Loading...
2019 06 12 School Committee MinutesBEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Regular School Committee Meeting Wednesday, June 12, 2019 Beverly City Hall — Council Chambers Beverly, Massachusetts A regular meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 in Beverly City Hall, Council Chambers. Members Present: Rachael Abell, Lorinda Visnick, Paul Goodwin, Kris Silverstein, Mayor Michael Cahill, John Mullady, Kelley Ferretti Not in Attendance: 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, Olivia Arenburg Student Representative, Betty Taylor, Beverly High School Principal, Matt Poska, Beverly Middle School Principal, Hannah School Principal, Gabrielle Montevecchi, Centerville School Principal, Julie Smith, North Beverly School Principal, Erin Brown Call to Order: Ms. Silverstein called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Olivia Arenburg led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance AGENDA Recognitions of Students, Employees and Community Member • Doug Walker, President and Anna Green, Vice - President of the Beverly Education Foundation were present to distribute checks to the recipients of the Beverly Education Foundation's Teacher /Parent Grants for the 2019 -2020 school year. (Letter and Disbursements to Beverly Public Schools and PTOs attached). Kate Twombly, K -4 Literacy Coach, Grade 4 Teachers, Marcy Nelson, Marianne Mourikas, Colleen Costain, and 4t" Grade Students, Jayden Arevalo, Alyssa Hering, Liam Sexton, Rylie Berman, Genevieve Bilotti. and Luke Emberley presented their Project Based Learning - Spread the Word Inclusion World Wide, "The Empathy Project ". Upon completion of their presentation they asked School Committee, Administration, and others in attendance to join in their pledge. • Dr. Hiersche and Ms. Silverstein recognized and thanked the following retiring educators: Donna Brewster 30 years of service Martha Chapman 25 years of service Joanne Fortunato 34 years of service Robin Gillette 20 years of service George Hewett 20 years of service Debra Graczyk 32 years of service Joyce Prior 9 years of service Larry Jacobs 33 years of service Wendy Stewart 31 years of service Jill Rinaldo 14 years of service Maryjane Busby 20 years of service Marinell Williams 12 years of service Ms. Silverstein congratulated and thanked Dr. Hiersche upon his retirement from the Beverly Public Schools. Many School Committee members echoed their congratulations and extended their appreciation to Dr. Hiersche for his contributions, advice, friendship, and hard work over the last five (5) years as Superintendent. Ms. Silverstein presented Dr. Hiersche with gifts from 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 Approval of Meeting Records A motion was made by Mr. Goodwin to approve the minutes from the May 8, 2019 FY20 Budget Hearing meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ferretti and approved by a vote of 7:0. A motion was made by Ms. Ferretti to approve the minutes from the May 8, 2019 School Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Goodwin and approved by a vote of 7:0. Items by Consensus Dr. Hiersche recommended approval of the following warrants: a. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19042 in the amount of $132,025.94. b. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19043 in the amount of $660,223.46. c. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19044 in the amount of $240,717.71. d. The Superintendent recommends the School Committee vote to approve Warrant #19045 in the amount of $241,648.90. A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the warrants listed. The motion was seconded by Ms. Abell and approved by a vote of 7:0. Report from the Student Representative to the School Committee Olivia Arenburg, the new BHS Student Representative, reported on a number of end of year happenings at the high school, which included: the sophomore semi on May 17th, performance of the play "Mary Poppins" on May 18th and 19th. Olivia reported that next year's production dates will return to late March. She remarked that they said good -bye to Mr. Nadeau, who's been in charge of the stage crew for the last 20 years. On May 21 stsophomores and juniors attended a Credit for Life event at Masconomet High School where they learned about finances. The Memorial Day assembly and spring concert were held on May 22 Senior awards night was held on May 23rd, Senior Internship Fair on May 24t and the girls' track team participated in the MIAA Division II East Championship on May 25t Seniors had a full week of events including a day at Fenway Park and the Baccalaureate on May 28t Senior Clapout at their respective elementary schools, and scholarship awards were presented on May 29th. The Senior Prom was held at Willowdale on May 30th and the graduation commencement ceremony took place on June 2 at Hurd Stadium. On June 3 r , over forty BHS students volunteered to help with tours of the high school for 8th -grade move -up day and the girls tennis team participated in the state tournament. On June 4th underclass awards were given out and the 9th -grade students took the MCAS Biology exam on June 4th and 5th. MediaWise provided a presentation on digital use to sophomores and juniors on June 5t The Junior Prom was held on June 7t at Danversport Yacht Club and Jazz in the Park took place at Lynch Park on June 6t Olivia stated this week is final exam week. For a Student Council update, Olivia mentioned that they last met on June 3rd noting that freshman elections will take place in the fall. There will also be a special election for junior and senior openings at that time. Communications from Committee Members Ms. Abell reported hearing from some parents of 4th -grade students with questions on how the 5th -grade class made out in their first year at the middle school. Ms. Abell reported questions with regards to communications and how to access student work, with much now being done digitally, how could parents get a glimpse of it. Ms. Abell recommended they contact the middle school principal. Ms. Abell reported many questions regarding music and fine arts participation, also school choice and kindergarten and music fees. Mr. Mullady heard from people that expressed their appreciation of the field days and being able to volunteer at them. He reported hearing from constituents expressing their gratitude for the walking school bus, hoping there will be more opportunities to come. Ms. Ferretti stated she received many of the same questions. She reported questions on school choice, and the 1 -to -1 laptop program. Ms. Visnick commented on how great the walk to school days are, but, also commented on the barriers; i.e., painting of the crosswalks and what will it take to make it safer for the students. She reported hearing good feedback on the recent internet safety presentation, but stated that June is a very busy month and requested that in the future, moving presentations up a little to avoid scheduling conflicts. Mr. Goodwin stated he received questions regarding the number of coaches for different sports. He also heard concerns regarding the crossing guard near the Cummings Center, signage, painting of the crosswalk, status of German, and questions on early retirement. Mr. Mullady added that the City of Beverly app[lication] is amazing and very user friendly. Ms. Silverstein reported two (2) concerns, crossing issues with the parents parking at the Cummings Center and a bullying issue she heard about through Facebook. Ms. Silverstein suggested that people should also reach out to their school committee representative, teachers, or school principal with these types of concerns and Dr. Hiersche stated Central Office, as well. At this time in the meeting, Mayor Cahill asked if Ms. Twombly could introduce, Genevieve Bilotti, who was one of the Centerville 4th -grade students that worked on the "The Empathy Project ". Report from Superintendent Hiersche 1. Overnight Field Trip - BHS Weinheim and Munich Germany Dr. Hiersche introduced Stephane Lowe, BHS German Educator, to address the School Committee with her request for approval of the overnight field trip to Weinheim and Munich, Germany. The trip is tentatively scheduled for June 22, 2020. Ms. Lowe reported that the German students will be coming over to Beverly at the end of October, beginning of November. They will be living with Beverly families and attending Beverly High School. She provided information on the proposed trip to Weinheim and Munich Germany. She stated that the cost of the trip will be $2,700.00 and that she already has some fundraising ideas in the works. A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the overnight field trip to Weinheim and Munich, Germany tentatively scheduled for June, 2020. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ferretti and approved by a vote of 7:0. 2. Dr. Hiersche Reflections Dr. Hiersche reflected on his time as Superintendent of Schools over the last five (5) years in Beverly. He remarked that he has been in many communities and school systems over the years, and stated that Beverly has a lot of "really good stuff going on." He went on to note that he has worked with many innovative teachers throughout the years, but never this many. Additionally, he commented on the great collaboration the administration has with the Beverly Teachers Association. Dr. Hiersche thanked School Committee Members, Mayor Cahill, administration, and staff, stating "this is a great place to finish." Report from School Committee President, Kris Silverstein 1. Fall 2019 School Committee Schedule Ms. Silverstein presented the Fall 2019 School Committee Schedule to the committee for approval. A motion was made by Mayor Cahill to approve the Fall 2019 School Committee Schedule as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ferretti and approved by a vote of 7:0. 2. Rate Change for Valerio Dominello & Hillman, LLC Ms. Silverstein reported she had included a letter from Attorney Valerio (Valerio Dominello & Hillman, LLC) regarding a change in their rate per hour of $10.00 (from $225.00 per hour to $235.00 per hour). She stated that this was more informational, noting they will be going into negotiations in the fall and the committee will need to decide before then, if they are working well with Attorney Valerio or want to look at other options. 3. Additional /Relocation of Crossing Guards Ms. Silverstein stated that there was a request to talk about crossing guards and she reported that Dr. Hiersche reminded her that there are two extra crossing guards in budget for next year. Dr. Hiersche stated that he had met with the crossing guard on Balch Street and has a meeting scheduled with the Cummings Center. He stated the need to review the traffic pattern, as well as, other locations that the committee may need to consider. Dr. Hiersche suggested the need for a policy that details who would be involved in determining if a location needs a crossing guard. He recommended involving someone from the police department, because they have access to traffic statistics, and from the school department to review any crossing locations that are being considered. Dr. Hiersche stated the need to have a conversation regarding the middle school issues and that we need to impress upon parents that the crossing guards are doing their job for the safety of the children. Dr. Hiersche stated that while we appreciate that the Cummings Center allowed middle school parents to use their lot it also created more kids crossing Balch Street and, going forward, it will need to be monitored and enforced to make sure parents use the middle school parking lot. Dr. Hiersche stated on the Cabot Street side we need to make sure the students are walking to the crosswalk to be crossed. He recommended that one of the two crossing guards, budgeted for next year, be added to the Cabot Street side of the middle school. Ms. Ferretti asked about widening the opening, which Dr. Hiersche stated was done, but questions if it is wide enough. Mayor Cahill stated that there will be no parking on the Cummings Center property in the fall and therefore will not have that degree of crossing. Ms. Silverstein inquired about the possibility of offering training for our crossing guards and some high police presence to help with managing that flow. Ms. Visnick stated this is a huge burden on the crossing guards and feels drivers would have more respect for a physical light/flashing beacon. Ms. Abell stated that, on Elliott Street, lights mean nothing to distracted drivers. She stated we definitely need some enforcement and that also the 8 o'clock hour is a tough time traffic -wise. Committee Reports Standing Committee on Finance & Facilities — Rachael Abell, Chairperson Ms. Abell reported that the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities last met on May 15, 2019. She reported that Food Service Director, Christina Leal provided information on the Food Serve policy, published by MASC. Additionally, Ms Leal reported on some issues facing the Food Service Department, namely, the debt that is of concern. Ms. Leal spoke about some options and what is available to parents and students. Ms. Abell stated that the following items were being brought forward for approval of the School Committee: 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 - April 2019, as detailed below: BHS GPI US, Inc. School Wide $ 500.00 BHS PTO Peabody Essex Museum Field Trip $ 495.00 Preschool PTO Field Trip Brooksby Farm 295.00 Total $1,290.00 The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill and approved by a vote of 7:0. 2. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities, a motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the FY19 Grants Beverly Public School listed below: MCC Yellow School Bus Centerville $ 250.00 MCC Yellow School Bus BHS $ 250.00 MCC Stars Residency Cove Potato Hill Poetry $3,400.00 MCC Stars Residency North Beverly Change is Simple $4,000.00 Total $7,900.00 The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill and approved by a vote of 7:0. 3. Upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities, a motion was made by Ms. Visnick to approve the attached budget transfer #294. The motion was seconded by Mayor Cahill and approved by a vote of 7:0. The next meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities is Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Beverly Middle School Library. Ms. Silverstein mentioned that there was information on another item in your packets that will now be brought forward to the Committee of the Whole. Curriculum. Instruction and Student Life Sub - Committee — Paul Goodwin, Chairperson Mr. Goodwin reported that they have not met since their last meeting. The next meeting will be in September. Negotiations Subcommittee — John Mullady, Chairperson Negotiations are coming. Policy Review Subcommittee — Rachael Abell, Chairperson Ms. Abell stated the Policy Subcommittee has not met since last meeting but, commented that each member of the standing committee has a few action items and she will be following up with them and the other standing committee chairs. Safety Committee - Kelley Ferretti Ms. Ferretti stated Mayor Cahill has been meeting with the PTO's and having great dialogue. Ms Ferretti expressed her appreciation for the newly painted crosswalks on Lothrop Street. Community Engagement Ms Ferretti stated it is a great time of year with all the moving -up ceremonies and graduation. She reported attending concerts and strings, remarking it is great to see all the progress. She also reported chaperoning some field trips. Ms. Ferretti gave a shout out to Cove School on their different spin for their Open House - Showcase of the Stars. She commented that they sent out invitations encourage parents to dress -up and actually had a red carpet for the event. Mr. Mullady provided some thoughts on Dr. Hiersche's time here in Beverly. Mr. Mullady commented that parents always felt comfortable approaching him. He stated that while Dr. Hiersche has always said "it's all about the kids," Mr. Mullady commented that he also had built a great relationship with the unions. In closing, Mr. Mullady said as a teacher you always want to leave things a little better ... he stated Dr. Hiersche is leaving things better than when he arrived. Mr. Goodwin expressed his gratitude to the PTOs for all of the time that they put in and the amazing work that they did throughout the school year. He stated he participated in the North Beverly 5K. He also commented that he went to see the screening of Plastic Ocean and has purchased a set of Hannah silverware sets instead of using plastic. Mr. Goodwin thanked Dr. Hiersche for making his time on the school committee easier and remarked that he was grateful that his sons went through the high school under his leadership. Ms. Abell reported attending concerts, strings, the amazing jazz concert at Lynch Park. She also chaperoned the 4th - graders field trip to Endicott College and expressed her appreciation to the professors for their patience with the students. Ms. Abell stated that the musicals were fantastic and gave extra kudos to the middle school for pulling it off for the first time on a new stage and with a new sound system. She stated she was looking forward to the 4th -grade recognition ceremony at Ayers and the Arts Festival this weekend plugging the Launch Program and their cards. Ms. Visnick reported that she continues to serve on BevEd Foundation in an advisory roll stating it's not too late to "Honor A Teacher ". Ms. Visnick commented that this was the first time that the Senior Clapout was on the senior activity list and she has heard nothing but great things about it. She reported it was great that the high school honor society students participated in the middle school honor society induction and worked with middle school students. She remarked that it was great to see that collaboration and interactions. Beverly's Memorial Day parade was great to see with the participation of the high school band, ROTC members, and Project 351 Ambassador, Ian Visnick. Ms. Visick said to Dr. Hiersche, from one math nerd to another, from someone who learned the joy of teaching, she hopes he finds a way to scratch that itch and that he finds that joy in his retirement. Mayor Cahill stated that we are wrapping up another wonderful school year. He expressed his appreciation to all of the Cove PTO members, Cove staff, Patrick Belmonte from Change is Simple, Ms. Oliver and the 4th -grade students for putting together a pilot composting program. Mayor Cahill said to Dr. Hiersche that for the past five (5) years he has brought to everything he has done, much grace, dignity, and kindness. Mayor Cahill stated that Dr. Hiersche has been an incredible mentor, role model, and friend and he was very grateful for his time here in Beverly. Ms. Ferretti thanked Dr. Hiersche from the bottom of her heart, and stated that he has been a wonderful part of this process and a pleasure to work with. Ms. Silverstein reported that they have also met with the new Assistant Superintendent, Dorothy Flaherty, and that they will be welcoming her over the summer. Ms. Silverstein echoed that great things are happening in our district. Ms. Silverstein extended her congratulations to all graduating students who attended Recovery High School and the private schools too. Ms. Silverstein said to Dr. Hiersche we have been on this journey together and she remarked that she didn't know where she would have been without his shoulder and guidance. She stated together, as a committee, they have accomplished a lot of great work and have relied on his recommendations. She congratulated him on a well deserved retirement. A motion was made by Mr. Goodwin to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Visnick and approved by a vote of 7:0. Meeting Adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rachael Abell, Secretary Beverly School Committee Documents Reviewed at the meeting: Minutes for Approval: Overnight Field Trips: Beverly Education Foundation letter and disbursements FY20 Budget Hearing Minutes 5 -8 -19 School Committee Meeting Minutes 5 -8 -19 Overnight Field Trip BHS Weinheim and Munich Germany Fall 2019 School Committee Schedule Rate Change letter from Valerio Dominillo & Hillman, LLC Anthraquinone Product Information Budget Transfer #294