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2015-06-17BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Regular School Committee Meeting Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Beverly City Hall Beverly, Massachusetts A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, June 17, 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, Beverly High School Principal Sean Gallagher, Assistant Principal Dan Bauer, CW03 Thomas Smith, Michael Pellegrino, Math Educator, Social Studies Educators, John Riley and Kevin Leahy Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Kavanagh led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members Doug Walker, President, Anna Green, Vice- President, Catherine Barrett and Adam Winn, Treasurer of the Beverly Education Foundation presented a check to the School Committee and Dr. Hiersche. The $10,000 check was from a grant they received from the Institute for Savings to go towards the purchase of I -pads for the Briscoe Middle School. Dr. Hiersche and Mr. Manzo recognized the following retiring educators: Janet Egan — 21 years of service Jean Dowdell — 2 years of service Dale Miller Boutin —13 years of service Joanne Pappaceno -Bider — 26 years of service Mary Smith — 20 years of service Kathleen Trider — 8 years of service Paul Wysocki —14 years of service Jane Cohen —17 years of service Dr. Hiersche and Mr. Manzo recognized and thanked Oliver Muise for the time he put in serving as the 2014 -2015 Student Representative to the School Committee. Mr. Manzo, Dr. Hiersche and CW03 Smith recognized the following ROTC cadets for their participation in the National Drill Competition in Daytona Beach, Florida. The team placed a in the Open Level Color Guard Competition. William Center V Eryka Delano Brandi Duzz Madison Gauthier John Jacobsen Justin O'Connor Caitlin Ogiba Dr. Hiersche, Mr. Manzo and BHS Educators, Mr. Pellegrino and Mr. Riley recognized the following Beverly High School students for their participation in their 1 st Robotics competition which was held at UMass Dartmouth. The students were awarded the "Rookie Inspiration Award ". Maeve Blake George Fafard Pedro Freitas deAraujo Sydney Gallagher Andrew King Jason King Daniel Lee Daniel Lynch Sam Mattson Daniel Miley John Ryan Christian Short Bradley Spillert Ruicheng Xu Thomas Yarossi Dr. Hiersche and Mr. Manzo recognized Megan Sudak who has been chosen as a member of the Take Charge Today - National Master Educator Team. Dr. Hiersche and Mr. Manzo recognized Lyn Pilanen - Kudlik who has been chosen to sit on the focus group for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in Austin, Texas. Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items None Regular Meeting June 17, 2015 Page 2 of 5 Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Items None Approval of Meeting Records A motion was made by Mr. Kavanagh to approve the Regular School Committee meeting minutes from the May 20, 2015 meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved by a vote of 6:0. Report from Student Representative to the School Committee Oliver Muise reported the following events at Beverly High School: spring sports recently ended, finals begin next week and Best Buddies held their end of the year party today. The Eric West Memorial walk was held with donations going to cancer research and the Make -a -Wish Foundation. He reported that the Peer Leaders held a drunk driving awareness event. Communications from Committee Members Mr. Manzi reported a number of communications with regards to the great news about Briscoe Middle School student, Quinn Cunningham placing 1" at the state Science fair. Ms. Visnick reported she too received many celebration emails regarding Quinn Cunningham commenting on his great accomplishments. Ms. Visnick stated receiving emails regarding the participation rate at the "Up All Night" event. She stated we need to find a way to drive the attendance up. Ms. Silverstein reported hearing about "Up All Night" as well stating that even though it is not a school sponsored event it is a program we need to think about; how we could make it work better. Ms. Silverstein heard from a constituent in Ward 3 regarding the noise level on the basketball court which was referred to Dr. Hiersche, Mr. Gallagher as well as others who were attending to the issue. She reporting hearing concerns regarding concert etiquette and she noted people need to be mindful that if you need to leave the performance to please do so in between songs. Mr. Kavanagh commented on the high school graduation hearing from parents that they were very happy with how it all worked out. He also had good reports on the internship program stating that overall the sentiment was very positive. Ms. Cesa reported conflicts on the district calendar, heard about a bussing issue, the "Up All Night" party commenting the need to find a way to up the participation. Ms. Cesa said she had a communication regarding the 2015 -16 school calendar pertaining to the start of school. The parent asked why if Stn grade students have to be there on first day why don't they have to be there on the last day. Mr. Manzo stated receiving many of the same comments about the "Up All Night" party, positive feedback on graduation noting that the high school staff had done a great job. He also reported hearing about some issues at the high school with the various paces of work; some students are still up to their neck in work while others kicking back. Mr. Manzo said he has questions about report cards, course selections and the sailing program. Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche 1. BHS Overnight Field Trip — Kevin Leahy Kevin Leahy addressed the committee asking for approval of his proposed overnight field trip to Ireland April 12 — 22, 2016. Mr. Leahy was asked about the cost of the trip stating it would be approximately $3500. Ms. Cesa asked about the post trip activities. Mr. Leahy responded that there would be much discussion in class and the students would do some writing about the trip. Ms. Visnick inquired about fundraising and Mr. Leahy noted that ACIS (travel agent) provides fundraising opportunities for students and he stated he would like to try setting up a "Go Fund Me" page for the students. A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the overnight field trip to Ireland, April 12 — 22, 2016. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 7:0. 2. Report on BHS Senior Internship Program — Sean Gallagher Principal Sean Gallagher and Assistant Principal Dan Bauer provided a summary of the Senior Internship program. Mr. Gallagher talked about the 5 year process it took to get to this point. He pointed out that BevCam is working with the students doing a show on the internship program. Mr. Gallagher said that this was the first year they implemented the program with 268 students involved. Mr. Bauer extended his appreciation and thanks to a number of the staff members involved in the work and research to bring this project together. Mr. Bauer talked about the panel interviews where the student had 15 minutes to present to the teachers (panel) about their internship. Mr. Bauer stated that some of the site guides were in attendance to speak about the internship program, their intern and Regular Meeting June 17, 2015 Page 3 of 5 how the program benefited them. Mr. Gallagher introduced site guides from Osram Sylvania, Spaulding Rehab, Beverly Police Department and Change is Simple, Inc. as well as the interns themselves who spoke about their experience. 3. FY16 Budget Update Dr. Hiersche reported that they presented the FY16 Budget to City Council on June 10, 2015 and now they are just waiting for City Council to take action and a vote on June 22, 2015. Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo 1. Middle School Building Project Update Mr. Manzo reported that work continues with the OPM and Ai3 towards the completion of the Feasibility Study. At the building committee working meeting held on May 25, 2015 Ai3, Heery and Agostini & Bacon reported that they are working to complete the schematic design for submission this will be followed by a more detailed design phase in the fall. Mr. Manzo stated they discussed the budget and demolition of the Memorial Building they also received design photos. Dr. Hiersche said the photos were potential design pictures. The photos showed interior and exterior which included some wood, not as much as originally thought. 2. Superintendent Evaluation Update Mr. Manzo reported that the small working group consisting of Ms. Silverstein, Mr. Kavanagh, himself, Dr. Hiersche and Assistant Superintendent Sue Charochak have created a draft evaluation form. He stated that Dr. Hiersche has provided the group with a self - evaluation summary. Mr. Manzo said he hopes to have the evaluation instrument and Dr. Hiersche's goals available at the Committee of the Whole meeting next week. 3. 2015 Joint MASC /MASS Conference Mr. Manzo stated he was asked to provide an update on the 2015 MASC /MASS conference with regards to funding. There was a discussion about who should attend. Ms. Visnick stated she felt this is a very valuable conference. Ms. Visnick went on to say with the possibility of three new school committee members it would be of more value if they attend. The committee was in agreement and also that the Committee should take advantage of the early registration to save money. Ms. Silverstein also brought to their attention the Spring National Conference that is held in Boston and thought the Committee should consider if they want to send someone to that. Ms. Visnick said that she feels it is important that the information gathered at these conferences be shared with the members who do not attend and stated we need to have a plan to do that. 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 stated he reported on that at the May 20, 2015 School Committee meeting. Mr. Manzi stated that the next Finance and Facilities Committee will meet on June 24, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Beverly High School Library. Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Kris Silverstein, Chairperson Ms. Silverstein reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee did not meet in June. She reported their next meeting will take place on September 2, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Building. Ms. Silverstein stated that one of the citizen representatives had to step down because they moved and the CISL Committee is looking for a replacement. She said if anyone is interested in serving as a citizen rep for the sub - committee to please contact her or Mr. Manzo. Mr. Manzo said they could also send a letter to the Superintendent's Office. 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 "Fund Raising" (Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved by a vote of 7:0. Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson Mr. Kavanagh reported that negotiations are still ongoing with two units left and he is optimistic that they may resolve them prior to the end of the school year. Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson Ms. Cesa said she had nothing to report. Regular Meeting June 17, 2015 Page 4 of 5 Fee Study Group Ms. Visnick reported that yesterday was the first meeting for the Fee Study Group. She reported that Ms. Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations had pulled together a large amount of data but there is more work that needs to be done. Ms. Visnick said that they scoped the project yesterday, took some things off of the list and Ms. Sherburne will gather some more data for their next meeting. Community Engagement Ms. Cesa reported that she had attended two city council meetings and viewed the art show downstairs. She said she also attended the Hannah PTO meeting. Mr. Kavanagh commented on the high school graduation noting that it was well done and hearing that parents and students were pleased with how it went. Ms. Silverstein reported she has been very busy with drug task force meetings both the Mayors' and the Be Healthy Beverly Opiate Group. She stated that the Be Healthy Beverly group is hoping to have some presence at the Homecoming. Ms. Silverstein said she attended the Gloucester Crossing event with people from Lahey speaking to parents about drugs. She attended the North Beverly PTO meeting as well as numerous musical events; Memorial Day Parade and the honors band in Wakefield which she reported some of our students participate in, all city jazz band, the Boys of Summer at Lynch Park and the BHS Alumni art show. Ms. Visnick attended graduation, City Council presentations, Walk to School day at Ayers and the ROTC Memorial Day program at Beverly High. She also attended Centerville's Field Day, the Wog- a -Thon at Centerville, and the Riley Rocks Hands Across Beverly. Ms. Visnick stated that coming up is Mark's Mile on Friday and Team Teddy on Saturday. She said she attended a meeting of the North Shore Technology Council and reported that BevEd and Susan Richmond applied for another grant for composting. Mr. Manzi reported he had the opportunity to attend the Memorial Day Parade and he noted that the turn- out was extraordinary. Mayor Cahill stated he attended the Ayers School performance of Julius Caesar commenting on what a great job the student had done. He went on to report attending the Famous Figures in History Wax Museum put on by the T d graders at the Hannah School, the Cove School Vernal Pool Science lesson and participated in the graduation. Mr. Manzo reflected on being a member of the school committee, participating in the Beverly High School graduation and the many other events this past month commenting that there is nothing thankless about this job. He stated he got to attend a number of baseball games, underclass awards at BHS and band awards presentation where he and Ms. Silverstein were asked to hand out awards and attended the band concert at Lynch Park. New Business Ms. Cesa would like to have a conversation regarding alcohol on overnight field trips added to the August agenda. Ms. Visnick asked about the decision being made for the start of the 2015 -2016 school year. She commented that if we can't stager the days the 6 th and 9 th grade students start was the decision made to possibly staggering times. Dr. Hiersche stated that the high school looking at doing a virtual day for 9 th graders with moodle. He stated he has not heard yet from the middle school at this point. Ms. Visnick also requested an update on safety, which Mr. Manzo stated he would add to the June 24, 2015 Committee of the Whole agenda. 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: Lorinda Visnick — Yes Matthew Kavanagh — Yes Mayor Cahill — Yes Annemarie Cesa— Yes Kris Silverstein — Yes Paul Manzo —Yes David Manzi — Yes Regular Meeting June 17, 2015 Page 5 of 5 Motion passed 7:0. Motion to Adjourn Ms. Cesa made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Annemarie Cesa, Secretary Beverly School Committee Documents Reviewed at the meeting: Draft of the May 20, 2015 Regular School Committee minutes Overnight Field Trips Justification Form: BHS Ireland Overnight Field Trip Information Policies: Fund Raising Revised 2014 -2015 Standards of Practice, Norms and Protocols