2006-03-08
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
March 8, 2006
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at the City
Council Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Mr. Latter, and
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 Brusil called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Ms. Decker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Discussion - Education Topic
This month’s education topic was “Interactive White Boards”. Ms. Brusil had suggested 4 URL’s for the
Committee Members to read and comment on if they wish. There was a lot of positive feed back from the
members and a few concerns as far as cost and if they are not used to their potential.
Recognitions - Such Other Matters (Kudos, Congratulations)
Ms. Brusil and Dr. Hayes recognized Caroline Mahoney, Senior at BHS, along with Dr. Scuzzarella. Caroline
has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non-Agenda-Related Items
None
Opportunity for Citizen Input into Agenda-Related Items
None
Technology Presentation
Ms. Brusil introduced Beverly Dolinski, Citizen Advisor on the Curriculum, Instruction and Student
Life Standing Committee and a member of the faculty at Endicott College and Kent Barclay,
Associate Dean of Academic Technology at Endicott College. Dr. Dolinski spoke about technology
and the expectations of students when they enter college. She had a handout with articles from The
Chronicle of Higher Education in which it outlined the technology skills the students have, what they
are expected to have and what is expected of the colleges. Another piece of the article was what type
of technology you should buy, cost of technology, and which students should be using this
technology. At this time Dr. Dolinski introduced Kent Barclay, Associate Dean of Academic
Technology.
Dean Barclay delivered a lengthy power point presentation on technology, the need for it and
planning for it. He covered many areas of technology in his presentation starting with Basic Tools,
Smart Classrooms, and Wireless laptops. He also discussed Blogs, ePortfolios, and Rich Media
Streaming. At the completion of his presentations he answered questions and took comments from
the Committee members.
Regular Meeting
March 8, 2006
Page 2
Records Of Meetings
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and second by Mr. Latter to approve the minutes of the regular
So voted.
meeting held on February 8, 2006 with two corrections.
Report From Student Representative
Emily O’Toole reported to the Committee on the latest events going on at Beverly High School. The
Ping Pong Club, founded last year, is tentatively planning their first real match against St. Johns Prep.
Emily will let us know when the date is announced. The winter sports pep rally that was held last
week went very well. The Drama Fest took place last weekend with a play written by Vanessa
Valdez, there were three acting awards given out to Shawn Curtis, Heather Goss, and Brittany Smith.
NEC Hockey Cheerleading meet is taking place tonight. “Beauty and the Beast” opens Thursday
evening and plays on through Sunday with an afternoon show.
Communications
??
Connect Ed
??
Dropout rate at BHS
??
Hot water at Briscoe
??
Ayers PTO, fundraising
??
Condition of lockers at Briscoe
??
Teams from Middlesex prison possibly doing some painting over the summer
??
Busses behind Briscoe
??
Sped concerns
??
BHS Jazz Band - Gold medal on to States
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Renaming Solar Now
Dr. Hayes requested that the School Committee join the Beverly City Council in approving the
renaming of the Solar Now at the High School to the “John Coleman Solar Now” project. A motion
was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Ms. Decker to rename Solar Now the “John Coleman Solar
So voted.
Now” project.
Naming Briscoe Middle School Auditorium
Dr. Hayes introduced Dr. Gerald Levinson, Writing Teacher at Briscoe Middle School. Dr. Levinson
had submitted a request to name the auditorium at the Briscoe Middle School the Virginia Goding
Memorial Auditorium. Dr. Levinson explained his reasons why he and some of his other coworkers
had made this request and felt that if approved in time it could be done at the National Junior Honor
Society Program. Dr. Hayes said that the policy calls for a forty-five (45) day period between an
initial announcement of a name change and the vote but should be able to deliver an answer by our
May meeting.
– BHS Spring Musical & Arts Festival
Beauty and the Beast
Dr. Hayes turned the microphone over to Mr. Richard King, Director of Fine Arts to talk about the
upcoming events. Mr. King told the committee that the Arts Festival would kick off with the BHS
Music Department’s presentation of “Beauty and the Beast”. The play will run from Thursday (3/9)
through Sunday (3/12) with an afternoon performance
Mr. King detailed the upcoming festivities during the Arts Festival 2006. Some of which are, An
Evening of Theatre, Gallery Tours, An Evening of Jazz, of Strings and AGEIS Evening of Spoken
Word. All of these events with the exception of the play are free.
Regular Meeting
March 8, 2006
Page 3
Adult Spelling Bee
Mr. King gave the details for the upcoming Adult Spelling Bee to be held on May 21st. This activity
is a fundraiser, which will raise money for professional development within the district. Mr. King
explained how this came about and referred to the packet he had given out that explained the
proposal, rules and procedures. He talked a little bit about the sample registration form and volunteer
form that was included in the packet.
Hannah Elementary School Accreditation
Dr. Hayes reported that the Hannah School Accreditation was conducted this week, with the arrival of the
visiting team on Sunday. Dr. Hayes said the School had done a terrific job of presenting the community to the
team through a wonderful video presentation followed by a terrific meal put on by the Hannah School parents.
The team finished up this week and we should have a draft report within a month’s time and the final report
sometime the end of May.
Principal Searches
Dr. Hayes said that the searches are nearing completion with the North Beverly Committee having chosen four
finalists. Dr. Hayes said he would make their selections public in the very near future. The Hannah Committee,
he reported, should be wrapping up their decisions and presenting the finalists to him as early as Thursday
morning. Interviews have already been set up for the North Beverly candidates. Dr. Hayes said that we are right
on track with this process and expect to have the Principals in place by early April.
The Briscoe search is on a slightly later track with the Committee formed and resumes being reviewed. Once
this is concluded they will decide who will be interviewed.
Briscoe Middle School Facility
Dr. Hayes highlighted Chris Rand’s report from the Joint Council meeting the previous evening. The
heating system restoration work is ongoing and should be completed by months end. The windows
will be the next project with one window per classroom being rehabbed. Hot water to the restrooms
is planned for the summer, if it is to be done at all. Dr. Hayes summarized Mr. Rand’s Summer
schedule that included: re-tubing and rebuilding of the other boiler, pump out interior and order an
inspection of the existing underground oil tank, fresh coat of paint in the gym, along with the
installation of bubble sky lights and repair and resurfacing of the gym floor. Also repair and restore
the auditorium ceiling and the last item is to install an Alpha I entry system for the rear loading bay
doors.
Briscoe Middle School – Make-up of Missed School Days
Dr. Hayes told the Committee that he had submitted a waiver for the four days missed at Briscoe due to the
flooding, but as expected, the Dept. of Education had declined. They did however say that another waiver
request could be submitted after the winter season, if in fact, all 5 snow days had been used. Dr. Hayes thought
he may submit a second request for waiver.
Beverly High School Construction Project
Dr. Hayes asked Mayor Scanlon to speak to this point. Mayor Scanlon summarized what he had reported to the
Joint Council meeting the previous evening. The City is working on hiring an owner’s project manager (OPM),
which in applying for this position an RFQ is submitted (request for qualifications) by the person and/or firm. A
committee has been formed to review the responses submitted by the OPM and rank them from best to worst.
When this process is completed Mayor Scanlon will then negotiate with that person and/or firm, if successful, a
contract will be signed, if not he will continue down the list of candidates.
Regular Meeting
March 8, 2006
Page 4
Connect Ed
Dr. Hayes said that we have entered into a contract with Connect Ed which will provide a web-based
communication system district-wide. The process of uploading data has begun and he is in the
process of scheduling trainings for Principals and other staff members. At the end of March there
will be a test of the system. Dr. Hayes said that it was through the generous support of many of the
School’s PTO’s that this contract was made possible. The Committee members had a few questions
about maintaining and updating data to this system.
Summer Academy Flyers
Dr. Hayes reported that the flyers for Summer Academy had been completed and sent out today.
Toyota Tapestry Grant
Dr. Hayes reported that he had just received notification that Dr. Mette Schwartz, Science teacher at
Briscoe Middle School had been the recipient of a $10,000 Toyota Tapestry Grant for the STEM
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program. This will be presented to her on April 6 in Anaheim, CA. Dr. Hayes congratulated Dr.
Schwartz on her all of her hard work.
April School Committee Meeting – rescheduled
Dr. Hayes said that we have a conflict with the date of the April School Committee meeting this being
the first night of Passover. Therefore we need to reschedule. Ms. Brusil asked if we could move the
Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting and hold the regular School Committee Meeting on
th
the evening of April 5. All of the members were in agreement.
Approval of Beverly School District Technology Plan
Dr. Hayes reported that he had included a letter from the Department of Education in which they
approved Beverly’s Technology Plan.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities: Paul Manzo, Chairperson
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Mr. Manzo reported that at the February 15 Finance and Facilities meeting there were no major
issues in any of the buildings. Mr. John Dunn, Treasurers Office for the City of Beverly spoke to the
Committee regarding revenues and expenditures.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve One half-time Intensive
Preschool ESP Aide at Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School (Cost not exceed $6,874, to be funded
So voted.
from contingency).
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Mr. Latter to declare a surplus several pieces of
So voted.
shop equipment currently stored in the Memorial Building.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Decker to make available for disposition
classrooms at the Memorial Building for possible lease to the Northshore Education Consortium, with
So voted.
the value and number of classrooms to be determined by the Superintendent.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life: Annemarie Cesa,
Chairperson
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Ms. Cesa reported that at their March 1 meeting they had a presentation from Miffy Somers, Bay
State Reading. She is working with Ayers on a Reading Pilot Program to help bring up reading
scores. Ms. Cesa said that Judy Miller had spoke to them about technology. The Committee had a
discussion about the school district as a whole drafting a new policy with regards to wellness. There
Regular Meeting
March 8, 2006
Page 5
were members of the Briscoe Middle School present at the meeting to talk about expressive arts and
scheduling.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the 2006-2007 School
So voted.
District Calendar.
Negotiations Subcommittee: Jim Latter, Chairperson
Discussed some issues with non-union personnel.
New Business
None
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
No questions at this meeting.
Ms. Brusil asked for a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to
collective bargaining with non-union personnel and not to return to open session. A motion was
made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter to go into Executive Session.
Roll Call Results:
Yes: Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Decker, Mr. Manzo, Mr. Manzi, Mayor Scanlon, and Mr. Latter.
Meeting adjourned 9:30
Maria Decker
Secretary