2010-03-10
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 10,2010
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 10, 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. James Hayes, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant
Superintendent of Schools; Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the
Superintendent; Page LeBlanc, Student Representative, Ms. Jennifer Flewelling,
Principal North Beverly Elementary School
Call to Order
President Cesa called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Ms. Fogarty led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
None
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. Decker and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to approve the minutes from the
January 13, 2010 regular School Committee meeting with one addition. So voted.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
None
Communications from Committee Members
· Karen Fogarty was impressed with the student projects at the Ayers Science Fair and enjoyed her
recent tour of the new BHS facility. She expressed concerns over cell phone/texting at drop-off and
pick-up and urged parents to not use their cell phones at that time.
· Kris Silverstein attended the North Beverly Math and Science Night, calling it a wonderful event. She
congratulated the Ayer's Bears Polar Plunge team and attended a meeting with Lt. Governor Murray
during his visit to Beverly. Ms. Silverstein invited all who are interested to participate in the annual
"Day on the Hill" rally on March 23rd. Transportation will be provided from Lynch Park.
· David Manzi thanked Dr. Hayes for the recent tour of the new BHS facility and attended the City Wide
PTO "Evening of Accomplishment". He reported that BHS PTSO has funds available for teachers and
reminded everyone that the annual BHS musical begins on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.
· Paul Manzo heard from constituents regarding the superintendent search process, the BHS logo, and
FY11 budget development. Fundraising and enrichment programs were discussed at recent Cove,
North Beverly and Centerville school PTO meetings. Mr. Manzo served as a judge at the Ayers
Science fair and attended an "Education in Science" award ceremony featuring Beverly educators at
Cell Signaling Technology. Mr. Manzo reminded people of the upcoming Annual Cove Auction and
the North Beverly Family Math and Science Night.
Regular Meeting
March 10,2010
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· Maria Decker reported questions and comments on the superintendent search, BHS logo, budget
development, kindergarten registration and consolidation. Parking continues to be an ongoing issue
at the Centerville School. She attended the Briscoe and Centerville PTO meetings and said that
Briscoe's Annual Pasta Dinner was taking place this evening until 8:00p.m.
· Mayor Scanlon attended the Ayers Science Fair. Mayor Scanlon commented on the FY11 budget
development, institution of a local meals tax, and a possible 50A> cut to local aid. He reminded the
committee of the latest school district employee headcount and repeated his recommendation to hire
part-time employees when possible.
· Annemarie Cesa received calls regarding idling busses, the BHS logo, and budget development. She
heard from constituents concerning the lack of a "Connect-Ed" message informing parents that school
would be held on a day with poor weather. She asked of the upper gym construction status and
praised both Centerville and North Beverly staff and students during a recent power outage that
required both schools to share one facility.
Report from Superintendent Hayes
Dr. Hayes addressed comments made by Mayor Scanlon regarding the school department headcount.
1. Overnight Field Trip Proposal - Camp Edwards MA
Dr. Hayes requested approval of a proposed MJROTC overnight field to Camp Edwards, scheduled for
August 23-27, 2010. The superintendent reported that ROTC members have taken this trip in the past
and there will be no cost to the students expected to attend.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to approve the proposed overnight
field trip to Camp Edwards. So voted.
2. North Beverly Elementary School Stars Program
Principal Jennifer Flewelling reviewed the Stars Program, currently in its second year at the North Beverly
Elementary School. According to Ms. Flewelling, this extremely helpful and productive program has had
a positive effect on students and staff. Teachers Ms. DiFrancesco and Mr. Belmonte spoke of their
experiences and remarked that the ability to work together as a staff has been a great opportunity for all.
Parent volunteer/leaders and students also shared their experiences.
3. BHS Special Progress Report to NEASC
The committee received a Special Progress Report from BHS Principal Sean Gallagher, a requirement of
the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). According to Dr. Hayes, the district is
requesting a delay of the next scheduled review visit by NEASC until after the new facility is operational.
4. Progress Report - Superintendent Goals
Dr. Hayes provided the group with a progress report detailing his 2009-2010 goals and status to date.
5. BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Hayes reported that installation of ceiling grids is nearing completion, the terrazzo flooring installation
is underway, a first coat of paint had been completed in all rooms, and installation of new kitchen
equipment is nearly completed.
Committee Reports
1. Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that the Finance and Facilities group has met twice since the previous School
Committee meeting. At the January meeting they reviewed revenues and expenses and discussed a new
collection policy. The committee also welcomed new committee member Maria Decker and citizen
representatives Bob Hames and Michelle Curreri. In February, the group reviewed the FY10 budget,
received an updated buildings and grounds report and had a lengthy discussion of the current rental
policy. The committee welcomed two city council liaisons, Wes Slate and Michael Cahill.
The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding "Naming of
Buildings and Rooms" (Section F: Facilities Development) for a first reading. The second reading, which
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March 10,2010
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will take place at our April 14, 2010 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
The next meeting of the Finance and Facilities Committee will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at
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, Instructions and Student Life Committee last met February 3,
2010. At that time they reviewed the BHS Program of Studies, district data for the elementary music
program, and college placement and ELL data. Nurse Leader Cathy Riccio provided an update of the
state mandated Body Mass Index data. Ms. Decker announced that Summer Academy course offerings
are available on the Beverly Public Schools web site.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Life a motion
was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to approve the policy regarding "School
Volunteers" (Section I: Instruction). So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a
motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to approve the Elementary Student
Handbook for 2010-11. So voted.
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 Briscoe Middle School
Student Handbook for 2010-11. So voted.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a
motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to approve the Beverly High School
Student Handbook for 2010-11. So voted.
The next scheduled meeting of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life will
be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building.
3. Policy Review Subcommittee (David Manzi, Chairperson)
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Mr. Manzi and
seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the policy regarding "Committee Membership - Filling of Vacancies"
(Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations). So voted.
New Business
None
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
A motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with
non-union personnel and not to return to open session was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms.
Decker. Ms. Cesa called for a roll call vote to consider this motion.
Yes: Mr. Manzo, Mayor Scanlon, Ms. Silverstein, Ms. Decker, Ms. Fogarty, Mr. Manzi and Ms. Cesa
No: None
Meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
Beverly Public School Committee