2003-04-16BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
April 16, 2003
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, April 16, 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, and 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.
Ms. Bell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
RECOGNITION - SUCH OTHER MATTERS (KUDOS, CONGRATULATIONS)
Superintendent Lupini and President Coburn introduced and recognized the following individuals:
Chris Sarantopoulos, third grade teacher at Centerville Elementary School, was recognized as a recipient of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Massachusetts State Teachers Award for grades K-5. Bill
Foley, Principal at Centerville Elementary School, joined the committee in honoring Ms. Sarantopoulos.
Peter VanDeBogart, Adjustment Counselor at Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School, was recognized for the
recent publication of his book, “Innocence and outRAGE!” Rhonda Gauthier, Principal of Ayers Ryal Side
Elementary School, joined the committee in honoring Mr. VanDeBogart.
A brief recess was declared at 7:15 p.m.
The Committee reconvened at 7:30 p.m.
Richard King, Director of Fine Arts, thanked the following sponsors of the Beverly Public
Schools Art Festival: Cummings Properties, Give Lumber First Night Beverly, Moynihan
Lumber, Beverly Music & Performing Arts Association, Beverly Cooperative Bank, Henry’s
Market, K & C Music Beverly Chamber of Commerce, Beverly Citywide PTO, Beverly National
Bank, and Beverly Cultural Council.
Mr. King also thanked the Administration, School Committee, Fine Arts Faculty and the many
students involved in the program.
Regular Meeting
April 16, 2003
Page (2)
CITIZEN INPUT
Renee Mary spoke about the Superintendent’s contract and her concerns
REPORT FROM STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE TO SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Laura Cancellieri reported that she has received many comments about the curriculum changes
discussed at the last committee meeting. Most comments were positive, however some expressed
concern about changing AP European History availability to every other year.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Crean mentioned the school department budget numbers are holding at this point, with no
guarantee due to the changing situation at the state level. In response to a letter appearing
recently in the newspaper, the Mayor informed the committee that the money raised by the City
for sewer and water is placed in a dedicated fund, and this money can only be used for those
entities. The Mayor also mentioned that in a recent conversation with the Commissioner of
Education regarding the state school reimbursement list, Mr. Driscoll stated that of the potential
63 schools on the list, only 28 have been approved.
REPORT FROM BEVERLY REPRESENTATIVE TO THE NORTH SHORE
TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Dean Porteous informed the committee that approximately 24% of the entire enrollments at the
Technical High School are residents of Beverly. He spoke to the committee about a variety of programs
available and the many opportunities offered to students in their chosen field of study. Mr. Porteous also
Evan is the Senior Class President, has been accepted to the Culinary Institute of America, is a candidate
for vocational student of the year was featured in a recent newspaper article and was recognized as a
“Super Teen Winner” in Next Step Magazine. Mr. Porteous extended an invitation to the committee to
attend dinner at the school and tour the facility in the near future.
COMMUNICATIONS
Members noted receipt of communications addressing the following topics:
·
Schematic Design, Pro and Con
·
School department raises.
·
ROTC support
Dr. Lupini explained the original agreement with the Marines required adding a
o
second instructor after 2 years. We asked for an extension because of enrollments
and were given a one-year extension and put on warning. After considerable
review, the administration advised against the additional position, but
recommended adding half an instructor in order to keep the program available. Dr.
Lupini emphasized value of the program and expressed hope that a compromise
can be reached. He will meet with students about their concerns.
·
In support of Mr. Foye remaining as principal of Beverly High School
·
Amicable resolution to Superintendent’s contract
·
Disappointment with City Council vote on Schematic Design
·
Status of Foreign Exchange Trips
·
Open Forum on Beverly High School at Centerville Improvement Society on April 17,
2003.
·
Accreditation of Beverly High School and concern about the next step in the process
toward an override
Regular Meeting
April 16, 2003
Page (3)
RECORDS OF MEETINGS
It was moved by Ms. Cronin and seconded by Ms. Bell to approve the records of the regular
meeting held March 12, 2003 as presented. Following discussion Ms. Brusil proposed the list of
recognitions be amended to reflect those students who were present at the meeting. Mrs. Cronin
moved the minutes be approved as amended. Unanimously approved
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
District Policy
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended the
following policies (Section J: Students) for a second reading by the School Committee:
* Drug and Alcohol Use
* Student Activity Accounts
It was moved by Ms. Cronin and seconded by Ms. Bell to adopt these policies as presented.
Unanimously approved
The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommended the following policies
(Section D: Fiscal Management) for a second reading by the School Committee:
* Revolving Accounts
* Purchasing
It was moved by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Bell to approve these policies as presented.
Unanimously approved
The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommended the following policies
(Section F: Facilities Development) for a second reading by the School Committee:
* Renovations and/or Improvement to Schools or School Sites
It was moved by Ms. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve this policy as presented.
Unanimously approved
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended the attached policies
(Section J: Students) for a first reading by the School Committee. This reading does not require formal
action by the Committee. A second reading will occur at our May meeting. The following policies are
being considered as part of this section:
* Search and Seizure
* Corporal Punishment
Elementary Textbook Adoption
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended the adoption of
“Everyday Math” as the district’s K-5 mathematics program. Dr Hayes explained to the committee that
implementation of the program will begin in Grades K-2, and another grade will be added each year.
A motion was made by Mayor Crean and seconded by Ms. Bell to adopt “Everyday Math” as the district’s
K-5 mathematics program. Unanimously voted.
Elementary Handbook
Regular Meeting
April 16, 2003
Page (4)
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended approval of the 2003-
2004 Elementary Student Handbook, which includes modifications, discussed at the most recent Standing
Committee meeting.
A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Bell to approve the 2003-2004 Elementary Student
Handbook as presented. Unanimously voted.
High School Handbook
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended approval of the 2003-
2004 High School Student Handbook, which includes modifications, discussed at the most recent Standing
Committee meeting. Ms. Carla Scuzzarella clarified some of the modifications, and informed the
committee that the Department of Education has recommended Beverly High School’s Student Handbook
as a model handbook.
A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Ms. Brusil to approve the 2003-2004 High School
Student Handbook as presented. Unanimously voted.
Student Fees
The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommended acceptance of the following fees for the
2003-2004 school year, subject to a June 30, 2004 expiration date:
Transportation Fee: $250 per year
Preschool Tuition: $200 per month for the morning session;
$150 per month for the afternoon session
Extended Day Kindergarten Tuition: $3,000 per year
Elementary Instrumental & String Fee: $75 per year
High School Parking Fee: $50 per year
EEC Program $800 per year Grades 4 & 5;
$400 per year Grade 3
Furthermore, the administration is charged with ensuring that scholarship programs, as well as family
maximums, exist in each of these fee areas. It was mentioned that this list is not all-inclusive; other fees
will be discussed at the next Finance and Facilities meeting.
A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mr. Tallo to accept the fees for the 2003-2004 school
year as presented. Unanimously voted.
Acceptance of Elementary School Buildings
The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommended acceptance of the McKeown Elementary
School from the City of Beverly for use as an elementary school commencing with the academic year
1998.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Crean and seconded by Mr. Tallo to accept the
McKeown Elementary School from the City of Beverly for use as an elementary school commencing with
the academic year 1998. Unanimously voted.
Regular Meeting
April 16, 2003
Page (5)
The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommended acceptance of the Ayers Ryal Side
Elementary School from the City of Beverly for use as an elementary school commencing with the
academic year 1999.
A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mr. Tallo to accept the Ayers Ryal Side Elementary
School from the City of Beverly for use as an elementary school commencing with the academic year
1999. Unanimously voted.
School Choice
The administration recommends the following school choice numbers for the 2003-2004 school year:
Grade One: 4 students (1 presently enrolled)
Grade Two: 5 students (2 presently enrolled)
Grade Three: 8 students (6 presently enrolled)
Grade Four: 3 students (3 presently enrolled)
Grade Five: 13 students (5 presently enrolled)
Grade Six: 10 students (5 presently enrolled)
Grade Seven: 5 students (1 presently enrolled)
Grade Eight: 8 students (4 presently enrolled)
Grade Nine: 5 students (3 presently enrolled)
Grade Ten: 8 students (6 presently enrolled)
Grade Eleven: 11 students (7 presently enrolled)
Grade Twelve: 11 students (9 presently enrolled)
A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mayor Crean to accept the school choice numbers for the
2003-2004 school year as presented. Unanimously voted.
Advertising on School Buses
The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommended that the School Committee vote to
authorize the sale of advertising on school buses owned and operated by the Beverly Public Schools,
subject to the conditions of Section 197.
A motion was made by Ms. Norris and seconded by Ms. Bell to authorize the sale of advertising on school
buses owned and operated by the Beverly Public Schools, subject to the conditions of Section 197.
Unanimously voted
The administration recommends that the School Committee establish a governing board, per the conditions
of Section 197 that will oversee the sale of advertising on school buses. The following individuals are
recommended for appointment to this board and will make recommendations regarding advertisers to the
Superintendent: Greg Zammuto, Bill Burke, Emily Rockwell, and Monica Richards.
A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mr. Tallo to establish a governing board per Section 197
to oversee the sale of advertising on school buses as presented. Unanimously voted
School Committee Meeting Schedule: Fall, 2003
The Administration recommended the following School Committee meeting schedule for September 2003,
through December 2003:
Monday, September 8, 2003 Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting
April 16, 2003
Page (6)
Wednesday, September 17, 2003 School Committee
City Council Chambers @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003 Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 24, 2003 Secondary Facilities Committee
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 7, 2003 Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003 School Committee
City Council Chambers @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003 Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003 Secondary Facilities Committee
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Monday, November 3, 2003 Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003 School Committee
City Council Chambers @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003 Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003 Secondary Facilities Committee
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Monday, December 1, 2003 Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003 School Committee
City Council Chambers @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003 Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003 Secondary Facilities Committee
Briscoe Conference Room @ 7:00 p.m.
A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mr. Tallo to accept the School Committee
meeting schedule for September 2003 through December 2003 as presented. Unanimously
voted
English as a Second Language (ESL) Audit
On Tuesday, March 11, Russell Fleming, from the Department of Education, visited the district to examine
the effectiveness of our English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and the use of the grant money we
have received. He offered suggestions that will help us improve our ESL program, but told us that we are
well positioned to meet the new expectations presented by the passage of Question 2.
Beverly High School Accreditation
A copy of the most recent letter from Pam Gray-Bennett, Executive Director of the Commission on
Secondary Schools was distributed to Committee members. Dr. Lupini mentioned that he will not be filing
a written submission of intent to show cause to the Commission given our inability to present any new
evidence that the “problems cited either do not exist or have been resolved”. Therefore, the NEASC Board
of Trustees will consider the Commission’s recommendation of probationary status for Beverly High
School at their meeting on May 15, 2003.
Regular Meeting
April 16, 2003
Page (7)
Spanish and French Foreign Trip Updates
Dr. Lupini met with parents and some students involved in these trips on Monday, April 7, 2003, to discuss
the trips, as well as the possibility of canceling and/or students and parents choosing to drop out. The
students departed for Spain on Sunday, April 13, 2003, and France on Tuesday, April 15, 2003.
Kindergarten Registration
As of April 10, 2003, a total of 304 students have registered for kindergarten at our six elementary schools.
Following is a breakdown of these registrations:
Ayers Ryal Side: 54 total students; including 5 special needs students, and 8 students selected in the
extended day lottery (41 currently placed in half-day program)
Centerville: 60 total students; including 2 special needs students, and 18 students selected in the extended
day lottery (40 currently placed in half-day program)
Cove: 64 total students; including 5 special needs students, and 14 selected in the extended day lottery (45
currently placed in half-day program)
Hannah: 42 total students, including 1 intensive kindergarten student, 4special needs students, and six
students selected in the extended day lottery (31 currently placed in half-day program)
McKeown: 43 total students; including 2 intensive kindergarten students, 4 special needs students, 2
students selected in the extended day lottery (35 currently placed in half-day program)
North Beverly: 41 total students; including 2 special needs students, and 1 student selected in the extended
day lottery (37 currently placed in half-day program)
A total of 49 regular education students have been placed in the extended day program, with an additional
24 special needs students assigned to these classes. Four (4) students have been assigned to the intensive
full-day kindergarten program.
No Child Left Behind: School and District Report Cards
Copies of the No Child Left Behind Report Cards for each school and the district were distributed to
Committee members. Dr. Hayes provided an overview of the testing and certification data.
Parent Survey
Administration recently sent out another random sampling of surveys and is closing in on the number of
returns required for the study to be statistically significant. Results should be available at our May or June
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
th.
Mr. Tallo reported the Standing Committee last met on March 26 Mayor Crean has engaged an
architect who conducted an audit of the feasibility reports. He agreed with many findings of those
reports and mentioned temporary solutions, which resulted in considerable discussion. City
Councilors and the Building Commission member will be invited to the next meeting on April
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29, and discussion will include the order in which the architect’s recommendations will be
addressed.
Regular Meeting
April 16, 2003
Page (8)
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 April 7, 2003.
Discussion included policies, handbooks, and textbook adoption. The next meeting of the
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life is scheduled for Monday, May
5, 2003.
Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities
School Committee Goal V - Update District Policy Manual
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The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities met on March 25 and April 9 to discuss the
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FY04 Budget. The next meeting is scheduled for April 29, and an additional meeting will also
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be held on May 9. Also discussed at the last meeting was the possible future use of the McKay
and Edwards buildings. A copy of the proposed FY04 budget will be available to the public on
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May 16 in the Central Office. The Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 19, and the
School Committee vote on the budget will be May 21st. Mayor Crean mentioned the City plans
to submit the final budget on June 2, 2003.
Subcommittee on Negotiations
School Committee Goal IV - Review Process and Documentation for Superintendent's
Evaluation
Ms. Bell mentioned that the Subcommittee on Negotiations met on March 25, 2003 to discuss
negotiations with non-union personnel. They have not met with AFSCME or the Beverly
Teachers Union, but expect to do so in May.
School Committee Goal III - Develop a Strategic Plan for the Beverly Public Schools
No report at this time.
A motion was made by Ms. Norris and seconded by Ms. Bell to go to Executive Session to
discuss negotiations with non-union personnel and to return to Open Session. Following
discussion, a roll call was taken:
Yes: Ms. Norris, Mr. Tallo, Ms. Bell, Ms. Cronin, and Ms. Coburn
No: Ms. Brusil, Mayor Crean
The Committee adjourned to Executive Session at 10:05 p.m.
Following Executive Session, the Committee returned to Open Session at 10:38 p.m.
A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Ms. Norris to accept the Superintendent’s
contract as recommended by the Subcommittee on Negotiations at their meeting on March
25, 2003.
Yes: Ms. Bell, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Norris, Mr. Tallo, and Ms. Coburn
No: Mayor Crean, Ms. Brusil
Meeting adjourned 11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Norris
Secretary