2014-05-14BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mayor Cahill (left at 8:00), David Manzi, Annemarie Cesa, Kris Silverstein, Paul
Manzo, Matthew Kavanagh, and Lorinda Visnick
Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Jean Sherburne, Director of
Finance and Operations, Phyllis Dubina, Curriculum Consultant (PK -5), Donna
Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the School Committee, Austin Healey,
Student Representative, Beverly High School - Principal Sean Gallagher, Athletic
Director James Coffey, Judy Miller, Technology Director, Gary Prodanas and
Lisa Chernyak, Educators
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo 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
• Paul Manzo, Dr. Hiersche, and Athletic Director James Coffey recognized all of the Beverly High School
Winter NEC All -Stars
• Paul Manzo, Dr. Hiersche and Principal Sean Gallagher recognized Beverly High School's Co-
Valedictorians - - Kevin Cuneo who will be attending MIT and Caitlin Harty who will be attending Holy
Cross. Mr. Gallagher also recognized the class Salutatorian, H. Tyler Visnick.
• Paul Manzo, Dr. Hiersche and Sean Gallagher also recognized from the following DECA students who
were finalists at the DECA International Career Development Conference
Molly McDonald and Becah Kaplan (Fashion Merchandising Plan)
Cam Dean (Entrepreneurship Growing Your Business)
Tasha Boland (Restaurant and Food Service Marketing)
Kendel Davy, Joe Kozlowski and Jack Morency (Riley Rocks Challenge — Community Service
Campaign)
• Paul Manzo, Dr. Hiersche, Judy Miller Technology Director and Educator Gary Prodanas recognized Tyler
Ponkey. Ms. Miller and Mr. Prodanas commended Tyler for his considerable efforts in helping to create
and implement courses in Video Game Design, Video Game History. They also noted that Tyler was
responsible for the BHS Video Game Convention.
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. Silverstein to approve the minutes from the April 9, 2014 School Committee
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 reported that there is much happening at the high school with Senior Week approaching,
exam week, and MCAS taking place today and yesterday. He said that the junior prom is this Friday
and that the Department of Public Health will be conducting height, weight (body mass index — BMI)
screening. If you decline the screening you need to do so in writing. Austin reported laptop upgrades
will be taking place on June 9, 10, and 11 upgrading from laptop book to air. The Senior Baccalaureate
is May 27 th, Senior Awards — May 28 t h and the prom is Thursday, May 28 t h at the State Room in Boston.
Communications from Committee Members
Ms. Visnick said she had three communications regarding school choice, EEC criteria, and enrollment.
Regular Meeting
May 14, 2014
Page 2 of 4
She reported that the enrollment question is concerning moving the half day kindergarten class from
Centerville to Cove and the possible loss of the science room. Ms. Visnick said that this concern will be
brought to the next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee meeting.
Mr. Kavanagh received a concern from a parent on the foreign language offered at the high school.
Ms. Silverstein received a question on school building safety and prior to the budget hearing questions on
the budget which she reported is now on line. Ms. Silverstein also received an inquiry about seatbelts
on our busses and said she broached the subject with the Transportation Director Mr. Burke.
Ms. Cesa heard about a rent issue at the high school and a question about EEC.
Mr. Manzi said he heard from Sargent Rollins regarding the flashing digital sign on Bridge Street and
stated it looks favorable. He also received a number of questions on school funding.
Mr. Manzo received an inquiry about the criteria for the valedictorian process.
Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche
1. Overnight Field Trip — BHS — France
Dr. Hiersche stated that the sponsors of the overnight field trip to France were in attendance to
summarize and answer questions on the proposed trip. Foreign language educator Lisa Chernyak
and sponsor Janice Preston reported the trip will be a touring trip not an exchange trip with most of
the time spent in Paris. The cost of the trip is approximately $3000 and there are eight students
signed up so far.
Ms. Cesa and Ms. Silverstein inquired about the medical insurance and coverage Ms. Preston and
Ms. Chernyak said the students medical needs are covered through the trip insurance.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the overnight field trip to Paris France, April 16 — 25,
2015. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0.
2. Dr. Hiersche stated he needs a formal vote by the School Committee appointing him to the
Northshore Education Consortium as a voting member.
A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to appoint Dr. Hiersche to the Northshore Education Consortium.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 7:0.
3. Dr. Hiersche reported that with regards to the Hannah principal search the committee will have it
down to three candidates for the position next week.
4. Dr. Hiersche stated that he will also begin moving on filling the Assistant Superintendent position next
week.
5. Dr. Hiersche noted receiving a nice letter from the Australian visitors. They said they loved meeting
the principals and spending time with the students and teachers. He stated that they said we were
the best school system, very impressed with the high school and Briscoe and that they would love for
all of us to visit.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
1. Middle School Building Project Update
Mr. Manzo asked the Mayor to provide an update on the building projected. Mayor Cahill said they
are working out a calendar with MSBA on the timeline for the selection of an Owners Project Manager
(OPM). From there they will advertise for the designer and meet with the design selection committee
on August 12 and 26 ". The feasibility study will begin on September 5 t ".
2. Summary of FY 15 Budget Hearing
Mr. Manzo reported that the Budget Hearing was held last evening at the high school with a small
group of people in attendance. He stated there was a review of the budget, talk about the EEC
program, elementary school space and a recommendation for free full day kindergarten.
3. Mr. Manzo reported he attended the MASC training for school committee chairs. One of the items
focused on was ways in which chairs could deal with groups of people. He reminded new school
committee members they too should participate in an upcoming training which will be taking place in
June.
Regular Meeting
May 14, 2014
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Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on April 16, 2015. At that
meeting Mr. Manzi reported they received a Buildings and Grounds report from Mike Collins,
Commissioner of Public Services and Tim Howland, Director of the School Division some of which
included repairs to a heating system leak at Briscoe and removal and replacement of a leaking boiler
tube. Repairs were made at Ayers to a ganged sink, Centerville had a fire rated door installed in the
boy's bathroom and at Cove there were issues with some recently installed clocks.
Officer Ed Hathon spoke to the committee about school security and it was noted that the Centerville
PTO has shown an interest. Jean Sherburne provided a review of revenue and expenses, high
school athletic fees and that the custodial line is in the negative.
The next meeting of the Finance and Facilities Committee will be on May 21, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life - Kris Silverstein, Chairperson
Ms. Silverstein reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee last met on May
7 and reviewed the high school, Briscoe and elementary school handbooks. Ms. Dubina,
Curriculum Consultant provided a review of the Title I and ELL programs. Ms. Silverstein reported
that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee are bringing forward two policies for a
vote and three policies for first readings.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life
a motion was a made by Ms. Silverstein to approve the attached policy on "Code of Conduct"
(Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa 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 Ms. Silverstein to approve the attached policy on "Corporal Punishment"
(Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 6:0.
3. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy, "Student Records" (Section J - Students) for a first reading. The second reading will take
place at our June 11, 2014 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
4. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy, "Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting" (Section J - Students) for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at our June 11, 2014 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of
approval by the School Committee.
5. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy, "Student Dismissal" (Section J — Students) for a first reading. The second reading will take
place at our June 11, 2014 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
The next meeting of the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee will take place on June
4th at 7:00 p.m.
Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported that negotiations are ongoing with the BTA and AFSCME. He stated that
meetings are difficult to schedule this time of year and will more than likely continue into the fall.
Regular Meeting
May 14, 2014
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Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported that the Policy Review Committee last met on May 7 with Transportation
Director, Bill Burke in attendance at the meeting to discuss the School Bus Safety policy and drop off
requirements.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Ms. Cesa
to approve the attached policy "Committee Membership — Qualifications" (Section B: School
Committee Governance and Operations). The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and
approved by a vote of 6:0.
There was a discussion regarding the School Bus Safety policy regarding drop off requirements. The
policy was brought forward for a first reading:
2. The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy, "School Bus Safety" (Section
E — Support Services) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our June 11, 2014
meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
Community Engagement
Ms. Visnick reported that she attended the North Shore Chamber dinner recognizing the top 5% of
seniors from all the high schools across the North Shore. She reported that City -wide PTO is
continuing to discuss the Joani Geltman internet safety presentation and she continues to work with
the Beverly Ed regarding moving to install an antenna to extend the BHS WIFI to low income housing
students living at Mill Street. Ms. Visnick stated she continues to work with the Bev Ed Foundation to
secure grant money to fund district wide Technology as well as Science fairs at the elementary
schools and Briscoe. She attended the Boston area Sustainability Committee meeting — Mass DOT
speaker talked about when building new, traffic patterns and when alternative transportation should be
taken into effect. She inquired if there was someone from their staff who could work with our building
committee but unfortunately they do not have the staff. Reminders at North Beverly Sunday Fitness
5K and on June 3 rd Beverly Historical Society is hosting national archivist, David Ferriero who is a BHS
graduate.
Mr. Kavanagh attended the North Shore Chamber school dinner stating it was a very nice event. He
noted that Principal Sean Gallagher and Assistant Principal Jen Yebba were there to support the
students as well. Mr. Kavanagh also said he attended the BTA retirement celebration at the
Danversport Yatch Club.
Ms. Silverstein watched the Joani Geltman presentation and thanked BevCam for showing it. She noted
how hard the North Beverly PTO continues to work. She said she attended a PARCC meeting in
Peabody with Mr. Manzo. Ms. Silverstein congratulated the music students for their great
performances on their trip. She stated hearing they were so well behaved the hotel said they were
welcomed any time.
Ms. Cesa reported that the "Be Healthy Beverly" initiative, in addition to the salad bar and garden beds
has a new program developed for our 3 rd grade students.
Mr. Manzi said he attended the receptions for Dr. Argenziano and Dr. Hiersche.
Mr. Manzo said he attended the Hannah Science fair and the Financial Forecasting committee. He also
said he enjoyed the high school freshman baseball game.
New Business
Opportunity for Questions from the Press — none
Ms. Cesa made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a
vote of 6:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee