2010-01-13
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 in the Beverly
City Hall, Council Chambers in Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mayor Scanlon, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Silverstein & Ms.
Fogarty
Also in Attendance: Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent of Schools; Donna Bergeron,
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent; Mr. Sean Gallagher, Principal
Beverly High School; Mr. James Coffey, Athletic Director, Ms. Rockwell,
Coordinator of Child Welfare & Attendance and Page LeBlanc, Student
Representative
Not in Attendance: Dr. James Hayes, Superintendent of Schools
Call to Order
President Cesa called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Manzi led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Dr. Galinski and Ms. Cesa with the assistance of Principal Gallagher and Athletic Director, James Coffey
recognized the Beverly High School Fall 2009 NEC All Stars and Award Winners.
Ms. Cesa thanked and recognized the Citizen Representatives to the sub-committees for their service
over the past two years. In attendance were Carolyn Trefry-Desilvestre who has served on the
Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee and will continue in that position and Tracey Geary,
Finance and Facilities Committee. Unable to attend were Dr. Beverly Dolinsky, Curriculum, Instruction
and Student Life and Judy Chang, Finance & Facilities.
Dr. Galinski recognized the following retiring staff members for their service to the Beverly Public Schools:
James Headley - Technology Teacher, 13 years of service, Sheila Billings - Art Teacher, 9 years of
service, Agnes Palaima - Paraprofessional, 14 years of service.
Dr. Galinski also recognized and thanked former school physician Dr. Mark Allara.
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 Ms. Fogarty and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the minutes from the
December 9, 2009 regular School Committee meeting. So voted.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Page LeBlanc reported that final exams will begin this week with grades closing on January 22. Report
cards will be sent home January 29th. DECA recently competed in the District Career Development
Conference where there were six first place winners.
Regular Meeting
January 13, 2010
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Communications from Committee Members
· Karen Fogarty welcomed everyone to a new term and reported attending a few recent community
events, including the winter concert and All-City Strings concert where she was impressed with the
rapid development of the 3rd graders. A constituent inquired about the substitute teacher policy,
which was referred to Dr. Hayes.
· Kris Silverstein also attended the winter concert, a Briscoe PTO meeting and one of the
Superintendent Focus groups.
· David Manzi continues to receive favorable comments on the BHS renovation project and enjoyed
attending the Inaugural Ball. Mr. Manzi, along with the other committee members, welcomed Ward 3
representative Kris Silverstein to the Committee.
· Paul Manzo received questions regarding use of the field house during the renovation project and
attended the Centerville PTO meeting where members discussed enrichment programs and
upcoming Family Math & Science Night. Mr. Manzo also reported attending the All City Strings and
the Grade 5 Band Concert.
· Maria Decker attended many of the same events as her colleagues, reporting that Centerville PTO
members continue to express frustration with ongoing parking issues. Ms. Decker continues to
receive questions regarding the Superintendent Search, the lack of "No Idling" signs at some of the
schools and inquiries on Summer School opportunities for Special Education preschoolers. Parents
of swim team students questioned the rational behind the allocation of the number of coaches to high
school sports and she responded to questions regarding professional development offering for staff.
· Annemarie Cesa received questions about the phasing plan at the high school renovation project, in
particular the expected date of moving students into the new academic wing.
Report from Superintendent Hayes
1. School Nurse Job Description
Dr. Galinski stated that committee approval is required on the attached job description for the School
Nurse position, complete with summative evaluation criteria. Ms. Decker asked of the type of degree
required by a district nurse. Dr. Galinski said she would provide clarification at a later meeting.
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Manzi to approve the School Nurse Job
Description. So voted.
2. Appointment of School Nurses
Dr. Galinski reported that all school nurses require formal appointment by the School Committee and
asked for approval of the following individuals:
Cathy Riccio - School Nurse leader
Kimberly Pappas - Beverly High School
Ann Poeske - Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School
Joyce Prior - Centerville Elementary School
Lori Cravatis - Cove Elementary School
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to approve the appointment of the
school nurses listed above. So voted.
3. Behavioral Health in Schools and ADL I A World of Difference Peer Leaders
Coordinator of Child Welfare and Attendance Emily Rockwell described the ADL/Peer Leader programs
at the Middle and High School level. These programs train students to become peer leaders and enable
them to help fellow students to resolve issues. Students from Briscoe Middle School briefly described
their role and the positive effect this program has had on students. BHS students Kel Davison and KC
Kelleher summarized their involvement with "A World of Difference" and described program activities.
They believe that the program has made a difference and has a positive effect on students.
4. Pro-Social Behaviors - Behavioral Health in Schools
Emily Rockwell reported on a wide number of district initiatives implemented funded in part through the
Integrated, Comprehensive Resources in Schools (ICRS) grant. These initiatives involve collaboration
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January 13, 2010
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between the district and HES, the Department of Children and Families and the YMCA. She stated that
the district has received ICRS support for the last 12 years, totaling approximately $600,000. A detailed
report created by building principals that summarized district programs was provided to the committee.
5. Open Meeting Law Changes in July 2010
Dr. Galinski reported changes to the open meeting law and referenced a pair of documents distributed to
the committee. The first document is a summary of changes prepared by District Attorney Robert Bender,
while the second document is a client alert provided by school department Attorney Naomi Stonberg.
According to Dr. Galinski, the superintendent believes that a discussion of changes to the open meeting
law would be a suitable topic for both a School Committee retreat as well as the annual joint School
Committee - City Council meeting.
6. BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Galinski provided an update on the high school construction project to date. She indicated that the
current facility has had recent problems with heat regulation which required installation of a new
compressor. Ongoing problems with domestic hot water in the culinary arts department required
installation of a new hot water tank. Ms. Galinski reported that the bid for the new security system has
been awarded and a plan for serving lunch to students in the upper gym is under consideration. Dr.
Hayes has completed facility tours for the Furniture Fixtures & Equipment committee, while faculty
members have been asked to assess their new academic space. Plans to install a logo on the lobby floor
continue to be developed.
Mayor Scanlon stated that the city will borrow twenty million dollars towards the high school project at a
better interest rate than expected. Coupled with a recent improvement to the city bond rating and the
refinancing of additional long term debt, the city is expected to save substantial debt revenue over the
period of these loans.
Report from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa
Ms. Cesa reported on a recent meeting with City Council President Mike Cahill to discuss the
consolidation of school district Buildings and Grounds with the municipal Department of Public Services.
Ms. Cesa reported that she, Dr. Hayes and BTA President, Heather Kavanagh have signed the "Race to
the Top" Memorandum of Understanding.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Manzi that the Beverly School Committee
supports the "Race to the Top" Initiative. So voted.
Ms. Decker provided an update of the Superintendent Search, stating search coordinator Ken
DeBenedictis has compiled a Focus Group Report. The report has been posted to the district web site
and copies are available at each school, public libraries and the Memorial Building. Ms. Decker provided
a brief review of the report and stated that the application period closes on Friday (1/15/10) after which
the screening committee will begin the applicant review process.
Committee Reports
1. Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that the Finance and Facilities last met on December 16 to review district revenues and
operating expenses. Information was provided regarding recent efforts to collect delinquent tuitions and fees.
Committee members discussed particular expense lines, including unemployment benefits, special education
contingency funds and utility costs. Mr. Manzo reported that the committee received a report of recent work
completed at all district schools from Buildings & Grounds Interim Director Tim Liporto. Work included the repair of
lights in all district parking lots, security work at the Hannah and Centerville schools, roof repairs at Cove and
Centerville, and plumbing work at the Briscoe school. The next meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and
Facilities will be on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building.
2. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life last met on January 6, 2010 and
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January 13, 2010
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welcomed returning member Carolyn Trefry-Desilvestre and new representative, Phyllis Dragonis. Ms.
Decker said they received a presentation on from districtTechnology Director Judy Miller regarding the
proposed 1-to-1 laptop program at the new high school. The committee suggested that the district widely
disseminates the presentation to all district parents and community members as well as survey a broader
cross section of the community.
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 policy regarding "Textbook
Selection and Adoption" (Section I: Instruction). 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 policy regarding "Evaluation of
Instructional Programs" (Section I: Instruction). 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 policy regarding "Home Schooling"
(Section I: Instruction). 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 policy regarding "Teaching
Controversial Issues" (Section I: Instruction). So voted.
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Life recommends the attached policy
regarding "School Volunteers" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second reading, which will
take place at our February 1 0, 2010 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
The next meeting of the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee will be held on Wednesday,
February 3, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building.
3. Policy Review Subcommittee (David Manzi, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzi stated that the Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy regarding
"Committee Membership - Filling of Vacancies" (Section B: School Committee Governance and
Operations) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at our February 10, 2010
meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
A meeting for 2010 has yet to be scheduled.
New Business
None
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Manzi to adjourn. So voted.
Meeting adjourned at 8: 1 0 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
Beverly Public School Committee