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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 Page 2 of 4 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 Regular Meeting January 13, 2010 Page 3 of 4 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 Regular Meeting January 13, 2010 Page 4 of 4 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