2000-11-13 Public HearingBEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
November 13, 2000
A Public Hearing on Grade Configuration was held on Monday, November 13, 2000, at
the Hannah Elementary School, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Brusil, Mrs. Coburn, Mr. McHugh,
Mrs. Norris, Mayor Scanlon and Mr. Cahill.
Members Absent: None
Also in Attendance: Dr. William Lupini, Superintendent of Schools,
Dr. James Hayes, Assistant Superintendent,
Dr. Judy DeLucia, Assistant Superintendent, and
Mrs. Judy Mulligan, School Business Manager.
President Cahill opened the hearing at 7:25 PM.
Mr. Cahill presented background information on the work of the Grade Configuration
Committee. The Administration endorsed the Grade Configuration Committee
recommendation for a 5-8 grade configuration was discussed at the Standing Committee
on Curriculum and Instruction, and Student Life on November 6. However, the
Standing Committee was unable to make a recommendation, and the matter was referred
to the Committee of the Whole for action this evening, following public input.
Superintendent Lupini presented brief remarks on the research established on various
models for middle schools. He noted the recommendation being considered if for a
Grade 5-8 configuration, but that a Grade 6-8 configuration is also acceptable.
Public Input
·
Bob Stoneham asked what happens to the multi-grade of 4/5 if the configuration is
changed.
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·
Nancy Levin commented there is an enormous difference in maturity levels of 5
graders and encouraged leaving them at the elementary level.
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·
Pam Sweeney spoke in favor of the present configuration, leaving 5 graders at the
elementary schools.
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·
Linda McGraw expressed concerns that 5 graders are not ready for middle schools.
·
Heidi Bissel requested the grade configurations remain the same.
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Public Hearing on Grade Configuration
November 13, 2000
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Maureen Hobin spoke of social issues and that self-esteem is so important,
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requesting that 5 graders remain at the elementary level.
·
It was moved by Mrs. Bell and seconded that the Beverly Public Schools keep the
current middle school grade configuration of 6,7, and 8 and that this action be
referred to the Joint Secondary Facilities Committee for purposes of planning for
renovations of the secondary schools.
A roll call vote resulted in the following:
YES: Mayor Scanlon, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Brusil, Mrs. Coburn,
Mr. McHugh and Mr. Cahill.
NO: Mrs. Norris
So voted.
Superintendent Lupini thanked members of the Grade Configuration Committee for the
extensive work and research completed, noting a great job by all.
The public hearing closed at 8:00 PM.
Janet Norris
Secretary