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2004-03-10BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS March 10, 2004 A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at the City Council Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA. Members Present: Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Saxton, Mayor Scanlon, and Mr. Tallo 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. Mr. Mel Deveau led the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITION - SUCH OTHER MATTERS (KUDOS, CONGRATULATIONS) Dr. Scuzzarella, Beverly High School Principal, presented the Superintendent with a plaque of the state champion Beverly High School Lacrosse team. Dr. Lupini and Ms. Cronin recognized the following students for their accomplishments: Mark DeLuca, a senior at Beverly High School, was recognized as a National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist. Eleanor Langstaff, a senior at Beverly High School, was recognized as a recipient of the Prudential Spirit of Community honoree. Specifically, Eleanor was nominated for her work in improving the courtyard at Beverly High School. Erin Cheney, Amanda Sullivan and Janelle Stokes, students at Beverly High School, were recognized as recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their (at least) fifty (50) hours of community service to Beverly Hospital. Meg Connolley, Molly Conway, Erin Dunphey, Larisa Haxhiaj, Randy Hurley, Kori LaMontagne, Peter Lauranzano, Jessica Moody, Ryan Morse, Drinalda Osmanaj, Morgan Ryan, Esmerelda Soufan, Nick Spellman, Erla Shehu and Alison Woitunski were all participants in the “Apprentice to History” project, a collaboration between the Beverly Public Library, Beverly High School and a number of Boston archival repositories. These students participated voluntarily, under the guidance of Dean Eastman, Kevin McGrath and Tom Scully, meeting both before school and on weekends. Daisy de Lalla, a third grade student at Centerville Elementary School, was recognized as a runner-up winner of Lucky Book Club’s “Jack and Annie’s Next Trip” Create-a-Cover Contest. Her work was selected from more than 16,000 entries. She received two “Magic Tree House” libraries, one for her classroom and one to take home. Regular Meeting March 10, 2004 Page 2 Bobby Woodworth, a fourth grade student at North Beverly Elementary School, was recognized for having his design chosen for buttons and posters during the North Beverly School Reading Festival. Bobby, a student in Mrs. Pallazola’s class, distributed buttons to the committee. North Beverly Principal Tom Kokos introduced Bobby. The following students and teams received recognition for the winter athletic seasons: Gymnastics: All-Stars Amy Roccio (All Round Performance and Massachusetts State Team) and Lauryn Ginsburg Girl’s Basketball: Kerry O’Neil; Northeastern Conference Sportsmanship Award Boy’s Basketball: Matt Pederson and Brian Tobin Winter Track: Megan Ouellet, Katie Accomando, Chelsea Ouellet, Brenna McNiff, Katie Clay, Jacqueline Norton, Edward O’Reilly, Michael Coughlin and Randy Hurley Swimming: Vanessa Athanas, Molly Curran, Jaclyn Davidson, Alex Hurst, Jon Hurst, Brian Ranta and Kristen Zarba; Northeastern Conference Champions; Peter Swan Sportsmanship Award. st Ice Hockey: Jamie Cullen, Ryan Shairs and Brendan Fullerton (1 Team Selection) Teachers Dean Eastman, Kevin McGrath and Library Director Tom Scully were recognized for their work with Beverly High School students on the “Apprentice to History” project. OPEN FORUM FOR CITIZEN CONCERNS Nancy Levin of 8 Columbus Avenue addressed the Committee about elementary redistricting. Ms. Levin’s comments are attached to these minutes. RECORDS OF MEETINGS A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Brusil to approve the minutes of the meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 as presented. So voted. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT James Lang reported that the student-driven Senior Privilege Program has been working well and has been renewed for second quarter. Recent parking problems at the high school have been much better recently. The Student Senate has planned a ski trip to Mt. Sunapee, and is also planning a forum discussing gay/straight issues. COMMUNICATIONS · Emails about the budget process · Emails and telephone calls regarding potential reconfiguring elementary schools · Constituent concerned about the lack of credits available to students at the high school SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Proposed Naming of Entrance to Hurd Stadium Upon the recommendation of the administration, a motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Tallo to endorse the request to name the entrance to Hurd Stadium “Mel Deveau Way”, and send it to the City Council for final approval. So voted Regular Meeting March 10, 2004 Page 3 Proposed “Corporal Joseph Vittori Medal of Honor Memorial” The Vittori-Rocci Italian American Veterans Post has requested permission to erect a “Corporal Joseph Vittori Medal of Honor Memorial” at BHS. The Corporal Vittori Medal of Honor Committee and the Vittori-Rocci Italian American Veterans Post have pledged to cover all costs for the manufacturing and placement of the Memorial. The BHS ROTC will work closely with the organization in designing the Memorial, placement of the Memorial and the dedication ceremony. 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. The administration recommends that the School Committee approve this request at their regular May meeting. ROTC Given that we have now satisfied the enrollment (minimum of 100 students) and second instructor requirements (First Sergeant Paul Jornet was recently hired), we have requested that the Marine Corps Junior Research Officers’ Training Corps remove Beverly High School from probationary program status. Senior Privilege Pass Mr. Chris Malone, Assistant Principal at Beverly High School, was present to discuss the senior privilege program, which has been in place at Beverly High School since December. Mr. Malone mentioned that 191 students are eligible for this program. He has received no complaints from parents or the community. Only 4 students have been removed from the program, predominately due to grades. Possible recommended changes for next year would be exploring other methods of administration in order to cut time students wait in line for sign-out. Ms. Cronin expressed her concern about the ability to contact students in the event of an emergency. Mr. Malone mentioned that students are required to submit cell phone numbers as part of the application. Ms. Cronin asked that parents and the committee be informed of steps that would be taken in an emergency situation. COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Regular Meeting March 10, 2004 Page 4 Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life, a motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve the policy on Elementary and Middle School Redistricting (Section F: Facilities Development). Ms. Nancy Levin spoke to the committee about her concerns (comments attached). Following considerable discussion, the Committee voted unanimously against the policy on Elementary and Middle School Redistricting (Section F: Facilities Development) and a motion was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by Ms. Saxton to return this policy to the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life for further evaluation along with the policy addressing the closing of schools. So voted. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life, a motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Mr. Tallo to accepted the policy on Homeless Children: Enrollment Rights and Services (Section J: Students) as presented. So voted. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the following policies to be considered for a second reading in April, requiring a formal vote by the Committee: · Education Agency Relations Goals (Section L: Education Agency Relations) · School Year & School Calendar (Section I: Instruction) · Relations with Education Research Agencies (Section L: Education Agency Relations) · Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (Section J: Students) Following discussion, it was agreed to amend policies and return to the Committee at the April meeting. Ms. Cesa mentioned that the committee also viewed a presentation by the middle school principals about Differentiated Instruction. Ms. Gauthier spoke to the committee about a program offered at the elementary level called Global Child. Summer Academy, offering enrichment opportunities to elementary students, will distribute flyers to all elementary students. Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion th was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Brusil to approve an ESP position for an 8 grade student at Briscoe Middle School, per the requirements of the student’s I.E.P. The total cost of this position for the remainder of the school year is $5,689. So voted Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion th was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Brusil to approve an ESP position for a 6 grade student at Briscoe Middle School, per the requirements of the student’s I.E.P. The total cost of this position for the remainder of the school year is $5,689. So voted Regular Meeting March 10, 2004 Page 5 The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities met on February 24, 3004 and March 9, 2004. The FY04 budget was discussed in February and will be reviewed again at a meeting in March. Budget shortfalls will be discussed. Mr. Tallo informed the committee that the focus of the next meeting would be to outline issues and potential solutions for the FY05 budget. He stressed the importance of focusing on all options, and that the committee still anticipates a shortfall of $1M. Mayor Scanlon informed the Committee that funding from the city would depend on monies received from the State. Mr. Tallo thanked Mr. Bouchard for the facilities update. Additionally, Mr. Tallo thanked the custodial staff for their work maintaining the buildings during the recent extremely cold weather. Ms. Cronin thanked the members for attending the Finance and Facilities meeting on th March 9, and mentioned that they are hearing from parents and noting their concerns. She spoke about the need to encourage non-profit organizations to contribute PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) payments. In addition, Ms. Cronin proposed sending a letter to the Mayor and the City Council asking to create a committee to study the feasibility of placing a Proposition 2 ½ override referendum on the ballot. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Saxton that Ms. Cronin send a letter from the Committee to the Mayor and the City Council asking to appoint a committee to study the feasibility of placing a Proposition 2 ½ override referendum on the ballot in order to address the future budget problems facing the City of Beverly. So voted, with Mayor Scanlon abstaining. Subcommittee on Negotiations Ms. Saxton reported that a Negotiations Committee meeting has been scheduled for Monday, March 15, 2004. Subcommittee on Policy Review Ms. Brusil reported that this committee held their first meeting on Thursday, March 4, 2004 at the Briscoe Middle School. Eleven policies were discussed. The following revised policies were submitted for a first reading by the Committee, and will require a 2/3-vote of approval at the April meeting: · School Committee Policy Process (Section B: School Committee Governance & Operation) · Creation of New Positions (Section G: Personnel) · Authorized Use of School-Controlled Materials (Section E: Support Services) In addition, the following policies submitted for a first reading by the Committee will be presented at the April meeting for approval: · Inclusive Schooling (Section I: Instruction) · School Bus Safety (Section E: Support Services) · School Closings and Cancellations (Section E: Support Services) UPDATE ON SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Develop a Strategic Plan for the Beverly Public Schools Regular Meeting March 10, 2004 Page 6 Improve Efficiency in the Beverly Public Schools Complete the School Committee Review of the District Policy Manual Ms. Brusil reported that the goal of this committee is to complete the review of the policy manual by next fall. She suggested including a page in the beginning of each section explaining which policies have been changed, and the reasoning behind those changes. The next meeting of the Policy Review committee will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2004. Secure Full Accreditation for Beverly High School Ms. Cronin reported that an initial status meeting will be held on March 22, 2004 with Mayor Scanlon, City Council President Paul Guanci, Building Commission President Ray Bouchard, Superintendent Lupini and Ms. Cronin as a first step in providing NEASC with a substantial response. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Cesa to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss negotiations with non-union personnel and not return to Open Session. A roll call voted resulted in the following: Yes: Ms. Saxton, Mayor Scanlon, Mr. Tallo, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon The meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm. Annemarie Cesa Secretary