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Danvers Retirement Board accepts school SLP‑A into system and approves routine personnel, payroll and transfers
Summary
The board unanimously admitted a newly hired Speech and Language Pathology Assistant into the retirement system after the superintendent and HR director described the role; the board also approved minutes, payroll and multiple personnel actions and transfers.
Danvers School Superintendent Dan Bauer and Human Resources Director Kim Bevan asked the Retirement Board on Feb. 25 to accept a newly hired Speech and Language Pathology Assistant (SLP‑A) into membership in the town retirement system. Cory Grace, the Retirement Administrator, said the job description in the packet listed hours and months and asked the school representatives to clarify actual hours; the district confirmed the position will work a full school day (7.25 hours) for the school year (184 days).
"The school is focused on keeping students with special needs in the district and being capable and qualified to provide a service so needed for these students," Bauer said. After discussion the board voted unanimously to accept the position into membership (motion by Rodney Conley; second by Vincent Malgeri).
The board also handled routine governance and personnel business. It unanimously approved the Feb. 25 meeting minutes (motion by Mike Hagan; second by Heather Russo) and approved bills payable and warrants after review. Staff reported March payroll of $1,304,539.60 and March expenses of $160,808.16; purchases and sales reported in packet were unanimously accepted.
Several new hires and status changes presented in the packet were approved unanimously: Teresa Benevides (Senior Custodian, DPW Buildings, start 03/23/2026), Carly Manion (Assistant Town Accountant, start 03/09/2026), Amanda Marsello (Instructional Assistant — Great Oak, start 02/10/2026), and Natalie Leishman (Instructional Assistant — Thorpe, start 02/02/2026). The board acknowledged the death of retired employee Margaret McClory (d. 03/08/2026) and approved retirements for Joyce Cronin (Superannuation Opt. B, effective 05/29/2026) and Patricia Sanders (Superannuation Opt. C, effective 03/27/2026).
Buyback and transfer requests were approved, including Brie‑Ann Thibault’s purchase of 3 years, 9 months for $10,758.77; transfers approved included Veronica O'Leary (transfer to Essex Regional, $23,932.26) and Julianny Vittini (transfer to Lynn Retirement, $50,960.37).
Administrator Cory Grace provided PERAC memos, an Open Meeting Law training notice, and a DOJ notice regarding Kenneth Leech; he said the town’s records (Town Meeting, May 19, 1997) show the Retirement Board is indemnified and that he had provided that documentation to PERAC (via Linda Champion), which updated PERAC’s records. The board agreed to review the materials and defer further discussion until Chair Collins’ return in May. Grace also shared a cybersecurity insurance quote from Jeff Lydon; Rodney Conley requested that Danvers IT Director Colby Cousens and a representative from the town’s insurer (MIIA) attend when the item is scheduled, and staff will try to coordinate their attendance for the May meeting.
The board voted unanimously to adjourn; the next meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2026.
