2010-12-08BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 in the Council
Chambers of Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: 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; Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the
School Committee and Page LeBlanc, Student Representative
Not in Attendance: Mayor Scanlon
Call to Order: Ms. Cesa called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
The School Committee members conducted an interview of finalist, Jean Sherburne, for the position of
Director of Finance & Operations. Ms. Sherburne is currently employed by the Haverhill School
Department as the Assistant to the Director for Finance & Operations. Ms. Sherburne responded to
questions from members stating that her 13 years of experience in finance and administration makes her a
strong candidate for this position. She stated that the timing, for her, was right and that although the data
entry systems were somewhat different she felt confident she would have not problem adapting.
At the conclusion of the interview Ms. Cesa called a brief recess. 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Cesa reconvened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. in Council Chambers
Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. Fogarty led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
■ Dr. Galinski and Ms. Cesa recognized the following students who scored perfect scores on the
2010 MCAS Test:
Student
Justin Cloyd
Alex Ray
Meggy Sullivan
Owen Cairns
Gabrielle Rushi
Caitlin Daly
Nathan Levin
Emily Pratt
Gregory LaPierre
Alexander Pelletier
GracJe /Test
5 —
Math
4 —Math
4
— ELA Long Composition
3 —
Math
5
—ELA
3 —Math
3 —
ELA
3 —Math
10
— ELA
10
—Math
School
Ayers
Ayers
Hannah
Hannah
Hannah
North Beverly
North Beverly
North Beverly
Beverly High School
Beverly High School
■ Dr. Galinski and Ms. Cesa recognized Janet Wilhelm for her 22 years of service as a Beverly
teacher.
■ Dr. Galinski and Ms. Cesa recognized Assistant Principal & BHS Football Coach Dan Bauer for
being named NE Conference Coach of the Year and New England Patriot's Coach of the Year.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
Regular Meeting
12/8/2010
Page 2 of 4
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 to approve the minutes from the November 10, 2010 Regular School
Committee meeting with one correction. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved 6 -0.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the minutes from the November 17, 2010 Committee of the
Whole meeting with one correction. The motion was seconded by Ms. Decker and approved 6 -0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Page LeBlanc reported a surprisingly smooth transition into the new high school stating that over 60
students volunteered to assist in the unpacking. She relayed that the first week in the new school has
gone very well; teachers have allowed extra time for students to travel to and from classes and students
have found there way around quite well.
Page said that the fall play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare will open tomorrow,
Thursday, December 9 th at 7:00 p.m. and run through Sunday with a matinee beginning at 2:00 p.m. in
the new BHS auditorium.
Communications from Committee Members
• All committee members commented and extended praise and congratulations to the Beverly High
School Administration, staff and students on the move into the new high school.
• Mr. Manzi commented on the annual Thanksgiving game expressing gratitude to the coaching staff for
all of their hard work. Mr. Manzi reported attending the Joint Council meeting at the Hannah School
• Mr. Manzo expressed his delight with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and commented on the numerous
amounts of people that took advantage of the BHS open house on Saturday. He also received
concerns from constituents on a recent Salem News article about Special Education.
• Ms. Fogarty received calls from constituents about the poor lighting quality in the foyer of Briscoe and
increasing ridership on our busses. Ms. Fogarty reflected on what a great month this has been to be in
Beverly, seeing everyone's hard work come to fruition.
• Ms. Silverstein, who is a member of the Stand for Children Beverly Chapter relayed information on the
recent meeting at which they discussed special education and teacher effectiveness. Ms. Silverstein
questioned if there is a more effective way to be looking at our special education challenges possibly
entertaining a sped audit.
• Ms. Decker stated that it was so nice to hear so many positive comments from people attending the
BHS open house and reported that there is a second open house planned for December 29 from
10a. m. to 2p. m. She requested the endorsement of the School Committee for Dom's Trattoria's
Restaurant recipe challenge. Ms. Decker reported that the City has received a $50,000 grant towards
the installation of a turf field to be installed inside of the current track at Beverly High School. She
reported the need for an additional $333,000 and is hopeful for outside private donations.
• Ms. Cesa reported receiving questions about health insurance, concerns over basketball court usage
and a few technical issues that are being resolved at the high school.
Report from the Superintendent
Action Item:
Dr. Galinski requested approval of Jean Sherburne, candidate for the position of the Director of Finance and
Operations.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve Jean Sherburne to the position of Director of Finance &
Operation. The motion was seconded by Ms. Decker and approved 6:0.
Informational Items:
1. BHS Move Update
Regular Meeting
12/8/2010
Page 3 of 4
Dr. Galinski was very pleased to report on a very smooth transition during the first full week in the new
high school. She extended a sincere "thank -you" to administration, teachers and custodians for all their
hard work. She relayed that the new traffic pattern is working out quite well, extending thanks to the
Beverly Police Department for their help and presence. Dr. Galinski said students are a little concerned
with the three flights of stairs but are adjusting and commented on the tremendous group effort it took to
get the technology piece up and running.
Dr. Galinski said that the next phase — removal of asbestos and demolition of old building is progressing
but was not sure of the deadline for completion.
2. Plan to Improve Math Achievement
Dr. Galinski commented that she had included the Plan to Improve Math Instruction and asked for
questions or comments. Ms. Decker voiced some concerns with the Everyday Math Program at the
elementary school level which Drs. Galinski and Duffy addressed.
3. Report from Strategic Planning Committee Retreat November 1 & 2, 2010
Dr. Galinski recognized the 21 member Strategic Planning Committee reflecting that they are a very
engaged group of individuals as well as a good cross section of the community. North Beverly Principal
Jennifer Flewelling and staff member Lacy Nutting spoke of the work that was completed during the two -
day meeting; successfully establishing their goals; reviewing the data from the K -12 Insight Survey and
identifying areas of strength and areas needing improvement. Ms. Flewelling said they have formed
"Action Teams" to work towards the goals they have developed. Ms. Nutting stated that it is great to be a
part of this committee working with community members towards common goals that they felt are
meaningful and achievable for our District.
Report from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa
Ms. Cesa reminded each committee member to review the enclosed Open Meeting Law Guide and to
sign, and return to Donna Bergeron the Certificate of Receipt.
Ms. Cesa reported that the Strategic Planning Ad -Hoc committee's continue to meet and review the
information they have gathered. She also commented on the completion of the first "Annual Report"
publication stating that it is available at all of our schools and various public buildings throughout the city.
Committee Reports
1. Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that the Finance & Facilities Committee last met November 17 and received a
Buildings and Grounds report from Municipal Commissioner of Public Services Mike Collins on ongoing
work, heating season and snow plowing; reviewed FY'11 operating expenses, revenues and put a freeze
on the budget.
Mr. Manzo reported that the following transfers are being recommended for approval:
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by Mr.
Manzo to approve of the transfer of $39,000.00 from the Administration Contingency Account, #AD700
62883, to the SPED Contracted Services Account, #SP860 62960 to provide nursing support at Beverly
High School. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved. So voted (6:0)
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by Mr.
Manzo to approve the transfer of $7,000.00 from the Administration Contingency Account, #AD700 62883
to the paraprofessional account at North Beverly School (NB095 61080) to hire a .5 paraprofessional. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Decker and approved. So voted (6:0)
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by Mr.
Manzo to approve the transfer of $40,811.00 from the Administrative Contingency Account #AD700
62883 to the Substitute Line (OT275 6100). The motion was seconded by Ms. Decker and approve. So
voted (6:0)
Regular Meeting
12/8/2010
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Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by Mr.
Manzo to approve the transfer of $50,000.00 from the Administrative Contingency Account #AD700
62883 to the Elementary Language Arts Curriculum line (OT360 62195). The motion was seconded by
Ms. Decker and approved. So voted (6:0)
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by Ms.
Fogarty to approve a freeze of the FY'11Operating Budget. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and
approved. So voted (6:0)
The next Finance & Facilities meeting will be December 22, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Memorial Building, Room
164.
2. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life will be meeting on Wednesday,
December 15, 2010 at the Memorial Building, Room 164.
The following policies were reviewed at the last meeting on November 3, 2010 and are being brought
forward for approval:
Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Life a motion was
made by Ms. Decker to approve the attached policy regarding "Academic Freedom" (Section I:
Instruction). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved. So voted (6:0)
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Life a motion
was made by Ms. Decker to approve the attached policy regarding "Fundraising Activities" (Section J:
Students). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved. So voted (6:0)
3. Policy Review Sub - Committee (David Manzi, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzi reported the following policies are being brought forward for approval:
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Mr. Manzi to
approve the attached policy regarding "School Committee Officers — Powers and Duties" (Section B:
School Committee Governance and Operations). The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and
approved. So voted (6:0)
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Mr. Manzi to
approve the attached policy regarding "Community Use of School Facilities" (Section K: Community
Relations). The motion was seconded by Mr. Silverstein and approved. So voted (6:0)
New Business
Mr. Manzo said that for clarification purposes the issue, brought to light recently, of donated gym time was donated
to the City not the School Department and therefore we did not have a say in how it was distributed. The issue is
being investigated.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
Ms. Fogarty made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote
of 6 -0. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
Beverly Public School Committee