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.
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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
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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
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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
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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