2004-06-16BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
June 16, 2004
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, June 16, 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.
Ms. Gordon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
RECOGNITION - SUCH OTHER MATTERS (KUDOS, CONGRATULATIONS)
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Cronin recognized the following students:
·
Jenna Nee, a grade 2 student at Cove Elementary School, was recently chosen as a
winner in the Massachusetts Medical Society’s 2004 Anti-Tobacco Poster
Contest. Karla Pressman, Principal of the Cove School, assisted in recognizing
Jenna.
·
The following Beverly High School students were recently chosen as 2004 NEC
All Stars:
Softball: Tianna Carr and Natasha Thorpe
Tennis: J.P. Krueger, Adam Szajgin, Andrew Dean and Tom Bedetti
Track (B + G):Randy Hurley, Katie Accomando, Megan Ouellett, Amy Roccio,
Rachael DeCruz, Chelsea Ouellett, Kimberly Callahan, Katie Clay,
Laura Pomponi
Baseball: Andrew Hobin, Brendan Fullerton, and Luke Deschamps
Team Sportsmanship
Lacrosse (B): Ed O’Reilly, Josh Sallese, Dan Abate, Peter Lauranzano, Ryan
Shairs, J.P. Wioncek, John Coffey, Larry Kline, NEC MVP Ed
O’Reilly, Team NEC Champs
Figure Skating: NEC Champs
Lacrosse (G): Kerry O’Neill, Allison Tobin, Kori LaMontage, Mandy Forcier,
Jillian Bougeois, Jessie Forcier, Ashlee Egan, Jess Ewing
Coach of the Year Lindsey Gund, Alanna Birner; NEC MVP
Kerry O’Neill, Robbie Flynn, NEC Champs!
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Cronin also recognized the following employees:
·
Paula Borsetti, BHS Visual Art Teacher, has been awarded the Beverly Rotary
Teacher of the Year Award for 2004. Dr. Carla Scuzzarella, BHS Principal, and
Richard King, Director of Fine Arts, assisted in recognizing Paula.
·
Holly Gerkin, Band/Music Teacher at Memorial Middle School, has been chosen
to receive the 2004 Distinguished Educator of Music award from the
Massachusetts Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE). Richard King, Director of
Fine Arts, assisted in recognizing Holly.
Regular Meeting
June 16, 2004
Page 2
·
Julia Brown, Social Studies Teacher at Beverly High School, has been selected to
participate in the Fulbright Teacher and Administrator Exchange Program for 2004-2005.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the program arranges direct one-to-one
exchanges with similar positions in other countries. In Julia’s case, the exchange will be
with the United Kingdom. Dr. Carla Scuzzarella, BHS Principal, assisted in recognizing
Julia.
·
John Lyons, Director of Athletics, Health & Physical Education, was recognized for his
contributions to the students at Beverly High School.
RECORDS OF MEETINGS
A motion was made by Ms, Brusil and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve the minutes of
the meeting held on Wednesday, April May 19, 2004. Reference to the Joint School
Committee and City Council meeting should reflect that meeting would be held on May
26, 2004. So voted as amended.
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve the minutes of
the Executive Session of the Negotiations Subcommittee held on May 4, 2004. So voted.
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by M. Saxton to approve the minutes of
the Executive Session held May 10, 2004. So voted.
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve the minutes of
the Executive Session held May 19, 2004. So voted.
COMMUNICATIONS
·
Parents concerned about budget, BHS fee structure, and elementary staff cuts
·
MCAS schedule at BHS
·
Dr. Lupini’s departure, and going forward
·
Discipline for senior pranks
·
Questions regarding the Athletic Director’s position
·
Positive comments about the BHS graduation
·
Letters contributing budget suggestions, passed on to the Superintendent
th
·
An invitation from the Ryal Side Civic Association to participate in the July 4
Parade honoring Ayers Ryal Side Principal Rhonda Gauthier
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Fall Meeting Schedule
A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the schedule
of committee meetings as presented. Following discussion, it was agreed to schedule the
first Finance and Facilities meeting on Wednesday, September 1, 2004, to move the
nd
Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting to September 22, and add another
Finance & Facilities meeting on September 29, 2004. So voted as amended.
Ayers Principal Search
The Screening Committee for the selection of the new Principal for Ayers Ryal Side
Elementary School recently completed their interviews. They reviewed applications
from thirty-four candidates and interviewed five semi-finalists. Three individuals have
Regular Meeting
June 16, 2004
Page 3
been recommended to Dr. Hayes as finalists for the position. Dr. Hayes is conducting
final interviews and background checks and expects to name a new Ayers Principal on
st
Monday, June 21. The three finalists include:
·
Francine Goldstein – Currently the Principal of the Summer Street School in
Lynnfield, Francine holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science from Hunter
College and two Masters degrees, one in Reading from Southern Connecticut
State University and one in School Administration from Salem State College.
·
Suzanne Charochak – Formerly a special needs teacher in the Beverly Public
Schools, Suzanne now serves as Beverly’s Early Childhood Facilitator and Team
Chairperson. She earned her BA I Psychology at Regis College and has two
Masters degrees from Salem State College, one Moderate Special Needs and one
in Educational Leadership.
Dr. Lisa McMahon – Currently the Assistant Superintendent of SAU #21 in
·
Hampton NH, Lisa has served as an elementary school principal in Gloucester as
well as the North Middlesex Regional School District in Townsend MA. She
possesses a BA in Education from the University of New Hampshire, a Masters
degree in Educational Administration from the University of Lowell, and a
Doctorate in Leadership in Schooling from the University of Massachusetts.
A reception sponsored by the Ayers PTO will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2004 to
introduce the new Principal to the faculty at the school.
Hannah Elementary School – Waiver of Two School Days
The letter from the Commissioner of Education has granted our request to waive the 180-
thnd
day school year requirement for cancelled classes on October 28 and April 2, 2004.
Hardscrabble Grants
The Essex County Community Foundation administers the Hardscrabble Education Fund
which was established to promote and support academic achievement in the pre-
collegiate, regulated, public school system by issuing grants to individual public schools
or districts primarily in the fields of English, Mathematics and Science. The Fund
intends to focus on projects that will benefit citizens in Essex County in the public school
districts of Beverly, Lynn, Marblehead, Nahant, Salem and Swampscott. We recently
received notice of four Hardscrabble awards totaling $17,000.
·
The Beverly High School project, Solar Energy as an Educational Tool, will
utilize the solar field adjacent to the High School for experiential math, science,
and technology curriculum units. Beverly High School’s vision is to initiate a
three-phase program to regularly use this resource. The $5,000 award will
support the first phase, which includes equipment (computer, meters and solar
cells) and working with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to provide
professional development for teachers. These materials and training will enable
them to develop curriculum for use in 2004-05. Joe Clement wrote this grant
proposal.
·
The Linking Literacy and Learning project supports a new reading and literacy
th
initiative for all 6 grade Beverly students. The $5,000 grant is to supports this
initiative by purchasing books for the school library media centers at both middle
schools. The program priorities include teacher development, increased
availability of instructional supplies, and emphasis on experiential learning. The
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June 16, 2004
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grant proposal was written by Barbara Maver, Consultant for PreK-6 Literacy,
Debbie Froggatt, Library Media Specialist at Memorial, and Anne McGrath,
Library Media Specialist at Briscoe.
·
The McKeown School was awarded a $2,000 grant for the purpose of upgrading
its library with science and technology resources. Sara DeOreo, reading
specialist, and Colleen McBride, Principal, developed this grant proposal, along
with input from their School Council.
·
Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School received an award of $5,000 to be used to
purchase AlphaSmart computers to enhance written language skills for special
education students and to sue them to become an integral part of the written
language program for all students. Brenda Wilson, special education teacher at
Ayers, took the lead role in developing this proposal.
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 second reading.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy “Flag Displays
and the Pledge of Allegiance” (Section I: Instruction) as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Saxton to adopt the policy “Report Cards
and Progress Reports” (Section I: Instruction) as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Saxton to adopt the policy “Home
Schooling” (Section I: Instruction) as presented. Following discussion, it was agreed to amend
the policy to state “…A student being educated in a home-based program within the City of
Beverly shall be informed of an have access to public school extra-curricular activities, subject to
applicable fee proposals….” So voted as amended.
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Cesa to adopt the policy “Teaching
Controversial Issues” (Section I: Instruction) as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Saxton to adopt the policy “Religion &
the Schools” (Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments) as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adopt the policy “Textbook
Selection and Adoption” (Section I: Instruction) as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Saxton to adopt the policy “Relations
with Non-Public Schools” (Section L: Education Agency Relations) as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Ms. Cesa to adopt the policy “Student
Dismissal” (Section J: Students) as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adopt the policy “School
Ceremonies and Observances” (Section I: Instruction) as amended. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Ms. Cesa to adopt the policy “Evaluation of
Instructional Programs” (Section I: Instruction) as presented. Following discussion, it was
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June 16, 2004
Page 5
agreed to amend the policy to read “… Instructional program evaluations shall be directed by the
Superintendent in cooperation with all school principals and/or other designated school
personnel….”. So voted as amended.
A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by Ms. Saxton to adopt the policy “School
Volunteers” (Section I: Instruction) as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adopt the policy “Instructional
Materials” (Section I: Instruction) as presented. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction &
Student Life the following School Improvement Plans were submitted 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 School
Improvement Plan for Cove Elementary School as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve the School
Improvement Plan for Hannah Elementary School as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve the School
Improvement Plan for McKeown Elementary School as presented. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve the School
Improvement Plan for Beverly High School 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 student discipline statement on senior pranks, to be included in the BHS Student
Handbook, as presented. Following considerable discussion, motion approved with Mr.
Tallo, Ms. Brusil and Mayor Scanlon opposed.
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities: Mike Tallo, Chairperson
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities, a motion
was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve teacher reimbursement
for damaged supplies in the amount of $5,993.40 as approved at the Finance & Facilities
meeting on May 18, 2004. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities, a motion
was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve payment of FY03 IBMS
bills in the amount of $5,993.40 as approved at the Finance & Facilities meeting on May
18, 2004. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities, a motion
was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve funding for private detail
custodial salaries that were paid by the School Department in FY99 through FY02 but
were not recovered from the private parties in the amount of $20,921.00. So voted.
Regular Meeting
June 16, 2004
Page 6
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities, a motion
was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by Ms. Cesa to declare available for surplus
approximately 941 square feet of land located at the Hannah school that is controlled by
the School Department and owned by the City of Beverly. This land is detailed in the
Recorded Plan Book 41, Page 40. So voted. Mayor Scanlon informed the Committee
that proceeds from this sale would be awarded to the school department for FY05.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities, a motion
was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the sum of $38,746,300
for the FY05 Budget, as approved at the Finance & Facilities meeting on May 18, 2004.
So voted
Negotiations: Karen Saxton, Chairperson
The Negotiations Subcommittee last met on Tuesday, June 15, 2004. The next scheduled
meeting will be on July 21, 2004 at 6pm.
Policy Review: Nancy Brusil, Chairperson
No meetings were scheduled this month. This committee plans to resume meetings in
October.
Resolution – Beverly High School Accreditation
As a result of discussion at the recent Joint School Committee and City Council meeting
on May 26, 2004, Ms. Cronin and City Council Paul Guanci drafted a Resolution for
School Committee and City Council approval.
A motion was made by Ms Cesa and seconded by Mr. Tallo to forward the resolution to
City Council for their approval. Following discussion it was agreed to amend the first
goal mentioned in the Resolution to read “City Council and School Committee
agreement on short term repairs to the facility by September 2004 with construction to
commence by July 2005.” So voted as amended.
Mutual Release and Settlement Agreement - Dr. William Lupini
A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve the mutual
release and settlement agreement with Dr. Lupini.
Roll Call results:
Yes: Mayor Scanlon, Mr. Tallo, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms.
Saxton
Consider Executive Session
A motion was made by Ms. Brusil and seconded by Ms. Saxton to consider executive session to
discuss non-union and union personnel contracts not to return to open session.
Roll Call Results
Yes: Mr. Tallo, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Saxton, Mayor Scanlon
The meeting adjourned at 8:55pm.
Annemarie Cesa
Secretary
Regular Meeting
June 16, 2004
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