2015-01-14BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 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 Superintendent and School
Committee, Oliver Muise, Student Representative to the School Committee,
Sean Gallagher, Beverly High School Principal and Athletic Director James
Coffey, and ROTC - CW03 Thomas Smith
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Cahill led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Mr. Manzo, Dr. Hiersche and Mr. Coffey, Athletic Director recognized the following Fall NEC All -Stars
Ally Cabral Campbell Wood Justin Carnevale
Alex Kelliher Charlie Boschen Christian Goodwin
Marissa Laganas Brian McPherson Nahuel Pittamiglio
Hannah Silvestri Ryan Anderson Elias Crandell
Gabby Cerro Ted Leathersich Alesio Kanani
Julianna Wesley Sara Daley Kyra Wolonsavich
Julia Curtin Jimmy Kastrinakis Rose Terner
Sheehan Gotsch Anthony Nolasco Sarah Visnick
Lexi Sutyak Ryan Garrity Meghan Berking
Maeve Monahan
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. Cesa to approve the Executive Session minutes from the July 15, 2014 School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the Executive Session minutes from the October 10, 2014
School Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Kavanagh to approved the Executive Session minutes from the December 17,
2014 School Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Kavanagh to approve the Joint Council meeting minutes from the December 2,
2014 meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 7:0.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the Regular School Committee meeting minutes from the
December 3, 2014 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Regular Meeting
January 14, 2015
Page 2 of 6
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Oliver Muise reported on the following events at the Beverly High School:
-The National Honor Society is selling Winfrey's Fudge for $8/box.
- Panther Pride plunge will be held on February 1" at Lynch Park to raise awareness for River House.
- Pizza Feast will be held on January 27 in the cafeteria to pick the best pizza in Beverly.
- Yearbooks are available to purchase for $55.00.
- Mid -terms begin next week.
Communications from Committee Members
Mayor Cahill stated that there will be a reception at City Hall this Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. displaying
artwork from the Cove Elementary School students. Mayor Cahill reported that this is a new event that will
be taking place monthly for elementary schools.
Mr. Manzi heard from a constituent concerned about the loitering and security at the Main Library.
Ms. Visnick received a call from a constituent inquiring about the old bus yard plans and if we still had them.
Mr. Manzo thought he might or possibly contacting Dr. Hayes.
Ms. Visnick passed on a request to the Curriculum Committee for another Math night she said she had
communications regarding the rolling pick -up at Centerville which she referred to the Mayor, and an inquiry
regarding the use of the Tax Exempt I.D. number. Ms. Visnick reported that after last evening's middle
school building meeting she heard hearing from many that they want an auditorium.
Ms. Silverstein received a concern from a parent that they were emailing teachers and not getting a
response. She heard from a parent looking for MCAS data and pointed them to the DESE website.
Mr. Kavanagh had no communications to report.
Ms. Cesa received questions and concerns about the inclusion of an auditorium in the new building and what
is the process for scholarships at the high school.
Mr. Manzo reported that he also heard concerns about pick -up at Centerville, and, stated that he continues
to meet with a parent group and the Mayor regarding student safety around schools. He had a request from
an individual regarding school contracts and he forwarded it to the Superintendent. Mr. Manzi commented
that we should check with Mike Collins regarding the old bus yard plans.
Dr. Hiersche commented with regards to questions on the auditorium that we are still going through the
feasibility study, looking at drawings and that it is not a "done deal ".
Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche
1. Grants Acceptance 2014 -2015
Dr. Hiersche reported to the committee on the inclusion of the 2014 -2015 Grants for Acceptance in their
packets with the administration requesting approval. Ms. Cesa noted that it is $110,000 less than last
year and we are still expected to provide the same services.
The grants were approved in three parts:
A motion was made by Mr. Kavanagh to accept the Federal /State Entitlement and Continuation Grants.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Ms. Visnick recused herself due to her affiliation with the Beverly Education Foundation. A motion was
made by Mr. Manzi to approve the Beverly Education Foundation Grants. The motion was seconded by
Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the Other Grant Awards and Donations. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Kavanagh. Ms. Cesa questioned why Centerville was the sole recipient of the
Donation Grant and questioned how we could get other employees of the Cummings Center to choose
other schools. Mr. Manzo said we need to find out the timeline and be ready for the next time it's
available. The motion was approved by a vote of 7:0.
2. Overnight Field Trip Proposal — 2881 Pancoast Avenue, Ashton, PA
CWO3 Thomas Smith introduced Cadet William Center who he said will be participating in the
competition in Pennsylvania. Cadet Center said that they have been training for this competition two
mornings a week beginning at 6:45 a.m. They said that the winners of this competition will compete in
California. Mr. Manzi asked about cost and CWO3 Smith said that it is completely funded and he is
taking 8 cadets.
Regular Meeting
January 14, 2015
Page 3 of 6
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the overnight field trip to 2881 Pancoast Avenue in
Ashton, PA March 27 — 28, 2015. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of
7:0.
3. Overnight Field Trip Proposal — Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, MA
CWO3 Smith reported that this is the third time the ROTC goes to Camp Curtis Guild projected to take
place on April 17 - 19, 2015. The students will be in individual teams to work on leadership skills and
the only cost incurred is for the bus.
A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the overnight field trip to Camp Curtis Guild in Reading,
MA, April 17 -19, 2015. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 7:0.
4. Overnight Field Trip Proposal — Daytona, FL
Cadet Center reported that this is a color guard competition taking place on Saturday. CWO3 Smith
stated they are competing against all branches of service throughout the world. CWO3 Smith stated
that he is taking 11 cadets to this national level competition in Daytona, FL projected to take place on
May 1 " — 3` 2015. Mayor Cahill inquired about cost. CWO3 Smith reported that the fundraising for
this event has already been done.
A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the overnight field trip to Daytona, FL May 1 S1 —3 Id
2015. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Mr. Manzo also commented to CWO3 Smith regarding the Cyber Patriot competition and wished them
luck in this weekend's competition.
5. NESDEC 2014 -2015 Enrollment Projection Report
Dr. Hiersche reported on the NESDEC Enrollment Project Report that we receive as part of our
membership. Dr. Hiersche stated that there was an error with the graphs on page 2 but noted that they
do show a 5 through 8 grade combination. Dr. Hiersche said that we need to decide going forward if we
want to still go this route commenting that some of the information they gather for this report is from
realtors and it may not be up -to -date information.
There was a brief discussion on how enrollments increase with new buildings. Mr. Manzi commented on
the increase in tuitions at the private /parochial schools which will further add to our enrollments. Dr.
Hiersche stated that the other variable is the school choice requests he is receiving daily stating that we
need to do some pre - planning.
6. Budget FY16 Update
Dr. Hiersche said that the intent is to have the administrators meet with all of you at the Committee of
the Whole meeting on January 28 Dr. Hiersche reported that we are going to go back over
information then we will meet with all principals and administrators prior to the January 28 meeting.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
1. Middle School Building Project Update
Mr. Manzo provided a review to date of the Middle School Building Project stating that the city continues
work with Ai3 and Heery. The Preliminary Design Program (PDP) was submitted to MSBA in
November. Mr. Manzo stated we received feedback on the report before the holiday break which the
design group responded to. Mr. Manzo said we have narrowed the design down from eight to four
alternative projects and they will be detailed in the Preferred Schematic Report (PSR) which will
summarize the project. In two weeks we will review the report in more detail and also discuss cost. Mr.
Manzo said that we expect to submit the Preferred Schematic Report (PSR) in February and if
approved move into the Schematic Design Phase. Mr. Manzo reported that it is still our hope to open
up the new middle school in spring /summer of 2018.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Regular Meeting
January 14, 2015
Page 4 of 6
Mr. Manzi stated that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on December 17, 2014. The committee
approved minutes and heard from Bill Burke, Director of Transportation regarding a letter written to Mayor
Cahill with questions on six intersections throughout the city and the addition of a crossing guard at Putnam
Street and Oakmont Road. They received a Buildings and Grounds report from Tim Howland Director of
Public Schools Division regarding work completed throughout the district. Stacy Bucyk, Director of Pupil
Personnel presented her need for three additional paraprofessionals and Jean Sherburne, Director of
Finance and Operations provided a review of the fiscal year budget.
The Finance and Facilities Committee's next meeting will be on January 21" at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial
Building. Mr. Manzi reported that he is bringing forward the following for School Committee approval.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made
by Mr. Manzi to approve of the following position(s) in FY15.
1.0 Crossing Guard — The need for an additional crossing guard at Putnam and Oakmont.
Funding: N139561000 Cost: Not to exceed $4,709
Ms. Silverstein said she was not convinced that this shouldn't be looked into a little more and raised
the question: are there other locations that may be of a higher priority. Mayor Cahill asked not to
hold up action on this item and stated that they have looked into other locations but none rose to the
level of receiving immediate attention. He also noted that they have rapid flashing signs ordered for
Ayers and Essex/Corning. Ms. Silverstein asked that they look at Gloucester Crossing —
Beckford /Cabot Street crossing.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 7:0.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made
by Mr. Manzi to approve of the following position in FY15.
-1.0 Paraprofessional — The need for an additional paraprofessional at the Ayers Elementary is due
to a move -in from another country that requires a 1:1.
Funding: Special Education Grant Cost: Not to exceed $19,427
The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made
by Mr. Manzi to approve the following position in FY15.
1.0- Paraprofessional — The need for an additional paraprofessional at the Cove Elementary is due to
a move -in from another country that requires a 1:1.
Funding: Special Education Grant Cost: Not to exceed $19,427
The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made
by Mr. Manzi to approve the following position in FY15.
1.0- Paraprofessional — The need for an additional paraprofessional in the Pre - School Program is
due to enrollment.
Funding: Special Education Grant Cost: Not to exceed $19,427
The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 7:0.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made
by Mr. Manzi to approve the attached FY15 Budget Transfers (Salary Account Adjustments and
Column Moves). The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 7:0.
4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made
by Mr. Manzi to approve the attached FY15 Budget Transfers (Paraprofessionals). The motion was
seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Curriculum. Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Kris Silverstein, Chairperson
Ms. Silverstein reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee have met twice. At
the December 10 reported
she reported they received School Improvement Plans from the principals. Ms.
Silverstein reported at the January 7 th meeting Assistant Superintendent, Sue Charochak provided a
presentation on math curriculum and told them they are in the process of developing a Math Steering
Committee. They also saw a tentative PARCC testing schedule for the spring and Ms. Charochak reported
Regular Meeting
January 14, 2015
Page 5 of 6
that she had done a PARCC presentation for the City Wide PTO and has one coming up at the Hannah
School.
The next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting is scheduled for February 4 th at 7:00 p.m. in the
Memorial Building.
Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported that negotiations are ongoing but nothing scheduled at the moment.
Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa said she will be scheduling a meeting.
Community Engagement
Ms. Cesa reported only receiving standard holiday stuff.
Mr. Kavanagh expressed his appreciation to the Administration, the Mayor and AB for inviting them to the
School Building Committee meeting last evening. He stated that he thought the presentation was well done
and there were some good questions asked.
Ms. Silverstein stated she attended the North Beverly PTO meeting where they held a Mom's Market prior to
the meeting and she attended the BHS Winter Concert. Ms. Silverstein stated she is still a part of the Opiate
Addiction Prevention Group which is a sub -group of Be Healthy Beverly. They are working on opiate
addiction prevent and education. Ms. Silverstein commented that the Briscoe Science fair is coming together
and is scheduled for February 24 She reported that registration for the fair is now open to Briscoe
students. She also commented on the Middle School Building Committee meeting stating it was great to
hear the details, presentation and questions.
Ms. Visnick thanked whoever made last evening's Building Committee Meeting an open meeting so all
members of the School Committee could attend commenting that it was very informative. Ms. Visnick said
she attended the pick -up / drop -off meeting at Centerville and attended a meeting with the Mayor around
composting. She also reported going to a presentation with a women who teaches STEM /STEAM building
kaleidoscopes saying that it is something to think about for our STEM teachers. Ms. Visnick said she also
attended a BEV ED meeting and that they have acquired another $10,000 grant ear - marked for Briscoe.
David Manzi offered words of encouragement to BHS Boys Varsity basketball team and attended the Middle
School Building Project.
Mayor Cahill reported that he has been involved in a series of meeting with PTO's regarding pedestrian car
safety. Mayor Cahill said that he along with Police Chief LeLacheur and Rob Dever, Engineering Office went
and observed the pick -up at Centerville. Mayor Cahill said they came away with some ideas and they are
working to try and improve the pick -up there.
Mr. Manzo reported attending some of the same things, North Beverly PTO meeting and the winter concert.
On December 0 he said he attended the performance of live Irish music in the BHS library and also the play
The Odyssey. Mr. Manzo said he enjoyed the elementary music concert and provided a Middle School
Building update at the High School PTSO meeting. Mr. Manzo also noted that he tries to attend as many
sporting events as possible as was able to catch the girls basketball game and a wrestling match.
Reminders:
Middle School Building Committee Meeting — 1 -27 -15
Pizza Competition
Committee of the Whole Meeting, January 28 (budget)
Go eat at Chipotle fundraiser
Friday Night Briscoe Bowling fundraiser
Briscoe PTO tomorrow night
New Business
Opportunity for Questions from the Press — none
Consider Executive Session
Regular Meeting
January 14, 2015
Page 6 of 6
Motion to Adjourn
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 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Draft of the following minutes for approval:
July 15, 2014 Executive Session Minutes
October 10, 2014 Executive Session Minutes
December 17, 2014 Executive Session Minutes
December 2, 2014 Joint Council Minutes
December 3, 2014 Regular School Committee Minutes
Grants Acceptance 2014 -2015
Overnight Field Trips Justification Forms for three ROTC Field Trips:
2881 Pancoast Avenue, Aston, PA
Camp Curtis Guild, Reading MA
NHSDTC Daytona, FL
NESDEC's 2014 Projected Enrollment Report
FY15 Budget Transfers (Salary Account Adjustments and Column Moves)
FY15 Budget Transfers (Paraprofessionals)