2019 01 09 School Committee MinutesBEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Beverly City Hall — Council Chambers
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 in
Beverly City Hall, Council Chambers.
Members Present: Mayor Michael Cahill, Rachael Abell, Lorinda Visnick, Paul Goodwin, Kris
Silverstein, John Mullady, Kelley Ferretti
Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Suzanne Charochak,
Assistant Superintendent, Bethany Splansky, Special Education and Student
Services Director, Donna Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the
Superintendent and School Committee, Eliza Michaels BHS Student
Representative, Dan Keefe, Athletic Director, JROTC Gunnery Sgt. Christina
Wright
Call to Order: Ms. Silverstein called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Mullady led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
Recognitions of Students, Employees and Community Member
• Dr. Hiersche, Ms. Silverstein and Athletic Director, Dan Keefe recognized the following students
who were recipients of the NEC All -star award:
Football Volleyball Boys Soccer
Robert Adams Sophie McGarigal Bryce Visnick
Duncan Moreland Katherine Mulligan Conor Hanlon
Clayton McAlpine Alice Malgara Beverly Team Sportsmanship Award
Marje Mulumba
Girls Soccer
Jordan Butters
Anna Edson
Katelyn Singer
Julia Pitman
Samantha Carnevale
Cassie Jones
Girls Cross Country
Field Hockey
Mikayla Mason
Sabrina Beaudry
Natalie Matthews
Meghan Cotraro
Mckenna Gelsomini
Tori Shea
Melanie Mason
Bovs Cross Country
Ashley Foley
India Ingemi
Heidi Eberhardt
Kylie McCarthy
Sophia MacNeil
Macy Pierce
Golf
Brayden Clark
Amy McCaffrey
Matthew Ploszay
Patrick Gilligan
Jack Rivers
Michael Brock
Kyle Hewson
Jackson Woods
• Cove School Fourth (4) grade teachers and students provided information to the School
Committee about their project in which they learned about immigration and empathy. The
students told the Committee how the entire class worked together to create a resource
handbook for immigrants moving to our city. The students provided a PowerPoint presentation
of the handbook and allowed School Committee members to peruse a sample copy.
Open Forum for Citizen Input into Non - Agenda - Related Items
None
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns or Citizen Input into Agenda - Related Item
None
Approval of Meeting Records
A motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the minutes from the December 12, 2018 School
Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick. Ms. Ferretti requested some
correction /changes to her Safety Committee summary and the discussion regarding approval of the
field hockey positions. Ms. Visnick asked that some information she had provided regarding the number
of students playing basketball for the middle school team be added in that section. Ms. Abell made a
correction to the number of positions that were brought forward for approval.
Ms. Visnick stated that we need to come to an agreement on how we are going to report out on the
subcommittee meetings based on the policy. She stated at the meeting we do both votes and then it is
recorded in minutes as a recommendation, stating that is not true. She asked that, going forward, our
meeting minutes match our policy. Ms. Silverstein asked, if it was amenable to Ms. Visnick, could we
take this up at the Committee of the Whole meeting at the end of the month. Ms. Visnick was in
agreement.
Motion passed: 5:0 (Mayor Cahill and Mr. Goodwin abstained as they were not in attendance at that
meeting.)
Items by Consensus
Dr. Hiersche recommended approval of the following warrants:
A. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19021 in the
amount of $28,998.25.
B. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19022 in the
amount of $310,268.26..
C. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19023 in the
amount of $439,338.28.
D. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19024 in the
amount of $80,135.16.
A motion was made by Mr. Goodwin to approve the warrants listed. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Ferretti. Motion passed 7:0
Report from Student Representative to the School Committee
Eliza Michaels reported that the second quarter ends on January 18t report cards will be going out January
25t and parent /teacher conferences are scheduled for January 27 Congratulations to the boy's basketball
team for their win and good luck to the girls and boys hockey teams. Eliza reported that the Robotics Club is
kicking off their new season and DECA students are preparing for their district competition at Endicott
College. The Guidance Department is hosting a Junior Parent College Planning night on February 7 from
5:00 -6:00 p.m. The PTSO is meeting on January 10 at 6:30 p.m. and the Beverly Education Foundation,
Annual Parent /Teacher Grant Program application deadline is March 15 and students may still register for
the 2020 trip to Spain.
Communication from School Committee Members
Ms. Visnick reported questions on the budget and the Centerville PTO asked if there would be a summary or
a findings report on the transportation /walk to school survey.
Ms. Abell stated with the Beverly Recreation Department summer camp offerings opening up she has had
some inquiries from elementary parents as to when the 2019 -2020 School District calendar will be
available.
Mr. Mullady reported some excitement from neighbors about the Robotics' Club and their appreciation of the
information sent out regarding Kindergarten registration.
Report from Superintendent Hiersche
1. Overnight Field Trip — BHS, JROTC — Admiral Halsey High School, Elizabeth, NJ
Dr. Hiersche introduced Gunnery Sgt. Christina Wright to address the committee for approval of her
March 21S 23r overnight field trip to Admiral Halsey High School in Elizabeth, NJ. Dr. Hiersche
commented that he had just received a letter from the United States Marine Corps stating that they
would be removing the Beverly High School, Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps ( JROTC) from
probation as they have met the enrollment requirement and have hired a second certified instructor.
Gunnery Sgt. Wright reported to the committee that the overnight field trip is a physical fitness
competition. Gunnery Sgt. Wright stated that she and another teacher (chaperon) will be taking the
students to New Jersey. The students will be transported in a rented van to where they will be
staying on the base. She reviewed the activities the student would be participating in during their
stay. Ms. Visnick asked about the ratio boys /girls and men /women chaperons. Gunnery Sgt. Wright
responded that she and the teacher accompanying her will chaperon the girls, some of which will be
from other schools and the male chaperons will chaperon the boys. Ms. Silverstein asked about
medical provisions for the students, if needed. Gunnery Sgt. Wright stated there is a medical facility
on the base and, if needed, when off the base, they could dial 911.
A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the overnight field trip to Admiral Halsey High School,
Elizabeth City, NJ projected to take place, March 21s' - 23rd 2019. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Mullady. Motion passed 7:0.
2. 2019 -2020 School District Calendar
Dr. Hiersche stated he has included the 2019 -2020 School District calendar for approval. He noted,
as a result of negotiations, the addition of the professional development days for teachers on August
28 and August 29 the students will return the day after Labor Day, September 3r He also pointed
out the December vacation will begin on the 23r with students returning on January 2, 2020. He
stated the last day of school with no snow days will be June 19, 2020 and with snow days, June 26,
2020.
A motion was made by Ms. Ferretti to approve the 2019 -2020 School District Calendar. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Goodwin.
Ms. Silverstein asked for any questions and /or comments. Ms. Abell stated with the storms and bad
weather in January and February, and the unusually warm weather we have had in June and August
would Beverly ever consider switching to a March vacation, in lieu of February and April. Ms.
Silverstein noted in past budget times the cost of heating the buildings was a topic and that it would
be a lengthy process. Ms. Visnick stated in past conversations it would be more likely to happen if it
were to become a regional or statewide decision. She commented with some of our teaching staff
living in other towns their children would be on a different schedule. Dr. Hiersche stated it would be a
lengthy process stating that other districts that have done this in the past, it took up to a full year
before implementation.
Mayor Cahill referred to an email from the City Clerk about the March Presidential Primary Day, that
he does not see it accounted for on the calendar. He stated we ran into this same issue before and
information collected then, showed school being in session was not the best way to do this. Dr.
Hiersche stated the challenge is that voting days turn into professional development days and the
placement of such has nothing to do with the professional development. He stated if the Committee
wants us to rework the 2019 -2020 School District Calendar we will. Ms. Silverstein confirmed the
date of the Presidential Primary is Tuesday, March 3, 2020, we have an early release on March 6th,
could we possibly move that day. Mayor Cahill stated either schools should be open or closed on an
election day. Ms. Silverstein suggested closing school on March V, eliminating the early release on
March 6 Dr. Charochak stated you cannot replace an early release day with a no school day this
would then require that we move the last day of school to the following Monday. Ms. Silverstein
asked if changes made to the calendar would require Beverly Teacher Association (BTA) approval.
Dr. Hiersche stated it would, and this could be done and brought forward at the January 30
Committee of the Whole meeting. Mayor Cahill asked why the variation from the way we started
school before Labor Day. Dr. Hiersche stated contractually we cannot start before Labor Day when it
falls on September 1St or 2 " if it falls from September 3 rd on we can begin before Labor Day. There
was further conversation with regards to the weather and how hot it has been in the schools at the
end of the school year and start of the new. Ms. Abell made mention of air conditioning at the
elementary schools. Ms. Visnick agreed that they have had some of those conversations. Dr.
Hiersche stated with the climate changes he does think there will be more conversations about how
to ensure the school environments are able to be open when they need to be open and noted
summer use of our buildings is growing. Ms. Visnick recalled a conversation about what we could do
without air conditioning every room in every building. Ms. Abell stated she recalled that they (the
F &F standing committee) left this as an action item with the Superintendent to find out what some of
the costs were and what some of the options might be, given that the elementary schools not being
as climate controlled as the high and middle schools. Dr. Hiersche stated he had a conversation with
Mike Collins and was looking into it.
Ms. Silverstein stated that we have a motion on the table and a second. Mayor Cahill reiterated due
to the March Presidential Primary Day we need to make a change in the calendar. Mayor Cahill
stated that Tuesday, September 24 is actually a "Preliminary Day," which is a technical term and
we don't know if there will be one or not. Dr. Hiersche commented that we will rework the calendar to
include the Presidential Primary date on March 3 r , making the last day of school June 22 " with five
(5) snow days it will be June 29, 2020. Ms. Abell stated if the September 24 professional
development day is not set in stone the school committee could then discuss which day is more
important to have school off as far as voter turnout. Dr. Charochak responded that planning for the
professional development day begins on February 12th and that's when we finalize those dates. She
did say however, if the decision on the date is not made till end of August the professional
development dates would have been set. Ms. Abell commented that many parents have a difficult
time when there are too many days off at the start of school year. Mayor Cahill stated a Presidential
Primary, in any election year, is going to bring out a significant turnout, but it is hard to know about a
municipal turnout. It was decided to table the motion and bring the 2019 -2020 School District
Calendar to the Committee of the Whole meeting on January 30, 2019. Ms. Visnick requested at the
January 30th Committee of the Whole meeting could we please, in earnest, have information
available on which schools, in which wards, cannot vote elsewhere, and, in those particular wards
could we relocate the children for that one day. Ms. Silverstein noted that there are two (2) items for
the January 30, 2019 agenda, to vote on the 2019 -2020 School District Calendar and to review the
voting locations and options. Mr. Goodwin commented that he is not sure how he would vote,
whether to have school or not on election day, but commented he was at McKeown to sign warrants
during the last election and there was an individual with a very inappropriate sign that he would not
have wanted the students to see.
3. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast
Dr. Hiersche reported that he, along with members of the Human Rights Committee and the
Multifaith Coalition are planning a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day breakfast. It will be held at the Beverly
Middle School on January 21s' at 8:15 a.m. He stated they have significant student involvement and
Beverly resident, Sarah Rial, will be the guest speaker. He stated they will provide a place for the
kids to go, where they will be supervised, while the adults are having breakfast. Mayor Cahill asked
about the schedule for breakfast and the speakers. Dr. Hiersche responded that the breakfast will
start at 8:15 a.m. and the speakers at 8:45 a.m.
4. Budget Update
Dr. Hiersche reported attending a public forum with Dr. Charochak that was hosted by the
Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) on the Impact of Underfunding the
Foundation Budget. Dr. Hiersche reported that the M.A.S.S. had filed the Education Promise Act,
filed today (SD101) noting some of the highlights include healthcare insurance, Special Education,
English Language Learners (ELL) and low income students. He stated there needs to be about 1.8
billion to be fully funded. Ms. Visnick asked that at the next working meeting, could she get an idea
of the increases to health insurance this year and also the Special Education projections in terms of
enrollment and students outplaced. Dr. Hiersche commented that when we do the Special
Education numbers early it is less accurate, but that he could provide current information. Ms.
Visnick remarked on some of the past health insurance increases /holidays and asked about
contractual obligations. Mayor Cahill stated that we could have Bryant Ayles join us at the next
meeting. Ms. Abell stated she was dissatisfied with the statement Dr. Hiersche relayed that it won't
help Beverly the same way it helps other communities. Ms. Abell proposed that the Committee could
possibly look at the formula and the ways in which the values of our properties are calculated into it.
She also stated that there are early education expenses that are not calculated into the formula and
what influence we could have on that front. Ms. Silverstein commented that we should be reaching
out to the legislators that it never hurts to stay in touch with them. Dr. Hiersche stated that the one
fund that needs to be funded the way it was this past year is Circuit Breaker, stating there is no
wealth factor with how that is funded.
Report from School Committee President, Kris Silverstein
1. Superintendent Search Update
Ms. Silverstein reported at the last Committee of the Whole meeting the Committee accepted the
appointed members of the Superintendent Search Screening Committee and the profile report
prepared by John Brackett from the Collins Center. She reported that the deadline for applications is
January 11t The Superintendent Search Screening Committee will have their first meeting on
January 15th and it will be held at the McKeown School at 6:30 p.m. with the Committee entering into
Executive Session right at the start of the meeting. Ms. Silverstein reported the next meeting will be
on January 22 and this will begin the process of screening the applications.
2. Joint Council Meeting Date Change
Ms. Silverstein reported the date for the Joint Council meeting has been changed to February 6th, at
7:00 p.m. at the Beverly Middle School. Mayor Cahill asked when will the School Committee approve
and set the salary package for the new superintendent. Ms. Silverstein stated she would check with
Mr. Brackett. Ms. Visnick asked what topics would be on the agenda. Ms. Silverstein stated she had
spoken with President Guanci and they will be asking Superintendent Hiersche to speak and reflect
on his tenure here, also Bryant Ayles will speak about the budget and Police Chief LeLacheur will
provide and update on the marijuana law. Ms. Visnick asked if there had been any discussion of a
scheduling a second Joint Council meeting to discuss budget, as they did last year? Ms. Silverstein
said there has not been any discussion. Ms. Silverstein said one other item on the Joint Council
agenda will be an update on the Superintendent Search. Mayor Cahill stated he would like take this
opportunity to say publicly, that the marijuana law was a state ballot question that was voted in by
the citizens of Beverly and we, as a City have no control over it; the City's responsible to manage it.
He noted this because of the numerous calls they received at City Hall. Ms. Silverstein reported that
the "Be Healthy Beverly" group has received the Drug -Free Communities Grant, which will provide
them with $125,000 yearly for the next five (5) years for drug /opioid education and prevention.
Committee Reports
A. Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities
Rachael Abell, Chairperson
Ms. Abell reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee last met on December 19, 2018. She
stated she was bringing forward the following items to the School Committee:
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Ms. Visnick to approve the Gifts to Schools — November 2018, totaling $20,497.20. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady. Motion passed 7:0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was
made by Ms. Ferretti to approve the FY19 Grants - Beverly Public Schools Grants totaling
$2,359,219. The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill. Motion passed 7:0.
111 Supplement Support Enhancing Data — Competitive $ 20,000.00
140 Title 11A —Allocation $ 135,522.00
180 Title III — Allocation $ 26,990.00
240 Special Education — Entitlement $1,448,081.00
262 Early Childhood Special Education — Entitlement $ 32,908.00
305 Title I — Allocation $ 618,158.00
309 Title IV Student Support and Academic Enrichment — Allocation $ 43,558.00
400 Perkins Grant — Allocation $ 34,002.00
3. The Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities recommends the attached policy regarding
"Community Use of School Facilities" (Section KF Community Relations and KF -R, which is
procedures and the rental form) for a first reading. The second reading will take place at our
February 13, 2019 meeting and will require a formal ( 2 /) vote of approval by the School
Committee.
B. Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life
Paul Goodwin, Chairperson
Mr. Goodwin stated that the Standing Committee on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Life has
not met yet this year. He stated the February 6, 2019 meeting had been cancelled in order to hold
the Joint Council Meeting. He reported the next meeting date is scheduled for March 6, 2019.
C. Negotiations Subcommittee
John Mullady, Chairperson
Mr. Mullady stated that the Negotiations Subcommittee has not met.
D. Policy Review Subcommittee
Rachael Abell, Chairperson
Ms. Abell reported that while the Policy Review Subcommittee has not met she is working on a
schedule for review of the policies and the appropriate committee that will be reviewing them.
E. Safety Committee Summary
Kelley Ferretti
Ms. Ferretti stated she had nothing new to report at this time.
Community Engagement
Mayor Cahill reported attending all of the December fine arts /holiday concerts commenting that they were
top notch.
Ms. Visnick reported attending a Beverly Education Foundation meeting, track meet, and basketball
games. She requested, with the upcoming PTO meetings, could the Committee go back to a schedule to
make sure there is one of them at each of the meetings. She reported that the North Shore Essex
Technical School will be hosting an event on January 23r "If They Had Known" and it is open to the
public.
Ms. Abell reported that the Centerville Elementary School will hold a Blood Drive on January 31S she
stated she attended the Ayers PTO meeting and offered if no one else could attend the BHS PTSO
meeting, she would go. Ms. Abell commented on the number of great things the PTOs do for our
students. She reported on an event the PTO had before the holidays, the Ayers Penguin Patch, where
students could go to get gifts for loved ones whether they had money or not.
Ms. Silverstein noted the website for the blood drive is www.redcrossblood.org.
Mr. Goodwin stated he will attend the North Beverly PTO meeting as it usually overlaps with the BHS
PTSO. He stated that although it is not required of School Committee members to attend these
meetings, he feels it is very beneficial. He said would also try to attend the Hannah's PTO meeting and if
not he would let them know.
Consider Executive Session
The Chairperson requests an Executive Session to discuss deployment of security personnel or devices or
strategies as authorized by purpose #4 in Open Meeting Law and not to return to open session. A motion
was made by Ms. Visnick and seconded by Mayor Cahill.
A roll call vote resulted in the following:
Yes: John Mullady, Paul Goodwin, Kelley Ferretti, Lorinda Visnick, Mayor Cahill, Rachael Abell, Kris
Silverstein
No: -
Motion passed 7:0 to enter into Executive Session and not to return to open session at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rachael Abell, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting
Regular School Committee Minutes 12 -12 -18
BHS Overnight Field Trip - Admiral Halsey High School Elizabeth City, NJ
2019 -2020 School District Calendar
Policy "Community Use of School Facilities" Section KF and KF -R Community Relations