REGULAR MEETING OPEN SESSION
PRESENT: Ms. Beckmann, Chairman, Mr. Barrett, Ms. Creighton, Mr. Dente, Ms. Gaudiano, Ms. Harrison, Mr. Kiley, Superintendent Shaps, Mr. Young.
OPENING BUSINESS
A. Call to Order The Chairman called the Meeting to Order at 7:30 pm.
B. Chairman’s Report On behalf of the School Committee, the Chairman thanked those who were responsible for the World Peace and Understanding book collection and the book shelves that were installed in our school library.
Rotary Club Auction - Ms. Beckmann introduced Paul Sullivan who addressed the Committee on behalf of the Manchester Rotary Club. Mr. Sullivan proudly announced that the Manchester Essex Rotary Club is three years old and has twenty-two active members. Over the past three years, they have concentrated their fund raising efforts towards our school district and during that time have donated approximately $25,000 in monies and services to the school. He was pleased to see that the book collection and shelves had been installed in the library and stated that a dedication would be planned sometime soon. He was also impressed with the fine works of art by our students exhibited at the school, which we viewed prior to the meeting. Mr. Sullivan came to solicit the School Committee’s support for an upcoming Rotary Club fund raising event scheduled for Saturday, June 11th from 7 pm to 11 pm at the Legion Hall in Manchester; it is anticipated that Senator Bruce Tarr will be the auctioneer - flyers were distributed to members of the School Committee for their interest and participation in the Rotary Club’s upcoming event. Mr. Young, also a member of the Rotary Club and working with Mr. Sullivan on the event, supported Mr. Sullivan’s comments and stated that they would also be working with parents and members of the community in getting the word out about the auction. As this is a fund raiser for our schools, they are anticipating community participation and hope to make it a big event. He as well as members of the School Committee thanked Mr. Sullivan for the efforts of the Rotary Club.
B. Wellness Presentation Superintendent Shaps stated that Technology and Wellness were among the focused areas of curriculum review in our District Improvement Plan. We have provided a two-year plan for Technology however Wellness is not only about promoting healthy lifestyles, but also educating students about lifelong learning across many disciplines and involves a number of staff members across the district. We have completed a program review on Wellness and have also looked outward to the state standards and national programs and make
the comparison as to where we are now and what are the important elements and future plans for the Wellness Curriculum. Two examples of curriculum mapping were distributed; Physical Education K - 10 and Health Education 7 - 10. The Superintendent met with Karen Lucas, School Adjustment Counselor, and invited her to work with him in reviewing the types of Wellness Programs in schools across the country. Similarly, in the Fall, he met with Linda Collins, District Leader in Physical Education and Health and working with both individuals, as well as our Guidance Counselors and Teachers have put together the Curriculum Maps as presented to the School Committee. Both educators presented extensive reports to the School Committee on their research and provided data, which led to the development of the submitted curriculum maps. It was noted that lack of space and additional staff would prevent us from fulfilling all of the frameworks goals included in the proposed Wellness Curriculum
Program.
The Superintendent noted that it is clear from the presentations that in order to fulfill our Wellness Program needs we must marshal the resources to hire additional staff. Both Karen Lucas and Linda Collins were available to answer questions from the School Committee relative to the schools included in their research. They stated that in several instances, the individuals they talked to were surprised to see all that we offer and in spite of our facilities, we are among the top schools in what we do offer our students.
Mr. Kiley suggested that relative to the video library that is recommended, perhaps making use of our web site would be helpful. Karen and Linda agreed and they plan to make use of the web site. Ms. Beckmann recognized the importance of the Wellness Program and supported the idea of getting information out to parents that would serve as parent guidance to help their children and to work in partnership with the school would be extremely helpful.
C. Public Comment There was none.
GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Building Sub-Committee Ms. Creighton presented a site selection report. As reported earlier, potential sites have been narrowed down to three sites. Lengthy discussions and reviews have taken place among the Building Sub-Committee including site visits. They have given serious thought and consideration to questions heard now as well as those heard in the past about wait until we have heard from SBA vs. we should go ahead now. The Sub-Committee hopes to reach a middle ground in that area. How imperative is it that we address a new
Elementary School. The cost to the taxpayer-- Ms. Creighton notes that we have heard everything from, “cost doesn’t matter at all” to “cost is the key”. Lastly, what to take to the voters and how to proceed.
The three sites currently under consideration are the Lincoln St. site; Upper Pine St. site and the Southern Ave. site in Essex. The Upper Pine St. site is currently owned by the Manchester Essex Conservation Trust and the Sub-Committee is having a title search to determine whether they own the entire parcel. The Southern Ave. Essex site owned by two private landowners. Ms. Creighton explained that these three sites were selected because they represent the lowest site prep costs and are sites that would accommodate our program.
Ms. Creighton stated that the Sub-Committee spent a lot of time discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each of the sites. In summary, it was found that there are two sites here that have the advantages of a community school and there are two sites that have the advantages of a campus in the woods. Clearly, if was felt that the current site on Lincoln St., without the Memorial re-build had the advantage that the land is currently owned, it is the lowest cost in the program and offers all of the advantages that come from an “in community” school. Plowing and bussing costs are similar to present and would probably take the shortest time to complete. The disadvantage is that there are certain political issues around the present site and there would be some phased
plan that would have students on the site while construction is in process; obviously there are neighbor issues and perhaps some other regional issues that would need to be resolved such as Coach Ed fields in order to make it a reality.
Relative to Site E, the Southern Ave. site in Essex contains 60 acres; it can accommodate the entire program. The campus would be located about 1000 ft from the road; it would have a campus in the woods atmosphere. The location is central to both communities with low neighborhood impact. The disadvantage to this site is that the Sub-Committee has not been able to confirm that there is sewer capacity; they are working on that and there has been some email correspondence. Thus far, the Board of
Selectmen has given them a letter stating that we do not have sewer capacity but the Sub-Committee plans to ask the Selectmen to re-examine the issue. The site has received both positive and negative votes in terms of remoteness and in relation to security. The land must be purchased. Ms. Creighton has spoken to the landowners and invited them to submit a proposal - we have not heard from them. The site would have the highest cost in that it would have long driveways and we would need to bus the largest number of students.
The upper Pine St. site can also accommodate the entire program and also has the advantage of a campus in the woods. It has access to conservation trails and lands, which will make it a partnership with the Conservation group and it will provide students with educational opportunities that come with a Conservation environment. The site is located off Rte 128 and has easy vehicular access for both communities. The disadvantage of the site is that it would have to be purchased and likely it would be through eminent domain. An eminent domain taking requires two-thirds vote of the town in which the land is located. Therefore, the community would need to agree to change the use of the land. The site is further away from the majority of the population than the Lincoln St. site. Natural
heritage is a real potential problem with the site in that there are rare and endangered species; we would have to prove that the rare and endangered species are not present in the natural heritage zone. There are also more significant wetlands on this site than on the other two sites, although all of the sites have wetland issues - there is a large wetland area at the entrance to the site. The proximity to Rte 128 could also create future security issues. There are benefits as well as disadvantages to the site.
Lastly, Ms. Creighton referred to the Lincoln St. site. This plan would allow us to take a comprehensive view of all of our buildings together, although that is not precluded by the other plans we certainly can address our Elementary Schools with another site that is not Lincoln St. and that is important to keep in mind. The advantage here is that the money could be put into buildings rather than purchasing land.
In summary Ms. Creighton stated that we would need to acquire the land on Southern Ave. or on Upper Pine St. and in all cases we need to determine how we are going to handle Elementary Schools in all cases, but the Lincoln St. site specifically addresses Memorial. The site prep costs are higher in the Southern Ave. corridor. The atmosphere would be one of a campus in the woods and the site prep costs could be higher for the Southern Ave site than the Upper Pine St. site and the lowest would be for the Lincoln St. sites.
Cost issues were reviewed; Ms. Creighton exhibited slides of determined costs with and without SBA assistance and also exhibited figures relative to beginning now vs beginning in three years with escalated costs. It was noted that the projected costs were higher than the $35 million projection from the previous Sub-Committee’s projection two years ago. Escalation accounts for most of it, in the last two years it has been in excess of 6%, and the previous figure did not carry escalation costs and we are less far along in concept design than we were the last time so we carry a contingency of 10% which is customary for a project at this stage. Lastly, State law now requires us to have a Project Manager and that was not required the last time therefore another $800,000 is carried
for all projects in that account. Ms. Creighton noted that when one considers these added, mandatory costs, the figures average the $43 million. Using the escalated costs of when the schools would be built the proposed figures are as follows: $51 million for Lincoln St., $49 -$56 million for Southern Ave. and for Upper Pine St. $44 - 51 million and lastly, Lincoln St. with Memorial re-build would be the highest at $58 today and $66 million if we are going to rebuild in two or three years. Ms. Creighton referred to what this would mean to the taxpayer. She
then exhibited the estimated costs with and without SBA assistance and noted that the figures shown were working numbers and represented figures as close as possible. Throughout the discussion, we were reminded that escalation costs and the unknown SBA figures allow us only to bring our figures as close as possible. We do know that we would not get reimbursement for land acquisition, but would get reimbursed for school construction. Ms. Creighton recommends that the School Building Sub-Committee working jointly with the School Committee decide on a time
frame for presenting our information and proposed plan to the voters, with and without SBA assistance so that we can hopefully select a site and move forward with a plan. The Mount Vernon Group has been very helpful in helping the Sub-Committee to understand the schedule. There are a number of things that must be done in order to keep moving; they have just finished the first phase of their work and a report will be forthcoming. They next plan to prepare a concept plan and depending on the site that is selected, help us to refine the budget and prepare
materials for us to take to the voters. Ms. Creighton was available to answer questions from the School Committee relative to the cost of bonding and cost to taxpayers, as closely as can be determined at this time. She believes that at this time we cannot determine the time frame of reimbursement from the SBA or the amount that will be reimbursed. She also suggested that depending on the site that is selected, there may be savings realized in certain areas, i.e. if two buildings were in close proximity, perhaps a central heating system that would service two buildings at the same time, and there may be other areas such as that that could be worked out.
Members of the Mt. Vernon Group were present and Ms. Creighton was commended for the outstanding presentation. Richard Trembowicz, Sub-Committee member felt that there are some members of the Sub-Committee who would like to combine the Memorial plan on one side of the street with an entire athletic complex on the other side, however it may raise a set of political issues with Essex Elementary as well as within Manchester as far as the ability to digest that concept. There may be some real dollars saved with that plan. He sees these as real issues that are not easy to solve without help from the School Committee. Independent of where the building is placed or the process that is followed, whether or not to wait for SBA is a big decision that will weigh heavily on selling this project
to the towns and he would look to the School Committee for guidance on such a decision.
Ms. Gaudiano asked if the decision to either wait or not wait for SBA affect the site selection. Mr. Trembowicz stated that if property were taken by eminent domain he did not think waiting for SBA would present a problem because we would not build for five years. One parcel that may have eminent domain as an approach may be considered more carefully than perhaps building on the present site though there may be other cost savings from not waiting. Ms. Creighton stated that each of the sites hase some very clear advantages and disadvantages - the Sub-Committee did not find a perfect site.
Mr. Dente believes that the final decisions rest with the voters in each community and that we need to have the approval of the voters on a site before any other decisions can be made. He recognizes that we are proposing a long term fifty year solution, therefore waiting another six months or one year longer would not seem to make a great deal of difference. He wants to be certain that all the good work that has been done up to this point does not go by the wayside - we need to be very deliberate in our presentation to our communities and he would like to gain a real sense of buy in from the voters before going further.
Mr. Kiley believes that the School Committee has made every effort to stay involved with the school building process as it has been presented to them. As an elected member of the School Committee he believes that ultimately it is their responsibility to represent the taxpayers and make the best decision related to the recommendation and move forward. He feels there has been ample opportunity for community input. He would also recommend that in terms of timing, we do a reality check on the SBA because according to the recent news coming out of Boston, things are getting worse. With the escalating costs of steel and building materials, it would appear that there would be a deferral before any new projects are accepted by the SBA. He recognized that the Sub-Committee has presented four
credible alternatives and it is now time for us to talk to our constituencies and present the facts in a structured way. Ms. Creighton has given us the facts and it is now up to the School Committee to share the information in such a way that the voters recognize the economic and academic impact of moving forward now vs. later.
Ms. Creighton stated that it is important that we remain consistent and think carefully about what the implications are of saying that short-term costs are our bottom line because it has a lot of implications. She would agree that for almost every voter cost is an issue and we have given people an opportunity to be heard. Ms. Creighton pointed out that relative to two of the sites named, the Sub-Committee is waiting to receive a letter from Essex about sewer availability; we have received one letter stating that they cannot provide the sewer and we are awaiting a second response. The second site named, the Pine St. site would be by eminent domain and it would require a two-thirds vote.
Mr. Dente did not want his thoughts on funding to be misinterpreted as dollars being the final issue. He would however recommend that we get a final buy in from our constituencies before we make a final decision.
Mr. Barrett brought up the fact that there were already several overrides that the people in Essex have had to contend with and he would agree that getting a sense of buy in from the communities would be helpful, especially among the seniors.
Ms. Harrison asked if we could sell the Lincoln St. site in Essex. Mr. Dente stated that we would need to ask the voters in Essex and that is why he feels it is important for us to know their thoughts before we can make a decision.
Public Comment - Jessica LaMothe, Manchester resident would recommend that before this get to a final vote in the communities, there needs to be a one time presentation to the Selectmen and to the voters of both communities before a decision is made.
Annie Cameron, Building Sub-Committee member responded to Mr. Dente’s thoughts that it is a community decision and they all need to know what is going on. She feels that it is important for all of the voters to know what is going on, but mostly the parents - they are the ones who are going to vote for this. This package needs to sell on its own merits and should not rest on the personalities of just a few people.
In summary, Ms. Beckmann stated that there would always be some that would not be in favor of a particular site regardless of location. We can only do our best and she sees it as a School Committee’s decision. The Building Sub-Committee has done an outstanding job and with the exception of one or two outstanding pieces of information to come, we are not far away from making a very good decision. If people understand it, it will be one that can be supported. She agrees that it would be advantageous for us to have a joint meeting with the leadership from both towns and open it to the public so that
everyone is given one more opportunity for input, however the work has been done and it is now time for us to make a decision. Regardless of what happens with the SBA, Ms. Beckmann stated that things will not become less expensive, it will not become easier and it will not become less controversial. However, we will be able to stand on the fact that we have done everything possible and we have answered every question to the best of our ability.
Ms. Harrison believes that the Upper Pine St. site would be the easiest to pass in both towns. It is important however that we talk to the Trustees before we make the final decision. Ms. Beckmann stated that if there is a Conservation Trust meeting scheduled in June, and then we need to get the result of that discussion. Ms. Beckmann would like to set a decision date of June 22nd. Before that date, the School Committee would have met with the Boards of Selectmen and Finance Committees at an open public meeting and hopefully we would have heard from the Conservation Trust on the Upper Pine St. site before that time. Ms. Creighton asked if the School Committee wished the Sub-Committee to continue their work through the end of the year in getting faculty input on programs and that
would help the Sub-Committee in selling the site to the voters.
Ms. Creighton moved that the School Committee approve $25,000 for the next phase of concept design with the Mount Vernon Group to deliver the program concept piece of revised budget and materials to support bringing this decision to a vote. Ms. Harrison seconded. Discussion. Funds would be taken out of the operating budget as we approach year end; if insufficient funds remain in the operating budget, Mr. Young asked for the Committee’s approval to use school choice funds for this purpose. Members present; Beckmann, Creighton, Dente, Gaudiano, Harrison and Kiley voted yes; Barrett voted no - the motion passed.
B. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Shaps announced that Tim Averill was elected to the National Forensic League Hall of Fame; he is the second person from Massachusetts since 1925 to receive that honor. AP Recognition - the Superintendent announced that an article appeared in the Gloucester Times recognizing our students; also the latest issue of Newsweek Magazine has named Manchester Essex Regional High School as one of the top 500 high schools in the country based on the number of AP exams that we offer to our students
on a annual basis. The entire staff of our high school paper received the highest achievement award at the New England Scholastic Press Conference.
We will hold our first intergenerational health fair has been organized by our nurse, Cindy Aldrich who has put together information on area health care providers and resources for senior citizens, parents and students.
The Superintendent reported that we will have a group of German debaters visiting the Manchester Essex area for one week; they are the National Championship team of Germany who will be here next week and will participate in the International Scholar Debate.
MAJOR BUSINESS A. Business & Finance Mr. Young asked for approval on the following warrants: Warrant No.1058 in the amount of
$272,288.13 - Mr. Barrett moved, Ms. Creighton seconded. Members present: Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted unanimously in favor.
Warrant No. 1059 in the amount of $12,270.30 - Mr. Barrett moved, Ms. Creighton seconded. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted unanimously in favor.
Warrant No. 1060 in the amount of $3,400 to Netfrastructure - Mr. Barrett moved, Ms. Creighton seconded. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano and Kiley voted unanimously in favor. Ms. Harrison recused from voting.
Warrant No. 1061 in the amount of $2,577.95 -Ms. Creighton moved, Mr. Barrett seconded. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted unanimously in favor.
Mass Electric Proposal - Mr. Young presented the proposal to replace the lights at both Elementary schools. The same type of work was performed last year at this time in the High School under a special Mass Electric Program and it was very successful. This year a new program has emerged through Mass Electric where the Elementary schools would qualify - Mass Electric would invest $28,000 at Memorial, $38,000 in Essex and our contribution would be $5,600 for Memorial and $7,600 for Essex to have all of the lights replaced and the remainder would be paid for by the National Grid. Ms. Creighton moved to approve the recommendation of Mr. Young to proceed with the lighting replacements in both Elementary schools. Discussion. Mr. Barrett asked where the funds are coming from to cover our portion of the cost. Mr. Young stated that the funds would come out of the General Fund. We also have the opportunity to spread payment out over a period of time without an interest fee. He would recommend paying for it as a one time payment when the work is completed and if it seems more appropriate to pay it over time without interest rate, then we would do that. It was noted that there would be 15% off for paying it at one time. The Committee favored a one time payment. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted unanimously in favor.
B. Out of State Travel The Superintendent recommended that the School Committee approve the request from Principal Peter Sack for an out of state trip; Annual mountain climb in New Hampshire for 7th grade students on June 3, 2005.
Ms. Creighton moved, Mr. Barrett seconded. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted unanimously in favor.
Essex parents of 8th grade students have talked with the staff about having a dinner dance on June 10th and they would also like to have a culminating event that goes to Canobie Lake Park in Salem New Hampshire on that day. Ms.Harrison moved, Mr. Dente seconded. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted
unanimously in favor. C. District Policy - Physical Contact Policy 1st reading The Superintendent distributed a copy of the first reading of the Physical Contact Policy. He explained that not everything would fall under the policy umbrella however this policy is very specific to certain behavior. The
Superintendent has had the advice of legal counsel. He noted that it was important to communicate to the Teachers Association and to all staff that there is intent to move forward on this policy. It is also important to note that this policy only addresses physical behavior.
Mr. Barrett moved, Ms. Creighton seconded. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted unanimously in favor as a first reading.
OTHER BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes Regular Meeting Open Session April 26, 2005 Ms. Harrison moved to approve the Minutes as distributed, Mr. Barrett seconded. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted unanimously in favor.
Approval of Minutes Regular Meeting Executive Session April 26, 2005 Mr. Barrett moved to approved the Minutes as distributed, Ms. Harrison seconded. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted unanimously in favor.
At 10:15 pm the Chairman called for a Motion to Adjourn. Ms. Guadiano moved, Ms. Creighton seconded. Members present; Beckmann, Barrett, Creighton, Dente, Guadiano, Harrison and Kiley voted unanimously in favor.
Prepared by: Attested to:
Evelyn L. DelGizzi Robert I. Shaps, Superintendent |
