2004-07-19BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
July 19, 2004
A special meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Monday, July 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 7:30 PM.
Dr. Hayes led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Cronin opened by stating that this special meeting was called to consider the selection of
a Superintendent for the Beverly Public Schools. This meeting has been necessitated because
of an opinion by the special counsel for the District Attorney’s office that the procedure
followed by this Committee prior to electing Dr. James J. Hayes as Superintendent at the
th
public portion of the June 29 meeting was not in keeping with the provisions of the state
Open Meeting Law. We will abide by that opinion and proceed with this order of business at
this open meeting.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non-Agenda-Related Items
No comments at this meeting.
Rescission of the vote to hire Dr. James J. Hayes, Jr. as the Superintendent of Schools
A motion to rescind the vote of June 29, 2004 to offer Dr. James J. Hayes, Jr. the position of
Superintendent of Schools contingent upon successful contract negotiations was made by Ms.
Gordon and seconded by Ms. Brusil.
Roll Call results:
Yes: Mr. Tallo, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Saxton, Mayor Scanlon
Dr. Hayes introduced himself and provided the public with background of his experience in
education, beginning in 1970 as a math teacher. Through the years Dr. Hayes served as a
math and science department head, assistant principal, director of computer education, high
school principal and 5 years as Assistant Superintendent in Beverly.
Opportunity for Citizen Input into Agenda-Related Items
Ms. Virginia Coburn, former School Committee Chair, spoke of her impressions of Dr.
Hayes during her tenure on the Committee. During her time working with Dr. Hayes, she
found him to be intelligent, articulate, and loyal to the district. She mentioned that she feels
fortunate that Dr. Hayes has chosen Beverly, and that his experience as a classroom teacher
and principal will be helpful in his role as Superintendent.
Mr. Ken Follette questioned the necessity of hiring administrative positions in view of the
current budget situation and cuts throughout the district. Mr. Follette also suggested
Regular Meeting
July 19, 2004
Page 2
developing a plan to consolidate, sell or find other uses for any “extra” elementary school
buildings not currently in use.
In response, Ms. Cronin stated that during the past 6-month budget process, the Committee
reviewed every item. Two administrative positions, Athletic Director and Fine Arts Director,
have been restructured. One Assistant Superintendent was eliminated a few years ago, and
the business office has been reduced by one position. Regarding facilities, the 6 new
elementary schools built in the city are delivering an excellent education for the students of
Beverly. The future of the McKay School building will need to be determined, and decisions
need to be made with an eye toward long-term benefit for the city.
Jay Coburn stated that he feels Dr. Hayes is a strong candidate and he looks forward to his
tenure as Superintendent. Mr. Coburn feels the district has made considerable progress over
the last several years, and he would like to see that progress continue. Commenting about the
process, Mr. Coburn stressed he felt reasonable to take a straw poll, but that it was a wise
decision to go back in the spirit of the law and hold these discussions in public. He applauds
the effort taken to debate and discuss in public, and feels that an open search is not the best
use of tax dollars. He thanked the Committee for the care given to this important decision.
Mr. Bill Cahill, former School Committee Chair, encouraged appointment of Dr. Hayes as
Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Cahill mentioned that it was a pleasure working with Dr.
Hayes, and that he feels Dr. Hayes is the best candidate. Mr. Cahill has participated in the
search for a Superintendent in the past. He stressed that you are only aware of information
provided in a resume, letters of recommendation and interviews. Dr. Hayes has fulfilled his
obligations in Beverly with outstanding results.
Ms. Anne Seker-Walker is a parent and substitute teacher in the district, as well as an
administrator in a former position. Ms. Seker-Walker mentioned that she personally owes
Dr. Hayes a debt of thanks for manner in which he handled a situation she encountered, that
she appreciated the speed in which Dr. Hayes dealt with this situation. From the perspective
of a Beverly citizen, someone with his intellect, speed, and style would be an ideal
Superintendent, and she strongly endorses hiring Dr. Hayes in this capacity.
Selection of a Superintendent of Schools
A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Mr. Tallo to offer Dr. James Hayes, Jr.
the position of Superintendent of Schools contingent upon the successful settlement of
contract terms.
Committee members spoke of their feelings that Dr. Hayes is the right candidate, one who is
already involved in the district. Succession planning or promotion from within the ranks
makes sense in this situation. The past few months, during recent budget development, Dr.
Hayes consistently answered questions, offered explanations, and rose to the challenge by
acting in the best interest of the district. Ms. Cronin thanked the public for taking the time to
support Dr. Hayes. She stressed that comments throughout the city have been consistent in
this message. Dr. Hayes has impressed the Committee with his grasp of the goals they want
to achieve. He has been instrumental in the progress the district has made over the past 5
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July 19, 2004
Page 3
years, and has demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence, always looking for the best
situation for the success of every student.
Roll Call results:
Yes: Mayor Scanlon, Mr. Tallo, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Saxton
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
No questions at this meeting.
A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Ms. Gordon to adjourn at 8:25pm.
Annemarie Cesa
Secretary