Minutes of the Monson School Committee Regular Business Meeting May 26, 2021 “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/92219678903 Meeting ID:922 1967 8903, 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: Vice Chair Emily-Graves-Harrison; Secretary Kathryn Peterson; 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. Ms. Graves-Harrison called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Ms. Flynn read the Mission & Vision Statements. Announcements: Dr. Clarke wished Mrs. Methe a speedy recovery from recent surgery and notified the Committee that all motions would need to be kept track of. Mr. Metzger said the seniors had a great day whitewater rafting in the Deerfield River as their senior trip. The banquet will be held at the Brimfield Winery on May 27, 2021. All seniors will report on May 28, 2021 for final check-out. Graduation rehearsals will be held on June 2 and 4, 2021 at Moriarty Field, with June 3, 2021 being held for a tentative rain date for rehearsal. Graduation will be held outdoors at Granite Valley School on June 4. 2021, rain date will be June 5, 2021. A live-streamed Underclassmen Awards event will be held on June 16, 2021. The event is not open to the public. Mrs. Watts reported that Kindergarten students will be welcomed to GVS on June 4, 2021. Students will paint rocks to leave in the garden. The last advisory day for students in grades 4-6 will be June 4, 2021 with outdoor activities and celebrations. On June 7, 2021 “Whatever it
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Takes” Peer mentoring program will have an end of the year celebration. Specific details will be forthcoming. Field Day activities will be held by grade level on June 8, 9 and 10, 2021. Remote learning students will have the option to participate at school if they choose to. These activities are not open to the public this year. Rain dates are reserved for June 11 & 14, if necessary. Grade 6 students will participate in the last lap wrap up on the track on June 16, 2021. Specific details to follow. Mrs. Tetrault noted that Kindergarten students continue their ABC countdown. They will be going to GVS for transition activities. June 10, 2021 is Community Day at the Early Childhood Center. Representatives for the fire, police and public works departments have been invited to share their knowledge about the town. June 11, 2021 is field day for Kindergarten students and Pre-K students will hold their field day on June 14, 2021. Graduation activities will be held separately on June 15, 2021. Ms. Flynn thanked Dr. Clarke and the Administrative Team for all of their hard work. Minutes: Motion by Ms. Peterson to approve the April 14, 2021-Public Budget Hearing and April 14 and 28, 2021-Regular Business Meeting minutes as presented. (Second by Ms. Flynn) No discussion Motion carries 4-0 Subcommittee and Liaison Reports: Policy Subcommittee: All the Massachusetts Association of School Committee’s (MASC) recommendations and changes to Policies DB, DBC, DBJ, DGA and DKC have been made. Motion by Ms. Flynn to accept Policies DB, DBC, DBJ, DGA and DKC as a first read and move to a second read. (Second by Mr. Watts) No discussion Motion carries 4-0 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee: Mr. Watts reviewed the goals that were created by the Subcommittee members. He added that they will now be moving forward with the mandate and goals in place. Human Resources/Negotiations Subcommittee: Meetings continue with a very busy schedule. Dr. Clarke reported that they are making progress. Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Clarke stated that all pooled testing continues to come back negative. There will be a COVID-19 vaccination clinic held at the high school on June 2, 2021. The information was put out to families first and then put on Facebook. There are 54 people that have signed up. The second shot will be administered 3 weeks later, specific date to be determined. The Department of Student Services Extended Year Program will be held from July 5 – August 12,
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2021, Monday – Thursday, half-day in the morning, for students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A new summer school program, for students Grades K-8, will begin on July 26, 2021–August 12, 2021 at Granite Valley School. Administration and teachers are working to identify students in need of the program for a variety of reasons. Counseling will also be available. The program will be held Monday-Thursday, half-day in the morning. A Grab & Go lunch will be provided. Approximately 100 students are expected to attend. Monson Parks & Recreation will hold their summer camps in Pod 1 at Quarry Hill Community School (QHCS) from July 5, 2021-August 6, 2021. Dr. Clarke mentioned that these activities are not a part of school programs. Dr. Clarke stated that safety precautions will be taken as the QHCS roof project gets underway. Five days of Grab & Go lunches will be provided, once a week, to families throughout the summer. In an update from the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Clarke reported that masks are not required outdoors for students or athletics. There is no limit on the number of spectators attending an outdoor event. She added that the state is looking for a 5 day in-person return to school in the fall, with no distancing. The indoor mask requirement is still to be determined with specific guidance due out in early June. Dr. Clarke that enrollment is currently 839 students. The project enrollment for FY22 is 863 with 8 School Choice students being accepted. Ms. Peterson asked about transportation for summer school students. Dr. Clarke responded that transportation is not provided unless a family doesn’t have any means. Ms. Graves-Harrison asked if the new summer school program was by invitation only. Dr. Clarke replied that it is as the students that the Administration is most concerned about are being prioritized. Ms. Flynn asked how staff for the summer programs were being paid. Dr. Clarke told her funds are coming from the ESSER Grant. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided through June 2022. Ms. Graves-Harrison asked Dr. Clarke to provide an overview of the different funding available from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Mrs. Loglisci stated that she gave a prior presentation outlining and confirming that grant funds were appropriately spent on COVID-19 related services. Dr. Clarke confirmed that ESSER III funds may be applied for in the fall of 2021 and suggested input from the School Councils on how best to utilize any funds secured. Public Session: Ms. Graves-Harrison opened Public Session at 7:25 p.m. No one came forward to address the Committee. Ms. Graves-Harrison closed Public Session at 7:26 p.m. Old Business: MASC nomination forms will be tabled until September 2021. New Business: Stacy Beaudoin, parent of Brooke Beaudoin is requesting that the Kindergarten Entrance Age Policy be waived for Brooke to enter Kindergarten in the fall. Mrs. Tetrault stated that Brooke had been assessed and there were no areas of concern. Her Pre-K classroom teacher is in favor of the request.
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Motion by Mr. Watts to waive the Kindergarten Entrance Age Policy requirement for Brooke Beaudoin to begin Kindergarten in the fall. (Second by Ms. Flynn) No discussion Motion carries 4-0 Mrs. Loglisci reviewed the current transportation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Palmer Public Schools, adding that things are going very well. They are very happy with Transportation Coordinator Lisa Joseph’s excellent customer service. The Palmer School Committee voted at their last meeting to continue the Agreement for the 2021-2022 year. Motion by Ms. Peterson to continue the MOU with Palmer Public Schools for transportation for the 2021-2022 school year. (Second by Mr. Watts) No discussion Motion carries 4-0 Ms. Flynn stated that she will miss Mrs. Loglisci upon her retirement. Mrs. Loglisci thanked the Committee for their constant support throughout the years. Superintendent Goal Update: Dr. Clarke’s mid-year goals were previously submitted. The Committee has been kept up to date on her work through consistent meetings during the pandemic. Dr. Clarke outlined the specific work completed by herself and the Administration on the 2 additional goals tasked to her. Ms. Graves-Harrison stated that Dr. Clarke did an excellent job with communication throughout the pandemic. Ms. Flynn added that she is very impressed with the increased information on social media. Mr. Watts noted that Dr. Clarke does an outstanding job. Ms. Peterson added that in her social circle, teachers and parents with students in other districts, had no clue of what was going on in their respective districts but Monson’s communication with everyone was excellent, adding that Dr. Clarke has gone above and beyond honoring requests from staff members that wanted to work remotely. Dr. Clarke gave her thanks to the Committee and said it is a true honor to lead the district, adding that she will continue updating information so the Committee has a full picture in another month. Action Items: Revisit MASC nomination forms in September. Schedule June 9, 2021 Reorganization/Regular Business Meeting. On-going Negotiations meetings for the next 4-5 weeks. Reschedule the Facilities & Long-Term Planning Subcommittee’s Tour of Buildings meeting. Dr. Clarke will put first read Policies on the website. Motion by Mr. Watts 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 and Purpose #3, to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a
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detrimental effect on bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the Chair so declares, not to return to Open Session. (Second by Ms. Flynn) No discussion Motion carries 4-0 Open Session closed at 7:42 p.m. Documentation for this meeting: May 26, 2021-Regular Business Meeting Agenda April 14, 2021-Public Budget Hearing Meeting-Draft Minutes April 14, 2021-Regular Business Meeting-Draft Minutes April 28, 2021-Regular Business Meeting-Draft Minutes Distributed at meeting: N/A Approved by Committee: ________________________________________ Kathryn Peterson, Secretary