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December 2, 2020

Minutes of the Monson School Committee Regular Business Meeting December 2, 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/92014333293 Meeting ID: 920 1433 3293, 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 Andy Dubois-White; Committee Members; Colleen Flynn and Kathryn Peterson Also Present: Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Clarke; Director of Student Services/Early Childhood Center Suzanne Tetrault; Business and Finance Director Michelle Loglisci; Granite Valley School Principal Katherine Watts; Granite Valley School Assistant Principal Joe Trivisonno; Director of Guidance Robert Bardwell; 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. Mr. Lord explained that he would like each Committee member to have a turn running a meeting to gain experience. He added that he would guide them throughout the meeting, if they request help. Ms. Flynn called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Ms. Graves-Harrison read the Mission & Vision Statements. Announcements: Dr. Clarke encouraged everyone to visit the school’s website to watch the 2020 College Application Celebration Week-Virtual Assembly. Dr. Clarke stated that all students over the age of 6 months must now have a flu shot, which will become part of a child’s immunizations to attend public schools. She and the nursing staff are working on a procedure for parents to notify the appropriate school nurse that their child has received the vaccination. Minutes: Motion by Mr. Lord to approve the November 12, 2020 Regular Business Meeting minutes as presented. (Second by Ms. Graves-Harrison) No discussion Motion carries 5-0

School Committee Minutes: Page 1 of 4 Regular Business Meeting-December 2, 2020


DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-December 16, 2020

Subcommittee and Liaison Reports: Policy Subcommittee: Ms. Peterson noted that Policy GBA and GBAA have been updated with additional verbiage added to the existing Policy. Motion by Mr. Lord to accept the first read of Policy GBA–Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action and move to a second read. (Second by Mr. Dubois-White) Discussion followed with Ms. Flynn requesting a minor change in the wording, which Ms. Peterson was amenable to. Mr. Dubois-White requested another change to be made. Dr. Clarke will revise Policy GBA and send to Committee members for approval on a second read. No further discussion Motion carries 5-0 Motion by Mr. Lord to accept the first read of Policy GBAA–Diversity and move to a second read. (Second by Ms. Graves-Harrison) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Clarke announced that new Chromebooks, purchased with funds from the Town Cares Act, will be distributed to staff in Units A-D on December 4, 2020. Staff will drive through the designated area to pick-up their Chromebooks and have the opportunity to donate a toy for town families in need this year. They will also be treated to a box lunch from Frigo’s provided by the Monson Teachers’ Association. The Grab and Go meal program will be held on December 7, 2020. Times for pick-up will be 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. It is asked that families sign-up in advance. Dr. Clarke noted the Schools Councils are active and creating surveys by school for suggestions and/or improvements from the school community. Administration and staff evaluations are happening. Dr. Clarke stated that the Reverse Parade has been postponed due to the current full remote teaching and learning model in place until January 4, 2021. She said she had hoped for a downward trend in positive Covid-19 cases but they are on the rise. The Department of Public Health statistics are due out tomorrow. Dr. Clarke will notify parents and staff weekly when she receives the updated numbers and statistics. The Administrative Leadership Team continues their work on the second semester. New Business: Mrs. Loglisci met with the Finance Subcommittee recently to review proposed changes to the bus bid. The revisions were discussed and Mrs. Loglisci stated that this was good time to go out to bid and see what may be available. Motion by Mr. Lord to authorize Dr. Clarke and Mrs. Loglisci to release a bid to outsource school bus transportation. (Second by Ms. Peterson)

School Committee Minutes: Page 2 of 4 Regular Business Meeting-December 2, 2020


DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-December 16, 2020

No discussion Roll Call Vote: Mr. Lord Yes Ms. Graves-Harrison Yes Mr. Dubois-White Yes Ms. Flynn Yes Ms. Peterson Yes Motion carries 5-0 Ms. Graves-Harrison spoke about an article regarding the possibility of a Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) take home test. Dr. Clarke will send the information to Committee members prior to the next Regular Business Meeting. Public session: Ms. Flynn opened Public Session at 7:34 p.m. The following town residents addressed the Committee: MacKenzie DeVries commented on the rise in COVID-19 cases possibly being attributed to the return of college students. Scott Harris spoke about keeping in mind that Special Education students’ MCAS tests take the entire year to complete. Robin Santos asked about a timeline for winter athletics to begin. She noted that Monson parents abided by all rules in the fall. Mr. Lord responded that though he is receptive to athletics, it is hard to commit to a start-up date while school buildings are closed and case counts are very high. Ms. Flynn closed Public Session at 7:44 p.m. Action Items: Schedule a Working Meeting for December 9, 2020. Schedule Regular Business Meetings for December 16, 2020, January 6 and 20, 2021. Add second read of Policies GBAA and GBA and MCAS discussion to the next Agenda. Reminder that Curriculum Subcommittee will meet December 3, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Motion by Mr. Dubois-White to adjourn Open Session. (Second by Mr. Lord) No discussion Roll Call: Ms. Peterson Yes Ms. Flynn Yes Mr. Dubois-White Yes Ms. Graves-Harrison Yes Mr. Lord Yes Motion carries 5-0 Open Session closed at 7:50 p.m. Documentation for this meeting: December 2, 2020-Regular Business Meeting Agenda

School Committee Minutes: Page 3 of 4 Regular Business Meeting-December 2, 2020


DRAFT COPY for distribution/approval at the Regular Business Meeting-December 16, 2020

November 12, 2020-Regular Business Meeting Minutes-DRAFT Distributed at meeting: N/A Approved by Committee: ________________________________________ Mr. Dubois-White, Secretary

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