2011-03-09BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 in the Council
Chambers of Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Decker, Ms. Cesa, Ms. Silverstein, Mayor Scanlon 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, BHS Principal Sean Gallagher, and BHS Art Teachers Paula
Borsetti and Kayli Tolan
Not In Attendance: Page LeBlanc, Student Representative to the School Committee
Call to Order: Ms. Cesa called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. Fogarty led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Dr. Galinski, Ms. Cesa, and BHS Art Teachers, Paula Borsetti and Kayli Tolan recognize the following Beverly
High School students from for winning awards at the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Competition.
Portfolio Awards
Irene Carrozza Gold Key Art portfolio
Jordan Garceau Gold Key Photography portfolio
Individual Awardc,-
Tanya Boulanova
Mary Brandt
Piangtawan Chawong
Jonathan Cohen
Jenny Creesy
Brianna Fortado
Taylor Kunselman
Melissa Oh
Edward Southerton
Honorable Mention photography
Gold Key
drawing
Honorable Mention
painting
Honorable Mention
photography
Gold Key
photography
Silver Key
photography
Silver Key
drawing
Honorable Mention
painting
Silver Key
painting
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. Manzo to approve the minutes from the February 9, 2011 Regular School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved 7 -0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Regular Meeting
3/9/2011
Page 2 of 4
None
Communications from Committee Members
• Paul Manzo reported attending many of the monthly PTO meetings. He attended the both the North
Beverly and Ayers Science Fairs, serving as a judge at the latter. Mr. Manzo spoke at length with a
constituent about buildings and grounds and attended the Cove School Auction at Endicott College.
• Kris Silverstein served as a judge at the North Beverly Science Fair and extended a special "thank -you"
to the Beverly Fire and Police Departments for speaking to students at a recent "Stars Club ". She spoke
to a parent with concerns about financial aid for kindergarten tuition.
• Karen Fogarty was amazed at the projects students in Grades 3 through 5 produced for the Science
Fairs at both Ayers and North Beverly. She also attended a 1 -to -1 laptop informational meeting at the
Cove School.
• Maria Decker spoke with parents regarding the 1 -to -1 laptop initiative and the new schedule proposed
at the high school. She heard from students and parents frustrated with district use of "Open Office"
software and the Everyday Math; she also received calls regarding a white water rafting trip and the
pre- school program. Maria attended the Cove School Auction, the Social Hosting presentation at BHS
served as a judge at the North Beverly Science Fair.
• David Manzi attended most of the same events and meetings as his colleagues. He found it interesting
that parents ranked the importance of the Arts and Music number one on the budget shortfall survey.
• Mayor Scanlon reported attending both Science Fairs and a recent BHS Hockey game.
• Annemarie Cesa received communications regarding the schedule at BHS, graduation at Briscoe, senior
week and concerning an issue at Briscoe which she referred to Dr. Galinski. Responding to comments
made by Maria Decker, Ms. Cesa proposed scheduling an Everyday Math information night for parents.
Report from the Superintendent
1. NEASC Report
BHS Principal Sean Gallagher summarized the findings of a report issued by the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) following their October 2010 visit. The 82 page report
provides an overview of NEASC commendations and recommendations. Mr. Gallagher noted that the
report, although very detailed, does not include a determination of accreditation status.
2. Budget Shortfall Survey
Dr. Galinski summarized results of the Budget Shortfall Survey, stating that almost 1000 people
participated including parents, staff and community members. The goal of the survey was to assess
community priorities in development of future budgets. Participants were polled in the importance of
various programs and activities, with all groups assigning importance to the kindergarten program and
art and music. Parents and staff members prioritize building administrators while non - parents most
value secondary level guidance counselors. Community members also valued small class size, while
staff members assign priority to salary, insurance, and benefits. Dr. Galinski indicated that results will
be available at the district web site.
3. Introduction of the new Director of Public Schools Division — Tim Howland.
Dr. Galinski reported that Tim Howland has been hired and appointed Director of the Public Schools
Division of the City Department of Public Services starting January 1, 2011.
4. Fall /Winter Athletic Participation Survey
Dr. Galinski presented a summary of fall and winter 2010 -2011 athletics participation data. Mr. Manzi
questioned an apparent decline in the students participating in football, wondering if cost was a factor.
5. Final Day of School
Regular Meeting
3/9/2011
Page 3 of 4
Dr. Galinski reported the last day of school for elementary and middle schools, barring any future
snow days, will be Wednesday, June 22, 2011. The last day of school for Beverly High School will be
Thursday, June 23, 2011, with one added day due to the November move to the new facility.
Report from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa
Ms. Cesa reported attended a meeting of the North Shore Coalition on February 14, 2011, where the
inadequacy of Chapter 70 Funding was discussed. The Coalition will next meet at the end of the month
Ms. Cesa reported that the district approved an additional full -day kindergarten class at North Beverly,
due in part to a number of parents looking for full day placements in that neighborhood.
Ms. Cesa asked Ms. Fogarty to give a brief update on the Financial Forecasting Committee. Ms. Fogarty reported
that the committee will meet on March 17, 2011 to conclude their work and issue a forecasting report.
Committee Reports
1. Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on February 16, 2011, with Public
Schools Division Director Tim Howland and Commissioner of Public Services Mike providing a
summary of work completed throughout the district. The department addressed recent vandalism at
Memorial building, parking concerns at the Cove School, roof repairs at Briscoe, and plumbing and
heating issues throughout the district. The group reviewed the buildings and grounds transition plan
implemented in July of 2010, discussing the status of several outstanding items. The committee reviewed
the FYI operating budget, including revenue and expenses.
Mr. Manzo reported that the following transfers are being recommended for approval:
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Mr. Manzo to approve the transfer of $110,820.00 from the Unemployment Compensation account
(OT880 62812) to the SPED Private Day account (SP860 62915). The motion was seconded by Mr.
Manzi and approved 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Mr. Manzo to approve the transfer of $96,938.00 from the Buildings and Grounds Capital Improvement
account (BG900 6800) to the SPED Private Day account (SP860 62915). The motion was seconded by
Mr. Manzi and approved 7 -0.
2. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
Ms. Decker reported that the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life last met on
Wednesday, March 2, 2011. The committee reviewed the textbook /course adoption policy and selection
process. Dr. Duffy provided information on the Summer Academy offerings, which will run from July
11, 2011 through August 12, 2011; early registration is advised with a 10% discount before April 1, 2011
Dr. Duffy provided information on a partnership with Cape Ann Symphony for 4 th and 5 th grade students.
A second meeting of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life has been
scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. The agenda for that evening will include BHS
Graduation requirements and the Program of Studies.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Ms. Decker to approve the attached policy regarding "Life- Threatening Allergies"
(Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved 7 -0 with 2 corrections.
Regular Meeting
3/9/2011
Page 4 of 4
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Ms. Decker to approve the attached policy regarding "Student Safety" (Section J:
Students). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved 7 -0.
3. Policy Review Subcommittee (David Manzi, Chairperson)
The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy regarding "School Committee
Meeting Procedures" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations) for a 1 St reading. The
second reading, which will take place at our April 13, 2011 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of
approval by the School Committee.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Mr. Manzi to table
the attached policy "Regarding the Grade Placement and Eligibility for High School Graduation of
Students Leaving a Commonwealth Charter School and Seeking to Enroll in a District School" for further
review. The motion was seconded by Ms. Fogarty and approved 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Sub - Committee a motion was made by Mr. Manzi to
table the attached policy regarding "School Councils" (Section B: School Committee Governance and
Operations) for additional clarification. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved 7 -0.
4. Negotiations Subcommittee (Karen Fogarty, Chairperson)
Ms. Fogarty reported that the Negotiations Subcommittee held an informational and planning meeting on
Wednesday, March 2, 2011. She stated she had nothing further to report at this time.
New Business
Ms. Cesa reported that Paula Borsetti, BHS Art Teacher, is working on an art project and is looking for input from
BHS alumni. Ms. Borsetti has set up a facebook page so people can contact her with ideas or information.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
Ms. Decker made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a
vote of 7 -0. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
Beverly Public School Committee