2014-08-27BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: Mayor Cahill, David Manzi, Annemarie Cesa, Kris Silverstein, Paul Manzo,
Matthew Kavanagh and Lorinda Visnick
Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Suzanne Charochak,
Assistant Superintendent, Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and
Operations, Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the School
Committee, Beverly High School - Music Department — Lyn Pilanen - Kudlik,
Adam Costa
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Kavanagh led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
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. Visnick to approve the minutes from the June 11, 2014 School Committee
meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein with three corrections and approved by a vote of
7:0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Mr. Manzo stated that our Student Representative would be joining us at our September 10 meeting.
Communications from Committee Members
Ms. Visnick reported communications regarding sports related issues ranging from family maximum cost
to coach /player ratio, uniforms purchasing and complaints about paying to play and still having to do
canning. Ms. Visnick also received Briscoe team assignment complaints.
Mr. Kavanagh received a communication about a follow -up discussion on PARCC.
Ms. Silverstein stated she received a communication regarding sports, PARCC and concern over the
amount of paper being used at high school registration. Ms. Silverstein commented that registration did
go smoothly.
Ms. Cesa stated she received positive comments on the registration process at the high school, PARCC
and heard that some seniors did not get the classes that they chose.
Mr. Manzi stated he received communications regarding MCAS /PARCC. He also heard from a
constituent of a daughter entering Ayers upset by the items that they are asked to bring for classroom
use totaling $43 and thought maybe there should be a wish list. Mr. Manzi stated he had another
discussion with Sgt. Rollins regarding the digital flashing speed sign on Bridge Street but to date has
been unable to get the Mayor's support ($1500 - $3500) for it. Mr. Manzi asked Mayor Cahill for the city
to support the installation. Mayor Cahill responded that much time has been spent looking at traffic and
crossings throughout the city and stated that several steps have been taken such as ordering more
signs, more visible clothing and putting more traffic patrols on especially when school starts. Dr.
Hiersche stated that Mr. Burke, Director of Transportation also conducted a re- training for the crossing
guards.
Mr. Manzo said he received some of the same communications regarding the decisions on PARCC and
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August 27, 2014
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student athletes having to drive to off site practices.
Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche
1. Dr. Hiersche stated that Lyn Pilanen - Kudlik and Adam Costa, BHS Music Department are present to
request approval of the annual overnight field trip to Harrisburg, Gettysburg and Lancaster, PA. Ms.
Pilanen - Kudlik stated that the projected dates for the overnight field trip are April 29, 2015 — May 3, 2015.
Ms. Pilanen - Kudlik said that this would be the 52 nd music trip, her 22 nd and that this is a jam - packed
cultural and educational trip. She went over the itinerary, noted that the cost of $866 would be minus
$40 /per student that the music parents would be contributing. She also commented that the trip is $100
cheaper than last year's trip with numerous fundraising options for the students.
Ms. Cesa stated that she still felt the trip expense was beyond so many of our students and families.
Mayor Cahill questioned how many students actually use the fundraising to cover the cost or part of the
cost of the trip. Ms. Pilanen - Kudlik stated that last year 9 or 10 students paid for their entire trip through
their fundraising efforts and that most students who fundraise cover half of the cost of the trip.
A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the overnight field trip to Harrisburg, Gettysburg and
Lancaster, PA on April 29, 2015 — May 3, 2015. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and
approve by a 6:1 vote. (Ms. Cesa casted a no vote).
2. Opening of School Enrollments
Dr. Hiersche provided an update to the enrollment numbers included in the packets noting a correction
to the ELL numbers at Ayers.
3. Important Summer Events
Assistant Superintendent Sue Charochak provided a review of the summer events that the
administration and teaching staff took part in. She stated that the elementary level teachers
participated in a number of things from literacy training, PARCC updates, Math content and graduate
course work. Thirty secondary staff members completed graduate level work in math, science, social
studies and technology. Ms. Charochak reported a wide range of work was done over the summer
months noting SPED participation as well. She said that there was a lot of curriculum work that took
place as well on DDM's and Rubrics.
The administrative team was together today as a follow up to the District Summer Retreat meeting
continuing the discussion on goals. Dr. Hiersche said that we are pursuing a first Robotics program
with the high school and Mr. Gallagher thinks he may have a funding source.
5. Staffing Update
Dr. Hiersche brought the committee up to date on staffing noting a recent dilemma with two out of
three of our Library Media Specialists (LMS) positions needing to be filled and stating that our two
elementary Science staff members resigned over the summer. Dr. Hiersche said they decided in filling
the LMS position to include someone with technology background and posted it as a STEM position.
By filling the position this way it will allow funding for five positions in the five elementary schools,
minus traveling time. He stated that much more information would be provided at the next Curriculum,
Instruction and Student Life meeting on September 3 rd . He also noted that high school and middle
school LMS were on board with this as well. School Committee members commented and were
overall pleased with this idea.
Dr. Hiersche also reported the hiring of 41 teachers some of which were to replace retirements.
6. Coordinated Program Review
Dr. Hiersche reported that the District has received confirmation of the upcoming Coordinated Program
Review scheduled for this December. He stated that he included the letter received from the DESE
and that they will be looking at the mechanics of delivery. The final report on the Coordinated Review
would be received next summer and we would address any items at that time.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
1. Middle School Project
Mr. Manzo provided a progress update on the middle school project stating that Mayor Cahill, Dr. Hiersche and
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August 27, 2014
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Mike Collins attended a recent meeting at the MSBA where the selection for the designer took place. Dr.
Hiersche stated that we had three votes out of 15 and noted that the committee was extremely well prepared
having done the background checks on the 12 firms. The outcome of the final vote was 30 for Ai3 who, he stated,
was incredibly impressive.
Mayor Cahill reported that the next kickoff meeting, for the feasibility study is September 5 ". MSBA will be
coming here to meet with us. Mayor Cahill reported that the projected date for completion of the middle school
project is slated for the spring of 2018.
Ms. Silverstein expressed her concerns for Ward 3 with the Rantoul Street project coming to the front of the
Memorial Building: wanting to make sure this project is talking to that project.
2. Administrative/ School Committee Summer Retreat
Mr. Manzo stated that the School Committee was invited to attend and participate in the Administrative Retreat
that was held in July. He commented that it was a great experience for all of the committee members to work
through.
Mr. Manzo said that the School Committee is looking to schedule a retreat and asked for feedback whether
members prefer Saturday or a weeknight retreat. Mr. Manzo said they would be working on very specific topics,
i.e. Norms and Protocols, increase use of social media, etc. After some discussion it was decided Mr. Manzo
would send out an email with dates and members could respond.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on June 18, 2014 where they
approved minutes and received the following reports /information: Director of Public Schools Division
Tim Howland provided a summary of work completed over the summer, Director of Finance and
Operations Jean Sherburne reviewed the FY14 budget stating that revenues were coming in as
expected and noting a deficit in the athletic fees. She reported that parents of pre - school,
kindergarten and EEC students with outstanding balances have been contacted and will be put on a
payment plan.
Mr. Manzi stated that the next Finance and Facilities meeting will be held on Wednesday, September
17 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 will hold their
first meeting on September 3, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building.
Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported no surprise that negotiations are still ongoing. He stated that the committee
met consistently over the summer and extended his appreciation to all.
Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported that the Policy Review Committee is bringing forward the following policy,
"Background Checks" for a second reading and approval:
1. Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Ms. Cesa to
approve the attached policy "Background Checks" (Section G: Personnel). The motion was
seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved as amended by a vote of 7:0.
Community Engagement
Mayor Cahill inquired about the timing of meetings referring to Finance and Facilities being back to back
with the Committee of the Whole. He suggested starting the Finance and Facilities at 6:00. Mr. Manzo
said if you are doing the agenda correctly it should be able to work. Ms. Cesa asked if they need to
have Mr. Howland at every meeting and Mr. Manzi said he felt his presence is important if anything
they might look at shortening up his time.
Mr. Manzi thanked the parties involved in the interview process for the new principal at Ayers and
reported that he attended district negotiation meetings.
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August 27, 2014
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Ms. Cesa said she attended "Be Healthy Beverly" meeting with Judith Cronin.
Ms. Silverstein reported that she worked with some very energetic Briscoe parents at putting together a
Science Fair at the middle school noting one of them doesn't even have a student at Briscoe. Also
met with Mr. Poska who had given the go ahead.
Ms. Visnick said she attend the Science fair planning meeting for the middle school with funding coming
from the Beverly Ed Foundation and the PTSO golfing /auction outing is scheduled for September 29
Ms. Visnick said that Centerville's Walk to School will take place on October 8th and they are still
awaiting word on the DOT Grant application which is still under consideration. Ms. Visnick said that
there was no beautification done at the schools this year due to a change in the boosters and
principals but is hopeful that some weeding might take place at Centerville. She said that the high
school will host national archivist, David Ferriero, a graduate of BHS on October 16 He will be
presenting to students during the school day and in the evening at 7:00 to the public. She also
reported that the Mill Street free wifi project is ongoing and lastly Danvers Charitable Foundation will
be presenting $12,500 check presentation from the Danvers Charitable Foundation and Beverly
Education Foundation at Beverly High School
Mr. Manzo said he attended Emergency Planning meeting and stated that a number of the school
committee members attended a thank you coffee for Dr. Papagiotas and Phyllis Dubina. He also
reported that the School Committee took place in the ice bucket challenge and he took a tour of the
high school grounds with Mr. Gallagher.
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 7:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee