Beverly School Committee unanimously approves equity director post, two racial justice resolutions

BEVERLY -- July 20, 2020, Beverly School Committee unanimously approved a new equity administrator post and passed two racial justice resolutions at its July 20 virtual meeting. The board voted 7-0 to create a Director of Opportunity, Access and Equity position, funded for its first year through $477,284 in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Act money awarded to Beverly Public Schools out of a total $555,939 grant allocation. Dr. Dorothy Flaherty outlined the grant budget, which also includes $196,155 in supplies and materials, $116,754 in teacher stipends, and up to $60,000 for items including outdoor learning tents. Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Charochek presented a detailed building capacity analysis showing that full in-person return at minimum three-foot distancing would require at least five additional elementary teachers and 24 students per large bus, data headed to the state in a July 31 feasibility submission. The committee also voted 7-0 to establish a racial-justice curriculum commitment and 7-0 to place Juneteenth on the district calendar, while continuing a broader anti-racism resolution to the July 30 meeting.