2015-05-20BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Beverly High School Library
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 in the Beverly High
School Library, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: David Manzi, Annemarie Cesa, Kris Silverstein, Paul Manzo, Lorinda Visnick, and
Mayor Cahill
Not in Attendance: Matthew Kavanagh
Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Suzanne Charochak, Assistant
Superintendent, Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operation, Donna
Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the School Committee, Sean Gallagher,
Beverly High School Principal, James Coffey, Athletic Director, Joanna Lloyd,
English /Media Beverly High School, Kristen Marescalchi, Business/Technology
Educator, Matthew Poska, Briscoe Middle School Principal, Maribeth Rodolico-
Linskey, Spanish Educator Beverly High School
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Dr. Hiersche led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Dr. Hiersche, Paul Manzo and James Coffey extended their congratulations to Dave Wilbur, BHS Baseball Coach
recognizing him as the recipient of the 2015 MIAA Baseball Coach of the Year Award.
Dr. Hiersche, Paul Manzo and James Coffey recognized Allison Flynn who was named "Coach of the Year" for the Girls
Basketball team.
Dr. Hiersche, Paul Manzo and James Coffey congratulated and recognized the Beverly High School students who were
named NEC Winter All- Stars, "Salem Evening News All Stars and "Selected to the Senior National Gymnastics Team:
Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Boys Ice Hockey
Gavin Sparkman Melissa Lubas' Jesse MacLaughlin
Ashley Augulewicz Brendan Boyle
Natalie Mellinger Ted Leathersich
Girls Ice Hockey
Wrestling
Gymnastics
Anna Hayden'
Ahmad Alshrafi
Heather Gomes "
Rachel Spencer
Austin Beaulieu
Kate Jackimowicz
Isabel Straw
Christian Echevarria'
Brittany Berlaux
Terrance Saye
Hannah Rennie "
Nick Shairs
Swimming
Boys Indoor Track
Girls Indoor Track
Sarah Welch
Bryan Flaherty
Abby Walsh
Kris Soot
Julia Curtin
Nicole Welch
Lexi Sutyak
Astrid Swensen
Danielle Berlaux
Andrea Higggins
Julianna Wesley
Mia Swensen
Julianna Devitt
Brendan Ward
Grace Sparkman
Haylea Northcott
Nora Monahan
Natalie Coughlin
Dr. Hiersche, Paul Manzo and Lyn Pilanen - Kudlik congratulated and recognized the following senior Officers from the
Beverly High School Band and Chorus:
Katya Van Anderlecht Alex Walsh Lilly Povey Natalie Paicopolis
Maddie Thomas Joseph Burt Nicole Lewis Melena Schug
Regular Meeting
May 20, 2015
Page 2 of 6
Dr. Hiersche, Paul Manzo and Principal Sean Gallagher congratulated and recognized Beverly High School's Valedictorian,
Jason King and Salutatorians, Katie Ryder and Sophie Claus.
Dr. Hiersche, Paul Manzo, Principal Sean Gallagher and Kristen Marescalchi, Business Technology Educator recognized the
following DECA students whose projects achieved top 10 statuses at the International Career Development Conference:
Haley Martwichuck Dana Martin Sydney Gallagher Maeve Blake
Dr. Hiersche, Paul Manzo and Media Educator, Joanna Lloyd recognized the following Beverly High School students who
received awards and honorable mentions at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences:
Emily Auday Allie Clancy Daniel Lee John Suminsby
Aaron Van Cleef Carissa Angelo Paige Rotondo Kayla Ostrowski
Lauren DiPietro Rachel Gentile Hannah Tsukroff
Dr. Hiersche, Paul Manzo and Principal Matthew Poska recognized Briscoe Middle School student, Quinn Cunningham who
received 2 nd place for his Science project at Briscoe Middle School's Science Fair and is moving on to states.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
Sara Sallese, 24 Shortell Avenue, Beverly addressed the School Committee regarding full -day kindergarten.
She stated that while she is aware that free full day kindergarten will not be in the 2015 -2016 budget she
proposed that the committee consider a tuition rate reduction.
Jim Younger, 32 Butman Street, Beverly, Vice - President and Chair of the Social Committee at Temple B'Nai
Abraham (TBA) addressed the committee with regards to the 2015 -2016 school district calendar. Mr. Younger
thanked the School Committee and Administration for their thoughtful deliberation and for not sacrificing two
very holy days in future calendars.
Michelle Curreri, 3 Eagle Lane, Beverly addressed the School Committee imploring them, the Administration
and Mayor Cahill to rethink this year's graduation. She stated that although graduation has not always been
held at Hurd Stadium it has been in the recent past. Ms. Curreri noted that the City received the report back in
February about the bleachers at Hurd but the Finance and Facilities sub - committee failed to bring it to School
Committee of the Whole. Ms. Curreri stated that the community did not hear about the status of Hurd Stadium
until April 11. She stated that although they continued to ask where the graduation would be held they heard
about the location on social media through a Facebook post from Paul Guanci. Ms. Curreri stated that this is
not acceptable and that these students deserve better. She stated that the School Committee and
Administration has had four months to come up with an alternative. Ms. Curreri said that the Class of 2015
should not be sacrificed.
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 Regular School Committee meeting minutes from the April 8,
2015 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Not in Attendance
Communications from Committee Members
All members reported receiving communications with regards to free full -day kindergarten, 2015 -2016 school
calendar and where the high school graduation will take place.
Mr. Manzi reported he also received a communication regarding the recent secure room alert at BHS.
Ms. Visnick said she also received communications on foreign language options for 12' grade and fees in
general.
Ms. Silverstein reported receiving communications from a few people responding to the middle school article in
the paper and from constituents in favor of the 5 -8 grade configuration. She reported hearing from a
constituent about the Safe Home Program, which Ms. Silverstein reported they are working on trying to
revitalize this program at Beverly High School.
Ms. Cesa reported communications regarding the religious holiday and foreign language. She also had request
to move public voting out of the schools. Ms. Cesa also heard from a constituent concerned that when we
Regular Meeting
May 20, 2015
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build the new middle school that we have accommodations for students with visual and auditory disabilities.
Mr. Manzo reported hearing feedback on the letter he and Dr. Hiersche wrote for the newspaper article on the
progress of the Middle School Building Project. He also received a couple of athletic program concerns which
he forwarded to Sean Gallagher and Dr. Hiersche.
Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche
1. Spain Overnight Field Trip
Dr. Hiersche asked Maribeth Rodolico - Linskey to address the School Committee regarding her overnight
fieldtrip to Spain proposed to take place April 13 — 21, 2016. Ms. Rodolico - Linskey reported that last year's trip
was fabulous and she has had many requests to schedule another trip. Ms. Rodolico - Linskey stated that this
is the same trip, same company but that it is $300 to $400 less expensive because they are booking the trip
earlier. Mr. Manzo asked how many students have signed up to go. Ms. Rodolico - Linskey said she has 14
students. She was asked about doing this as a foreign exchange. Ms. Rodolico - Linskey said the issue is that
the Spanish students want to come here in the summer and finding host families is a challenge. Ms. Visnick
suggested speaking with other groups such as the Rotary. Ms. Rodolico - Linskey stated that she will look into
it.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the overnight field trip to Spain, April 13 —16, 2016. The motion
was seconded by Mayor Cahill and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
1. Approval of the FY16 Budget by Cost Center
Mr. Manzo stated that he had one action item for the Committee and requested approval of the FY16 Budget
by Cost Center as follows:
Ayers $2,876,670
Mr. Manzi
motion
2 nd
Ms. Silverstein
Centerville $2,131,508
Ms. Visnick
motion
2 nd
Ms. Cesa
Cove $2,848,302
Ms. Visnick
motion
2 nd
Ms. Silverstein
Hannah $2,599,900
Ms. Cesa
motion
2 nd
Mr. Manzi
No. Beverly $2,597,134
Ms. Silverstein motion
2 nd
Ms. Visnick
Briscoe $6,719,469
Ms. Cesa
motion
2 nd
Mr. Manzi
BHS $7,837,033
Ms. Visnick
motion
2 nd
Ms. Silverstein
Admin $933,532
Ms. Cesa
motion
2 nd
Mr. Manzi
McKeown Pre -K $854,207
Ms. Cesa
motion
2 nd
Ms. Silverstein
Memorial $246,201
Mr. Manzi
motion
2 nd
Ms. Visnick
Bldgs &Grds $1,115,164
Mr. Manzi
motion
2 nd
Ms. Silverstein
Non - Instruc. $1,126,018
Ms. Cesa
motion
2 nd
Mr. Manzi
Other Ins $10,561,913
Ms. Visnick
motion
2 nd
Ms. Silverstein
SPED $8,557,039
Ms. Cesa
motion
2 nd
Ms. Silverstein
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
Approved by a vote of 6:0
A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the total FY16 Budget in the amount of $51,004,090. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Mr. Manzo stated that this is the budget that Dr. Hiersche and Ms. Sherburne will present to the Mayor
on June 10 for approval.
2. Middle School Building Project Update
Mr. Manzo provided the committee with an update on the Middle School Building Project. He stated that they
continue working with the Owners Project Manager (OPM) to complete the required feasibility study. Mr.
Manzo stated that the building committee has met twice since the last School Committee meeting. At the
April 14, 2015 meeting they discussed financing. Mr. Manzo reported that the Director of Municipal
Finances, Bryant Ayles stated that we need to be mindful of the cost of the proposed middle school project
while minimizing the impact of additional municipal debt and current and future city services. The design
team also outlined updates to preliminary future schematic designs. Mr. Manzo reported at the May 12,
2015 meeting the group discussed the option of using wood frame. He stated there would be a 25% savings
in material cost and reduced construction time while having a modern state of the art middle school with
Regular Meeting
May 20, 2015
Page 4 of 6
natural materials. The designer also addressed safety and durability concerns of the wood construction. Mr.
Manzo reported they are also interviewing construction managers. Mayor Cahill stated that they have in fact
hired the construction manager. Mayor Cahill said that the construction manager will be meeting with the
architect and OPM to be brought up to date with the project.
3. Superintendent Evaluation Update
Mr. Manzo reported that he along with Ms. Silverstein and Mr. Kavanagh have met with Dr. Hiersche and
Assistant Superintendent, Sue Charochak to discuss the superintendent evaluation tool. He noted that there
are four standards used to evaluate the Superintendent in addition a subset of 20 indicators and 41
elements. Dr. Hiersche will now review his goals and create a self - evaluation for School Committee
members to use to evaluate his performance. Mr. Manzo said they hope to get this under way in a few days.
Mr. Manzo reminded the School Committee of the upcoming retreat on May 27, 2015 in the Memorial
Building. He stated they will be discussing Norms and Protocols.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on May 13, 2015 and received a fiscal
budget review on revenues and expenses from Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations. Mr.
Manzi also reported that the independent audit conducted by Powers and Sullivan had no finding and
congratulated Ms. Sherburne.
Mr. Manzi stated that the next Finance and Facilities meeting is scheduled for June 24, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the
BHS Library.
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 29,
2015. She reported hearing from Beverly's Council on Aging regarding the community engagement project they
are doing. They heard about the inter - generational activities that are taking place between the senior citizens
and our high school students: senior breakfast club, dance, internship, game nights, nutrition classes and more.
Ms. Silverstein stated they received a presentation of the elementary handbooks noting there were only two
new items: the first change is in the EEC Program. She stated that this will be a pilot program with Grade 3
students remaining in their buildings and EEC coming to them. There will be no cost for the Grade 3 students.
Grades 4 and 5 will remain the same. The second change is to the Fine Arts and Instrumental Music program.
Ms. Silverstein said they will be offering band and adding 4th grade to the band program.
Ms. Silverstein stated that she is bringing forward the following three policies for a second reading and one
policy for a first reading:
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 "Summer School" (Section I:
Instruction). The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa 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 "Teaching Controversial
Issues" (Section I: Instruction). The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of
6:0.
3. 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 "School Volunteers" (Section I:
Instruction). The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved by a vote of 6:0.
4. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy
on "Fund Raising" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our
June 17 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 June 10, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Memorial Building.
Regular Meeting
May 20, 2015
Page 5 of 6
Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported that all school committee members received a copy of the signed Cafeteria contract in their
packets. Mr. Manzo stated that the Unit B contract is being presented tonight for approval.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the Unit B contract. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and
approved by a vote of 6:0.
Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa reported that the policy subcommittee is bringing forward the following three policies for a second
reading:
1. Upon the recommendation of the Policy Review Subcommittee a motion was made by Ms. Cesa to
approve the attached policy on "Committee Membership — Filling of Vacancies" (Section B: School
Committee Governance and Operations). The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi 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 on "School Committee Officers — Powers and Duties" (Section B: School
Committee Governance and Operations). The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein 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 "Relations with Non - Public Schools" (Section L: Education Agency
Relations). The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Community Engagement
Ms. Cesa reported attending some of the art shows at City Hall commenting on the great work done by the
students.
Ms. Silverstein reported attending the Essex Technical School advisory meeting and a week after that was
invited back to view the senior portfolios in the Health Technician Program. She stated how impressive the
student portfolios are. Ms. Silverstein said she has attended the Middle School Building meetings. She
stated she has been working hard with Mayor's drug task force, attending a meeting with Mayor Cahill with
Marylou Sudders, Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). Ms. Silverstein
said she and Ms. Visnick attended a presentation at the Gloucester Library on the substance use navigation
project and stated she has connected them with the Gloucester Crossing Group. She stated she also talked
to them about possibly meeting with our PTO's in the fall. Ms. Silverstein said she attended Beverly High
School's National Honor Society induction.
Ms. Visnick said she had attended the Family Promise event at Danversport Yatch Club which helps homeless
families. She stated she also attended Centerville's art display at City Hall, PTO meeting, and the Walk to
School Day. Ms. Visnick reported that Centerville held waste -free Friday and she's been discussing share
tables again. Also at Centerville Ms. Visnick attended the open house, spring fling and their last Family Math
and Science Night of the school year. Ms. Visnick said she went to the Middle School Building meetings,
drug information meeting, BHS PTSO, National Honor Society Induction and the fundraiser for the
Destination Imagination team. She reported the Beverly Education Foundation committee met with Dr.
Hiersche.
David Manzi stated he attended a couple of middle school building meetings and the varsity high school
baseball games.
Mayor Cahill stated he and Brant Ayles met with several leading MSBA officials to advocate for an increase in
the building construction cap. Mayor Cahill stated he is hoping when they take a look at the building
construction participation level they will make an increase to that amount. Mayor Cahill commented on the
meeting that he and Ms. Silverstein attended with Secretary Sudders (EOHHS) noting that she is one of the
co- chairs of the Governor's Task Force.
Mr. Manzo said he attended many of the same including Day on the Hill with Ms. Visnick and Ms. Silverstein,
Beverly Teacher's Association Retirement reception, Briscoe play Aladdin, the elementary strings concert
and a few junior varsity baseball games.
Reminders:
June 3` Ayers Spring Walk to School Day
Regular Meeting
May 20, 2015
Page 6 of 6
New Business
None
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None present
Consider Executive Session
Motion to Adjourn
Ms. Visnick made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of
6:0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Draft of the April 8, 2015 Regular School Committee minutes
Overnight Field Trips Justification Form:
BHS Spain
FY16 Budget Approval by Cost Center
Policies: Summer School
Teaching Controversial Issues
School Volunteers
Fund Raising
Committee Membership — Filling of Vacancies
School Committee Officers — Powers and Duties
Relations with Non - Public Schools