2013-12-04BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, December 4, 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: Dr. Albert F. Argenziano, Interim Superintendent of Schools, Director of Finance
& Operations Jean Sherburne, Administrative Assistant to the School Committee
Donna Bergeron, Beverly High School Principal, Sean Gallagher, James Coffey,
Athletic Director, CW03 Tom Smith, Beverly High School Assistant Principal Dan
Bauer, North Beverly School Principal Erin Brown, Cove School Principal Lisa
Oliver
Call to Order: Ms. Decker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Scanlon led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
• President Maria Decker and Dr. Argenziano recognized Principal Sean Gallagher and the High School
Administration and Staff for being the recipient of the Apple Distinguished Program Award 2013 -2015 for
the second time.
• President Decker and Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson of the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life (CISL)
Committee recognized and thanked Thomas Groblewski and Lori Kelley for their service as Citizen
Advisors to the CISL Committee.
• President Decker and Chairperson of the Finance and Facilities Subcommittee, Paul Manzo recognized
and thanked Michelle Curreri and Anne Curry for their service as Citizen Representatives to the Finance
and Facilities Subcommittee.
• President Decker, Dr. Argenziano, Interim Superintendent and BHS Principal Sean Gallagher recognized
the two top ranking seniors who are being awarded the Massachusetts School Superintendents' Award for
Academic Excellence:
Kevin Cuneo Caitlin Harty
• President Decker and Athletic Director James Coffey recognized the 35 Beverly High School athletes who
have been named Northeastern Conference All Stars for the Fall of 2013, as well as two coaches, Sean
Dunleavy, Boys Cross Country and Dave Jellerson, Girls Cross Country
• President Decker took time out to recognize, thank and applaud Mayor Bill Scanlon for 18 years of
dedicated service to the City and schools. President Decker noted his numerous accomplishments over
the years and presented him with a gift from the School Committee.
• School Committee Secretary Matthew Kavanagh, Vice President Paul Manzo and Mayor Scanlon
recognized outgoing President Maria Decker, citing her many accomplishments, her devotion to the
schools and her services as school committee member over the past eight years. They noted her hard
work on the middle school project and presented her with a gift from the committee. MASC President Mary
Jo Rosetti presented Ms. Decker with a Distinguished Service Award from the Massachusetts Association
of School Committees in recognition of her service and dedication to the Beverly School Committee.
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 Ms. Cesa to approve the minutes from the March 20, 2013 Committee of the
Whole meeting — State of the Schools. 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 October 23, 2013 Negotiations
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December 4, 2013
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Subcommittee Executive Session Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved
by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the minutes from the November 12, 2013 Committee of the
Whole meeting (Superintendent Interviews). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by
a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the minutes from the November 13, 2013 Committee of the
Whole Meeting (Superintendent Interviews). The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved
by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes from the November 13, 2013 Regular School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the minutes from the November 14, 2013 Committee of the
Whole Meeting (Superintendent Interviews). The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved
by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes from the November 15, 2013 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 Ms. Cesa to approve the minutes from the November 21, 2013 Committee of the
Whole minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes from the November 21, 2013 Committee of
the Whole, Executive Session Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a
vote of 7:0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Austin Healey, Student Representative to the School Committee reported the following: Fall Play N "The
Crucible" performances will begin Thursday December 5, through the 7 at 7:00 PM and on Sunday,
December 8 at 2:OOp.m. Progress Reports will be handed out Friday. The Jingle Bell 5K will take
place on Sunday 12/8 at 12:30 at Lynch Park to support Orphanages throughout Latin America. The
Key Club and National Art Honor Society are selling fish pins for $5.00 with proceeds going to Typhoon
Relief. College Financial Aid Night is on Wednesday, December 11 t" from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Heather
Roney, representative from Massachusetts Education Financing Authority will be the speaker. Next
week the Department of Public Health will be conducting screening of 9 t " grade students for vision,
hearing and scoliosis. If students have already been screened parents should inform the nurse.
Communications from Committee Members
Mr. Manzi reported a personnel issue that he reported to Dr. Argenziano.
Mr. Kavanagh reported communications in the aftermath of the superintendent interviews.
Mr. Manzo had a communication regarding an issue with the high school attendance policy.
Ms. Silverstein reported communications regarding the superintendent interviews.
Ms. Cesa received questions regarding dual enrollment and superintendent interviews.
Ms. Decker reported a communication from a high school parent who had seen Principal Sean Gallagher
featured on Bev Cam and thought it would be great to have a link to the feature on guidance services
on the BHS website. Ms. Decker said she attended Centerville's PTO this morning and reported they
had many questions regarding Dr. Steven Hiersche, whom she said would be introduced and
addressing the Committee this evening.
Report from Interim Superintendent Argenziano
1. Dr. Argenziano requested approval of the MJROTC Overnight Field Trip to Camp Curtis Guild.
CWO3 Thomas Smith and Cadet Gunnery Sergeant Sean Mastin provided information to the
committee noting that 30 students will be attending along with 4 chaperons.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the overnight field trip to Camp Curtis Guild projected to
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take place on April 25 — 27 2013. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a
vote of 7:0.
2. Dr. Argenziano requested approval of the Marian Court — Dual Enrollment Agreement for this school
year. He reported on work that had previously been done on this pilot program by Dr. Galinski. Dr.
Argenziano stated that there is no charge for our students thus a savings for parents and stated that
the fee for the program is taken out of a Federal Grant and Educatius, a Foreign Exchange program.
Principal Gallagher said that they will revisit the program next year and if enough students from
surrounding cities and towns enroll they will be able to cover the cost for our students. He noted
research that confirms if a student successfully completes one college class prior to high school
graduation, they are more likely to graduate college, and do so on time. Mr. Gallagher expressed the
hope to expand the BHS on -site dual enrollment program to other area colleges. Dr. Argenziano
addressed a question regarding the move away from AP classes in favor of dual enrollment
opportunities for high school students as they are more readily accepted for credit by colleges. He
also noted that the Marian Court College pilot dual enrollment program allowed for up to 60 students
to take classes at BHS, whereas the state dual enrollment program had limited funding and students
had to provide transportation to the area colleges. He spoke of a dual enrollment program he
implemented between the Somerville Public Schools and Tufts University.
A motion was made by Mr. Kavanagh to accept the Marian Court — Dual Enrollment Agreement as
outlined in the general provisions. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of
7:0.
3. Dr. Argenziano provided dates and times for the following upcoming events at our schools:
BHS - The Crucible — December 5, 6 7 8 2013
Winter Concerts 12/10, 17 19 2013
North Beverly Snowflake Fair — 12/7/13
Cove — 12/4/13 1:00 p.m. Superintendent Awards
Centerville 12/12/13 — 8:00 a.m. Superintendent Awards
NEASC Annual Convention 12/4, 5 6 2013
BHS Presentation — December 6, 2013
Ms. Cesa inquired about the "Superintendent Awards" that Dr. Argenziano noted. Dr. Argenziano
said that he goes to the elementary schools and presents "Certificates of Merit" to students for
different accomplishments that are determined by the building principals.
Report from School Committee President Maria Decker
1. President Maria Decker provided a summary of background information on Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, who has
been unanimously chosen by the School Committee, and who accepted the position of Superintendent of
Schools in Beverly. President Decker introduced Dr. Hiersche who told the Committee and those in attendance
that he has done his homework on Beverly. He stated Beverly is heading in the right direction and he looks
forward to getting to know and working with everyone. In closing President Decker participated in a celebratory
signing of a document that stated Dr. Steven A. Hiersche was unanimously elected Superintendent of Schools
for the Beverly Public Schools on November 15, 2013.
2. President Decker reported that the "Annual Report" for school year 2012 -13 has been completed and copies of
the report will be available in all of our schools, City Hall, Beverly Public Library, and the Senior Center as well
as posted to our website.
3. President Decker stated that included in the packets are copies of Draft I and 11 2014-2015 District Calendar.
She reported that a vote was taken by the Beverly Teachers Association in support of starting school after Labor
Day. To be in compliance with the BTA Contract the Draft II calendar will be the one going forward with the
teachers returning on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, after Labor Day and the students to follow. Ms. Decker
noted that the calendar would be posted to the district website upon approval.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the 2014 -2015 District Calendar — Draft II. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 7:0.
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December 4, 2013
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4. President Decker reported that Mayor Scanlon had recently addressed City Council for approval of an
appropriation of $1,500,000 to fund a Feasibility /Schematics study for the middle school building project.
President Decker requested a vote of support from the School Committee for same. She informed members that
a Public Hearing and vote by the City Council was scheduled for December 16, 2013.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to support the appropriation by the City Council to fund the
Feasibility /Schematics Study for the middle school building project as proposed by Mayor Scanlon. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Committee Reports
A. Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities
Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported the Finance & Facilities Committee last met on Wednesday, November 20, 2013
approving minutes, receiving a Buildings & Grounds report from Mr. Mike Collins, Commissioner of
Public Services and Mr. Tim Howland, Buildings and Grounds Director for the School Department which
included an update of keypads at the elementary schools and donation of a snow blower at Ayers. Mr.
Manzo reported that the next Finance and Facilities meeting on December 18, 2013 would be
combined with a Committee of the Whole meeting where preliminary budgets for 2015 will be
presented.
Mr. Manzo said that he is bringing forward the following for a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee:
1. Upon the recommendation 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.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Facilities Development Goals"
(Section F — Facilities Development). The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved by
a vote of 7:0.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Closing Schools" (Section F —
Facilities Development). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approve by a vote of 7:0
4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzo to approve the attached policy regarding "Student Transportation Services"
(Section E — Support Services). The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved by a vote
of 7:0.
B. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life
Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee have not met since the
last School Committee meeting. She stated that she is bringing forward three policies for a second
reading and approval.
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 "Student Rights and
Community Responsibilities" (Section J — Students). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo
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 "Education Agency
Relations Goals" (Section L — Ed Agencies). 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 "Relations with Education
Research Agencies" (Section L — Ed Agencies). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and
approved by a vote of 7:0.
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Ms. Cesa stated that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee would meet on
December 11, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. in the Memorial Building.
C. Negotiations Subcommittee
Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported that the Negotiations are ongoing having met yesterday and more meetings
are scheduled in the upcoming weeks. He reported that he is bringing forward one policy for a first
reading.
1. The Negotiations Subcommittee recommends the attached policy, "Negotiation Goals" (Section
H — Negotiations) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our January 15, 2014
meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
D. Policy Review Subcommittee
David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Policy Review Subcommittee would not be meeting until after the New
Year.
Community Engagement
Mr. Manzi remarked on the Thanksgiving Day game ... cold but the members of the BHS band did a fabulous job,
great game and it was well attended.
Mr. Kavanagh commented that we have some very good female athletes who participated in the BHS Powder Puff
game.
Mr. Manzo commented that he attended the Santa Parade, Cove School's Science Fair, Adams Scholars breakfast,
along with Maria Decker and Matt Kavanagh.
Ms. Silverstein stated she attended BHS Community Night commenting on the low turnout but she received great
information. Ms. Silverstein commented that she and some of the school committee members (David Manzi and
Paul Manzo) were able to attend the site visit for Dr. Hiersche and thanked Dr. Argenziano for making all the
arrangements.
Ms. Decker attended the District Wellness Advisory meeting that included discussions on breakfast /lunch program
participation, YMCA Garden grants and protocol for serving students "at risk ".
Opportunity for Questions from the Press — none
Consider Executive Session
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective
bargaining with union and non -union personnel and not to return to open session. Mr. Manzo seconded the motion
and a roll call vote was taken resulting in 7:0 vote.
Annemarie Cesa — Yes
Mayor Scanlon — Yes
David Manzi — Yes
Maria Decker — Yes
Paul Manzo — Yes
Kris Silverstein — Yes
Matthew Kavanagh — Yes
Mr. Manzo made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of
7:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria T. Decker, President
Beverly School Committee