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2015-11-10DRAFT BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Regular School Committee Meeting Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Beverly High School Library Beverly, Massachusetts A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 in the Beverly High School Library, Beverly, MA. Members Present: David Manzi, Kris Silverstein, Paul Manzo, Matthew Kavanagh, Lorinda Visnick, and Mayor Cahill Not in Attendance: Annemarie Cesa Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Suzanne Charochak, Assistant Superintendent, Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and School Committee, Sean Gallagher, Beverly High School Principal, Terry Conant, Assistant Principal Briscoe Middle School, BHS Educators Nancy Ronan and CW03 Thomas Smith Call to Order: Mr. Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. Visnick led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members • Mr. Manzo, Dr. Hiersche and Mr. Gallagher recognized the following students who achieved a perfect score on their 2015 MCAS test. Michael Ostrowski — Grade 10 Math Maeve Dineen — Grade 9 Biology Andrew King — Grade 10 Math Kate Noonan — Grade 9 Biology Maria Connor — Grade 9 Biology Samantha Hano — Grade 9 Biology Mayor Cahill, Assistant Superintendent Sue Charochak and YMCA Executive Director, Judith Cronin provided a summary and presentation of the Summer Literacy Program. Ms. Cronin reported that it was a full day program with both classroom time and camp time. She stated that they were able to keep the class sizes low with 2 Beverly Public School teachers and an aide in each of the classrooms. She noted that the program was fully funded and an added bonus was that the students, who don't normally have the opportunity to swim in a pool every day, by the end of the six weeks were doing so without the bubble. Ms. Charochak reported that over 50 students participated in the program and provided charts showing an increase in the median scores for students entering into 1 sc grade this year. She stated that we were very pleased with the gains they made. Mayor Cahill commented that the Summer Literacy program has been a terrific partnership with the YMCA. He stated that while some of the grant funding that was secured did not allow for salaries to be paid it did allow them to purchase books so that each student brought home a book a day. He stated that it is our hope to grow the program, eventually offering to all at risk students. 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 October 14, 2015 meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0. Regular Meeting November 10, 2015 Page 2 of 6 Report from Student Representative to the School Committee None Communications from Committee Members Mayor Cahill — No communications Mr. Manzi reported communications on the Middle School Building project and Hurd Stadium. Ms. Visnick — No communications Ms. Silverstein received a communication regarding the availability of the PARCC results and she noted a communication and flyer from the Senior Center regarding a presentation scheduled to take place on November 1 e. Ms. Silverstein said that Chris Herren, former Celtics player will be a guest speaker at Beverly High School on December 8 She reported receiving an email with regards to the train crossing schedule in particular that it passes through the same time our middle school dismisses. The email was forwarded to Mayor Cahill and Superintendent Hiersche. Ms. Silverstein stated she received a list from Mr. Poska of streets that are a priority for snow clearing. Mr. Kavanagh — No communications Mr. Manzo reported a communication regarding a Cove School bus route and the same email regarding the train crossings as it relates to the Middle School Building project. Report from Superintendent Hiersche 1. Dr. Hiersche stated that Ms. Ronan was in attendance to provide information and request approval of the overnight Model U.N. field trip to MIT, Cambridge, MA. Ms. Ronan stated the trip is projected to take place February 5 — 7 2016. Mayor Cahill asked about accommodations. Ms. Ronan responded that they were waiting for confirmation from the Cambridge Marriott. She said if that is not available they would use one of the other hotels close to the MIT conference. Mr. Manzo asked about the number of students attending. Ms. Ronan said they do not have a count yet but have 16 delegate slots. A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the overnight Model U.N. field trip to MIT, Cambridge, MA February 5 — 7, 2016. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0. 2. CWO Smith requested School Committee approval of the overnight BHS MCJROTC field trip to Sun Valley, PA projected to take place March 18 -19, 2016. He said this would be a regional physical fitness competition. Mayor Cahill asked about chaperones which CWO Smith said will be identified once students have been chosen. Ms. Silverstein asked about cost of the trip and date of the parent meeting. CWO Smith said there is no cost and the parent meeting is scheduled for February. A motion was made by Mr. Manzi to approve the overnight BHS MCJROTC field trip to Sun Valley, PA March 18 -19, 2016. The motion was seconded by Ms. Silverstein and approved by a vote of 6:0. 3. CWO Smith requested School Committee approval of the overnight BHS MCJROTC field trip to Orlando, FL projected to take place April 20 — 27, 2016. Ms. Silverstein commented on the cost per chaperone and CWO Smith stated that it motivates them to participate in the fundraising efforts. Mr. Manzo asked where canning and fundraising information could be accessed. CWO Smith stated it is posted on the school website. A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the overnight BHS MCJROTC field trip to Orlando, FL, April 20 -27, 2016. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 6:0. 4. Mr. Conant, Briscoe Middle School Assistant Principal requested School Committee approval for the annual Grade 6 trip to Nature's Classroom in Charlton, MA. Mr. Conant stated that Beverly has been committed to this trip for almost 40 years. He commented that there are numerous standards identified across all content areas. Ms. Visnick asked Mr. Conant what the trends of student participation have been over the years; students going vs. students left behind. Mr. Conant stated over past couple of years about 85% participation but commented that they have seen a dip of 1 -2% over the last year or so. He stated that they are working with Beverly Education Foundation to assist those students on free and reduced lunch and that the PTO continues to be very generous with Regular Meeting November 10, 2015 Page 3 of 6 money that they put towards the bussing cost. Mr. Conant stated that costs have held steady and reviewed some of the fundraising efforts. A motion was made by Ms. Silverstein to approve the overnight Grade 6 field trip to Nature's Classroom, Charlton, MA: For 6 White & Gold April 11 —15, 2016 and 6 Blue May 2 — 6, 2016. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 6:0. 5. PARCC Testing — PTO Meeting Dr. Hiersche reported that the PARCC results have been released and they will be conducting an analysis of them. Dr. Hiersche said he has scheduled a meeting with PTO presidents on Friday with regular monthly meetings to follow. 6. Dr. Yong Zhao Dr. Hiersche reported on Dr. Yong Zhao's visit to the district last week. He stated Dr. Zhao spent four hours with administration talking about global education and technology on the national level. He stated that the administration and school committee will be reading one of Dr. Zhao's books, World Class Learners. Dr. Hiersche said that Dr. Zhao met and had lunch with Dr. Wylie and his team at Endicott College the following day. Dr. Hiersche stated that Dr. Zhao attended the MASC /MASS conference at the Cape where he met with some of our School Committee members. MCAS /PARCC Update Dr. Hiersche stated that this month the state board will be making a decision on MCAS /PARCC. He stated that the public may not be aware that there is a potential third option that the state may be considering which is; MCAS vs PARCC vs MCAS 2.0. Dr. Hiersche said that there is also a push at the National level to shorten the amount of testing. He said he will keep us informed as he receives the information. Report from School Committee Chair, Paul Manzo 1. Middle School Building Project Update Mr. Manzo provided an update of the Middle School Building project, stating they are working through the design development phase of the project. He said the next step will be putting some of the early construction projects out to bid, with construction fences going up around the work site at Memorial in December. Mr. Manzo stated the working group continues to meet noting at the last meeting they discussed parking areas, roadways and traffic patterns in and around the school. He stated that representatives met with MSBA to discuss the transition from feasibility phase to the design development phase. He asked Mayor Cahill to summarize the last meeting as he was not in attendance. Mayor Cahill reported the meeting was to formally turn over the feasibility phase to design and construction. He stated MSBA laid out what needs to be achieved to get to module 6, 7, 8 and the timelines for submitting documentation. He stated that that the construction package should go out to bid next fall with demolition happening during the winter months. Mayor Cahill said that the MSBA team will be out here on a monthly basis. Mayor Cahill stated at last week's meeting Ai3 brought forward a third version for the access and egress in and out of the new middle school site. 2. Hurd Stadium Mr. Manzo asked Mayor Cahill to update the committee on the progress at Hurd Stadium. Mayor Cahill stated that the project had gone to bid for new stands and based on the historical numbers they are looking at seating for 2000. Mayor did note that they have also looked at plans to rent removable stands should that need arise. He stated the RFP went out to bid and they have a qualified bid. Mayor Cahill said we will be able to sign once money is appropriated. He stated the money will be coming from the "free cash" certification which the council will be voting to appropriate on Monday. Mayor Cahill said if council votes the free cash appropriation they hope to get the contractor in and pour the foundation before winter. He stated the hope is that it will be ready for graduation in June but it is not a guarantee. Regular Meeting November 10, 2015 Page 4 of 6 3. MASC/MASS Conference Update Mr. Manzo reported that he attended the annual MASC /MASS Conference with Ms. Visnick and Ms. Silverstein and noted that incoming committee member; Ms. Abell had attended as well. He stated there were numerous workshops and presentations offered and he attended one on Chapter 70 Funding review, PARCC /MCAS, 21 Century Library and School Law Review. Ms. Silverstein stated that there will be final public comment on the PARCC testing at Malden High School on Monday, November 16 Ms. Silverstein said she attended a presentation on state and federal issues, sped update, and Parliamentary Procedures commenting that the instructor is available to meet with our committee if we wish. Ms. Visnick said she would love to have the committee do a self - evaluation stating she thinks it would be very valuable. She also attended Manage our Message and Breakfast in the Classrooms where information was discussed about share tables. Committee Reports Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities - David Manzi, Chairperson Mr. Manzi reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on October 21, 2015 stating they approved minutes and received an updated Buildings and Grounds report from Commissioner of Public Services Mike Collins and Director of Buildings and Grounds Tim Howland, which can be found on our website. Mr. Manzi stated Ms. Antolini, Food Service Director addressed the committee with regards to opening a centralized kitchen at the McKeown School and requested an additional 19.5 hour position. Mr. Manzi stated they received an update from Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations on the FY16 Budget — revenues, expenses and transfers and the proposed health holiday. Mr. Manzi said Ms. Sherburne also discussed the Student Activity account audit which he noted the district is required to do. Mr. Manzi stated that the next Finance and Facilities meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2015 in the Beverly High School Library at 6:30 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 28, 2015 she stated they received a presentation of MCAS scores from Assistant Superintendent Sue Charochak. Ms. Silverstein asked if this presentation could be put on the website. Ms. Silverstein stated they received information on the November 3` Professional Development Day which consisted of teacher led workshops as well as some regional offerings outside of the district. Ms. Silverstein stated that she was bringing forward the following policies: 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 "Entrance Age Requirements" (Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick 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 "Student Involved in Decision Making" (Section J: Students). The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill and approved by a vote of 6:0. 3. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy on "Acceptable Use Policy" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our December 2, 2015 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee. 4. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy on "Homework" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our December 2, 2015 meeting and will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee. The next meeting of the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 in the McKeown School, Room 103 at 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting November 10, 2015 Page 5 of 6 Negotiations Subcommittee - Matthew Kavanagh, Chairperson Mr. Kavanagh reported that the Negotiations Committee has had an initial ground rules meeting for Unit C and set dates for future meetings. Mr. Kavanagh also reported an initial meeting was held to review clerical job descriptions with future meetings scheduled. Policy Review Subcommittee - Annemarie Cesa, Chairperson Mr. Manzo reported that the Policy Review Committee has some policy work and Ms. Cesa will update the group at a later meeting. Community Engagement Mr. Kavanagh reported attending Dr. Zhao's presentation and found him to be very entertaining, interesting and a dynamic speaker. Dr. Hiersche said he wanted to extend his appreciation to Endicott College and the Beverly Education Foundation for their collaboration in bringing Dr. Zhao to Beverly. Ms. Silverstein reported attending the Essex Tech Advisory Board meeting noting it was nice to see students attending there from Beverly. She said she went to the football game, attended the Hannah School meeting regarding class size and a Be Healthy Beverly /Opioid Prevention meeting. Ms. Silverstein extended her appreciation to the Hastings House for hosting a candidate's event and she attended the MASC/MASS conference. She commented that the Gloucester crossing group hosted a Thanksgiving dinner last week but was unable to attend. Ms. Visnick stated attending many of the same i.e. MASC/MASS conference, Hastings House event, she also participated in the Pete Frates 3 for 3 event, a PTO meeting and the Briscoe cyber informational meeting. She attended Dr. Zhao's presentation and took a group of basketball students picking apples for Beverly Bootstraps. She said she is still working on the Beverly Education Foundation free Wi -Fi program, attended a few soccer games and the YMCA Literacy program where she was invited, along with others, to sit and read with the kids and to do a craft. Mr. Manzi stated he attended a football game and is looking forward to the Thanksgiving Day game. Mayor Cahill said he attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Beverly Children's Learning Center, spent part of a morning at Hannah in the 1 sc grade observing how the programs run as well as the supports and resources available. He commented it was great to see the caliber of adult support in and out of the classroom. He stated he will be doing the same at Cove School and next week will be interviewed by the 5th grade at Centerville because he is an alumni of the school which will be celebrating 50 years. Mayor Cahill also extended a thank you to Endicott College for hosting our football program this fall. Mayor talked about the upcoming visit of Chris Herren, former Celtics' player stating he will be speaking at Beverly High School on December 8th about his addiction in two different assemblies for students and at 7:00 pm for the community. Mr. Manzo stated he attended many of the same events and reported he has been speaking with elementary parents about the importance of continuing to administer the health survey. He said he attended some soccer games and provided dates for the upcoming playoff /semi - finals. Mr. Manzo remarked that CWO Smith said there is a drill completion this Saturday morning and the next Middle School Building Committee meeting is Tuesday, November 17, 2015. Mr. Manzo said that our next Regular School Committee meeting is Wednesday, December 2" in the BHS Library at 7:00 p.m. New Business Ms. Visnick reported the following upcoming events: Friday 11/13 Change is Simple event Saturday 11/14 Holiday Craft Market at Centerville Friday 11/20 Cove Science Fair -- They are still in need of judges. Opportunity for Questions from the Press None present Consider Executive Session Regular Meeting November 10, 2015 Page 6 of 6 Motion to Adjourn Ms. Visnick made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzi and approved by a vote of 6:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Annemarie Cesa, Secretary Beverly School Committee Documents Reviewed at the meeting: Minutes for approval: October 14, 2015 Regular School Committee minutes Overnight Field Trip Material: Model UN Conference, MIT Cambridge, MA MCJROTC — Sun Valley, PA MCJROTC — Orlando, Florida Natures Classroom — Charlton, MA Policies: 1st Reading: Acceptable Use Policy Homework 2 " Reading: Entrance Age Requirements Student Involved in Decision Making