MASC Bulletin www.masc.org April 2021 v.55 n.1

Massachusetts Association of School Committees MASC (virtual) DAY ON THE HILL: Friday, April 16 ay on the Hill is MASC’s Ways and Means Committee), the annual legislative advo- Association of School Committees dialogue will include highlights Day on the Hill 2021 (virtual) cacy day. Typically, this Friday, April 16 • 9:00am-noon of the Administration’s newly an- D nounced American Rescue Plan event brings hundreds of school and the dollars that will be com- committee members, superinten- FROM PANDEMIC TO PROGRESS: dents and student leaders to the What have we lost? What have we learned? What can we build upon? ing to school districts to help with State House in Boston to meet recovery initiatives. with the executive and legisla- Invited legislators include: tive leadership as well as local Senate President (a Join your school leader senators and representatives. It is colleagues and legislators to former member of the Ashland discuss funding meaningful School Committee); House Speak- a critical opportunity for MASC recovery strategies for our members to advance the message Massachusetts school communities. er Ron Mariano (a former member of the value of public education of the Quincy School Committee); and ensure that legislators and other and how to allocate funding to support Education Committee Co-Chairs: Sena- key decision/policy makers understand learning loss and social/emotional reme- tor Jason Lewis and Representative Alice the issues and challenges that you con- diation and move forward with lessons Peisch (a former member of the Welles- front and that they can support. learned from the Covid crisis. ley School Committee) among others. New this year—which follows The The focus of this year’s event: What Mark your calendars for Friday, April Year Like No Other—is that MASC will we have lost? What have we learned? 16, 9:00am-Noon. There is no charge host the Day on the Hill program via What can we build upon? will be dis- to attend but we ask that you register in zoom. The Board of Directors invites cussed in conjunction with MASC’s advance so we can send you the sign-on all school committee members and recently released 2021 legislative pri- link and background materials. other school leaders to join legislators orities (listed on page 6). Moderated REGISTER NOW at: https://www. and other key education and fiscal by MASC President Ellen Holmes (who masc.org/events-and-conferences-2/day- policymakers in a conversation about recently presented educationally and on-the-hill. moving forward from the pandemic fiscally compelling testimony to the Joint

Department of Labor Relations rules in favor Mashpee and Norton of Melrose School Committee in determining School Districts Receive educational model National School Boards Summary prepared by Steven Finnegan, Esq., MASC General Counsel Association Magna This decision offers a brief summary of the 11-page Department of Labor Relations Awards (DLR) opinion, and wherever possible uses the language found in the opinion. The Two MA public school districts (Mash- full DLR opinion may be found on the DLR website. Districts should consult their pee and Norton) are among the re- Legal Counsel for further information. cipients of the National School Boards MASC finds that the DLR Melrose Decision provides needed clarity to districts Association 2021 Magna Awards. won one that likely will face similar issues in the near future. Mashpee Public Schools of the three Grand Prize awards (under On December 21, 2020, the Melrose Education Association (MEA) filed two 5,000 enrollment category) for its com- charges with the Department of Labor Relations (DLR) alleging that the School mitment to equity as reflected in the Committee had violated Section 10(a)(5) and Section 10(a)(1) of Mass General Laws, district’s Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Chapter 150E by repudiating the parties Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Partnership. Norton Public Schools won continued on page 2 continued on page 3 MASC 2021 Board of Directors Melrose School Committee Executive Committee continued from page 1 President: B. Ellen Holmes, Ashburnham Westminster Reg. At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the President-Elect: Andrea Wadsworth, Lee Melrose Public Schools provided in-person instruction for Vice President: Stacey Rizzo, Revere Secretary-Treasurer: Mildred Lefebvre, Holyoke high-needs students; remote instruction for grades 2 through Immediate Past President: Deborah Davis, Northeast 12; and hybrid instruction for kindergarten and first grade Metro Voc. Tech. students. On October 19, 2020 the School Committee com- menced hybrid instruction for grades 2-12. Division Officers The MEA filed a grievance at step 2, asserting that con- Division I tractual language was not followed and is in violation of the Chair: Beverley Griffin Dunne, Peabody/Essex Tech. MOA between the Committee and the MEA generally and Vice Chair: Mary Jane Byrnes, Wilmington specifically, as it relates to Community Metrics. As a remedy, the MEA sought that the schools move to a fully remote Division II learning model for all and continue with that model until Chair: Marc Terry, Ashland the “metrics meet the agreed upon MOA benchmarks for a Vice Chair: Roberto Jimenez Rivera, Chelsea return to in-person instruction.” The MEA asserts that the Secretary-Treasurer: Francis Parker, Everett Committee violated the Law by failing to provide the MEA Division III with notice and the opportunity to bargain over both the Chair: Jason Fraser, Silver Lake Reg. decision to make the change to the MOA and the impacts of Vice Chair: Kim Savery, Plymouth that change. Secretary-Treasurer: Barbara Davis, Holbrook In contrast, the School Committee maintains that it did not violate the Law as alleged. The Committee contends Division IV that the clear language of the MOA gives the Superinten- Chair: Michelle Bodin-Hettinger, Marlborough dent discretion in making decisions regarding the learning Vice Chair: Heidi Matthews, Marlborough Secretary-Treasurer: Laura Often, Grafton method. The Committee believing that the decision about whether to offer instruction through an in-person, remote Division V or hybrid model is a core managerial decision that is not Chair: Laura Fallon, Northampton negotiable, instead proposed that the Superintendent had Vice Chair: Wendy Rua, Agawam discretion in determining which learning model was used. Secretary-Treasurer: William Fonseca, East Longmeadow The final agreement provides for the Superintendent to con- Division VI sider various factors but gives her discretion to make the final Chair: William Cameron, Pittsfield decision. In any case, DLR found that the Superintendent Vice Chair: Jason St. Peter, Berkshire Hills Reg. had full discretion to decide whether to revert to fully remote Secretary-Treasurer: Stephen Bannon, Berkshire Hills Reg. Instruction, and she did not repudiate the MOA when she did not revert to fully remote instruction in December. Division VII DLR held that the Superintendent had full discretion to Chair: Nicole Bartlett decide whether to revert to fully remote instruction, and she Vice Chair: Phillip Morris, Dennis-Yarmouth did not repudiate the MOA when she did not revert to fully Secretary-Treasurer: Andrea Thorrold, Falmouth remote instruction in December. DLR found that the MOA Division VIII was ambiguous, and that the bargaining history does not Chair: Donald Erickson, BayPath Reg. Voc. Tech. sufficiently clarify the parties’ intent. Therefore, DLR did Vice Chair: Lynn Ryan, Assabet Reg. Voc. Tech. not find probable cause to believe that the School Commit- Secretary-Treasurer:Peggy Ayres, Assabet Reg. Voc. Tech. tee repudiated the MOA and dismissed that portion of the charges. Division IX Furthermore, the Committee argued that the decision as Chair: Irene Feliciano-Sims, Holyoke to which educational model to utilize is one of those core Vice Chair: Andre Green, Somerville governmental decisions. It is the School Committee that Joshua Amaral, New Bedford Secretary-Treasurer: establishes educational policies for the district, consistent Division X with the requirements of law and the statewide goals and At the January 2021 Board of Directors meeting, the standards established by DESE G. L. c. 71, S. 37. The Su- Board voted unanimously to recognize the Minority Cau- perintendent is vested with all operational decisions for the cus as a formal Division X of the Association. District and is required to manage the system in the manner Chair: Virginia Simms George, Assabet Reg. Voc. Tech. that is consistent with state law and the policy determina- Vice Chair: LaTonia Naylor, Springfield tions and the policy decisions of the Committee. G.L.c.71, S. Secretary-Treasurer: Denise Hurst, Springfield 52. School Committee of Newton v. Newton School Custo- dians, Local 454, SEIU, 438 Mass. 739, 746-748 (2003). Mashpee and Norton receive NSBA award PEOPLE IN THE NEWS continued from page 1 students need and also identifying Mildred Lefebvre, a member of the a First Place award for its Priority One: opportunities to educate non-native Holyoke School Committee who also Social-Emotional Learning program. students and our staff about the Mash- serves on the MASC Board of Direc- The Magna Awards go to school pee Wampanoag culture, language and tors as Secretary-Treasurer, has been districts that advance equity and break heritage.” re-elected as Northeast Region Di- down barriers for underserved stu- The Norton School District Social- rector of the National School Board dents. Mashpee was honored for its Emotional Learning Initiative which Association’s National Hispanic school committee’s working partner- received a First Place award was sup- Caucus (NHC). ship with the Mashpee Wampanoag ported by the School Committee and The NHC promotes quality educa- Tribe. The partnership has helped cre- administration in conjunction with the tion for all students, with a focus on ate an inclusive district that recognizes local teachers association. According equity—building access and closing to the district, the rationale was simple: and celebrates Wampanoag heritage the gap on learning and achieve- Strong minds will lead to success in the and culture. It also aims to advance the ment of Latino students. academic growth and social-emotional classroom and life. In supporting this well-being of Wampanoag students priority, the district spent a full academ- through culture-based educational ic year working through a task force. principles and practices. The task force consisted of three SAVE THE DATES working groups: the Data and Infor- “When you’re recognizing the tribe’s (All programs are virtual unless heritage and culture and celebrating mation Committee gathered student, otherwise indicated.) that, you’re improving the academic teacher, and parent survey data at the growth and social and emotional district level. This data supported the well-being of all of our students,” said School Culture and Climate Committees Friday, April 16 Nicole Bartlett, the school committee’s at each school. The third piece of the DAY ON THE HILL vice chairwoman. triangle was the Social-Emotional and Time: 9:00am-noon Even though this partnership is only Behavioral Learning Advisory Commit- being honored and recognized this tee that uses the information from the Friday, May 7 year, it is a result of years of hard work other two committees to improve the MASC LEARNING LUNCH by the School Committee and the Tribal academic, civic, social, and co-curricular Topic: Remediating Learning Loss Council. opportunities for students via a system Presenter: James Caradonio, Ed.D. During the 2017-2018 school year, that supports both equity and equality. Time: Noon-1:15pm these two groups met jointly for the first After collecting survey data via a Pan- time ever. As a result, there were two orama Survey from students, parents, Saturday, June 12 important outcomes from this meet- and staff, the district held a full day CHARTING THE COURSE: Part 1 ing, Ms. Bartlett said. First, a standing professional development session with MASC’s new member the task force. The outcomes included agenda item was added to the school orientation program the creation of action subcommittees, committee meetings: A tribal represen- Time: 8:30am-12:30pm tative is given a slot to speak, voice any including SEL framework, professional development, curriculum, and best concerns and share thoughts. Second, Saturday, June 19 a leadership team was created consist- practices. Administration and staff CHARTING THE COURSE: Part 2 ing of members of the tribe and the engaged in districtwide book studies MASC’s new member school. which enabled staff to look at students Ms. Bartlett called this a “new way who struggle from a different perspec- orientation program of doing business” and something she tive. The School Culture and Climate Time: 8:30am-12:30pm was very proud of that the two sides Committees were established in each have accomplished. building to ensure school and district “I really wanted to make this partner- values were upheld. ship very deliberate and consistent Subsequent student survey data throughout the year. Some of the showed significant improvement in people who went through Mashpee how connected students said they had schools as tribal members didn’t always become to school, how they view their have a good experience,” she said. teachers, and how they view the future. “Our children are really what connects Attendance has improved for struggling us. That’s why I feel the schools were students by more than 30%. Disciplinary just really well-positioned to take a reports show a decline in office refer- leadership role by formally partnering rals across the districts. Grades have with the tribe to support the 150-plus improved with more students in the native students we have in our school.” honor roll level. The program has also “We’re not making decisions about helped the district identify students who what’s best for native students. We are are succeeding academically but who asking the tribe to tell us what native are struggling with mental health issues. MA Legislative Committee Chairs/Members Announced Last month Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker announced their appointments to lead joint legislative committees. Those of particular interest to MASC members are listed below. The full list of legislative committees can be found at htttps://malegislature.gov/Comittees.

Ways & Means Joseph McKenna Joanne Comerford, Chair Senate: Mathew Muratore , Vice Chair Michael Rodrigues, Chair Timothy Whelan John Cronin Cindy Friedman, Vice Chair Michael Barrett Education Senate: Patrick O’Connor Michael Brady Jason Lewis, Chair House: Sal DiDomenico, Vice Chair , Jr., Chair Barry Feingold John Cronin , Vice Chair Adam Gomez Adam Hinds Patricia Jehlen Rob Consalvo Patricia Jehlen Patrick O’Connor Elizabeth Malia Eric Lesser House: John Keenan Alice Hanlon Peisch, Chair Michael Moore , Vice Chair Michael Rush Smitty Pignatelli Patrick O’Connor Andres Vargas Elizabeth Malia David Viera House: Kip Diggs Economic Development , Chair Vanna Howard Senate: Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Vice Chair Joseph McGonagle, Jr. Eric Lesser, Chair Michael Brady, Vice Chair Sonia Chang-Diaz John Cronin John Barrett, III Children, Families & Paul Feeney Persons with Disabilities Edward Kennedy Senate: Patrick O’Connor Adam Gomez, Chair House: , Vice Chair Jerald Parisella, Chair Andres Vargas, Vice Chair Brian Murray James Eldridge Christina Minicucci Rebecca Rausch Brian Murray Elizabeth Malia Patrick O’Connor Kathleen LaNatra House: David Biele James Hawkins , Chair Kathleen LaNatra Jack Lewis Natalie Blais, Vice Chair Edward Philips Patrick Kearney Jack Lewis Jessica Ann Giannino Meghan Kilcoyne Tami Gouvela Kip Diggs , III David LeBoeuf David Muradian, Jr. Chynah Tyler Natalie Higgins Bud Williams Jacob Oliveira Elder Affairs Steven Ultrino Donald Berthiaume, Jr. Senate: Andres Vargas Patricia Jehlen, Chair Julian Cyr, Vice Chair Angelo D’Emilia Covid-19 and Emergency Pre- Diana DiZoglio Donald Berthiaume, Jr. paredness and Management Anne Gobi Senate: Ryan Fattman James Kelcourse House: Kelly Pease Adam Hinds Thomas Stanley, Chair Bruce Tarr Kate Lipper, Vice Chair House: Michelle DuBois Housing Bud Williams, Chair Senate: Elizabeth Malia, Vice Chair John Keenan, Chair Michelle Ciccolo Patricia Jehlen, Vice Chair Brandy Fluker Oakley Michael Barrett Nika Elugardo Harriette Chandler Erika Uyterhoeven Frank Moran Timothy Whelan Patrick O’Connor Vanna Howard Steven Xiarhos Maria Duaime Robinson House: , Chair Health Care Financing John H. Rogers, Vice Chair Senate: Cindy Friedman, Chair Revenue Patrick Kearney Harriette Chandler, Vice Chair Senate: Mike Connolly Julian Cyr Adam Hinds, Chair David LeBoeuf Paul Feeney Brendan Crighton, Vice Chair Rob Consalvo John Keenan Nick Collins Nika Elugardo Eric Lesser Rebecca Rausch Kip Diggs Patrick O’Connor David DeCoste Ryan Fattman House: David Muradian House: John Lawn, Jr., Chair , Chair , Vice Chair Mental Health, Substance Use , Vice Chair and Recovery Christine Barber Senate: Gerard Cassidy Steven Ultrino Julian Cyr, Chair Mindy Domb Brian Murray John Velis, Vice Chair Jon Santiago Nick Collis Patricia Duffy Joanne Comerford Rob Consalvo Kip Diggs Brendan Crighton Erika Uyterhoeven Thomas Golden, Jr. John Keenan Michael Soter Hannah Kane Patrick O’Connor Joseph McKenna Mathew Muratore House: , Chair State Administration & Michelle DuBois, Vice Chair Regulatory Oversight Higher Education Paul Tucker Senate: Senate: Natalie Higgins , Chair Anne Gobi, Chair Daniel Carey Rebecca Rausch, Vice Chair Joanne Comerford, Vice Chair John Cronin Edward Kennedy Susannah Whipps Walter Timilty Marc Pacheco Christopher Markey John Velis Michael Rush Michael Kushmerek Bruce Tarr Ryan Fattman Sally Kerans House: House: Alyson Sullivan , Chair David Rogers, Chair Donald Berthiaume, Jr. Christine Barber, Vice Chair Carmine Gentile, Vice Chair Hannah Kane Carmine Gentile Maria Duaime Robinson Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Christopher Markey Mindy Domb Inclusion Michelle Ciccolo John H. Rogers Senate: Maria Duaime Robinson Sonia Chang-Diaz, Chair Jay Livingstone Julian Cyr, Vice Chair Paul Schmid, III Patricia Duffy Joanne Comerford Steven Xiarhos Adam Gomez F. Jay Barrows Massachusetts Association of School Committees FIRST CLASS One McKinley Square U.S. POSTAGE Boston, MA 02109 PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO.

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Directing of stimulus dollars appropriately to local districts for uses that are creative, sustainable, and thoughtful and sustainable, creative, are that uses for districts local to appropriately dollars stimulus of Directing •

Update of Open Meeting law Meeting Open of Update •

Local, negotiated approach to vocational technical school enrollment school technical vocational to approach negotiated Local, •

Retention of Medicaid reimbursement for covered services covered for reimbursement Medicaid of Retention •

Rethinking appropriateness of testing and accountability and testing of appropriateness Rethinking •

Earmarking special funding to study efficiencies and economies for small and rural districts rural and small for economies and efficiencies study to funding special Earmarking •

Protecting rights to privacy as a matter of equity of matter a as privacy to rights Protecting •

Full support for the Children’s Services Safety Net Safety Services Children’s the for support Full •

Addressing concerns of Native Americans in Massachusetts in Americans Native of concerns Addressing •

Full support for METCO for support Full •

Full funding for charter school oversight, reform, and tuition reimbursement tuition and reform, oversight, school charter for funding Full •

Full funding for regional transportation reimbursement transportation regional for funding Full •

Full funding of the special education circuit breaker circuit education special the of funding Full •

Defense of local district authority regarding instructional modes during the pandemic the during modes instructional regarding authority district local of Defense •

ever ever is higher (hold harmless on enrollment) on harmless (hold higher is

which- Foundation budget calculations based on the October 2019 or October 2020 enrollment of students, students, of enrollment 2020 October or 2019 October the on based calculations budget Foundation •

implemented in FY21 and was not was and FY21 in implemented

first and second and first being begin to was which Act, Opportunity Student the of year the of implementation Full •

and Means, MASC this year will advocate for: for: advocate will year this MASC Means, and

As noted by MASC President Ellen Holmes in her testimony earlier this month before the Joint Committee on Ways Ways on Committee Joint the before month this earlier testimony her in Holmes Ellen President MASC by noted As MASC 2021 Legislative Priorities Priorities Legislative 2021 MASC