2005-12-16 (2)
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
December 14, 2005
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, December 14, 2005,
at the City Council Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Saxton, Mr.
Tallo
Members Not Present: Mayor Scanlon
Also in Attendance: Dr. James Hayes, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Heidi Zimmerman, Administrator of Finance & Operations
Emily O’Toole, Student Representative
President Cronin called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Emily O’Toole led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Recognitions of Students, Employees and Community Members
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Cronin recognized Mr. Headley, Technology Teacher at
Beverly High School, for his recent certification according to the standards of
the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
Also recognized were the outgoing citizen representatives, serving on the
Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Subcommittee, Janet Cahalin and
Paula Piraino. Serving on the Finance and Facilities Subcommittee, Joan
Davenport and Paul Manzo.
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Cronin then recognized Mr. Leroy “Red” Hutt for all of his
hard work and dedication to the students and Athletic Department at Beverly
High School.
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Cronin recognized the Beverly High School, Fall 2005 NEC
All Stars and Award winners.
The last to be recognized were the outgoing School Committee Members, Ms.
Saxton, Ms. Gordon, Mr. Tallo, Ms. Cronin for their great contributions to the
Beverly Public Schools.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non-Agenda-Related Items
None
Opportunity for Citizen Input into Agenda-Related Items
None
RECORDS OF MEETINGS
A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve the minutes of the
So voted.
regular meeting held on November 16, 2005 with one correction.
Regular Meeting
December 14, 2005
Page 2
REPORT FROM STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Emily O’Toole reported that the Carole Singers, Strings and Vocal Ensemble had performed
at several nursing homes. Also that the Vocal Ensemble was scheduled to perform at
Thomas Ford Toys for Tots Drive. WBOQ was going to be recording them and playing it
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live on the air from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 12/16/05 Ms. O’Toole also told the
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committee that the all of the City Strings were performing Tuesday December 20 at 7:00
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p.m. and the Winter Concert would take place on Thursday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m. both
at Beverly High School.
Ms. O’Toole reported that there were two student concerns with regards to the parking lot
and walkways after the snow storm. Some of the parking spaces, in the lower lot, were not
completely plowed, and that the lot was icy. There were also some walkway areas that
needed to be sanded too.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Saxton – Had a few calls regarding the parents afternoon back at Briscoe.
Ms. Gordon – none
Ms. Cesa – Also had calls regarding the parent’s afternoon back. Calls regarding the school
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calendar thought it would have been better if December 23 was an early release for people
who might be traveling for the holidays.
Mr. Tallo – Comments about Briscoe.
Ms. Brusil – No communications but commented on the fall play at Beverly High School
“The Matchmaker” what a wonderful time she had and what an excellent job the students had
done. Also, two of the lights were out in the lower parking lot and they need to be replaced.
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Ms. Cronin – commented on the 1 Annual Briscoe Middle School Winter Concert, what a
nice event it was and what a great job the music department did pulling it together.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Action Items
Overnight Field Trip Proposal
Dr. Hayes introduced the following staff from Briscoe Middle School to talk about the
upcoming Nature’s Classroom field trip, Ms. Jenko, Associate Principal, Mr. Goncalves,
Assistant Principal and Mr. Hughes, Social Studies Teacher.Mr. Goncalves explained that
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the trip is scheduled for Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 7. There will be three teams
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of 6 grade students participating, two teams (6A & 6C) will be going to Freedom, NH and
the other team (6B) will be going to Charlton, MA. Mr. Goncalves spoke of last year’s trip
and how successful it was and this year’s agenda. Mr. Hughes reported that this trip started
back in 1975 and what a great experience it is for the students. Ms. Jenko echoed the same
feelings.
There were questions from the Committee around the cost of the trip, the activities and how
they choose which ones the students participate in, and also the list of equipment the children
have to bring and if cost is an issue how that is handled.
Regular Meeting
December 14, 2005
Page 3
A motion was made by Ms. Saxton to approve the Nature’s Classroom overnight field trip
So voted
and seconded by Ms. Gordon.
Dr. Hayes then complimented the Briscoe staff on how well they have come together as a
team during the absence of Principal Rhonda Gauthier and what a great job they are doing.
Acceptance of High School HVAC Project
Dr. Hayes explained that a formal vote was needed for acceptances of the HVAC Major
Repair Project and that this is part of the process for the SBA reimbursement. Dr. Hayes
explained further that this is for boiler work and replacement of the boiler, done back in
2003. A motion was made by Ms. Brusil to accept the HVAC Repair Project and seconded
So Voted.
by Mr. Tallo.
Reappointment of Beverly’s Representative to the North Shore Regional Vocational
District (NSRV) School Committee.
Dr. Hayes explained that included in the packet was a letter of recommendation from Mayor
Scanlon to reappoint Mr. Dean Porteous to represent Beverly to the NSRV District School
Committee. Ms. Saxton made a motion to reappoint Mr. Porteous to represent Beverly to the
So voted.
NSRV District School Committee and was seconded by Ms. Cesa.
School Committee Meeting Schedule
Dr. Hayes referenced the revised Spring 2006 School Committee Schedule that was included
in the packet for adoption. Ms. Gordon motioned that the 2006 School Committee Schedule
So voted.
be approved and seconded by Ms. Cesa.
Foreign Exchange Trip Guidelines
At this time Dr. Hayes spoke of the guidelines around alcohol on foreign exchange trips. He
reviewed the concerns as to whether a permission form signed by parents, for students, to
have an “occasional glass of wine and/or beer only in the presence of the trip’s sponsor
and/or the host family” should be included in the packet. Dr. Hayes explained that there
were some members of the School Committee that felt that this should not be a part of the
foreign exchange trips just because it was legal in the country in which they were visiting.
Dr. Hayes then referenced a letter from our Attorney, Naomi Stonberg, that this issue is not a
legal matter but a policy decision.
A lengthy discussion followed with pros and cons from the School Committee members.
Ms. Cronin explained that there are options and they are; leave as is, modify depending on
the wording; or to be silent on the issue and don’t include it in the packet. The members then
had many questions and views on allowing drinking on a school sponsored trip both for and
against.
A motion was then made by Ms. Saxton to modify the existing policy and seconded by Ms.
Cesa. A vote was then taken which ended up in a tie so the motion was defeated.
Informational Items
MSBA Survey of School Facilities
Regular Meeting
December 14, 2005
Page 4
Dr. Hayes explained that the MSBA will be accepting applications for a new construction
project in July ’07 and that the MSBA will be conducting a needs survey of every facility in
the state. Dr. Hayes explained that they have contacted us and will be out to visit our
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facilities starting Monday, December 19 through Wednesday, December 21. Dr. Hayes
then reviewed the attached letter from the MSBA and what items they will want us to supply
them with.
Dr. Hayes explained that we are in the process of pulling all the information together and that
on Monday Mr. Rand will be escorting the Representative from MSBA to tour our buildings.
There were a few questions about the background of the representative they are sending and
Dr. Hayes stated that it is a Company out of Ohio and it is just one person from that
company.
Update on Appealing the High School Accreditation
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Dr. Hayes explained that we have submitted the appeal document as of November 30 and
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that this will go to the Appeals Committee and they will consider it on January 4, 2006.
Dr. Hayes then explained that the other path for appeal is “new evidence”. He has been
working on this with Mr. Rand, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Ms. Scuzzarella,
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Principal Beverly High School and the Mayor and it will be ready on the 19 of December.
Copies will be forwarded to the Members at that time. Dr. Hayes explained that included in
the appeal is a game plan of what we will do with/for the students until we are in a new
building.
At this point Ms. Cronin commended Dr. Hayes and Dr. Scuzzarella on the appeal document.
Ms. Cronin felt the document hit the issues head on and addressed the academic excellence
of the students.
Update on BHS Design
Dr. Hayes reported that we have hired a company to do a demographic study and that he
believed that by the end of the week we should have an RFQ published seeking architects
who are interested in this project.
Dr. Hayes then reported on a professional day, in early November, he spent at Beverly High
School. He explained that teams had been formed and sent out to new high schools around
the state and in New Hampshire. Their job was to see what worked and what didn’t work for
the staff in these schools. Then on this professional day they broke up into departments and
presented their finding of what they liked and didn’t like. Dr. Hayes reported that he and Dr.
Galinski took part in these presentations and found the information to be very helpful. There
are still some departments that need to present. Ms. Brusil asked that they let the committee
know when the next meeting is so if available they could attend.
Update on Middle School Facility
Dr. Hayes reported that he had met with Mr. Goncalves, Assistant Principal, Mr. Rand,
Director of Buildings and Grounds, Mr. Collins, Public Works, and Mr. Goldberg regarding
Regular Meeting
December 14, 2005
Page 5
heating and ventilation issues. They discussed a game plan on the next steps for Briscoe
Middle School. Dr. Hayes reported that the boilers are up and running but still need some
work. He also said they discussed pneumatic controls, and suggested getting someone who is
familiar with pneumatic controls to try to get the system working properly.
There was a question from Ms. Gordon regarding cost. Dr. Hayes said that he and the Mayor
had discussed the cost and if the need was there the city would be there to help us.
The other item Dr. Hayes spoke of was ventilation and the windows at Briscoe. Dr. Hayes
said we are going to bring in a company to replace the sash in the windows so they can be
opened easily.
Dr. Hayes talked about the hot water in the bathrooms and that they are looking into getting
hot water to those bathrooms. All drinking fountains in the school will be replaced. Also
there is a classroom in the basement where there is some water infiltration and that issue is
being addressed.
The last two items Dr. Hayes addressed was a drain issue near the gym and that there was
suds coming up through the drain. A clothes washer has been removed which seems to have
remedied the problem. The last item was an air quality test that took place on Monday
(12/14) afternoon and we are awaiting the results of that test.
The last item Dr. Hayes talked about was the need for new Citizen Advisors to replace the
four outgoing members.
Ms. Brusil requested that Dr. Hayes publish his comments on the “Listening Tour” on our
web site which Dr. Hayes said he would do.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities: Mike Tallo, Chairperson
Mr. Tallo reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on November 22, 2005.
They had a Connect Ed Presentation and also discussed at that meeting were the issues of
bussing with regards to the Swan, Mason, Lyman Streets, and Sohier Road bus routes.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion
was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve one half-time ESP at
So voted.
Centerville Kindergarten (not to exceed $7,732; paid from a grant).
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 one ESP at North Beverly
So voted.
Grade 1 Inclusion classroom (not to exceed $15,464).
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 policy regarding
So voted.
“Building Maintenance” (Section E: Support Services).
Regular Meeting
December 14, 2005
Page 6
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 policy regarding
So voted.
“Building Security” (Section E: Support Services).
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life: Annemarie Cesa,
Chairperson
Ms. Cesa gave a summary of their last meeting. Mr. Novak, Beverly High School Band
Teacher, spoke about the Marching Band and that they will not be participating in marching
band competitions for the upcoming 06-07 school year. This is due to the enormous amount
of time the students have to commit to for practicing, etc. This issue will be re-evaluated in
one year.
Also, Dr. Galinski reported the results for the Rigby testing. Other items discussed; update
on Youth Risk Survey and Advanced Placement Comparison of Schools.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and
Student Life a motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve the
So voted.
policy regarding “Student Safety” (Section J:” Students).
Negotiations: Karen Saxton, Chairperson
Upon the recommendation of the Negotiations Committee a motion was made by Ms. Saxton
and seconded by Mr. Tallo to approve the policy regarding “Professional Staff Vacations &
So voted.
Holidays” (Section G: Personnel).
Upon the recommendation of the Negotiations Committee a motion was made by Ms. Saxton
and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve the policy regarding “Access to Personnel Files”
So voted.
(Section G: Personnel).
Upon the recommendation of the Negotiations Committee a motion was made by Ms. Saxton
and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the policy regarding “Recruitment and Selection of
So voted.
Personnel” (Section G: Personnel).
Upon the recommendation of the Negotiations Committee a motion was made by Ms. Saxton
and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the policy regarding “Non-School Employment”
The vote was 4 approved 1 opposed.
(Section G: Personnel).
Upon the recommendation of the Negotiations Committee a motion was made by Ms. Saxton
and seconded by Mr. Tallo to delete “Long-Term Substitute Teacher Pay” (Section G:
So voted.
Personnel) as a policy.
Policy: Nancy Brusil, Chairperson
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms.
Brusil and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the policy regarding “School Committee Powers
and Duties; Relationship with the Superintendent” (Section B: School Committee
So voted.
Governance & Operations).
Regular Meeting
December 14, 2005
Page 7
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms.
Brusil and seconded by Ms. Gordon to approve the policy regarding “Public Concerns and
So voted.
Complaints” (Section K: Community Relations).
Questions from the Press
none.
Consider Executive Session
A motion was made by Mr. Tallo and seconded by Ms. Brusil to consider executive session
to discuss strategy with respect to litigation regarding a grievance and to hear an appeal
regarding a student matter and not to return to open session.
Roll call results:
Yes: Ms. Cronin, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Saxton, Mr. Tallo, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa
Absent: Mayor Scanlon
Meeting adjourned 9:10 p.m.
Annemarie Cesa
Secretary