Beverly School Committee passes equity resolution 7-0, previews fall reopening models

BEVERLY -- July 30, 2020, Beverly School Committee unanimously adopts equity resolution and previews three fall 2020 reopening models. The committee voted 7-0 Thursday on a resolution committing Beverly Public Schools to a third-party cultural competency and equity audit, revised recruiting and hiring practices, and reduced student-to-counselor caseloads; two sections, one on affinity groups and one creating a joint anti-racism committee, were struck pending audit findings, and language mandating specific dean of students positions was softened to a commitment to pursue restorative discipline practices. Superintendent Dr. Sue Charochek presented preliminary in-person, hybrid, and fully remote reopening scenarios, noting that a family survey of 2,756 respondents found 71.7 percent would send children back full-time under safe conditions, while 79 percent said they would not use school buses. A staff survey of 455 employees found 36.9 percent nervous but willing to return and 8.7 percent citing personal high-risk health status as a barrier. The binding reopening vote is scheduled for August 6, with a state submission deadline of August 10, 2020.