Loading...
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 Regular Meeting June 16, 2004 Page 4 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 Regular Meeting 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 Page 7