2007-01-10
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY,MASSACHUSETTS
January 10, 2007
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, January 10, 2007, in the City Council
Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present:
Ms. Brusil, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Mr. Latter, Ms. Cesa, and Mayor
Scanlon
Also in Attendance:
Dr. James Hayes, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Ms. Joan Liporto, Director of Finance & Operations
Christopher Bougas, Student Representative
President Brusil called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Ms. Cesa led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Discussion - Education Topic
Ms. Brusil asked the committee members for their thoughts/comments on the December 18, 2006 report
published in TIME Magazine entitled "How to Bring Our Schools Out of the 20th Century". A brief
discussion followed.
Recognitions - Such other Matters (Kudos, Congratulations)
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil asked Mr. Jon Longley, Athletic Director, to join them in recognizing the following
Beverly High School Fall 2006 NEC All Stars and Athletic Award Winners:
Football - Dan Bauer - Varsitv Head Coach - Lvnn Item "Coach of the Year"
Pat Bailey - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
Northeastern Conference Co MVP
Lynn Item "Scholar Athlete of the Year"
Boston Globe "All Scholastic"
Boston Herald "All Scholastic"
Salem Evening News "Co-Player of the Year"
Northeastern Conference All Star
Northeastern Conference All Star
Salem Evening News "All Star"
Northeastern Conference All Star
Salem News "All Star"
Nick Traicoff - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
David Mock - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
Greg Pierce - Junior Boston Globe Division 2A "All Star"
Arthur Irzyk - Northeastern Conference "Assistant Football Coach of the Year"
Field Hockev - Julie Flachs - Varsitv Coach
Emily Traicoff - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
Salem News "All Stars"
Northeastern Conference All Star
Salem News "All Stars"
Bovs Soccer - Kevin Leahv - Varsitv Coach
Erik Melanson - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
Salem News "All Star"
Eastern Mass "All Star"
Alex Boches - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
Freddy Gonzales - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
Wesley Harrison - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
Team Northeastern Conference All Star Sportsmanship Award
Girls Soccer - Kristin Macdonald - Varsitv Coach
Alyssa Accomando - Junior Northeastern Conference All Star
Lauren Bolger - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
Daryl Powell - Sophomore Northeastern Conference All Star
Tennis - Karen Corcoran - Varsitv Coach
Sabrina Salmela - Sophomore Northeastern Conference All Star 1st Team Singles
Kevin Thomasson - Senior
J. Michael Nardella - Senior
Nate Verry - Senior
Sunnie King - Senior
Meghan Corcoran - Junior
Amanda Krugman - Junior
Northeastern Conference Player of the Year
Salem News" Player of the Year"
Northeastern Conference All Star 2nd Team Singles (3rd Place)
Northeastern Conference All Star 2nd Team Doubles
Salem News "All Star"
Northeastern Conference All Star 2nd Team Doubles
Salem News "All Star"
Jamie Sebastian - Senior Northeastern Conference Honorable Mention
Golf - Tom Smith - Varsitv Coach
Jordan Luangrath - Junior Northeastern Conference All Star
Kevin Hayes - Senior Northeastern Conference All Star
Salem News "All Star"
Bovs Cross Countrv Track - David Jellerson - Varsitv Coach
Jason Kruczynski - Junior Northeastern Conference All Star
Girls Cross Countrv Track - David Jellerson - Varsitv Coach - "Coach of the Year"
Kasey Kluge - Junior Northeastern Conference All Star
Northeastern Conference All Star MVP
Salem News "All Star"
Northeastern Conference All Star
Salem News "All Star"
Northeastern Conference All Star
Northeastern Conference All Star
Northeastern Conference All Star
Gina Pinciaro - Sophomore
Kelly O'Connor - Sophomore
Brenna Bailey - Freshman
Jessica Settles - Senior
Millie Chapman - Freshman
Student Assistance Counselor - Briscoe Middle School
Dr. Hayes reported on the partnership the Beverly Public Schools has formed with Endicott College by
summarizing some things that are already happening with Endicott - student teachers, internships, sharing
of space at Endicott and joint ventures through grants.
Last summer Dr. Hayes said that he and Dr. Wylie had met to try to put a more significant partnership in
place. Dr. Hayes said that when the two middle schools were consolidated they felt there was a great need
for a counselor for at-risk students. The budget being what it was there was no money to fund that position.
This is where the partnership came into play with Endicott College. At this time Dr. Hayes introduced Dr.
Richard Wylie, President of Endicott College. Dr. Wylie said that it was a privilege to be here tonight and
with much support and appreciation Endicott College commits $100,000 for the Youth at Risk Program over
the next two years at the Briscoe Middle School.
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the Student Assistance
Counselor position at the Briscoe Middle School. So voted.
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. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Manzi to approve the minutes of the regular school
committee meeting held on December 13, 2006 with one change. So voted.
Report from Student Representative
Chris Bougas reported on the following events: At the second Student Advisory Committee meeting, held
tonight, they discussed the following: how the auditorium and tennis courts would be taken into
consideration with the high school construction project; senior dues - they would like to see it spread out
over four years not only senior year; The National Honor Society had a successful can drive for Beverly
Bootstraps; the Swim Team's pancake breakfast fundraiser will be Saturday; and the Wrestling Program is
off to a good start. Chris said he and Jhenna Louis had been chosen to attend Deval Patrick's Youth
Inauguration with Dr. Scuzzarella.
Communications
. Citywide Strings Concert -- music was stunning.
. Recycling in the schools -- where to go with questions, Dr. Hayes said that he thinks all the schools are
working hard on this effort and any concerns should go to the building principals.
. Parent called concerned with the placement of special ed buses during pick-up at Briscoe. The
children are walking in front of them to cross the street. Dr. Hayes said he would follow up on it.
. Briscoe concern with lack of science labs especially at the 8th grade level.
. Calls from both parents and students upset with the cancellation of the annual 8th grade End of the
Year trip at Briscoe.
. Principal's coffee at Briscoe was a great success, over one hundred turned out and parents were very
pleased. Move-up day will be take place on January 31 st at 7:00 p.m. at which time current 5th
graders and their parents and will have a chance to tour the building.
. PTO meetings: No. Beverly - enrichment programs and upcoming reading festival
McKeown - enrichment programs, questions concerning the condition of the Briscoe
building, outreach to parents with younger children.
Hannah - concerns over low level of fund raising
Cove School lunch - not enough time to finish - Mr. Manzo found it to be an orderly
process, well organized, and should the student need additional time they can stay
behind. Concerns at drop off, people in too much of a hurry they need to put the
children's safety first.
. Congratulations to Briscoe and Beverly High School Winter Concerts for job well done - fabulous!
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Evaluation of Unit A Employees
Dr. Hayes reported that the Teacher Evaluation, included in the packet, has been ratified by the Teachers
Association and now needs the approval of the Committee. A motion was made by Mr. Latter and
seconded by Mr. Manzi to approve the Teacher Supervision and Evaluation Handbook. So voted.
Overnight Field Trip - Great Britain
Dr. Hayes said that, Mr. Leahy, Social Studies teacher from Beverly High School, was in attendance and
would update the Committee on the field trip to Great Britain taking place April 1 0 through April 21, 2007.
Mr. Leahy reported that there are 18 students attending at a cost of $3,271.00; this number is down from 25,
most due to sport's involvement and others due to the cost. Mr. Leahy told the committee that along with
the four chaperones there would be a tour guide who would be with them 24 hours a day. The students, he
said, have received a travel packet and journal. After answering some questions from Committee members
Mr. Leahy said he will be meeting with the students every other week and as the trip draws closer every
week to make sure all details are worked out.
BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Hayes said that the construction project is moving forward on two fronts - a copy of the Educational
Specifications was presented to Mt. Vernon Group, the top picked architectural firm, for them to look over;
members of his staff have had the opportunity to meet with this group on one occasion already. Dr. Hayes
asked Mayor Scanlon if he would like to update the Committee on where he is to date. Mayor Scanlon said
he has had several sessions with the architectural firm and things are going well and he is optimistic about
reaching an agreement to sign a contract.
Educational Specifications for BHS Project
At this time Dr. Hayes reported on the enclosed document entitled "Educational Specifications" for the
Beverly High School Project. He went on to say that this document represented over a year's work done by
his office staff, administration and staff at Beverly High School and the School Committee. He outlined
some of the information within the document and said that this is just a starting point. Dr. Hayes said that
the Educational Specifications document has been put on the web site and when reviewing this document
please feel free to email him with any questions or suggestions you may have. Copies are available for
review at the superintendent's office, as well as the public library.
School Employee Count Summary
Dr. Hayes reported on the information sheets he distributed regarding school employee head count
summary. Dr. Hayes said this was done over a three-year period by departments. This head count showed
increases and decreases; full time equivalent employees; employees on grants; and special education staff.
Dr. Hayes pointed out that after many, many hours of hard work from both the City and the School's Human
Resource Department they were able to pull together a standard way of counting people as full time
equivalent. Dr. Hayes said that he has agreed to update these counts every October and May, as that
seems to be the best time of year for accurate counts.
Mayor Scanlon said for the first time this school staffing report gives a solid reference point from which to
measure. Mayor Scanlon pointed out that both the number of people receiving checks and the number of
full time employees peaked in May '06. Mayor Scanlon said the ratio of total students to total employees is
7.1 and that that number has remained constant throughout the three years. Mayor Scanlon said that he is
pleased that we have this data and would like it to see these reports continue.
Ms. Brusil commented that it is the responsibility of the School Committee to put together a budget that tells
the community what is needed to run a solid school system even if it is not where the financial picture may
be. Ms. Brusil asked that we make these reports mandatory twice a year and she asked Dr. Hayes to create
a policy reflecting that.
FY08 Budget Development
Dr. Hayes said that he and his staff are working on the FY'08 budget proposal, and he feels they will have a
preview for the Committee of the Whole meeting on the 24th of January.
Junior ROTC at Beverly High School
Dr. Hayes reported on the hiring of a new director for the ROTC Program. Sgt. Major Todd Ellis, who has
experience in teaching ROTC, will be joining the staff in July, 2007. Dr. Hayes said that he has offered him
the position and he has signed on. Dr. Hayes read from the letter he received from Dr. William McHenry,
Director of the MCJROTC Program, "... provision of continuing support is contingent upon your program
adhering to the provisions of the USC Title 10, Training and Education Command acting on behalf of the
Secretary of the Navy. Specifically as we agreed, your program must employ both an officer and enlisted
instructor by July of 2007 and have the requisite number of students pre enrolled for the following year." Dr.
Hayes commented that while he is very pleased with the hiring of Sgt. Major Ellis there is still work to be
done in hiring an additional instructor and having the requisite number of students in the program (100). Dr.
Hayes also said he feels very confident that this can be accomplished.
Dr. Hayes said that Colonel Lou Datillo will continue throughout the 2006-07 school year and has done a
terrific job.
Dates to Remember
Dr. Hayes said that the City-Wide PTO would be sponsoring the State of the Schools address on Thursday,
January 25, 2007 starting off at 6:30 p.m. with a reception (refreshments & music); the program itself will
begin at 7:30 p.m.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities:
Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported that the committee met on December 19, 2006. At that meeting they discussed the
following: surplus FY'07 funds, identifying over $500,000. Mr. Manzo said they plan to use that surplus
money for technology - installation of virtual private network; library computers; Buildings & Grounds -
repairs at Ayers, improving parking - traffic flow; preventative maintenance to the roofs at Ayers and
McKeown; at Briscoe - public address system; repair second set of 100 windows; stage rigging in the
auditorium; cosmetic improvements to hallways, and survey external masonry work. Mr. Manzo said that
Mr. Bergeron had prepared a summary of FY'06 End of the Year Report and that the next Finance and
Facilities Committee meeting will take place on January 17, 2007.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by Mr.
Manzo and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve a new Special Education E.s.P position for the Intensive
Preschool program at the Cove Elementary School at an estimated cost of $8,495. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by Mr.
Manzo and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve a new Bus Driver position (at an estimated cost of $1 0,798)
and a new Bus Monitor position (at an estimated cost of $6,693) to serve the Preschool program. So voted.
The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding "Fiscal
Management Goals" (Section 0: Fiscal Management) for a first reading. The second reading, which will
take place at our February meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding
"Communication of Budget Recommendations" (Section 0: Fiscal Management) for a first reading. The
second reading, which will take place at our February meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by
the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding "Facilities
Development Goals" (Section F: Facilities Development) for a first reading. The second reading, which will
take place at our February meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life:
Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee met last week and reviewed
the Beverly High School's Program of Studies which had very few changes. Ms. Cesa pointed out some of
the special things that Beverly High School has to offer: School to Career; dual enrollment; virtual high
school; co-curricular activities and she noted, because of this, there has been a rise in MCAS and SAT
scores. Ms. Cesa reported that Ms. Fecteau, Librarian at Beverly High School was at the meeting to go over
the proposed new summer reading program. This program is based on a model used by Gloucester High
School where all students read one book - AP and honor students read two books, from a much broader list.
In September there will be "literature circles" facilitated by teachers, administrators and librarians. These
literature circles will be the equivalent of a quiz grade.
Ms. Cesa said that Mr. Poska, Principal of Briscoe spoke to the committee regarding Parent's Afternoon
Back and the need for more time. The suggestion is to schedule four early release days, after progress
reports have gone home, for the middle school, teaming them up with the elementary schools. These dates
are to be worked out on the 07-08, 08-09 School Calendars and will be brought before the Committee of the
Whole on January 24, 2007 for review.
Upon the recommendation 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 Beverly High School Program of
Studies for 2007-08. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a motion
was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "Equal
Educational Opportunities". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a motion
was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "Children and
Adolescents with HIV/AIDS in School Settings". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a motion
was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "Staff Ethics".
So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a motion
was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding
"Compensatory Private Tutoring". So voted.
Policy Review Committee:
Maria Decker, Chairperson
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "School District Legal Status". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "The People and Their School District". So
voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Manzi to approve the attached policy regarding "Recognition for Accomplishments". So
voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "Regular School Committee Meetings". So
voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "Administrative Goals". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Superintendent of Schools". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "School Department Administrative
Organization". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Leadership Team and Administrative
Cabinet". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "School Building Administration". So voted
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "Policy Implementation". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Communication of Policies and
Procedures". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "Administration in the Absence of Policy".
So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Temporary Administrative Arrangements".
So voted.
New Business
None
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
Meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Maria Decker
Secretary