2011-10-12BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Annemarie Cesa, Maria Decker, Karen Fogarty, David Manzi, Kris Silverstein, Paul
Manzo and Mayor Scanlon (8:00 pm)
Also in Attendance: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maryellen Duffy, Director of Finance and
Operations Jean Sherburne, Administrative Assistant to the School Committee
Donna Bergeron, Director of Food Services Nancy Antolini
Call to Order: Ms. Cesa called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. Fogarty led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
None
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 Maria Decker to approve the minutes from the August 3, 2011 School Committee
Retreat. The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved with two corrections by a vote of 6 -0.
A motion was made by Maria Decker to approve the minutes from the September 14, 2011 Regular
School Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by David Manzi and approved with two
corrections by a vote of 6 -0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Student Representative Ian McHugh reported that rehearsals for the Fall Play, Voltaire's Candide, have
started. The play is scheduled for the first weekend in December. Fall sports, including soccer and track,
have started. Ian reported that some students have been frustrated with the extent to which web sites have
been blocked within the school. A recent presentation featuring Ed Gerety, who spoke on bullying, was
well received by students.
Communications from Committee Members
David Manzi continues to hear many positive comments on the high school opening and one -to -one
computer program. Mr. Manzi expressed his appreciation to Maria Decker for representing the school
committee on a recent cable television show and wished Dr. Galinski a speedy recovery from her recent
injury.
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October 12, 2011
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• Paul Manzo reported on three well attended PTO meetings at Ayers, Cove and Hannah schools and
received communications regarding class sizes at BHS. He also attended Briscoe Parents Afternoon
Back and participated in the BHS turf field dedication ceremony.
• Kris Silverstein reminded everyone that the Fall Frolic 5K run will be held this weekend. Kris relayed a
parent request for an elementary level summer reading program. Ms. Silverstein reported participating
in a recent Special Education Ad -Hoc Committee meeting.
• Maria Decker reported on recent Centerville, Cove and BHS PTO meetings, where enrichment
programs and fundraising efforts were discussed. She continues to receive concerns with a late high
school bus from Centerville. Maria expressed her appreciation to all involved in the BHS dinner /auction
fundraiser, and expressed gratitude to many private donors for supporting the BHS turf field. Ms.
Decker attended a recent professional development program at the high school.
• Annemarie Cesa was impressed with the level of participation at four recent PTO meetings she
attended. She thanked Maria Decker for all her hard work on the turf field project. Ms. Cesa received
calls about the lack of a delayed opening during the October 4 th rain storm and indicated that she will
discuss the matter with Dr. Galinski.
Report from the Superintendent
1. Spring School Committee Meeting Schedule
Dr. Duffy asked the committee to approve a draft of the spring 2012 School Committee meeting schedule.
A motion was made by Maria Decker to approve the January —June 2012 Spring School Committee
Calendar. The motion was seconded by David Manzi and approved with one addition and one correction
by a vote of 6 -0.
2. Introduction of Food Services Director Nancy Antolini
Dr. Duffy introduced Nancy Antolini, the new district Director of Food Services. Nancy reported that her
office is now located in the high school. Recent food services changes include the addition of a deli bar at
the high school and a series of "meet and greet" events at each school, where staff and administrators
enjoyed coffee and muffins. Nancy is anxiously awaiting the new "point of sales" system that will be
installed at the high school after the first of the year.
3. October 1, 2011 Enrollment Data
Dr. Duffy reported that there have been no significant changes to the October 1 St enrollments from
previous accountings. Dr. Duffy reported continued high enrollment numbers in Grade 6 and at the high
school.
4. October 1, 2011 Free and Reduced Lunch Data
The committee discussed the number of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Some
elementary schools have over 30% of the student population receiving free or reduced lunch support.
Committee members suggested that the increase in families applying for support may be related to the
weakened local economy.
5. Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)
Mayor Scanlon reported that the MSBA will be accepting Statements of Interest (SOI) for consideration.
According to the Mayor, we have begun the SOI process for upgrading and renovation of the Memorial
Building as our new middle school. The next two steps in the SOI process are votes by the City Council
and School Committee to approve an SOI application. Following substantial discussion, Mayor Scanlon
concluded that there are many steps to be completed before construction could begin in approximately
four years.
6. October 7, 2011 Professional Day
Dr. Duffy reported that all district staff participated in the October 7, 2011 Professional Development day.
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October 12, 2011
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A copy of the schedule was distributed to committee members.
7. Beverly Public Schools Annual Report
Dr. Duffy reported that the second edition of our "Annual Report" for 2010 -2011 has been completed and
has been posted to the district website. Additional copies have been sent to local businesses and
community offices.
8. Communication from City Clerk Kathleen Connolly
Dr. Duffy presented a letter from Kathleen Connolly, Beverly City Clerk, requesting that classes in
elementary buildings be cancelled on polling dates during the 2012 -2013 academic year.
Report from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa
Ms. Cesa reported on a very successful first meeting of the Special Education Ad -Hoc Committee. The group, which
is comprised of interested staff, parents and administrators, will meet on the first Tuesday of each month.
A Joint School Committee /City Council Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2011. According to
Ms. Cesa, the meeting will be held in the Beverly High School auditorium beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Cesa indicated that a discussion of annual School Committee goals will take place at the start of our next term,
soon after the first of the year.
Ms. Cesa reported that the first annual "Homecoming Weekend" begins this Friday with an Adult Social, and the
homecoming parade, football game and dance on Saturday. Sunday will feature the Fall Frolic 5K and tours of the
high school.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Paul Manzo reported the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on September 21, 2011 and received
an extensive Buildings and Grounds report from Director of the Schools Division Tim Howland. The
report included projects that were completed over the summer in many of our buildings as well as more
recent repairs to the chimney at the Memorial Building. The committee reviewed the revenues and
expense report and is bringing forward budget transfers for approval.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities, a motion was made by
Paul Manzo to approve of the budget transfers necessary to correct salary changes due to column moves.
The motion was seconded by Maria Decker and approved by a vote of 7 -0.
The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding "School
Safety Drills" (Section E: Support Services) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our
November 16, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding "Building
Security" (Section E: Support Services) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our
November 16, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding "Visitors to
Schools" (Section K: Community Relations) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our
November 16, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding
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October 12, 2011
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"Community Use of School Facilities" (Section K: Community Relations) for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at our November 16, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval
by the School Committee.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Maria Decker, Chairperson
Maria Decker reported the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee last met on October 5,
2011. High School Assistant Principal Betty Taylor provided a summary of both the Summer School
Report and Summer Success Report. The committee reviewed MCAS results, Adequate Yearly Progress
and the Student Growth Percentiles Report with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Duffy. Dr. Duffy provided
a review of the September 20, 2011 elementary staff Professional Development Day. The next meeting is
scheduled for Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 7:00 pm.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a
motion was made by Maria Decker to approve the attached policy regarding "Drug Free Schools"
(Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments). The motion was seconded by David Manzi and
approved by a vote of 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a
motion was made by Maria Decker to approve the attached policy regarding "Smoking on School
Premises" (Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments). The motion was seconded by David Manzi
and approved by a vote of 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life a
motion was made by Maria Decker to approve the attached policy regarding "Food Safety" (Section A:
Foundations and Basic Commitments). The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a
vote of 7 -0.
Standing Committee on Negotiations (Karen Fogarty, Chairperson)
Karen Fogarty reported the Negotiation Committee last met on October 6, 2011 and reviewed one policy
for a first reading and is bringing forward four policies for approval. She said that the committee does not
have another meeting scheduled at this time.
The Standing Committee on Negotiations recommends the attached policy regarding "Recruitment and
Selection of Professional Personnel" (Section G: Personnel) for a first reading. The second reading will
take place at the November 16, 2011 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the
School Committee.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Negotiations a motion was made by Karen
Fogarty to approve the attached policy regarding "Criminal Offender Record Information" (Section G:
Personnel). The motion was seconded by Paul Manzo and approved by a vote of 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Negotiations a motion was made by Karen
Fogarty to approve the attached policy regarding "Professional Staff Vacations and Holidays" (Section G:
Personnel). The motion was seconded by Maria Decker and approved by a vote of 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Negotiations a motion was made by Karen
Fogarty to approve the attached policy regarding "Access to Personnel files" (Section G: Personnel). The
motion was seconded by Paul Manzo and approved by a vote of 7 -0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Negotiations a motion was made by Karen
Fogarty to approve the attached policy regarding "Non- School Employment of Professional Staff'
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(Section G: Personnel). The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a vote of 7 -0.
New Business
Maria Decker reported that a program entitled "What Parent's Need to Know about Bullying" will be held on
October 20, 2011 in the high school auditorium at 6:45 p.m.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None
David Manzi made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Karen Fogarty and approved by a
vote of 7 -0. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Manzo, Secretary
Beverly Public School Committee