2009-06-17
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday June 17, 2009
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday June 17, 2009 in the Beverly City
Hall Council Chambers in Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Ms. Cesa, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Ms. Fogarty, Mr. Manzi, Mayor Scanlon and Mr.
Latter.
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; Matt Poska, Principal, Briscoe Middle School
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.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Dr. Hayes and Ms. Cesa recognized the following employees who are retiring after many years of
dedicated service to the Beverly Public Schools:
Marcus Butler 34 years of service
Cheryl Ciano 10 years of service
Tom Donovan 23 years of service
Robert Dunn 24 years of service
Niles Flanders 40 years of service
Suzanne Harlow 29 years of service
Donna Jenko 10 years of service
Steve Menesale 36 years of service
Ann Nazzaro 28 years of service
NeilOstrofsky 33 years of service
Charlotte Searles 15 years of service
Lissa Simard 18 years of service
Peter Stackpole 36 years of service
Barbara Trudeau 39 years of service
Suzanne Harlow was also recognized for being the recipient of the 2009 Phyllis Allen Smith North Shore
Council's annual Celebrate Literacy Award and for her passion and dedication to literacy.
Mr. Poska, Principal of the Briscoe Middle School recognized Jessica Goodall, a ih Grade student for her
winning presentation in the Ratheon's MathMovesU Scholarship program. Mr. Poska said that in addition to
the scholarship Jessica received Ratheon is going to match that amount in the form of a $1000 Math grant to
Briscoe.
Mr. Poska recognized and thanked the following parents for their hard work and dedication they put into
organizing the clean-up and beautification of the grounds around Briscoe Middle School.
Caryn Gallagher Laurie Gelsomini
Diane Giardina Debbie Ploszay
Kathy Whitehair LouAnn Faria
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non-Agenda-Related Items
None
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda-Related Items
Henry Clark (of Clark, Hunt, Ahern & Embry, Attorneys-at-Law) representing Futures Behavior Therapy
Center addressed concerns raised in a recent communication from Dr. Hayes that recommended that the
School Committee not approve the Futures Behavior Therapy Center. Attorney Clark spoke to specific
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June 17, 2009
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concerns raised by Dr. Hayes and reported that he and Dr. Hayes have been involved in productive
discussions designed to address these issues.
Approval of Meeting Records
A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes from the May 20,
2009 Regular School Committee meeting. So voted.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
None
Communications from Committee Members
· Committee members attended recent district wide performances, including the All City String and
"The Wizard of Oz" at the Hannah elementary School.
· One committee member served as a chaperone at the "Up All Night party" following the BHS
graduation. He remarked that the students were well behaved and encouraged the incoming seniors
to sign up for this event next year.
· A committee member received calls from parents concerning projected class sizes at the North
Beverly School.
· Most members received communications concerning approval of the Futures program.
· A committee member who attended the BSO jazz chorus concert, Briscoe ih and 8th Grade Concert,
and Centerville's 5th Grade production of "The Lion King" praised the efforts of many talented
students.
· Calls were received from parents of outgoing 8th graders concerned with the creation of class
schedules for the 2009-2010 school year.
· One committee member reported that BHS is holding an open house for incoming freshman in the
high school library.
· Ms. Decker participated in a meeting regarding the BSRI pilot reading program that will be instituted
at Centerville School next year.
· One committee member attended the North Beverly PTO meeting commented on the endless energy
and ideas of their members.
· Mr. Manzo reported that pen pals from the North Beverly and Cove Schools had the opportunity to
meet at a recent field trip to the Stone Zoo.
· One member attended a thank you breakfast for library volunteers.
· Questions were received about the Beverly High School renovation project.
· One member praised the efforts of music teachers Quinton Hodges and Ray Novack.
· Mayor Scanlon reported that he attended the end of season track banquet.
· Ms. Cesa said she has received inquiries regarding confirmed cases of the swine flu.
· Calls were received regarding inadequate notice prior to the sophomore early release day.
· One committee member reported that the North Beverly Elementary School Boundless Playground
project is almost entirely funded and is expected to be installed on August 22nd. Additional volunteers
would be greatly appreciated.
· Beverly Bootstraps is looking for volunteers to help with a summer lunch program at city parks.
Report from School Committee President
1. Approval of the Children's Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf program changes.
Dr. Hayes asked the School Committee to approve the recently submitted application for the creation of two new
programs at the Children's Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf. After a brief discussion Ms.
Decker made a motion to approve the request by the Beverly School for the Deaf to create two new programs. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi. So voted.
2. Approval of a new school at the Futures Behavior Therapy Center
Dr. Hayes recommended that the School Committee not approve the proposed creation of a private
school by the current Futures Behavior Therapy Center. The superintendent stated that he is not satisfied
that the school meets all the necessary criteria, including population served, physical plant safety and
administration.
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June 17, 2009
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Dr. Hayes indicated that the school committee has three possible options: approve, deny or table the
presented proposal. If the proposal is denied the district would likely become involved in legal action. If
the proposal is tabled, Dr. Hayes and Futures administrators would engage in constructive meetings to
resolve differences and work together to bring forward a successful application.
Mr. Latter made a motion to approve the proposed application for a new private school by Futures
Behavior Therapy Center. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo. The committee, Dr. Hayes and
Attorney Clark briefly discussed the likelihood that the school district and Futures would be able to resolve
areas of disagreement. Mayor Scanlon made a motion to table the motion, which was seconded by Ms.
Decker. So voted.
3. Superintendent's Evaluation
Ms. Cesa reported that the committee recently concluded their evaluation of Superintendent Hayes. The
evaluation looked at specific areas, including Educational Leadership, Curriculum Planning and
Development in Instructional Management, Fiscal Facilities and Business Management, Planning
Organizational and Management, Communications & Community Relations, School Committee Relations,
Personnel Management, Personal Leadership, Values and Ethics.
Ms. Cesa reported that Superintendent Hayes has made substantial progress in his four specific goals,
including Student Achievement, Budget Development, High School Construction and Collective
Bargaining.
Dr. Hayes thanked committee members for their positive and the constructive feedback.
Report from Superintendent Hayes
1. Rescind Vote to Reduce FY09 Budget
Dr. Hayes asked the committee to rescind a vote taken in May 2009 to reduce the FY09 Budget by
$762,943. Originally intended to correspond with reduced Chapter 70 funding, Dr. Hayes later learned
that this information was incorrect. A motion was made by Mayor Scanlon and seconded by Ms. Decker
to rescind the reduction in the FY09 Budget. So voted.
2. FY10 Budget Approval
Dr. Hayes reported that an additional vote to approve the FY2010 operating budget is required. The
original amount of $44,192,608, approved in May 2009, was based on a general fund allocation of
$44,000,000. Following approval of the municipal budget, the amount approved for the school district
operating budget was actually $44,008,716. Mr. Latter made a motion to approve a FY201 0 operating
budget of $44,008,716; the motion was seconded by Ms. Fogarty. So voted.
3. Teacher Job Description
Dr. Hayes reported presented a revised job description for district teachers for school committee
approval. A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the revised
Teacher Job Description. So voted.
4. Approval of Grants
Dr. Hayes reported asked the committee to formally accept a recently received grant from Cell Signaling
Technology. A motion was made by Mr. Manzo and seconded by Mr. Latter to approve the Cell Signaling
Technology grant. So voted.
5. Overnight Field Trips
Dr. Hayes recommended the approval of two overnight field trips proposed by Sgt. Major Ellis of the
JROTC program. Sgt. Major Ellis and Master Sgt. Harrison will escort four cadets to Camp Odyssey in
Boswell Pennsylvania during 7/5 through 7/11 for a cooperative adventure and team building exercise.
On August 24th through the 2ih, Sgt. Major Ellis and Master Sgt. Harrison will escort 20 cadets to an
overnight field trip to Camp Edwards on Cape Cod.
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Manzi to approve the two overnight JROTC field
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June 17, 2009
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trips. So voted.
5. School Reconstruction Approval
Dr. Hayes introduced Bob Brudo and Dan Ahearn from the Landmark School who are seeking approval of
a proposed reconstruction of their school. Mr. Brudo reported that Landmark School has been in Beverly
since 1971 and currently enrolls 450 students with a second campus in Manchester. Mr. Brudo explained
that 92% of the operating budget comes from tuition revenue with the remainder from annual fund and
grants. Every six years the Landmark school can request DESE approval for tuition rate changes.
Mr. Ahearn reviewed the reconstruction proposal and detailed staffing changes. Dr. Hayes stated that he,
Debra O'Connor, Administrator of Pupil Personnel Services and Karen Wilk, Out of District Administrator,
attended a recent meeting regarding the proposed changes and conducted a review of the materials
provided by the Landmark school. The committee discussed the proposal in detail, which was followed
by Dr. Hayes indicating that he would recommend approval of the proposed reconstruction at the next
Committee of the Whole Meeting.
6. BevCam Board of Directors Appointment
Dr. Hayes reported that he has appointed Judy Miller, Director of Technology to fill an open seat on the
BevCam's Board of Directors. The vacant position was created by the retirement of Bob Dunn.
7. BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Hayes reported that the BHS renovation project was proceeding on schedule.
8. Superintendent's Contract
Dr. Hayes read a letter to the Committee reporting his intention to retire at the end of his current contract.
Committee Reports
1. Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that Finance & Facilities committee met prior to the previous Regular School
Committee meeting. The next meeting of the Finance & Facilities group is 6/24/09 at 6:30 p.m.
2. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
Ms. Decker reported the committee last met on 6/3/09. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Galinski summarized
district wide improvement goals, which was followed by presentation of School Improvement Plans by the
building principals from the Centerville, Cove and North Beverly elementary schools as well as the High
School. The following policies are presented for School Committee approval:
Upon the recommendation 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 "Child
Abuse and Neglect Reporting" (Section J: Students). So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Life a motion
was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Manzi to approve the attached policy regarding "Student
Dismissal" (Section J: Students). So voted.
The next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting is 9/9/09 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building.
3. Negotiations Subcommittee (Jim Latter, Chairperson)
Upon the recommendations of the Negotiations Subcommittee a motion was made by Mr. Latter and
seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the attached policy regarding "Negotiations Goals" (Section H:
Negotiations). So voted.
New Business
Ms. Decker asked Dr. Hayes about summer office hours. Dr. Hayes reported that the shortened (four day) work
week will begin on June 29th; additional information can be found on the district web site.
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Opportunity for Questions from the Press
Cate Lecuyer, Salem News asked Dr. Hayes about his intention to retire in June of 201 O.
Consider Executive Session
Mr. Latter made a motion to enter executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with non
union personnel and not to return to open session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Decker. Ms. Cesa called for a
roll call vote to consider this motion.
Yes: Ms. Decker, Ms. Fogarty, Mr. Latter, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Mayor Scanlon and Ms. Cesa
No: None
A motion was made by Mr. Latter and seconded by Ms. Fogarty to adjourn. So voted.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
Beverly Public School Committee