2011-04-13BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 in the Council
Chambers of Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Ms. Cesa, Ms. Decker, Ms. Fogarty, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Mayor Scanlon, and Ms.
Silverstein
Also in Attendance: Dr. Marie Galinski, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Maryellen Duffy, Assistant
Superintendent of Schools; Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations,
Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the School Committee, Page
LeBlanc, Student Representative to the School Committee, Susan Snyder, Hannah
School Principal and Karla Pressman, Centerville School Principal
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
Annemarie Cesa, Dr. Galinski and Rotary Representative Bill Beckham recognized Beverly High School
students Mirabella Pulido (Poland) and Rachel Stigers (Ecuador), who have been selected as Rotary
International Scholars for next year.
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 to approve the minutes from the March 9, 2011 Regular School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved 7 -0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Page LeBlanc reported that Advanced Placement French students will leave tomorrow for the French
exchange program. This Friday will be the 3rd annual Day of Silence, hosted by the Gay Straight
Alliance. The Student Council hosted its 3rd annual Open Mic Night. Concert choir and vocal ensemble
earned gold in the 35th annual MICCA festival, the first time an all female group had won this award.
Communications from Committee Members
All members reported communications concerning larger class sizes in Grade 6 for 2011 -2012.
Kris Silverstein commended members of the All City Band, which includes many 5 grade students, on
their recent performance. The student achievement Strategic Planning Action Team met recently. Ms.
Silverstein congratulated the Ayers Bears as winners of the Polar Plunge and invited all those interested
to attend a "Briscoe Clean -Up" day on April 30 and a North Beverly Military Fund Night on May 7th
Karen Fogarty addressed a potential Special Education misunderstanding, stating that the commonly
used phrase "increase capacity" refers to creating in -house (rather than out -of- district) programs to
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4/13/2011
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serve district students. Ms. Fogarty attended the first Annual Hannah Science Fair and PTO meetings at
Briscoe and Hannah. Ms. Fogarty referred a Briscoe concern to Dr. Galinski.
• David Manzi enjoyed the recent high school musical "My Fair Lady" and reminded all about the Poetry
Contest on Monday April 25 at the Beverly Public Library.
• Mr. Manzo reported speaking with people about 6 th grade concerns, FY12 budget and elementary class
size issues. He also heard about bullying /harassment issues at BHS, the middle school curriculum, and
spoke with a parent with three BHS students regarding the laptop program. Mr. Manzo reported on a
conversation concerning buildings and grounds issues, attended PTO meetings at Ayers, Cove, Hannah
and Briscoe and was a judge at the Hannah Science Fair.
• Maria Decker attended the Centerville PTO meeting, heard from parents requesting better signage
inside BHS, cafeteria lighting at Centerville and received information on defective traffic warning lights
near the Centerville and Briscoe schools. Ms. Decker attended Centerville's pizza contest and reported
that Maria's Pizza (no relation) was picked best pizza in Beverly.
• Mayor Scanlon suggested that reform of health care regulations by the state could alleviate budget
concerns and help address the 6 th grade class size issue. He reported that all interior work at BHS has
been completed and exterior blasting will begin during April school vacation week.
• Annemarie Cesa reported many of the same communications and reminded people that if they have
questions or concerns to please call or e -mail their school committee representative. Ms. Cesa has
received inquiries about the blasting schedule for the high school.
Report from the Superintendent
1. Overnight Field Trip — MCJROTC — Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Dr. Galinski reported that a request for an MCJROTC Overnight Field Trip Camp Edwards at Cape
Cod, Massachusetts would be presented at a later time.
2. School Choice for 2011 -2012
Dr. Galinski recommended continued participation in the School Choice program at the following
levels for the 2011 -2012 school year:
Continuing Recommended
Grade
Students
Maximums
K
1
10
1
2
10
2
0
10
3
4
10
4
3
10
5
4
10
6
2
10
7
1
10
8
2
10
9
4
10
10
5
10
11
5
10
12
11
11
Ms. Decker suggested increasing the recommended maximums in grades 9 through 12 to 15 students.
A motion was made by Ms. Decker to accept the recommended maximums in grades K -8 of 10
students and 15 students in grades 9 -12. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved 7 -0.
3. School Committee Meeting Schedule for Fall 2011
Dr. Galinski requested approval of a draft School Committee Fall 2011 meeting schedule. She stated
that the preferred schedule ( "draft II ") eliminates a meeting during the week prior to the Christmas
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holiday.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approved draft II School Committee
Meeting Schedule for Fall 2011. The motion was seconded by Ms. Fogarty and approved 7 -0.
4. Introduction of the Director of Public School Division
Dr. Galinski introduced Tim Howland, the new Director of the Public Schools Division of the City
Department of Public Services. Mr. Howland began work on January 1, 2011.
5. Hannah School — NEASC Five Year Progress Report
Hannah Elementary School Principal Susan Snyder provided the committee with copies of the NEASC
Five -Year Progress Report. Ms. Snyder pointed out that 79% of the NEASC recommendations have
been completed to date. Ms. Cesa and Ms. Fogarty extended congratulations to the Hannah faculty and
staff.
6. Naming of the Centerville Library
Centerville Elementary School Principal Karla Pressman appeared before the committee to request that
the Centerville School library be named "The Francis J. Pascucci Library." Mrs. Pascucci and her
family, including five children who attended the Centerville school, are long long -time supporters of
the Centerville school and the Beverly Public School system.
Ms. Cesa said that school committee policy requires that request will be reviewed and a public vote
will be taken at our June 15 School Committee meeting.
Report from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa
Outsourcing Transportation
Ms. Cesa stated that the committee reviewed a recent audit of the district transportation department, which indicated
that the current in house transportation department is more cost effective than outsourcing transportation. She
requested that the committee vote to approve retention of transportation services in house. Mr. Manzi recused
himself from the discussion and any subsequent vote on the matter.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo that -based on relative cost —the Beverly Public School system will continue to
transport district students in house. The motion was seconded by Ms. Decker and approved 5 -0 (David Manzi
excused himself from voting and Mayor Scanlon was absent at the time of the vote).
Primary Election Date
Ms. Cesa recommended that the 2011 -2012 School District Calendar be revised, canceling elementary classes on the
September 20, 2011 primary election day. After a brief discussion, the committee directed Dr. Galinski to examine
possible schedule options and recommend a revised calendar at a later meeting.
Ad -Hoc Committee Reports
Mr. Manzo reported the Technology study group had met on several occasions to discuss current and future district
technology needs. The committee suggested that priority be given to maintenance of current infrastructure and
examination of different replacement options going forward in the elementary environment. The district should
consider implementing a one -to -one model at the middle school. Mr. Manzo concluded that teacher training and
curriculum development would be essential in order for the successful integration technology with education.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that the Finance and Facilities committee last met on March 16, 2011 and at that time
they approved minutes and received a Buildings and Grounds Report from Tim Howland. Tim reported
on repairs to the Briscoe roof and boilers, as well as work performed throughout the district. The group
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discussed options for routine floor maintenance at the high school, as well the need for more signs and
improved auditorium seating access at BHS. The committee reviewed the FYI budget, including
revenue changes, revolving fund balances, and concerns about specific expenditures.
Mr. Manzo reported that the following positions 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 a certified occupational therapist (COTA) position at the high school as required
by a student individualized education plan (IEP). The estimated cost of this position is $12,000 for the
remainder of the school year. Funds for the position will be derived from the Contracted Services 766
account (SP860 62960). The motion was seconded by Ms. Decker and approved 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Mr. Manzo to approve a paraprofessional at the North Beverly Elementary School as required by a
student IEP. The estimated cost of this position is $6,972 for the remainder of the school year. Funds for
the position will be derived from the Special Services Psychologists account (SP415 61035). The motion
was seconded by Ms. Fogarty and approved 7 -0.
The next Finance and Facilities meeting will be on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the
Memorial Building.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
Ms. Decker reported that the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life met twice
since the last regular School Committee meeting. At the March 16 meeting, Principal Sean Gallagher
provided a review of the BHS Program of Studies as well as the graduation requirements for the 2011-
2012 school year. At the April 6, 2011 meeting, secondary Library Media Specialists Alexandra Woznick
and Barb Fecteau outlined the Summer Reading program. Dr. Duffy reviewed several laptop program
documents, which have been mailed home, and the Elementary Handbook.
The following are being recommended for approval.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Ms. Decker to approve the Beverly High School Program of Studies for 2011 -2012.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Ms. Decker to approve new Beverly High School graduation requirements. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Ms. Decker to approve the Elementary Student Handbook for 2011 -2012. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved 7 -0.
Policy Review Subcommittee (David Manzi, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzi reported that the Policy Review Subcommittee last met on April 6 th and is bringing forth the
following policies.
The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy regarding "Admission of Transfer
Students" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at our May
18, 2011 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy regarding "Service Animals in
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School" (Section E: Support Services) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at
our May 18, 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
approve the attached policy regarding "School Councils" (Section B: School Committee Governance and
Operations) with one change. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Mr. Manzi to
approve the attached policy regarding "School Committee Meeting Procedures" (Section B: School
Committee Governance and Operations) with multiple changes. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Decker and approved 7 -0.
Negotiations Subcommittee (Karen Fogarty, Chairperson)
Ms. Fogarty reported the Negotiations Subcommittee held their first meeting this afternoon and had nothing further
to report.
New Business
Ms. Decker reported that the BHS graduation will be held on June 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. The rain /shine determination
will be made the Friday prior to graduation.
Ms. Cesa announced that the "Evening of Accomplishments" will take place on Thursday, April 28, 2011 in the BHS
auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
Ms. Decker made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of
7 -0. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
Beverly Public School Committee