2014-11-12BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: David Manzi, Annemarie Cesa, Kris Silverstein, Paul Manzo, Matthew Kavanagh
and Lorinda Visnick
Mayor Cahill not in attendance
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, Dan Bauer, Assistant
Principal Beverly High School, Matt Poska, Principal and Terry Conant, Assistant
Principal Briscoe Middle School, Elementary School Principals, Elaina Byrnes,
Ayers School, Lisa Oliver, Cove School, Gabrielle Montevecchi, Hannah School
and Erin Brown, North Beverly School
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: David Manzi led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Mr. Manzo, Dr. Hiersche and the Elementary School Principals recognized the following elementary students who
achieved perfect scores on the 2014 MCAS test.
Avers
Cove
Owen Carpenter / Gr. 3 Math
Caroline Hickey / Gr. 3 Math
Kiana Dang / Gr. 3 Math
Jordan Humdy / Gr. 4 Math
Kailey Hopkins / Gr. 3 Math
Jackson Clark / Gr. 5 Math
Meredith Pasquarosa / Gr. 3 Math
Sofia Bucco / Gr. 5 Math
Mya Perron / Gr. 3 Math
Hannah
Luisa Rostock / Gr. 3 Math
Ryan Martell / Gr. 5 Math
Mason Simpson / Gr. 3 Math
Dale Wong / Gr. 5 Math
William Sousa / Gr. 3 Math
North Beverly
Robert Lyons / Gr. 4 Math
Shane Barker / Gr. 3 Math
Julia Block/ Gr. 5 Math
Daniel Fryling / Gr. 3 ELA
Ashley MacGown / Gr. 5 Math
Nathan Reinbold / Gr. 3 Math
Ryan Palazola / Gr. 5 Math
Noah Staffier / Gr. 3 Math
Mr. Manzo, Dr. Hiersche and Matt Poska, Principal and Terry Conant, Assistant Principal Briscoe Middle School and
Dan Bauer, Assistant Principal at Beverly High School recognized
the following secondary students who achieved a
perfect score on the 2014 MCAS test.
Briscoe Middle School
Grade 6 — Math Grade 6 ELA
Grade 7 Math Grade 7 Math
Heather Blago Miranda Healy
Samantha Fafard George Fox
Sofia Blomqvist Paula Rodriguez
Angelika Hillios Travis MacPhail
Zoe Hano Audrey Veator
Cara Norris Lucas Waugh
Kaitlin Kennedy
Audrey Veator
Grade 8 Math Grade 8 Math
Grade 8 ELA
Connor Cademartori Jocelyn Lee *
Laura Connor
Tristan Furlong Megan Morrissey
Maria Connor
John Goodwin William Talbot
Jocelyn Lee
Eric Jennings
Beverly High School
Grade 9 STE
Grade 10 Math
Timothy Johnson
Samuel Peterson
Daniel Miley
Mathew Zieff
Regular Meeting
November 12, 2014
Page 2 of 5
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 October 8, 2014 School Committee
meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved with corrections by a vote of 6:0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Oliver Muise reported that the first quarter ended and report cards are going home Friday. He said that the
National Honor Society sponsored a blood drive on Monday and gently used blankets are being collected for
the animal shelters. Oliver reported that BMPAA is having an Electronic Recycling Day on Saturday, 11/15
in the BHS parking lot.
Communications from Committee Members
Mr. Manzi reported hearing communications regarding PARCC and Common Core.
Ms. Cesa reported communications regarding the senior internship which she forwarded to the
Superintendent and the Up All Night Party noting they may be moving the location to the YMCA this year.
Ms. Cesa also had a communication regarding PARCC.
Ms. Silverstein stated hearing the same, PARCC and Common Core. She also had a communication
regarding the BHS parent's afternoon back. The parent stated that it is challenging visiting all eight
teachers in the one hour allotted time and keeping it to 5 minutes. Ms. Silverstein reminded everyone that
Parent's Morning Back is tomorrow and the teachers are available for two hours.
Mr. Kavanagh said he also heard from constituents on PARCC and Common Core.
Ms. Visnick heard communications on the Up All night, laptop payments, which she referred to Judy Miller
and sports fees referring them to Dr. Hiersche.
Mr. Manzo had communications on PARCC training and GPA calculation. Mr. Manzo reported that there is
going to be a meeting regarding the Up All Night Party on Monday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the BHS
Library.
Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche
1. Approval of AFSCME Cafeteria Agreement
Mr. Kavanagh, Chair of the Negotiation Subcommittee summarized the contents of the AFSCME Cafeteria
tentative agreement which was included in the packets.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the tentative Agreement between the Beverly School
Committee and Beverly Public Schools Cafeteria — AFSCME #2894. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Silverstein and passed by a vote of 6:0.
2. Overnight Field Trip Proposal — Briscoe Middle School — Grade 6
Mr. Terry Conant, Assistant Principal Briscoe Middle School was in attendance to request approval of
the Briscoe Middle School Grade 6 overnight field trip to Nature's Classroom, Charlton, MA, projected to
take place on April 13 th — 17 2015 (White & Gold) and May 4 th — 8 th , 2015 (Blue). Mr. Conant said that
Briscoe has been participating in Nature's Classroom since its inception. Mr. Conant also noted a
donation by the Briscoe PTO of $5,500 that was applied to the transportation cost.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the Overnight Field Trip to Nature's Classroom on April 13 th
__ 15 2014 and May 4 th —8 th 1 2014. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote
of 6:0.
3. PARCC Update
Dr. Hiersche stated that he has notified the State, with regards to PARCC testing, that Briscoe will be
doing the paper /pencil version of PARCC. He said assuming there aren't cost issues with the state
PARCC will be administered to grades 9 and 11 and tenth grade students will be taking MCAS.
Regular Meeting
November 12, 2014
Page 3 of 5
4. Professional Development Day — Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Dr. Hiersche reported that the agenda for the November 4 professional development day shows the
menu that the staff went through and he pointed out the consistency with the elementary schools. He
noted the importance that all staff has the same kind of training. At Briscoe staff received an overview
from Ai3 architects on what the new building might look like and they were very excited.
Dr. Hiersche told the school committee members he received notification today, with regards to Chapter 70
funding, that there will be a meeting at the Holten Richmond Middle School in Danvers on reviewing the
formula on Monday 11/17 from 4:30 to 6:30.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
1. Appointment of Superintendent Evaluation Study Group
Mr. Manzo stated the need to form a subcommittee to devise a superintendent evaluation. Mr. Manzo reported
that serving on this committee with him will be Ms. Silverstein and Mr. Kavanagh.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the formation of a Superintendent Evaluation Study Group to
consist of Mr. Manzo, Mr. Kavanagh and Ms. Silverstein. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and
approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. School Committee Meeting Schedule — Spring 2015
Mr. Manzo stated that the Spring 2015 School Committee schedule is included and asked the members if they
had any conflicts /issues with it. There were corrections to the times of the Finance and Facilities meeting on
May 27 and the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 20th; they both begin at 7:00 p.m.
3. Middle School Building Project Update
Mr. Manzo provided a brief summary of the middle school building project to date noting that we are still in
the feasibility stage and that the PDP documents will be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building
Authority on November 25 Mr. Manzo stated that weekly meetings are held at the Mayor's office with a
smaller group and a larger group meets monthly at the Memorial Building.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on October 15 approving minutes,
receiving a summary of the work performed at the schools, which included preparing snow blowers for the
upcoming winter season. Mr. Manzi stated they received a transportation review from Director Bill Burke, and
a request for an additional paraprofessional from Matt Poska, Briscoe Middle School Principal and Lisa
Oliver, Cove School Principal. He said that Judy Miller and Paul Cohen discussed the IT plan and that there
was a conversation regarding preschool and kindergarten fees prompted by a request for a waiver of such
from a family with an adopted child. Mr. Manzi stated that Dr. Hiersche talked about the budget process
noting a meeting of the Committee of the Whole scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 6:30pm.
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 approve the following a positions. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved
by a vote of 6:0.
1.0 Paraprofessional at Briscoe Middle School due to challenges to meet students IEP and 504 needs.
Funding: The Special Education Contingency Cost: Not to exceed $19,427
1.0 Paraprofessional at Cove Elementary School due to the number of move -ins this fall with
established IEP's that requires substantial classroom services.
Funding: The Special Education Contingency Cost: Not to exceed $19,427
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Mr. Manzi to approve the attached Budget Transfers from the Tech Contingency Account. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Regular Meeting
November 12, 2014
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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 29 th
where they received an MCAS review by Assistant Superintendent Sue Charochak. Ms. Charochak also
spoke about the Title I Math Night scheduled for November 20 th at Beverly High School.
Ms. Silverstein said that the next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting is scheduled for
December 10 and she is bringing forward the following policies:
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 on "Staff Ethics" (Section G:
Personnel). The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa. Mr. Kavanagh made a motion to amend the
policy on "Staff Ethics" by changing the first paragraph to read:
The Beverly Public Schools are committed to a staff that exhibits responsibility and
respect, whose positive attitudes and behavior will guide student behavior.
The motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the policy on "Staff Ethics" as amended. The motion
was seconded by Ms. Visnick 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 "Text Book Selection and
Adoption" (Section I: Instruction). 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
on "Evaluation of Instructional Programs" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second reading
which will take place at the December 3, 2014 meeting 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
on "Homebound Instruction" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second reading which will
take place at the December 3, 2014 meeting 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
on "Home Schooling" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second reading which will take
place at the December 3, 2014 meeting will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported that they will be meeting with transportation later this month and Unit B and Clerks
later this year.
Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported that the Policy Review Committee is bringing forward the following policies for approval:
1. Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Ms. Cesa to
approve the attached policy "Animals in School" (Section E: Support Services). The motion was
seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Ms. Cesa to
approve the attached policy "Service Animals" (Section E: Support Services). The motion was
seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 6:0.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Ms. Cesa to
approve the attached policy on "Contracts for Individually Contracted Employees" (Section G:
Personnel). The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Community Engagement
Ms. Visnick stated that North Beverly was having their Family Math and Science night; she attended the
Centerville PTO meeting, the YMCA 10 anniversary celebration and the STEM conference at Endicott
College. She said she was elated to help plan the archivist visit and attended the MASC conference.
Mr. Kavanagh said he enjoyed the Veteran's Day celebration that included our JROTC and he attended the
Hannah PTO meeting.
Ms. Silverstein said she attended many of the same, the Y anniversary celebration, the Archivist, MASC
conference noting they received a ton of information at the conference that she is anxious to share with
the members. Ms. Silverstein said "Change is Simple" requested they sit with them to discuss what they
can offer us and what we could offer them. Ms. Silverstein said she has also been involved with the
Regular Meeting
November 12, 2014
Page 5 of 5
Briscoe Science Fair meeting.
Ms. Cesa said she attended the Hannah PTO, the YMCA Anniversary celebration and commented that the
BHS PTSO golf tournament was a great success.
Mr. Manzi attended the middle school building meeting, Ayers PTO and commented that the parents are
adapting to the parking.
Mr. Manzo attended PTO meetings at BHS and Cove School as well as the city -wide. He attended the
Beverly Community Council meeting with Dr. Hiersche, Ward -2 Association meeting and the Wellness
Advisory meeting. He attended the MASC conference, helped with the Cove Book Fair and attended
soccer games.
Mr. Manzo reminded all that the Adams Scholarship breakfast meeting is Friday, November 21 Bridging
the Gap, an annual event is Monday, November 24 and the Holiday Parade is Sunday, November 30
Ms. Visnick, who attended a recent Public Safety meeting at the Mayor's office with a number of individuals,
said that they talked about addressing crossing guards. They also talked about the need for drivers to be
paying attention while driving and there will be another meeting tomorrow with the Superintendent to
discuss the same.
Reminders: Title I Math Night, November 20 6:00 -6:20 p.m. pizza, 6:30 presentation.
Beverly High School BMPAA will host an Electronic Recycling Saturday 11/15.
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
Ms. Cesa and approved 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 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Draft October 8, 2014 Regular School Committee Meeting Minutes
AFSCME Cafeteria Agreement
Briscoe Middle School - Nature's Classroom Overnight Field Trip Justification Form
Staff Development Day Offerings — November 4, 2014
Draft School Committee Meeting Schedule — Spring 2015
Finance and Facilities:
New Position Requests - Budget Transfer Tech Contingency Account
Policies Reviews:
Staff Ethics, Textbook Selection and Adoption, Evaluation of Instructional Programs, Homebound
Instruction, Home Schooling, Animals in School, Service Animals, Contracts for Individually
Contracted Employees