2007-05-09
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
May 9,2007
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, May 9,2007, 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
Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Joan Liporto, Director of Finance and Operations
Chris Bougas, Student Representative to the School Committee
Donna Bergeron, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent and School Committee
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)
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil recognized the following students who served as members of the Student
Advisory Committee: Chris Bougas, (Chris was also recognized as Student Representative to the
School Committee for the 2006-2007 School Year); Matt Rollins; Izzy Pulido; Jacqui Belliveau; and
Jocelyn Robichaud.
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil introduced Dr. Scuzzarella, Principal of Beverly High School and Mr. Longley, Athletic
Director at Beverly High School to assist them in recognizing Pat Bailey, a senior at BHS for his numerous
athletic awards as well as his high academic achievement.
Dr. Scuzzarella and Mr. Longley also recognized the 2006-2007 NEC Winter All Stars and Award
winners.
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. Manzo to approve the minutes of the School
Committee of the Whole held on March 21, 2007. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the minutes of the regular
School Committee meeting held on April 11 , 2007. So voted.
Report from Student Representative
Chris Bougas had the following to BHS news to report:
. The Band and Chorus have returned from their trip to Washington, DC with "tons of
awards" which are on display in the Main Office.
. AP tests will be this week and next week.
. Modal UN's Ellis Island and the United Nations trip is scheduled for May 18, 2007
Regular Meeting
May 9, 2007
Page 2
. Senior week events: Baccalaureate Night is June 5, Scholarship Night June 6, Senior
Prom June 7, and Graduation is Sunday, June 10.
. The Yellow Dress will be performed forthe juniors and seniors on Friday, May 11th.
. Aida - Spot Light Award from North Shore High School Musical Judges went to Vanessa
Kelly - nominated for Best Female Lead, Dan Amore for Best Sound, and Steve Moffett
for Best Lighting.
. Student Advisory meeting was held tonight and the members discussed the design for
the high school project.
Chris Bougas introduced the new student representative to the School Committee forthe 2007-2008
School Year - Jacqui Belliveau
Communications:
. 5th Grade class size at Centerville.
. Attended Centerville PTO many positive comments with regards to school budget,
everyday math, etc.
. Inquiry regarding DART summer music camp program.
. Calls regarding the high school track team, unsafe conditions of the high jump floor mat.
. Thank you for port-a-potty~s placed at Centerville and Memorial athletic fields.
. Meeting with Fran MacDonald about polling locations (informative meeting).
. PTO - Ayers - programs and purchase of equipment
. McKeown - developing plans to welcome in new parents for 07-08.
. City-Wide PTO encouraging participation among individual school PTO's and
sharing fund raising ideas.
. Hannah concerns with 3rd grade class size.
. Comments from people happy with the budget development process for next year.
. Continued concerns from some parent regarding the academic calendar.
. Parent called regarding the open house tour of BHS for Briscoe students.
. Preserving the elementary music program.
. City Council will present the overall city budget on May 24th.
. School budget vote on May 23rd, - Committee of the Whole Meeting.
. Spoke with neighbors around Beverly High School regarding how the construction project
will impact them.
. Attended Vietnam Veteran's Scholarship Dinner
. Free & reduced lunch question
Ms. Cesa read a letter from Mr. Leahy regarding his recent trip to England and Scotland. Mr. Leahy
said it was a wonderful trip and they experienced many beautiful sites. Mr. Leahy said the
chaperones were terrific and always available to assist whenever needed. He said that the students
were very well behaved and did a wonderful job representing their country and Beverly High School.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
School Choice for 2006-2007
Dr. Hayes said that the information presented below represents the parameters for school choice for
the 2007 - 2008 school year.
Grade
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
Continuing
Students
o
4
4
2
1
4
3
Recommended
Maximums
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Regular Meeting
May 9, 2007
Page 3
7
8
9
10
11
12
7
5
10
5
8
11
10
10
10
10
10
11
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the acceptance of the
School Choice students as presented. So voted.
Establish a Girls' Volleyball Team at BHS
Dr. Hayes said that the next item to be voted on is the establishment of a Girls' Volleyball Team. He
asked Mr. Jon Longley, Athletic Director, to explain the program and answer any questions the
Committee may have. Mr. Longley said that there are about 50 girls interested in the program, which
is played in the fall; it is the fourth most popular sport in the state. If approved BHS would start a
Junior Varsity Girls' Volleyball program next fall '07. Mr. Longley answered questions regarding the
number of girls on the team, location, expenses, etc.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve a Girls' Volleyball Team at
Beverly High School next fall. So voted.
Fall 2007 School Committee Meeting Schedule
Dr. Hayes said included in the packets is a revised Fall 2007 School Committee meeting schedule
that needs School Committee approval. Ms. Cesa recommended that the Student Advisory
Committee meetings be added to the calendar for October and December changing the start time
from 6:30 to 6:15 p.m.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the Fall 2007 School
Committee schedule with above-mentioned changes. So voted.
High School - NEASC Special Progress Report
Dr. Hayes said that Dr. Scuzzarella was available to review the Special Progress Report recently
submitted to the NEASC. Dr. Scuzzarella reported that the number one item was an update for the
time frame on the construction/renovation project and the other item was the accreditation visit
scheduled for 201 O. Dr. Scuzzarella said that she had given them a good amount of information
along with a copy of the most recent Ed Specs Draft as well as other information they had requested.
Dr. Scuzzarella said that they are trying to be really "pro-active" in light of the upcoming construction
work that will be ongoing at the high school (08-09). At this time Dr. Scuzzarella said she would take
any questions they may have but that she has had not received a response from the NEASC at this
time.
MASC Day on the Hill
Dr. Hayes reported that he had attended the MASC Day on the Hill on May 1 S\ and found it to be a
very positive day. Dr. Hayes said it was terrific and he would encourage people to try to attend in the
future.
BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Hayes said the project continues to move forward. He reported that the Designers continue to
meet with members of the high school staff and are very close to completing a site design. Dr. Hayes
said the meetings have been very productive and are progressing well.
School Committee President's Report
Ms. Brusil gave a brief report on the recent Joint Council Meeting held on April 24, 2007 at the
Richard Wylie Conference Center at Endicott College. Ms. Brusil said the Fiscal 07 and 08 budgets
Regular Meeting
May 9, 2007
Page 4
were discussed, Mayor Scanlon went over the BHS project, site design and floor plans, a video of the
Chicopee High School visit was shown and the development of a Joint Forecasting Committee was
discussed.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities: Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported that at the last meeting they were given a Buildings & Grounds report which
included several items, i.e. high school preventative maintenance, Briscoe oil fill pipe repair, part of
the gym converted into a fitness facility, repairs to the Memorial building as well as several of the
elementary schools, and placement of more recycling bins.
Mr. Manzo said that the revenue picture was not as bright as originally expected but still had positive
balances in some areas. He also reviewed the following four policies:
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities the following four
policies: "Sites for School Buildings", "Closing Schools", "Enrollment Projections", and "Funding
Proposals, Grants and Revenues" are recommended for a first reading. The second reading, will
take place at our June 13,2007 meeting, and, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the
School Committee.
The next Finance and Facilities meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at
the Memorial Building.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life: Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported at the last meeting they had presentations by four senior Endicott College
students on surveys they had conducted across the districts. The surveys were, "Values of the
Educational Behavioral Classroom as Perceived by Parents", "Value and Impact of Elementary
Language Program", and an "Analysis of Students that have dropped out between 2004-2006". Ms.
Cesa said that they had presentations of School Improvement Plans from the following four schools:
McKeown, Cove and Ayers Elementary School, and the Briscoe Middle School.
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 policy regarding,
"Acceptable Use of Technology". At this time Ms. Brusil asked if the Committee would consider
changing the first paragraph in the policy. It was recommended that the policy go back to the
Curriculum and Instruction Committee's next meeting and then come back to the full Committee for a
vote.
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 policy regarding
"Pediculosis" with one change. 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 Ms. Decker to approve the policy regarding
"Administering Medication to Students" with one change: In section B of the first page remove the
words ...or Board of Trustees. So voted.
Upon the recommendation Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life the
following two polices; "School Choice" and Open Enrollment" are recommended for a first reading.
The second reading, will take place at our June 13, 2007 meeting, and will require a formal (2/3) vote
of approval by the School Committee.
Policy Sub-Committee: Maria Decker, Chairperson
Ms. Decker said that the policy Committee had met last Wednesday and they reviewed the Entrance
Age Requirement Policy as it pertains to Kindergarten and First Grade. Much information had been
Regular Meeting
May 9, 2007
Page 5
gathered by Dr. Galinski as well as input from the Principals. After reviewing all of the material it was
decided that they, as a Committee, would let the policy stand as it is.
New Business
None
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
Consider Executive Session
A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Mr. Manzo to go into executive session to discuss
strategy with respect to collective bargaining with union personnel and not to return to open session.
RollCall:
Yes:
Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Decker, Mr. Latter, Mr. Manzo, Mr. Manzi.
Mayor Scanlon not available for vote.
Meeting adjourned 8:25 p.m.
Maria Decker
Secretary