2014-10-08BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, October 8, 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
Mayor Cahill left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
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, Oliver Muise, Student Representative to the School Committee,
Julia Brotherton, Maribeth Rodolico- Linskey and Elisabeth Drinkwater, BHS
Educators
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Oliver Muise led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Doug Walker, Anna Green and Adam Winn were in attendance to present checks to the Briscoe Middle
School and the elementary school principals on behalf of the Beverly Education Foundation.
Ms. Green stated that this is Year 2 of the Cummings Grant and presented Briscoe Middle School
Administration and PTO President Kathy Whitehair with a check for $1,350 for Environmental Education
acknowledging Briscoe's student Green Team.
The second check presented was in the amount of $1500, from a Cell Signaling Grant, to help fund the
first ever Briscoe Middle School Science Fair.
Ms. Green stated that all elementary schools will be receiving half of the $2,200 from Year 2 of the
Cummings Grant for their Family Math and Science Nights. She stated that they will be receiving an
additional $200 per elementary school also from the Cell Signaling Grant.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
Andi Freedman, 32 Butman Street addressed the committee with regards to Foreign Language at the 6 t "
grade level. Ms. Freedman spoke about the selection process and reported that if the student does
not get into a Foreign Language class, they are put into a Reading class whether they need it or
not. Ms. Freedman said that she feels this issue needs to be looked into and that there should be
other options.
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Items
None
Approval of Meeting Records
A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the minutes from the September 10, 2014 School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved with one correction by a
vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Ms. Silverstein to approve the Executive Session minutes from May 18, 2014.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approve by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the Executive Session minutes from June 18, 2014. The
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October 8, 2014
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motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the Executive Session minutes from July 16, 2014. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Oliver Muise reported that composting is going really well, the juniors and sophomores are able to take
the PSAT test on Saturday, 10/18 and that the Parent's Afternoon Back is this Thursday. He noted that
there was a College Fair and a Domestic Abuse Fair. Mr. Manzo stated that there was also a Student
Advisory meeting earlier this evening with Oliver, Austin Healey and Melissa Lubas.
Communications from Committee Members
Ms. Visnick said she heard about a coaching issue and referred it to Mr. Gallagher and Dr. Hiersche.
Mr. Kavanagh reported hearing about a Foreign Language issue at the high school, a constituent who
has an adopted child wanted to know if they could have the preschool /kindergarten fee waived and a
question about safety in schools.
Ms. Silverstein stated receiving a communication regarding a recent incident at Beverly High School the
person was asking why they send out cryptic messages, because when this happens people fill in the
blanks with what they want. Ms. Silverstein reported hearing from Adam Costa about them partnering
with Beverly Hospital playing their music in the patient's rooms.
Ms. Cesa had a question regarding the SPED numbers and heard from a parent who wanted to know
what the "chain of command" is.
Mr. Manzi heard from a constituent regarding the food service department and communications on
PARCC /MCAS. He discussed with Ward 1 Counselor, David Lang safety and traffic issues pertaining
to Ayers. Mayor Cahill stated there has been a lot of work done on safety around schools, specifically
at Ayers thanks to Mr. Manzi's persistence. Mayor Cahill reported that a rapid flashing beacon has
been order for the crossing on Bridge Street and they will be installed as soon as they arrive.
Mr. Manzo spoke with a parent about the library and the change to the position and received a
communication on PARCC.
Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche
1. Overnight Field Trip — BHS Model United Nation
Ms. Brotherton requested approval of a proposed overnight field trip to the Model United Nations
Conference at Boston University in Boston, MA scheduled for February 6 — 8 2015.
A motion to approve the overnight field trip to the Model United Nations Conference at Boston University was
made by Ms. Cesa and seconded by Mr. Kavanagh. The motion passed by a vote of 7:0.
2. Overnight Field Trip — BHS Spain
Maribeth Rodolico - Linsky and Elisabeth Drinkwater requested approval of the overnight field trip to
Spain to take place April 15 - 23 2015. Ms. Rodolico- Linsky said the students would be missing two
days of school.
Mr. Kavanagh asked if students were chaperoned at all times and Ms. Silverstein inquired about the
additional tour company fees, i.e. side trips and insurance. Ms. Rodolico- Linsky said they are not
doing any side trips and that the students do not have to purchase additional insurance.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the overnight field trip to Spain April 15 -23, 2015. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 7:0.
3. October 1, 2014 Enrollments
Dr. Hiersche reported he had included the October 1 St enrollments for both 2013 -14 and 2014 -15
school years noting enrollments historically are up more than they are down. Ms. Cesa asked if we
could find out how many 6 t " grade students came from out of district and Mayor Cahill requested
seeing Pre -K through 5 totals per school.
4. PARCC — Report: On -line versus Paper & Pencil
Dr. Hiersche reported a date change from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
(DESE). He stated that the DESE does not need to know the on -line versus paper and pencil
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decision until October 31 St instead of October 1. Dr. Hiersche stated he would let them know at the
Committee of the Whole meeting then he will submit our choice to the state.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
1. Middle School Project
Mr. Manzo reported that we are working on the feasibility study portion of the project and Mayor Cahill
stated that our goal is to be ready to go before MSBA with a schematic by September 2015.
Mr. Manzo stated that one of the endeavors that the Ai3 architects have been working on is to create a
vision. Dr. Hiersche stated that there was a Visioning meeting of about 24 administration and staff
members held at the Wylie Conference Center. Dr. Hiersche said this was a great way to begin to think
about what the building will look like with high school and elementary school personnel included in the
meeting. Dr. Hiersche said that he will be collecting agendas and minutes from the Middle School
Building Committee meetings and will have them posted to the BPS website on a regular basis as well
as other pertinent material.
2. School Committee Retreat
Mr. Manzo reported on the School Committee retreat held on September 13 He stated the
committee reviewed and amended their Standards, Norms and Protocols, discussed social media and
how it can serve as a beneficial resource for the committee. Mr. Manzo reported that better
advocating, at the state level, for our students was also discussed.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on September 17 and reported they
approved minutes and received a report of work done over the summer from Tim Howland, Director of
Public Schools Division. Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations provided a reviewed the
FY14 budget transfers followed by approval of positions and approval of FY15 salary transfers.
Mr. Manzi stated the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities is bringing forward the items below
for approval:
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzi to approved the creation of a 1.0 Paraprofessional Position to be assigned in
the Kindergarten Transition Program at Ayers Elementary. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzi to approve the following positions:
2.0 Paraprofessionals — The need for two additional paraprofessionals is due to a move -in that
requires a 1 to 1 and 1.0 for IEP safety reasons.
.20 Art teacher for elementary due to enrollments
.20 Music teacher for elementary due to enrollments
.40 Art teacher for high school due to enrollment
.40 Chemistry teacher at the High School due to enrollments
Total increase 3.2
The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 6:0.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzi to approve the attached list of Fiscal Year 2015 Salary Transfers. The motion
was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved by a vote of 6:0.
4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzi to approve the attached list of Fiscal Year 2014 End of Year Budget Transfers.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0.
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Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life - Kris Silverstein, Chairperson
Ms. Silverstein reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee met on October 1,
2014 where they received a PARCC presentation, information on technical devices at the elementary
schools and Title I review by Assistant Superintendent Sue Charochak. Ms. Silverstein stated that the
next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting will be held on October 29 th and noted that it is a
date change.
Ms. Silverstein stated that she is bringing forward the following polices:
1. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy on "Staff Ethics" (Section G: Personnel) for a first reading. The second reading will take
place at the November 12, 2014 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the
School Committee.
2. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy on "Text Book Selection and Adoption" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at the November 12, 2014 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of
approval.
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 on "School District Mission and
Vision" (Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments) the motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa
and approved by a vote of 6:0.
4. 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 "Approval of Handbooks"
(Section C: General School Admission) the motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by
a vote of 6:0.
Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported negotiations are ongoing and that we have a second tentative agreement with the
cafeteria. He stated that we will need additional time to wrap up.
Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported that the Policy Review Committee met on October 1, 2014 she noted that prior to this
meeting the BPS did not have an "Animals in School" policy before but are bringing forward one for a first
reading along with two other policies.
1. The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy "Animals in School" (Section E:
Support Services) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at the November 12, 2014
meeting and w i l l require a formal (2/3) vote of approval.
2. The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy "Service Animals" (Section E:
Support Services) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our November 12, 2014
meeting and w i l l require a formal (2/3) vote of approval.
3. The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy on "Contracts for Individually
Contracted Employees" (Section G: Personnel) for a first reading. The second reading will take
place at our November 12, 2014 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval.
Community Engagement
Ms. Visnick reported attending the football game at Hurd Stadium enjoying both the game and the band.
She attended the Frank Forti Field dedication at Beverly High School, BHS Golf /Auction fundraiser,
Hannah PTO meeting and the Summer Reading Art Gallery at the Beverly Public Library noting a
great selection of books and student work too. Ms. Visnick said she participated in Ayer's Walk to
School Day today extending a big "thank you" to Bill Burke for dropping all the students off at Stop and
Shop. Ms. Visnick volunteered at the Fall Frolic noting that Change is Simple "greened the event" and
reminded everyone that tomorrow is Centerville's Walk to School Day.
Ms. Silverstein mentioned that November 6 th is the first of the elementary school's Science Fairs and they
will need judges because some School Committee members who normally judge will be away at a
conference.
Mr. Manzi reported attending the Frank Forti Field dedication and the BHS football game stating it was
nice to see them recognize the former football team for the 50 anniversary as state champions. He
also reported attending the Ayers PTO meeting where Principal Byrnes presented the changes to
student drop -off and pick -up.
Ms. Cesa stated it was a fabulous reception at the Beverly Public Library for the Summer Reading Gallery
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commenting on what talented students we have and that she is so glad they continue do this.
Mr. Manzo said he attended the five out of seven school's PTO meetings, the high school community
night and the usual sweep of the field hockey and volley ball games.
New Business
Opportunity for Questions from the Press — none
Consider Executive Session
A motion was made by Mr. Kavanagh to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to
collective bargaining with union personnel and not to return to open session. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Manzi and approve by a roll call vote which resulted in the following:
Mr. Kavanagh Yes Mayor Cahill Not in Attendance
Ms. Cesa Yes Ms. Silverstein Yes
Ms. Visnick Yes Mr. Manzi Yes
Mr. Manzo Yes
Ms. Cesa made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of
6:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee