2010-09-15BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 in Beverly
City Hall, Council Chambers, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mayor Scanlon, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Silverstein and
Ms. Fogarty
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; Page
LeBlanc, Student Representative, Debra O'Connor, Director of Pupil
Personnel, Ray Novak and Lyn Pilanen, BHS Music Dept.
Call to Order
Ms. Cesa called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Scanlon led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Ms. Cesa, Dr. Galinski and Coach Bob Gilligan recognized the BHS Ice Hockey Team and several
parents who helped clean up of the Briscoe Middle School grounds prior to the opening of school:
Bryce Mitchell Mike Von Zweck James Chase Matt Hamor Ryan Hagerty
Brendan Mitchell Andrew Irving Colby Irving Sean Munzing Andy Brown
Conor Irving Jake Springer Tyler Ponkey Kevin Lally Mitch Hamor
Thomas Lingren Ryan Knight Shane McEleney Ryan Caley Tony Walsh
Troy Cabral
Parent volunteers included Susan Whalen, Caryn Gallagher, Lorinda Visnick, Sherrie Otterbein
Ms. Cesa, Dr. Galinski, and Hannah Elementary School Principal Susan Snyder recognized Victoria
Kenneally for being selected the "Teacher of the Year" by the Beverly Rotary Club.
Ms. Cesa and Dr. Galinski recognized Cove School Student Max Scanlon for having his drawing chosen
for the cover of the 2010 -2011 Elementary Handbook.
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 Mr. Manzi to approve the minutes from the August
25 2010 Regular School Committee meeting. So voted. (7 -0)
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Page LeBlanc reported that auditions for the fall play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will begin next week,
the School Council is working on a number of new initiatives, and that students are looking forward to
moving into the new academic wing later this year.
Communications from Committee Members
■ Ms. Fogarty received a request for updated enrollment information and questions about the high
school project. She also questioned the timing of the road work in front of Briscoe.
September 15, 2010
Page 2 of 5
■ Ms. Silverstein related concerns about transitioning students into the high school, particularly of
students who had three years of foreign language at the middle school. She also relayed concerns
about the transition from the everyday math curriculum to pre - algebra in grade 7, and a disparity in
expressive arts offerings in the middle school. Finally, she urged community members to recognize
Jewish High Holidays when scheduling events.
■ Ms. Decker reported that parking issues continue at Centerville School, particularly during Middle
School cross country meets. She also relayed a request for surplus furniture (bookcases) from the
Centerville PTO and issues concerning recent changes to student parking at BHS. Ms. Decker
received concerns that students were unable to listen to the President's address; Dr. Galinski
indicated that the address was recorded for teachers to broadcast when possible. Maria also
reported on a well- attended BHS open house held in the new auditorium.
■ Mr. Manzo reported that many parents of 6 t " grade students at Briscoe are generally happy with the
school building and curriculum. He also reported on very well attended PTO meetings at the Ayers
and Hannah Schools.
■ Mr. Manzi noted that there were 30 parents in attendance at the recent Ayers PTO meeting and that
Dr. Galinski's "meet & greet" went very well. Mr. Manzi commented on a recent Salem News series
about North Shore Football Coaches.
■ Mayor Scanlon reported attending numerous construction meetings for the new high school.
■ Ms. Cesa related concerns with class sizes, student parking and traffic issues at BHS.
Report from Superintendent Galinski
1. Overnight Field Trip — BHS Music Tour 2011
Mr. Novak and Ms. Pilanen appeared before the committee to seek approval of the annual Beverly High
School Music trip. The projected trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada date will take place from April
27 — May 1, 2011. Responding to questions from Karen Fogarty, Ms. Pilanen told the committee that
students would not need passports but will be able to travel between Canada and the U.S. using a
student I.D. and birth certificate. The cost of the trip is $666, which includes everything except lunches
while traveling to and from the Niagara Falls area. Security for the students will be provided by the travel
agent. More than one committee member expressed concern over the passport requirements; Ms.
Pilanen said she would confirm with the travel agent.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi and seconded by Ms. Decker to approve the BHS Annual Music Tour to
Niagara Falls and Toronto, Ontario, Canada from April 27 through May 1, 2011. So voted. (7 -0)
2. Consolidation Agreement and Indirect Cost Agreement
Dr. Galinski recommended that the committee approve the attached document outlining the Consolation
of Buildings and Grounds Public School Division with the City as well as the Indirect Cost Agreement.
A lengthy discussion followed, with concerns expressed by Mr. Manzo regarding both the accuracy of the
attached cost schedule and the unclear expenditure of district funds by municipal employees. In the end,
it was decided to approve the Consolidation Agreement but not the attached schedule.
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mr. Manzi to approve the Consolidation Agreement
and the amended Indirect Cost Agreement. (6:1)
Yes vote: Mayor Scanlon, Mr. Manzi, Ms. Decker, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Silverstein and Ms. Fogarty
No vote: Mr. Manzo
3. Opening of School Report
Dr. Galinski and Dr. Duffy visited all schools on opening day and reported that all proceeded smoothly.
The superintendent has begun full day visits with parents and staff at each school. Schools are all fully
staffed and the enclosed enrollment overview show no significant changes since the August report. Dr.
Galinski will continue to monitor larger class sizes at the Hannah and North Beverly schools.
5. BHS Construction Project Update
Dr. Galinski reported that several renovated areas (ROTC, Wellness, Physical Education, Athletics Office,
Auditorium, Music, Band, and Chorus rooms) are ready for occupation and that landscaping is underway.
September 15, 2010
Page 3 of 5
The Patten Wing will be transferred to the contractor on October 15 Occupation of the new academic
wing is scheduled for the week of November 22 and the district is encouraging BHS parents to review
the revised academic calendar. The high school will be in session on the following two previously
scheduled professional days (November 2 nd and January 14 but that any BHS student required to stay
home on one or both of these days to care for a sibling would be able to do so. Dr. Galinski reported that
traffic patterns will change following occupation of the new academic wing and the anticipated date for the
opening of the field house is November 30 A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, November
19 with a community open house scheduled for Saturday, November 20 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
One member requested that the time for the open house be extended to allow greater access.
Mayor Scanlon reported that the building schedule and budget are still on target.
6. Strategic Planning Update
Dr. Galinski reported that the Strategic Planning committee will meet in early November. Information
packets are being assembled and will be available prior to the meeting. A community survey will be
available on the district website from September 20 — October 15 th; Dr. Galinski suggested that the
district use the City's reverse 911 system to invite all citizens to participate in the survey.
7. Special Education Update
Administrator of Special Education and Pupil Personnel services Debra O'Connor presented an overview
of district Special Education programs. A total of 936 students are eligible for special education services.
Ms. O'Connor provided a breakdown of students in the various programs offered throughout our
elementary and secondary schools. She also included a cost comparison which demonstrated that our in-
house programs are a more affordable alternative to many out of district programs.
8. Superintendent's Goals
Dr. Galinski reviewed her goals for 2010 -2011 academic year. A motion was made by Ms. Decker and
seconded by Ms. Fogarty to approve the Superintendent's goals for 2010 -2011. So voted: (7 -0).
9. Protocols for Board - Superintendent Communication
Dr. Galinski reviewed a draft of the Protocols for Board - Superintendent communication. Comments were
positive, with many expressing appreciation for the regular Friday updates.
10. Influenza- Back to School Update
Dr. Galinski reported that influenza information was recently distributed to parents. Nurse leader Cathy
Riccio will continue to be our liaison with the Beverly Health Dept. and will advise on possible school -
based immunization efforts.
Mr. Manzi commented that towel dispensers should not be an option but that both electric hand dryers
and towel dispensers should be installed in BHS lavatories.
10. Use of Schools for Elections
Dr. Galinski reported on the use of school facilities for the primary and state elections, noting that
oversight is provided through hiring subs in each building on election days. Committee members
expressed frustration that inadequate parking and traffic safety remains an issue at district schools.
Report from School Committee President
Ms. Cesa reported the following possible dates for a Joint School Committee and City Council meeting:
October 19 , November 9 , 30 , or December 7 . She asked committee members to confirm availability.
Ms. Cesa asked the chairs of the Strategic Planning study groups to provide updates. Ms. Decker
reported the facilities committee is gathering information to determine the best use for facilities to
maximize learning. Mr. Manzo reported that the technology members will be meeting on Monday (9/2) at
the Hannah School. Mr. Manzi reported that the outsourcing /consolidation committee will also meet on
Monday at the Memorial Building. Ms. Fogarty reported the class size committee has met and is
evaluating current and historical class sizes and factors leading to establishment of class size guidelines.
September 15, 2010
Page 4 of 5
She hopes to make available a community survey to assess reasons for parents choosing to send their
children to private, parochial or other community schools.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities will hold their first meeting on Wednesday, September
29 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building, Room 164. A review of on work done on the buildings
over the summer will be provided.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
The committee recently welcomed new members, including student representatives Austin Healey and
Emily Wheeler, and Assistant Superintendent Maryellen Duffy. BHS Principal Sean Gallagher reviewed
the NEASC visit schedule, status of the renovation project, STAY program statistics and the recent hiring
of a JV Volleyball coach. The committee discussed recent grants applications and reviewed Summer
Academy information. Ms. Decker reported that school improvement plans will now be presented in
October beginning in 2011.
Ms. Decker offered three policies for a first reading:
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Life recommends the attached policy
regarding "School District Mission and Philosophy" (Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments) for
a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at our October 13, 2010 meeting, will require a
formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Life recommends the attached policy
regarding "Approval of Handbooks" (Section C: General School Admissions) for a first reading. The
second reading, which will take place at our October 13, 2010 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of
approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Life recommends the attached policy
regarding "Homebound Instruction" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second reading, which
w i l l take place at our October 13, 2010 meeting, w i l l require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life will next meet on Wednesday,
October 6 at 7:00 P.M., Memorial Building.
New Business
Ms. Decker reported that once again, Mr. Michael Pascucci, has offered to outfit Centerville classrooms and media
center with new computers. She expressed our sincere gratitude the Pascucci family for this generous gift.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
Consider Executive Session
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Mayor Scanlon to enter into Executive Session to
discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with union personnel and not to return to open
session. So voted. (7 -0)
A motion was made by Ms. Decker and seconded by Ms. Silverstein to adjourn. So voted. (7 -0)
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
September 15, 2010
Page 5 of 5
Beverly Public School Committee