2019 05 08 FY20 Budget Hearing MinutesBEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Public Hearing — FY20 Budget
Wednesday, May 8, 2019, 6:30 P.M.
Beverly City Hall — Council Chambers
Beverly, Massachusetts
Members Present: Rachael Abell, Paul Goodwin, Kris Silverstein, Mayor Michael Cahill, John
Mullady, Kelley Ferretti, Lorinda Visnick
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, John
Harmon, Director of Personnel and Human Resources, Elementary Principals,
Dr. Debra Lay, Ayers Ryal Side School, Julie Smith, Centerville School, Lisa
Oliver, Cove School, Gabrielle Montevecchi, Hannah School, Erin Brown, North
Beverly School, Secondary Principals Matthew Poska, Beverly Middle School,
Betty Taylor, Beverly High School
Call to Order: Ms. Silverstein called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Paul Goodwin led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
FY20 Budget
Ms. Silverstein opened the FY20 Budget Public Hearing by introducing the School Committee and
members of Administration. She asked that individuals who have signed up to speak to state their name
and address and to please keep their comments to three minutes. Ms. Silverstein stated that Dr. Hiersche
would provide an overview of the draft budget prior to the speakers.
Dr. Hiersche began by reviewing budget priority areas. This would include contractual obligations,
healthcare increases, School Committee and Administrative priorities and requests from principals and
other district leaders. Dr. Hiersche reviewed Special Education costs for FY20 based on enrollments,
tuition increases and approved reconstruction costs. Dr. Hiersche continued by reviewing enrollment
projections across the district and reviewed changes in staff due to these projected enrollments. In
addition to staffing based on enrollments, the budget includes an Outreach Counselor to work with
students and families across the district, two (2) Crossing Guards, and fee reduction for Kindergarten.
The FY20 budget does not include additional Curriculum Leadership or the addition of support in the
Business Office as requested by Administration.
Dr. Hiersche said the next step is submission of the budget to the Mayor and to track the changes in
funding as the Legislature finishes their budget process.
At this time, Ms. Silverstein took questions /comments from the following individuals who had signed up
to speak:
There was no one signed up to speak.
Ms. Silverstein asked for a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing. Kelley Ferretti made a motion to
adjourn. The motion was seconded by Rachael Abell and approved by a vote of 7 -0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rachael Abell, Secretary
Beverly School Committee
Documents Reviewed at the meeting:
FY20 Draft Budget Document