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May 18, 2020

Minutes of the Monson School Committee-Regular Business Meeting Via Zoom May 18, 2020 “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/98574690653 Meeting ID: 985 7469 0653, 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; Secretary Andre Dubois-White, Committee Members Colleen Flynn and Jessy Shea Also Present: Superintendent Dr. Cheryl A. Clarke; Director of Facilities Paul DeMaio; Director of Curriculum Mary Cieplik; Director of Student Services/Early Childhood Center Suzanne Morneau; Business and Finance Officer/Director of Transportation Michelle Loglisci; Monson High School Principal William Metzger; Granite Valley School Principal Katherine Watts and Recording Secretary Karen Methe Note: This meeting was recorded using Zoom technology. Mr. Lord called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Mr. Lord read the Mission and Vision Statements. Announcements: Report cards were sent out last week through the portal. On June 5, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. a car parade with the senior students will be held on Main Street. The annual Special Olympics hosted by the district has been postponed to the Spring 2021, specific date to be determined. Mrs. Watts talked about the Granite Valley School remote learning activities. As part of the PBIS initiative, several staff members have created programs that students can participate in based on effort in submitting their regular assignments. Students earn a certificate that qualifies them to participate in fun activities such as yoga, minute to win it games, cooking, and a scavenger hunt. Recognition: Dr. Clarke recognized and thanked Mr. Bardwell, the counseling staff and Brie Johnston for the wonderful video creation of the virtual Senior Signing event. She encouraged everyone to watch it, noting that it could be found on the website. Minutes: Motion by Mr. Dubois-White to approve the April 22, 2020, Regular Business Meeting minutes as presented. (Second by Ms. Graves-

School Committee Minutes: Page 1 of 4 May 18, 2020 Regular Business Meeting


Draft copy for distribution prior to the May 27, 2020 - Regular Business Meeting

Harrison) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison to approve the April 29, 2020, Regular Business Meeting minutes as presented. (Second by Mr. Dubois-White) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Director of Facilities Report: Mr. DeMaio told the Committee that the Central Business Office moves, with the exception of Dr. Clarke and Ms. Poulin, have been completed. Security upgrade work continues at Quarry Hill Community School (QHCS) as Pod 2 will be utilized for high school classes. The Vocational Independence Program (VIP), housed at QHCS, has a new set-up that staff have been working on to complete. He stated that all schools have been cleaned and disinfected. He added that the Maintenance Department has taken over the grounds and outside maintenance work and it will begin this week. The QHCS roof and Energy Service Company (ESCO) projects continue. He hopes that the Town will vote to move forward with the projects, given the current pandemic situation. Subcommittee and Liaison Reports: Finance Subcommittee: No report Policy Subcommittee: No report Human Resources and Negotiations Subcommittee: No report Facilities and Long-Term Planning Subcommittee: No report Curriculum Subcommittee: There is a request to schedule a meeting as soon as possible. Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Clarke reported that last Friday the Grab and Go Program had its biggest day yet. There were 776 meals and 570 breakfasts distributed. Since May 1, 2020 the program has sent out 2509 lunches and 2045 breakfasts. She commended the cafeteria staff, Mrs. Gustafson, the maintenance staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts in making this much needed program a success. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has identified a set of power standards that are prerequisites to student success in the next grade level. Teachers are working to ensure those standards are covered. Staff assignment letters for next year have been distributed. Staff requests for items from their buildings have been filled and retrieved. Student belongings will be gathered, bagged and labeled with their name for pick up according to pre-determined schedule.

School Committee Minutes: Page 2 of 4 May 18, 2020 Regular Business Meeting


Draft copy for distribution prior to the May 27, 2020 - Regular Business Meeting

Grade 2 math books, GV school spirit shirts and most of the Yankee Candle fundraiser orders have been distributed. Dr. Clarke stated that all buildings will remain closed until June 15, 2020, then a 2 week shut-down will take place for all building administrators. Administrative Assistants are scheduled to return to their school offices on July 1, 2020 along with Central Business Office employees on a staggered schedule. Dr. Clarke noted that she and Mr. DeMaio have been discussing and are rethinking the use of school buildings for summer camps. New Business: Dr. Clarke introduced Caitlyn and Keira Ziobrowski. Mom stated that she would like Keira to attend Kindergarten in the fall though she will not turn five years old until September 30, 2020, which is after the cut-off date in the district. Keira currently attends Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) at QHCS. Ms. Ziobrowski told the Committee that Keira is ahead of the curve for academics and it is not in her best interest to repeat Pre-K, as mom feels it will not be challenging enough. Dr. Clarke added that she has spoken with Keira’s Pre-K teacher and she agreed that Keira is definitely ready to attend Kindergarten. Motion by Mr. Lord to waive the Entrance Age Policy (JEB) and allow Keira Ziobrowski to enter Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. (Second by Ms. Flynn) No further discussion Motion carries 5-0 Old Business: Dr. Clarke told Committee members that the FY21 budget was revisited as there have been significant changes since the original budget was presented. Stating that due to the current pandemic situations, severe reductions to municipal and state funding will occur. She shared a list of recent cuts made to the FY21 budget and explained the reasoning behind them. Dr. Clarke noted that the critical goal for the district was not to affect any positions that have direct contact with students, adding that all money received will go directly back into the classroom, including, if necessary, hiring additional teachers, nurses and counselors. Public Session: Mr. Lord opened Public Session at 7:50 p.m. No one came forward to address the Committee. Mr. Lord closed Public Session at 7:50 p.m. Action Items: Schedule Curriculum Subcommittee meeting. Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison to adjourn Open Session. (Second by Mr. Dubois-White) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Mr. Lord adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m.

School Committee Minutes: Page 3 of 4 May 18, 2020 Regular Business Meeting


Draft copy for distribution prior to the May 27, 2020 - Regular Business Meeting

Documentation for this meeting: May 13, 2020-Regular Business Meeting Agenda April 22, 2020-Regular Business Meeting Minutes-Draft April 29, 2020-Regular Business Meeting Minutes-Draft Approved by Committee: ______________________________________ Mr. Dubois-White, Secretary


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