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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 Page 2 of 5 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 Page 3 of 5 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 Page 4 of 5 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 Page 5 of 5 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