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2016 03 09 School Committee MinutesBEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Regular School Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Beverly City Hall — Council Chambers Beverly, Massachusetts A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 in Beverly City Hall, Council Chambers. Members Present: Rachael Abell, Lorinda Visnick, Paul Manzo, Kris Silverstein, John Mullady, Paul Goodwin and Mayor Cahill 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 to the School Committee and CW03 Thomas Smith Call to Order: Ms. Silverstein called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Oliver Muise led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members Ms. Silverstein extended her appreciation to Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Jerald Parisella for giving up of their time to update us on the work that is being done on Beacon Hill. Representative Parisella stated first, he would like to thank the school administration, School Committee and Principal Gallagher for hosting the Medal of Honor recipients at Beverly High School last spring. Representative Parisella stated that just today they had voted on the opioid bill. He stated this bill would call for each school department to have a policy on substance abuse and prevention and education and would limit prescriptions to 7 days. He stated it may possibly have the school districts provide screening, noting this would have to be promulgated by the DESE. Senator Lovely commented on the great partnership she shares with Representative Parisella working together for our city. She spoke to the budget work that is taking place right now at the State House level noting an increase in Chapter 70 funding. Senator Lovely remarked that this Governor has a different approach to the budget, which is working to close the structural deficit. She said this is why you'll see a budget increase by 4.2 %, not across the board, but overall which mirrors the increase in revenues. She stated that the budget will go to the House in April then onto the Senate for approval in May then back to the Governor. Senator Lovely talked about the cosponsored bills i.e. the moratorium on high stake testing and PARCC, eliminating fees for finger printing, opioid and substance abuse and pre -k access and full day kindergarten. She stated we will know after next Wednesday where these bills are reported out to, favorable or unfavorable. Senator Lovely told the committee about the creation of an educational mandate task force which is looking into unfunded mandates and they are also looking at health insurance cost and premiums and Special Education. Representative Parisella stated that they will be meeting with area Superintendent's this Friday at the Essex Technical School. They will be discussing issues of concern, one of which is the Charter Schools. He stated that the Massachusetts Association has told them they do not want any expansion of Charter Schools but that the Governor does and how do you balance that. Regular Meeting March 9, 2016 Page 2 of 7 They asked if the Committee had any questions. Ms. Visnick's stated she had two questions with regards to Charter Schools: the Governor said he supports the Charter Schools because every child deserves an education, if that is the case then something in our public schools is failing. Ms. Visnick asked why the focus isn't on fixing the public schools. Ms. Visnick's second question was has there been any conversation on the Hill when you talk about the Charter Schools; why they are working vs. the public schools. Representative Parisella said there is much discussion on the subject of Charter Schools and doing a better job on reimbursing the districts for students who are attending the Charter Schools. Senator Lovely stated that they are listening and understand that there is an equity issue and are working to come up with a solution. Mr. Mullady shared the title of two books that talks about the history of Charter Schools: Tough Liberal by Albert Shanker and Teacher Wars by Dana Goldstein. Dr. Hiersche stated of concern to him and hard for Beverly to deal with is only a 1.6% increase in Chapter 70 funding stating it is not a lot of money. Dr. Hiersche stated that as close to fully funding Circuit Breaker as possible helps all of us and is the fairest way to get money to us. The third item Dr. Hiersche mentioned was the kindergarten grant, stating with the little money we receive if it becomes more restrictive in our use it will make it hard for us to address the full day kindergarten issue. Mr. Manzo thanked both of them and expressed his appreciation to Senator Lovey in particular for looking at the unfunded mandates. Mr. Manzo stated he is optimistic that looking at them may rein back some of the other mandates which in the end may help to limit the costs we incur. Ms. Silverstein asked with regards to the opioid bill, which includes a core curriculum, if they have heard any particulars on a core curriculum developed at the State level. Representative Parisella reported that the public schools shall have a policy, which parents will be notified of and it would be posted to the school's website. He also noted that the DESE together with the Department of Health shall provide guidance and recommendations in developing such policy. Mayor Cahill suggested that we reach out to DESE to apprise them of the work that both the city and school department are doing around substance abuse and with curriculum. Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items None Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Items None 7:44 — Mayor Cahill left the meeting. Approval of Meeting Records A motion was made by Mr. Manzo to approve the Regular School Committee meeting minutes from the February 10, 2016 meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Abell and approved by a vote of 6:0. Report from Student Representative to the School Committee Oliver Muise reported that the DECA team would be competing in states tomorrow and wished them luck as well as the Robotics team who will be competing this weekend. Oliver reported that Shrek the Musical will be performed at the High School on March 17 through the 20 and the North Shore Annual Good Friday walk will take place on March 25 Oliver expressed his appreciation to Ms. Flaherty and the peer leaders for the training they provided on Domestic Violence this past Tuesday. Regular Meeting March 9, 2016 Page 3 of 7 Communications from Committee Members Mr. Goodwin reported receiving an email with a school choice question. He stated the constituent wanted to know if there are any the behavioral or attendance standards the student needs to abide by. Dr. Hiersche stated that School Choice is statutory and there is little to no flexibility to apply anything different to choice students. Dr. Hiersche stated when we accept a student under school choice we make commitment to them from the grade they are entering through 12 grade. Ms. Visnick remarked that it should be a privilege to take one of the school choice seats and stated that if there are behavioral issues the same discipline should apply. Dr. Hiersche stated that the same discipline would apply and remarked that the constituent should contact him with this information. Mr. Manzo reported comments on the 2016 -2017 district calendar some are happy some are not. Ms. Silverstein reported receiving communication regarding the bus storage at the new middle school which was referred to the Mayor. Ms. Silverstein received a bus issue from a constituent and referred them to the Transportation Department. She also received a question on the plaques at the Memorial Building stating that Dr. Hiersche said they have been placed in storage and the architects are working on incorporating them in the new building. Mayor Cahill — returned to meeting at 7:55 p.m. Report from Superintendent Hiersche 1. Overnight Field Trip — BHS — Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, MA CWO Smith and Cadet 1 Lt. Luke Singer addressed the committee requesting approval of the overnight field trip to Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, MA Mr. Goodwin asked what they would be doing on the trip and what he liked about the trip. Cadet Singer stated that they have the opportunity to gain and learn leadership skills and how to lead other people in different situations. They also participate in activities working together as a team. Mr. Manzo asked if the trip was free of cost and also if Cadet Singer feels this is a valuable program. CWO3 Smith confirmed that there is no cost to the students. Cadet Singer remarked that he is a school choice student and this program has afforded him many opportunities and has met many people. He stated that being in this program was the best thing that happened to him. A motion was made by Mr. Mullady to approve the overnight field trip to Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, MA on May 13 —15, 2016. The motion was seconded by Ms. Abell and approve by a vote of 7:0. 2. School Choice Numbers 2016 -2017 Dr. Hiersche presented the School Choice parameters for the 2016 -2017 school year and stated they did not need to take action tonight. He noted one correction to Grade 6 openings should be 8 slots available. Dr. Hiersche noted that the District received $5000/ per student and stated should a student be on an IEP the home district is charged. Dr. Hiersche stated looking forward we need to be mindful of enrollment issues at some point and should we down grade the number of students we accept we would be looking at a loss of revenue. Mr. Manzo asked if we needed to take action. Dr. Hiersche stated we need to take action and report to the DESE by June 1 st Report from School Committee President, Kris Silverstein 1. School Committee Retreat Ms. Silverstein reported that the School Committee held a Retreat on Monday March 7 th and approved their Norms & Protocols with a few minor changes. Ms. Silverstein stated that Mike Gilbert from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees was there and discussed policies and the cost involved. He also provided them with information on the Governance project, superintendent evaluation and time line and they had a discussion on the school committee meeting schedule structure — pros and cons. Ms. Silverstein stated that on March 30 there will be a Joint School Committee /City Council meeting which will be held in the Library at the Beverly High School. Regular Meeting March 9, 2016 Page 4 of 7 Report for School Committee Liaison to the Middle School Building Project — Paul Manzo Mr. Manzo reported that work continues on the new middle school working through the construction document phase. Mr. Manzo reported the working group has met twice and the Middle School Building Committee last evening. He noted prior to last night's meeting City Officials held a neighborhood meeting. Mr. Manzo reported that the hazardous materials have been removed from inside and demolition has begun. He reported that a high percentage of the materials are being recycled. Mr. Manzo reported that contractor bids for the support work were due today and expects that work to proceed in late April, lasting for 10 -12 weeks. Mr. Manzo stated that ongoing design work continues. The next meeting of the Middle School Building Committee is scheduled for late April. Committee Reports Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities — Lorinda Visnick, Chairperson Ms. Abell provided a review of the February 24, 2016 Finance and Facilities meeting on Ms. Visnick's behalf. She stated they received a review of the Buildings and Grounds report from Mr. Howland and formally accepted the FY16 grants presented to them. Ms. Abell stated they received information from the Director of Finance and Operations, Jean Sherburne on the revenue and expenses and also number of transfers requests which are coming to the School Committee for approval. Ms. Abell reported the committee received information from the Fee Committee on data they have compiled on activities within the District. She stated the information included the levels they are funded at and ways in which they might adjust the fee structure. Ms. Abell reported that Athletic Director, James Coffey addressed the committee to request changing ultimate Frisbee from a club sport to a varsity sport. 1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the following Department of Public Health — Essential School Health Services Grant - $3,000.00. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. 2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the following Cummings Center — Centerville School — Employee Directed Funding - $2,000.00. The motion was seconded by Mr. Goodwin and approved by a vote of 7:0. 3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the attached Budget Transfer to correct Salary Account lines and previously approved Transfer Adjustment for approval in the amount of $83,798. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. 4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the attached Budget Transfer, in the amount of $29,732, to correct Salary Account lines due to Steps and 2% Increases for approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. 5. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the attached Budget Transfer to correct Salary Account lines for Transportation Cost Center in the amount of $16,274, for approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. 6. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the following Budget Transfers to the Custodial Supplies and Telephone Accounts for approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. 7. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made Mayor Cahill to approve the following Budget Transfers to the Electric Accounts district wide for approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. 8. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the following Budget Transfer to the Gas and Heating Accounts district wide for approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0. 9. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approval of a stipend for a coaching position for Ultimate Frisbee as a varsity sport. The stipend for this position will be aligned with Step 1 Golf stipend for FY16 which is $1,860 with a recommended user fee of $210. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo. A discussion followed this motion: Mr. Mullady asked what the cost was when it was a club vs. the cost as a sport. Ms. Abell stated in Mr. Coffey's report there are enrollment fees but not a student fee paid to the district. Mr. Goodwin stated that the fee was a nominal fee paid directly to the governing body and the coach was voluntary. Ms. Abell reported that the sport fee would be $400. Regular Meeting March 9, 2016 Page 5 of 7 Dr. Hiersche noted that one of the goals for this club is to become a varsity sport which would enable them to participate in a league. Mr. Manzo stated that unlike some of the other varsity sports, ultimate Frisbee does not have membership or scheduling fees and will be keeping their own score. Mr. Mullady stated that he's concerned for the students who are participating now as a club and what happens if they cannot afford the fee. Dr. Hiersche said that the students would be able to apply for scholarships the same as are offered for other sports. Ms. Visnick stated that because this wasn't brought forward sooner she hopes that in the future there will be a better process. Mr. Goodwin said that he had spoken with people in the club program who were excited about it becoming a sport but he recognizes that there is a substantial increase in cost from club to sport and we need to consider this going forward. Ms. Silverstein asked if there's any sense that there may be a reduction in the number of students due to the fees. Mr. Goodwin said he felt the conversation went both ways. Mayor Cahill asked if the fee for this sport was on the lower end of our tiered fees and Mr. Mullady asked if a student could be grandfathered in. Dr. Hiersche said that it is on the lower end of the tier and in response to Mr. Mullady stated that is what the scholarships are for. Ms. Visnick stated that we need to find time to bring the fee committee data to a School Committee meeting for discussion. She stated if we had made a decision relative to equity of fees she felt it would have had an impact on this sport. She reiterated the equity issues and need for more discussion. Mayor Cahill asked how soon the decision needs to be finalized. Dr. Hiersche stated soon due to spring sports starting in the next few weeks and registration currently taking place. Mayor Cahill asked if there's any rationale in considering this a little differently possibly in two steps halfway through the spring with the plan to bring it the rest of the way next season pending any changes in the fee schedule. Dr. Hiersche responded that we don't have any criteria governing that so it would have to be the fee of $210 or $260. Dr. Hiersche stated that he cautions the committee to make that exception due to fairness to others and for budget reasons. Ms. Silverstein asked what happens if it remains a club? Dr. Hiersche stated that the kids have been looking forward to it becoming a sport. Mayor Cahill asked if this has been an expectation that this year it would be a varsity sport. Ms. Visnick stated that yes it was included in a letter sent out this spring. Ms. Sherburne read from a letter from Mr. Coffey that it was the students who brought it forward to move from club to sport. Mayor Cahill asked again what the policy has been in the past when we move from a club to a varsity sport and if we do not know that we hold the vote. Mr. Manzo stated that this has been done in the past, the difference being more notice. Mayor Cahill suggested making a motion to hold the vote until we have the answer then schedule a special meeting. Dr. Hiersche stated that some of the reason this came to the committee so late was his responsibility because of the budget season. Mayor Cahill made a motion to hold the vote until confirmation of past practice. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady. Mr. Manzo stated that the recommendation for this was made by the high school and central office administration and approved by the Finance and Facilities Committee. He stated at this time he would be amenable to approving this tonight. Ms. Sherburne via cell phone text to Mr. Coffey asked if the students were aware that they would have to pay and Mr. Coffey responded yes and some of the students had already paid. Mayor Cahill asked what had been past practice when a club sport becomes varsity and has it come with the full implementation of a user fee. Ms. Sherburne stated that Mr. Coffey responded that the only other sport was wrestling to go from club to a varsity sport which was over nine years ago. Mayor Cahill asked when wrestling went from club to sport did they immediately start paying a fee. Mr. Coffey responded yes. Regular Meeting March 9, 2016 Page 6 of 7 Mayor Cahill withdrew his motion to hold the vote. Ms. Silverstein stated that there is a motion on the table to approve a stipend for a coaching position for Ultimate Frisbee as a varsity sport. The stipend for this position will be aligned with Step 1 Golf stipend for FY16 which is $1,860 with a recommended user fee of $210. The vote was approved 5:2. Vote: Yes: Mayor Cahill, Ms. Abell, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Silverstein and Mr. Goodwin No: Ms. Visnick and Mr. Mullady Ms. Abell stated that the next meeting of the Finance and Facilities Committee is going to be on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the McKeown School, Room 103 at 7:00 p.m. Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Paul Manzo, Chairperson Mr. Manzo reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee last met on March 2, 2016. Mr. Manzo reported they approved minutes, reviewed the Program of Studies for Beverly High School and met with Stacy Bucyk, Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel regarding the Restraint Policy and our obligation also the committee updated a number of safety policies, all of which are coming forward for a first reading. 1. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommended the deletion of the attached policy on" Physical Restraint" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading which will take place at the April 13, 2016 meeting 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 "Physical Restraint of Students" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at the April 13, 2016 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee. 3. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the deletion of the attached policy on "School Bus Safety" (Section E: Support Services) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at our April 13, 2016 meeting, 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 "School Bus Safety Program" (Section E: Support Services) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at the April 13, 2016 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee. 5. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy on "Student Conduct on School Buses" (Section E: Support Services) and (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at the April 13, 2016 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee. 6. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the deletion the attached policy on "Student Safety' (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at our April 13, 2016 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee. 7. The Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life recommends the attached policy on "Safety Program" (Section J: Students) for a first reading. The second reading, which will take place at our April 13, 2016 meeting, will require a formal (2/3) vote of approval by the School Committee. Mr. Manzo stated that the next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2016 in the McKeown Building, Room 103 at 7:00 p.m. Negotiations Subcommittee — Paul Manzo, Chairperson Mr. Manzo reported that the Negotiations Subcommittee reached a tentative agreement with Unit C (Paraprofessionals). He stated they will be voting on it soon then it will come forward to the School Committee for a vote. Policy Review Subcommittee — Rachael Abell, Chairperson Ms. Abell stated that a meeting date has not been scheduled but noted at the School Committee Retreat Michael Gilbert from MASC shared some options that would be available. Community Engagement Regular Meeting March 9, 2016 Page 7 of 7 Mr. Goodwin reported attending the Hannah PTO meeting remarking that they are very excited to host the parent technology presentation on March 31 sc Ms. Visnick remarked on a conference she attended with Ms. Sherburne and Food Service Director, Ms. Antolini regarding breakfast in the classrooms. Mr. Mullady expressed his appreciation to staff and parents at Briscoe where he was one of the judges in the Science Fair and also attended the History Day fair at BHS. Mr. Manzo stated at the Retreat they had a discussion on meeting structure and going forward he will be using his Facebook page to share meeting and activities he is attending. New Business - Reminders Opportunity for Questions from the Press None in attendance Consider Executive Session A motion was made by Ms. Silverstein to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with union personnel and not to return to open session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 7:0 A roll call vote resulted in the following: Yes vote — Mr. Mullady, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Visnick, Mayor Cahill, Ms. Silverstein and Ms. Abell. No vote — None Motion to Adjourn Mayor Cahill made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Abell and approved by a vote of 7:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lorinda Visnick, Secretary Beverly School Committee Documents Reviewed at the meeting: Minutes for approval: February 10, 2016 School Choice Numbers 2016 -2017 Overnight Field Trip - Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, MA Finance & Facilities: Grants FY16 for Approval Budget Transfer to Correct Salary Account Lines $83,798 Budget Transfer due to Steps and 2% increases $29,732 Budget Transfer for Transportation Cost Center $16,274 Budget Transfer to the Custodial Supplies and Telephone Accounts Budget Transfer to the Electric Accounts Budget Transfer to the Gas and Heating Account Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life — Policies Attached Physical Restraint Policy —deletion Physical Restraint of Students Policy School Bus Safety — deletion School Bus Safety Program Policy Student Conduct on School Buses Policy Student Safety — deletion Safety Program Policy