2014-06-11BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mayor Cahill, David Manzi, Annemarie Cesa, Kris Silverstein, Paul Manzo,
Matthew Kavanagh
Not in Attendance: Lorinda Visnick
Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Jean Sherburne, Director of
Finance and Operations, Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the School
Committee, Austin Healey, Student Representative, Beverly High School -
Principal Sean Gallagher, Music Department — Lyn Pilanen - Kudlik, Adam Costa
and Brigham Welch
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Austin Healey led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
• Paul Manzo and Superintendent Hiersche, recognize and thanked the following retirees for the
years of service and dedication to the Beverly Public Schools:
Cynthia Allen — 35 years of service Annmarie Flynn — 22 years of service
Karin Jackson — 26 years of service Jean McCafferty — 29 years of service
Sharon Pablo —19 years of service Karla Pressman —19 years of service
Pam Prichard — 14 years of service Ellen Salley — 35 years of service
Angela Villanti — 35 years of service
• Paul Manzo, Superintendent Hiersche, Principal Sean Gallagher and Walt Kosmowski, Executive
Director at Bev Cam recognized the following student who were the recipients of awards and
Honorable Mentions from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences: Emily Auday,
Daniel Lee, Carissa Angelo, Charlie Boschen and Caitlin Ogiba
• Paul Manzo and Superintendent Hiersche recognize and thanked Austin Healey for his services
as the Student Representative to the School Committee.
• Paul Manzo, Superintendent Hiersche and Principal Sean Gallagher recognize the following
seniors representing the Beverly High School Band and Chorus with the assistance of Lyn
Pilanen - Kudlik, Adam Costa and Brigham Welch from the Music Department
Rachel Forbes Sam Aldrich Abby Johnstone
Gina DeMatteo Maddy Linden Elizabeth Davidson - Blythe
• Paul Manzo and Dr. Hiersche, Superintendent recognize and thanked Principal Susan Snyder,
Hannah Elementary School for her years of dedication and service to the students and staff of the
Beverly Public Schools.
Paul Manzo introduced YMCA Executive Director Judith Cronin and Northeast Health Systems
Public Relations Manager, Gerald MacKillop who provide a review and update of the "Be Healthy
Beverly" initiative. The YMCA and Beverly Hospital have partnered with Beverly Public Schools,
Beverly Bootstraps, the Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations to try to help
improve the health and well -being of our students. This started with the addition of fruit and veggie
bars in all five of our elementary schools which they said could not have been accomplished without
the help of the school department. Ms. Cronin talked about the addition of the raised garden beds at
the elementary schools cared for by third graders who cover plan topic in their curriculum.
Ms. Cronin and Mr. MacKillop extended a special "thank -you" to the past administration, Dr. Marie
Galinski, Dr. Maryellen Duffy as well as our Food Service Director, Nancy Antolini and principals for
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June 11, 2014
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the help and support they provided for this initiative. Ms. Cronin stated that the YMCA has submitted
multiple grant applications to continue the program for the 2014 -2015 school year.
Mr. Manzo expressed the School Committee's appreciation as did the other members of the
committee.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
None
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Items
See President's Report
Approval of Meeting Records
A motion was made by Ms. Silverstein to approve the minutes from the May 13, 2014 FY -15 Budget
Hearing meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 6:0.
A motion was made by Ms. Silverstein to approve the minutes from the May 14, 2014 Regular School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0 with one
correction
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the minutes from the January 29, 2014 Executive Session
meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved by a vote of 6:0.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the minutes from the February 26, 2014 Executive Session
meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the minutes from the May 21, 2014 Executive Session
meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Austin Healey reported that this was the final week of classes stating that next week is exam week and
make -up will be on June 23 rd and 24 th . Austin reported that there will be an Advanced Placement
meeting for parents on June 16 th . He reported that the Annual Golf, Dinner and Auction will take place
on September 29 th , and from 2:00 to 2:30 today, the annual "Eric West Memorial Walk" took place at
today.
Austin reported that Oliver Muise will be the new Student Representative to the School Committee for
the 2014 -2015 school year.
Communications from Committee Members
Mayor Cahill reported attending the Ayers PTO for a discussion on crosswalks and safety. There was talk
of trying to convene a group to look at all of our crossings. Mr. Manzi stated that there is a crosswalk
there but it needs to be painted and stated he had a conversation with Sgt. Rollins regarding their
concerns. The Parking and Traffic Division have made a recommendation for a digital speed sign like
the one on McKay Street so it is a constant reminder to drivers. Mr. Manzi said to the Mayor that it was
in his hands. Mayor Cahill said the request for a second full -time traffic enforcement position is in the
budget. Ms. Silverstein commented that the group should include Mr. Burke, Director of Transportation,
especially with the "Be Healthy Beverly" initiative and promoting our students walking to school we need
to be sure they are safe.
Ms. Manzi said he received communications regarding PARCC and Common Core, half -day and p.m.
kindergarten classes. Mr. Manzi heard from a constituent that they have wanted to put together a fund
for the injured crossing guard.
Ms. Cesa received communications regarding PARCC and Common Core. She also received
communications about the School Choice program and that we are mindful of our numbers and heard
about a student injured after the "Up All Night" party. Ms. Cesa said she had a question about
kindergarten and referred it to the Special Education Director and a BHS parent asked why the students
didn't line up after graduation to toss their caps as has been done in the past.
Ms. Silverstein provided communications for her and Ms. Visnick. Ms. Visnick received communication
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June 11, 2014
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regarding Grade 6 Foreign Language. They both received questions on the EEC Program, the "Up All
Night" venue and are hearing a "buzz" about a possible science fair at Briscoe. Ms. Silverstein received
a communication regarding our sports programs commenting that students pay a fee to play and are
not getting playing time.
Mr. Kavanagh received communications regarding PARCC Testing.
Mr. Manzo received the same communications as the others, PARCC and Common Core. He heard from
constituents regarding the BHS exchange program, received a note from one of our retired Library
Media Specialist. He also heard concerns regarding the homeless people living in the woods near the
Ayers Ryal Side School.
Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche
1. Dr. Hiersche said he included the summary of the Global Child program which took place in four of our
elementary schools this past year. He stated that there were thirty -two students enrolled in the program
and that set up for next year is under way.
2. Dr. Hiersche said he included a copy of the approved NEC (Northshore Education Consortium) — FY15
Budget Executive Summary.
3. Dr. Hiersche reported that Gabrielle Montevecchi has been selected the new Principal of the Hannah
Elementary School Principal replacing Susan Snyder and she is a Beverly native.
4. Dr. Hiersche stated that Sue Charochak has accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent. Ms.
Charochak is very excited and looking forward to her move to the Central Office.
5. Dr. Hiersche stated the interview for Ayers Elementary Principal will take place on Friday, narrowing
the field down to three. Dr. Hiersche said he will interview the three candidates and hopes to have the
new principal in place by the end of next week.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
1. Mr. Manzo reported that on June 10 the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) approved Heery as
the Owner's Project Manager (OPM). Next in the process is to seek out a designer. Mayor Cahill commented it was
a great meeting last evening and they will be advertising for the designer next week. At the meetings on August
12 and 26 they will review and select the designer and the Feasibility Study will begin right after Labor Day. Mr.
Manzo stated that the Designer Review Board will consist of 15 individuals, twelve from MSBA and three school
members.
2. Mr. Manzo reported that he and Mr. Manzi attended the Wellness meeting and received an update on the school
breakfast and lunch program. Mr. Manzo also reported on the Summer Lunch Program and possible funding for the
Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
3. Mr. Manzo reported that the draft 2015 operating budget was presented to City Council by Dr. Hiersche and the
council will consider approval next week.
4. Mr. Manzo said that at the next Committee of the Whole meeting the members will be considering PARCC
Testing or returning to MCAS. He noted that some committee members have been attending informational meetings
on PARCC. At the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 17 Superintendent Hiersche will present information
and a vote will be taken. Dr. Hiersche said he will continue to pass along information as he receives it and stated
that MCAS will ultimately be replaced by something whether it is PARCC or another MCAS assessment. He noted
that there are two parts to the decision, K -8 and 9 -11 but no matter the 10 grade students will be taking MCAS next
year. Dr. Hiersche stated that he is not sure there will be funding for the 9 and 11. He stated that once a decision
has been made there will be a second window in October but if you don't sign up now you cannot sign up later.
Mr. Manzo said that we had two citizens that have signed up for the Open Forum for Citizen Concern:
Gail Burke, 80 Boyles Street addressed the committee regarding the Common Core Standards and PARCC.
Questioning PARCC testing and why we would change from MCAS. Ms. Burke stated that it has infiltrated the public
schools while still being written with no record of success. Ms. Burke stated that Common Core fails to comply with
the protocol on all counts. She urged the Committee and Superintendent to stay with MCAS assessment.
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Michael Gendre, 9 Brookwood Avenue addressed the School Committee regarding PARCC, MCAS and Common
Core Assessment. He stated he was here to ask the Committee to request the legislature continued funding MCAS
for a number of reasons. He said this state has the best standards and assessments in the country, Common Core
and PARCC have never been piloted and the results are unknown. Mr. Gendre went on to list other reasons and
stated that he would like us to invite Commissioner Mitchell Chester to come to Beverly to a debate providing the
pros and cons. Mr. Gendre said we should delay adoption of PARCC and fully consider what we are trading.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on May 21, 2014 and received
a Buildings and Grounds report from Mike Collins, Commissioner of Public Services and Tim
Howland, Director of the School Division. Some of the work that was completed included inspection
of the gas meters district wide, refinished the hardwood court floor at BHS, a steam pipe issue was
repaired at Briscoe, purchased a new mower at Ayers, and repaired broken windows at Centerville.
Mr. Manzi reported that Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations discussed the DESE
Review, Nancy Antolini; Director of Food Services reported on the Summer Lunch Program and
submitted a proposal to hire more staff at the high school. Ms. Sherburne also reported on the End of
the Year Report audit and revenues and expenses.
Mr. Manzi stated he was bringing forward the following budget transfers for approval.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzi to approve the attached $102,818 in budget transfers - fiscal year 2014 for
approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0.
The next meeting of the Finance and Facilities Committee will be on June 18, 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 June
4 they received a food service update from Director Nancy Antolini, elementary strings and band
teachers, Alexis Carr and Jessica Dunn reported on the program and the recreation of the website.
Ms. Silverstein said they received an update to the EEC (Elementary Enrichment Center) program
from Ms. Miller- Boutin and Ms. Rozmiarek. She stated that the EEC program is a 38 year old model
and they are putting a committee together to review it in the fall. The Committee received a report on
PARCC from Judy Miller, Technology Director and Maddy August Data -base Coordinator. Ms. Phyllis
Dubina, Curriculum Consultant provided an update to the Title I Parent Workshop, FY15 Elementary
Handbooks and Summer Academy 2014.
Ms. Silverstein and Ms. Cesa expressed their appreciation to Ms. Dubina for all of the work she has
done this past school year.
Ms. Silverstein stated that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee are bringing
forward the following three policies for approval:
1. 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, "Student Records" (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, "Child Abuse and Neglect
Reporting" (Section J — Students).
There was a brief discussion regarding "mandated reporters" and the process. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Cesa 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 Ms. Silverstein to approve the attached policy, "Student Dismissal" (Section
J — Students). The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0 with
one addition.
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The next meeting of the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee will take place on
September 3, 2014 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
there are meetings scheduled through the end of the school year and will more than likely continue
into the fall.
Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported that the Policy Review Committee just me prior to this meeting discussing a new
policy on Fingerprinting coming down from the State.
Ms. Cesa reported that the Policy Review Subcommittee is bringing forward two policies on for
approval and one for a first reading.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Ms. Cesa
to approve the attached policy, "School Bus Safety" (Section E — Support Services).
There was a lengthy discussion around the wording. Mr. Manzi recommended adding the following
language to the 6 th paragraph ...although it is not required for early grade students it is
recommended... that the parents meet them at the bus stop. Mr. Manzo suggested putting it in
the handbook. It was decided the policy would go forward as written and could be taken up again
at the next meeting
The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 5:1 changing the word
home in the fifth paragraph to "their designated bus stop ". Mr. Manzi voted not to approve.
Ms. Cesa stated that the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) has sent out a
"boilerplate" policy on fingerprinting /background checks which we are bringing forward for a first
reading.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy
"Background Checks" (Section G: Personnel) for a first reading. The second reading will take
place at our August 27 th meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
Community Engagement
Mayor Cahill reported he attended the performance of the "Tempest" at the Ayers School and commented
that it was fantastic. Mayor also reported he attended some of the classes at the high school and
remarked on the tremendous level of instruction.
Mr. Manzi stated he attended the BHS graduation saying it was a perfect day and fabulous speeches. He
did express his disappointment that there was not marked seating for the school committee as there
has been in years past.
Ms. Cesa attended the North Beverly PTO meeting, a PARCC meeting, Sped Advisory meeting and
Recover High School's graduation. Ms. Cesa also went to Susan Snyder's farewell celebration and
Karla Pressman and Karin Jackson's retirement party.
Ms. Silverstein for Ms. Visnick who attended the Centerville PTO meeting, field day and the Ayers Walk to
School day.
Ms. Silverstein attended the Spring Concert at Beverly High School, music banquet, Senior Awards
ceremony and the Memorial Day tribute.
Mr. Kavanagh attended the Senior Awards banquet and was very impressed by the level of achievement
as well as the incredible talent.
Mr. Manzo stated he attended the Junior National Honors' at Briscoe and the jazz concert at Lynch Park.
Mr. Manzo reminded everyone of the upcoming musical at Briscoe and their "Move -up" Night on June
19 . He reported that the last day of school is June 20 th and the first day of school for the 2014 -2015
rd
school year is September 3
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In closing, Mr. Manzo thanked the committee members and commented on the professionalism of the
faculty and staff and extended a thank -you to the best students in the Commonwealth.
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 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee