2015-03-11BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: David Manzi, Annemarie Cesa, Kris Silverstein, Paul Manzo, Matthew Kavanagh
Lorinda Visnick and Mayor Cahill (arrived 7:10p.m.)
Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Suzanne Charochak,
Assistant Superintendent, Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the
Superintendent and School Committee, Oliver Muise, Student Representative to
the School Committee, Matthew Poska, Principal and Terry Conant, Assistant
Principal Briscoe Middle School, Julie Smith, Centerville Elementary School
Principal and ROTC - CW03 Thomas Smith
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. Silverstein led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Mr. Manzo and Superintendent Hiersche welcomed Anna Green, Vice President of the Beverly Education
Foundation. Ms. Green presented Principal Matthew Poska, and Assistant Principal Terry Conant, Briscoe
Middle School a check for $6,000.00 for the Nature's Classroom overnight field trip. Ms. Green stated that
this was year two of the Cummings Foundation Grant.
Ms. Green said that the second presentation from the Cummings Foundation Grant was for the Family Math
and Science nights, Environmental Education and Green Teaming at the elementary schools. Ms. Green
presented each PTO representative a check for $1,100.00 for their schools.
Mr. Manzo, Superintendent Hiersche and Principal Matthew Poska recognize Briscoe Middle School student,
George Fox. George was chosen as Ambassador for Beverly to participate in the Governor's Project 351 in
Boston this past January. Mr. Poska commented on what an incredible job George had done representing
Beverly. George reported on his day in Boston and that he has put together a clothing drive for Cradles to
Crayons with a City -wide drop off day at the Memorial Building on March 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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 Mr. Manzi to approve the Regular School Committee meeting minutes from the
January 14, 2015 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill and approved by a vote of 7:0 with
one correction.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Oliver Muise reported on the following events at the Beverly High School:
- The Music Department will present the musical "Singin' in the Rain" — March 26 through the 28 at
7:00 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday 3/29 at 2:00 p.m.
- DECA has made it to the state finals this weekend in Boston
- Robotic competition will take place this Friday and Saturday at UMASS Dartmouth
- DramaFest — BHS will perform in the semi -final round at the Danvers High School at 2:30 pm
Saturday March 14tH
Regular Meeting
March 11, 2015
Page 2 of 5
Communications from Committee Members
Ms. Cesa reported communications regarding school or no school during snow days, security at the high
school, ongoing issues with the internship program at the high school, concern over the snow on the roofs
and the last day of school. Ms. Cesa also announced that this would be her last term after twelve years
and happily announced one of the reasons is that she just became a grandmother!
Mr. Kavanagh reported communications mostly around the middle school building project: where it stood and
the opportunity for input.
Ms. Silverstein received a question regarding the rationale behind sending paper report cards home with
high school students. She asked Dr. Hiersche if it is possible to email them home to parents and Dr.
Hiersche reported we are looking into it. Ms. Silverstein also reported her concerns with the BHS
afternoon back noting that only five minutes per teacher is nearly impossible. She stated she doesn't know
what the answer is but it needs looking into. Ms. Silverstein stated that the Senior Center is working on an
Inter - Generational project and they will be coming to the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting
to do a presentation. Ms. Silverstein said they had a communication from a parent interested in working
with the District on the DA's opiate prevention program "Choose to Refuse ". She also reported hearing
several concerns and opinions on PARCC testing, on the Middle School Building project and snow days.
Ms. Visnick reported many of the same communications: last day of school, Middle School Building project
cost, school choice questions and the traffic on Hull Street during Centerville dismissal. Ms. Visnick
reported hearing about a particular bus stop location where there is an easement at the end of a dead -end
street and because the city has plowed the snow there it made it impossible for students to cut through
there and wait for the bus. Ms. Visnick said she referred it to Mr. Harutunian. She has heard concerns
regarding the BHS Up All Night party and how it is being handled and she referred it back to the PTO.
Mr. Manzi reported he too heard many of the same communications: school roofs, changes to future school
calendars by possibly eliminating days off i.e. Yom Kippur and Good Friday and he had communications
regarding PARCC testing. Mr. Manzi said he received a communication that due to the strong police
presence at the Essex Street library it has helped curb safety concerns thanking Mayor Cahill and Mr.
Manzi said he also received many communications pertaining to the Middle School Building Project.
Mayor Cahill — pass
Mr. Manzo said he too has had many of same communication: middle school, snow days and calendar. Mr.
Manzo said he continues to meet with PTO's regarding pedestrian safety around the schools, and he had
a question about kindergarten transportation and BHS PARCC testing.
Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche
1. Overnight Field Trip — BHS ROTC Camp Edwards, Sandwich, MA
Dr. Hiersche stated that the administration has recommended approval of the overnight field trip to Camp
Edwards in Sandwich MA, June 29 through July 3` CWO3 Smith introduced Cadet Eryka Delano who
told the committee that this is a four night leadership camp where they will be doing obstacle courses,
attending classes and repelling. Mayor Cahill asked what the students who participate receive at the end
completion of the camp. CWO3 Smith commented that the students will receive a ribbon.
A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the overnight field trip to Camp Edwards in Sandwich MA.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approve by a vote of 7:0.
Mr. Manzo took this opportunity to congratulate CWO3 Smith, MSgt. Abbott and the cadets on the recent
inspection that was conducted by the Command Inspector General. Mr. Manzo said that the letter noted
that the unit was very motivated, responded well to challenges and there were no findings.
Mr. Manzo commented that he and Ms. Visnick attended the ROTC Drill competition in Gloucester and
that there was a Cyber Patriot's competition that weekend as well. Mr. Manzo noted the many
opportunities the ROTC program offers our students.
2. 2014 -2015 School Calendar
Dr. Hiersche stated that we have used six snow days so far this year our last day of school being
Monday, June 29 Dr. Hiersche said that from his perspective adding an hour to the school day would
guarantee the most quality instructional time but noted that in the past the Commissioner has not granted
such a request. Dr. Hiersche went on to say he has spent time looking at having school on Good Friday
vs. keeping the scheduled last day on June 29 and what would be acceptable absences in light of the
Good Friday Walk. He said his second option is to leave the calendar as is stating that this becomes a
little less disruptive. Dr. Hiersche said that each solution also comes with collective bargaining issues.
Regular Meeting
March 11, 2015
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He stated the other piece is if we are going to look into the 2015 -2016 calendar, with an ending date of
June 20 June 27 with snow days, his recommendation would be to have that conversation within the
next month.
Mr. Manzo summarized Dr. Hiersche's recommendations; leaving the calendar as is with the last day of
school on Monday, June 29 Secondly, Mr. Manzo said Dr. Hiersche would like to have a discussion
regarding the 2015 -2016 school year calendar and see how we could possibly grab a couple of days and
he'd like to do so in the next month. Dr. Hiersche said he would like input from staff and families on the
2015 -2016 calendar going forward.
Ms. Cesa said that she disagrees with Dr. Hiersche. She said we should make Good Friday a school day
noting that some of the sidewalks are still an issue. Mayor Cahill stated that he agreed with
Superintendent Hiersche. Mr. Kavanagh said with the Superintendent's recommendation we don't have
to negotiate on this issue. Mr. Manzi stated that Good Friday is early this year and we could still have
storms and his biggest concern is that if we go with Good Friday we could still be back in the same
position. Mayor Cahill stated that looking forward to next year we may have to change the calendar and
go to school on Good Friday and that this would give them time to adapt to the change.
After the discussion and input from committee members Mr. Manzo noted that the last day of school
would remain June 29, 2015.
3. FY16 Budget
Dr. Hiersche provided a quick update to the FY16 budget stating that Governor Baker's budget is out. Dr.
Hiersche commented on the Governor's proposals. He noted that Chapter 70 funds are up, charter tuition
reimbursements are up, School Choice receiving tuition is up but reminded everyone that we are capped
right now because there are not many slots available across the District. Dr. Hiersche noted that what
isn't shown in the budget is that the kindergarten grant has been eliminated and circuit breaker will be
level funded but at this year's percentage. He stated that these are the major pieces for us. He told the
committee that at the next Committee of the Whole meeting he would give them a paired down budget
and recommendations.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
Mr. Manzo commented on a letter we received from the Director of the MIAA Division, Wrestling
Tournament. He stated that the letter was very complimentary of both the facility and staff members at
Beverly High School which included Sean Gallagher, James Coffey, Athletic Director, Paul Casey, Coach
and Mark Thomas.
1. Middle School Building Project Update
Mr. Manzo provided an update on the Middle School Building Project stating that the Preferred Schematic
Report (PSR) was submitted in early February and feedback was received. On February 25 Mr. Manzo
stated that a group of representatives including himself, Mayor Cahill and Superintendent Hiersche went
before the MSBA Board to answer questions regarding the preferred schematic design. Mr. Manzo
reported that the meeting went extremely well. Mr. Manzo said that they expect that the full board, at the
upcoming meeting on March 25, will approve the design and that will allow us to move forward to the next
phase, the schematic design phase.
Mr. Manzo stated that the small working group continues to meet every week and the larger middle
school building group has met three times since the last School Committee meeting. He commented that
work continues and they remain on track.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that at the last Finance and Facilities Committee on February 25, 2015 the committee
approved minutes and received a Buildings and Grounds report from Tim Howland Director of Public
Schools Division. Mr. Howland noted the biggest challenge has been snow removal. Mr. Howland
summarized work that was completed in our schools i.e. freeze ups at Ayers, leaking roofs at Centerville and
Hannah, Hurd stadium maintenance issues and kitchen equipment at Briscoe. The committee also received
a FY15 budget review from Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations.
Regular Meeting
March 11, 2015
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Mr. Manzi stated that he is bringing forward the following 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 budget transfer, in the amount of $2,252.01 to increase the B &G
Salary line. 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 the attached budget transfer, in the amount of $200,351.00 to increase the Long
Term Substitute line. The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill 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 budget transfer, in the amount of $38,250.00 to increase the Briscoe
Teacher Fellows line. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick 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 budget transfer, in the amount of $25,000.00 to increase the Medical
Bills /Self Insurance line. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Mr. Manzi reported that the next Finance and Facilities meeting will be held on March 18, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Memorial Building.
Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Kris Silverstein, Chairperson
Ms. Silverstein reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee last met on March
4 She reported that at that meeting, Assistant Superintendent, Sue Charochak provided a review the EEC
(Education Enrichment Center) program stating that it was a 38 year old model which is a separate pull -out
program design. Ms. Silverstein said that a committee was formed with including principals and
representatives from each building. The committee looked at an in- building program at all five schools with
grade 3 being piloted for next year and there would be no cost. Ms. Silverstein said that the 4 1h and 51h
grades will remain the same next year.
Ms. Silverstein reported that the committee also received a summary of the Middle School Educational
Program Visioning. She said we learned about what we can improve upon. They have had numerous
meetings she reported with the goal of providing the best programming for our students.
The next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting is scheduled for April 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the
Memorial Building.
Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported that negotiations are ongoing and remarked that the Superintendent has initiated
talks with Unit B and then they will proceed with Unit C.
Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported that the next policy meeting will be held on April 1" at 6:15 p.m. in the Memorial Building.
Community Engagement
Mr. Manzi reported attending a numbers of middle school building project meetings and he also attended the
Briscoe and Ayers Science fairs. Mr. Manzi stated that he attended his first Beverly High School Robotics
competition.
Ms. Visnick pointed out that the grant money given to the schools from the BevEd allows them to have
Science fairs and Family Math and Science nights. Ms. Visnick stated she attended Science fairs at
Centerville, Briscoe and North Beverly commenting that being a judge at those events is very rewarding.
Ms. Visnick reported attending a pedestrian safety meeting with Ms. Cesa. She reported hearing that Bill
Burke thinks that not all the schools should do the walk to school day. Ms. Visnick is hopeful that this could
all be worked out. Mr. Manzo and Ms. Cesa said that they think it was more a case of not doing all of the
five elementary schools in one week. Ms. Visnick said she attended the Opiate Prevention program and also
Chris Herron's talk at Salem State.
Ms. Silverstein said she attended many of the same events/ meetings. She also reported attending several
meetings with Mayor Cahill, Dr. Hiersche and others working on opiate addiction prevention. Ms. Silverstein
noted that the District Attorney's office will be doing a presentation about the opiate addiction crisis on May
6 Ms. Silverstein said she was unable to attend the Briscoe Science fair due to illness but was very happy
to note that ten Briscoe students will be moving on to the District Science Fair on March 29 She reported
Regular Meeting
March 11, 2015
Page 5 of 5
attending a Ward 3 Gloucester Crossing group meeting who meet monthly. She commented on a survey that
they had completed and she would like to share with Dr. Hiersche. She stated that their next meeting will
include District Special Education staff. Ms. Silverstein said she attended the North Beverly auction and will
be attending the Legislative update on Chapter 70 funding and state budget tomorrow.
Mr. Kavanagh commented on the many sporting events and that he attended the gymnastic competition a
terrific event and qualified for the states.
Ms. Cesa said she attended PTO meetings, Be Healthy Beverly meeting and Science fairs
Mr. Manzo said he attended the poetry cafe at the high school, BHS Open House, the Harlem Superstars
game, art reception for Hannah and the Ayers Science fair.
Reminders:
Anxiety and Coping Skills, Tuesday April 7 6:45p.m. Beverly High School auditorium
George Fox — Cradles to Crayons clothing drive — City -wide drop off day at Memorial March 28 from 10:00
a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 3/19 Beverly High School students will have their art on display at the Peabody Essex Museum
(PEM) 6:00 — 8:00 p.m.
New Business
None
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None present
Consider Executive Session
None
Motion to Adjourn
Ms. Cesa made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of
7:0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Draft of the January 14, 2015 Regular School Committee minutes
Overnight Field Trips Justification Form:
BHS ROTC Camp Edwards, Sandwich, MA
2014 -2015 School District Calendar
FY15 Budget Transfers (B &G Salary Lines)
FY15 Budget Transfers (Long Term Substitute Line)
FY15 Budget Transfers (Briscoe Teacher Fellows Line)
FY15 Budget Transfers (Medical Bills /Self Insurance Line)