2019 03 13 School Committee MinutesBEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Regular School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Beverly City Hall — Council Chambers
Beverly, Massachusetts
A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 in
Beverly City Hall, Council Chambers.
Members Present: Rachael Abell, Lorinda Visnick, Kris Silverstein, Mayor Michael Cahill (arrived
7:08 p.m.) , John Mullady, Kelley Ferretti
Not in Attendance: Paul Goodwin
Also in Attendance: Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Suzanne Charochak,
Assistant Superintendent, Jean Sherburne, Director of Finance and Operations,
Bethany Splansky, Special Education and Student Services Director, Donna
Bergeron, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and School
Committee, Rory Devlin, Student Representative, Matthew Poska, Beverly
Middle School Principal
Call to Order: Ms. Silverstein called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
AGENDA
Recognitions of Students, Employees and Community Member
• Ms. Silverstein, Dr. Hiersche, and Matthew Poska, Beverly Middle School Principal
recognized 8th grade student, Ian Visnick, who served as the Project 351 Ambassador for
the Beverly Middle School. Ian Visnick recapped his day beginning with opening
ceremonies, then, he and the other students from other cities and towns boarded busses
that took them to Dorchester. There Ian worked with the Cradles to Crayons, filling bags
with school supplies, other students filled bags with clothing and food. Ian said that the
Ambassadors were encouraged to then do something in their own community. Ian said he
is running a clothing drive together with George Fox, a former Project 351 Ambassador,
and has reached out to the elementary school principals to get permission to put drop -off
boxes in their schools.
The following Beverly High School Students came before the School Committee to present
information on Vote16: Marley Norton, Nathan Levin, Emily Zieff, Lucien Thomas - Vickory
and Rory Devlin. They explained, through their PowerPoint presentation, the reasons why
they feel the voting age should be lowered for young adults ages 16 and 17. They provided
their reasons with backup information and noted that eight (8) other cities and towns across
the state are currently participating in this process. They noted their goal is to send a Home
Rule Petitions to the State House. They stated that there is still time for people to go online
to sign their petition.
Some School Committee members acknowledged their support and congratulated the
students on all their work. Ms. Visnick noted that while this conversation was on the
agenda, the resolution was not, therefore, the committee is not able to vote on this tonight.
Ms. Silverstein echoed the same and stated that Mr. Mullady had asked if the students
could present to the School Committee as a "practice" before they go before City Council.
Ms. Silverstein stated, they ask, for the School Committee members, to reach out to our
City Counselors for their support. Ms. Abell stated she was excited to see the literature and
had gone on to Facebook to sign the petition. She encouraged others that they can do the
same.
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
None
Items by Consensus
Dr. Hiersche recommended approval of the following warrants:
a. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19025 in the
amount of $28,150.42.
b. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19026 in the
amount of $583,017.88.
c. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19027 in the
amount of $561,614.16.
d. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19028 in the
amount of $208,740.57.
e. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19029 in the
amount of $165,956.66.
f. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19030 in the
amount of $254,962.73.
g. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19031 in the
amount of $452,367.05.
h. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19032 in the
amount of $423,059.69.
i. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19033 in the
amount of $222,876.02.
A motion was made by Ms. Abell to approve the warrants listed. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Visnick and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Report from the Student Representative to the School Committee
Rory Devlin reported that Eliza Michaels has resigned from her position as Student Representative for the
School Committee. He stated that Tommy George, Student Council Secretary, will be Acting
Representative at the April meeting while they are working on a transition plan for the next few months.
Ms. Silverstein said that she typically meets with the new student representative and requested that once
they have chosen someone, to please let her know so she can reach out to them.
Rory reported that the third (3rd) quarter progress reports were released on March 1St and Career Day
was held on February 15t for the junior class. Rory congratulated the following students who took home
awards at Drama Fest, Younes Challabi for acting, Laina and Kyra Meagher and Carly DuFresne for
sounds, and Kyle Reddy and Caroline Murphy for stage management. The DECA students, who
advanced from regionals, attended the statewide competition in Boston. Several DECA students have
advanced to the Nationals in Orlando, Florida and, Kevin Pichardo - Cedillo was elected Massachusetts
Statewide Officer at the competition. Rory reported that 17 Spanish students went to Costa Rica for an
immersive cultural experience over the February vacation and seven (7) students participated in the
Model United Nations conference in the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Rory reported
that the Jazz Band performed at several venues recently, the All -City Band concert will take place on
March 26th and the Music Department departs for the annual music trip to Washington, D.C. on April 10th
They will be participating in a joint concert with Herndon High School Music Department in Herndon, VA.
Rory stated that the National Honor Society inducted 80 new members on February 28t Rory
commented that with the recent discovery of bullets found at Beverly Middle School and the McKeown
School there has been added police presence and teachers have addressed these incidents in class.
Rory stated that spring sports begins next week and that several students had the opportunity to
participate in the Superintendent Search interviews. He reported that the Student Council met with Food
Service Director, Ms. Leal regarding some concerns about the cafeteria and the Student Council is
planning their Pantherpalooza Fundraiser at 9 Wallis for Tuesday, April 30th at 6:30. Rory stated looking
ahead, the third (3r quarter ends on April 8t April vacation begins on April 15t and the senior internship
will begin on April 22
Communications from Committee Members
Ms. Ferretti stated she had much feedback, positive support and praise regarding the Superintendent
Search. Ms. Ferretti reported that she had also heard from others that there was some disappointment
that the committee was unable to come to unanimous vote. She stated she was quick to remind them
that they are all passionate and committed and said she is looking forward to great success going
forward. Ms. Ferretti reported that she attended the Cove 4th grade musical "Salute to Broadway"
remarking it was fantastic.
Ms. Abell received questions on spring track, if it will be offering at the middle school and referred that to
the athletic director. Ms. Abell stated she had a lot of communications, mixed, on the Superintendent
Search.
Ms. Visnick reported communications on spring sports and middle school track. She said she was happy to
hear that a new soccer coach has been named, reported receiving questions on the state of the softball
field, and, questions on the budget and budget process. Ms. Visnick stated she received questions on the
band trip, are the school days that the students are out considered excused absences vs. unexcused and
does teaching pause while the students are away; she remarked that she had not yet had a chance to do
anything with the communications. Ms. Visnick remarked that she, too, had a lot of feedback relative to
the vote of non - consideration, stating she feels that there are some misconceptions. Ms. Visnick
commented that this is normal parliamentary procedure and she wanted to take this opportunity to say
that based on the number of people that had contacted her.
Report from Superintendent Hiersche
1. Overnight Field Trip BHS ROTC Camp Curtis, Reading, MA
CWO3 Smith and Staff Sgt. Naisha Tatis presented the requests, for approval, of two (2) overnight
field trips. The first one to Camp Curtis in Reading, MA, projected to take place May 10 - 11, 2019.
Staff Sgt. Tatis stated that this is a three (3) -day weekend trip to promote team building, how to work
and lead as a team.
A motion was made by Ms. Ferretti to approve the overnight field trip to Camp Curtis, Reading, MA
projected to take place May 10 - 11, 2019. The motion was seconded by Ms. Abell and approved by a
vote of 6:0.
Overnight Field Trip - BHS ROTC Naval Station, Newport, RI
CWO3 Smith and Staff Sgt. Naisha Tatis presented the second overnight field trip request, for
approval, to the Naval Station in Newport, RI projected to take place June 24 - 28, 2019. Staff Sgt.
Tatis stated this is a longer trip with more schools involved. She stated they do more team building
over that period of time.
A motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the overnight field trip to Naval Station, Newport, RI
projected to take place June 24 -28, 2019. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ferretti and approved by
a vote of 6:0.
3. Budget Update
Dr. Hiersche reported they continue working on the budget. He reported that he and Dr. Charochak
will be attending a meeting on Beacon Hill with legislatures and superintendents to discuss the three
(3) different formulas and the impact of each. He stated it is important to stay informed and as soon
as he has greater clarity he will update the Committee.
Dr. Hiersche stated he wanted to provide an update on the investigation of the bullets found at the
Middle School and McKeown School. He expressed his sincere appreciation to students, teachers,
administrators, and everyone involved in the investigation. He stated the investigation is ongoing,
they reviewed the video and have spoken with students. He stated they will continue to keep
everyone updated. Dr. Hiersche stated that while there is not resolution at this time, they have been
able to discount some things. He noted that there is no threat, and never was, which is why the press
conference was an important part of the process.
Report from School Committee President, Kris Silverstein
Superintendent Search Update
Ms. Silverstein reported that the School Committee voted and has hired Dr. Suzanne Charochak. She
stated that Dr. Charochak is in the process of negotiating a contract with the Negotiation
Subcommittee and some details still need to be ironed out. Ms. Silverstein stated that once the
Negotiations Subcommittee comes to an agreement with Dr. Charochak, the contract will be
presented to the full School Committee. Ms. Silverstein stated they hope to take a vote on it, in open
session, at the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 27, 2019.
2. Joint Council Meeting Update
Ms. Silverstein provided a summary of the Joint Council meeting that was held on March 6, 2019.
She reported that the Committees' heard from Police Chief LeLacheur who provided an updated on
the marijuana laws and the Student Resource Officers (SRO) in the schools, Bryant Ayles, Chief
Financial Officer for the city, provided information on the city budget, with a follow -up from Gerry
Perry, Financial Analyst, and Ms. Silverstein stated she provided an update of the Superintendent
Search.
3. Learning Walks
Ms. Silverstein reported that last year the School Committee was invited to observe classes at the
schools, (Learning Walks) in the District. She stated that the District Administration is willing to
provide the School Committee members with that opportunity again this year. She said to stay tuned
for the dates and information.
Committee Reports
Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities — Rachael Abell, Chairperson
Ms. Abell reported that the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities is bringing forward the
following items for approval.
1. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities, a motion was made
by Ms. Visnick to approve the Gifts to Schools - December 2018, as detail below:
BHS Westat School Wide $ 250.00
Hannah School Lifetouch Studios School Wide $1,161.91
Beverly Preschool Leuders Environmental School Wide $ 75.00
District Wide Essential School Health Service Grant
Nursing Department District Wide $1,500.00
Total $2,986.91
The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullady and approved by a vote of 6:0.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities, a motion was made
by Ms. Visnick to approve the attached Salary Transfers (1- 16 -19). The motion was seconded by Ms
Ferretti and approved by a vote of 6:0.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities, a motion was made
by Mr. Mullady to approve the attached policy, "Community Use of School Facilities" (Section KF and
KF -R - Community Relations). The motion was seconded by Ms. Abell and approved by a vote of 5:0:1
with Ms. Visnick abstaining. She stated that as a renter herself she absolutely participated in these
conversations and felt what she had to say helped inform the policy. Mrs Visnick stated she believes
some perceive it as a conflict of interest, but she personally doesn't believe it to be a conflict of
interest.
4. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made
by Mr. Mullady to approve the following Gifts to Schools — January 2019:
Beverly High School — Lifetouch Studios School Wide $2,296.81
Beverly Middle School — Masonic Angel Foundation Guidance Department 167.98
Total $2,464.79
The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 6:0.
5. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Ms. Visnick to approve the attached budget transfer — Telephone Accounts. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Mullady and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Ms. Visnick to approve the attached budget transfer — Utility Accounts. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Mullady and approved by a vote of 6:0.
7. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Ms.Visnick to approve the attached budget transfer — Custodial Overtime Accounts. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Ferretti and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Ms. Visnick to approve the attached budget transfer — Custodial — Buildings /Grounds Overtime
Accounts. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ferretti and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Ms. Visnick to approve the attached request for an additional preschool paraprofessional. The motion
was seconded by Ms. Abell and approved by a vote of 6:0.
10. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities a motion was made by
Ms. Visnick to approve the attached request for an increase in rate of pay for Special Education
extended school year paraprofessionals and clerical staff. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ferretti
and approved by a vote of 6:0.
Ms. Abell stated that there was one item for approval that was omitted and would be added to the next
meeting regarding Chapter 70 funding.
The next meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities is Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at
7:00 p.m. in the Beverly Middle School Library.
Curriculum. Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Paul Goodwin. Chairperson
Ms. Silverstein provided a review of the Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Subcommittee meeting
from Wednesday, March 6, 2019, in Mr. Goodwin's absence. The Committee reviewed the new
Interactive DESE District and School Report Cards with Dr. Charochak. The Committee also received a
presentation of the Visual Learning and Project Based Learning projects (Grade 6, 8 & 10). In attendance
for the presentation were Judy Miller, Technology Director, Grade 6 teachers, Beth Spoon and Jen Chirco
and their students, Grade 8, ELA teachers, Andrea Sherman, Jacqueline McAfee, and Jessica McGrath
and Grade 10 teachers, Tisha Stoutenburg (Math) and Zach Nardone (Social Studies).
The Curriculum, Instruction and Student Life Subcommittee will meet again on April 3, 2019 at the Beverly
Middle School at 7:00 p.m.
Negotiations Subcommittee — John Mullady, Chairperson
Mr. Mullady stated that Ms. Silverstein had provided information on the current ongoing negotiations.
Policy Review Subcommittee — Rachael Abell, Chairperson
Ms. Abell stated there is no action currently going on, but, that the Committee does need to meet. She
stated she is working on an excel document to farm out the policies to the appropriate subcommittees
and will be looking to schedule a meeting soon.
Safety Committee - Kelley Ferretti
Ms. Ferretti stated she had nothing to report at this time.
Community Engagement
Ms. Visnick reported attending the Financial Forecasting meeting, Centerville PTO and stated she will
be attending the BHS PTSO meeting. She stated she had also attended a BevEd meeting and the
Centerville Science Fair. Ms. Visnick reported attending the Shelter Fest and commented that she
was in attendance when Beverly High School teacher, Ben Goodhue received his Resolution for
being named "Teacher of the Year" at City Hall. Ms. Visnick reported she had gone into Boston to
attend a forum on Promoting Positive Outcomes for Justice Involved Youth.
Ms. Abell reported attending the Beverly Middle School Science Fair and accompanied some 5th grade
students on a field trip to Boston where they debated the tea tax in the Old South Meeting House.
She stated she was looking forward to the many concerts and musicals coming up and the "Meet the
Robot" on Thursday night. She stated regrets that she is unable to attend the "Fund Our Future"
meeting on March 28th due to a conflict with the planned Financial Forecasting meeting.
Mr. Mullady also commented on the "Fund our Future" meeting. He thanked Rory Devlin for the
information he and his classmates provided on the resolution, Vote16. He stated he joined Dr.
Hiersche and Dr. Charochak at Hannah School last week to read to the students. He commented that
one of the takeaways was having the SRO's, Officer Hathon and Officer Mezza, there reading to the
students and the level of comfort the students have with them.
Ms. Ferretti reported attending the Financial Forecasting meeting and stated she connected with Cove
PTO and provided an update to them.
Ms. Silverstein reminded everyone to stop by and "Meet the Robot" Thursday night at Beverly High
School and said it is great for the younger children too! Ms. Silverstein stated that Salem State
University will be hosting a "Youth At Risk" conference. She stated that the conference is very useful
and provides a lot of networking and workshops and if you are interested to let her know and she
would get more information.
A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Ferretti and seconded by Mr. Mullady. Motion passed: 6:0
Meeting Adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rachael Abell, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
Minutes for Approval:
Overnight Field Trips: BHS ROTC Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, MA
BHS ROTC Naval Station, Newport, RI
Salary Transfers (1- 16 -19)
Community Use of School Facilities Policy
Budget Transfer - Telephone Accounts
Budget Transfer - Utility Accounts
Budget Transfer - Custodial Overtime Accounts
Budget Transfer - Custodial - Budget /Grounds Overtime Accounts
Request for Additional Preschool Paraprofessional
Request for Increase in rate of pay for Special Education extended school
year paraprofessionals and clerical staff