2015-10-14BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 in
Council Chambers at City Hall, Beverly, MA.
Members Present: David Manzi, Kris Silverstein, Paul Manzo, Matthew Kavanagh, Lorinda
Visnick, Annemarie Cesa, and Mayor Cahill (arrived 8:20 pm)
Also in Attendance: 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 to the School Committee, Sean Gallagher, Beverly High
School Principal, Matthew Poska, Briscoe Middle School Principal, Emily
Rockwell, Coordinator of Child Welfare and Attendance
Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Manzi led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
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 Mr. Manzi to approve the Regular School Committee meeting minutes from the
September 9, 2015 meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Mr. Oliver Muise reported on the following events at Beverly High School: a very successful virtual first
day of school, noting the possibility of conducting a virtual day on snow days, the Memorial Walk -Way
dedication in August and the September 16 visit and presentation from the Medal of Honor recipients.
Oliver also reported that in student leadership a select group, himself included, and had been invited to
attend three leadership trainings.
Communications from Committee Members
Ms. Cesa reported on a communication from a constituent whose concern was whether or not the school
department was being compensated from the church that uses the North Beverly School.
Mr. Kavanagh reported communications on Cove School class sizes and referred that person to the
Superintendent's office.
Ms. Silverstein reported no communications.
Ms. Visnick reported the same North Beverly School communication. She also received a
communication asking what we are doing in our classrooms relative to materials; whether we are asking
our students to access online materials and should the family not have internet access how is that being
handled.
Mr. Manzi also received the same communication on North Beverly School and on Hurd Stadium.
Mr. Manzo reported the same communication on North Beverly. He stated that there is no conflict of
interest nor is it a separation of church and state. He stated that the building is being rented for this use.
Mr. Manzo said he received concerns about a bus route which he referred to the Superintendent, class
sizes at Cove School and reported receiving a question about the equity of the STEM programs at the
elementary level.
Ms. Visnick said she also had a bus stop concern and reported that it was taken care of.
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October 14, 2015
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Report from Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Charochak
1. Beverly High School — Virtual First Day
Ms. Charochak reported that Beverly High School's Virtual First Day is an action item. Ms.
Charochak reported that a summary of the results, which includes: freshman attendance, Grades
10 -12 virtual day sign in, percentage of students completing the assignment and the survey of what
the students thought of the Virtual Day were included in packets. Mr. Gallagher was in attendance
to discuss the survey and answer school committee questions.
School Committee Member's questions regarding the summary:
- Ms. Cesa - What was the reason 10% didn't like the virtual day? Also Ms. Cesa asked about the
possibility of virtual days when we have snow days.
Mr. Gallagher stated the 10% was mostly seniors because going forward they don't want to
have virtual days on snow days. Mr. Gallagher stated that DESE is looking at virtual days
but no decisions have been made going forward.
- Ms. Silverstein — Is this vote just approving this one virtual day. Ms. Charochak explained that
the Committee's approval of this virtual day is for approving compliance purposes and structured
learning within our district. Ms. Silverstein asked Mr. Gallagher if there were a high number of
students who had difficulty logging on.
Mr. Gallagher stated approximately 17.
- Ms. Visnick - Of the number of students in Grades 10 -12 that did not participate — why and
specifically, of students who are not enrolled in the one to one laptop program? She stated she
would like to see some data on the students who do not have computers and use the BHS
loaners. Also, how did the message get to those students?
Mr. Gallagher stated that a Connect -ed call went out, also students were told they could
come to the school and that hard copies were available as well.
A motion was made by Ms. Cesa that the School Committee approves the District's Virtual First Day
for grades 10 -12 as structures learning time. The Virtual Day will be included in the required 990
hours of student learning time and will be conducted as one full day of the required 180 day school
year schedule. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kavanagh and approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. October 1, 2015 Enrollments
Ms. Charochak stated that the October 1 enrollment numbers are included for review commenting on
some movement in the class numbers. Mr. Manzo noted the recent communication concerns with 1 st
grade numbers at Cove and Hannah. He stated that the Cove School Principal, Ms. Oliver has
already met with parents and the Hannah Principal, Ms. Montevecchi has a scheduled meeting.
3. Student Health Survey
Ms. Charochak stated that the Student Health Survey was administered in the spring 2015 to Briscoe
and Beverly High School students. She stated that Mr. Richard Woy would be summarizing the
results. Ms. Rockwell stated that Mr. Woy had come highly recommended noting that he is a private
consultant providing management services to private health entities.
Mr. Woy reported that two versions of the survey were administered to Briscoe Middle School and
Beverly High School students. He stated that the findings are intended to help us better understand
the issues our students are facing, the extent of the differences and whether it is by gender or grade.
Mr. Woy noted the contents of the survey: personal safety and bullying, support systems, self -
harm /suicide, substance abuse, sexual experiences and health.
Mr. Woy stated that some of the ways they assure validity of the survey is prior parental consent and
that the student's participation is voluntary and anonymous. He said they also have ways of cross
checking the responses.
Mr. Woy reported on the findings of the six content topics noting some areas that saw improvements,
i.e. lifetime substance use, current substance use, sexual activity but noted that bullying was one
area that was slightly worse.
Ms. Charochak reported that the Leadership team has reviewed the data together. Mr. Gallagher and
Mr. Poska summarized what they are doing in their buildings with their administrative staff. How they
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October 14, 2015
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plan to use this information going forward and discussing it with the students as well. School
Committee members discussed and asked many questions regarding the findings and statistics. Ms.
Charochak said we are looking also at the curriculum, looking at how and where we can address
some of these issues. A copy of Mr. Woy's complete powerpoint is included with these minutes.
4. MCAS Letter
Ms. Charochak stated that Dr. Hiersche has included a copy of the letter sent home to parents that
accompanied the MCAS results. She explained that this is the first time parents are getting results on
science assessment only. She stated that the PARCC results will not be going out until the end of
November.
Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo
1. 2016 Spring School Committee Schedule
Mr. Manzo reported that the 2016 School Committee schedule is included for approval. Some
discussion followed regarding the time for the Organizational Meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the Spring 2016 School Committee schedule. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved by a vote of 7:0.
2. Middle School Building Project Update
Mr. Manzo provided an update on the Middle School Building project reporting the completion of the
year -long Feasibility Study, City Council approval of funding of the project and approval of the
Schematic Design by Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Mr. Manzo stated we
expect that MSBA will approve the project scope and budget which will move us to the demolition
stage of the project. Mr. Manzo reported the next step is putting the early work out to bid, final move
out of employees in the building so the site can be isolated with construction fencing to ready it for
demolition.
Mr. Manzo reported at last night's meeting they received an updated traffic study report, and
reviewed plans for proposed parking on the site and some design elements. Mr. Manzo stated the
project is still on target for a fall 2018 opening.
3. School Safety
Mr. Manzo asked Mayor Cahill to speak about the initiatives that have come from the School Safety
Group who have been working hard to address the student safety concerns. Mayor Cahill stated
that the focus has been on pedestrian and bicycle safety on and off school campuses. He stated on
campus with students exiting busses and cars and off campus Mayor Cahill reported the installation
of two rapid flashing beacons on Bridge Street at the rear entrance to Ayers and in the
Hannah /Briscoe area of Essex Street. He stated that they are trying to consistently provide more
traffic enforcement during the morning and afternoon as well as paying close attention to patterns
the kids have during the summer.
Ms. Charochak referred to the Proposed Safe Routes Plan, which she stated began last year in
some of our schools. She reported that the schools working with the Safe Routes group have a
great training and curriculum in place and which has been implemented in several of our schools.
She said moving forward they are looking at what that cycle would look so they will have the
elementary grades on a rotating basis. Ms. Charochak summarized the pedestrian and bike safety
training the students in grades K through 5 will receive from the Safe Routes group and teaching
staff.
Ms. Charochak summarized the proposal for the middle school stating grades 7 and 8 received safe
routes training at an in- school assembly. She noted that the 6ch graders received their training in the
spring as 5th graders. Ms. Charochak stated that the middle school is working to incorporate some
pedestrian/bike /train safety and they have a teacher's working group that has reviewed and
developed resources and have identified one program which is Operation Life Savers. Ms.
Charochak expressed her appreciation to the PTO members stating that they have worked very hard
on this initiative.
Ms. Cesa remarked that she doesn't want to see the high school totally left off of the plan and also
said she would like to be included in Operation Life Saver program.
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October 14, 2015
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Mayor Cahill remarked one the series of posters and one in particular on safe driving, noting a heavy
dose of those will be sent to the high school.
Ms. Visnick stated this was a great time to mention the "Walk to School Day" and to advocate for
more elementary school participation.
Ms. Silverstein asked Mayor Cahill about with the upcoming winter what if any changes are there in
the future for clearing of sidewalks notably in the areas of Gloucester Crossing up to Henry's Market.
Mayor Cahill stated we can and should reach out and appeal to people and businesses to clear their
walk ways. Mayor Cahill noted one of the reasons for last year's problems he stated was that almost
all of the sidewalk equipment was broken down. He reported that the city has purchased two new
sidewalk plows and ordered a third so he feels we should be able to keep up with it. He commented
that this is one of his goals, to stay ahead and keep the sidewalks clear from the schools out. Mayor
asked if all committee members would please alert him to the key walking routes in their wards and
he could share this information with Mike Collins.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson
Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on September 16, 2015 and
received an updated Buildings and Grounds Report from Commissioner of Public Services Mike Collins
and Director of Buildings and Grounds Tim Howland. The report summarized the work done throughout
the summer noting the bulk of the work happening at the McKeown School. Director of Finance and
Operations, Ms. Sherburne presented the end of year budget transfers and fy16 budget review. Ms.
Sherburne presented the new position requests and will be brought to the COTW for approval
The next Finance and Facilities meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the McKeown
School 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 Committee met on October 7,
2015. She stated that they welcomed the new student representatives and reviewed the K -12 Health
and Wellness curriculum. Ms. Silverstein stated that she was bringing forward the following policies.
1. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy
on "Entrance Age Requirements" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading will
take place at our November 10, 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 Students Involved in Decision Making (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second
reading will take place at our November 10, 2015 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of
approval by the School Committee.
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 " "Day Trips and Overnight
(Domestic) Field Trips" (Section I: Instruction). The motion was seconded by Ms. Cesa and approved
by a vote of 7:0.
4. 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 "Foreign (Out -of- Country)
Trips and Foreign Exchange Programs" (Section I: Instruction). The motion was seconded by Ms.
Cesa and approved by a vote of 7:0.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 in the BHS Library at 6:00 p.m.
Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson
Mr. Kavanagh reported that there is one scheduled meeting with the clerical group, union and
administration to discuss clerical positions.
Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson
Ms. Cesa stated they will be scheduling a policy meeting.
Regular Meeting
October 14, 2015
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Community Engagement
Mayor Cahill reported attending the 7 and 8th grade safe routes training.
Mr. Manzi reported attending the Medal of Honor presentation.
Ms. Visnick reported on the Beverly Education Foundation grant opportunities and attended The Harbor
youth leadership conference
Ms. Silverstein stated attending the opiate prevention and drug task force meetings and the high school
football game on Saturday.
Mr. Kavanagh commented on the Summer Reading Art show at the Beverly Public Library noting the
great work done by our students.
Ms. Cesa also commented on the Summer Reading show.
Mr. Manzo reported attending the Medal of Honor presentation, Bill Hamor's dedication and the Cove
School PTO meeting where class sizes were addressed. Mr. Manzo stated he attended the BHS golf
tournament, Ward 2 Civic Association meeting, Parent's Afternoon Back at BHS and some soccer
games.
Mayor Cahill told the Committee that on December 8 Chris Herron will be the guest speaker at Beverly
High School.
New Business
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 Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote
of 7:0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annemarie Cesa, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Minutes for approval: September 9, 2015 Regular School Committee minutes
Beverly High School Virtual Day Report
October 1, 2015 Enrollments
Beverly Student Health Survey Results: Briscoe Middle School and Beverly High School
School Committee Spring 2016 Schedule
Proposed Safe Routes Plan
Policies 1 Reading: Entrance Age Requirements
Student Involved in Decision Making
2"� Reading: Day Trips and Overnight (Domestic) Field Trips
Foreign (Out -of- Country) Trips and Foreign Exchange Program