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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 Page 2 of 4 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 Page 3 of 4 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