2011-09-14BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Annemarie Cesa, Maria Decker, Karen Fogarty, David Manzi, Kris Silverstein, and
Paul Manzo
Members Absent: Mayor Scanlon
Also in Attendance: Superintendent Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maryellen
Duffy, Director of Finance and Operations Jean Sherburne, BHS Principal Sean
Gallagher, Technology Director Judy Miller, Facilities Engineer Rob Fortado,
Administrative Assistant to the School Committee Donna Bergeron, Beverly
High School Educators Nancy Ronan, Julia Brotherton, and Ray Novak
Call to Order: Ms. Cesa called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Manzi led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Annemarie Cesa recognized Todd Rotondo, David Gelineau, Geoffrey Baekey, Jean Sherburne, and
John Taylor for their contributions as members of the Strategic Planning - Outsourcing Ad -Hoc
Committee for food services.
North Beverly Elementary School teacher Jeff Chruniak was recognized by Dr. Galinski and Ms. Cesa
for being selected "Teacher of the Year" by the Beverly Rotary Club.
Maria Decker recognized Brian Caponigro, President of Northeast Regional Ambulance, for his
generous donation that allowed for the purchase of two automated external defibrillators (AED) and the
training of students and staff.
Dr. Galinski recognized Centerville Elementary School teacher Betsy Brown, who retired in June after 39
years of teaching in Beverly Public Schools.
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 David Manzi to approve the minutes from the August 24, 2011 Regular School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6 -0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Regular Meeting
September 14, 2011
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Ms. Cesa introduced newly appointed student representative, Ian McHugh. Ian is a Beverly High School
junior who has served on the student council for two years. He reported a very smooth opening and
transition with registration, parking and the start of school and that auditions for the fall play have begun.
Communications from Committee Members
• Karen Fogarty extended a "welcome back" to all students and parents. She enjoyed speaking with
many parents at a recent Hannah PTO meeting, and reported hearing no concerns regarding the large
number of grade six students.
• Kris Silverstein received questions about a recent Boston Globe article regarding district MCAS scores
and asked about the possible addition of a typing /keyboarding class. She also referred a football field
inquiry to Mayor Scanlon.
• David Manzi also welcomed parents and students back to school and referenced a pair of recent articles
in the "Boston Parent's" magazine that featured Beverly High School and Hannah Elementary School.
• Paul Manzo relayed a concern over a Goat Hill school bus stop to Transportation Director Bill Burke.
Mr. Manzo he has received only positive comments from grade six parents and zero issues concerning
the high school laptop program. He learned of a shortage of lockers high school, which is being
remedied. Mr. Manzo reported on a well - attended Hannah PTO meeting and enjoyed the view atop the
high school during a ceremony celebrating installation of the solar array.
• Maria Decker attended the Centerville and Briscoe PTO meetings, has heard that high school students
are very happy with their laptops, and commented on the well - attended high school open house. Ms.
Decker spoke with Transportation Director Bill Burke regarding a chronically late high school bus from
the Centerville neighborhood. Ms. Decker received a report of bullying at the North Beverly School and
referred the complainant to the school equity coordinator and Emily Rockwell. She received questions
about special education programs, inquiries of a possible pre- school lunch program, positive comments
regarding the freshman orientation and concerns from a North Beverly parent regarding the loss of
student instruction time for related to the Stars Club program.
• Annemarie Cesa reported that she received all positive feedback on the high school laptop program. She
addressed parent concerns regarding the new high school schedule and reported a conversation about a
recent Boston Globe article containing inaccurate district MCAS data.
Report from the Superintendent
1. Overnight Field Trip — BHS Model United Nations Conference
BHS Social Studies educators Nancy Ronan and Julia Brotherton reviewed the proposed Model U.N.
field trip to Brown University in Providence, R.I. scheduled for November 11 -12, 2011.
Following questions from the committee and discussion, Maria Decker made a motion to approve the
overnight field trip to Brown University in Providence, R.I. The motion was seconded by David Manzi
and approved by a vote of 6 -0.
2. Overnight Field Trip — BHS Model United Nations Conference
Ms. Brown and Ms. Brotherton requested approval of a proposed overnight field trip to Columbia
University in New York City, which is scheduled for January 12 — January 15, 2012.
Following questions from the committee and discussion, Maria Decker made a motion to approve the
overnight field trip to Columbia University, New York City, NY. The motion was seconded by David
Manzi and approved by a vote of 6 -0.
3. Overnight Field Trip — BHS Music Department
BHS Music Department Director Ray Novak appeared before the committee to request approval of their
annual music trip. The projected trip to Brooklyn, NYC and Philadelphia, PA is scheduled for April 25 —
29, 2012.
Regular Meeting
September 14, 2011
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After a brief discussion Maria Decker made a motion to approve the overnight BHS Music Department
field trip to Brooklyn, NYC and Philadelphia, PA. The motion was seconded by David Manzi and
approved by a vote of 6 -0.
4. Energy Star Resolution Letter
Dr. Galinski and Facilities Engineer Rob Fortado requested approval of resolution that requires that all
new purchased equipment and appliances be Energy Star rated. In addition, the committee prohibits the
purchase low efficiency products, such as halogen torchieres and portable electric resistance heaters.
Following a brief discussion, a motion was made by Maria Decker to approve the resolution letter. The
motion was seconded by Karen Fogarty and approved by a vote of 6 -0.
5. Opening of School Report
Dr. Galinski reported a very smooth opening of schools. All buildings were ready for opening and
elementary class sizes are reasonable and within range. She reported large enrollments in some Grades 6
and 9 classes, which were expected. Dr. Galinski noted the addition of a kindergarten class and new
American Sign Language (ASL.) and a Spanish language classes at grade six.
6. Beverly High School Update
Principal Sean Gallagher summarized work completed throughout the summer at BHS, reporting that
high school educators received training and worked closely with Briscoe staff to prepare for the Freshman
Academy. After four years of preparation, the laptop program has been implemented with great success.
Technology Director Judy Miller reported that the number of families participating in the laptop program
has exceeded her expectations. Approximately 1010 families are enrolled in the program and an
additional 60 students are using their own laptops. Network testing, which was completed on a floor by
floor basis, revealed a small number of problems that were reviewed and corrected.
7. Point of Sale (POS) System Update
Director of Finance and Operations Jean Sherburne reported that two vendors are currently under review
for installation of the POS system in the high school cafeteria. This system would allow students to
purchase meals using a "pin" number linked to a specific account. The immediate goal is to have the high
school POS installed during the Christmas break, with the ultimate goal of having POS systems at all
district schools.
Dr. Galinski reported that Nancy Antolini, our new Food Service Director, was not able to appear at this
regular meeting but will be introduced at our November regular meeting.
8. US Marine Corps ROTC Update
Dr. Galinski relayed information from the US Marine Corps regarding the status of the high school Junior
ROTC program. Principal Gallagher reported that approximately 60 -65 students are currently enrolled in
the program. This is fewer than required by the Marine Corps, but he expects this number to grow with
the addition of two new instructors and new class offerings.
9. Strategic Planning Update
Dr. Galinski reported that the entire Strategic Plan is on currently located at the district website. Work
continues and Dr. Galinski said she will provide a mid -year and end -of -year updates.
10. NEASC Five -Year Accreditation Approval
Principal Susan Snyder received positive comments from committee members on the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) letter which granted continued academic accreditation for
the Hannah Elementary School. More than one committee member noted the large number of
commendations and the relatively small number of recommended changes. Committee members
Regular Meeting
September 14, 2011
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requested that the report be placed on the district website.
11. School and Community Outreach Programs
Dr. Galinski issued a report documenting 927 hours of free care services provided to Beverly Public
Schools through the Northeast Behavior Health Clinic (formerly HES) during the 2010 -11 school year.
12. YMCA Step It Up! Program
As part of our continued partnership with the YMCA, Dr. Galinski distributed a copy of the "Step It Up!"
program letter previously sent to parents of grade five students.
Report from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa
Annemarie Cesa reported that an extensive audit of Special Education Department practices was recently completed
by Walker Partnerships. The committee and administration reviewed a report that contained a large number of
commendations and sixteen specific recommendations. Administration, staff and community members are being
sought to form an ad hoc committee to develop a plan to address these recommendations. The audit report is posted
to the district web site.
Ms. Cesa asked committee members to submit their school committee goals for 2012.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that the Finance and Facilities committee will next meet on Wednesday, September
21, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson)
Ms. Decker reported the Committee last met on September 7 th and received post reports on overnight field
trips to Briscoe's Nature's Class Room, the BHS Music Trip and the ROTC trips. The Committee
approved the new American Sign Language textbook and requested additional "No Smoking" signs on
school grounds.
The next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Memorial Building.
The following three policies are being brought forward for a first reading:
The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life recommends the attached policy
regarding "Drug Free Schools" (Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments) for a first reading. The
second reading will take place at our October 12, 2011 meeting and 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
regarding "Smoking on School Premises" (Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments) for a first
reading. The second reading will take place at our October 12, 2011 meeting and 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
regarding "Food Safety" (Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments) for a first reading. The
second reading will take place at our October 12, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of
approval by the School Committee.
Standing Committee on Negotiations (Karen Fogarty, Chairperson)
Karen Fogarty reported that the Negotiation's Committee has met twice (August 17, 2011 and September
Regular Meeting
September 14, 2011
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7, 2011) and reviewed the following four policies which they are bringing forward for a first reading:
The Standing Committee on Negotiations recommends the attached policy regarding "Criminal Offender
Record Information" (Section G: Personnel) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our
October 12, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Negotiations recommends the attached policy regarding "Professional Staff
Vacations and Holidays" (Section G: Personnel) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at
our October 12, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Negotiations recommends the attached policy regarding "Access to
Personnel Files" (Section G: Personnel) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our
October 12, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Negotiations recommends the attached policy regarding "Non - School
Employment of Professional Staff' (Section G: Personnel) for a first reading. The second reading will
take place at our October 12, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
New Business
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 is a primary election day in Beverly. There will be no school at district elementary
schools, which will hold a professional development day for staff. Briscoe Middle and Beverly High Schools will be
in session.
A first time "Homecoming Event" is being planned for October 14 -16, 2011. Events include a Friday night
Homecoming Social for adults, a parade on Saturday and tours of the high school on Sunday morning.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
David Manzi made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Maria Decker and approved by a
vote of 6 -0. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
Beverly Public School Committee