2017 08 23 School Committee MinutesBEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Regular School Committee Meeting Wednesday, August 23, 2017 Beverly City Hall — Council Chambers Beverly, Massachusetts A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 in Beverly City Hall, Council Chambers. Members Present: Rachael Abell, Paul Manzo, Kris Silverstein, John Mullady, Paul Goodwin, Mayor Michael Cahill, and Lorinda Visnick Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Suzanne Charochak, Assistant Superintendent, Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations, John Harmon, Director of Personnel and Human Resources Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and School Committee, Eliza Michaels, Student Representative, Lyn Pilanen - Kudlik and Adam Costa, BHS Music Department Call to Order: Ms. Silverstein called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Eliza Michaels led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items None Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Item None Approval of Meeting Records A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the minutes from the June 14, 2017 School Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Abell and approved by a vote of 7:0. Items by Consensus Dr. Hiersche recommended approval of the following warrants: a. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17047 in the amount of $449,927.54. b. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17048 in the amount of $335,044.62. c. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17049 in the amount of $270,299.89. d. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17050 in the amount of $279,251.44. e. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17051 in the amount of $114,234.29. f. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17052 in the amount of $163,765.32. g. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #18001 in the amount of $198,536.34. h. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #18002 in the amount of $482,296.98. i. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #18003 in the amount of $277,490.96. j. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #18004 in the amount of $112,826.14. A motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the warrants listed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady and approved by a vote of 7:0. Report from the Student Representative to the School Committee Eliza Michaels reported the freshman orientation was held on Tuesday with 201 students in attendance and approximately 80 upperclassman that volunteered to assist. She noted that the feedback was positive with the exception of the issue with locker combinations. She reported that the freshman will start school on Tuesday, August 29 Grades 10, 11 and 12 will participate in a virtual day. All students will be returning on August 30 Communications from Committee Members Mayor Cahill thanked Eliza for her first report as School Committee Student Representative. Ms. Visnick stated she had a long list which included: status of the softball fields at the high school, status of middle school turf field and a question on the traffic flow, a question on bussing for Saints Academy. Ms. Visnick stated she was asked about the plaques that were in the Memorial Building, will they be moved to the new building and commented that the Committee needs to have a conversation about them. She also received questions on the parking fee, district -wide anti - bullying and composting. Ms. Visnick noted conversations she had on class size concerns commenting with the vote approving the extra funds it has been addressed. Mayor Cahill responded to some of the items Ms. Visnick mentioned. With regards to the two softball fields a request has to go to Concom for approval but that it looks like the larger field would be ready in October of 2018. The field over by the brook would be ready by the spring. Mayor Cahill also noted that the resurfacing of the track "ran aground" because the company could not commit. It will go back out to bid with an estimated target date of next June. Ms. Silverstein stated that they were promised that all of the plaques from Memorial were put away for safe keeping and that they will find a way to put them back and /or display them in the new building. She stated any naming of rooms, etc. will have to go through the normal process. Ms. Visnick stated the only item left to address is the district -wide anti - bullying. She questioned whether it should go through CISL or if the committee should meet to discuss their current standings. A discussion followed regarding what is already in place, the best forum for the discussion and including the middle and high school anti - defamation league peer leaders. Dr. Hiersche stated that we need to look into what we are currently doing for the students, make sure our expectations remain the same and to reassure parents as well. Dr. Hiersche noted that with regards to the traffic flow the schematics were received today and will be posted to the website. Mayor Cahill commented the busses will come in one way only and out another. He stated cars may enter any way they want. Dr. Hiersche commented that they have a communication plan for the new middle school and will be holding a series of meetings, after the first of the year. Report from Superintendent Hiersche 1. Overnight Field Trip — Gilmanton. NH Dr. Hiersche provided information on the JROTC overnight field trip to Camp Bell in Gilmanton, NH projected to take place on September 15 -17, 2017. He stated that there will be approximately 25 students from Beverly attending. The students will be staying in cabins, participating in ropes courses, team challenges and RTE (ready to eat) meals will be provided. Dr. Hiersche stated that there will be no cost to the students. A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the overnight field trip to Camp Bell, Gilmanton, NH projected to take place on September 15 -17, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. 2. Overnight Field Trip — Princeton Junction, NJ and Philadelphia. PA Ms. Pilanen and Mr. Costa presented their overnight field trip request to Princeton Junction, NJ and Philadelphia, PA projected to take place April 12 — April 16, 2018 to the School Committee for approval. Mr. Costa stated that the students will visit and perform a combined concert with students from West Windsor High School in New Jersey and then they will do some sightseeing prior to the competition in Philadelphia, PA. Ms. Pilanen reported that the cost of the trip, $869, will include everything with many fundraising activities for the students. A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the overnight field trip to Princeton Junction, NJ and Philadelphia, PA projected to take place on April 12 — 16, 2018. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. 3. Opening of Schools Dr. Hiersche reported that staff will report back on Monday August 28, 2017. He said following breakfast the staff will move into the auditorium with a welcome from Mayor Cahill, Ms. Silverstein and introduction of new staff. At the completion of the meeting the staff will return to their buildings. Dr. Hiersche reported that K through 9 students will return on Tuesday with some Grade 10, 11 and 12 students on hand to help with the incoming freshman. He reported that all students will be in attendance on Wednesday, August 30` There will be no school on Friday and Monday. 4. Staffing Update Dr. Hiersche reported that since June he has added one kindergarten class at North Beverly. He stated that they have added a third grade class at Hannah and a fourth grade class at both Centerville and Cove. He stated that they are close to finalizing a contract with one of the candidates for the Food Service Director position as well. Dr. Hiersche reported that they are proposing that Bethany Splansky serve as interim Director of Special Education for the year, they are in the process of identifying someone to replace John Abbott, ROTC and have a new music teacher at Briscoe. Dr. Hiersche stated Mr. Harmon, Director of Personnel and Human Resources will update us again at the September School Committee meeting. Report from School Committee President, Kris Silverstein 1. Summary of School Committee Retreat Ms. Silverstein reported that the School Committee, Dr. Hiersche and Ms. Charochak participated in a retreat on August 11' at Dr. Wylie's residence at Endicott College. Ms. Silverstein extended her appreciation to Dr. Wylie and staff for the beautiful accommodations. She reported that they reviewed their norms and protocols, meeting structure and efficiency, and building the district budget under the direction of facilitator, Jeff Lawrence. She reported that Dr. Hiersche provided updates for the coming year and they had a first reading of the Student Discipline policy. Ms. Silverstein expressed her appreciation to Dr. Hiersche, Ms. Charochak and candidate for school committee, Kelley Ferretti for attending. Ms. Silverstein stated one agenda item discussed was the Committee of the Whole (COTW) meetings. In the past they were used for working meetings. The committee discussed eliminating and doing the work at the regular school committee meetings. Ms. Silverstein asked if they would consider eliminating the next four COTW meeting with the understanding they may need to add a meeting. Ms. Silverstein stated she would like to entertain a motion to eliminate the next four Committee of the Whole meetings from our schedule, as a trial, with the understanding that we may need to call a special meeting if the need arises. Mayor Cahill approved the motion. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick. There was some discussion with regards to the start time, 6:30 p.m. for the Finance and Facilities meetings in September and December. These meeting originally were scheduled prior to the Committee of the Whole meetings and Ms. Abell and Ms. Visnick requested that those go back to the 7:00 p.m. start time. The motion was amended: Mayor Cahill made a motion to eliminate the next four scheduled Committee of the Whole Meetings from our School Committee Calendar with the understanding that we may need to call special meetings if the need arises and in September and December reschedule the Finance and Facilities Subcommittee meetings to a 7:00 p.m. start time. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 7:0. Ms. Abell asked if the Finance and Facilities meeting should also be moved back to McKeown. Ms. Silverstein said that did not require a vote and they could determine that at a later date. Ms. Silverstein reminded the viewing audience that all of the School Committee meetings are open to the public. She stated that citizens are welcome to attend and may also sign up to address agenda items as well as non - agenda items at this meeting. Ms. Silverstein stated that the COTW meetings are working meetings where they have discussion but the Committee has just voted to consolidate those meetings to the Regular School Committee meeting. She stated that the Finance and Facilities and Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life subcommittees meet once a month and they are open meetings also. Ms. Silverstein stated that the Policy sub committee meets as needed and the Negotiations subcommittee is not typically an open meeting as they go into executive session. Ms. Silverstein said that their contact information can be found on the website. Report for School Committee Liaison to the Middle School Building Project — Paul Manzo Mr. Manzo reported that the working group has met several times since the June School Committee meeting. He reported that there are 120 -140 workers on site daily continuing work on the interior as well as the rapid installation of exterior siding and windows. He reported that as framing and utility installation finishes they are working on the installation of ceilings and floors. Mr. Manzo reported at the last meeting they had a discussion regarding a change order of the installation of the synthetic turf field and safety netting around the turf field. He stated the synthetic field will be installed in October of 2017 and ready by the fall of 2018. He also noted one change was to have removable partitions in some classrooms. This would allow for more flexible classroom space to address the increased enrollments. He reported that the process for FF &E is on schedule and they feel confident delivery and installation should be happening in May of 2018. He stated in the near term the School Committee may be asked to approve some changes in proprietary IT equipment. Mr. Manzo stated that the City Council maybe asked to approve temporary propane heating over the winter, as they did last year. He noted that the project is expected at or under budget for September 2018. Mr. Manzo reported that the large mound of dirt that remains on site will stay there to backfill the foundation and other areas around the building and commented that some paving has been done. Mr. Goodwin asked about the synthetic turf and grass fields. Mr. Manzo said that there will be a larger size synthetic turf field for soccer, field hockey and lacrosse that will be ready immediately and a smaller natural grass field that will need a season to grow. Mayor Cahill stated they are hoping that construction will be far enough along and the synthetic field will be ready next spring. Committee Reports Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities — Lorinda Visnick, Chairperson Ms. Visnick stated that the Finance and Facilities Committee has not met since May because of the cancellation of the June meeting. Next meeting is scheduled for September 27` at 7:00 p.m. location to be determined. Curriculum Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Paul Manzo, Chairperson Mr. Manzo stated that he had already reported on the June 7th CISL meeting at the last School Committee meeting. Mr. Manzo stated the next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting is scheduled for September 6, 2017 at the McKeown School at 7:00 p.m. Negotiations Subcommittee — Paul Manzo, Chairperson Mr. Manzo reported that the Negotiations Subcommittee continues meeting with all six bargaining units three of which have tentative agreements i.e. Unit A, Cafeteria and Transportation. All have Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) in place. He stated the next step is for each individual group to go before their members to ratify. He stated that transportation has already ratified and Unit A - Teachers will be meeting soon to do the same. Mr. Manzo reported that work continues with the Clerical, Unit B and Paraprofessionals. Policy Review Subcommittee — Rachael Abell, Chairperson Ms. Abell stated at the last Policy Review Subcommittee on July 26 they finished the second half of Section J, and completed Section K and L. She stated that they brought a recommendation for a delete and replace for Section J #11 "Student Discipline" to the retreat. Ms. Abell stated that they have been working with MASC to align our policies. She said they also agreed to put together a PowerPoint to highlight some of the considerations, recommendations and changes to policy handbook. Ms. Abell stated that she is bringing forward, for a second reading and approval, the "Student Discipline" policy. A motion was made by Mr. Mullady to eliminate the current J11 "Student Discipline" policy. The motion was seconded by Mr. Goodwin. Mayor Cahill had concerns on the language around long -term suspension on the first page which Dr. Hiersche stated is governed by state statute 37H, 37H1/2 and 37H 3/4. Mayor Cahill asked if those incidents are covered in state statute and Dr. Hiersche responded yes, that you could absolutely go to a long term suspension. A vote was taken to eliminate J11 "Student Discipline" policy and was approved by a vote of 7:0. Mr. Mullady made a motion to adopt the "Student Discipline" policy File: JIC. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo. Mr. Manzo stated he felt that there is some wording (below) in the original policy that should be looked at and replicated in the new policy with regards to suspension. "Students misconduct may be indicative of more complex underlying problems that a student may have with school and society, and every effort should be made by the school to help the student remain in school and deal effectively with these problems. Suspension is recommended only as a last resort. To that end, school personnel are encouraged to pursue and exhaust all other available and appropriate disciplinary actions to foster the education and good conduct of a student before resorting to suspension." There was much discussion to that end with Mayor Cahill expressing concern with the wording "as a last resort ". Mr. Manzo pointed out the "Emergency Removal' section. At this time Dr. Hiersche stated that policy is policy and that these are the strictest guidelines you would have to adhere to and the majority of this being statutory. He stated regarding long term suspension that the law changed a few years ago and this gave the building principals more authority and that they are obligated to follow state statute. Ms. Visnick stated having been a member of the Policy Review Committee they had worked very hard, in particular on this policy, comparing and contrasting. She felt that this was Mr. Gilbert's recommendation and she did not want to see the wording changed. Mr. Goodwin stated he agreed with Ms. Visnick especially on this particular policy. Ms. Abell stated they had the conversation more than once as to where things belong. She commented that parents and students are going to read these messages more often in the handbooks and recommended that it could be included there. Dr. Hiersche reiterated that the legal references are very strong and MASC is recommending that the language meets those references. Mr. Manzo stated he wanted to reiterate that he was not looking to delete anything from this policy but wanted to give it some of the local philosophy. Ms. Silverstein offered her perspective stating that she understood what Mr. Manzo was saying regarding our philosophy, but stated when she read the very beginning of the new policy she almost sees that language as a more positive way of saying what was in the old policy. Ms. Silverstein asked for a vote to approve the "Student Discipline" Policy JIC as it is. The vote passed 7:0. Community Engagement Mayor Cahill stated paving will take place on Route 1A and Gloucester Crossing up to the new middle school is scheduled to start tomorrow. Mr. Goodwin reported that he is working on the Fall Frolic 5K Fun Run taking place on October 1 51 from Lynch Park. He stated that all proceeds go the elementary schools. Ms. Visnick stated that the First National Walk to school day will be held on Wednesday, October 4th and that Centerville will be participating in it. New Business — Reminders Executive Session Ms. Silverstein requested that the committee enter into Executive Session. A motion was made by Mr. Manzo to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with union and non -union personnel and not to return to open session. The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill. A Roll Call vote was taken resulting in the following: Yes: - Mayor Cahill, Rachael Abell, John Mullady, Paul Goodwin, Paul Manzo, Lorinda Visnick, and Kris Silverstein No: - 0 Motion Passed 7:0 Opportunity for Questions from the Press None in attendance Motion to Adjourn Ms. Visnick made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady and approved by a vote of 7:0 The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lorinda Visnick, Secretary Beverly School Committee Documents Reviewed at the meeting: Minutes for Approval: Regular School Committee Minutes — June 14, 2017 Overnight Field Trip — Gilmanton, NH Overnight Field Trip — Princeton Junction, NJ and Philadelphia PA Section J — Student Discipline Policy — for deletion Section J — Student Discipline Policy JIC — for approval