2007-10-10
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
October 10, 2007
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, October 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
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
Not in Attendance:
Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent
President Brusil called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Manzi led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Discussion - Education Topic
Ms. Brusil selected two articles this month: the first one was "Parents, kids don't see the need for
math, science skills" and the second was "Report: Schools aren't preparing kids for college". If you
could choose only one goal for our school system, what would it be? A brief discussion followed.
Recognitions - Such Other Matters (Kudos, Congratulations)
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil introduced Ms. Sue Charochak, Principal of the Ayers Ryal Side School to
assist them in recognizing Todd Rotondo, President of the Ayers Ryal Side PTO. Ms. Charochak
said that Todd is a very familiar face around the Ayers School and thanked him for the endless hours
he has spent at the school. Ms. Charochak said she especially want to thank Todd for all the hard
work he did in getting the preschool/kindergarten playground up and running. Ms. Cesa added that
Todd has also lent his support to other elementary school's PTOs as well.
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. Decker and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the minutes of June 20,
2007 Executive Session. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the minutes of the
September 5, 2007, School Committee of the Whole. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the minutes of the
September 19, 2007 School Committee Meeting with one correction. So voted.
Report from Student Representative
Jacqui Belliveau reported the following "happenings" at BHS: the Rotary International Youth Program
is looking for applicants interested in spending a year in another country and they will be at BHS on
October 10th and the Beverly Public Library on October 18th with more information; The senior class is
hosting a hypnotist show this evening; PSAT's will be administered on October 20th to any of the
sophomores or juniors who wish to take them; Beverly Hospital is looking for high school students to
Regular Meeting
October la, 2007
Page 2
volunteer; The Salem New recently recognized the Girl's Cross Country team and five of its members
for setting new records.
Communications
. Still receiving positive comments about the new parking area at the Ayers School and the
addition of the crosswalk at Livingstone Avenue.
. Expressions of sympathy go out to the family of AI Churchill. AI was a crossing guard for the
BPS and this is a tremendous loss for the community.
. Still hearing good comments about Briscoe, pleased with installation of new lockers as well
as the condition of the building.
. Questions about the time line for the new high school.
. Attended Cove and McKeown PTO, encouraging people who might be interested to please
consider becoming a citizen advisor to the standing committees.
. Call from a high school parent regarding a transportation problem, referred to Bill Burke.
. Concerns with class sizes at Briscoe.
. Calls regarding two of the coaches at the high school.
. Continue to hear praises and positive comments about Sean Gallagher and the great job he
is doing.
. Regarding PTO's, there is concern that fundraising is down.
. Attended "Mom ball" games, lots of fun and great weather.
. Question as to whether the current citizen advisor can serve consecutive terms on the same
committee. Dr. Hayes is going to review.
. Concern with funding for the new high school, questioning state money? Mayor Scanlon said
he feels very confident but a date and percentage have not been determined.
. Mayor Scanlon said the woman who runs the MSBA came out recently with the group
specifically to tour the high school. Dr. Hayes said the MSBA are visiting the schools that are
clearly a high priority and they see us as a high priority project.
. Expressions of sympathy also go out to the family of Rod Maxner. Rod was the retired
Director of Buildings and Grounds for the Beverly Public Schools.
. Ms. Brusil said that if people are interested in serving as a citizen advisor to one of our
subcommittees to submit a letter to the Superintendent.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Overnight Field Trip Proposal - Brown University
Dr. Hayes introduced Ms. Nancy Ronan to present her information for the Brown University Model
United Nations Conference. Ms. Ronan said that they have been attending these conferences for
about 5 years; the trip is scheduled November 9th through the 11th and there are eight students
attending. The Countries to be discussed at the conference this year will be Greece and Uzbekistan.
Ms. Ronan said the estimated cost of the trip not including meals and spending money is $275.00.
After a brief discussion a motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the
overnight field trip to Brown University in Providence, RI. So voted.
Overnight Field Trip Proposal- Moscow & St. Petersburg, Russia
Dr. Hayes asked Ms. Chernyak and Ms. Preston to share with the Committee the details of their trip
to Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. Ms. Chernyak said they are arranging for the students to go
to an English speaking school in Moscow. Right now, Ms. Chernyak said they have ten students
interested in going on the trip the week before and during the April 2008 vacation. Ms. Chernyak said
we will also be hosting Russian students during the month of May. Ms. Preston said that this is a new
school they are exchanging with this year and they have been in touch with them by phone on a
couple of occasions.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the overnight field trip to
Moscow & St. Petersburg, Russia. So voted.
Regular Meeting
October la, 2007
Page 3
School Committee Meeting Schedule
Dr. Hayes said that he has included the schedule of School Committee meetings for spring 2008. He
said if Committee members did not have any issues they could take a vote on the schedule this
evening.
After a brief discussion a motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the
School Committee Spring 2008 schedule. So voted.
SAT's and AP's at Beverly High School
Dr. Hayes said that we will not have this presentation tonight because Dr. Galinski was unable to be
here but that the power point is available on line. Dr. Hayes said that Dr. Galinski will give her
presentation at our next meeting. Ms. Decker inquired why AP Art was not included in the scores; Dr.
Hayes noted that he would look into it.
October 1 Enrollments
Dr. Hayes summarized the October 1 enrollment numbers. He said the elementary numbers, at all
grade levels, are at a very good place. Dr. Hayes said that the three grades that were of concern
over the summer months were: 1 st grade at Ayers - the numbers remained in the 21-22 range and we
did not have to add a position; Centerville 5th grade numbers remained high therefore we added a
third class; and, Hannah Grade 3 numbers also remained high and we added a third class there also.
Dr. Hayes reported at Briscoe the enrollment is higher than last year and at Beverly High School the
enrollments are lower than projected.
Updates on Class Size at Secondary Schools
Dr. Hayes reported that the overall class sizes at Briscoe are large but do fall within the guidelines
maximum class size of 30 students. He said that the numbers, however, in Grade 7 Pre-algebra
remain significantly over the parameters set and therefore he authorized the addition of an extra class
and the position has been posted. Dr. Hayes said that an extra class was added for Reading as well,
and that position has been posted. Dr. Hayes said that the high school grade 11 Honors English
class numbers were still very large so an extra class was added there too.
Free & Reduced Report
Dr. Hayes summarized the Free & Reduced Lunch chart that had been included with data from 2002-
2007 October 1 Reports. He pointed out that most of the schools have not had significant changes
but that the numbers at the North Beverly Elementary have risen substantially over the past two
years. A lengthy discussion followed: why North Beverly's numbers have grown; how the students
are reported; who is eligible; and how we get the information out to parents. It was decided that Dr.
Hayes would do a further analysis and bring his findings back to the Committee.
Update on Filling the Athletic Director Vacancy
Dr. Hayes reported that Red Hutt will remain as interim Athletic Director and work is still in progress
for the remainder of the year. Dr. Hayes said as soon as he has all the pieces in place he will bring
the Committee up to date.
BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Hayes reported they continue to refine the design of the school and the meetings are more
detailed orientated. He said that they have begun work on the phasing options, which is the timeline
for when the renovations will be complete. This information is still being worked on and when
completed it will be made public. Mayor Scanlon said at the last School Building Committee meeting
they discussed the different types of materials that might be used and what they'd look like. He said
at the November 15th meeting they should have some detailed cost data.
Regular Meeting
October la, 2007
Page 4
Global Child
Dr. Hayes reported that the Global Child program will be offered, again this year, at three of our six
elementary schools: Ayers, Cove and Hannah. Dr. Hayes explained that this program introduces the
students to beginning French and Spanish and we are pleased to be able to offer this program to our
students.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities: Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported they last met on September 26th and received the following information: A
description of the '07 budget close-out provided by Joan Liporto, Director of Finance and Operations
and Ms. Liporto explained how the numbers were carried forward to the '08 budget. Mr. Manzo said
Ms. Liporto reported one area of concern that was not anticipated this early in the school year, was
special education tuition cost. An update was given on the Briscoe locker situation; a description of
the employee head count process, and a description of a plan to garner more Medicaid
reimbursement money. Mr. Manzo reported that Ray Novak had come before the Finance and
Facilities committee to ask for an increase in the private lesson fee.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by
Mr. Manzo and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve an increase to the private lesson fee from $16 to
$18 per half-hour for private music lessons provided in our schools. So voted.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life: Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms Cesa reported that the last Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting scheduled for
October 3rd had to be cancelled due to illness and the next meeting is scheduled for November ih, at
7:00 p.m. at the Memorial Building.
New Business
Ms. Decker said that the next Policy Committee will be meeting is on Thursday, November 8th, at 7:00 p.m. at the
Memorial Building.
Ms. Cesa said that the design plans for the high school are available on the Beverly Public Schools web site
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 non-union personnel and not to return open
session.
Roll Call:
Yes: Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Mayor Scanlon, Ms. Brusil, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Decker and Mr. Latter
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Maria Decker
Secretary