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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