2013-02-06BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: David Manzi, Matthew Kavanagh, Paul Manzo, Maria Decker, Kris Silverstein,
and Annemarie Cesa
Not in Attendance: Mayor Scanlon
Also in Attendance: Superintendent Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maryellen Duffy,
Director of Finance and Operations Jean Sherburne, Administrative Assistant to
the School Committee Donna Bergeron, Student Representative Hind AI- Jarahi,
Beverly High School Athletic Director James Coffey and Briscoe Middle School
Principal Matt Poska
Call to Order: Ms. Decker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: David Manzi led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
• Dr. Galinski, Maria Decker and James Coffey recognized the Beverly High School Fall
2012 NEC All Stars. Mr. Coffey commented that this has been one of the most successful
seasons to date congratulating the students and coaches.
• Maria Decker, Dr. Galinski and Briscoe Principal Matt Poska recognized 8 grade student,
Tommy Adams, who was chosen as the Ambassador for Beverly in Governor Patrick's
Project 351 Tommy participated in the project on January 26 at the Pine Street Inn.
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 Matthew Kavanagh to approve the minutes from the October 3, 2012 Committee
of the Whole meeting. The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and passed by a vote of 6:0.
A motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the minutes from the January 9, 2013 Regular
School Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0
with one correction.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Student Representative, Hind AI- Jarahi reported that the "Beverly High's Got Talent" show will take place
Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. The s pla , "West Side Story" will be
th tY� fh
performed on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, March 13 , 15 and 16 beginning at 7:00 p.m. and a
matinee is scheduled for Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Hind reported there have
been discussions regarding AP verses CP classes stating some students would like to see more AP
classes offered. She said that the vending machines are back in the high school with healthy food
offerings and also more hand sanitizers have been installed.
Regular Meeting
February 6, 2013
Page 2 of 5
Communications from Committee Members
David Manzi received a question regarding kindergarten enrollment.
Annemarie Cesa said it had been quiet with some chattering regarding snow days and how the decision
to close school is made and timing of those calls. Dr. Galinski explained the process she follows when
deciding whether to close schools noting that if possible she likes to make the decision the day before.
Matthew Kavanagh said he received one call regarding the status of the superintendent process if she
were to leave.
Paul Manzo said he continues speaking with parents of 8 th grade students promoting Beverly High School
and received communication regarding food selections at the high school.
Kris Silverstein noted that in light of a recent icy morning it is important that the individuals cleaning up the
parking lots and sidewalks at the schools are aware that some students arrive early. Kris reported that a
survey was given to 9 th grade students regarding the 8 th grade field trip and said she received a
communication about the district web site relaying the constituents difficulty trying to locate minutes
from one of the school committee meetings. It was suggested fixing the order of the minutes and
agendas as well as making the site more user friendly. Dr. Galinski noted that work to make the web
site more "user- friendly" is being addressed.
Maria Decker reported communication about the superintendent, security in the schools, enrichment
programs and funding of the programs.
Recognition of 21 Century Teaching and Learning
Report from Superintendent Galinski
Action Items - MJROTC Camp Edwards Field Trip
Maria Decker reported that due to a scheduling conflict with the MJROTC instructors this evening, the
MJROTC field trip approval would be moved to the March School Committee meeting.
Informational Items - Professional Day, Friday, January 18, 2013
Dr. Galinski reported that she had provided a copy of the schedule for the Friday, January 18
Professional Day. She stated that the elementary teaching staff conducted parent conferences and at
the secondary level training centered around the Impact of Common Core on 21 Century Learning.
Report from School Committee President Maria Decker
Maria Decker reported that the School Committee participated in a retreat on January 16 discussing cursive writing,
Election Day and the closing of schools. They also discussed the upcoming DESE Review scheduled for April 29
through May 2 She reported that the committee has approved the 2013 -2014 district calendar and noted that
graduation is scheduled for June 1, 2014 the earliest it has ever been and the last day of school will be between
June 16 and June 23 pending weather related cancellations.
Maria said that work continues on the Statement of Interest (SOI) with a unanimous vote of approval received by
both the School Committee and City Council. She reported meeting and working with Briscoe Principal Matt Poska
and stated that last year there were 80 new filings and 130 repeat filings including ours, commenting that the
scheduled Fall of 2017 opening remains the same.
Maria Decker noted that the State of the Schools Address would be held on Wednesday, March 20 in the high
school auditorium with a coffee at 6:30 p.m. and the State of the Schools Address starting at 7:00 p.m.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Mr. Manzo reported that the committee last met on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 and received a
Buildings & Grounds Report from the Commissioner of Public Works Mike Collins which included snow
and ice removal, building security; the cost of a buzzer system at the elementary schools and door locks
at Briscoe. There was information presented on "Where's the Bus ?" a bus GPS tracking system but no
decision was made, building rental fees and Stacy Bucyk, Administrator for Special Education requested
approval of a new /reinstated position which is being brought forward for a vote. Mr. Manzo also reported
he is bringing forward the following four policies for a second reading and vote.
Regular Meeting
February 6, 2013
Page 3 of 5
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by
Paul Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Budget Deadlines and Schedules" (Section D:
Fiscal Management). The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by
Paul Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Accounting System" (Section D: Fiscal
Management). The motion was seconded by David Manzi and approved by a vote of 6:0.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by
Paul Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Revolving Accounts" (Section D: Fiscal
Management). The motion was seconded by Annemarie Cesa and approved by a vote of 6:0.
4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities a motion was made by
Paul Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Purchasing" (Section D: Fiscal Management).
The motion was seconded by Matthew Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0.
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 30, 2013. Beverly High School Principal Sean Gallagher presented his Program of Studies with
no significant programmatic changes Annemarie noted. Foreign language facilitators, Lydia Ames
(Briscoe) and Doris Curley (BHS), provided a review of the Foreign Languages commenting that over
1000 students are taking a foreign language and Dr. Duffy provided a Professional Learning Communities
(PLC) update and discussed the Science partnership with Endicott College.
Annemarie Cesa reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee is bringing forward
three policies for a second reading and vote, and one policy 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 "Attendance" (Section J:
Students). The motion was seconded by Paul Manzo and approved by a vote of 6:0.
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 "Equal Educational
Opportunities" (Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by David Manzi and approved by a vote
of 6:0.
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 "Admission of Exchange
Students" (Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by David Manzi and approved by a vote of
5:1. Yes vote Annemarie Cesa Matthew Kavanagh
Kris Silverstein David Manzi
Maria Decker
No vote Paul Manzo
4. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy "School Admissions" (Section — J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading which
will take place at our March 13, 2013 meeting will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the
School Committee.
Negotiations Subcommittee (Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson)
Matthew Kavanagh reported that the Negotiations Subcommittee last met on January 16 reaching a
tentative agreement with the Transportation Department and that it would be finalized soon.
Policy Review Subcommittee (David Manzi, Chairperson)
David Manzi reported that the Policy Review committee last met on January 23, 2013 and is bringing
forward the following six policies for a first reading.
1. The Standing Committee on Policy Review recommends the attached policy regarding "School
Committee Internal Organization" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations) for a
first reading. The second reading will take place at our March 13, 2013 meeting and will require a
formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
Regular Meeting
February 6, 2013
Page 4 of 5
2. The Standing Committee on Policy Review recommends the attached policy regarding "School
Committee Subcommittees and Standing Committees" (Section B: School Committee Governance
and Operations) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our March 13, 2013
meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
3. The Standing Committee on Policy Review recommends the attached policy regarding "Temporary
and Advisory Committees" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations) for a first
reading. The second reading will take place at our March 13, 2013 meeting and will require a formal
(2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
4. The Standing Committee on Policy Review recommends the attached policy regarding "School
Attorney" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations) for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at our March 13, 2013 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval
by the School Committee.
5. The Standing Committee on Policy Review recommends the attached policy regarding "School
Committee Meetings — Open Meetings" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations)
for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our March 13, 2013 meeting and will require
a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
6. The Standing Committee on Policy Review recommends the attached policy regarding "Regular
School Committee Meetings" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations) for a first
reading. The second reading will take place at our March 13, 2013 meeting and will require a formal
(2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
David Manzi reported that the Standing Committee on Policy Review's next meeting is scheduled for
February 13, 2013 at 6:15 p.m.
Community Engagement
Maria Decker reported attending, along with Matt Kavanagh, the Annual Winter Dance fundraiser hosted by
BMPAA with music by Ray Novack's band and silent auction. She reported that BHS received a check in the
amount of $1500 from the sales of Steven Mugglebee's book "Class of 1959 — The Greatest High School
Class Ever" noting that the high school will continue to receive checks on a semi - annual basis. Maria
reported attending a district -wide enrichment program — a performance by the Cape Ann Symphony held in
the auditorium of the Memorial Building. Maria said that 4 and 5 t " grade students were bussed to the
Memorial Building for the performance noting how well behaved the students were.
Paul Manzo reported attending PTO meetings at Cove, Ayers, North Beverly and Briscoe expressing his
appreciation to the PTO members.
Annemarie Cesa said she attended North Beverly's PTO meeting and was asked about keyboarding.
Annemarie reported attending a "Pioneering Healthy Communities" meeting discussing "My Plate" -- what is
healthy eating.
Matthew Kavanagh said he attended the 2 nd Annual BHS Open House commenting that it was better organized
than last year.
Kris Silverstein extended her congratulations to all of the people who participated in the "Polar Plunge" and the
Ayers School who were the winners for the 2 nd year.
New Business - none
Opportunity for Questions from the Press - none
Consider Executive Session
A motion was made by David Manzi 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 Matthew Kavanagh. A roll call vote was taken resulting in the following:
YES: Kris Silverstein David Manzi
Matthew Kavanagh Annemarie Cesa
Paul Manzo Maria Decker
NO:
Motion passes 6:0
Regular Meeting
February 6, 2013
Page 5 of 5
Paul Manzo made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a
vote of 6:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Kavanagh, Secretary
Beverly School Committee