2015-04-08BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 in Council
Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: David Manzi, Annemarie Cesa, Kris Silverstein, Paul Manzo, Matthew
Kavanagh and Lorinda Visnick
Not in Attendance: Mayor Cahill
Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Suzanne Charochak,
Assistant Superintendent, Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the
Superintendent and School Committee, Paula Borsetti, Art Educator,
Stephanie Lowe, German Educator, Beverly High School
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. Cesa led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Mr. Manzo, Superintendent Hiersche and Art Educator Paula Borsetti recognized the following Beverly
High School Art students who received awards in the Scholastic Art Competition, Congressional Art Award
and Endicott College High School Art Competition:
Tessa Duzz Silver Key, Art Portfolio
Congressional Art Award — Best of School
Endicott College High School Art Competition — Dean's Choice Award
Hannah Theriault Honorable Mention Art Portfolio
Casey Oliver Honorable Mention — Photography
Allison Lewandowski Honorable Mention — Photography
Lyla Norton Endicott College High School — Art Competition — Dean's Choice Award
Mr. Manzo and Superintendent Hiersche recognized the following BHS musicians who qualified to
participate in the Massachusetts Music Educators' Association Conference that took place in Boston:
Timothy Johnson All State Chorus, Bass
Nicole Shawn All State Chorus, Alto
Elizabeth Davidson - Blythe All State Orchestra, Violin
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
Sara Sallese, 24 Shortell Avenue — Ms. Sallese addressed the School Committee about the funding of
Free Full -Day Kindergarten. She reported that she'd been out in the community speaking to
community members about this proposal. Ms. Sallese noted that half -day, as opposed to full -day
students miss out on 40 -50% of the instruction that full -day students receive. Ms. Sallese said she
had started a petition and has collected 180 signatures. Ms. Sallese presented the petition to Chair
Paul Manzo.
Mr. Manzo stated that the Committee will hold a Public Hearing on this issue within the next three months.
Mr. Manzo noted that this is one of the long term goal priorities for the School Committee. Mr.
Manzo commented on the fiscal challenge currently with the loss of revenue at the McKeown
School. He stated the Committee wants to take the time to implement this and to do it the right way.
Kathy Whitehair, 7 Juniper Street — Ms. Whitehair stated that she has three daughters all of whom have
attended the Beverly Public Schools. She thanked the School Committee for the work they have
done towards the middle school project. Ms. Whitehair commented on the amount of research done
and that the school committee had taken a vote for the 5 to 8 grade model and noted that the vote
was unanimous. Ms. Whitehair stated that she is very excited to move on from there and wants the
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Committee to "stay the course ".
Michelle Curreri, 3 Eagle Lane — Ms. Curreri thanked the School Committee not only for the work they've
done but also for coming up with a long term goal. She commented that she has been involved with
the PTO and was a citizen representative on the Finance and Facilities Committee so she
understands and appreciates the amount of work the committee does. Ms. Curreri stated that while
Mr. Manzo stated that free full -day kindergarten is a priority right now she feels the focus needs to
be on the middle school building project.
Mr. Manzo commented that the building committee meets on monthly basis and the next meeting is April
14 He said that at the meeting we will receive an update on the fantastic designs and will receive
a report from Bryant Ayles, Municipal Finance Director updating us on how we will pay for the middle
school building project.
Sara Rossetti, 3 Wentworth Drive — Ms. Rossetti addressed the committee with her concerns regarding
foreign language stating she is the mother of a junior at BHS who back six years ago was told
students that did well on MCAS, as an experiment, were offered to take a Foreign Language in
Grade 6. Ms. Rossetti said at the time they were told this would give them the opportunity to
become really fluent in the language and, if continued, they would have the opportunity to take four
years of a language in the high school. Now as they transitioned into 9 th grade there was a problem
because the high school and middle school did not coordinate. Now they were going to be asked to
repeat a language. This didn't happen but most of the students were placed in honors level not an
AP class. Now her daughter is going to be a senior next year and there is no foreign language class
for her to take. She stated she is worried about the expectations from the colleges and stated that
the School Committee and high school need to fix this.
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Items
None
Approval of Meeting Records
A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the Regular School Committee meeting minutes from the
March 11, 2015 meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0 with
corrections.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Not in Attendance
Communications from Committee Members
Mr. Manzi reported communications regarding filing a petition to hold a public hearing on the funding of
full -day kindergarten and heard from a parent regarding opting out of PARCC.
Ms. Visnick reported the same communications were received via email and stated that this is an
opportunity to say that when communications are sent to all of the committee members they cannot
reply. Mr. Manzo explained that if they were to reply or comment it would be as if they were conducting
a meeting and this would be in violation of the Open Meeting Law. Mr. Manzo said if a communication is
sent to all he would try to reply as Chair of the Committee.
Ms. Visnick also received an opting out of PARCC communication and a call about the middle school
student survey which she said is available
Ms. Silverstein and Mr. Kavanagh reported receiving the same full -day kindergarten and opting out of
PARCC communications and inquiries.
Ms. Cesa reported the same and also received communications regarding religious holidays, calendar and
how to communicate with the school committee / when to go to the superintendent and Ms. Cesa said
she received a specific budget question.
Mr. Manzo stated that while there is not an option to officially opt out of PARCC should a student refuse to
take PARCC/MCAS they are given appropriate work to do in place of the test. Mr. Manzo stated he also
received communications on kindergarten transportation and a request from the Council on Aging to
speak at one of our meetings. Mr. Manzo noted that they will be at the Curriculum, Instruction and
Student Life meeting. Mr. Manzo also received a question regarding sailing which he referred to James
Coffey.
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Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche
1. German Exchange Program / Overnight Field Trip
Dr. Hiersche introduced Stephanie Lowe, BHS German Educator who was present to request approval of
the German Exchange Program. She stated that this program is run by the German American
Partnership Program. She stated that the German students would be coming here for two weeks in
October, 2016 and our students will be going there for two weeks in June /July 2016.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the BHS German Exchange program. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. School Choice Numbers 2015 -2016
Dr. Hiersche reported that School Choice is an annual action item requiring School Committee approval
with the current and requested numbers included. He reported that we are beginning to max out at some
of the grade levels which will require us to hold an open lottery. Ms. Cesa asked about the increase on
the numbers in versus out. Dr. Hiersche commented that he didn't have numbers but said we were
approximately $100,000 to the good.
A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to continue participation in the School Choice program at the
parameters set. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0.
1 2015 -2016 School District Calendar
Dr. Hiersche reported including a revised 2015 -2016 School District Calendar showing students attending
school on Yom Kippur and Good Friday, ending the year 180 days on Thursday, June 16 185 days on
June 23` Dr. Hiersche stated that the other conversation he had was with the teachers association
about starting school a week earlier, commenting that this would require negotiations. Dr. Hiersche stated
that the conversation began but has not closed yet but that he would do that before the Committee of the
Whole meeting on the 29 Dr. Hiersche stated that he would like to distribute the calendar to parents
and staff and let them know that we will be making a decision at the Committee of the Whole meeting on
April 29 with the Committees approval.
There was some discussion on the proposed calendar. Ms. Silverstein stated that her understanding is
that if there is school on Yom Kippur and Good Friday that they cannot do any testing or introduce new
materials on those days. Dr. Hiersche commented that we would need to make sure everyone
understands the policy surrounding this as school commences. Ms. Visnick remarked that if a child
doesn't attend school in observance of the religious holiday there would be no repercussion and asked
Dr. Hiersche to speak to that. Dr. Hiersche reiterated that if we were to have school on those two days
there would be no repercussion and staff would be made aware.
4. FY16 Budget
Dr. Hiersche stated that he had no new information from the legislature at this point on the FY16 budget.
5. Global Child — Winter /Spring Summary
Dr. Hiersche commented on the Global Child program summary and spring schedule included in the
packets. He stated that this is a great program and the enrollments continue to get healthier.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
1. School Committee Meeting Schedule — Fall 2015
Mr. Manzo stated that the Fall 2015 schedule had been included in the packets. Mr. Manzo made note
that the November School Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday November 10 instead of
Wednesday, November 11 due to the Veteran's Day holiday. Ms. Silverstein asked what the reason
was for flipping the December meeting and Ms. Cesa replied it is because of the annual Mayor's
meeting that is held in Boston. Ms. Silverstein commented that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student
Life meeting scheduled for November 0 will conflict with the upcoming MASC conference and will
probably need to be adjusted.
2. Middle School Building Proiect Update
Mr. Manzo provided the committee with an update on the Middle School Building Project. He
commented that meetings continue with Heery and Ai3. He stated that a number of them attended the
MSBA Board meeting on March 25 in Boston where Mayor Cahill spoke on our behalf. The MSBA
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shared many positive comments and voted to approve unanimously our preferred schematic report.
Mr. Manzo said that the next Middle School Building Committee meeting is Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30
p.m. in the BHS Library. Bryant Ayles, Director of Municipal Finance will provide financial information to
the committee at the April 14 meeting.
3. Nomination Papers
Mr. Manzo stated that Monday was the first day to take out nomination papers, which he did. Mr.
Manzo reported that two school committee members will not be seeking re- election; Matt Kavanagh,
Ward 4 and Annemarie Cesa, Ward 5.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on March 18 and the committee
approved minutes and received a Buildings and Grounds report from Tim Howland Director of Public
Schools Division. He stated they received a Food Service update from Nancy Antolini. Ms. Antolini
discussed some staffing challenges, the summer program with the Y, and that they provide lunches for
Bootstraps. Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations reported on the FY15 budget revenue.
Mr. Manzi stated that the Finance and Facilities meeting scheduled for April 15 has been cancelled and
our next meeting will be Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m.
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 April
1 ". She reported that Library Media Specialists, Barbara Fecteau, Beverly High School and Alex Woznick,
Briscoe presented the summer reading program and the list of books students can choose from. They told
the Committee that when students return in September they have an art show at the Beverly Public
Library. Mr. Poska, Briscoe Middle School Principal provided a review of the Program of Studies. He
discussed foreign language, the process going from middle school to high school and the reading
program. Mr. Poska talked about expressive arts and noted that sign language will not be offered next
year.
Ms. Silverstein stated that she is bringing forward the following three policies for a first reading:
1. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy on "Summer School' (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second reading will
take place at our May 13, 2015 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 "Teaching Controversial Issues" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at our May13, 2015 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of
approval by the School Committee.
3. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached
policy on "School Volunteers" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second reading will
take place at our May 13, 2015 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the
School Committee.
The next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting is scheduled for April 29th at 6:00 p.m. in the
Beverly High School library.
Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported that negotiations are ongoing and they continue to make progress.
Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported that the policy subcommittee last met on April 1 st and they are bringing forward the
following three policies for a first reading:
1. The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy on "Committee Membership —
Filling of Vacancies" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations) for a first reading.
The second reading will take place at our May 13, 2015 School Committee meeting and will require
a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee.
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2. The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy on "School Committee Officers —
Powers and Duties" (Section B: School Committee Governance and Operations) for a first reading.
The second reading will take place at our May 13, 2015 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote
of approval by the School Committee.
3. The Policy Review Subcommittee recommends the attached policy on "Relations with Non - Public
Schools" (Section L: Education Agency Relations) for a first reading. The second reading will take
place at our May 13, 2015 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
Community Engagement
Ms. Cesa reported that she had attended PTO meetings and two Massachusetts Association of School
Committees events. One on Chapter 70 funding and the other was a speaker, Jack Schneider whose
topic was Measuring School Success. Ms. Cesa said that it was a great presentation and that they
would like to have him speak in Beverly.
Mr. Kavanagh stated that he was away part of the month.
Ms. Silverstein reported she also attended the MASC Chapter 70 meetings, and continues attending the
Drug Task Force meeting and the Be Healthy Beverly opiate group. Ms. Silverstein noted that on May
6 the DA's opiate prevention presentation will be held at Beverly High School. She said they are
working on having Chris Herren to come to the high school in December. Ms. Silverstein said she also
attended the musical at the high school, all city band, Gloucester Crossing Neighborhood monthly
meeting, Last night Dr. Stember's presentation on childhood anxiety that the City -wide PTO hosted.
Ms. Silverstein said she was asked to come to the Beverly Bootstraps After School Homework Club and
teach calligraphy to the students. She commented that she was very honored to be invited there.
Ms. Visnick commented that she wore her "BevEd" hat to the Gloucester Crossing meeting to let them
know of the funding that exists around the laptops at the high school. Ms. Visnick said she also
attended the MASC Measuring School Success meeting commenting that we would like to bring that
speaker to the District. She stated she also attended several of the Family Math and Science Nights
and the Peabody Essex Museum BHS art exhibit. She told the committee that she went to Cell
Signaling with a report of how the money they have donated was spent and stated she has been invited
to Endicott College to learn how to make kaleidoscopes. Ms. Visnick stated she attended a YMCA
event with Dr. Hiersche and noted this summer the Y will be taking 60 of our first graders and will put
them in a program providing them some camp and education to try to combat the summer slide. Ms.
Visnick noted that the data from last year shows that this has really made a difference.
Mr. Manzi noted that the BHS musical was fabulous as always and he is looking forward to the
rescheduled start of the baseball season.
Mr. Manzo stated he attended the robotics competition at UMass Dartmouth, the Drama festival at the
Danversport Yacht Club and APR program at the Essex Museum. He stated he attended the Ward 2
meeting, high school art show at City Hall and tried to attend some of the athletic events.
Reminders:
Ayers Art work on display in City Hall, 1" floor
Hannah Science Fair next Thursday, April 16
SEPAC Resource Fair at Centerville School on April 30
New Business
None
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None present
Consider Executive Session
Mr. Kavanagh made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective
bargaining with union and non -union personnel and not to return to open session. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Cesa and a roll call vote was taken and resulted in the following:
Kris Silverstein — Yes Annemarie Cesa — Yes
David Manzi — Yes Lorinda Visnick — Yes
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Matthew Kavanagh — Yes Paul Manzo —Yes
Mayor Cahill — not in attendance.
Motion passed 6:0.
Motion to Adjourn
Ms. Cesa made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote
of 6:0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Draft of the March 11, 2015 Regular School Committee minutes
Overnight Field Trips Justification Form:
BHS German Exchange Program
2014 -2015 School District Calendar II
School Committee Meeting Schedule — Fall 2015
Global Child Summary
School Choice Numbers 2015 -2016
Policies: Summer School
Teaching Controversial Issues
School Volunteers
Committee Membership — Filling of Vacancies
School Committee Officers — Powers and Duties
Relations with Non - Public Schools