2016 06 15 School Committee MinutesBEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Beverly City Hall — Council Chambers
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 in Beverly
City Hall, Council Chambers.
Members Present: Mayor Cahill, Rachael Abell, Paul Manzo, Kris Silverstein, John Mullady and
Paul Goodwin
Remote Participation: Lorinda Visnick
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, Ericka Mendonsa, Student Representative to the
School Committee, Principal, Sean Gallagher, Athletic Director James
Coffey, Assistant Principal Dan Bauer, Briscoe Middle School Principal
Matthew Poska, Elementary Principals Erin Brown, Elaina Byrne, Lisa Oliver
and Julie Smith, Director of Special Education Stacy Bucyk
Call to Order: Ms. Silverstein called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Mullady led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
• Anna Green, Vice President of the Beverly Education Foundation reported that the
foundation, which is ending its 19 year, has distributed a total of $232,000 to the schools.
Ms. Green along with members of the Beverly Education Foundation and PTO
representatives presented checks from the Teacher Parent Grant totaling $6,350 to the
following schools:
- Art educator Paula Borsetti for the Advance Placement Arts at the Peabody Essex Museum
- Principal Sean Gallagher for the 1 st Robotics Team
- Catherine Barrett presented a check to Briscoe Principal Matthew Poska and Robotics
Educator Axel Jacobson for their Robotics program.
- Todd Rotondo presented a check to Ayers Principal Elaina Byrne on behalf of a grant written
by Martha Chapman.
- Centerville School Principal Julie Smith accepted a check for their music program.
- Ms. Green presented three checks to Cove School Principal Lisa Oliver and Educator Heidi
Moran for the Vernal Pool, Massachusetts Children's Book award and Cove School Wise
Owl blended program
- North Beverly Principal Erin Brown and Special Education teacher Maureen Schug received
a check from the Literacy Grant.
• Dr. Hiersche and Ms. Silverstein recognized Oliver Muise, who was unable to attend, for
serving as the 2015 -2016 Student Representative to the School Committee.
• Ms. Silverstein and Dr. Hiersche recognized and congratulated Assistant Principal Dan
Bauer on his new principal position at Marblehead High School. They thanked him for all
of his hard work and many contributions during his tenure at Beverly High School and
extended their best wishes to him.
• Ms. Silverstein and Dr. Hiersche took this opportunity to thank James Coffey, Beverly High
School Athletic Director for his hard work and many contributions to the athletic program
and wished him good luck in his new position in Falmouth, ME.
• Dr. Hiersche and Ms. Silverstein extended their gratitude and best wishes to the retiring
educators for the many years of service.
Dorothy Ajalat 17 Years of Service Ellen Winokur 20 Years of Service
Lisa Chernyak 29 Years of Service Henry Sullivan 25 Years of Service
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June 15, 2016
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Carol Haynes 29 Years of Service Patricia Drinkwater 26 Years of Service
Nancy Marquis 21 Years of Service Karen Spiridigliozzi 21 Years of Service
• Report on the DECA Project with the Elementary Schools
Principal Sean Gallagher introduced Kristen Marescalchi to summarize the DECA project
that she and her students created. Mr. Gallagher said they worked with the North Beverly
4 th grade students, teachers and Principal Erin Brown in creating this entrepreneurship.
Ms. Marescalchi stated that the students had to design a way to promote entrepreneurship
which began after attending the Yong Zhao assembly. She stated that Real World Scholars
helped to fund their project that had the students meeting weekly with North Beverly
students. She stated their business, called "Savelets" also created a website where you
could purchase the bracelets. North Beverly Educator, Elizabeth Young and the students
told the Committee members about the endangered animals and what they liked about the
program. They were able to present a check for $4,700 to the World Wildlife fund. Ms.
Brown thanks the students and staff for all their work and efforts that went into this program.
Report on the Reach Program
Mr. Gallagher took this opportunity to thank Mr. Bauer and also Mr. Coffey for their many
contributions and for being great team members. Mr. Gallagher stated that the Reach
Program originated from the Small Learning Communities grant. He stated that the senior
internship program has been several years in the making, crediting Mr. Bauer and his hard
work.
Mr. Bauer stated that this was the second year for the Reach Program noting that he felt it
was more successful because the expectations were clearer. He stated that upon
completion of the student's four week project they went through a fifteen minute panel
interview process. He noted great teacher feedback and stated they were impressed by
the growth of the students through this experience. Mr. Bauer reported at the exhibition fair
they had over 200 tables set up and it was open to the public.
Mr. Bauer said one of the visions for this program is to make sure the model is sustainable.
Mr. Bauer presented a documentary on the program, which was one of the projects created
by two of the students, Allie Clancy and Aaron Van Cleef. He noted that the documentary
is also posted to the BHS website.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
None
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Items
Mike Grassia, 1 Hathaway Avenue addressed the committee regarding the rolling pick -up situation at
Centerville with the lineup of cars extending out onto Hull Street and stated the source of the problem is
the lack of infrastructure. Mr. Grassia requested that the committee consider adding a new policy which
states: Effective immediately no plans for the construction or alteration of school grounds shall be
accepted and no work shall be started on the construction or alteration of the school building unless with
the approval of the School Committee and the Mayor.
Julie Karaganis, 20 Old Town Road addressed the committee regarding Centerville parking issues
stating they are not ready to implement the proposed solutions without more involvement from the
schools. Ms. Karaganis said she feels the rolling pickup needs to be addressed before any construction
begins.
Cheryl Consedine, 23 Bertram Street addressed the committee with her concerns regarding class size
issues having a third grader, who is on an IEP, and next year a kindergartener at Hannah. She stated
that they would like to go on record formally, as a district, to request the formation of a committee to
revisit class size recommendations for next year.
Kristine Kelleher, Hull Street addressed the committee stating she disagrees that there is a problem with
traffic on Hull Street stating there is a parent pickup problem. She stated that parents line up early as 1:40
hindering emergency vehicles and cars traveling on Hull Street. She proposed an alternative would be to
have the students walk to one of the six side streets on Hull Street and meet their parents or have the
parents' park on one of the side streets and walk to the school to meet their children.
Ann Gavin, Iverson Road addressed the committee regarding class size issues at Hannah expressing
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June 15, 2016
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her desire to have a committee formed to address class size issues.
Chris Lordan, Prospect Street left the meeting.
Anamarija Kristic, 5 Sargent Avenue addressed the committee regarding class sizes at Hannah
stating that although her child is not affected she feels large class sizes are not optimal for children to
learn and the consequences of it could be long term.
Melissa Perry 17 Sargent Avenue addressed the committee regarding class size issues stating she
has two boys at Hannah who are both affected this year and next by the large class numbers. Ms. Perry
read a letter she and her husband sent to School Committee expressing their concerns and stated they
hope that all solutions to offset the student/teacher ratio will be considered.
Dianna Derochemont, Stoneridge Road stated she has two children at Cove and has great concerns
on the growing class size. Ms. Derochemont outlined her concern that the accomplishments her
children have been made will be lost with greater class size.
Melissa Devereaux, 13 Neptune Street addressed the committee regarding class size issues at Cove
stating they exceeded classroom guidelines. Ms. Devereaux asked that the Committee change the
class size guidelines and look at the redistricting of Beverly schools.
Approval of Meeting Records
Ms. Silverstein stated that the minutes included in the packet from the Policy Committee meeting on
April 1, 2015 and May 25, 2016 will be reviewed and voted on at the next Policy Review meeting.
A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the School Committee FY17 Budget Hearing Meeting
minutes from May 11, 2016. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo. Ms. Silverstein requested that
under Dr. Hiersche's report, under items not funded, that the list of items be included in the minutes.
The committee approved by a vote of 6:0 as amended.
A motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the Regular School Committee minutes from the May 11,
2016. The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill and approved by a vote of 6:0 with three corrections.
A motion was made by Mr. Goodwin to approve the May 25, 2016 Committee of the Whole minutes.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Ericka Mendonsa congratulated the graduating seniors and retiring staff and wished all the students
good luck on their finals and a good summer.
Communications from Committee Members
Mr. Mullady received a question from a preschool parent going through the IEP process asking if there
was information available for parents new to process. Ms. Silverstein stated that there is the Special
Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) and deferred to Ms. Bucyk who was in attendance. Ms.
Bucyk stated that there will also be a workshop in the fall that will provide information on the process.
Ms. Abell received an email concerning the school calendar. The constituent expressed concern for the
younger grades to have so many starts and stops in the start of the school year. Ms. Abell reported a
constituent concern with lawn maintenance and playground equipment as well as the communications
all of the committee members had been copied on.
Mr. Goodwin received multiple conversations and emails on class size and inquiries on whether
graduation would be held inside or outside.
Ms. Silverstein stated she received question on kindergarten placement and referred them to Dr.
Hiersche. She stated receiving an email from a constituent regarding the challenges with laptops at
BHS. Ms. Silverstein reported she received questions on school safety protocols, communication from
North Shore CDC on the community build day taking place on July 8th and that she received a nice
email regarding Briscoe Honor Award night that so many of the students chose teachers and former
teachers to be their honored guest.
Report from Superintendent Hiersche
End of Year Activities
Dr. Hiersche reminded the committee of the upcoming Briscoe Middle School graduation taking place on
Tuesday and remarked that all of the elementary schools have similar culminations as well. Dr.
Hiersche reported attending Shakespeare at the Ayers School. He remarked that, like North Beverly,
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Cove and Hannah Schools also participated in an entrepreneurial program noting that all were funded by
Real World Scholars.
Dr. Hiersche reported that they are seeing a lot of test results and data that says that we are being
successful. He remarked that there has been a lot of conversations around class size as well as a
tremendous amount of information presented that needs to be processed. Dr. Hiersche also stated for
the record that test scores are not going down, that there were some difficulty deciphering the DOE
website and the change from MCAS to PARCC.
Report from School Committee President, Kris Silverstein
Report for School Committee Liaison to the Middle School Building Project — Paul Manzo
Mr. Manzo provided an update on the Middle School Building project stating that work continues with the
installation of pilings. He noted that the pace has exceeded their projected rate of installation and they
hope to be finished earlier than projected. He stated that work on the other pieces of the foundation
should begin the first week of July. Mr. Manzo stated that the bid process has been completed on the rest
of the early site work and the 60% construction document (cd) was submitted MSBA. He stated that AB is
currently completing the 90% cd packet which is to be submitted this summer and that the project should
be completed at or under budget by September of 2018.
Lorinda Visnick joined the meeting at 8:49 p.m. via Remote Participation by speaker phone.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities — Lorinda Visnick, Chairperson via Remote Participation
Ms. Visnick stated at that the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities was bringing forward the
following transfers:
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made
by Mayor Cahill to approve the following transfer of $35,000 from the Admin Contingency (Health
Holiday) to HS856 62015 Athletics. The motion was seconded by Ms. Abell and a roll call vote was
required and resulted in the following:
Yes Vote — Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Mullady, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Visnick, Ms. Abell, Mayor Cahill, Ms. Silverstein
No Vote — None Passed 7:0
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mayor Cahill to approve the following transfers to correct salary accounts:
Media Specialist — C01 15 61205 $ 2,594.00
Clerk Salaries — NB195 61000 $ 7,638.70
Clerk Attendance — N1315 61036 $ 6,351.00
Summer Success Teacher Salaries — HS075 61183 $ 8,100.00
403B Match /Retirement — OT118 61755 ($24,683.70)
The motion was seconded by Ms. Abell and a roll call vote was required and resulted in the
following:
Yes Vote — Mayor Cahill, Ms. Abell, Ms. Visnick, Mr. Manzo, Mr. Mullady, Mr. Goodwin Ms. Silverstein
No Vote — None Passed 7:0
Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported that the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee last met on June 8, 2016
where they approved minutes and received a review of 2016 -2017 student handbooks. Mr. Manzo
reported very few changes to middle and high school handbooks with the exception of one notable
addition; the District's Transgender policy. Mr. Manzo thanked the Briscoe staff and administration for the
extensive revision of their handbook and reported that the elementary handbooks reflected the changes to
the Education Enrichment Center (EEC) program for grades 3 and 4. Mr. Manzo stated that the bulk of the
meeting consisted of an update on Briscoe's pilot program that will create a pair of 2 teacher teams at the
6 th grade level. Mr. Manzo noted that students on the other teams will have the traditional 4 teacher teams.
Mr. Manzo stated that the policies were tabled that evening and will be reviewed at their next meeting
scheduled for Wednesday, September 7, 2016.
Mr. Manzo stated he was bringing forward the following policies for approval:
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June 15, 2016
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1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student
Life a motion was made by Mr. Mullady to approve the attached policy on "Domestic Violence
Leave" (Section G: Personnel). The motion was seconded by Mr. Goodwin and a roll call vote
was required and resulted in the following:
Yes — Mayor Cahill, Ms. Abell, Mr. Manzo, Mr. Mullady, Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Visnick, Ms. Silverstein
No — None Passed 7:0
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student
Life a motion was made by Ms. Abell to delete the attached policy on "Alcohol, Tobacco and
Drug -Free Workplace" (Section G: Personnel). The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady. A
roll call vote was required and resulted in the following:
Yes — Ms. Visnick, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Mullady, Mr. Manzo, Ms. Abell, Mayor Cahill, Ms. Silverstein
No — None Passed 7:0
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student
Life a motion was made by Ms. Abell to delete of the attached policy on "Tobacco -Free
Workplace" (Section G: Personnel). The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady. A roll call vote
was required and resulted in the following:
Yes — Mayor Cahill, Ms. Abell, Mr. Manzo, Mr. Mullady, Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Visnick, Ms. Silverstein
No — None Passed 7:0
4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student
Life a motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the attached policy on "Drug -Free Workplace
Policy" (Section G: Personnel). The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady. A roll call vote was
required and resulted in the following:
Yes — Mayor Cahill, Ms. Abell, Mr. Manzo, Mr. Mullady, Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Visnick, Ms. Silverstein
No — None Passed 7:0
5. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student
Life a motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the attached policy on "Drug Free Schools"
(Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments). The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady.
A roll call vote was required and resulted in the following:
Yes — Mayor Cahill, Ms. Abell, Mr. Manzo, Mr. Mullady, Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Visnick, Ms. Silverstein
No — None Passed 7:0
Negotiations Subcommittee — Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported that the contracts will soon enter the last year of their duration and he expects the
Negotiation Subcommittee will begin the process in the fall with all of the bargaining units.
Policy Review Subcommittee — Rachael Abell, Chairperson
Ms. Abell reported that the Policy Review Committee met on May 18, 2016 and discussed the benefits
and scope of the MASC revision to the Beverly School Committee's policy manual and Ms. Abell said it
will be brought to the full committee soon.
Communitv Enoaoement
New Business - Reminders
Mayor Cahill reported that he would be submitting a proposed order for the school committee to review
and vote on at next Wednesday's Committee of the Whole meeting. Mayor Cahill reported that the pick-
up and parking issues at Centerville have been a long standing problem. He stated that they have
worked hard to formulate a plan they believe will significantly alleviate if not completely resolve the
problem. He stated the plan was formulated after consulting with the Superintendent, Centerville
principal and relevant municipal departments. Mayor Cahill stated that what he's submitting for approval
would increase the parking capacity. There will be more information provided at the Committee of the
Whole meeting
Mayor Cahill stated as suggested the School Committee should vote on whether to approve this project.
Mayor Cahill stated looking at the City Charter it was concluded that the School Committee should be
voting to approve this project because they have, "general charge of all school buildings and grounds"
therefore Mayor Cahill stated he is asking the School Committee vote to approve additional parking at
the Centerville Elementary School in accordance with the plan the city created.
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June 15, 2016
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Mayor Cahill stated he is submitting three items: a letter, the Resolution and Order and a diagram of the
expansion of the parking lot. Ms. Silverstein stated we will be discussing this at the Committee of the
Whole meeting next Wednesday, June 27, 2016. Ms. Silverstein told Ms. Abell they would include on the
agenda the MASC revision of the policy manual. Mr. Manzo requested that if there were items to be
voted on that they could receive the information well ahead of time.
Mr. Mullady asked that based on the feedback, if a committee was to be formed to review classroom
size, where would it originate. Ms. Silverstein noted that we often have small study groups and she
thought it would start with the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life (CISL) committee. Mr. Manzo
stated we have had study groups and once the issue is researched a report is issued and the group is
dissolved. He stated it would definitely start with CISL because he felt they have the individuals and
experience. Ms. Silverstein noted that groups have been formed and studies done in the past but noted
that the recommendation presented is not always what the school committee will do.
Ms. Visnick, via remote, requested further discussion if there was a motion. Ms. Silverstein stated that
there is a request to add an agenda item for the Committee of the Whole meeting at which time we
would probably entertain a motion.
Mayor Cahill clarified for Ms. Visnick that he had submitted a Resolution and Order, asking that it be
placed on next week's agenda. Mayor Cahill stated that they will have city and school officials on hand
to present information and he expects to ask for a vote at that time.
Ms. Visnick stated that she would like to encourage all school committee members to take into account
the number of people that have come forward at numerous meetings voicing their concerns against this
proposal. Ms. Visnick stated she felt that the data needs to be available for School Committee members
so they could vote for what is in the best interest of the school and the people they represent. She also
commended the mayor and city council for allocating the funds for this proposal.
Ms. Silverstein reminded the committee that if they were interested in attending the MASC conference
they needed to register by July 15 to receive the discount.
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None in attendance
Consider Executive Session
None
Motion to Adjourn
Mr. Manzo made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill and approved by a
vote of 7:0. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorinda Visnick, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Minutes for approval: Policy Review Subcommittee Minutes — April 1, 2015 (Not voted on)
Policy Review Subcommittee Minutes — May 18, 2016 (Not voted on)
School Committee FY17 Budget Hearing — May 11, 2016
Regular School Committee Minutes — May 11, 2016
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes — May 25, 2016
Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life — Policies Attached
Domestic Violence Leave — 2" Reading
Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug -Free Workplace — Deletion 2 "d Reading
Tobacco -Free Workplace — Deletion 2 nd Reading
Drug -Free Workplace Policy — 2 nd Reading
Drug Free Schools — 2" Reading