Loading...
2008-02-13 BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS February 13, 2008 A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, in the City Council Chambers, Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA. Members Present: Ms. Cesa, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Mr. Latter, and Ms. Fogarty. Also in Attendance: Ms. Debra O'Connor, Administrator of Special Education & Pupil Personnel Services Jacqueline Belliveau, Student Representative to the School Committee Donna Bergeron, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent and School Committee Not in Attendance: Mr. David Manzi Mayor William Scanlon Dr. James Hayes, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Ms. Joan Liporto, Director of Finance & Operations President Cesa called the meeting to order at 6:55 p.m. Mr. Manzo led the Pledge of Allegiance. Recognitions - Such Other Matters (Kudos, Congratulations) Ms. O'Connor and Ms. Cesa recognized Katie Tibbets and Shannon Rogers, sophomores at BHS for their donation of 22 handmade pillows to Hospice of the North Shore. Ms. O'Connor called on Mr. Poska, Principal of the Briscoe Middle School to recognize the following 6th grade students: Joseph Bachini, Mary Cate Flaherty, Caroline Decker, Alissa Conant, Jackson Martz and Caitlyn Ofiesh for the outstanding job they did during Grade 5 Move-Up Night. These students conducted a question and answer presentation for parents and students who attended. Mr. Poska also recognized Alison Gove, an 8th grade student at Briscoe Middle School for being chosen as a finalist in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Annual Patriot's Pen Contest and Voice of Democracy Banquet. 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 Mr. Latter to approve the minutes of January 12, 2008 School Committee Retreat. So voted. A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the minutes of the January 16, 2008 School Committee of the Whole Meeting. So voted. A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the minutes of the January 16, 2008 School Committee Meeting. So voted. Report from Student Representative Jacqui Belliveau reported the following from BHS: . A mock election was held on February 4th which resulted in a win for Barack Obama by 54%. . On February 11 th the senior class hosted a hypnotist as part of their fundraising activities. They had a great turn out and a lot of laughs. . The senior class is also hosting a Prom Fashion Show this evening at the Memorial Building. Regular Meeting February 13,2008 Page 2 . There will be a school dance on Friday, February 29 from 7p.m. to 11 p.m. . The musical "Funny Girl" will be presented on March 13th through the 16th. Communications . Several questions were received about the start date for the 2008-2009 school year. . Mr. Manzo said he had a lengthy discussion about the high school project and playing fields. . A question was received about kindergarten transportation. . Received many positive comments about the recent State of the Schools address. . The overall comments surrounding primary day was that it worked out fairly well but would not like to see it happen again. . Mr. Manzo said he toured the Cove School with the new City Counselor for Ward 2, Mr. Wes Slate. . Taking the lead again the McKeown School is starting Science related composting project. . Calls were received about buses running late to Briscoe they were referred to Bill Burke. . Calls were received with regards to large class sizes at BHS - referred to Sean Gallagher . Ms. Decker said she accompanied the Mayor, Dr. Hayes and others to a meeting in Boston with the MSBA. She reported that they had a good meeting and felt the news was very encouraging. . Mr. Latter reported hearing from neighbors with questions about the playing fields at BHS. Mr. Latter said he would like to see a meeting scheduled in the near future to meet with and update neighbors. . Attended JROTC Drill Competition - great to see the project up and running and watching the students competing. . Ms Fogarty said she too received a call about the class size in AP Honors French IV with numbers being over 30. She also had a question from a parent with some confusion about the alternating schedule for AP Biology and Chemistry which she referred to Mr. Clement. . Ms. Fogarty reported that she had recently participated in the Massachusetts Association of School Committees - "Charting the Course" training. She said it was a great experience. . Ms. Cesa said she also had calls about the precautions for voting and commended North Beverly elementary for the great job they did on primary day especially with the loss of power adding to an already busy morning. . Received questions about the status of the principal search. . BHS PTSO meeting tomorrow night. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Ms. Cesa indicated that Ms. Debra O'Connor, Administrator of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services, would deliver the Superintendent's report. Appointment of School Nurses It was recently brought to the attention of the Superintendent and School Committee that it is necessary for all of our school nurses to be officially appointed by the School Committee. Ms. O'Connor stated that the administration recommends that the following nurses be formally appointed: Janice Kersker - Beverly High School Elaine Moffett - Briscoe Middle School Ellen Singleton - Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School Nina Eramo - Centerville Elementary School Lissa Simard - Cove Elementary School Leann Moody - Hannah Elementary School Carolyn Abram - McKeown Elementary School June Kazes - North Beverly Elementary School A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the appointments of the school nurses. So voted. Regular Meeting February 13,2008 Page 3 Reading Specialist Job Description Ms. O'Connor reported that a vote is required to approve the attached job description for the position of Reading Specialist, complete with summative evaluation criteria. Ms. O'Connor stated that this document has been negotiated with the Beverly Teachers Association (BTA). A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the implementation of the Reading Specialist job description. So voted. 2008-09 School Calendar Ms. O'Connor read a letter from Dr. Hayes outlining the results of a meeting with the BT A on January 25, 2008. The conclusion of the letter stated that there was no change in the decision to start the school year before the Labor Day holiday in September, 2008. Ms. O'Connor recommended the attached 2008-2009 School Calendar for approval. A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the 2008-2009 School Calendar. So voted. Educational Proficiency Plans Mr. Joe Clement, Academic Division Leader at BHS, summarized the new requirement added to attain Competency Determination beginning with the Class of 2010. Mr. Clement discussed the changes that will be taking place and the affect it will have on high school students and staff. BHS Construction Project Update In Dr. Hayes and Mayor Scanlon's absence it was decided that an update on the BHS construction project be given at the March 12,2008 School Committee meeting. Committee Reports Standinq Committee on Finance & Facilities Paul Manzo. Chairperson Mr. Manzo reported that the last meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities was held on Wednesday, January 23, 2008. Mr. Manzo said that the Committee welcomed returning members as well as the newly appointed members and citizen representatives. The committee reviewed the FY'08 budget and said that an anticipated revenue shortfall is primarily due to a decline in high reimbursement rate School Choice students. Mr. Manzo reported that a budget freeze has been put in place, which is not an unusual practice. High utility costs are still an area of concern and the staff and administration will continue to look at ways to reduce costs. Mr. Manzo offered the following policies for approval: Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve a new Special Education Paraprofessional position at North Beverly Elementary School at an estimated cost of $7,169 using funds transferred from the Special Education contingency account. So voted. Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the attached policy regarding "Purchasing". So voted. Upon the recommendations 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 "Revolving Accounts". So voted. Upon the recommendations 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 "Sales Calls and Demonstrations". So voted. Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the attached policy regarding "Cash in School Buildings". So voted. Regular Meeting February 13,2008 Page 4 Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the attached policy regarding "Expense Authorization and Reimbursement". So voted. Upon the recommendations 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 "Food Services". So voted Upon the recommendations 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 "Anti-Idling Measures". So voted. The next meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities is February 27, 2008 at 6:30 pm. Standinq Committee on Curriculum. Instruction. and Student Life Maria Decker. Chairperson The last meeting of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instructions & Student Life was held on Wednesday, February 6, 2008. Ms. Decker described the agenda as including the following: . Mr. Gallagher, Acting Principal at Beverly High School presented the Program of Studies, which included many new classes as well as the elimination of others. . Update on Briscoe Time & Learning Grant, which includes 22 members who will be attending a training in Lowell. . Dr. Galinski reviewed the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey completed by the Northeast Health Resources. Ms. Decker offered the following polices for approval: Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life a motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the Beverly High School Program of Studies for 2008-09. So voted. Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life a motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the attached policy regarding "Attendance". So voted. Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life a motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "School Admissions". So voted. Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life a motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the attached policy regarding "Admission of Exchange Students". So voted. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life recommends the attached policy regarding "Homeless Children: Enrollment Rights and Services" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at our March meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee. Neqotiations Subcommittee Jim Latter, Chairperson The negotiations subcommittee recently held a meeting of its members to discuss negotiating strategy. This was followed by a meeting with representatives from the BTA to set a calendar for negotiations. New Business None Opportunity for Questions from the Press None Regular Meeting February 13,2008 Page 5 Consider Executive Session A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Decker to go into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with union personnel and not to return to open session. A Roll call vote resulted in the following: Yes: Ms. Decker, Ms. Fogarty, Mr. Latter, Mr. Manzo and Ms. Cesa A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Latter to adjourn. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Paul Manzo, Secretary Beverly School Committee