2004-06-29BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
June 29, 2004
A special meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Tuesday, June 29, 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.
Mayor Scanlon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Communications
Ms. Cronin spoke about some confusion surrounding the implementation of the summer
reading program at Beverly High School. She explained that while reviewing the budget,
a recommendation was made by administration to delete the $9,000 teacher stipends for
administering tests during the summer months and to have the testing completed in
another manner once school resumed in the fall. As a result of a misunderstanding, a
decision was made by the school to eliminate the program. Following further review and
budget cuts in other areas, the committee has reinstated the $9,000 teacher stipends, and
the reading program will be implemented as in the past.
Ms. Cronin informed the committee that she has received a letter from Dr. Wiley at
Endicott College along with a $10,000 gift toward the elementary math program. Ms.
Cronin extended special thanks to Councilor Kevin Hobin for the preliminary
groundwork surrounding this donation on behalf of Beverly Public Schools.
FY05 Budget
Members expressed their frustrations and disappointment with this year’s budget allocation. They
stressed that reductions have been spread throughout the district, and there are no one-time
revenues included in this budget. Some members mentioned they do not believe this budget can be
balanced at the end of FY05. In particular, Ms. Brusil expressed concern with the $150,000 cut in
utilities, but Mayor Scanlon assured the committee that the city will make up the difference if we
do not attain the savings estimated. Ms. Gordon is concerned about incorrect assumptions of
anticipated revenues. Members thanked citizens for their input, and stressed that they intend to
keep the public informed as the year progresses.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities, a motion was
made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Saxton to approve the FY05 budget in the amount of
$38,720,300 as presented. So voted, with Ms. Gordon opposed.
Regular Meeting
June 29, 2004
Page 2
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 return to open session.
Roll Call Result:
Yes: Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Saxton, Mayor Scanlon, Mr. Tallo, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa
The meeting adjourned to executive session 7:40pm.
The meeting resumed at 8:50pm.
Appointment of Superintendent
Ms. Cronin spoke of the committee’s confidence in the ability of Dr. Hayes to continue to
provide the outstanding leadership demonstrated during his five-year tenure in Beverly.
She also spoke of Dr. Hayes’ creativity in problem solving, the implementation of an
integrated and broad curriculum, as well as his commitment to excellence.
A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Ms. Gordon to offer Dr. James J.
Hayes, Jr. the position of Superintendent contingent upon successful negotiations of
contract terms.
Roll Call Results:
Yes: Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Saxton, Mayor Scanlon, Mr.
Tallo.
Dr. Hayes expressed his thanks to the committee for their confidence and accepted the
position of Superintendent, contingent upon successful negotiations of contract terms.
Appointment of Acting Assistant Superintendent
Following discussion of the need for additional assistance during the summer months, Dr.
Hayes indicated that he would appoint an individual to fill the position of Acting
Assistant Superintendent for the remainder of the summer once the Superintendent
contract is completed.
A motion was made by Ms. Saxton and seconded by Mr. Tallo to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 8:55pm.
Annemarie Cesa
Secretary