2007-09-19
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
September 19, 2007
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, September 19,2007, in the
City Council Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present:
Ms. Brusil, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Mr. Latter, and Ms. Cesa
Members Not Present: 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
Jacqueline Belliveau, Student Representative to the School Committee
Donna Bergeron, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent and School Committee
President Brusil called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Jacqueline Belliveau led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Discussion - Education Topic
Ms. Brusil said she had chosen two articles for this month's Education Topic: Eight More Reasons for
Technology in Education and Music Education Moves on-line. Ms. Brusil asked members of the
Committee for their comments on the articles. A brief discussion followed.
Recognitions - Such Other Matters (Kudos, Congratulations)
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil recognized Debbie O'Connor, Director of Pupil Personnel Services for the
work she did this summer in organizing a program for some of our special needs children. Also
recognized was Bruce Doig, City Recreation Director and Wendy Ryder, Team Chairperson. Ms.
O'Connor said that this program, which allowed our special needs children to participate in the
Beverly Recreation Department's park activities, would not have been possible without their help.
Dr. Hayes asked Mr. Gallagher, Acting Principal at Beverly High School to assist in the recognition of
two seniors at Beverly High School who have been named National Merit Semifinalists. Mr.
Gallagher explained to the Committee how prestigious this award is and congratulated Erin
Harrington and Carolyn Schweitzer for their accomplishments.
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 August
29,2007 School Committee meeting. So voted.
Report from Student Representative
Jacqui Belliveau reported that things were going pretty well for the start of the school year. The first
summer reading discussion groups took place; the students seem to really like the set up and the
discussion groups went very well. The new Girl's Volleyball team is undefeated. Auditions for the fall
play, "Rehearsal for Murder", are going on today and tomorrow. Elections for Student Senate and for
freshman class officers have begun; and there is a football game Saturday against Gloucester.
Communications
Regular Meeting
September 19, 2007
Page 2
. Concerns and questions from neighbors with regards to the possibility of fields being
located near the tennis courts. Mr. Latter said that at this time there are no plans for that
to happen. Dr. Hayes said that recently Mayor Scanlon had asked MVG to draw-up
some plans for artificial turf fields located near the tennis courts and basketball court, but
that as of this point NO decision has been made with regards to the fields.
. Calls regarding overcrowded classes at Beverly High School.
. Inquiry about the photos on the web site - can we upload pictures taken by parents, etc.
Dr. Hayes said that each school had been assigned a month and parents should speak to
their child's principal.
. Attended PTO meetings at Hannah and North Beverly - great turnout (48 at No. Beverly
and 50 at Hannah) and lots of new faces!
. Questions regarding the Athletic Director search.
. Lockers at Briscoe.
. Call from a parent regarding EEC - grateful for the program!
. Call about the conditions of the soccer field behind Centerville.
. Complaint about the student parking passes at the high school; students who don't
purchase a pass and park in a space that have been assigned to a student who has
purchased a pass.
. At the Centerville and Briscoe PTO much of the talk was focused on fundraising and
school spirit.
. There was an Inquiry as to how many of our school have defibrillators and who is trained
to operate them. Dr. Hayes said he believes all but two schools have them and the
principal and nurse are trained.
. Concerns expressed with the BHS foreign language: the mix of 1 st year and 3rd year
students running at the same time in the same classroom with numbers at 30+.
. Concerns from some of the 3rd grade parents at Cove with the Health curriculum.
. Inquiry as to why there are no seatbelts on the school buses.
. Questions as to whether the new high school will have air conditioning.
. A new student at Cove feels that lunch time is too short.
. Comments about Briscoe - generally good impression.
. Question on timeline for the high school construction project.
. BHS PTSO Golf Tournament fundraiser taking place Thursday.
. Transportation issue - been resolved
. Discussion with a candidate for the Ward 2 City Council inquiring about the schools.
. Ms. Brusil said she had attended the New Teacher Induction Program on August 30 and
the Teacher Orientation Day on September 4th conveying the Committee's "good wishes"
for a successful school year. Ms. Brusil feels it is going to be a very positive school year
with a terrific staff.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Overnight Field Trip Proposal -New York & New Jersey
Dr. Hayes introduced Mr. Novak and Ms. Pilanen from the BHS Music Department to summarize their
field trip request to New York and New Jersey. Mr. Novak said that they have been doing this trip for
many, many years with much success and felt that was a testament to the support that they have for
the Arts in Beverly. Ms. Pilanen said the trip is scheduled for May 1 - 4, 2008, and went over some
of the events they have scheduled including seeing the play "The Lion King". Ms. Pilanen said that it
is a jammed packed trip and that the cost of the trip, $604.00, includes everything. They have a
payment schedule set up and many fundraising events planned. The Committee members had a few
questions with regards to parent meetings, number of students attending, etc.
A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the overnight field trip to
New York and New Jersey. So voted.
Regular Meeting
September 19, 2007
Page 3
Superintendent Goals
Dr. Hayes reported that he has a draft of his goals for 2007-08 which he developed for the
Committee's review. Dr. Hayes said he has four goals and if approved they will become a part of his
evaluation:
1. Student's Achievement
2. Long-Range Planning
3. High School Construction Project
4. Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Ms. Brusil said she would like input from Committee members and if possible finalize them tonight. At
this time Committee members asked questions and made comments on the four goals that Dr. Hayes
had outlined. Also discussed was the setup of the evaluation document itself and how they may
make some changes to the document.
A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the Superintendent's Goals.
So voted.
Policy Review Schedule
Dr. Hayes said that he had included the list of polices that are up for review during the 2007 -2008
school year. Dr. Hayes stated that he would be scheduling a first meeting for the Policy Review
Committee in the very near future.
MCASIAYP
Dr. Hayes asked Dr. Galinski to speak to the Committee about the results of the MCAS/AYP. Dr.
Galinski said that this is preliminary data and the official data will not be released until October 11th.
The Beverly School district has made A YP for the 3rd consecutive year. Dr. Galinski continued to
summarize the preliminary results for the elementary schools reporting that Ayers has been identified
for improvement year one and did make AYP this year maintaining that status. Centerville, Hannah,
and McKeown Schools made A YP this year. Two schools that did not make A YP for a subgroup
population are: Cove for special education for ELA and North Beverly for special education and low
income population in their ELA and for their special education population in math.
Dr. Galinski reported that Briscoe Middle School was identified for restructuring for year one in special
education and low income in math and identified for improvement year one for special education and
low income subgroups in ELA. Dr. Galinski summarized what this means and how they are working
to make improvements. She reported that they will be providing a considerable amount of
professional development for the teachers in math and will also be offering before and after school
tutoring to students. Dr. Galinski reported that Beverly High School made A YP again and continues to
have excellent results. A brief discussion followed.
Student Advisory Committee
Dr. Hayes reported that last year they had established a Student Advisory Committee that meet every
other month before the regular School Committee Meeting. He said that this will continue again this
year starting in October with a time change from 6:30 to 6: 15 p.m. in the City Hall conference room.
Dr. Hayes said that Jacqui Belliveau will be putting together a team and agenda for the upcoming
meeting on October 10.
Update on Class Size at Secondary Schools
Dr. Hayes reported on the enrollment numbers at BHS and Briscoe. As of September 21st the
enrollment at BHS was 1257, and Briscoe was 981. Dr. Hayes said with regards to class sizes
Briscoe is in the 26 to 30 students per class range and felt they pretty much fell within the maximum
guidelines. Two of the classes have 31 students and both have a paraprofessional in those
classroom. Dr. Hayes said one class that is an exception is Pre-algebra classes with the following
numbers 30-31 and 35. Dr. Hayes said they will continue to work to resolve that.
Regular Meeting
September 19, 2007
Page 4
Dr. Hayes reported that at the high school the primary problem is in the English Language Arts. He
said that one area they are taking steps to resolve is Honors English 11 where the numbers are 32-
33-35. Dr. Hayes said he feels this can be resolved without too much trouble. There were some
questions from Committee members. Dr. Hayes said he will have more information at the October
10th meeting when he has the October 1 enrollment numbers.
Update on Filling the Athletic Director Vacancy
Dr. Hayes brought the Committee up to date on the Athletic Director vacancy. He read the press
release which stated that out of eight candidates, three were recommended to the Superintendent.
Two of the three decided to remain in their home districts and that the decision was made to leave
Mr. Hutt in place as interim through the fall season. Dr. Hayes said they are working on an interim for
the following season and will advertise for the Athletic Director's position again in the spring.
Update on Briscoe lockers
Dr. Hayes said that the lockers have arrived at Briscoe and installation will begin on Friday afternoon
and will be ready for Monday morning.
Professional Development Day, September 18,2007
Dr. Hayes said that the first Professional Development Day was held on Tuesday and he thought it
was the best professional development day the District has had. He said that Dr. Galinski is
responsible for scheduling the presenters and programs for the day and that she had done an
outstanding job.
BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Hayes said that the Mass. School Building Authority (MSBA) had visited BHS and the visit went
very well. They toured the current space visiting many of the classrooms, then looked over the site
plans for the new building. Dr. Hayes reported that he has posted the site and floor plans on our web
site for the public to view. He reported two other things going on with the high school project right
now (1) looking at the phasing options which have to do with the renovations and how they are done;
and, (2) the hiring of a Commissioning Agent/Firm. This person(s) will evaluate all systems to make
sure they are performing as prescribed.
MIAA Community Service Award
Dr. Hayes noted that he had included in the packets, a letter from the MIAA congratulating the High
School's Boys' Varsity and Junior Varsity Hockey teams on being selected to receive the
Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) 2007 Community Service Award. He said
they will be recognized on September 28th in Milford for the continued contributions they have made
to grounds at BHS and Briscoe Middle School.
MASC/MASS Annual Joint Conference
Dr. Hayes again reiterated the importance of one or more of the School Committee members to
attend this conference. The Committee members said it is hard given that it is during the week and
also the location (Hyannis).
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities: Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported that Finance and Facilities Committee has not met yet. Their first meeting is
scheduled for Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building, Room 164.
Mr. Manzo said that the meeting is open to the public and encourages people to attend.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life: Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms Cesa reported that they met on September 5,2007. She said there were only two items on the
agenda: Data from Ayers with regards to reading and an update by Deb O'Connor on Sped programs
for the coming year. Ms. Cesa said that Ayers has come a long way and that the information they
have will be shared with the other elementary schools.
Regular Meeting
September 19, 2007
Page 5
Ms. Cesa said they feel it is important to know where the Sped programs are and the overwhelming
number of preschoolers (22) with Autism. She also reported that all of the speech therapists needed
have been hired.
Committee of the Whole: Nancy Brusil, Chairperson
Ms. Brusil said that the Committee of the Whole also met last Wednesday night and discussed
budget and the money situation. Ms. Brusil said we need to get a handle on education for less cost
or we will be looking at larger class sizes. Ms. Brusil also noted that she has tried to contact Mr.
Guanci, President of the City Council with regards to the development of a Forecasting Committee
but has not yet spoken to him.
New Business
None
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Maria Decker
Secretary