Minutes of the
Monson School Committee
Regular Business Meeting
September 3, 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/91092666006 Meeting ID: 962 9312 1701, 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; Committee Members; Colleen Flynn and Kathryn Peterson
Also Present: Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Clarke; Director of Student Services/Early Childhood Center Suzanne Morneau; Granite Valley School Principal Katherine Watts; Granite Valley School Assistant Principal Joe Trivisonno; Monson High School Principal William Metzger; Director of Counseling Robert Bardwell; 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 7:02 p.m.
Ms. Peterson read the Mission & Vision Statements.
Ms. Graves-Harrison commended everyone involved in preparing the buildings for return to in person learning.
Approval of 2020-2021 MPS Handbook:
Dr. Clarke provided an overview of changes to the 2020-2021 Handbook. A brief discussion followed.
Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison to approve the 2020-2021 Monson Public Schools Handbook for Students and Families as presented. (Second by Ms. Flynn)
No further discussion
Roll Call
Ms. Graves- Harrison Yes
Ms. Flynn Yes
Ms. Peterson Yes
Motion carries 3-0
School Committee Minutes: Page 1 of 3
Regular Business Meeting-September 3, 2020
DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-September 16, 2020
Endorsement of COVID-19 Mask Policy & Remote Teacher Endorsement: Due to the postponement of tonight’s Policy Subcommittee Meeting, Dr. Clarke requested that the Endorsement of the Personal Protection and Face Masks Policy be moved to the September 16, 2020 Regular Business Meeting. Motion by Ms. Graves-Harrison that the Committee support the staff working remotely in the district based on request. (Second by Ms. Flynn) No discussion Roll Call Ms. Graves- Harrison Yes Ms. Flynn Yes Ms. Peterson Yes Motion carries 3-0 Mrs. Fedora reviewed COVID-19 protocol and read the 10 symptoms given to the school nurses to evaluate a student. She stated that if a student tests positive, the parent will receive a call from the Board of Health and the student will remain at home for a minimum of 10 days. Close contacts of a student testing positive will be out for 14 days. The same protocol will be used for staff. It was noted that if staff was feeling ill while at home, a call should be made to the school nurse and they should not enter the building. If a staff member presents with COVID-19 symptoms during school hours they would be sent home immediately and asked to be tested. A question and answer period followed. Dr. Clarke and Ms. Flynn thanked Mrs. Fedora for all of her hard work and willingness to answer all questions posed to her. Public Session: Ms. Graves-Harrison opened Public Session at 7:33 p.m. Town resident Melissa Kierkla-Blackburn asked a question regarding student Chromebooks. Mrs. Graves-Harrison closed Public Session at 7:35 p.m. Action Items: Schedule Policy Subcommittee Meeting for September 10, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Motion by Ms. Flynn to adjourn Open Session. (Second by Ms. Peterson) No discussion Motion carries 3-0 Open Session closed at 7:39 p.m. Documentation for this meeting: September 3, 2020-Regular Business Meeting Agenda Monson Public Schools 2020-2021 Handbook for Students and Families Personal Protection and Face Masks – Draft Policy Distributed at meeting: N/A
School Committee Minutes: Page 2 of 3
Regular Business Meeting-September 3, 2020
DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-September 16, 2020
Approved by Committee: ________________________________________ Mr. Dubois-White, Secretary