2004-02-11BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
February 11, 2004
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, February 11,
2004, at the City Council Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Mayor Scanlon,
and Mr. Tallo
Members Absent: Ms. Saxton
Also in Attendance: Dr. William Lupini, Superintendent of Schools,
Dr. James Hayes, Assistant Superintendent,
Heidi Zimmerman, Administrator of Finance and Facilities
President Cronin called the meeting to order at 7 PM.
Ms. Virginia Coburn led the Pledge of Allegiance.
RECOGNITION - SUCH OTHER MATTERS (KUDOS, CONGRATULATIONS)
The Beverly Teachers Association (BTA) recognized Virginia Coburn, Laura Bell, Janet
Norris and Tom Crean for their service to the Beverly School Committee and the Beverly
Public Schools. Pamela Turner, BTA President, was present to recognize these former
Committee members.
RECORDS OF MEETINGS
A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve the minutes of
the meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2004. Following discussion, it was agreed to
amend the minutes to indicate that Mr. Bob Dunn is the ADL for English, Social Studies
and Foreign Language, and that the motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Gordon and
seconded by Ms. Saxton. Minutes were unanimously approved as amended.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT
Bryanne Salmonsen reported that the Senior Privilege Pass still seems to be working very
well. Dr. Scuzzarella will report back to the Committee at the March meeting. The
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Student Senate has planned a ski trip on March 20 to Mount Sunapee.
COMMUNICATIONS
·
Questions about scheduling and credits at Beverly High School
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·
Letters and telephone calls for and against approval of the overnight 7 grade
Briscoe field trip to Cape Cod
Dr. Lupini reminded the public that the Committee did not vote against the
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proposal, but that he withdrew his recommendation of this field trip for a
number of reasons.
·
Letter regarding the Principal search at Briscoe
Dr. Lupini has responded to that letter, mentioning plans to implement
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changes to address their concerns.
Regular Meeting
February 11, 2004
Page 2
·
Email received by School Committee members today regarding the Principal
search at Briscoe
Dr. Lupini mentioned that since he did not receive the email until today,
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he has not responded, but expressed his concern that the people who sent
this email had not previously mentioned their concerns when he had seen
them recently.
·
Telephone calls about the use of McKay School
Dr. Lupini is continuing to work with the city’s building inspector, legal
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council and others to move closer to a resolution that will satisfy the
neighbors.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Proposed Naming of Entrance to Hurd Stadium
Kevin Hobin, Ward 4 City Councilor, has introduced an order to Council calling for the
entrance to Hurd Stadium to be named “Mel Deveau Way,” subject to approval by the
School Committee. Current district policy mandates a forty-five (45) day “waiting”
period for naming requests, along with the necessity of a 2/3 vote in favor by the
Committee. This item will be a recommended “Action Item” from the administration at
our March meeting.
Competency Determination
In the Class of 2004, we have 14 students who have not met the Competency
Determination. (7 in mathematics, 4 in both English Language Arts and Math, and 3 who
have no scores). Of these students, Administration believes that six (6) meet the criteria
for an appeal, two (2) have recently relocated to Beverly from another state, and six (6)
do not appear to meet the appeal criteria and, therefore, will need to pass the Spring
MCAS in order to graduate.
In the Class of 2005, we have 33 students who have not met the Competency
Determination (17 in mathematics, 5 in English Language Arts, 10 in both areas, and 1
who does not have a score since he/she is home schooled). Most of these students are
enrolled in some type of assistance program, and we hope to have positive results to
report in the spring.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life
Ms. Annemarie Cesa, informed the Committee at the last meeting, held Monday,
February 2, 2004, Mr. Clements and Ms. Brewster spoke about Virtual High School, a
program that enables students to take classes on line. Mr. Clements is teaching AP
Physics for Virtual High School. Dr. Scuzzarella presented the 2004-2005 Program of
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Studies for review. Dr. Hayes presented the Stanford 9 results, which are taken by 6
grade students. The possibility of hosting an evening to explain results to parents was
also discussed.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and
Student Life, two policies were presented for a first reading by the Committee. Those
policies are: Elementary and Middle School Redistricting (Section F: Facilities
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February 11, 2004
Page 3
Development), and Homeless Children: Enrollment Rights and Services (Section J:
Students). A formal vote will be required at our March meeting in order to finalize these
policies.
Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities
Mr. Mike Tallo reported that this Committee met on Tuesday, January 27, 2004, and
again on Tuesday, February 10, 2004. In January, discussion included a facilities update
and the initial presentation of the FY05 budget. The budget process will continue for the
next few months, and Mr. Tallo encouraged citizens to attend these meetings.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion
was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Brusil to approve an ESP position at the
North Beverly Elementary School to support the reading specialist in accommodating a
large number of students receiving reading services. The total cost of this position for the
remainder of this school year is approximately $6,500. Funding for the position will
come from the Special Education Contingency account. Unanimously approved.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion
was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve an additional mathematics
position at the Beverly High School in order to accommodate large class sizes in MCAS
Strategies and Algebra 2 courses for second semester. The total cost for this position for
the remainder of this school year is approximately $20,000. Funding for this position
will come from the Special Education Contingency account. Unanimously approved.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion
was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve an Inclusion ESP
position at the Centerville Elementary School in Grade Three to accommodate a student’s
I.E.P. There is no cost to the district for this position, as the Amesbury Public Schools
will provide reimbursement. Unanimously approved.
At the meeting on February 11, 2004, the FY04 Budget was discussed. Although there is
work yet to be done, it appears we will end the year on budget. Mr. Tallo thanked Dr.
Lupini and Ms. Zimmerman for their efforts.
Subcommittee on Policy Review
Ms. Brusil reported that this committee will hold their first meeting on Thursday, March
4, 2004 at the Briscoe Middle School. The committee’s goal is to have the policy manual
completed by December.
Subcommittee on Negotiations
A Negotiations meeting will be scheduled in the near future.
UPDATE ON SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS
Ms. Cronin mentioned that in order to facilitate completion of the attached goals, and
have participation from members in authorizing these goals, the chairperson of each
subcommittee has been asked to “champion” each goal by participating in itemizing the
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February 11, 2004
Page 4
milestones, setting dates to be accomplished, and identify any dependencies. Future
updates will be presented to the full Committee.
Develop a Strategic Plan for the Beverly Public Schools
Ms. Cesa will champion this goal. A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by
Mr. Tallo to approve this goal as presented. Unanimously approved.
Improve Efficiency in the Beverly Public Schools
Mr. Tallo will champion this goal. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by
Ms. Cesa to approve this goal as presented. Unanimously approved.
Complete the School Committee Review of the District Policy Manual
Ms. Brusil will champion this goal. A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by
Mr. Tallo to approve this goal as presented. Unanimously approved.
Secure Full Accreditation for Beverly High School
Ms. Cronin will champion this goal.
Mayor Scanlon mentioned that issues with the high school are seen as both short term
and longer term. Very little of the short term ($13.7M) will have a reimbursable
component, and much of the short-term work will not have a long lifespan. Therefore,
the object seems to be to pull the long-term project closer to short term project, and make
sure the long-term project is subject to SBAB reimbursement. Mayor Scanlon does feel
SBAB reimbursement is possible, although the percentage and date for reimbursement is
inconclusive. By pulling the long-term project closer, we expect to minimize the cost of
the short-term project. Although review of the short-term project is still in the early
stages of development, he feels the first signals are favorable to reducing the size of the
$13.7M estimate significantly. The Mayor intends to take a major role in developing the
report to NEASC July 1, 2004. He intends this report will state that we will be prepared
to start construction on the short-term project in July of 2005, and the long-term project
by July 1, 2008.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve this goal as
presented. Unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.
Annemarie Cesa
Secretary