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2004-05-19 BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS May 19, 2004 A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, May 19, 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. James Hayes, Acting Superintendent of Schools President Cronin called the meeting to order at 7 PM. Mr. Tallo led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING SUPERINTENDENT Ms. Cronin mentioned that Dr. Lupini's last day, as Superintendent in Beverly was Friday, May 14, 2004. She also mentioned that the committee would like to thank Dr. Lupini for his 7 years of service to the city of Beverly, and wishes him well as he begins his new role as Superintendent of Brookline. As president, Ms. Cronin appointed Dr. Hayes to the position of Acting Superintendent pending approval of the committee at this meeting. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to appoint Dr. James Hayes as Acting Superintendent. Unanimously approved. Dr. Hayes thanked the committee for their vote of confidence and expressed he is looking forward to the challenge and responsibility of being the Acting Superintendent. RECOGNITION - SUCH OTHER MATTERS (KUDOS, CONGRATULATIONS) Dr. Hayes and Ms. Cronin recognized the following employees: . Kannan Vasudevan, Foreign Language teacher at Briscoe Middle School. Kannan has been truly outstanding in his quest for professional development. Last year, in order to get certified to teach French he attended an eight week French Immersion Program. Most recently he applied for and received a "French Government Teaching Assistantship." He will be teaching 8-year-old children to speak English in France for a year. This is a major academic award, and although it means he will be leaving a German program he has greatly rebuilt, he is most deserving. . Barbara Trudeau and Alice Madio, English Language Arts teachers at Briscoe Middle School, conducted an Intergenerational Book Club involving Briscoe students and elderly members of our community. Principal John Aucone and Assistant Principal Helen Colemen assisted with these recognitions. Open Forum for Citizen Concerns Ms. Janet Cahalin spoke to the committee about her concerns with the early dismissal of Dr. Lupini. Regular Meeting May 19, 2004 Page 2 Ms. Patty Powers, a parent of 3 children at Cove Elementary School expressed her concern with increasing class sizes in the elementary schools. She mentioned her feelings that middle school students could handle the larger class sizes easier than elementary students. Ms. Chris Silverstein commended the committee for their tireless efforts and commitment to the school department. Ms. Silverstein would like to see more citizen concern expressed regarding the budget; in particular, increased class sizes and program cuts. She urged citizens to write to state officials to voice their concerns. Ms. Kathy Whitehair also thanked the committee for their efforts, but stressed her concern with budget cuts, especially large class sizes. She expressed her hopes that principals will be given the support to solve each school's individual problems within their building. Miranda Gooding expressed she would like to hear more discussion about alternative ways of closing the budget gap other than cuts. School consolidation or reconfiguration of the middle schools, increased health insurance contributions by employees, a Proposition 2 1Iz override and selling the McKay are avenues she would like to see explored. RECORDS OF MEETINGS A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 as presented. So voted. NORTH SHORE REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL Superintendent Amy O'Malley informed the committee that 100 of the total 447 students attending the Vocational School reside in Beverly. Students' successes include . 100% of students in the graduating class of 2004 have passed the MCAS exam. . Of the students in the graduating class of2005, 100% have passed the English Language Arts portion, and 97% have passed the Math portion. . Carpenters spent the better part of the year working on renovations at Lynch Park. . Students recently held a pledge drive in memory of Michael Heitz, a student from Beverly who was fatally injured in an automobile accident. Ms. O'Malley also mentioned that the merger with Essex Agricultural School is moving slowly. The legislation is currently in the House Ways and Means. A favorable report will provide the $500,000 necessary to do a feasibility study, which will be presented to participating communities with the actual proposed designs. REPORT FROM STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE James Lang reported that some students are concerned about new user fees, and feel the money gained will not be worth the possible loss of participants in the incoming freshman class. He stated that he feels fees for the elementary music program are discouraging, and he feels this would set that program back. In his opinion, the extra- curricular activities are what make Beverly High School what it is. Regular Meeting May 19, 2004 Page 3 COMMUNICA TIONS . Telephone calls, emails and letters with budget questions . Concern about increased class sizes, reduction of media specialists and reading specialists . Consolidation of the middle schools . Dr. Lupini's departure, comments both pro and con . Questions about the handling of an injured student at Hurd Stadium during a lacrosse game o Ms. Saxton mentioned her concern that the athletic trainer has the proper equipment, such as a cervical collar, to treat injured players. Dr. Hayes will follow up to confirm that protocol will be followed. . An invitation to committee members to participate in the Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 30th . An invitation was received to participate in the dedication of the Joseph Vittori Medal of Honor Memorial on May 26th at Beverly High School SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Appointment to Finance & Facilities Subcommittee A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by Mr. Tallo to appoint Dr. James Hayes as a voting member of the Finance and Facilities Committee. So voted. Appointment to Negotiations Subcommittee No appointment was made. The Superintendent serves as a consultant, not a voting member of this committee. Appointment as Representative to Northshore Education Consortium A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Gordon to appoint Dr. James Hayes as a representative to the Northshore Education Consortium. So voted Proposed "Corporal Joseph Vittori Medal of Honor Memorial" at Beverly High School The BHS Marine Corps ROTC 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. 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. A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by Ms. Cesa to grant permission to the BHS Marine Corps ROTC to erect a "Corporal Joseph Vittori Medal of Honor Memorial" at BHS. So voted. Ayers Principal Search Ms. Karla Pressman, Cove School principal, will chair the screening committee comprised of parents and staff. Dr. Hayes and Ms. Pressman have met with the faculty, Regular Meeting May 19, 2004 Page 4 PTO and School for input on the qualifications we should look for in a new principal. Finalists will be available for Dr. Hayes to interview prior to the end of the school year. Preschool Location The administration has determined the locations of preschool classrooms for 2004-2005. Two classrooms will be housed at Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School and the remaining two classrooms will be located at Cove Elementary School to take advantage of the particular resources (staff and facilities) available at each school. COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life presented the following policies to be considered for a first reading. These policies will require a formal vote at our June meeting: . "Flag Displays and the Pledge of Allegiance" (Section I: Instruction). In addition, this proposed revision will require a 2/3 vote of approval. . "Report Cards and Progress Reports" (Section I: Instruction). In addition, this proposed revision will require a 2/3 vote of approval. . "Home Schooling" (Section I: Instruction). In addition, this proposed revision will require a 2/3 vote of approval. . "Teaching Controversial Issues" (Section I: Instruction). . "Religion & the Schools" (Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments). . "Textbook Selection and Adoption" (Section I: Instruction). In addition, this proposed revision will require a 2/3 vote of approval. . "Relations with Non-Public Schools" (Section L: Education Agency Relations). . "Student Dismissal" (Section J: Students). . "School Ceremonies and Observances" (Section I: Instruction). . "Evaluation ofInstructional Programs" (Section I: Instruction). . "School Volunteers" (Section I: Instruction). In addition, this proposed revision will require a 2/3 vote of approval. . "Instructional Materials" (Section I: Instruction). The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommended the following policies be considered for a second reading, requiring a formal vote by the Committee: . A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adopt the policy "Elementary and Middle School Redistricting" (Section F: Facilities Development) as presented. So voted. . A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by Ms. Saxton to adopt the policy "Education Agency Relations Goals" (Section L: Education Agency Relations) as presented. So voted. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life, a motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve the Elementary School, Middle School and High School Student Handbooks as presented. So voted. Regular Meeting May 19, 2004 Page 5 The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life recommended the following School Improvement Plans for a formal vote of approval by the School Committee: . A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve the Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School Improvement Plan as presented. So voted. . A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve the Centerville Elementary School Improvement Plan as presented. So voted. . A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve the North Beverly Elementary School Improvement Plan as presented. So voted. . A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve the Briscoe Middle School Improvement Plan as presented. So voted. . A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve the Memorial Middle School Improvement Plan as presented. So voted. Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities met on April 26 and May 18, 2004. A Public Hearing on the FY05 budget was held on April 27, 2004. Mr. Tallo thanked parents for their involvement. The school committee and administration is still working closely with city officials and the Mayor to close the gap, which remains at $l.2m. They continue to welcome suggestions. Dr. Hayes reported that following a recent meeting, Mayor Scanlon has offered an additional $100,000 from the sale of the Edwards School, and he has also proposed an additional savings $150,000 to the school budget derived from changeover to duel-fuel capacity at the elementary and high school. The joint meeting with the City Council and School Committee will be held on Wednesday, May 26th at the BHS library. Agenda items include the BHS Accreditation and the FY05 budget. Mayor Scanlon mentioned that he feels the McKay School should be considered for use by the city or an asset that can be sold; however, he stressed that immediate action should not be taken to get full value. Subcommittee on Negotiations The Subcommittee on Negotiations recommended the following policies be considered for a second reading, requiring a formal vote by the Committee: A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy "Negotiations Goals" (Section H: Negotiations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy "Contracts for Individually Contracted Employees" (Section G: Personnel) as presented. So voted. Regular Meeting May 19, 2004 Page 6 The next meeting of the subcommittee on Negotiations will be scheduled shortly to begin union negotiations. Subcommittee on Policy Review The Policy Review Subcommittee recommended the following policies be considered for a second reading, requiring a formal vote by the Committee: A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy "School Committee Operational Goals" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. Following discussion it was agreed to omit the line "Evaluation of progress made toward the goals shall be prepared in conjunction with the annual School Committee self-evaluation process." So voted as amended. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Cesa to adopt the policy "School Committee Legal Status" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy "Committee Membership: Election, Qualifications, Term of Office, Resignation, and Filling of Vacancies" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adopt the policy "School Committee Member Code of Ethics" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. Ms. Brusil recommended returning the policy "School Committee Conflict ofInterest" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) to subcommittee for further review. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adopt the policy "School Committee Internal Organization" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy "School Committee Subcommittees and Standing Committees" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Cesa to adopt the policy "Temporary and Advisory Committees" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adopt the policy "School Councils" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. Following discussion it was agreed to return this policy to the Policy Review Subcommittee for further review. Regular Meeting May 19, 2004 Page 7 A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy "School Attorney" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy "School Committee Meetings" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Saxton to adopt the policy "School Committee Executive Sessions" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adopt the policy "School Committee Communications" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adopt the policy "School Committee Member Services" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Cesa to adopt the policy "School Committee Memberships" (Section B: School Governance and Operations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adopt the policy "School-Community Relations Goals" (Section K: School-Community Relations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Saxton to adopt the policy "Media Relations" (Section K: School-Community Relations) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy "Field Trips, Foreign (Out-of-Country) Trips, and Foreign Exchange Programs" (Section I: Instruction) as presented. So voted. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy "Parent Notification Relative to Sex Education" (Section I: Instruction) as presented. So voted. UPDA TE ON SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Develop a Strategic Plan for the Beverly Public Schools Upon the recommendation of the administration, and following discussion, a motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Brusil to eliminate the goal to Develop a Strategic Plan for the Beverly Public Schools as a school committee goal due to budget constraints. So voted. Improve Efficiency in the Beverly Public Schools No report at this meeting. Regular Meeting May 19, 2004 Page 8 Complete the School Committee Review of the District Policy Manual Work presented by the Policy Review Subcommittee was discussed earlier at this meeting. Secure Full Accreditation for Beverly High School Agenda item for the Joint City Council and School Committee meeting scheduled for May 26,2004. Consider Executive Session A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Saxton to consider executive session to discuss contract negotiations with non-union personnel and not to return to open session. Roll Call Results Yes: Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Saxton, Mayor Scanlon, Mr. Tallo, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. Annemarie Cesa Secretary