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2003-03-12BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS March 12, 2003 A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 12, 2003, at the City Council Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA. Members Present: Ms. Bell, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Coburn, Mayor Crean, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Norris. Members Absent: Mr. Tallo Administrators in Attendance: William Lupini, Superintendent of Schools; James Hayes, Assistant Superintendent; Greg Zammuto, Business Manager. President Coburn called the meeting to order at 7 PM. Beverly High School ROTC members Derek Schweitzer and Kate Conway led the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITION - SUCH OTHER MATTERS (KUDOS, CONGRATULATIONS) Superintendent Lupini and President Coburn introduced and recognized the following students for “Making Their Mark on the Arts: 2002-2003,” an Arts Festival Recognition for individual student achievement in an adjudicated art event or performance: James Baker, Class of 2003: Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Northeast District, Senior District Jazz Band Jessica Bennett, Class of 2006, The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards, Honorable Mention, Drawing Bethani Boccia: 8th grade (Memorial), MMEA Northeast District, Junior District Chorus George Darrah: 8th grade (Memorial), MMEA Northeast District, Junior District Band Holly Galvin: Class of 2006, The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards, Honorable Mention, Drawing Amanda Garfield: Class of 2003, The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards, Honorable Mention, Mixed Media David Hyland: Class of 2004, Worcester Art Museum Art All-State, Nominee Aaron Lebow, Class of 2006, MHSDG All Star Company, Acting Whitney Nelson: Class of 2004, MMEA Northeast District, Senior District Orchestra Erla Shehu: Class of 2004, The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards, Silver Key, Drawing Esmerelda Soufan, Class of 2004, Wang Center Suskind Young at Arts, Young Artists Program, Creative Writing Stephanie Vaughan, Class of 2003, The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards, Silver Key, Photography Alison Woitunski: Class of 2004, Worcester Art Museum Art All-State Nominee. A brief recess was declared at 7:15 p.m. The Committee reconvened at 7:25 p.m. Regular Meeting March 12, 2003 Page (2) NAMING OF AN AREA AFTER AN INDIVIDUAL Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities, it was moved by Ms. Norris and seconded by Ms. Bell to name the reading area in the North Beverly Media Center after Joey Scotti, a former student at North Beverly Elementary School. Unanimously voted. CITIZEN INPUT Eileen Lang, Maureen Nardella, Cheryl Kusiak, and Bob Heil all spoke in support of Mr. Bill Foye, High School Principal. Ms. Coburn mentioned that matters relating to personnel issues are not the School Committee’s domain; and Dr. Lupini stated that although personnel matters are not discussed publicly, he would take their comments into consideration. REPORT FROM STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE TO SCHOOL COMMITTEE Laura Cancellieri reported that the student government and senate are planning a ski trip to Mt. Sunapee, NH on Saturday, March 15, 2003. A voter registration week is also planned in the near future at Beverly High School. Ms. Cancellieri also spoke to the committee in support of Mr. Foye. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Crean reported on recent meeting with Governor Romney. Budget discussions have been disheartening. The current process is very different from past practice, and formulas traditionally used have also changed dramatically. COMMUNICATIONS Members noted receipt of communications addressing the following topics: · In support of Mr. Foye remaining as principal of Beverly High School · Positive comments in regard to moving forward with schematic designs for the high school · High school parents expressing concern about the lack of honors classes in some subject areas · Concerned citizens who feel high school plans are unaffordable, timing is wrong · Comments addressing the Superintendent’s contract RECORDS OF MEETINGS It was moved by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Norris to approve the records of the regular meeting held February 12, 2003 as presented. Unanimously approved SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT District Policy The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended the following policies (Section J: Students) for a first reading by the School Committee: * Drug and Alcohol Use * Student Activity Accounts The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommended the following policies (Section D: Fiscal Management) for a first reading by the School Committee: * Revolving Accounts * Purchasing Regular Meeting March 12, 2003 Page (3) The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the following policies (Section F: Facilities Development) for a first reading by the School Committee: * Renovations and/or Improvement to Schools or School Sites Dr. Lupini mentioned this reading does not require a formal action by the Committee. He asked that members review these policies and submit any suggested changes to him prior to the second reading at the April meeting. FY03 Budget Transfers The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommends the transfer of $202,583 from certain line items to others in order to address FY03 shortfalls created by the City’s reduction of $200,000 to the School Department budget. The reduction was a result of the Governor’s $653,000 reduction to the City budget. Mr. Zammuto discussed modifications to this data, which have occurred since the most recent Standing Committee meeting. Dr. Lupini emphasized the goal when making necessary reductions is to have as little impact on students as possible. A motion was made by Ms. Cronin and seconded by Mayor Crean to approve the transfer of $202,583 in order to address FY03 shortfalls. Unanimously voted. Beverly High School Program of Studies The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended approval of the Beverly High School Program of Studies for 2003-2004, which includes modifications discussed at the most recent Standing Committee meeting. Ms. Carla Scuzzarella, Assistant Principal at Beverly High School, answered many questions from Committee Members and highlighted some of the changes. The Program of Studies will be available on the school website. Following considerable discussion, a motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Bell to approve the 2003-2004 Program of Studies for Beverly High School as presented. Unanimously voted. Memorial and Briscoe: Middle School Handbooks The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended approval of the Middle School Handbook for 2003-2004, which includes modifications discussed at the most recent Standing Committee meeting. Memorial Middle School Principal, Ms. Donna Jenko, and Assistant Principal, Mr. Tom Haywood, answered questions from Committee Members. Following discussion, a motion was made by Ms. Cronin and seconded by Ms. Bell to approve the Middle School Handbook for 2003-2004 as presented. Unanimously voted. Information Items Beverly High School Accreditation Dr. Lupini informed the Committee that the Commission on Secondary Schools of NEASC rdth will meet on March 23 and 24. Mr. Foye and Dr. Hayes are preparing a report on building conditions, and Dr. Lupini will submit a report detailing the plans to address the concerns Regular Meeting March 12, 2003 Page (4) about the facility. If the Commission recommends a downgrading of our accreditation status to “probation”, that recommendation will go before the NEASC Board of Trustees in April. Spanish and French Update Following a meeting with Dr. Lupini and students planning to travel to Spain, two students notified him of their decision not to participate in the Spanish trip. Dr. Lupini has guaranteed reimbursement to any student who decides they would like to cancel after the deadlines set by the travel agents. Administration will continue to monitor the situation and will make the decision to cancel these trips if necessary. Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten registration took place during the week of February 10-14, 2003. Lottery for the Extended Day program will take place shortly, and administration is considering expanding this program based on available space. “No Child Left Behind” Planning Dr. Hayes provided the School Committee members with an update on the strategic planning process and the School and District Report Cards, which will go home with students during th the week of April 7. The Department of Education will generate a statewide report. These Report Cards will include information such as MCAS scores and teacher certification information. Parent Survey Dr. Lupini mentioned the School Department is still soliciting the return of parent surveys. He noted that we might need to send out another random grouping in order to achieve a statistically significant number of returns. An update will be provided once these surveys have been tabulated. MCAS Forum Dr. Lupini has been invited to speak at a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters at th the Beverly Public Library on Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. School Choice st Administration has received estimated school choice figures (based on October 1 enrollments) for 2003 as follows: Receiving Amount: $253,150 Sending Amount: $482,585 Difference: $229,435 Although these figures will change as adjustments are made to reflect changes during the school year, Administration noted the trend toward “closing the gap” between sending and receiving amounts. th Ms. Coburn proposed changing the May School Committee meeting from May 14 to May st 21. Further discussion will follow at the April meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND UPDATE ON SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Standing Committee on Secondary Facilities School Committee Goal I - Develop Plan to Improve Beverly High School Facility Regular Meeting March 12, 2003 Page (5) Ms. Coburn reminded members that the City Council would hold a Public Hearing on Monday, th March 17 at 7:00 pm in City Council Chambers regarding the BHS Schematic Design. The th Secondary Facilities Subcommittee is schedule to meet on March 26. Mayor Crean expects to have the preliminary report from his architect for distribution. Ms. Cronin noted that she and Mr. Flaherty plan to have an action plan for consolidation of city and school services for this next meeting. Ms. Coburn also noted that a joint meeting of the city council and School Committee has been scheduled for May 1, 2003 at Beverly High School. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life School Committee Goal II - Promote Beverly High School The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life met on February 3, 2003. In addition to the BHS Program of Studies and Middle School Handbooks, the Elementary Enrichment Program was discussed. The Elementary Enrichment Program Committee, led by Ms. Rhonda Gauthier, Principal of Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School, has recommended changes in the referral and evaluation process. Expansion of the program was also discussed. Policies were discussed and have been forwarded to the full committee for a first reading at this evening’s meeting. The next meeting of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life is scheduled for March 7, 2003. Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities School Committee Goal V - Update District Policy Manual The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities met on February 25, 2002. FY03 and FY04 budgets were discussed. Ms. Cronin noted discouraging news from the State in regard to funding, but stressed the Committee’s determination to retain the core services available to students. The March budget update will reflect line item accounting. Next meeting will include a discussion about facilities and the impact on the needs of the children of Beverly and on school finances. The th next meeting of Finance and Facilities will be held on March 25 at 7pm in Briscoe Middle School. Subcommittee on Negotiations School Committee Goal IV - Review Process and Documentation for Superintendent's Evaluation Ms. Bell mentioned that the Subcommittee on Negotiations has nothing to report at this time. School Committee Goal III - Develop a Strategic Plan for the Beverly Public Schools Ms. Coburn thanked Dr. Hayes for his work on the No Child Left Behind strategic plan. Ms. Melissa Varnavas introduced the Committee to Ms. Robin Kominski, the new reporter covering the schools for the Beverly Citizen. Meeting adjourned 9:45. Regular Meeting March 12, 2003 Page (6) Respectfully submitted, Janet Norris Secretary