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