2020 02 12 School Committee MinutesBEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Beverly City Hall — Council Chambers
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 in
Beverly City Hall, Council Chambers.
Members Present: Rachael Abell, Lorinda Visnick, John Mullady, Mayor Michael Cahill -
arrived at 7:10, Kelley Ferretti, Kaarin Robinson, Kimberley Coelho
Also in Attendance: Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations, Bethany Splansky,
Special Education and Student Services Director, John Harmon, Director of
Personnel and Human Resources, Donna Bergeron, Administrative
Assistant to the Superintendent and School Committee, Olivia Arenburg,
Student Representative, Betty Taylor, BHS Principal, Catherine Barrett,
Director of Grants
Not in Attendance: Dr. Suzanne Charochak, Superintendent, Dr. Dorothy Flaherty, Assistant
Superintendent
Call to Order: Ms. Abell called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. Coelho led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognitions of Students, Employees and Community Member
Ms. Abell and Ms. Taylor recognized Grade 8 student, Tessa Manderson, who had been chosen as
the Project 351 Ambassador for Beverly.
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 (BevCam 11:09)
A motion was made by Ms. Ferretti to approve the minutes from the January 15, 2020 School
Committee meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Robinson and approved by a vote
of 7:0.
Items by Consensus (BevCam 11:37)
Recommended Motion: Move to Approve the Items by Consensus as outlined below:
a. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #20025 in the
amount of $257,259.98.
b. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #20026 in the
amount of $257,747.92.
c. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #20027 in the
amount of $246,615.81.
d. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #20028 in the
amount of $286,547.88.
A motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the Items by Consensus and seconded by Ms. Visnick.
The motion was approved by a vote of 7:0.
Report from the Student Representative to the School Committee (BevCam 12:04)
Student Representative Olivia Arenburg provided a summary of the events taking place at Beverly High
School, as described in her attached report.
Report from Superintendent Charochak
1. Overnight Field Trip - BHS MCJROTC Camp Curtis Guild, Reading. MA (BevCam 16:21)
Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) Thomas Smith and Cadet Joshua Sheehan presented the
MCJROTC overnight field trip to Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, MA projected to take place on May
15 -17, 2020. CWO3 Smith noted that this will be their seventh (7) year attending this competition.
Cadet Sheehan remarked that this is a great trip where they do a lot of team building, outdoor
activities, and competitions.
A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the overnight field trip to Camp Curtis Guild,
Reading, MA, projected to take place on May 15 -17, 2020. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Visnick and approved by a vote of 6:1. Ms. Coelho abstained.
2. Massachusetts VW Grant (BevCam 34:15)
Catherine Barrett, Director of Grants for the City, and Dana Cruikshank, Transportation Director
provided information to the committee on the Electric Bus. They reported that the process began
about a year ago to acquire an electric school bus through a grant. Ms. Barrett reported the cost for
an electric school bus is significantly higher, approximately $375,000 compared to the diesel bus,
which is approximately $85,000. She stated they went forward with the bid for the electric school
bus with a similar payment structure they do for the diesel busses for a five (5) -year lease. They
received a response from a company out of Hamilton, Highland Electric Transportation, and that the
bid was accepted. She stated the bus will be delivered in August; the manufacturer is Thomas Built
Busses.
Ms. Barrett and Mr. Cruikshank also reviewed the information on the features, manufacturer,
charging stations, cost savings, as well as training for the drivers due to a different braking system.
Ms. Barrett reported that there is an opportunity to secure two (2) additional electric buses through
the MassCEC Accelerating Clean Transportation Grant. She stated, if awarded this grant, the
busses would not arrive until the fall of 2021. Mayor Cahill pointed out that in Ms. Barrett's handout,
there is a line in the school budget for a lease to own but, with this bus, it is a lease and after the
five (5) years they will look at it then. He stated they are looking to create a new line, on the
municipal side, which would be a green initiative line and, if successful, it would cover the first year
of this lease.
School Committee members had a few questions following the presentation:
Ms. Visnick asked about the range /routes for a fully charged bus. Ms. Barrett and Mr. Cruikshank
stated it is 135 miles /day per charge, noting a difference in the winter to 80 miles /day while heat is
running. He stated an average run is 56 miles in Beverly; he noted that the current lease would
prevent use for out -of -town runs. Ms. Visnick asked if the other additional busses would be leased
to own. Ms. Barrett stated they had not had that conversation yet. Ms. Visnick asked if there was a
cost associated with the installation of the charging station and would the source and cost of
electricity come from behind the meter or possibly off of future solar panels on the school roof. Ms.
Barrett stated the cost is included and Mr. Cruikshank explained where the charging station would
be located and how it would be wired; Mayor Cahill spoke briefly to the solar piece, which is a
separate RFP (Request for Proposal).
Ms. Ferretti asked if the bus driver's current licenses will require any enhancement. Mr. Cruikshank
stated, none whatsoever. Ms. Abell asked if the bus were to run out of power could they use the
charging stations around town, Mr. Cruikshank stated they are not compatible. Ms. Coelho asked if
there is an emergency backup pack should the bus run out of electricity, Ms. Barrett stated she did
not have the answer, but would look into it and get back to them.
3. Budget Process Update (BevCam 19:58)
Ms. Abell reported that the administration is continuing to look at the committee's budget priorities
in order to provide more information and recommendations, which they will do at the Committee of
the Whole (COTW) meeting on February 26, 2020. Ms. Abell stated that Dr. Charochak will review
possible ways to use the remaining Chapter 70 funds and will have more information available on
the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) requirements and how to complete the required short form.
4. Dates to Remember
Wednesday, February 26, 2020, F &F Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Beverly Middle School
Wednesday, February 26, 2020, COTW, 7:30 p.m. Beverly Middle School
Wednesday, March 4, 2020, CISL, 7:00 p.m. Beverly Middle School
Wednesday, March 11, 2020, School Committee 7:00 p.m. City Hall
Report from School Committee President, Rachael Abell
Informational Items: (BevCam 21:54)
1. Joint Council Meeting - March 25, 2020
Ms. Abell reminded everyone to please hold the March 25, 2020 date for the Joint Council
meeting. She reported that she has met with Mr. Guanci, City Council President, and they have
chosen some topics for the agenda. Ms. Abell also stated she had met with Rebecca Jackson
from the YMCA, and has had conversations with the Department Health as well as our Nurse
Leader June Kazes to gain some knowledge of the different wrap around services that are being
offered to our youths and the community.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - Lorinda Visnick, Chairperson (BevCam 22:45)
Ms. Visnick reported the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities met on January 22, 2020. She
stated she was bringing the following items forward for approval:
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Ms. Abell to approve the acceptance, with gratitude, of the following Gifts to Schools -
December 2019
Beverly High School Cummings Community Giving School wide $1,000.00
District Wide - Lueders Environmental gift for school use 75.00
$1,075.00
The motion was seconded by Ms. Ferretti and approved by a vote of 7:0.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Ms. Visnick to approve the new position request below for an additional Part -time
Nurse:
In order to accommodate the medical needs within our LAUNCH program at Beverly High
School, I am requesting the addition of a part time nurse. Currently, there are 8 special
education students enrolled in the LAUNCH program. Students in the LAUNCH program
participate in community outings and vocational opportunities at various job sites multiple
times per week to support vocational skills, travel training, and transition to adulthood. Due to
medical needs, several students require nursing coverage in order to leave the grounds
safely. Currently, nursing coverage is being provided by contracted providers, but coverage is
inconsistent and unreliable. When coverage is unavailable, students with complex medical
needs are not able to fully benefit from their programming. The addition of a part time nurse
would allow all students to fully access their educational programming without disruption.
Funding for this additional position will come from the tuition in account.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady and approved by a vote of 7:0.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Ms. Visnick to approve the new position request — Part -time Teacher of the Deaf
below:
In order to meet the needs of our students who are Deaf or hard of Hearing, I am requesting
the addition of a part -time Teacher of the Deaf. Currently, there are 13 students in Beverly
Public Schools who require services provided by a Teacher of the Deaf. These services have
been previously contracted through Soundworks, but this option is no longer available and
there are no other contract providers who are able to meet our service needs. Funding for
this additional position will come from the tuition in the account.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Robinson and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Ms. Visnick stated that the next meeting of the Finance and Facilities Committee will be held on
February 26 2020 at the Beverly Middle School starting at 6:30 p.m.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life - Kelley Ferretti, Chairperson
(BevCam 27:54)
Ms. Ferretti reported that the Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life Standing Committee met on
February 5, 2020. At that meeting, the choral director and one of her students provided information on
class offerings and reported that the production of Cinderella will take place on March 27 -29, 2020.
Ms. Ferretti stated the committee is bringing the following forward for approval:
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student
Life a motion was made by Ms. Ferretti to approve the attached Beverly High School Program
of Studies 2020 -2021. The motion was seconded by Ms. Robinson and approved by a vote of
7:0.
Ms. Abell and Ms. Taylor went over changes in the Program of Studies and answered questions.
The next meeting of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life is
scheduled for March 4, 2020 at 7:00 BMS.
Negotiations Subcommittee — Rachael Abell, Chairperson (BevCam 01:03:45)
Ms. Abell reported that the Negotiations Subcommittee has met a few times and stated that she will be
sharing some information from those meetings in the Executive Session. She stated their next meeting
is scheduled for March 3, 2020.
Policy Review Subcommittee — Kelley Ferretti, Chairperson (BevCam 01:03:59)
Ms. Ferretti reported that the Policy Review Subcommittee met this evening and discussed a
schedule for future meetings. She noted that they will be trying to meet monthly to review the
policies to be updated. Ms. Ferretti stated they discussed creating a schedule of the policies and
which sub - committee would be reviewing them. Ms. Ferretti stated they also discussed the language
in two (2) of the current policies, Nepotism and Conflict of Interest, and voted on some edits. She
reported they will be bringing both of those policies forward to the School Committee meeting next
month.
Communications (BEVCAM 01:05:07)
Ms. Visnick reported that all her communications were mostly happy with the vote to eliminate the
kindergarten fee.
Ms. Coelho reported attending the Ayers PTO meetings where they talked about upcoming events
and field trips. She reported they will be putting up a kindness tree for Valentines Day and they are
looking into getting the rock wall up to code. Ms. Coelho reported attending a workshop at the Kevin
O'Grady School, Understanding your Child's Rights and IEP (Individual Education Plan), and she
met with a constituent in Ward 3 that needed guidance on how to obtain an IEP for her child.
Ms. Abell remarked on a number of emails she received congratulating the committee on the
elimination of the kindergarten fees.
Community Engagement (BEV CAM 01:07:53)
Ms. Robinson reported attending North Beverly's 12th Annual Science Fair and remarked that they
raised over $10,000 for St. Jude working on math booklets that were provided by St. Jude. Ms.
Robinson reported attending the BHS Senior Internship Networking event with Dr. Charochak and
Ms. Taylor at the Danvers Waterfront. She gave a shout out to senior Ella Colten for making this
happen.
Mayor Cahill commented on Centerville School's 4th -grade blood drive and the fantastic work done
by the students. Mayor Cahill remarked he was very impressed with the Cove students when he
attended their Poetry Cafe.
Ms. Abell remarked on the beautiful artwork on display in the Mayor's Art Gallery on the first floor at
City Hall from Hannah School students.
Ms. Visnick reported that she had attended a meeting at St. John's Prep on Mental Health and
Schools. She stated it was the first in a series and the next two sessions are March 24 and April
1, 2020, they are free and open to the public. Ms. Visnick also noted that there are several
upcoming Science Fairs some of which are looking for judges.
Ms. Abell stated she is planning to attend the career day at the high school on Friday morning.
Executive Session (BevCam 01:13:06)
Upon the recommendation of the Chair to convene in executive session pursuant to
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A section 21(a) for the following purposes:
Purpose (7) to review and approval of minutes from the following executive session meetings
of the Beverly School Committee October 30, 2019, November 20, 2019, and December 11, 2019
Minutes.
Purpose (3) to discuss strategy with respect to and in preparation for collective bargaining with
the Beverly Teachers' Association Unit A because an open discussion may have a detrimental
effect on the bargaining position of the Committee and, not to return to open session.
A motion was made by Ms. Abell; motion seconded by Ms. Visnick
Roll Call Vote: Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Rachael Abell
John Mullady
Kelley Ferretti
Mayor Cahill
Kimberley Coelho
Kaarin Robinson
Lorinda Visnick
The School Committee entered into Executive Session at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelley Ferretti, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Minutes for Approval: School Committee Minutes 1 -15 -2020
Report from Student Representative
BHS - MCJROTC Overnight Field Trip - Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, MA
BHS Program of Studies