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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