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Beverly School Committee adopts revised bullying policy, approves trips and grants in Nov. 12 meeting
Summary
The Beverly School Committee voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to adopt a revised bullying prevention policy (JICFB), approve overnight sixth‑grade Nature’s Classroom and Model UN trips, authorize student activity accounts including the BHS GSA, accepted grants totaling $26,500, and moved into executive session to discuss collective bargaining.
At its Nov. 12 meeting, the Beverly Public Schools School Committee approved multiple formal actions ranging from policies to student trips and grants.
Policy: After discussion prompted by public comment, the committee adopted a revised district bullying prevention and intervention policy (JICFB). Superintendent Christian Cushing reviewed the redline edits and explained the district’s reliance on DESE guidance and state law; members asked about the legal definition of bullying, restorative practices, and FERPA privacy limits. The motion to adopt the revised JICFB was moved, seconded and passed by roll call 6–0.
Field trips: The committee approved two in‑state overnight trips. The sixth‑grade Nature’s Classroom trip (two possible weeks in April in Charlton, MA) was presented by Mr. Twombly; the per‑student charge was stated at $479 (up from $420 last year), and the committee discussed scholarships and fundraising plans to ensure access. The committee voted to approve the Nature’s Classroom trip (motion moved by Mayor Mary Cahill, seconded by Karen Robinson; vote 6–0). The Model United Nations overnight trip to MIT in February was also presented and approved by roll call (6–0).
Finance and student activity accounts: The standing committee on Finance & Facilities recommended accepting gifts (including $250 to Hannah Elementary), approving two budget transfers (Nos. 1042 and 1043), and authorizing student activity accounts for the Beverly High School GSA and the World Language account; the committee approved these recommendations by voice/roll calls (various 6–0 tallies recorded in the minutes).
Grants: The committee accepted grants totaling $26,500: $1,000 for Northeast Network STEM week and a $25,500 Massachusetts Life Sciences Center STEM equipment grant. Those grants were accepted by roll call vote.
Other policy reviews and procedural items: The committee marked several MASC sample policies as reviewed (CHD, CL, GA) and held first readings on career exploration/CTE and special‑education‑related policies (IHBA, IHAMB, IHBAA), which will return for later votes.
Executive session: At the meeting’s end the chair moved, seconded and the committee voted to enter executive session under M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy for collective bargaining with the Beverly Teachers Association units A, B and C, AFSCME Local 2894, AFSA and individual contracts; the committee stated it would not return to open session.
Votes at a glance: Minutes (10/08/2025) — approved 5–0 (2 absences); Consent warrants — approved (roll call); Nature’s Classroom overnight trip — approved 6–0; Model UN at MIT overnight trip — approved 6–0; JICFB bullying prevention policy (adopted as revised) — approved 6–0; Student activity accounts (BHS GSA, World Language) — approved 6–0; Grants accepted (total $26,500) — approved 6–0; Enter executive session for collective bargaining — approved 6–0.
What’s next: Several items are scheduled for follow‑up or further readings at upcoming meetings, including the proposed LGBTQIA+ parent advisory council discussion and final readings on DESE‑mandated policies.
