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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