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