2010-08-25BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 in the Memorial Building,
Room 164, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mr. Manzi, Ms. Decker, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Silverstein and Ms. Fogarty
Members Not Present: Mr. Manzo and Mayor Scanlon
Also in Attendance: Dr. Marie Galinski, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Maryellen Duffy, Assistant
Superintendent of Schools; Joan Liporto, Director of Finance & Operation; Donna
Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the School Committee; Mr. James Coffey, Athletic
Director
Call to Order
Ms. 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
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 Mr. Manzi and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the minutes from the June 16, 2010
Regular School Committee meeting with one correction. So voted (5:0).
A motion was made by Ms. Silverstein and seconded by Mr. Manzi to approve the minutes from the June 14, 2010
Committee of the Whole meeting with corrections. So voted (5:0).
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
None
Communications from Committee Members
■ Most members reported a quiet summer with few communications.
■ Mr. Manzi received communications regarding the budget.
■ Ms. Silverstein reported a -mails from constituents about the recently awarded "Race To The Top" money.
■ Ms. Fogarty received communications concerning class size at Ayers.
■ Ms. Decker reported communications from incoming freshman and 6 t " grade parents regarding schedules and
team and foreign language assignments; BHS athletics; the status on completion of the field house; and inquiries
from Centerville PTO about surplus furniture.
■ Ms. Cesa reported concerns surrounding scheduling issues at the high school and class size at Ayers.
Report from Superintendent Galinski
1. Moving schedule /calendar change for BHS move into the new high school
Dr. Galinski stated that the administration recommends approval of the moving schedule /calendar change for BHS
move into the new high school listed below:
Monday, November 22 — 1 /2 day for students; teacher begin packing in the PM
Tuesday, November 23 — No school students; teacher packing day
Wednesday, November 24 — No school students and teachers; in -house moves take place
Thursday, November 25 — Thanksgiving Holiday
Friday, November 26 — Thanksgiving recess; moving begins
Saturday, November 27 & Sunday, November 28 — moving continues
August 25, 2010
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Monday, November 29 — No school students; teachers unpacking
Tuesday, November 30 — Teachers and students in session in the new BHS.
In order to achieve the 180 day total for students and teachers, students at BHS will be in session on November 2,
2010 and January 14, 2011, which are the district -wide professional days. In addition, teachers and students will
need to be in session one additional day in June to meet the 180 - student attendance requirement. School ends
for BHS on Thursday, June 16, 2011 (no snow days) or Thursday, June 23, 2011 (five snow days).
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the proposed schedule / calendar change
to accommodate the move into the new Beverly High School. So voted (5:0).
2. Math Coach Position at Briscoe Middle School
Dr. Galinski reported that she had met with Mr. Poska, Briscoe Middle School Principal, who determined after a
review of the reading program coupled with the need to address the building goal of improved math instruction, that
they would be better served hiring a Math Coach than an additional reading teacher. This position would be funded
through the restoration money that was approved by the School Committee at their July meeting.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the Math Coach position at the Briscoe
Middle School. So voted (5:0).
3. Restoring a Coach
Beverly High School Athletic Director, James Coffey addressed the committee requesting that they amend the
previous vote approving an additional JV Swimming or Wrestling Coach and recommended using previously
approved restoration funds to hire a JV Volleyball Coach. He stated that the need this fall is much greater with
numbers for nearly four volleyball teams. He noted that the need for JV wrestling and swimming coaches may exist
during the winter athletic season and should funding be available mid -year he would hire JV coaches for these teams.
A motion was made by Ms. Fogarty and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to amend the previous vote from a wrestling or
swimming JV Coach to a JV Volley Ball Coach. So voted (5:0).
4. Opening of School Enrollments
Dr. Galinski provided the latest enrollments numbers to the committee while addressing some areas of concern. She
stated that she had meet with Ayers School Principal, Sue Charochak and discussed the large class size numbers in
Grade 5 reporting that both she and Ms. Charochak felt the classrooms could accommodate the students and the
request was made by Ms. Charochak for the addition of two (2) .5 paraprofessionals. Dr. Galinski also addressed
class size concerns at Hannah, Grade 4 and North Beverly, Grade 5 stating that Hannah numbers included the five
students from the SLD program that are integrated part -time into the classroom. Principal Snyder felt it is doable and
that adding a .5 paraprofessional might be a future possibility. At North Beverly Dr. Galinski reported that there are
six students integrated into the classrooms with a paraprofessional. Dr. Galinski said that she would continue to
closely monitor these situations.
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to hire two (2) .5 paraprofessionals for Ayers.
So voted (5:0).
Ms. Decker noted the increase in freshmen enrollment at BHS with over 50 additional students from the number of 8 t "
graders who graduated from Briscoe and asked if the number was hard and from where the students were coming.
Dr. Galinski noted she would ask Principal Gallagher to look into the reported high freshmen numbers.
5. BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Galinski reported the following construction update: Building B (Auditorium, Band, Music, and Chorus rooms) is
partially ready and will be for school opening. Building C has been turned over and furniture is being delivered on a
daily basis. She reminded that we would need to vacate the Patten Wing as of October 15 ", two days before the
N EASC visit.
Dr. Galinski noted that on Thursday, August 26, Sean Gallagher, BHS Principal would hold a voluntary faculty
meeting to go over the new traffic pattern into and out of the school lot, and the parking situation. She said that the
student lot would be sticker parking only, with spaces available on a first come first serve basis, utilizing the old tennis
court/pit area. In November the tennis court area will no longer be available and a new plan is currently being worked
out for student parking in the area of the softball field. Ms. Cesa noted that there needs to be sufficient visitor spots
available for parents and others who may have appointments.
August 25, 2010
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6. Superintendent's Entry Plan
Dr. Galinski reported that her Superintendent's Entry Plan, included in the packets, was distributed to the Leadership
Team. She has started and is enjoying the interview process and welcomes any recommendations.
7. Strategic Planning Update
Dr. Galinski reported that we have had a great response to the advertising and letters sent out looking for individuals
to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee. She continues to work with the K -12 Insight folks and they will be
working with the Leadership Team on September 16 School Committee members are invited to attend this 9:30am
meeting to learn about the Engagement Plan that the K -12 Insight people are currently developing and revising to
meet our needs, and that once edited will be posted to the web site.
Ms. Cesa reported that the Strategic Planning Ad -Hoc Sub - Committees have been formed and the Chairs are in
place: Paul Manzo — Technology; David Manzi — Outsourcing /Consolidation; Maria Decker — Facilities Usage; Karen
Fogarty — Class Size. Folders with member contact info have been compiled and distributed to each Chair. Mr.
Manzi reported that the Consolidation /Outsourcing Ad -Hoc Sub - Committee held their first meeting and will utilize the
consultant hired by Ms. Liporto to look into transportation outsourcing. If funding is available, Ms. Cesa noted the
possibility that the consultant would assist this committee as they look into other possible areas of outsourcing.
8. New Hires
Dr. Galinski reported that to date we have five new hires: new adjustment counselors at Hannah and No. Beverly; 2
Math positions at Briscoe; and a Wellness /Home Economics position at the High School. Dr. Galinski stated that due
to some unexpected situations, retirement, maternity leave, and resignations other positions have also been filled.
Dr. Galinski advised the committee that the Director of Food Services, Ms. Fleming, has resigned from her position to
take another job. She said the position has been posted but they are considering other options in the interim. Dr.
Galinski and the Director of Finance and Operations, Ms. Liporto, said they are reluctant to hire an interim with the
possible outsourcing of the Food Service Department Ms. Liporto reported that Ms. Fleming's Department is well
prepared for the opening of school as are all of her managers. With the restoration of the Food Service Clerk's hours
to previous levels and the ability to consult with Ms. Fleming on an "as needed" basis Ms. Liporto feels this could
work temporarily.
9. Transportation Garage
Dr. Galinski reported that with the demolition of the Patten Wing at BHS slated to begin on October 15 the
transportation garage will need to be relocated. She stated that the city is looking for temporary space but her
understanding is the City could be potentially looking to us in terms of cost. Mr. Manzi stated that he thought this
should be the city's responsibility.
10. Indirect Cost Agreement
Dr. Galinski asked Ms. Liporto to comment on the Indirect Cost Agreement. Ms. Liporto stated that she has reviewed
the agreement and had a conversation with Kathy Griffin, Financial Analysts for the City. Ms. Liporto pointed out that
the $25,000 misc. cost to the DPW has been in existence for the last seven years and the incineration fee is the
actual cost. She felt it was in the best interest of the School Committee to sign the agreement. Ms. Cesa suggested
they review the information and if anyone has any specific questions contact Ms. Liporto or Dr. Galinski. Voting on
the agreement will be scheduled for the September 15 School Committee meeting.
11. Superintendent Expectations of School Committee and Superintendent's Goals
Dr. Galinski asked the committee members to review both her Superintendent Expectations of the School Committee
and Superintendent's Goals for 2010 -2011 and if they had any questions or changes to please forward them to her.
Report from School Committee President
Ms. Cesa stated that K -12 Insight has begun developing a School Choice Survey. The survey's primary use will be to
determine where eighth grade students are going if they are not continuing on at BHS and why.
Ms. Cesa said now would be the time to make changes to the format for school committee agendas, communications
reporting, as well as sub - committee meetings and about how and where we run meetings. She said she would like to
discuss this at the September 15 School Committee meeting.
Ms. Cesa asked Ms. Fogarty to report on the status of the AFSCME proposal. Ms. Fogarty stated that after reviewing
the concessions offered in the AFSCME proposal, whose intent was to preserve cafeteria workers jobs and health
insurance benefits, there are reservations about the actual savings amount being too insufficient. After some
discussion it was decided that a letter would be sent thanking them for their efforts but that the committee would not
accept their proposal.
August 25, 2010
Page 4 of 4
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
No report at this time. The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities will meet on Wednesday, September 29,
2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building, Room 164.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
No report at this time. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life will meet on Wednesday,
September 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building, Room 165.
New Business
Ms. Decker reported that the BHS PTSO will hold their annual Golf Outing and Dinner / Auction Social on Thursday, October 14,
2010 at Beverly Golf and Tennis Club.
Ms. Cesa reported that numerous items have been donated to the victims of the Mill Street Fire and that donations are still being
accepted at the Memorial Building.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to adjourn. So voted.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria T. Decker, Vice - president
Beverly Public School Committee