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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 Regular Meeting December 4, 2013 Page 2 of 5 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 Regular Meeting December 4, 2013 Page 3 of 5 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. Regular Meeting December 4, 2013 Page 4 of 5 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. Regular Meeting December 4, 2013 Page 5 of 5 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