2013-04-10BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mayor Scanlon, Matthew Kavanagh, Paul Manzo, Maria Decker, Kris Silverstein,
and Annemarie Cesa
Not in Attendance: David Manzi
Also in Attendance: Superintendent Dr. Marie Galinski, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maryellen Duffy,
Administrative Assistant to the School Committee Donna Bergeron, Student
Representative Hind AI- Jarahi, Beverly High School Media Educator Jo -Anna
Lloyd, BHS Principal Sean Gallagher and Assistant Principal Dan Bauer
Call to Order: Ms. Decker called the meeting to order at 7 :00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Annemarie Cesa led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
• Executive Vice President and CFO of the Beverly Cooperative Bank Bob Mitchell along with Diane Morris,
Director of Marketing presented President Maria Decker and Superintendent Dr. Marie Galinski with a check
in the amount of $4,062.37 which will fund an electronic scoreboard at the artificial turf field at Beverly High
School.
• Dr. Galinski and Maria Decker recognized senior Gabriel Buchsbaum who has been named one of more
than 3,000 candidates in the 2013 Presidential Scholars Program.
• Dr. Galinski, Maria Decker, Media Education Jo -Anna Lloyd and Walt Kosmowski Executive Director of
BevCam recognize the following BHS students:
Makayla Townsend and Mackenzie Swensen for the programs they wrote that won the Alliance
for Community Media, NE Region Hometown Video for the Public Service Announcement category
and Molly Feiring for her video entry which placed in the top ten in the Cinema Salem student
competition.
• Dr. Galinski and Maria Decker recognized the following students who were accepted to the 2013 All -State
Music Festival
Samuel Johnson Peter Fickenwirth Mikayla Bishop Rachel Forbes
Sophie Israelsohn Zach Kirsch Theresa Orr
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
Tara Brophy, 7 Boden Avenue, Beverly addressed the committee with her concerns related to security in
the schools. Tara requested that the committee review the information she provided and possibly put
together an ad -hoc committee that could explore funding /grants that may be available to put some of the
suggestions in place and other ways that we can keep our students safe in our schools.
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Items
None
Approval of Meeting Records
A motion was made by Paul Manzo to approve the minutes from the January 16, 2013 Committee of the
Whole Retreat meeting. The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6 :0 with
one correction.
A motion was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the minutes from the January 23, 2013 Committee of
the Whole meeting. The motion was seconded by Paul Manzo and approved by a vote of 6 :0.
Regular Meeting
April 10, 2013
Page 2 of 5
A motion was made by Kris Silverstein to approve the minutes from the March 27, 2013 Committee of the
Whole meeting. The motion was seconded by Paul Manzo 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 BHS Science League team placed third overall
in the final meet, two members of the student body attended Government Day in Boston and said it was a
great experience. Hind said that members of the junior class attended the college fair at the Boston
Convention Center and "Open Mic Night" which will be held in May will include poetry this year.
Communications from Committee Members
Maria Decker reported that all members reported communications regarding the Interim - Superintendent
position.
Matthew Kavanagh agreed that was the bulk of his communications received and whether we would go
the interim route.
Paul Manzo said he also received communications regarding security in the elementary schools.
Kris Silverstein reported the same.
Annemarie Cesa said she also heard from someone with a budget question.
Recognition of 21 Century Teaching and Learning
Report from Superintendent Galinski
Action Items
1. School Choice Numbers for 2013 -2014
School Choice Numbers for 2013 -2014
The Administration recommends continued participation in the School Choice program and
has included a chart with the current parameters, requests and spaces available.
Grade
Requests 2013 -2014
Current Approved
Grade 10
4
Students
10 /per
4
8 3
Grade
1 2
1
Grade
2 1
1
Grade
3 1
5
Grade
4 0
3
Grade
5 0
2
15 /per
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Spaces Available Per
School Choice Guidelines
4 10
6 8
3 12
Grade 9
17
4 -6
Grade 10
4
9 2
Grade 11
4
8 3
Grade 12
2
11 2
A motion was made my Annemarie Cesa to approve continued participation in the School Choice
program and an increase to the number of Grade 9 students accepted from 15 to 21. The motion was
seconded by Matthew Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. School Committee Meeting Schedule for Fall 2013
Dr. Galinski stated that the Fall 2013 School Committee meeting schedule (draft) has been included
for your consideration and will require a vote of approval.
A motion was made by Paul Manzo to approve the Fall 2013 School Committee schedule. The motion
was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved with a correction and two changes by a vote of 6:0.
Regular Meeting
April 10, 2013
Page 3 of 5
3. NEASC Progress Report
Sean Gallagher, Principal of Beverly High School, reviewed the Two -Year Progress Report from the
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in which they continued the high school's
accreditation. He commented that seven years ago the high school was at rock bottom. Principal
Gallagher extended his appreciation to the many people, School Committee, Dr. Hayes, Dr. Galinski,
Dr. Duffy and staff, who have worked so hard to bring the high school to where it is today reflecting on
the 25 commendations the school received from the NEASC. Some of the commendations included:
• the piloting of rubrics for civic and social expectations
• offering of professional development focused on differentiated instruction and standards -based
grading
• implementation of a 1 :1 laptop program
• the support for the teacher leaders who play a vital role in the school improvement process as
facilitators within their departments
• the completion of curriculum maps for all courses and units of study
Mr. Gallagher said that a required five -year progress report will be due in March of 2015.
4. District Review Schedule of Events
Dr. Galinski reported that we will participate in a District Review by the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education (DESE) during the week of April 28. The DESE will be looking at school
effectiveness and conducting interviews with central office staff, administrators, teachers and school
committee members. They will also be conducting some classroom observations as well.
5. Final Day of School for 2012 -2013
Dr. Galinski stated that due to the cancellation of school on March 19 and hoping that we will not
have any other weather related cancellations the last day of school for the 2012 -2013 school year will
be Monday, June 24 (Early Release).
6. Free and Reduced Numbers
Dr. Galinski stated that she has provided an update of the free and reduced numbers and percentages
which gives a historical perspective as well. She noted the change in the numbers from 23% to 28%
in five years. One committee member noted that there had been talk of a soft redistricting to even off
numbers and Maria Decker commented that a redistricting would be done hopefully when the new
middle school is completed.
Report from School Committee President Maria Decker
1. Joint Council Meeting Review
Maria Decker reported that a meeting of the Joint Councils, School Committee and City Council had met on
Tuesday, April 9 th at Beverly High School. Topics discussed were PILOT /SILOT, ROTC, reconvening of the
Consolidation Committee and the Statement of Interest.
2. Interim - Superintendent Search
Maria Decker reported that she has received many communications regarding the interim superintendent and
time frame. She reported the committee will go the route of an interim superintendent and that they had
interviewed three candidates last evening. The committee will meet again on Friday, April12 at 5:00 p.m. in the
Library at BHS. She stated that once chosen, the interim superintendent will work with Dr. Galinski to ensure a
smooth transition.
3. Upcoming Budget Hearin__ — May 14, 2013
Maria Decker reported that the School Committee will hold its Public Hearing on the FY14 Budget on Tuesday,
May 14 at 7 :OOpm, in the auditorium of Beverly High School. The budget will be posted to the website,
www.beverlyschools.orq as we get closer to the date.
Committee Reports
Regular Meeting
April 10, 2013
Page 4 of 5
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities (Paul Manzo, Chairperson)
Paul Manzo reported that the committee last met on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 and received a Buildings
and Grounds Report from Commissioner Mike Collins and Buildings & Grounds Director Tim Howland.
The report detailed continuing work on the phone lines, key pads at the elementary schools, preparing
athletic fields and maintenance throughout the district. Paul Manzo said that Catherine Larson provided
information on textile recycling and Nancy Antolini spoke about composting. Paul said they also reviewed
the revenues and expenses.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Paul
Manzo to approve the attached $165,180.00 in budget transfers for the Fiscal Year 2013. The motion was
seconded by Annemarie Cesa and approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Paul
Manzo to approve the attached changes to non -union hourly pay rates. The motion was seconded by
Annemarie Cesa and approved by a vote of 6:0.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Paul
Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Sales Calls and Demonstrations" (Section D: - Fiscal
Management). The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0.
4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Paul
Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Payment Procedures" (Section D: - Fiscal Management).
The motion was seconded by Matthew Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0.
5. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Paul
Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Expense Authorization and Reimbursement" (Section D: -
Fiscal Management). The motion was seconded by Annemarie Cesa and approved by a vote of 6:0.
6. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Paul
Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Cash in School Buildings" (Section D: - Fiscal
Management). The motion was seconded by Annemarie Cesa 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 did not meet last
month but are bringing forward the following policies for approval.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life a motion
was made by Annemarie Cesa to approve the elementary, middle and high school handbooks.
Paul Manzo and Kris Silverstein participated in a discussion regarding students riding their bicycles to
school and why the words "students are discouraged from" is in the handbook. Annemarie Cesa requested
a meeting sooner rather than later with principals regarding this issue.
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 "Tobacco Use by Students"
(Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by Paul Manzo 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 "Physical Restraint" (Section J:
Students). The motion was seconded by Paul Manzo and approved by a vote of 6:0.
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 "Drug and Alcohol Use" (Section J:
Students). The motion was seconded by Mayor Scanlon and approved by a vote of 6:0.
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 "Children and Adolescents with
HIV /AIDS in School Setting" (Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by Mayor Scanlon and
approved by a vote of 6:0.
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 Fees, Fines and Charges"
(Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by Mayor Scanlon and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Negotiations Subcommittee (Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson)
Matthew Kavanagh reported that the Negotiations Subcommittee currently has no ongoing negotiations.
He stated that they will probably be starting sometime in November.
Policy Review Subcommittee (David Manzi, Chairperson)
Kris Silverstein reported that the Policy Review Subcommittee is bringing forward one policy for approval
and three policies for a first reading.
Regular Meeting
April 10, 2013
Page 5 of 5
1. Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Kris Silverstein to
approve the attached policy regarding "Non- Discrimination" (Section G: Personnel). The motion was
seconded by Annemarie Cesa and approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. The Standing Committee on Policy Review recommends the attached policy regarding "Electronic
Correspondence between Committee Members" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations)
for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our May 8, 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 "School Committee
Executive Session" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations) for a first reading. The
second reading will take place at our May 8, 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 Committee
Policy Process" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations) for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at our May 8, 2013 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the
School Committee.
Community Engagement
Maria Decker reported that she and the Mayor attended Centerville PTO's "Ciao Centerville" pizza fundraiser which
took place at BHS and the fare was donated by Beverly businesses. She reported that Secretary of Education,
Matt Malone toured the high school commenting on the cleanliness, the 1 to 1 laptop program and the calmness of
the students.
Matthew Kavanagh reported that the Beverly Dance team, "Dancing with Teachers" is raising money for their team
competition.
Kris Silverstein reported she was one of the judges at the Centerville Science Night and extended her
congratulations to the students and her appreciation to all the people who contributed to the evening's success.
Kris reported attending the BHS musical "West Side Story" and said it was remarkable! She attended the All City
Band Concert commenting that the members of the band were seated in the audience and were able to listen to
their peers perform. Matt Kavanagh commented that he attended as well and extended kudos's to Kris
Silverstein's son who composed a piece for the performance.
Paul Manzo said he attended the BHS musical, "West Side Story" and noted that the 17 Annual Poetry Contest will
be held at the Beverly Public Library.
New Business — none
Opportunity for Questions from the Press - none
Consider Executive Session
Annemarie Cesa made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Kris Silverstein and approved
by a vote of 6 :0. The meeting adjourned at 8 :25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Kavanagh, Secretary
Beverly School Committee