2011-05-18BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday May 18, 2011
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 in the Council
Chambers of Beverly City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Ms. Cesa, Ms. Decker, Ms. Fogarty, Mr. Manzi, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Silverstein and Mayor
Scanlon (7:30 pm)
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, Sean Gallagher,
Principal BHS, Emily Rockwell, Coordinator of Child Welfare and Attendance,
Briscoe Middle School's Rick Penglase, Guidance Counselor and Jacqueline
Hewitt, Peer Leader Facilitator
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.
ACFNDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Annemarie Cesa and Dr. Galinski recognized the following Beverly Public School retirees:
Sharon LeHaye
26 years of service
Yvonne Santiago
41 years of service
Stella Calvo
35 years of service
Michael LaPenna
34 years of service
Susan Veccho
25 years of service
Laurel Stevens
34 years of service
Chris Sarantopoulos
35 years of service
Maryann Quinn
32 years of service
Jeremy Quinn
35 years of service
Virginia Frazier
23 years of service
Roberta Tobin
34 years of service
Priscilla Foley
37 years of service
Kathleen Gross
21 years of service
Carl Palleschi
26 years of service
Barbara Walsh
16 years of service
John Christiansen
11 years of service
Diane Kwiatek
6 years of service as
a paraprofessional and 9
years as a substitute teacher
Annemarie Cesa and Dr. Galinski, with Emily Rockwell, Sean Gallagher, Rick Penglase and Jacqueline
Hewitt, recognized the following students who represented Beverly in the 16 Annual Youth Congress:
"The Power of One: Leadership in Action."
Student
Grade
Student
Grade
Zach Bauer
8
Elizabeth Coughlin
8
Sheehan Gotsch
8
Rachel Grant
8
Meghan Henrichon
8
Caroline Jennings
8
Alexandra Kelliher
8
Ariele Lee
8
Nichole Lewis
8
Autumn McCarthy
8
Terrance Saye
8
Samantha Way
8
Hind Al Jarahi
9
Isabelle Dow
10
Jessica Wahl
10
KC Kelleher
12
Corey Malone
10
Kenny Pierce
10
Alex Wheeler
10
Regular Meeting
5/18/2011
Page 2 of 4
Annemarie Cesa and Dr. Galinski recognized Beverly High School senior Katie McAuliffe, who has
been selected as a 2011 -2012 Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholar.
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 April 13, 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 the sophomore prom will be on May 20 th , the junior prom on May 27 and the
senior prom on June 2n Students are preparing for class office elections and next week is the last week
of school for seniors.
Communications from Committee Members
• All committee members reported communications regarding the budget and class size issues at
Centerville Grade 3 and Briscoe grade 6. All reported enjoying the Briscoe production of "Grease ".
• Karen Fogarty received three communications regarding the elementary TLC Program.
• Maria Decker received communications regarding the Merrimack Fellows at Briscoe, many questions
on the BHS laptop program, and kindergarten assignments. She attended the Centerville 5 th grade
production of "Alice in Wonderland" and Centerville PTO meeting.
• David Manzi relayed comments regarding the Strategic Planning. He attended the "Evening of
Accomplishments" program, which he characterized as a wonderful program with informative speakers.
• Paul Manzo received questions regarding the science room at the North Beverly School, formation of
an IT Steering Committee, and answered district -wide buildings and grounds questions. He attended
three PTO meetings and reminded the community that both the Cove and Hannah School PTOs are
having yard sales this weekend.
• Mayor Scanlon received emails on many issues already mentioned and attended the recent BHS Music
Awards ceremony.
• Annemarie Cesa received calls regarding the demolition whistle at the high school, BHS graduation
location and the BHS band trip. She reported that the School Committee has been invited to walk in the
Ryal Side parade scheduled for July 4, 2011.
• Kris Silverstein had an opportunity to tour the Ayers -Ryal Side School recently and remarked that she
was very impressed with the small group instruction and the TLC Program. She reported that students
were engaged and happy; she thanked students and teachers for the experience.
Report from the Superintendent
1. Strategic Plan for 2011 -2016
Dr. Galinski asked the committee to consider approving the 2011 -2016 Strategic Plan. Work on the plan, which
began in September 2010, has followed a methodical and deliberate process and involved numerous teachers,
administrators, parents and community members. The Strategic Planning Committee developed three goals and
formed action teams which created goal - specific action plans. Action plans were reviewed, changes were made and
the revised plan is now being submitted for approval.
After a brief discussion Ms. Fogarty made a motion to approve the Beverly Public Schools 2011 -2016 Strategic Plan.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved 7 -0.
Regular Meeting
5/18/2011
Page 3 of 4
2. NEASC Accreditation Report for Beverly High School
Dr. Galinski reported that BHS Principal Sean Gallagher received a letter from the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) stating that the association has voted to award the school
continued NEASC accreditation. Mr. Gallagher praised his staff for all of their hard work and dedication.
School Committee members extended their congratulations to Mr. Gallagher for a job well done.
Report from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa
Superintendent Evaluation
Ms. Cesa reported that the committee has completed their evaluation of Superintendent Galinski. The
evaluation included a review of the following: Educational Leadership and District Culture, Curriculum
Planning and Development and Instructional Management, Fiscal, Facilities, and Business Management,
Planning and Organizational Management, Communications and Community Relations, School
Committee Relations, Personnel Management, Personal Leadership, Values and Ethics.
Ms. Cesa summarized the comments provided by school committee members and expressed her
appreciation and support of the superintendent.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo took a moment to thank Mr. Bob Hames and Ms. Michelle Curreri, two citizen representatives
to the Finance and Facilities Committee. Mr. Manzo reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee
last met on April 27, 2011 where they received a buildings and grounds report from Tim Howland,
Director of Public Schools Division. The report detailed demolition work being done at the high school,
completion of cafeteria and field house renovations, review of work at district buildings due to snow
damage, and vandalism at two facilities. Facilities Engineer Bob Fortado continues to work with National
Grid to install energy management systems at district facilities. Committee members reviewed the
current state of the FY2011 operating budget, and discussed the recent implementation of an online
payment system.
The Finance and Facilities committee will meet on Wednesday, May 25 at 6:3 0 pm at the Memorial
Building.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
Ms. Decker reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee last met on May 4,
2011 and reviewed the Elementary Enrichment Center program with instructors Pam Fall and Dale
Miller - Boutin. The committee reviewed and approved the Briscoe Middle School and Beverly High
Schools handbooks. Dr. Duffy provided information on the upcoming summer professional development
and an update on the common core evaluations.
Ms. Decker asked committee members for approval of the following:
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a
motion was made by Ms. Decker to approve the Briscoe Middle School Student Handbook. 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 Beverly High School Student Handbook. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved 7 -0.
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life recommends the attached policy
"Homework" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. A second reading will take place at the June 15,
Regular Meeting
5/18/2011
Page 4 of 4
2011 meeting; approval will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life recommends the attached policy
"Entrance Age Requirements" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading will take
place at the June 15, 2011 meeting; approval will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life recommends the attached policy
"Student Involvement in Decision - Making" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading
will take place at the June 15, 2011 meeting; approval will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the
School Committee.
Ms. Decker reported that the next meeting of the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee
will be June 8 th at 7:00 pm.
Policy Review Subcommittee (David Manzi, Chairperson)
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Mr. Manzi to
approve the attached policy regarding "Admission of Transfer Students" (Section J: Students). The
motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved 7 -0 with one change.
Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Mr. Manzi to
approve the attached policy regarding "Service Animals in School" (Section E: Support Services). The
motion was seconded by Ms. Decker and approved 7 -0.
Negotiations Subcommittee (Karen Fogarty, Chairperson)
Ms. Fogarty reported the Negotiations Subcommittee continues to meet, but has no additional information
to offer at this time.
New Business
Ms. Fogarty reported that school PTOs are wrapping up a very productive, hard working year and will be holding
elections for new officers. Ms. Fogarty emphasized that the success of every PTO depends on the outstanding work
of volunteers and extended and invitation to all parents to get involved.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
Consider Executive Session
Ms. Cesa made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with
union personnel and not to return to open session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a roll
call vote of 7 -0.
Ms. Cesa 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