Loading...
2003-09-17BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS September 17, 2003 A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, September 17, 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. Members Absent: None Administrators in Attendance: William Lupini, Superintendent of Schools, James Hayes, Assistant Superintendent President Coburn called the meeting to order at 7 PM. Beverly High School student Daniel Meyer led the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITION - SUCH OTHER MATTERS (KUDOS, CONGRATULATIONS) Dan Meyer, a sophomore at Beverly High School and an Eagle Scout, was recognized for organizing and executing a repair project at Beverly High School. Specifically, Dan organized a group to install ceiling tiles in the Patten Wing. Ron Bouchard, Director of Buildings and Grounds, assisted in recognizing Dan for his outstanding efforts. Phil Benjamin, a senior at Bishop Fenwick and an Eagle Scout, was recognized for organizing and implementing a Nature Trail project at Hannah Elementary School. Specifically, Phil organized a group to create the nature trail and education area at the school. Jackie Rapisardi, Principal of Hannah Elementary School, assisted in recognizing Phil for his outstanding efforts. Fifteen (15) teachers who participated in Beverly Hospital’s Grand Friends Community Service Learning Program during the past school year were recognized for their participation. This program is designed to engage students in the life of the hospital, connect students to people and places in the community, and engage students in service learning. Teachers recognized were: Sara DeOreo and Jan Wilhelm, McKeown Elementary School (Intergenerational Book Club); Rosemary Bane Bogan, Centerville Elementary School (Intergenerational Walking Club); Lindsey Gund, Beverly High School (Halloween Poetry and Story Program); Tanya O’Malley, Hannah Elementary School (Traveling with Grandparents); Eleanor Huston and Victoria Kenneally, Hannah Elementary School (Literacy Games with Herrick House); and Dorothy Ebert, Steven Hewey and Maeve Moore, Hannah Elementary School (Polar Fleece Slippers for Pediatric Patients). Regular Meeting September 17, 2003 Page 2 Helene Casella, formerly a Team Chairperson and Adjustment Counselor with the Beverly Public Schools, was introduced as the new Academic Division Leader for Special Education, Guidance, and Vocational Education at Beverly High School. Christopher Malone, formerly a Dean of Students at Revere High School, was introduced as Assistant Principal at Beverly High School. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Crean informed the Committee that he signed an appropriation of $2.3m for the High School renovation. Mr. Ray Bouchard has been instructed to contact Mr. Phil Poinelli of Symes, Maini and McKee Associates to proceed with development of a contract in order to move forward with this project. The next Secondary Facilities meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2003. COMMUNICATIONS · Parent inquiring about the search committee for middle school principal. Mr. John Aucone will be retiring at the end of this school year · Parents pleased with Middle School Cross Country program · Positive comments about the new Centerville Elementary School · Parents with positive comments about the opening of school · City Councilor concerned about parking surrounding the high school Dr. Lupini met with Sgt. Tarsook, Councilor Morency and Dr. o Scuzzarella. The Director of Buildings and Grounds will explore the possibility of adding more spaces. RECORDS OF MEETINGS It was moved by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Bell to approve the records of the Regular meeting held August 27, 2003. Approved as amended It was moved by Ms. Cronin and seconded by Ms. Bell to approve the minutes of the Executive Session held August 27, 2003. Unanimously voted. It was moved by Ms. Bell and seconded by Ms. Cronin to approve the minutes of the Special meetings held September 2 and 8, 2003. Unanimously voted. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Overnight Field Trips Upon the recommendation of the Administration, a motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve an overnight field trip for the Briscoe Middle School Grade Six (Blue and Gold) to Freedom, New Hampshire as presented. The trip will take place from November 10, 2003 through November 14, 2003. Mr. John Aucone, Principal of Briscoe Middle School, attended the meeting to answer any questions. Unanimously approved. Regular Meeting September 17, 2003 Page 3 Upon the recommendation of the Administration, a motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve an overnight Musitour field trip to New York City and New Jersey from April 28, 2004 through May 1, 2004 as presented. Mr. Ray Novak and Ms. Lynn Pilanen, of the Fine Arts Department, attended in order to answer any questions. Unanimously approved. Upon the recommendation of the Administration, a motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Bell to approve an overnight field trip for the Beverly High School softball team to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida as presented. The trip will take place from April 18, 2004 through April 25, 2004. Ms. Kelly Porcaro, Varsity Softball Coach, attended in order to answer questions. Unanimously approved. School Committee Policy Upon the recommendation of the Administration, a motion was made by Ms. Norris and seconded by Ms. Bell to adopt the policy Electronic Correspondence Between Committee Members (Section B: School Committee Governance & Operations). Unanimously approved. Surplus Property Dr. Lupini informed the Committee that prior to the creation of an RFP for the rental of the basement and second floor of the McKay School building the School Committee needs to declare this space surplus. Following discussion, a motion was made by Ms. Bell and seconded by Ms. Cronin to declare the second floor and basement of McKay as surplus space for rental purposes. Unanimously approved. Centerville Elementary School The rededication of the Centerville Elementary School will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2003 at 12:00 p.m. The PTO is also holding a Carnival following the rededication ceremony. Superintendent Open Forum The next Superintendent Open Forum will be held at Briscoe Middle School on October 1, 2003 at 7pm. MASC School Committee Training MASC School Committee Training for Candidates is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2004 at the Ottoson Middle School in Arlington from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. New Beverly Teachers for 2003-2004 A listing of new teachers in Beverly for the 2003-2004 school year, including their assignments, academic credentials, where they were previously employed (if applicable), and their starting salaries were distributed. Also distributed was a complete listing of leadership team and administrative cabinet salaries for the 2003-2004 school year, including present contract status. Regular Meeting September 17, 2003 Page 4 2003 MCAS Results Reporting Schedule MCAS results for individual students, schools and the district were received today. Administration is preparing to distribute results to parents, the media, the School Committee and our community. School Council Training Dr. Lupini and Dr. Hayes provided training for School Council co-chairs on Wednesday, September 10, 2003. This training consisted of an overview of the responsibilities and authority of school councils, as well as a focus on our district goals for 2003-2004. School Enrollments Enrollments for each school in the district (effective September 5 and 12, 2003), as well as elementary classroom enrollments, were provided to Committee members. Legal Counsel Billing Rate Naomi Stonberg, Legal Counsel to the Beverly School Committee, has informed us that she will not be seeking an increase to her rates for 2003-2004. End of Quarters and Trimesters A handout detailing the end of quarters (middle schools and high school) as well as trimesters (elementary schools) was distributed to Committee members. Staff Absence Procedures A letter to staff explaining the absence procedures being employed in the district this year was provided to Committee members. Non-Custodial Parents A letter to non-custodial parents, detailing their rights to student records and other information under the law, was distributed to Committee members. Student Work & Teaching Materials in Schools An explanation of the law concerning the hanging of student work and teaching materials in schools was distributed. Dr. Lupini explained that special exhibits would require a “sign-off” by fire department officials prior to the event. Further details of the district implementation plan will be available after future meetings with Fire Chief Pierce. Director of Finance and Operations We are continuing our efforts to locate qualified candidates for the position of “Director of Finance and Operations.” In the meantime, the Superintendent and Director of Personnel will be handling the day-to-day supervision of the business office, as well as working closely with district Operations Managers. Although Administration has not ruled out the possibility of an interim replacement for Mr. Zammuto, an advertisement for a permanent member of our administrative cabinet will appear in the September 21, 2003 Boston Globe. Regular Meeting September 17, 2003 Page 5 School Calendar for 2004-2005 Although the Administration will not formally present the 2004-2005 school calendar at this meeting, we do know that the school year starting dates are as follows: Monday, August 30, 2004 Teachers Return Tuesday, August 31, 2004 Students Return to School Friday, September 3, 2004 No School for Students – Labor Day Break Monday, September 6, 2004 No School for Students – Labor Day Tuesday, September 7, 2004 School Resumes Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences Although details have yet to be worked out, we will have elementary parent teacher conferences this year. They will be structured differently and we will not have three consecutive staff development days in December. We will have a window of opportunity in which these conferences will be scheduled. Basketball Coach Dr. Lupini thanked Tom Donovan for his service with our basketball program. Mr. Donovan submitted his resignation from his coaching position earlier this week. Northshore Education Consortium The Northshore Education Consortium has an agreement to purchase the former North Shore Community College building on Sohier Road. The Board of Directors, chaired by Dr. Lupini, will take a formal vote to authorize him and the Executive Director to continue the purchase and sale process at their regular meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2003. Mr. Bob Gass will be invited to our October meeting to speak to the Committee. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND UPDATE ON SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Secondary Facilities School Committee Goal I - Develop Plan to Improve Beverly High School Facility The next meeting of the Secondary Facilities subcommittee will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2003. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life School Committee Goal II - Promote Beverly High School The last meeting of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life was held on Monday, September 8, 2003. Mr. John Lyons spoke to the Committee about the Health Education Curriculum, Mr. Richard King spoke of Integrated Arts instruction, and the Committee was informed of a Reading Committee formed to study several different reading programs. Barbara Maver also spoke to the Committee about the First Steps Writing, Reading and Spelling programs; and the District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) was reviewed. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2003. District-wide technology will be discussed. Regular Meeting September 17, 2003 Page 6 Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities School Committee Goal V - Update District Policy Manual Next meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities is scheduled for September 23, 2003 at Briscoe Middle School at 7 PM. Subcommittee on Negotiations School Committee Goal IV - Review Process and Documentation for Superintendent's Evaluation Arrangements are being completed for a meeting with the Beverly Teachers Association in October. Committee members will submit their copy of the Superintendent’s evaluation to Ms. Norris. After tabulation, results will be shared with the Committee. It was moved by Ms. Cronin and seconded by Ms. Bell to adjourn. Unanimously voted. The meeting adjourned at 9 PM. Janet Norris Secretary