2013-10-09DRAFT
BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mayor Scanlon, David Manzi, Matthew Kavanagh, Paul Manzo, Maria Decker,
Kris Silverstein and Annemarie Cesa
Also in Attendance: Director of Finance & Operations Jean Sherburne, Administrative Assistant to the
School Committee Donna Bergeron, Briscoe Middle School Principal Matthew
Poska and Assistant Principals, Terry Conant and Amy Gerade
Call to Order: Ms. Decker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. Cesa led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
• School Committee President Maria Decker and Briscoe Middle School Principal Matthew Poska
recognized Maria Bonaiuto for her 43 years of dedicated service to the Beverly Public Schools.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
Lorinda Visnick, 39 Middlebury Lane addressed the committee expressing her concern and frustration
that the recent incident involving Briscoe Middle School and Beverly High School students was not
communicated to parents and that she had to learn about it through the media. She stated that a notice
or connect -ed message should have been sent to all parents.
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Items
None
Approval of Meeting Records
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2013 School Committee of
the Whole meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes from the September 11, 2013 Regular School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0 with one
correction.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Austin Healey, Student Representative to the School Committee reported that there was a two day mini
college fair taking place for juniors and seniors with over 20 schools attending. There was an
informational meeting regarding the Rotary Youth Exchange program and PSAT registration has begun,
the test is scheduled for Saturday, October 19 cost is $30. Austin reported that the BHS Talent Show
is October 16 at 7:00 p.m. and the Grand Finale Show will be October 30 Freshman elections were
held and other elections will be in two weeks.
Communications from Committee Members
All members reported communications regarding the accident at Hannah School and the request for an
additional permanent crossing guard at that location.
Kris Silverstein requested that going forward if there are changes made to bus routes, i.e. consolidation
of routes that parents are given advance notification. She received concerns from parents that they
were not notified and students are now arriving later to school. She said that the questions was raised
with more students on the bus should a monitor be added. Mr. Manzo stated that the school committee
may want to consider editing the policy. Ms. Silverstein also commented that at the Beverly High
School's afternoon back parents are struggling to meet with teachers within the one hour time frame
allotted. She suggested that an adjustment be made in the future.
Regular Meeting
October 9, 2013
Page 2 of 5
Mathew Kavanagh commented on the Hannah School incident reiterating the request for a permanent
crossing guard.
David Manzi reported two communications; why we don't offer free full day kindergarten and
recommending that the committee takes a look at that possibility and hearing concerns of people
speeding on Woodland Avenue in Ryal Side. Mr. Manzi said he spoke with Sgt. Rollins of the Beverly
Police Dept.
Annemarie Cesa stated that she received a communication that there were not enough books in some
classes at BHS, she asked the individual for more information but did not get a response. Ms. Cesa
also received complaints about schools being closed on primary day when there was such a small
turnout.
Paul Manzo commented on Beverly High School's Open House remarking that the grading period is so
short that there was limited information to go on the progress report. Mr. Manzo noted that at next
week's Finance & Facilities meeting they will review the Hannah School crossing guard issue and wait
for a recommendation from administration. Mr. Manzo said he received a picture of a bus, from another
community, parked on the sidewalk at Beverly High School during a recent sporting event. This was
brought to the driver's attention and the bus was moved.
Maria Decker reported many of the same and also heard from the City Clerk's office regarding conducting
professional day activities in the elementary schools where voting is taking place and the parking issue
it creates. Ms. Decker reported hearing from a constituent inquiring about enrichment programs for
teens and tweens
Report from Interim Superintendent Argenziano provided by Maria Decker
1. Overnight Field Trip — Briscoe Middle School — Nature's Classroom
Terry Conant Briscoe Middle School Assistant Principal provided a summary of last year's trip and
information pertaining to this year's, Nature's Classroom overnight field trip projected to take place on
April 7 -11, 2014 (White & Gold) and May 5 -9, 2014 (Blue). Mr. Manzi asked Mr. Conant if he was
aware of the incident that had taken place previously, with another district at Nature's Classroom. Mr.
Conant responded that they had been informed of the incident from Nature's Classroom. Ms. Cesa
inquired about the cost for students, Mr. Conant said it is $445 and $325 for free and reduced students
which he stated is supplemented through Briscoe fundraising. Mr. Conant reported the total cost of
this trip, when asked by Ms. Cesa, would be over $100,000. Ms. Cesa responded that if it is going to
be a part of the curriculum we should be covering some of this cost.
Mr. Poska took a moment to note that Mr. Conant and Ms. Gerade are doing a great job. He reported
that they have met with the Beverly Education Foundation. He stated that the Beverly Education
Foundation is considering a significant donation towards Nature's Classroom trip.
A motion to approve the Nature's Classroom, Charlton, MA overnight field trip projected for April 7 —
11, 2014 and May 5 -9, 2014 was made by Ms. Cesa. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and
approved by a vote of 7:0.
2. Overnight Field Trip — Briscoe Middle School — Grade 8 New York City
Amy Gerade, Assistant Principal Briscoe Middle School summarized last year's New York City trip and
provided information to this year's 8 t " grade overnight field trip projected to take place on Thursday,
June 5 and Friday, June 6, 2014. She reported that they have added the wax museum to the
schedule and removed the trip to the Bronx Zoo, cutting down on travel given the traffic in the city. To
date they have had 193 students that have signed up to attend costing $360 /per student. She said
that students, who don't go, in answer to Ms. Silverstein's question, will do some team building
activities possibly outdoor activities. Ms. Cesa remarked that she is looking forward to seeing other
options for next year's trip, which Ms. Gerade reported that it is being looked into.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo to approve the overnight field trip to New York City, NY projected to
take place June 5 and June 6, 2014. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a
vote of 6:1, Ms. Cesa casting a no vote.
3. October 1, 2013 Enrollments — Update
Ms. Decker remarked on the updated October 1 St enrollments which were included in the packets.
Regular Meeting
October 9, 2013
Page 3 of 5
Report from School Committee President Maria Decker
1. Statement of Interest
Ms. Decker presented a power point pertaining to the Statement of Interest (Sol) including some
history of the Briscoe Middle School, the development of a 5 -year Strategic Plan, and the goal of building
a "State of the Art" middle school. She reported the Statement of Interest was filed in March followed by
the Senior Study conducted by the MSBA in September, shortly after that word was received that we
would be recommended for approval. Ms. Decker reported attending a meeting held in Boston in which
unanimous approval from the MSBA Board of Directors was given to move into the Eligibility Phase.
Mayor Scanlon talked about the Statement of Interest (Sol) process dating back to the high school and their
threatened accreditation. He referenced a section of the report stating the obvious that he wrote the
SOI, not the previous Superintendent, Dr. Hayes. Mayor Scanlon noted that Dr. Hayes did write the "Ed
Specs" and stated that there will be "Ed Specs" to be written but that will be at a later date.
Ms. Silverstein remarked that this building project will be of interest to a new generation of parents stating
that their input is important as well as hearing from the superintendent about the educational value of a
Grade 5 -8 model. Ms. Silverstein also noted her appreciation of the work completed thus far but stated
that some school committee members are not pleased that one of the City Counselors was in
attendance at the MSBA vote of approval meeting and that other school committee members were not
asked. In closing she said she felt that the citizens of Beverly deserve full representation from the
School Committee all the time.
Mayor Scanlon rebutted that Mr. Slate was not invited but that he had come on his own. Mr. Manzi
remarked that he didn't see it the way Ms. Silverstein sees it.
Mr. Manzo thanked Ms. Silverstein for raising these points and said he personally is looking forward to
working more cooperatively moving forward.
Committee Reports
A. Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities
Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported the Finance & Facilities Committee met on Wednesday, September 18, 2013. The
Committee received a detailed Buildings and Grounds Report from Mike Collins, Director of Public
Works and Tim Howland, Director of Buildings and Grounds. The report reviewed work completed over
the summer throughout the district, i.e. balcony ceiling repairs at Briscoe, repairs to Hannah walk -in
freezer and all elementary key pads are working and the preschool work completed at Memorial. Mr.
Manzo stated that they reviewed the FY'13 and FY14 budget and noted that they were waiting word of
the budget rollover from City Hall.
Mr. Manzo stated that the Finance and Facilities Committee was bringing forward two positions for
approval, Fiscal Year 2013 budget transfers and six policies, three for approval, three for a first reading.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made
by Mr. Manzo to approve the creation of a full -time Paraprofessional at the Briscoe Middle School.
This new position is required to provide student integration and support for a student requiring 1:3
ratio. Funds for this position, not to exceed $19,330 including health benefits, will be derived from
the Circuit Breaker Revolving account (201 08 52010). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and
approved by a vote of 7:0.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzo to approve the creation of a 0.40 Job Coach associated with the LAUNCH
program at Beverly High School. Funds for this position, not to exceed $7,732, will be derived
from the circuit breaker revolving account (201 08 52010). The motion was seconded by Ms.
Cesa and approved by a vote of 7:0.
3. Upon the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzo to approve the attached list of Fiscal Year 2013 budget transfers. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0
Regular Meeting
October 9, 2013
Page 4 of 5
4. The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding
"Renovations and /or Improvements to School or School Sites by Non - district Parties" (Section F
— Facilities Development) for a first reading. The second reading which will take place at our
November 6, 2013 meeting w i l l require a (2/3) vote of approval.
5. The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding
"Elementary Redistricting" (Section F — Facilities Development) for a first reading. The second
reading which will take place at our November 6, 2013 meeting will require a formal (2/3) vote
of approval.
6. The Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding
"Creation of a New Position(s)" (Section G — Personnel) for a first reading. The second reading
which will take place at our November 6, 2013 meeting will require a formal (2/3) vote of
approval.
Mr. Manzo said that the next meeting of the Finance and Facilities Committee will take place on
October 16 at 7:00 p.m.
B. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life
Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Annemarie Cesa reported the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee last met on
Wednesday, October 2 nd and received a presentation from Sean Gallagher, Beverly High School
Principal on the dropout rate, Summer School and Summer Success. Matt Poska, Briscoe Middle
School Principal provided an update on home schooling numbers, McKinney Vento Act and
summer school. Curriculum Consultant (PK -5) Phyllis Dubina provided an update on SEI
(Sheltered English Immersion) and Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and
Careers (PARCC) Field Test.
Ms. Cesa reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee are bringing forward
six policies, three for approval and three for a first reading.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student
Life a motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Search and
Seizure" (Section J — Students). The motion was seconded by Mr. 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 Ms. Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Religion and
the Schools" (Section A — Foundations and Basic Commitments). The motion was seconded
by Mr. 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 Ms. Cesa to approve the attached policy regarding "Bullying
Prevention" (Section A — Foundations and Basic Commitments). The motion was seconded by
Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0.
4. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy regarding "School Year & School Calendar" (Section I — Instruction) for a first reading.
The second reading which will take place at our November 6, 2013 meeting will require a formal
(2/3) vote of approval.
5. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy regarding "Instructional Materials" (Section I — Instruction) for a first reading. The second
reading which will take place at our November 6, 2013 meeting will require a formal (2/3) vote
of approval.
6. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy regarding "School Ceremonies & Observances" (Section I — Instruction) for a first
reading. The second reading which will take place at our November 6, 2013 meeting will
require a formal (2/3) vote of approval.
Regular Meeting
October 9, 2013
Page 5 of 5
C. Negotiations Subcommittee
Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported that the Negotiations process is beginning with the first meeting scheduled
for October 17, 2013.
D. Policy Review Subcommittee
David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Policy Review Subcommittee last met on Wednesday, September 25,
2013 and is bringing forward the policy below for a first reading. Mr. Manzi noted that the
November and December Policy Subcommittee meetings are being cancelled and will resume
sometime into the New Year.
1. The Standing committee on Policy Review recommends the attached policy regarding "Media
Relations" (Section K — Community Relations) for a first reading. The second reading which will
take place at our November 6, 2013 meeting will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval.
Community Engagement
Ms. Cesa reported attending the Sped Advisory Committee meeting where they reviewed the parent survey. She
remarked that it was a good document to start off the year with. Ms. Decker asked if she could share the report with
the rest of the committee.
Ms. Cesa also noted she had taken a look at the preschool classrooms in the Memorial Building.
New Business —
Opportunity for Questions from the Press - none
Ms. Cesa made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of
7:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Kavanagh, Secretary
Beverly School Committee