2017 06 14 School Committee Minutes (2)BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Beverly City Hall — Council Chambers
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in
Beverly City Hall, Council Chambers.
Members Present: Rachael Abell, Paul Manzo, Kris Silverstein, John Mullady, Paul
Goodwin, Mayor Michael Cahill, and Lorinda Visnick
Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Suzanne
Charochak, Assistant Superintendent, Donna Bergeron,
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and School
Committee, Ericka Mendonsa, Student Representative, Julia
Brotherton, BHS Educator
Call to Order: Ms. Silverstein called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Manzo led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognition of Students, Employees and Community Members
Ms. Silverstein, Dr. Hiersche, elementary and secondary principals and educators were
presented with checks from the Beverly Education Foundation by President Doug Walker,
Vice - President Anna Green and the PTO representatives from each school.
Ms. Silverstein and Dr. Hiersche recognized BHS students, Lia Baker for winning first
place in the "Senior Individual Documentary" category at the Massachusetts State History
Day and Andi Amidon who was accepted to Art All State this year.
Ms. Silverstein and Dr. Hiersche recognized and congratulated the following retiring
educators:
Brenda Berry 12 Years of Service Linda Collins 14 Years of Service
Dorothy Curley 22 Years of Service Fran Ridge 24 Years of Service
Nancy Ronan 21 Years of Service
Ms. Silverstein, Dr. Hiersche and fellow School Committee members recognized and
thanked Ericka Mendonsa for her service to the School Committee as the 2016 -2017
Student Representative. Ms. Silverstein stated on behalf of herself and the committee that
Ericka has had a huge impact and had done an amazing job serving in this role and they
were truly grateful.
Ms. Silverstein introduced Eliza Michaels who will be next year's Student Representative to
the School Committee.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
None
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Item
None
Ms. Visnick left the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Approval of Meeting Records
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes from the April 26, 2017 School
Committee of the Whole meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Goodwin and approved by a
vote of 6:0 with two corrections.
A motion was made by Mr. Mullady to approve the minutes from the May 10, 2017 School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manzo and approved by a vote of 6:0.
A motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the minutes from the May 10, 2017 FY18 Budget
Hearing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady and approved by a vote of 6:0.
A motion was made by Mr. Manzo to approve the minutes from the May 16, 2017 Committee of the
Whole meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Items by Consensus
Dr. Hiersche recommended approval of the following warrants:
a. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17042
in the amount of $42,222.06
b. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17043 in
the amount of $246,849.78.
c. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17044 in
the amount of $274,290.24
d. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17045 in
the amount of $372,647.46
e. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #17046 in
the amount of $353,523.25
A motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the warrants listed. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Goodwin and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Ms. Visnick returned to the meeting: 7:45 p.m.
Report from the Student Representative to the School Committee
Ericka Mendonsa congratulated the following students for winning recognition of their artwork in the
Community Advisory Council Anti - Bullying /Anti- Drinking and Driving competition:
Drunk Driving Awareness: Nick Gonzalez, Hanna McCoy, Nick Hudgins and Christian Short.
Anti - Bullying: Jasmyn Anja, Dea Rami, and Sophie Pelletier.
Ericka congratulated the BHS Boys Lacrosse team and wished them luck in today's Eastern Mass
Lacrosse final at Norwell. Ericka reported that final's week starts on Monday and students will have
2 exams each day with a make -up day on Friday. She stated that the National Honors Society is
offering free tutoring for finals this week. On Friday students will receive a printout of their schedules
for next year. Ericka stated if they require any changes they are encouraged to contact their
guidance counselor.
Ericka took a few minutes to express her appreciation to the school committee noting all of their hard
work and all that they do for the students of Beverly Public Schools.
Communications from Committee Members
Ms. Visnick remarked that she is proud to be a representative to the Beverly Education Foundation,
congratulated them on their 20t year and remarked on the amazing service they have and continue
to provide to the Beverly Public Schools. Ms. Visnick asked that people take the time to "Honor a
Teacher" by filling out an application on the Beverly Education website noting that donations from
that help to fund the grants.
Report from Superintendent Hiersche
1. Overnight Field Trip — Storrs, CT
Julia Brotherton stated that Nancy Ronan will not be chaperoning this trip. Julia extended her
congratulations to Nancy on her retirement and stated that there will be another chaperone for the
trip. Ms. Brotherton requested approval of the overnight Field Trip to the University of Connecticut,
Storrs, CT for the United Nations Conference projected to take place on November 3 — 5, 2017.
A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the overnight field trip to University of Connecticut,
Storrs, CT on November 3 — 5, 2017. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by
a vote of 7:0
Report from School Committee President, Kris Silverstein
Fall 2017 School Committee Schedule
Ms. Silverstein reported that the Fall 2017 School Committee Schedule had been included for
review and approval. Mr. Goodwin noted a correction to the October 24t Committee of the
Whole date stating is should be October 25t Ms. Silverstein stated that the November 1st
Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting is a conflict with the annual MASC /MASS
Conference. She asked Committee members if they want to move the date now or put it on
hold. It was decided to put it on hold at this time.
A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the Fall 2017 School Committee Meeting
Schedule with one change. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady and approved by a vote
of 7:0.
Report for School Committee Liaison to the Middle School Building Project — Paul Manzo
Mr. Manzo reported that the working group met on May 16 and received reports from the design
team, project manager and construction manager. He stated that the Middle School Building
Committee met on May 23 on site. He reported at that meeting they reviewed and discussed
information from the working group meeting and received an extensive tour of the building. The
working group will meet next Tuesday, June 20t The building committee has not a set a date for
their next meeting.
Committee Reports
Standinq Committee on Finance & Facilities — Lorinda Visnick, Chairperson
Ms. Visnick stated that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on May 17th and received an
update from Tim Howland on the buildings and grounds, Jean Sherburne provided a revenue and
expense report. Ms. Visnick reported they did not do any transfers but stated she expected to do
the end of the year transfers at next week's meeting. She noted a discussion regarding fees was
short because the school committee did not vote on the full additional $600,000. The next meeting
of the Finance and Facilities Committee is scheduled for June 21, 2017.
Ms. Visnick stated she was bringing forward the following items for approval:
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Mr. Manzo to approve the following FYI Grant — Department of Public Health
Essential School Health Services Grant in the amount of $3,000.00.The funds are used to
subsidize the cost of per diem nurses, orientation of new per diem nurses, and reimbursements
for professional development for nursing staff. We can also use the funds to purchase software
and resource materials for staff, and may access funds to update /replace outdated equipment as
the need arises.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Goodwin and approved by a vote of 7:0.
Curriculum Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Committee met on June 7, 2017.
The committee received a review of the secondary level art curriculum from Aileen Marini at Briscoe
and Paula Borsetti at the high school. The committee was provided with a Middle School project
update from Assistant Principal Terry Conant. Mr. Manzo commented that the four student
representatives: from Briscoe Nola Minogue and Brennan Frost and from BHS Oliver Gibson and
Maria Connor had done a great job.
Mr. Manzo stated the next Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life meeting is scheduled for
September 6, 2017 at the McKeown School at 7:00 p.m.
Negotiations Subcommittee — Paul Manzo, Chairperson
Mr. Manzo reported that the Negotiations Subcommittee continues to meet with four of the six
bargaining units and are making progress.
Policy Review Subcommittee — Rachael Abell, Chairperson
Ms. Abell stated that the Policy Review Subcommittee has met on two occasions since the last
reporting. She stated at the May 17' meeting they began reviewing Section I but did not complete
it. Ms. Abell reported that the committee met again this evening, June 14`h and finished Section I
as well as got a good start on Section J. Ms. Abell stated that the Policy Review Committee will
continue their work on Section J and Sections K and L at their next meeting scheduled for July 26,
2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the McKeown School.
Ms. Silverstein commented and thanked the chairs of all of the subcommittees' for their
commitment and hard work. She also stated that she never realized the amount of time and work
involved in being on the Negotiations Committee.
Community Engagement
Mayor Cahill commented on the BHS graduation that it was amazing and Mrs. Taylor did a great
job all around.
Mr. Goodwin stated he attended the brunch provided by the Launch Program — amazed at the
scope of offerings in this city and very rewarding program.
Ms. Abell stated she had the opportunity to attend the Reach Fair where she viewed the student's
projects. She stated that she also worked on Greens Hill with four of the seniors working on
improvements to the trail.
Ms. Visnick reported attending a recent City Council meeting to listen to two of our high school
senior's presentation on banning plastic bags in Beverly. She stated that the seniors are doing
an internship with Salem Sound Coastwatch, who also works with our elementary schools.
New Business — Reminders
Ms. Silverstein echoed Dr. Hiersche sentiments that this is a great time of year to celebrate our
students and teachers and to attend the many wonderful events that are taking place.
Executive Session
Ms. Silverstein requested that the committee enter into Executive Session. A motion was made by
Mr. Manzo to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining
with union and non -union personnel and not to return to open session. The motion was seconded
by Ms. Visnick. A Roll Call vote was taken resulting in the following:
Yes: - Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Manzo, Mr. Mullady, Ms. Visnick, Ms. Abell, Mayor Cahill and Ms.
Silverstein
No: - 0
Motion Passed 7:0
Opportunity for Questions from the Press
None in attendance
Motion to Adjourn
Ms. Visnick made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady and approved by
a vote of 7:0
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorinda Visnick, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Minutes for Approval: Committee of the Whole — April 26,2017
Regular School Committee Minutes — May 10, 2017
FYI Budget Hearing Minutes — May 10, 2017
Committee of the Whole Minutes — May 16, 2017
Overnight Field Trip — BHS Model UN — Storrs, Connecticut
Fall 2017 School Committee Schedule