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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 Regular Meeting June 11, 2014 Page 2 of 6 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 Regular Meeting June 11, 2014 Page 3 of 6 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. Regular Meeting June 11, 2014 Page 4 of 6 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. Regular Meeting June 11, 2014 Page 5 of 6 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 Regular Meeting June 11, 2014 Page 6 of 6 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