Loading...
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