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2015-09-09BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Regular School Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 9, 2015 Beverly City Hall Beverly, Massachusetts A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 in Council Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA. Members Present: David Manzi, Kris Silverstein, Paul Manzo, Matthew Kavanagh and Lorinda Visnick. Annemarie Cesa, Mayor Cahill (arrived 7:20pm) 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, Beverly High School Principal Sean Gallagher, Julia Brotherton, Beverly High School Social Studies Educator Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. Bergeron led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members Dr. Hiersche, Mr. Manzo and Mr. Gallagher recognized Paula Borsetti, Beverly High School Art Educator, who was selected "Teacher of the Week" by the Director of Marketing at FreshGrade. Ms. Borsetti was the first teacher in Massachusetts to win this recognition. 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 Ms. Silverstein to approve the Regular School Committee meeting minutes from the August 26, 2015 meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 6:0. A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the Committee of the Whole minutes from the June 24, 2015 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 6:0. A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the Committee of the Whole minutes from the July 1, 2015 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0 with one correction. Report from Student Representative to the School Committee None Communications from Committee Members Mr. Manzi reported communications with regards to Hurd Stadium and the middle school. Ms. Visnick reported communications on Hurd, on bussing and how we measure distance to and from schools, lack of books at a particular school and a personnel issue which she stated she spoke with Dr. Hiersche about. Ms. Visnick reported receiving a boosters /fundraising question and reported hearing comments with regards to the start of the school year. Ms. Silverstein reported the same communications as Ms. Visnick. Mr. Kavanagh echoed hearing about the middle school. Ms. Cesa reported communications on the school calendar and the number of days off in September, the high school schedule and transportation. She also received communications regarding sports and ongoing issues with the boosters. Regular Meeting September 9, 2015 Page 2 of 5 Mr. Manzo stated he too received communications on Hurd Stadium, middle school and transportation which he forwarded to administration. He also heard comments on opening day. Report from Superintendent Dr. Hiersche 1. Overnight Field Trip — Nancy Ronan and Julia Brotherton Dr. Hiersche introduced Julia Brotherton informing the School Committee that Ms. Brotherton is co- president of the Beverly Teacher's Association. He stated that she is in attendance to request approval of the BHS overnight field trip to Brown University, Providence, RI. Ms. Brotherton stated that the trip is projected to take place November 6 — 8, 2015 and that they are hoping to take 10 to 12 students. A motion was made by Ms. Cesa to approve the overnight field trip to Brown University, Providence, RI on November 6-8, 2015. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 7:0. 2. Opening of Schools Dr. Hiersche reported on the opening day with teachers and paraprofessionals noting the enthusiasm and excitement. Dr. Hiersche acknowledged and thanked Nancy Antolini, Food Service Director and her staff for the hot breakfast they prepared and served. Dr. Hiersche reported that schools opened on Tuesday for students stating it was nice to ease back in with three and four day weeks to start. Dr. Hiersche stated that the classrooms and schools were in great shape offering kudos to the custodial staff. He reported on Beverly High School's virtual day commenting that Mr. Gallagher will provide a report to the Committee when he has all the information compiled. Dr. Hiersche reported on a positive start for Briscoe and the incoming 6th grade students. Dr. Hiersche did speak to the calendar conflict issues noting that at recent meetings administration and leadership reviewed and re- arranged a few of the upcoming events. Ms. Cesa had noted a few conflicts that she had concerns with, which Dr. Hiersche addressed. Dr. Hiersche stated with the new web site it is easier to see upcoming events and hopefully will help in avoiding conflicts but commented that the dilemma we have is that we are an extremely active district. 3. Student Representative to the School Committee Dr. Hiersche stated that he and Mr. Manzo have been talking about and reviewing the responsibilities of the student representative. He stated that they are looking for a different commitment from the student representative going forward. He said that they would like the student representative not just reporting but actively participating. Dr. Hiersche reported that Oliver Muise will be coming back as student representative at next months meeting. Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo 1. Middle School Building Project Update Mr. Manzo provided an update on the middle school project noting the completion of the feasibility study. He stated that at the public hearing last evening over thirty people spoke mostly in favor of the middle school project. Mr. Manzo reported that a special meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2015 to vote on the Middle School Building Project. He stated, that if the project is approved the demolition of the Memorial Building would begin late fall /early winter with an opening date for the new school still on target for September, 2018. Mr. Manzo stated that the next Middle School Building Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, 6:30 p.m. Beverly High School Library. 2. Standards of Practice, Norms and Protocols Mr. Manzo stated that the Committee reviewed the Standards of Practice, Norms and Protocols in August. He stated he will be circulating a clean copy for signatures and that it will be posted to the web site. 3. Superintendent Evaluation Mr. Manzo reported on the Superintendent Evaluation stating he was a part of a small working group which included: Ms. Silverstein, Mr. Kavanagh, Assistant Superintendent Sue Charochak and Regular Meeting September 9, 2015 Page 3 of 5 Superintendent Dr. Hiersche who worked together to create the evaluation tool. Mr. Manzo reported that the committee reviewed and submitted their individual evaluations of the superintendent which resulted in the following summary. Mr. Manzo reported that the superintendent was evaluated on a set of goals determined by the superintendent, which included the professional practice goal, student learning goal and two separate district improvement goals. Mr. Manzo reported that in addition the committee also surveyed the level of proficiency of the four standards mandated by the Department of Education. They included: Instructional Leadership, Management and Operations, Family and Community Engagement and Professional Culture. Performance was assessed and based on all responses and, Mr. Manzo stated, the superintendent was found to be proficient on all standards. Mr. Manzo summarized the assessments and shared some of the member's written comments. At this time Mr. Manzo asked School Committee members if they would like to share their comments. A motion was made by Mr. Kavanagh to increase the superintendent's salary by two (2 %) percent $3,400. The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill. The committee members had a lengthy conversation regarding the increase expressing their pros and cons of the motion. Ms. Visnick stated she worries that when looking at the budget long term when we open the middle school we won't be able to have the resources to run the school the way we envision. She also commented that there are things in our budget not being done and feels the expectation is on the PTO's. Ms. Visnick talked about the lack of grant money coming into the district. Mr. Manzi stated he felt this first year is very much a transition year. He stated he feels Dr. Hiersche's compensation is fair when you compare with other districts. He stated he agreed to Dr. Hiersche's salary, at that time, because he wanted the long term commitment. Mr. Manzi stated he would lean towards next year and adjust it accordingly. Ms. Silverstein stated she is in favor of the 2% increase. She said that it is not huge amount but it shows that we have faith in our superintendent and are committed to the longevity of the superintendent remaining in the district. She said it is not fair to award everyone else in the district and not the superintendent. Mr. Kavanagh stated that when negotiating the original contract he did a lot of research. He commented that one of the things that is not always transparent when looking at other districts are the benefits, which are significant. He stated that we had agreed not to include benefits. Mr. Kavanagh said he feels Dr. Hiersche deserves an increase and he is fully in support of it. Ms. Cesa stated that she is not in favor of the increase. She said that she was under the impression that the amount agreed upon would be for a couple of years. She commented that although it is only 2% it is much greater amount than 2% of the teacher's salary. She feels that the SC should look at it a year out. Mayor Cahill stated that he thinks the superintendent's performance merits a pay increase and his leadership has been outstanding. The Mayor commented that if he thought we could not afford a 2% pay raise he would not support it but feels at this time we can. Mr. Manzi reiterated Ms. Cesa's comments that 2% is a lot different for someone depending where you are on the pay scale. Mayor Cahill elaborated on his point stating that we have an outstanding school district and we are looking to take it to the next level and feels Dr. Hiersche will do that. Mr. Manzo said there was a motion on the table to approve a 2% ($3,400) raise for the superintendent. He asked for a show of hands of those in favor. In favor: Mayor Cahill, Ms. Silverstein, Mr. Manzo and Mr. Kavanagh Opposed: Mr. Manzi, Ms. Visnick and Ms. Cesa Motion passed 4:3 Regular Meeting September 9, 2015 page 4 of 5 Committee Reports Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on June 24, 2015 which was reported on at the August 26, 2015 School Committee meeting. He stated that the next meeting of the Finance and Facilities Committee is scheduled for September 16, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the McKeown School. Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Kris Silverstein, Chairperson Ms. Silverstein reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee met on September 2, 2015. She reported the committee received information from Assistant Superintendent Charochak on the summer programs: Summer Literacy program, Camp Inventions, summer school and the summer lunch program. She stated that Ms. Charochak also provided a schedule of upcoming professional development, summer academy as well as the assessment calendar for 2015 -2016. Ms. Silverstein stated that she was bringing forward the following two policies for a first reading. 1. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy on "Day Trips and Overnight (Domestic) Field Trips" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our October 14, 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 "Foreign (Out -of- Country) Trips and Foreign Exchange Programs" (Section I: Instruction) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our October 14, 2015 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 in the McKeown Building, Room 103. Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson Mr. Kavanagh reported that there are currently no scheduled meetings but the committee does have some negotiations left to pursue. Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson Ms. Cesa stated she had nothing to report. Community Engagement Ms. Cesa attended dedication of the Memorial Walk -way at the high school where they have dedicated a bench in her son Andrew's name. She commented that it meant the world to her family and it was a very nice event. Mr. Kavanagh went to the open house and stated the high school did an excellent job. Ms. Silverstein stated she attended the teacher lunch commenting how great it is to be among the new teachers. Ms. Visnick stated she attended the dedication ceremony and part of the high school open house. Ms. Visnick offered kudos on the high school registration process stating she can't say enough good things about it. Ms. Visnick said she also attended the Centerville school clean -up, North Beverly ice bucket challenge, and opening day at the Centerville School. Mr. Manzi attended the dedication ceremony and public hearing. Mayor Cahill reported attending the dedication ceremony. He stated he ran into the British soccer team and ended up taking them on an impromptu tour of the high school. Mayor Cahill also reported checking on different locations in preparation for a smooth, safe opening of the schools. Mayor Cahill stated that he was at Lynch Park the last day of camp and had a chance to interact with some of the camp counselors and kids. Mr. Manzo stated he attended the dedication ceremony complimenting the high school chorus and ROTC. He said he also attended the opening day ceremony and spent time at Cove School on the first day. New Business None Regular Meeting September 9, 2015 Page 5 of 5 Opportunity for Questions from the Press None present Consider Executive Session Motion to Adjourn Ms. Cesa made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 7:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Annemarie Cesa, Secretary Beverly School Committee Documents Reviewed at the meeting: Minutes for approval: August 26, 2015 Regular School Committee minutes June 24, 2015 Committee of the Whole minutes July 1, 2015 Committee of the Whole minutes Overnight Field Trips Justification Form: Brown University, Providence, RI Revised 2014 -2015 Standards of Practice, Norms & Protocols 2014 -2015 End -of -Cycle Superintendent Summative Evaluation Report Policies for a first reading: Day Trips and Overnight (Domestic) Field Trips Foreign (Out -of- Country) Trips and Foreign Exchange Programs