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2006-06-14 BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS June 14, 2006 A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, June 14, 2006, at the City Council Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA. Members Present: Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Mayor Scanlon, and Mr. Latter arrived at 7:20 Also in Attendance: Dr. James Hayes, Superintendent of Schools Heidi Zimmerman, Administrator of Finance & Operations Emily O’Toole, Student Representative Not in Attendance: Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent of Schools President Brusil called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Ms. Decker led the Pledge of Allegiance. Discussion - Education Topic - none Recognitions - Such Other Matters (Kudos, Congratulations) The first recognition of the evening was Emily O’Toole, a 2006 graduate of Beverly High School. Emily was recognized for her services as Student Representative to the Beverly School Committee for the 2005-06 school year. Emily is headed to Fairfield University in the fall Zachary Decker, a 2006 graduate of Beverly High School was recognized for his five years of service as a student representative to the Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee. Zachary is headed to Stonehill College in the fall. Dr. Hayes asked Barbara Fecteau, Library Media Specialist at Beverly High School to join him in recognizing, Amanda Lozada, Laura Trowt, Margery Luangrath, Nicole Greco, Hannah Howard, Britney Smith, Vanessa Valdes, and Chelsea Webster, all students at Beverly High School, for their volunteer efforts in raising nearly $200 for the purchase of graphic novels for the Library Media Center at Beverly High School. This is a project that the girls orchestrated on their own. Because of their efforts and hard work this prompted donations from the McKeown PTO and another librarian. Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil recognized Jackie Rapisardi, Principal of the Hannah Elementary School along with two of her teachers, Louise McKenna and Judy LaChance, who co-chaired the school’s Accreditation Steering Committee. Dr. Hayes said that due to all of their effort and hard work and Ms. Rapisardi’s leadership their application for accreditation to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges was a success. Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil along with Ms. Rapisardi recognized Allison Williams and Devan Imperiali. These two students from Hannah Elementary School were recognized for being two of the three state winners in their category for the “Savings Makes Cents” Contest. Dr. Hayes asked Ms. Pressman, Principal of the Cove Elementary School to join him in recognizing Mikayla th Bishop, a grade 5 student at Cove Elementary School. Mikayla won an award for her poem in the 7 Annual Peace Poetry Contest for 2006, organized by the Veterans for Peace. Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil recognized Heidi Zimmerman, Director of Finance and Operations for her service to the Beverly Public Schools. Ms. Zimmerman will be leaving the Beverly school system at the end of July to work in a similar position in the Carlisle Public School system, which is closer to her home. Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non-Agenda-Related Items None Regular Meeting June 14, 2006 Page 2 Opportunity for Citizen Input into Agenda-Related Items None Records of Meetings A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes of the Joint So voted. Council meeting held on April 28, 2006. A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes of the regular So voted. school committee meeting held on May 10, 2006. Report from Student Representative Emily O’Toole gave her final report as Student Representative. Emily said that the senior graduation took place last Sunday. The Up All Night party was a lot of fun, the theme was Movies. For the rest th of the high school, finals were to begin Thursday, June 15. Student senate elections had taken place for all grades. Emily then introduced Chris Bougas, the new student representative to the school committee. Ms. Brusil welcomed Chris and thanked Emily wishing her luck in her future endeavors. Communications: ?? Budget ?? Sped Department how we do testing ?? North Beverly Grade 5 class size ?? Connect Ed - concern might there be other ways to get the information ?? High School – need for one principal; three assistant principals th ?? 8 Grade trip – Chaperones & phone tree ?? Staff professional days – high number scheduled at end of year ?? Double-booking of school events i.e. underclassmen award night and middle school concert ?? Budget—crossing guards supported by public ?? Cuts in science tech engineering ?? Questioning tech ed.—is it in the budget ?? Question on status of project manager for BHS— the Mayor says interviews are scheduled for next week ?? McKeown PTO meeting – President emphasized the need for PTO to pick up the slack ?? Hannah PTO – one parent questioned priorities at high school wellness over science and math ?? Music program at Beverly High School – how change will effect the program ?? How city is spending lottery money ?? Briscoe – concerns over canceling classes; splitting classes at the high school ?? Encourage parents to get involved. ?? More accurate school calendar ?? Music and arts program ?? Reference to an article in the Salem News regarding Dean Eastman, retiring history teacher ?? How much money city is giving the schools ?? Crossing guards – school function weaning the numbers down ?? Four person teams at Briscoe ?? Concerns over two new assistant principals- similar backgrounds; better if wider diversity ?? Connect Ed – positive feedback, how great for seniors last week to get the news out about senior week. ?? Block scheduling ?? Graduation – BevCam new/different view it will be broadcasted on Channel 22 ?? Status of Owner’s Project Manager selection process for high school addition Ms. Brusil took this time to address the controversy over the $100,000 for technology. She said the opportunity arose during a conversation with the Mayor, Ms. Brusil asked him for money for Regular Meeting June 14, 2006 Page 3 technology and he said yes. She said she is not sorry she had asked the Mayor for money and that this money was given with the understanding that it was for technology only. In talking with the other members and Judy Miller it was decided together how the money would be used. The decision was it would go towards things that the District needs. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Approval of New England Academy Dr. Hayes explained that the New England Academy, a private special education school that has been established at the Cummings Center, and is required by the Department of Education to come before the School Committee for approval. Dr. Hayes asked Ryan Plosker, Executive Director and Founder to come to the podium and talk a little bit about the Academy. Mr. Plosker said that this has been a “life long dream” of his. He has seen, in the special education department, a large increase in kids having social and emotional disabilities but strong academic abilities. These kids are struggling in the public schools. Mr. Plosker said that he has completed the rigorous approval process with the Department of Education and he has gotten to where he needs to be and should be ready to open in the next month or two. Beverly was chosen as the site for this academy due to its central location. The students will be coming for areas such as: Concord- Carlisle, Winchester, Burlington, Andover, Melrose, No. Reading, and Peabody. After a short question and answer period Mr. Latter made a motion and Ms. Decker seconded the So voted. approval of the New England Academy. Naming Briscoe Middle School Auditorium Dr. Hayes reminded the Committee that back In March, Dr. Gerald Levinson, Writing Teacher at Briscoe Middle School, submitted a request to name the auditorium at the Briscoe Middle School the Virginia Goding Memorial Auditorium. With the forty-five (45) day waiting period behind us he informed the Committee that a vote could be taken. Dr. Hayes said that there would be a ceremony in the fall. Mayor Scanlon motioned and Mr. Manzo seconded that the Briscoe Auditorium be named So voted. the Virginia Goding Memorial Auditorium. School Committee Meeting Schedule – Fall 2006 Dr. Hayes brought forward the schedule of School Committee meetings for the fall, which also includes several dates for meetings of the School Committee of the Whole. There was a question as to why it is Wednesday night; one reason being that Monday evening would be a conflict with City Council and Wednesday seemed to work well. A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by So voted. Mr. Latter to approve the calendar. Schedule will be posted on the web site. FY07 Budget Development Dr. Hayes said that the current status of the FY07 budget is that it has been submitted to the City Council. City Council has held one public hearing and a second hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 19, 2006. Formal action by both the City Council and School Department are scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, 2006. Dr. Hayes took a few minutes to talk a little bit about the status of the budget. Regarding class sizes – the reason things are not solved right away is because there are enrollment changes, monitoring, and conferring with principals. By doing it in this way it is good sound management of our dollars. Dr. Hayes said he had a meeting with the Briscoe administration during which they discussed next years scheduled, three person teams, teachers teaching in their subject areas and also reported that they have done an excellent job in planning out the expressive arts classes, such that all students will be exposed to all expressive arts classes during their middle school years. Regular Meeting June 14, 2006 Page 4 Dr. Hayes talked about math at the high school and that a decision had been made to reduce one more wellness teacher, two in total, and one fewer (only one) math teacher. They were able to move the wellness person to a position at the middle school. Dr. Hayes went over his hand out that listed the Administrative position cuts since FY01. Beverly High School Construction Project With regards to the High School construction project, Dr. Hayes said that the Mayor had already addressed those questions tonight. Long Range Enrollment Projections Dr. Hayes said included with your packet is a final copy of the Long Range Enrollment Projections Report. This report was prepared for the Beverly Public Schools by the Merrimack Education Center. MSBA School Facilities Needs Survey Dr. Hayes included the Final Report of the School Facilities Needs Survey as well as a detailed copy of the facilities ratings for each of our school buildings. Report of the Visiting Committee to Hannah Elementary School Dr. Hayes said that that the final copy of the Report of the Visiting Committee to the Hannah Elementary School is included. This report is very complimentary of the school’s efforts and hard work as was described earlier in the evening when he had recognized Principal Jackie Rapisardi, Judy LaChance and Louise McKenna. Northshore Recovery High School Dr. Hayes took this time to bring Committee members up to date on the status of the Recovery High School. He reported that a principal had been chosen. She is Michelle Lipinski, coming from Salem High School Alternative Program. Ms. Lipinski impressed them right from the start as the “right person for the job”. Dr. Hayes reported that painting had started at the facility and an orientation was held on June 13, where people were invited to tour the site and ask questions. Dr. Hayes related that he had talked with a parent from Salem who was thrilled with this facility and not having to travel to another state. Report from the School Committee President Nancy Brusil At this point in the meeting Ms. Brusil spoke about the Superintendent’s evaluation. She said that the School Committee spent April and May conducting this evaluation. Included in the packet was an outline of the evaluation process and rating scale. Ms. Decker explained that there are seventy-nine items on which Dr. Hayes is evaluated and it is broken down into categories. They are: ?? Educational Leadership Indicators ?? Curriculum & Instruction Indicators ?? Fiscal, Business and Facilities Indicators ?? Planning and Organization Indicators ?? Personnel Relations Indicators ?? Community Relation Indicators ?? School Committee Relations Indicators ?? Personal Leadership Indicators Ms. Decker explained the “Key” used to rate Dr. Hayes with 1 – being Superior through 6 – being Don’t know and/or Not Observed. Dr. Hayes’ evaluation was completed by the 6 ward representatives; Mayor Scanlon did not participate in the evaluation process. At this point committee members took their turn in commenting; good, bad, or in need of improvement on the job that Dr. Hayes was doing. When they finished Ms. Brusil thanked Dr. Hayes for all of his efforts and hard work. Ms. Brusil said she is very glad Dr. Hayes is here. Regular Meeting June 14, 2006 Page 5 Dr. Hayes took a moment to thank the Committee for what he felt was a very fair evaluation and felt it was comforting that they all saw him in the same way. Committee Reports Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities: Paul Manzo, Chairperson rd Mr. Manzo said the committee met on May 23, 2006. The meeting started off with the monthly Buildings and Grounds report; followed by a report from Crossfield Engineering which talked about oil to gas conversion in the Briscoe and Memorial buildings. With regards to Briscoe they discussed the recent problem with the flooding on Cabot Street; air quality testing was completed – no problem, windows done. Also discussed was the final fiscal ’06 budget numbers. st The Finance and Facilities Committee will meet again on June 21 at 7 pm. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life: Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson Ms. Cesa reported at their last meeting on May 31, 2006 they discussed the School Safety policy, Dibles data and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life, a motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the policy on “Wellness” So voted. (Section J: Students). The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life recommends the attached policy regarding “Food Safety” (Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments) for a first reading. th The second reading, which will take place at our August 30 meeting, will require a majority vote of approval by the School Committee. New Business At this time in the meeting Ms. Brusil said that Mayor Scanlon would like to address the Committee. Mayor Scanlon presented to the Committee the information he had compiled concerning the budget. Mayor Scanlon reported the effort made to prevent BHS from losing is accreditation; $65 million approved to fund High School project; advising Superintendent and School Committee repeatedly that school budgets would have a 3-3.5% increase cap annually; largest single school budget increase in dollars in Beverly’s history. The Mayor also reflected that when he first became Mayor in 1994, a number of the city functions needed reorganization and this was done through streamlining. Mayor Scanlon reported that the school business manager is leaving and that the school maintenance manager reports to her. “Therefore tonight I formally request that the School Committee transfer the responsibility and management of these two functions to the City with an effective date of August 1, 2006.” He went on to say “absent an override, if I am unable to recapture the $800,000 discussed earlier and use it for high school debt service, there can be no school project and accreditation will be lost. This is very serious business.” In closing Mayor Scanlon said, “Tonight I am asking you to join me in finding better and more efficient ways to administer our schools so that we can preserve our resources and use them to better education our children. With that said, Ms. Brusil responded, “wow”. Dr. Hayes responded by telling the Mayor that to move those departments is a control issue and would be greatly inefficient. Dr. Hayes went on to say that Ms. Zimmerman’s position is one that is called on daily and at times hourly, along with Mr. Rand our Director of Buildings and Grounds. These positions need to be right where they are, as part of the school department. Another frustration Dr. Hayes reported was having brought to the table with the mayor, the issue of health insurance and getting nowhere. Regular Meeting June 14, 2006 Page 6 A very lengthy and at times heated question, comments, and discussion period took place. At the st end it was decided to add a School Committee of the Whole meeting to follow the June 21 Finance and Facilities meeting to discuss these issues. Opportunity for Questions from the Press Martina Brendal from the Salem News had a few questions with regards to Heidi Zimmerman and John Dunn’s salary and what the saving would be if brought over to the City side. Meeting adjourned at 10:10pm. Maria Decker Secretary