2007-12-12
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
December 12, 2007
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, December 12,2007, in the
City Council Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present:
Ms. Brusil, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, and Ms. Cesa
Mr. Latter arrived at 7:40 p.m.
Members Not In
Attendance:
Mayor Scanlon
Also in Attendance:
Dr. James Hayes, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
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 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Manzo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Discussion - Education Topic
Ms. Brusil's last education topic of the year was "Technology helps reform large lectures" which focused
on changes in the teaching models being used at some colleges and universities. The question
is whether similar changes, when implemented correctly and age-appropriately can be significant in the K-
12 grades. A brief discussion followed.
Recognitions - Such Other Matters (Kudos, Congratulations)
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil recognized two Beverly High School seniors, Erin Harrington and Alyssa Soares
for their academic achievement (top 2 students in the senior class) which has earned them Certificates of
Academic Excellence from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents.
Dr. Hayes asked Mr. Gallagher, Acting Principal at BHS to assist them in recognizing all of the Fall 2007
NEC All Stars and Award Winners. There were numerous recipients from the following sports: Football,
Girls Field Hockey, Girls and Boys Soccer, Golf, and Boys and Girls Cross Country.
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Brusil took a few moments to recognize and thank the following citizen representatives
to our standing subcommittees: Beverly Dolinsky - Curriculum & Instruction, Kris Silverstein and Greg
Howard - Finance & Facilities.
At this time Dr. Hayes recognized outgoing School Committee President, Nancy Brusil, for her ten years
of service to the Beverly School Committee. Dr. Hayes commended Ms. Brusil for her dedication and
hard work stating that Ms. Brusil thinks of kids first and is a champion for technology and the arts. Dr.
Hayes was joined by School Committee members Ms. Cesa and Ms. Decker who paid tribute to Ms.
Brusil with gifts and a poem. Ms. Ginny Colton, President of the Beverly Teachers Association was on
hand to extend her appreciation and present Ms. Brusil with a gift from the Beverly Teachers Association.
Ms. Brusil thanked everyone for their support and said she has enjoyed her time serving on the school
committee for the last ten years. She also extended a thank-you to the people of Ward 4 who voted for
her. Ms. Brusil thanked her colleagues saying that "they have been an exceptional group to work with"
and while she will miss not being part of the Committee she said "it is time for another voice".
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non-Agenda-Related Items
None
Regular Meeting
December 12,2007
Page 2
Opportunity for Citizen Input into Agenda-Related Items
None
Records of Meetings
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the minutes of the October 10,
2007 Executive Session. So voted.
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the minutes of November 14,
2007 School Committee Meeting. So voted.
A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes of the November 8,
2007 School Committee of the Whole. So voted.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the minutes of the November
28, 2007 School Committee of the Whole. So voted.
Report from Student Representative
Ms. Brusil asked Jacqui Belliveau for her monthly report: Jacqui congratulated all of the fall sports
athletes for the awards they received, and also congratulated everyone involved in the fall play "A
Rehearsal for Murder" which ran from November 28 through the 30th. Jacqui reported that the play had
received very good reviews; auditions for the spring musical, "Funny Girl" will start on December 14th.
The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) held an Ally Week with different events including Hat Day for World Aids
Day. The student council is selling BHS sweat pants for $25.00, and DECA is selling "Panther Pride" t-
shirts for $10.00. The ROTC is sponsoring a "Toys for Tots" toy drive. Items can be dropped off in the
bins around the school.
Communications
Icy walk ways at Cove School generated many phone calls.
Christmas greetings from the BTA - much appreciated as well a Christmas card from the Hannah
School.
Unique Boutique was open at Ayers.
Mr. Manzo received a phone call from a parent who enjoys monthly updates.
Mr. Manzi said it had been a quiet month and wished everyone Happy Holidays!
Mr. Latter had questions from neighbors about the BHS construction project. Mr. Latter suggested
setting up an informational meeting in the near future to update them as was done in the past.
Concern about a coach - spoke to Dr. Hayes.
Ms. Decker reported at a recent Centerville PTO meeting the already tight parking situation seemed to
have become more so. Dr. Hayes is looking into the situation.
Continue to receive calls regarding principal search process at both Centerville and BHS.
Ms. Decker said that she along with Ms. Cesa attended the Health Advisory Committee Meeting last
week; they reviewed past accomplishments and formed future strategies.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Progress Report on Superintendent's Goals
Dr. Hayes summarized for the Committee the "Superintendent Performance Goals, 2007-2008" progress
report. Dr. Hayes briefly summarized his four goals (listed below) along with the steps he is taking to
achieve them.
1. Student Achievement
2. Long-Range Planning
3. High School Construction
4. Collective Bargaining Agreements
High School Construction Project Update
Dr. Hayes reported that in the last month plans for the phasing project have been developed, reviewed by
the School Committee, and the detailed report has been posted on our web site. He also reported that
Regular Meeting
December 12,2007
Page 3
we are on schedule to go out to bid for the general contractor this spring. Dr. Hayes said that Beverly
High School was included on the MSBA's list to receive further consideration and a meeting date with
members of the MSBA has been scheduled for February 1, 2008.
Dr. Hayes said that there are terrific computer generated images of what the new facility will look like on
our web site and encourages people to take a look at them. He said that they've had very extensive
meetings planning space-by-space technology and also an extensive meeting on courtyards, landscaping
and lighting; all is progressing very well.
Organizational Meeting
Dr. Hayes announced that the Organizational Meeting for the election of officers scheduled for
Wednesday January 2nd needs to be rescheduled. This is due to the City Charter, which states that
members do not officially take office until the first Monda~ in January. After some discussion it was
decided that the meeting would take place on January i at 6:00 p.m. at the Memorial Building in Room
164.
High School and Centerville Principal Searches
Dr. Hayes reported to the Committee that advertising began last Sunday in the Boston Globe for the
upcoming open principal positions at Beverly High School and Centerville Elementary School. Dr. Hayes
said that he has prepared a letter to parents to go out on Monday with the date of the upcoming
informational meetings. At these meetings an outline of the search committee process will be reviewed
and Dr. Hayes said he would like to have the participants input on what they are looking for in a new
principal. Dr. Hayes said that Dr. Galinski, Assistant Superintendent, will chair the committee for Beverly
High School search and Karla Pressman, Principal at the Cove Elementary School, will chair the
committee for Centerville Elementary School search. The deadline for applications will be January 24th or
25th and hopes to target the end of February for finalist's applications to be submitted to him. Dr. Hayes
stated he is working with Jacqui Belliveau, Student Representative, to set up a meeting with students for
their recommendations.
Ms. Brusil asked if the information regarding the principal search process and description of what we are
looking for in a candidate could be included on our web site. Dr. Hayes said he would take care of it.
Report from School Committee President:
Nancy Brusil
Ms. Brusil stated recently in an Executive Session meeting the Superintendent's Contract was discussed
and changes were made. Ms. Brusil summarized the changes/additions and asked for a motion to
approve the "Amendment to the Superintendent's 2006-2010 Contract".
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the Amendment to the
Superintendent's 2006-2010 Contract. So voted.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities:
Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported at their last Finance & Facilities meeting on November 28, 2007 they reviewed the
current state of revenues and expenses. He said areas of concern were the potential revenue deficit,
which will be closely monitored and stated that they received information regarding the favorable circuit
breaker audit. There was an update on the current status of our buildings provided by Mr. Rand, Director
of Buildings and Grounds.
Mr. Manzo said the following are presented for approval:
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve a new Special Education Paraprofessional position at
Briscoe Middle School at an estimated cost of $11 ,224. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
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December 12,2007
Page 4
Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve a new part-time (.5) Reading/Math Teacher position
at Briscoe Middle School at an estimated cost of $22,502. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Mr. Manzo and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve a new part-time (.4) Clerk position at the Cove
Elementary School at an estimated cost of $5,333. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made to by
Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Cesa to approve the new Special Education Paraprofessional positions
(4.5) for the district schools. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Mr. Manzo and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "Accounting System".
So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the attached policy regarding "Creation of New
Positions". So voted.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life:
Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms Cesa reported that at the last Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting held on December 5,
2007 Mr. John Allen, who facilitates the School to Career Program at BHS, presented an overview of the
program. Ms. Cesa said that he told the committee that there are 123 students enrolled for the first half of
this year and 124 for the second half. She said that this program involves students who do small
internships or job shadowing; some students do get paid but most do not. Students are required to keep
a journal and they receive a grade at the end of the quarter. Dr. Galinski presented a further update on
MCAS data. Discussion was held about the MASS 20- 20 Grant and possibly extending the school
day/year at Briscoe. Ms. Cesa said that we were one of the communities chosen to receive a grant to
develop a plan. Ms. Cesa said a committee is being formed and will consist of 10 to 20 people. The
plans need to be submitted by July 31,2008 and the decision will be made December 2008 with earliest
implementation in September 2009. Ms. Cesa reported that School Calendars are being looked at and
we are working with the Union to bring them forward.
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
"School Closings and Cancellations". 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
"Authorized Use of School-Controlled Equipment". 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
"School Bus Safety". 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 attached policy regarding
"School Year and School Calendar". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life the
following three policies: "Inclusive Schooling", "Parent Notification Relative to Sex Education", "Field
Trips, Foreign Trips, & Foreign Exchange Programs" are recommended for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at our January meeting, and, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the
School Committee.
Policy Review Committee:
Maria Decker, Chairperson
Ms. Decker reported that the Policy Review Committee met on November 8, 2007 and reviewed the
following nine policies:
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 Committee Operational Goals".
So voted.
Regular Meeting
December 12,2007
Page 5
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 Committee 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 "School Committee Membership -
Election". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "School Committee - Term of Office".
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 "School Committee Member Code of
Ethics". So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Committee a motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Mr. Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Committee Member Conflict of
Interest". 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 Committee Internal
Organization". 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 Committee Subcommittees and
Standing Committees". 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 and Advisory Committees".
So voted.
Committee of the Whole:
Nancy Brusil, Chairperson
Ms. Brusil said that the Committee of the Whole met on November 28, 2007 and discussed in detail the
high school phasing and how that project would work. She said that Judy Miller talked about the One to
One Laptop Program, and they discussed the free and reduced lunch numbers at No. Beverly Elementary
School.
New Business
Ms. Brusil made mention of the Budget Forecasting Committee. She said this is joint committee made up
of members from both the city council and school committee. School Committee members include Mr.
Latter and Mr. Manzo. Ms. Brusil asked if one of them would provide a brief update of their meetings. Mr.
Latter said that they have had two meetings and basically discussed setting up parameters/rules: how
they count the revenue coming in and the expenses going out. Mr. Latter said that Ms. Liporto, Director of
Finance and Operations and Ms. Griffin, City Council Analysis were also in attendance. Together they
discussed Chapter 70 money and tax receipts from property and excise taxes. They went over expenses
on the city side and Mr. Latter reported that at the next meeting the will be looking at expenses on the
school side.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Decker, Secretary
Beverly School Committee