2013-01-09BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: David Manzi, Maria Decker, Kris Silverstein, Annemarie Cesa, Paul Manzo,
Matthew Kavanagh and Mayor Scanlon
Also in Attendance: Superintendent Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maryellen Duffy,
Administrative Assistant to the School Committee Donna Bergeron, Student
Representative Hind AI- Jarahi, Elementary Science Facilitators, Brian Conroy
and Barbara Spreen
Call to Order: Ms. Decker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Paul Manzo 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 Annemarie Cesa to approve the minutes from the September 26, 2012 School
Committee of the Whole meeting. The motion was seconded by Paul Manzo and passed by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Paul Manzo to approve the minutes from the December 12, 2012 Regular School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and passed by a vote of 7:0 with one
correction.
A motion was made by David Manzi to approve the Executive Session minutes from the December 12,
2012 meeting. The motion was seconded by Annemarie Cesa and passed by a vote of 7:0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Student Representative, Hind AI- Jarahi reported that mid -term exams are taking place next week, "BHS
Has Talent" will begin at 6:00 p.m. on January 24 sponsored by the class of 2015, and the Annual
BMPAA Winter Dance for adults will be held on January 26 at the Vittori -Rocci Post from 7:00 to 11:00
p.m.
Communications from Committee Members
Kris Silverstein said it had been a quiet month with nothing to report.
David Manzi said he had spoken to the City Engineer regarding the left hand turn arrow at the high school
stating that it still had not been corrected. Maria suggested bringing it up to Mike Collins at the next
Finance and Facilities meeting.
Annemarie Cesa said she received communications regarding the next SEPAC meeting and has received
great feed -back on the elementary school veggie bars. She reported there is a nutritionist working on
this initiative and that monthly the students will participate in a 5 minute lesson teaching about nutrition
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January 9, 2013
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and there will be items in the veggie bar that match the curriculum topic. She said she received some
inquiries about the security at Briscoe but was informed that staff members are stationed at the front
door throughout the school day.
Matthew Kavanagh received communications regarding the Superintendent's status.
Paul Manzo reported conversations with parents of 8 t " grade students promoting and encouraging them
to send their kids to Beverly High School.
Maria reported that there were discussions both at the Finance & Facilities meeting and with City Council
regarding security in schools, received an inquiry about leasing space at the high school as well as the
Statement of Interest (SOI). Maria reported she too, received communications about the
Superintendent.
Recognition of 21 Century Teaching and Learning
Maria Decker introduced Elementary Science Facilitators, Brian Conroy and Barbara Spreen. She noted
that one of the district goals this year was to increase the amount of hands -on science instruction in the
elementary schools for two reasons: to better prepare students for the daily instruction in science in the
middle school, and more to infuse young students with some of the joy and wonder associated with
science. Brian and Barbara told the committee about their backgrounds and noted that among other
things, prior to arriving at the Beverly Public Schools this year they had been classroom teachers. They
reported that they are providing 30 minutes bi- weekly hands -on science instruction to our elementary
school students K through 5 while also working with teachers to be sure to integrate content into these
activities. Brian and Barbara also said they are working to form a partnership with Endicott College and,
once released, will be integrating the Next Generation Science Standards into the curriculum.
Report from Superintendent Galinski
Informational Items
A. Mid -Cycle Update on Superintendent Goals
Dr. Galinski provided an update of her mid -cycle progress report. The report outlined her four goals;
Goal #1 Professional Practice — conducting unannounced visits at the schools to observe and provide
constructive feedback to the principals, #2 Student Improvement — Dr. Galinski said that most
challenging is reducing the achievement gap for our low performing subgroups by 25% by September
2014 and Goals #3. 4 & 5 District Improvement Goals — increase the numbers of students at BHS and
Briscoe who feel their courses are relevant by 4 %; reorganization the Special Education Department
for cost savings and efficiency; and increase the amount of hands -on science education in all
elementary schools by 60 minutes per month and improve number of students scoring
proficient/advanced on the science /technology /engineering MCAS. Dr. Galinski also reviewed the four
standards on which she will be evaluated by the School Committee on the 5 goals.
Report from School Committee President Maria Decker
1. Maria reported that the School Committee of the Whole Retreat is scheduled for Wednesday, January 16
beginning at 6:30pm in the Memorial Building, Room 164 and the public is welcome. On the agenda is
Cursive Writing curriculum and the Mid -Cycle Superintendent Evaluation.
2. Maria Decker reported that she and Mayor Scanlon are updating the Statement of Interest with assistance by
Briscoe Middle School Principal Matt Poska. She stated that the School Committee will need to vote on it as
well as City Council and reported that it is not unusual to have to resubmit the SOI stating last year there were
80 new and 130 repeat Statements of Interest filed. This will not change the timeline of the project, she said,
with the opening projected for September 2017.
The following Motion was made by Maria Decker:
Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, the School Committee of
the City of Beverly, in accordance with its charter, by -laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the
Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated
prior to April 10, 2013 for the Briscoe Middle School located at 7 Sohier Road which describes and explains
the following deficiencies and the priority categories for which an application may be submitted to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: Priority 7 "Replacement of or addition to obsolete
buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local
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January 9, 2013
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requirements "; and Priority 2 "Elimination of existing severe overcrowding "; and hereby further specifically
acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority
in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other
funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Beverly to filing
an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein.
A Roll Call vote resulted in the following:
David Manzi — Yes Matthew Kavanagh — Yes
Annemarie Cesa — Yes Paul Manzo —Yes
Mayor Scanlon — Yes Kris Silverstein — Yes
Maria Decker —Yes
Yes: 7 No: 0 Roll call vote passes 7:0.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that the committee last met on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 and approved minutes
and received a Buildings & Grounds report. The report outlined work completed over the Christmas
break which included cleaning ventilation system, painting hallways at Briscoe and they looked into the
security systems in place. The committee received a revenue and expense review and Mr. Manzo
reported that the Finance & Facilities Committee is bringing forward three polices for approval and four
polices for a first reading.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by
Paul Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Communication of Budget Recommendations"
(Section D: Fiscal Management) the motion was seconded by David Manzi and approved by a vote of
7:0.
2. Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by
Paul Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Advance Approval of Expenditures and
Encumbrances" (Section D: Fiscal Management) the motion was seconded by David Manzi and
approved by a vote of 7
3. Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by
Paul Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Funding Proposals, Grants and Revenues"
(Section D: Fiscal Management) the motion was seconded by Annemarie Cesa and approved by a vote
of 7:0.
4. The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding "Budget
Deadlines and Schedules" (Section D: Fiscal Management) for a first reading. The second reading will
take place at our February 6, 2013 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
5. The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding "Accounting
System" (Section D: Fiscal Management) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our
February 6, 2013 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
6. The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding "Revolving
Accounts" (Section D: Fiscal Management) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our
February 6, 2013 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
7. The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding
"Purchasing" (Section D: Fiscal Management) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at
our February 6, 2013 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life (Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson)
Annemarie Cesa reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee last met on
January 2, 2013 and received a report from Beverly High School Principal, Sean Gallagher providing the
committee with an update on the Small Learning Community Grant (SLC), the success of the freshman
academy and that they continue to work with staff on standards based grading. Mr. Gallagher also
updated them on the credit - recovery, STAY Program, and the Educatious International Program that they
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January 9, 2013
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are hoping to be in place at the start of next school year. Annemarie reported that Dr. Duffy provided a
review of the ELL numbers and a listing of the community partnerships.
Annemarie Cesa reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee is bringing forward
seven policies for a second reading and vote, and three policies for a first reading.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Compensatory Private
Tutoring" (Section G: Personnel) the motion was seconded by David Manzi and approved by a vote of
7 :0.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Open Enrollment"
(Section J: Students) the motion was seconded by David Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Homeless Children:
Enrollment Rights & Services" (Section J: Students) the motion was seconded by David Manzi and
approved by a vote of 7
4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "School Choice"
(Section J: Students) the motion was seconded by Paul Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0.
5. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Student Eligibility for
Participation in Athletics and Co- Curricular Activities" (Section J: Students) the motion was seconded by
Kris Silverstein and approved by a vote of 7 :0.
6. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Student Citizenship"
(Section J: Students) the motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a vote of 7 :0.
7. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a
motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Wellness" (Section J:
Students) the motion was seconded by David Manzi and approved by a vote of 7 :0.
8. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy
regarding "Attendance" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at
our February 6, 2013 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
9. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy
regarding "Equal Educational Opportunities" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at our February 6, 2013 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval
by the School Committee.
10. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy
regarding "Admission of Exchange Students" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at our February 6, 2013 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval
by the School Committee.
Negotiations Subcommittee (Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson)
Matthew Kavanagh reported that negotiations are ongoing with the Transportation Department and the
next meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2013 at 4 :00 p.m.
Policy Review Subcommittee (David Manzi, Chairperson)
David Manzi reported that the Policy Review committee last met on December 5, 2012 and is bringing
forward the following policies for a second reading and vote.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Policy Review a motion was made by David
Manzi to approve the attached policy regarding "School Committee Legal Status" (Section B: School
Committee Governance and Operations) the motion was seconded by Matthew Kavanagh and
approved by a vote of 7-0.
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2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Policy Review a motion was made by David
Manzi to approve the attached policy regarding "Committee Membership - Election" (Section B:
School Committee Governance and Operations) the motion was seconded by Paul Manzo and
approved by a vote of 7
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Policy Review a motion was made by David
Manzi to approve the attached policy regarding "Committee Membership — Term of Office" (Section B:
School Committee Governance and Operations) the motion was seconded by Annemarie Cesa and
approved by a vote of 7
4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Policy Review a motion was made by David
Manzi to approve the attached policy regarding "Committee Membership - Resignation" (Section B:
School Committee Governance and Operations) the motion was seconded by Paul Manzo and
approved by a vote of 7
5. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Policy Review a motion was made by David
Manzi to approve the attached policy regarding "School Committee Member Code of Ethics" (Section
B: School Committee Governance and Operations) the motion was seconded by Annemarie Cesa
and approved by a vote of 7:0.
6. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Policy Review a motion was made by David
Manzi to approve the attached policy regarding "Committee Member Conflict of Interest" (Section B:
School Committee Governance and Operations) the motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and
approved by a vote of 7:0 with one correction.
David Manzi reported that the Standing Committee on Policy Review's next meeting is scheduled for
January 23, 2013 at 6:15 p.m.
Community Engagement
Kris Silverstein reported that along with Paul Manzo and Maria Decker, she attended and enjoyed the BSO
winter concert and the standing -room only BHS Holiday concert.
Annemarie Cesa reported that the Beverly Solid Waste Commission would be showing the film "Bag It" at the
Cove Community Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. and it is free.
Maria Decker reported that Tuesday, January 29 is "Move -up Night" at Briscoe for 5 th graders and their
parents, and the Polar Plunge is scheduled for Sunday, February 3 rd at 12:30pm to benefit the River House
Homeless Shelter and the North Shore Community Development Coalition.
New Business - none
Opportunity for Questions from the Press - none
Consider Executive Session
A motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with
respect to collective bargaining with non -union personnel and not to return to open session. The
motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein. A roll call vote was taken resulting in the following:
YES: 7
NO: 0
Motion passes 7:0
Paul Manzo made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a
vote of 7:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:20p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria T. Decker, President
Beverly School Committee