2009-04-08
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday April 8, 2009 in the Beverly City
Hall Council Chambers in Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Ms. Cesa, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Mr. Latter, Ms. Fogarty, Mr. Manzi and Mayor
Scanlon (7: 15 pm).
Also in Attendance: Dr. James Hayes, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant
Superintendent of Schools; Joan Liporto, Director of Finance and Operations,
Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and School
Committee; Joe Santamaria, Student Representative, James Coffee, Athletic
Director, Sean Gallagher, Beverly High School Principal, Kevin Leahy, Social
Studies Teacher and Diana Bucceila, Foreign Language Teacher, BHS
Call to Order
President Cesa called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Latter led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Dr. Hayes, Ms. Cesa and Sg1. Major Ellis recognized the following members of the Beverly High School ROTC Drill
Team for their performance at a recent competition:
Brianna Hogan Joel Sylvester
Anne-Marie Ngotho Arthur Jacob
James Garcia Cody Ruest
Corey Mooney Edward Tsukroff
Daniel Fitzgerald Matthew Latter
Nicholas Dixey Charlotte Sandland
Tiana Dixey
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Cesa, along with Athletic Director Jim Coffee and Principal Sean Gallagher, introduced the
Beverly High School Winter 2009 NEC All Stars and Award Winners:
Boys Hockey Boys Basketball
Tyler Albano Curtis Manuel
Girls Hockey Nate Knudson
Elizabeth Doherty Michael Clayton
Girls Basketball Indoor Track
Jessica Shaw George Louis
Meghan Chatellier Steve Rouse
Jen Ashton Kate Tibbets
Millie Chapman
Monica Adler
Wrestlina
Jake Petronzio
Justin Lehman
Evan Johnson
Kurt Stallsmith
Ben Comeau
Tom Cacciola
Swimmina/Divina
Abby Curran
Connor Flynn
Carolyn Hall
Kaitlyn O'Connor
Kelley O'Connor
Kevin Ranta
Gymnastics
Liana Eramo
Salem News All-star
Jack Liacos
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non-Agenda-Related Items
None
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda-Related Items
None
Approval of Meeting Records
A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the minutes from the March
11 , 2009 regular School Committee meeting. So voted.
Regular Meeting
April 8, 2009
Page 2 of 5
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Joe Santamaria reported the following: The Student Advisory Committee discussed ongoing parking
issues and the leadership council with School Committee members at a meeting earlier that evening.
The Eco Club will host a recycled art show and the Student Council will host an "Open Mic Night" on
Tuesday April 14, 2009. Students attending the art show will vote for their favorite piece, with prizes
awarded to the winner. The Language Department is planning a trip to Costa Rica and information on a
possible trip to Ireland will be presented to the School committee this evening for approval.
Communications from Committee Members
· A committee member attended a recent "Stand for Children" informational meeting and a Stand for
Children rally at the State House.
· Several committee members attended the MASC budget seminar in Lowell.
· One committee member remarked that the Hannah School PTO fund raiser was a wonderful event.
· A few committee members reported receiving communications from parents concerning their
kindergarten notification letters.
· Most members reported receiving inquires regarding the upcoming budget.
· Committee members reminded those assembled about the Hannah School Portfolio Night on April
13th at 6:00 p.m. and the Cove School Family Math & Science Night on April 15th at 6:00 p.m.
· One committee member who appeared as a judge in the Ayers School Science Fair remarked that
the students did a great job.
· Committee members attended several events over the past month, including the Briscoe Middle
School Music Spaghetti Supper, the Centerville Flip Flop Fiesta and the BHS musical "Copacabana".
· The FY2010 budget and the impact of a weak local economy on fundraising were both discussed at
recent PTO meetings held at Briscoe and Centerville. Similar concerns were voiced a recent PTO
meetings held at the Cove and North Beverly schools, where parents discussed the challenges ahead
as they look at potential ways to reduce expenses.
· Ms. Decker reported on an upcoming community service effort by district 5th grade students at the
Briscoe Middle School. They will be participate in grounds clean u~ and planting next Wednesday,
followed by a community wide, day-long clean up effort on May 16t .
· A committee member received inquiries on parking at the high school
· Parents asked of the location of the Centerville half day kindergarten program and the selection
process for the full day program.
· A committee member listened to concerns about 2009-2010 elementary class sizes and the proposed
entry way logo at the renovated new high school.
· Ms. Decker met with Briscoe's 6th grade student, Robbie Burns, a 2nd Class Boy Scout in Troop 49.
Robbie is working towards his citizenship and community merit badge. Robbie and members of his
troop were in attendance this evening.
· One representative reported attending a meeting of the high school Color Committee.
· A committee member attended a recent Parent Advisory Committee program which included a
presentation on different ways to connect with autistic children.
· Congratulations were sent out to Ray Novak and the BHS Jazz Band for their recent award winning
performance.
· Ms. Cesa appreciates seeing a high level of cooperation between schools, particularly in supporting
each other's fund raising efforts.
· A constituent asked whether the district would consider placing a web cam at the high school so
individuals can follow the progress of the renovation.
· The BHS PTSO will host an "Open House" for incoming 9th graders on April 16th
Report from Superintendent Hayes
1. Overnight Field Trip Proposal - Costa Rica
Ms. Diana Bucceila, Foreign Language teacher at Beverly High School, presented information on a
proposed trip to Costa Rica on April 17-24, 2010. Ms. Bucceila reviewed the itinerary for the proposed
eight day tour and estimated that approximately 12 students of the 30 students who had initially
expressed interest in the trip have requested registration forms.
Following a discussion among the committee members, a motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded
Regular Meeting
April 8, 2009
Page 3 of 5
by Ms. Decker to approve the April 17-24, 2010 overnight fieldtrip to Costa Rica. So voted.
2. Overnight Field Trip Proposal - Ireland
Mr. Kevin Leahy, Beverly High School Social Studies teacher, presented details of a proposed field trip to
Ireland on April 13 - 24, 2010. He reviewed the itinerary for the proposed tour and remarked that a
substantial number of students have expressed interest in participating. Following a discussion among
the committee members, a motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the
overnight field trip to Ireland. So voted.
3. NEASC Progress Report - Hannah Elementary School
Hannah Elementary School Principal Susan Snyder reported to the committee that the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) has responded favorably to the school's recent Two-Year
Progress Report. Ms. Snyder indicated that three of the four recommendations from NEASC were being
addressed with one already completed.
4. Superintendent's Self-Evaluation
Dr. Hayes provided an update of his 2008-2009 goals. He briefly described the status of the four goals,
including student achievement, budget development, high school construction and collective bargaining.
The superintendent expressed hope that three of his four goals will be completed when expected, while
FY10 budget development has been delayed pending confirmation of state revenues to the City.
5. Summer Institute for Teachers
Dr. Hayes reviewed the Summer Institute schedule, which provides many opportunities for professional
development to district teachers. Dr. Galinski was credited for organizing this program.
6. Coordinated Review - Safe and Drug-Free Schools
Dr. Galinski reported that the "Safe and Drug Free School" grant, which is part of the No-Child Left
Behind program, provides the district with the tools necessary to work on violence prevention and
substance abuse in our schools. Dr. Galinski indicated that professional development days will be
scheduled with health and wellness staff from both middle and high school to revise the curricula maps.
7. Beverly High School Phasing Plan
Dr. Hayes reviewed Beverly High School phasing plans 1A through 1 D as depicted on the distributed
memo. During phase 1A the new academic building will be constructed on the lower lot. Phase 1 B entails
the extensive renovation of the auditorium and music rooms, with work completed in March of 2010.
During phase 1 C the back side of the field house, the custodial staff area and an area of the parking lot,
will be converted into the new kitchen. Dr. Hayes indicated on the enclosed diagram the locations of new
building entrances. In January of 2010 renovations to the old kitchen and cafeteria will begin, requiring
staff and students to take meals in the upper gym.
Dr. Hayes and the committee discussed concerns regarding the challenges that students and staff will
face during the construction and renovation period.
8. BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Hayes reported that the framing steel has been delivered and is currently being erected. In addition,
the furniture and equipment report is nearing completion.
9. Connect-ED Usage Report
Dr. Hayes provided a summary report from Connect-Ed (Blackboard Connect), which detailed usage of
this service by our schools. Dr. Hayes and the committee briefly reviewed the report.
Dr. Hayes noted a change in the School Committee meeting schedule. The Regular School Committee
meeting scheduled on 5/13/09 has been changed to Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall
while the Finance & Facilities Committee will now meet on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at the
Memorial Building
Regular Meeting
April 8, 2009
Page 4 of 5
Report from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa
Ms. Cesa stated she has contacted City Council President Flaherty to schedule a date for our annual
Joint School Committee - City Council Meeting.
Ms. Cesa stated that the annual Superintendent Evaluation will be distributed the last week of April.
Ms. Cesa reported that she is looking for individuals interested in fund raising for the new high school.
Potential fundraisers may include selling inscribed bricks at the new facility. Interested individuals should
contact her.
Ms. Cesa asked that the committee take a formal vote to remain a part of the North Shore Coalition for
School Funding. A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Latter stating that the Beverly
School Committee supports the continued efforts of the North Shore Coalition for School Funding, that
the Beverly School Committee will remain an official member of the coalition, and the chairperson of the
Beverly School Committee or his/her designee representing the district as an active and voting member
of the coalition. So voted.
Committee Reports
1. Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that the Finance & Facilities committee last met on March 18th and reviewed FY09 operating
budget revenues and expenses. The group also received the regular report from the interim director of Buildings and
grounds, who was praised for his hard work and professional demeanor. Mr. Manzo reported that Dr. Hayes
delivered a brief summary of the furniture, equipment and technology plan for the newly renovated high school.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by Mr.
Manzo and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve a new Special Education Paraprofessional position (one-
to-one) at Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School at an estimated cost of $6,844 using funds transferred
from the Special Education contingency account. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by Mr.
Manzo and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve a new Special Education Paraprofessional part-time (.5)
position at Hannah Elementary School at an estimated cost of $6,066 using funds transferred from the
Special Education contingency account. So voted.
The next Finance & Facilities meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2009, 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building.
2. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
Ms. Decker reported that the Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life committee last met on April 1 , 2009
at 7:00 p.m. The Committee reviewed summer school offerings (presented by Beverly High School
Assistant Principal Betty Taylor). Ms. Decker indicated that summer school registration forms can be
found on the district web site and are that programs are also open to non-Beverly residents. Ms. Decker
stated that a list of summer reading requirements (Grades 1-12) was presented to the committee. Dr.
Hayes presented the CISL members with a copy of a possible logo to be placed in the entryway floor at
the renovated high school.
Ms. Decker reported that the committee reviewed the 2009-2010 Elementary, Middle and High School
Handbooks and they are presenting them to the full committee this evening for formal approval.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a
motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the 2009-2010 Elementary,
Briscoe Middle School and Beverly High School Student Handbooks. So voted.
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Life recommends the following two polices
for a first reading: "Corporal Punishment" (Section J: Students) and "Discrimination and Harassment"
(Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments). A second reading will take place at our May meeting
and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
Regular Meeting
April 8, 2009
Page 5 of 5
The next Curriculum and Instruction meeting is scheduled for May 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Memorial
Building.
Negotiations Subcommittee (Jim Latter, Chairperson)
Mr. Latter reported that the negotiations group met on Wednesday, April 1 st. He stated that there will be
future meetings with specific dates to be determined.
New Business
Ms. Decker extended an invitation to Briscoe's production of "Guys & Dolls" taking place April 30th and May 1 st at
7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 2nd, at 2:00 p.m.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Mr. Manzi to adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
Beverly Public School Committee