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2003-05-21BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS May 21, 2003 A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, May 21, 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; Greg Zammuto, Business Manager. President Coburn called the meeting to order at 7 PM. Ms. Norris led the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITION - SUCH OTHER MATTERS (KUDOS, CONGRATULATIONS) Superintendent Lupini and President Coburn introduced and recognized the following individuals: Julia Brown and Nancy Ronan, Social Studies teachers at Beverly High School, recently took 18 Beverly High School students to the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) to participate in a Model United Nations. This activity, which is new to BHS, allows students to represent nations in a variety of committees, as well as the General Assembly. The following students were recognized as award winners at the event: A.J. Chalifour - Honorable Mention for Academic Excellence (representing Ireland in the General Assembly) Sophie Kelley - Honorable Mention for Academic Excellence (representing Ireland in the General Assembly) Briahnna Skinner - Honorable Mention for Academic Excellence (delegate from Ireland to the European Union) Cheri Couillard - Honorable Mention for Academic Excellence (delegate from Bahrain to the League of Arab States) BHS Delegations to the General Assembly from Cuba and France - Extensive Knowledge and maintenance of their country’s position during debate (Sarah Foster, James Lang, Mike Connelly and Chris Theriault) Bob Dunn, Academic Division Leader for English, Social Sciences and World Languages at Beverly High School, assisted in recognizing these teachers and students. The following students were recently recognized for their participation in the winter athletic program at Beverly High School: Jessica Davidson - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Swimming); Northeastern Conference Regular Meeting May 21, 2003 Page (2) Swimmer of the Year; Boston Herald All-Scholastic Team; Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team Alex Hurst - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Swimming) Jon Hurst - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Swimming) Jackie Davidson - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Swimming); Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team Brian Ranta - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Swimming) Kristen Zarba - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Swimming) Katie Clay - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Girls Track) Alison MacDonald - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Girls Track) Ariel Slam - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Girls Track) Corey Baker - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Boys Track) Larry Kline - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Boys Track) Randy Hurley - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Boys Track) J.P. Wioncek - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Boys Track) Brendan Fullerton - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Ice Hockey) Chris Bernard - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Ice Hockey) Matt Lampert - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Ice Hockey) Matt Pedersen - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Boys Basketball) Mike Pierce - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Boys Basketball) Emily Rinaldo - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Gymnastics); Northeastern Conference Most Valuable Player; Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team; Boston Herald All-Scholastic Team Corey Bradley - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Gymnastics) Amy Richardson - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Gymnastics); Boston Herald All-Scholastic Team Amy Roccio - Northeastern Conference All-Star (Gymnastics) Larry Jacobs - Northeastern Conference Coach of the Year (Ice Hockey) Vivian Mattei - Boston Globe Coach of the Year (Gymnastics) Girls Track - Team Sportsmanship Award Gymnastics - First Place, North Sectional; Second Place, MIAA State Tournament John Lyons, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, assisted in recognizing these coaches and student-athletes. The following students were recognized for their participation in Arts Festival 2003 (“Students Making Their Mark on the Arts”): Jessica Bardosh - Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards (Photography Portfolio Nominee) Lillian Barrees - Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Northeast District, Senior District Chorus, and All State Chorus Chris Brusil - MMEA Northeast District, Senior District Jazz Band, and All State Jazz Band Ben Contois - International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) Northeast District Jazz Festival, Certificate of Outstanding Musicianship (Trombone) Matt Eastburn - MMEA Northeast District, Junior District Concert Band Kristina Grinovich - Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards (Silver Key - Ceramics), Massachusetts High School Drama Guild (MHSDG) All Star Company(Playwriting) Rory Hall - IAJE Northeast District Jazz Festival, Certificate of Outstanding Musicianship Regular Meeting May 21, 2003 Page (3) (Soprano Saxophone) Jonathan Kenney - MMEA Northeast District, Junior District Concert Band Whitney Nelson - MMEA Northeast District, Senior District Orchestra Joe Pino - IAJE Northeast District Jazz Festival, Certificate of Outstanding Musicianship (Trumpet) David Max Waldron - MMEA Northeast District, Senior District Jazz Band The following students were recognized for their participation in the Festival of Music, which was held in Ocean City, Maryland: Band Officers: Chris Johnson (President), Ben Contois (Vice President), Jenn Fortin (Secretary), and Max Waldron (Treasurer) Chorus Officers: Heather Beaulieu (President), Tara Belisle (Vice President), Megan Kerans (Secretary), and Leanne Hashem (Treasurer) Drum Majors: Nick Consone, Sara Nelson, and Christine Turlis Color Guard Captains: Rebecca Folsom and Diana Place Our student groups received the following awards at the festival: Concert Band: Second Place; First Place in Sight Reading Jazz Band: Second Place; Best Drum Line Marching Band: First Place in their Division; First Place in the Festival Chorale: Third Place Vocal Ensemble: Second Place Concert Choir: Third Place Richard King, Director of Fine Arts, assisted in recognizing these students. The following individuals were recently recognized with the North Shore American Red Cross Community Heroes Award: Lauren Hobin - A senior at Beverly High School, Lauren was recognized for her work to establish the Rebecca Karp Scholarship Fund in honor of her childhood friend who succumbed to cancer after a courageous three-year battle. Nathaniel Webber - A fifth grade student at Cove Elementary School, Nathaniel spends three or four afternoons per week helping at the Beverly Bootstraps food pantry. Roy Norden - Best known for his 34 years as an educator, football coach and athletic director at Beverly High School, Roy was recognized for his twelve years as a hospice volunteer. Brian Alexander a fourth grade student at Cove Elementary School recently won the Beverly Health Department Dental Health Month Essay Contest. This contest, which was open for third, fourth and fifth grade students, allowed students to compose an original work on the importance of dental health. The Beverly High School figure skating team competed at the Massachusetts High School Team Open on April 26th. Following are our team's results: Beverly High School - Team Spirit Award; 3rd in Overall Team Points (each skater earns points for placements in their individual events, which are totaled for an overall points trophy); 1st in Team Maneuvers (Initial Round); 4th Team Maneuvers (Final Round) Laura Cancellieri (Senior & Captain) - 2nd in Junior Freeskate and 2nd in Junior Short Program Robbie Flynn (Junior) - 1st in Novice Freeskate, 1st in Novice Short Program, and 1st in Novice Regular Meeting May 21, 2003 Page (4) Compulsory Moves Jessica Ewing (Sophomore) - 2nd in Pre-Juvenile Compulsory Moves Mandy Forcier (Junior) and Alanna Birner (Freshman) - also contributed to the points total with top 6 finishes in their events The team will also be competing individually and in a team event at the North Shore Open at the Burbank Ice Arena in Reading on May 30th through June 1st. Laura Cancellieri presented trophies the team earned for “Overall Team Points” and “Team Spirit” to Mr. Lyons for display in the school trophy case. Dr. Lupini and Ms. Coburn presented Laura Cancellieri with a gift and thanked her for her participation in School Committee meetings and extended their best wishes for continued success. A brief recess was declared at 7:25 p.m. The Committee reconvened at 7:40 p.m. REPORT FROM STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE TO SCHOOL COMMITTEE Laura Cancellieri reported that the Student Senate recently held a voter registration at the high school, and 53 students registered at that event. She expressed concern about the proposed student parking fees at the high school. Ms. Cancellieri also mentioned it was a great experience representing the students at Beverly High School at the School Committee meetings and thanked the Committee for the opportunity. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Crean mentioned that the City is still working with the state in regard to budgetary matters. In addition he cautioned members against using email to debate issues with other members. Ms. Cronin suggested the Committee adopt a policy to address the use of email by the School Committee. COMMUNICATIONS Members noted receipt of communications addressing the following topics: · In support of Mr. Foye remaining as principal of Beverly High School · Budget appeal · Superintendent’s contract · AP Course offerings at the High School · Springfield School Committee inquiring about advertising on school buses · Individual interested in volunteering for the Search Committee for the High School Principal · Support for an override to pay for the renovations of Beverly High School · Eighty (80) Ward 6 residents attended a forum held by Ms. Cronin and Councilor Murray regarding the High School renovations · McKay School ventilation, referred to Dr. Lupini · Support of Dr. Lupini’s decision in regard to the High School Principal · Student user fees Regular Meeting May 21, 2003 Page (5) · Extended Day Kindergarten program · Beverly Music Parents Association use of Hurd Stadium concession stand · Positive comments about the Middle School Athletics representing our schools · Schematic Design · Ms. Brusil expressed her pleasure in working with students in the Junior Achievement program at the Hannah School · Honor Society recognized Mr. Foye as an honorary member · Rally in support of Mr. Foye · Recognition that Mr. Foye has recently served on an accreditation tem at another high school · Concern about the perception that the high school principal search is a popularity contest · Parking fees at Beverly High School · Communication from NEASC informing the School Committee that Beverly High School will be placed on probation REPORT FROM BEVERLY REPRESENTATIVE TO THE NORTH SHORE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE Dean Porteous informed members that graduation and awards ceremonies would take place on May 30, 2003, and 15 students from Beverly will receive honors. Mr. Porteous also mentioned that Kiwanis and Rotary Youth Clubs are now available for interested students at the school. The school is currently accepting applications for individuals interested in having students build a new home in Beverly for low income or affordable housing. The first annual golf tournament will be held on July 14, 2003 at the Meadows in Peabody. Funds will be used to defer athletic expenses. Mr. Porteous again extended an invitation to the committee to tour the facility and join their school committee for a dinner at the school. RECORDS OF MEETINGS It was moved by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Bell to approve the records of the regular meeting held April 16, 2003 as presented. Following discussion, changes were recommended. Minutes were unanimously approved as amended. 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: The following policies are being considered as part of this section: * Search and Seizure * Corporal Punishment It was moved by Ms. Norris and seconded by Ms. Bell to accepted these policies as presented. Unanimously voted. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended the attached policy (Section G: Personnel) 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 June meeting. The following policy is being considered as part of this section: * Staff Ethics Regular Meeting May 21, 2003 Page (6) Discussion followed and changes were suggested that would be included for the second reading at the meeting on June 11, 2003. Student Fees The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommended modification to the following fee for the 2003-2004 school year, subject to a June 30, 2004 expiration date: High School Parking Fee: $100 per year (from $50 per year) It was moved by Ms. Cronin and seconded by Ms. Bell to accept the modification to the High School parking fee as presented. Following considerable discussion the motion was withdrawn and this proposal was referred back to the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities for further review. The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommended modification to the following fee for the 2003-2004 school year, subject to a June 30, 2004 expiration date: EEC Fees: $600 per year for grades four and five (from $800 per year) $300 per year for grade three (from $400 per year) It was moved by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mr. Tallo to accept the modification to the EEC Fees as presented. Unanimously voted. Acceptance of Elementary School Buildings The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommended acceptance of the Hannah Elementary School from the City of Beverly for use as an elementary school commencing with the academic year 2000. The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommends acceptance of the Cove Elementary School from the City of Beverly for use as an elementary school commencing with the academic year 2001. A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mayor Crean to accept the Hannah Elementary School from the City of Beverly for use as an elementary school commencing with the academic year 2000, and the Cove Elementary School commencing with the academic year 2001. Unanimously voted. Northshore Education Consortium: Articles of Agreement The administration recommended approval of the revised Northshore Education Association Articles of Agreement. Specifically, Article I was recommended for revision to include membership, as of July 1, 2003, for North Reading and Tri-Town School Districts. A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve the revised Northshore Education Association Articles of Agreement as presented. Unanimously voted. Food Service Contract Due to the unresponsiveness of food service contractors on the recent bid, administration is in the process of putting together a new bid document. Administration recommends, on advice from the City Purchasing Agent, that the contract term be for one year with four option years. Regular Meeting May 21, 2003 Page (7) A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Ms. Cronin to revise the contract term to one year with four option years. Unanimously voted. Parent Survey The baseline results for our recent parent survey were distributed to the Committee. As indicated earlier this year, we will conduct this survey at least every other year to ascertain the level of satisfaction with our programs and school district. In addition, Administration will be analyzing the written comments and patterns of response during the next few weeks. Edwards School Building Greg Zammuto, School Business Manager, provided the School Committee with an update regarding the potential sale or rental of Edwards Elementary. Mr. Zammuto explained to the Committee what the process would involve if the building were to be declared surplus. The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities would make recommendation to the full School Committee to declare the property surplus with conditions. The City Council would vote to accept those conditions, an RFP or bid would be put out by City, and an award would be made based on that determination. Beverly High School Accreditation Copies of the Dr. Lupini’s most recent letter to Pam Gray-Bennett, Executive Director of the Commission on Secondary Schools with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), as well as her letter to the NEASC Board of Directors were distributed to the Committee. Ms. Coburn mentioned that she received a copy of a letter from NEASC informing the School Committee that the Board of Directors has voted to place Beverly High School on probation. Mr. Zammuto mentioned that he attended a Building Commission meeting earlier. A vote was taken to recommend moving forward with an architectural review, and that recommendation will be presented to Mayor Crean. Kindergarten Program Ms. Sue Charochak, Early Childhood Facilitator, spoke to the Committee about the process involved in implementing the kindergarten program for the 2003-04 school year. She noted the additional classrooms added to accommodate the requests for the Extended Day Kindergarten program, and the adjustments to the half-day programs as well. Dr. Lupini and the Committee commended Ms. Charochak for the excellent job she has done scheduling these students. High School Principal Search Dr. Hayes and Dr. Lupini will meet with faculty and staff at the High School on Monday, May 19th, and Tuesday, May 20th to gather their input regarding the principal search. In addition, Dr. Hayes has completed the selection of a High School Principal Search Committee. It will be the committee’s task to review applicant resumes, determine who to interview (semi-finalists), formulate a standard set of questions for all interviews, conduct interviews, and determine a set of finalists (hopefully 2-3) for recommendation to the Superintendent. If things proceed as planned, they will complete that process by June 4th. Public interviews of finalists will be conducted during the second week of June. School Committee members will be invited to participate in these interviews with the Superintendent. 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 Mr. Tallo reported the Standing Committee last met on April 30, 2003. Considerable time was sent discussing the list of recommendations from NEASC, the next steps to be taken to address Regular Meeting May 21, 2003 Page (8) the necessary repairs and the process of raising the necessary funds to pay for the project. The Committee also discussed the long-range vision of building a new academic wing for the High School. The next meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Secondary Facilities will be on Wednesday, May 28, 2003. 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 May 5. Discussion included the Staff Ethics policy. The next meeting of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, ndth Instruction and Student Life is scheduled for Monday, June 2 and June 9, and will involve the review of School Improvement Plans. Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities School Committee Goal V - Update District Policy Manual th The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities met on April 29, May 7 and May 19 to th discuss the FY04 budget. A Public Hearing on the budget will be held on May 27 at 7pm at Beverly High School in the Auditorium, and the Committee will also meet regarding the FY04 th budget on May 29 6pm at the Beverly High School Library. The budget will be submitted to the Mayor on June 5, 2003. The McKay School ventilation system repairs were discussed in anticipation of moving the administrative offices and preschool program to that facility. Student Fees were also discussed. The next meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities th is schedule for June 24 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 not received a formal request to begin negotiations from AFSCME or the Beverly Teachers Union as yet. Ms. Coburn announced to the committee that she would not be a candidate for reelection to the School Committee due to family commitments and increased responsibilities at work. She thanked all the members of the Committee for contributing to making her years of service a rewarding experience. A motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mr. Tallo to go to Executive Session to discuss negotiations with union personnel and not return to Open Session. A roll call was taken: Yes: Ms. Brusil, Mayor Crean, and Mrs. Cronin, Mrs. Norris, Mr. Tallo, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Coburn No: none The Committee adjourned to Executive Session at 9:45pm. Respectfully submitted, Janet Norris Secretary Regular Meeting May 21, 2003 Page (9)