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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 Page 3 of 5 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 Page 4 of 5 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)