie Watts, Alison Morgan, Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Clarke; Director of Business and Operations Leah Zippin; Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Katherine Watts; Director of Student Services/Early Childhood Center Suzanne Tetrault; Monson High School Interim Principal Matthew Sullivan; Early Childhood Center Dean of Students/Special Education Coordinator Colette Bidus Also Present (Virtual): Granite Valley School Assistant Principal Myriah Hudak Note: This meeting was recorded using Zoom technology. Ms. Flynn called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Ms. Flynn read the Mission & Vision Statements. Announcements/Recognition: Dr. Clarke gave a reminder that there is no school next week for February Winter Recess. Everyone is encouraged to sign-up for at home COVID-19 test kits. Dr. Clarke added that the sign-up process was easy and test kits are delivered to participants. She also encouraged staff and students to continue in the pool testing. Dr. Clarke thanked Lindsey Esser/Feeding Monson for the generous donation of hats, mittens, gloves and gently used clothing for the students in the district. Ms. Esser was in attendance at the meeting and Dr. Clarke was happy to be able to acknowledge her appreciation in person. The high school is celebrating Winter Carnival this week. Mr. Sullivan spoke about all the exciting events that have or will be occurring. He noted that school spirit is high and the inter-grade competitions have been quite enjoyable. He added that the student body is very happy to have this annual tradition return to the high school. Minutes: Motion by Ms. Morgan to approve the January 20, 2022, Regular
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Regular Business Meeting-February 17, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-May 25, 2022
Business Meeting Minutes as presented. (Second by Mr. Watts) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Student Representative Report: Granite Valley School: Madigan Graves-Harrison and Mia Hudak The 100th day of school was celebrated on February 3, 2022. Everyone dressed up as a 100 year old person and some even played the part by walking, talking and acting like a granny. Grades 5 and 6 did a 100th day school project where students had to decipher many different codes to unlock the final one. Grades 1 and 2 had 5th and 6th grade buddies to do a 100-bead math project. Grades 3 and 4 did the same project on their own. The goal of the project was to help students learn how to skip count by tens to one hundred. Students also came up with 100 ways that Granite Valley Rocks and hung them in the hallway. Grade 6 English Language Arts class is reading the book The Watson’s Go To Birmingham and have been enjoying it. The JiJi race for ST Math has been posted in the display case near the cafeteria and two of Mrs. Murphy’s 4th grade math classes are in the top 2 spots, followed by Ms. Stephen’s 2nd grade class. Tomorrow students will enjoy a monthly-earned Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) movie day where they can bring their own blankets, pillows and snacks and enjoy sitting by their friends. Madigan and Mia thanked the Committee for having them to present. Superintendent’s Update: Dr. Clarke provided the town’s COVID-19 metrics that have been cut in half over the past 2 weeks. She also gave the current vaccination rates. There have been 5 positive cases in district and 1 positive pool. Dr. Clarke reported that 161 staff members and 285 students are participating in the at home testing program. Dr. Clarke is working with the town administration regarding potential cost sharing of a combined position of Town Systems Administrator for Information Technology (IT). Dr. Clarke is a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Committee to help identify funding for various initiatives. Dr. Clarke noted that a couple of capital planning meetings have been held to look at expenditures related to the schools’ parking lots, the track at GVS and grounds and maintenance. Town Administrator, Jennifer Wolowicz and Director of Human Resources, Audra Staples will be invited to Dr. Clarke’s state of the district update, which will be presented to the staff prior to the start of the upcoming Professional Day, scheduled for March 11, 2022. She thought it would be beneficial to the staff to be able to put faces to the names of these town employees. Dr. Clarke met with the Police Chief and some of his staff to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding for the School Resource Officer and reunification of this position within the school district. The Parent Resource Room, located in the Central Business Office pod, is nearing completion. Dr. Clarke noted that Erin Fontaine was doing a wonderful job preparing the area that will include a parent resource library and computers for use by the public. Ms. Fontaine will reach out to the Town library and Senior Center to make them aware of this opportunity for members of the community. FY23 budget work continues with the Administration Leadership Team.
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Regular Business Meeting-February 17, 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. Ms. Flynn reminded everyone of the guidelines in speaking during Public Session. GVS grade 2 student, Callie Allen, spoke to the Committee about masks coming off. She told them that the masks hurt her ears and she would like to breathe normally again. Town resident Gennie Bailey shared her thoughts and concerns around mask wearing and the mental health impact. She stated that more conversation needs to be done on social-emotional connections and feels more openness is necessary. Ms. Flynn closed Public Session at 7:19 p.m. Subcommittee and Liaison Reports: Finance Subcommittee: Ms. Graves-Harrison provided an overview of the FY23 budget as discussed. Ms. Morgan added that the budget was on task for continued and added support for students. Ms. Flynn spoke briefly about the recent Tri-Board Meeting adding that there was a great sharing of information and she thanked Town Administrator Ms. Wolowicz and Town Accountant Ms. Farnum. New Business: GVS Principal Mr. Trivisonno spoke about the upcoming National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) testing. The National Assessment of Educational Progress provides important information about student achievement and learning experiences in various subjects. Also known as The Nation’s Report Card, NAEP has provided meaningful results to improve education policy and practice since 1969. Results are available for the nation, states, and 27 urban districts. NAEP is a congressionally mandated program that is overseen and administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences. The National Assessment Governing Board, an independent body appointed by the Secretary of Education, sets NAEP policy. NAEP is designed to measure the academic performance of the nation's students at grades 4, 8, and 12. Mr. Trivisonno explained that schools are selected by NAEP and on March 3, 2022, 52 Grade 4 students chosen randomly by the company will participate in this testing. NAEP does the testing, including any student with accommodations. He added that a gradewide email was sent to parents for their child to opt out of the testing. MHS Principal Mr. Sullivan presented an in-depth explanation of the proposed Master Schedule for the 2022-2023 school year. He reviewed the history of the schedule, along with information and rational, to put the proposed schedule in perspective. He also discussed the needs of the school and the structural changes proposed. He presented an example of the master schedule and current staff usage compared to the new schedule. Mr. Sullivan spoke about the addition of Grades 7 and 8, noting that the school has struggled to fully and seamlessly integrate those grades into their program. He provided specific details on how that would be done through the proposed new schedule. Mr. Sullivan talked about the current challenges at the high school with the current limited flexibility of a 4-block schedule and small school size. Mr. Sullivan stated that specific Honors Classes would be retained. The Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) has been entrusted with recalibrating the expectations of an honors level class, specifically in developing uniform standards that focus on rigor, complexity and higher order thinking. These classes will be highly challenging. He presented specific information pertaining to Special Education services within the proposed schedule. Mr.
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Sullivan spoke about expanded and updated offerings, and presented and reviewed all grade level sample schedules. He then summarized the entire presentation and a question and answer period followed. Ms. Flynn stated that the mask mandate was being lifted. She noted that she sent a copy of the recommended Policy EBCFA Face Coverings wording update provided by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to all Committee members, distributed a hard copy at the meeting and read it out loud. Motion by Ms. Flynn to rescind the current text of Policy EBCFA for Monson Public Schools and replace with the updated and proposed Face Covering Policy, also EBCFA, effective February 28, 2022. (Second by Ms. Morgan) Discussion followed Ms. Morgan would like the Policy language reworded to state that anyone choosing to wear a mask can do so. She questioned the availability of masks for anyone needing the school nurse and was assured by Dr. Clarke that there are plenty. Ms. Peterson likes the wording and doesn’t see need for changes, but suggested that the date be delayed for 2 weeks after the vacation week. Mr. Watts agrees with new Policy wording but suggested a delay to March 7, 2022. Ms. Graves-Harrison would like the wording to be simpler and though she personally does not agree with the February 28, 2022 date she feels that because Policy is not a mandate, this makes it a personal choice stating that she feels families can make their own decisions. Ms. Flynn stated that she feels this is a premature move by the state and she is disappointed with the lack of consistency of leadership at that level and is not in favor of rescinding the mask mandate. Creating new Policy wording was discussed in detail. Ms. Morgan noted that she feels there is a false sense of security by changing the date from February 28, 2022. Discussion continued Motion by Ms. Flynn to amend the original motion to accept the re-wording of Policy EBCFA of Policy as discussed. (Second by Mr. Watts) No further discussion Roll Call Vote: Ms. Morgan Yes Ms. Peterson Yes Mr. Watts Yes Ms. Graves-Harrsion Yes Ms. Flynn Abstain Motion carries 4-1 Ms. Flynn thanked members of the Committee for all their hard work and dedication. Ms. Morgan thanked GVS student Calli Allen for speaking up and sharing her thoughts and opinions during Public Session tonight.
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Regular Business Meeting-February 17, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-May 25, 2022
Old Business:
Dr. Clarke received a call from the Pathfinder Regional School District Superintendent and had a parent inquiry to change the 2022 graduation date scheduled for June 3, 2022, previously approved and voted on by the Committee, due to both districts holding graduation on the same date. She informed the Committee that the diplomas have already been printed and requested that date remain intact. Committee members agreed unanimously. Ms. Graves-Harrison added that, moving forward, she feels more collaboration and open communication with surrounding districts is needed in setting future graduation dates.
A rain date of June 4, 2022 was proposed.
Motion by Ms. Flynn to accept the proposed graduation rain date of June 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. (Second by Mr. Watts)
No discussion
Motion carries 5-0
Action Items:
Schedule Finance, Negotiations and Human Resources, and Policy Subcommittee meetings.
Motion by Ms. Peterson to adjourn to Executive Session under M.G.L 21a. Purpose #3 – To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the Chair so declares; to return to Open Session. (Second by Ms. Morgan)
No discussion
Motion carries 5-0
Adjourned to Executive Session at 8:51 p.m.
Open Session re-opened at 9:02 p.m.
Motion by Ms. Morgan to accept the Settlement Agreement By and Between the Monson School Committee and the Monson Teachers’ Association, Inc., Unit A and Unit C as presented in Executive Session. (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
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Regular Business Meeting-February 17, 2022
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Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison to adjourn Open Session. (Second by Ms. Morgan) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Documentation for this meeting: February 17, 2022-Regular Business Meeting Agenda January 20, 2022-Regular Business Meeting-Draft Minutes for Approval Presented at meeting: Monson High School Proposed Master Schedule for 2022-2023 Approved by Committee: ________________________________________ Kathryn Peterson, Secretary