MINUTES

Blueprint for Mansfield’s Children

Leadership Work Group Meeting #12

                                                           Thursday, April 23, 2009

                                                 Mansfield Town Hall, Council Chambers

                                                                    5:15-7:30 PM

PRESENT: T. Berthelot, K. Paulhus, M. Baker, L. Grossman, R. Mocanu, R. Miller, S. Baxter,

L. Grossman, J. McLaughlin, J. Goldman, J. Stoughton, F. Baruzzi, K. Dorgan, L. Buczynski,

B. Tanner, C. Guerreri, K. Grunwald, S. Renfro, L. Young

REGRETS: J. Osleeb, G. Bent, M. Barton

ITEM	DISCUSSION	Action
Opening	-Review April 2^nd Meeting: R. Mocanu stated that Bennett pointed out that we need to review how much of what we’re actually doing is based on the data that we have.  At the end of this project we need to identify where we are at that point; not rush to finish the plan to complete the deadline.  S. Baxter reported that she had a conversation with Laura Downs from the Graustein Foundation, who reiterated that the process of what this group has done as a planning entity is what it is important to report on.  L. Grossman added that what is important is that the plan is reflective of the community’s priorities and interests.  J. McLaughlin added that there are differences based on whether or not initiatives are ongoing or need to be initiated.  This will impact our ability to collect baseline data.  -Adopt minutes of April 2, 2009 Meeting	Minutes approved as written.
Alignment	-Brief description of how direct alignment strengthens the Plan -Check our whole plan for correct alignment -Develop Data Development agenda L. Grossman presented headline indicators, the story behind the curve, strategies and sub-strategies for each indicator: Health: We have looked at the level of prenatal care from 2002-2006 as an indicator.  In 2006 15% of mothers had non-adequate prenatal care.  There were some questions and discussion about the determination of “adequate” care.  J. Goldman raised a question as to how much we know about mothers who received inadequate care; are these foreign graduate students who arrived late in their pregnancy?  S. Renfro pointed out that this may relate to the community connectedness piece as well.  Several people noted that this rate correlates with the rate of free/reduced lunch eligibility.  C. Guerreri pointed out that we can get this data by race, but this is not significant.  There was some discussion about how well the university provides support to graduate students who arrive from other countries.  J. Goldman stated that we have data that foreign graduate students tend to live in Mansfield as opposed to other locations.  R. Mocanu questioned whether or not these are mothers who have already had a child?  Questions: link w/poverty, by choice, grad student population, lack of insurance? It is clear that there is fact-finding that needs to be done around this indicator: is this a lack of information, or a lack of proper services?  F. Baruzzi pointed out the need to address the issue of low birth weight, pointing to the importance of having access to mothers early on in the pregnancy; how do we identify them? R. Mocanu also raised the issue of access to transportation, and whether or not that is a factor in accessing prenatal care.  There is tension as to whether or not we need more information before we take action.    Free and Reduced Lunch: The question was raised as to whether or not this shows all eligible children; this is definitely higher at Goodwin School; what about those who don’t complete the document or provide accurate information?  R. Miller pointed out that the trend is consistent from year to year.  F. Baruzzi pointed out that the impact of graduate student population had diminished since 9/11.  Is this a significant indicator? It was pointed out that there are clearly links between poverty, nutrition and health.  K. Dorgan pointed out that the small magnitude of these numbers provides ample opportunities for intervention.  S. Baxter encouraged us to create a system/policy that can respond to this small number of individuals.  Are the strategies that we’ve identified “good” strategies, based on what we know.  J. Goldman feels that it’s important to promote wellness and prevent illness, based on what we know about child health.  M. Baker stated that we do have records on height, weight, and BMI.  If this is a health concern for children in Mansfield, we can add it as a headline indicator; need to look at the data and the trend.  Successful Learners: J. Goldman raised a question as to whether or not we can clarify what is meant by a pre-school experience?  Is this an issue of choice or a lack of access?  Questions raised as to why CMT reading scores dropped so significantly from 2006-2008?  F. Baruzzi pointed out that there is a disconnect between pre-school experience and third grade reading scores.  J. Goldman reported that there is data that supports the fact that some children’s academic performance declines once they enter first grade.  F. Baruzzi recommended looking at kindergarten readiness assessments rather than reported pre-school experience.  S. Baxter added that each school offers enhancement activities that allow teachers to develop special after-school programs to increase literacy.  There is also an online program that parents can do with their children at home, supported by a grant from Liberty Bank.  This will continue through the summer. Community Connectedness: L. Grossman reported on the number of public community locations per child ages 0-8 as a population indicator.  Does this indicator tell us what we want to know?  Issues: quality, do connections happen, are there enough, what is the use of these spaces, utilization?  Suggestions: create a survey to gauge community connectedness; acknowledge that we don’t have a starting point- the strategy is to collect data to build a headline indicator. Create a systematic, measurable way to track utilization of public spaces or the need for more spaces, and how do we improve this?  J. McLaughlin: can we look at single focus locations and look at adding an additional focus.	Strategy Adjustment: 1. Talk w/providers about why some mothers don’t receive adequate prenatal care. (M. Baker: prenatal clinic at Windham Hospital).  R. Miller suggested asking providers to get permission from patients to provide info. 2.Set up a process to collect info. 3. Weekend backpacks w/food. L. Grossman will provide a recommended update to the group and additional data on these strategies prior to our next meeting.
Financing the Plan	-Homework:  Description of steps for financing our plan –what is needed: no discussion. -Homework for completion electronically before next meeting: no discussion -May 5^th Last Financing Workshop at Graustein: S. Baxter announced that the third of this series on Accountability will take place on May 5.	S. Baxter seeking member to join her at this workshop
Wrap-Up	Announcements: F. Baruzzi reported on the plan for the summer library buses.  This is being funded with federal stimulus money. Adjourn meeting Next Meeting- May 28,2009 –Council Chambers	Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald