2003-04-02 School Committee Minutes

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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session April 2, 2003 CALL TO ORDER Chair Griset called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, Griset, McFadden, and Russo. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. Chair Griset stated that Mr. Twomey is unable to attend this evening's meeting. Dr. Harutunian discussed the public forum scheduled for April 3'd and asked two members to volunteer to answer questions at the public forum. Mr. Dahl and Mr. McFadden agreed to answer questions at the public forum. NEW ELEMENTARY PROJECT Dr. Harutunian discussed the add alternates for the new elementary school. Dr. Harutunian advised that we cannot sign a contract with J&J until a decision is made on the add alternates. He explained that the add alternates must be approved in the order that they were originally voted, for example if the Committee votes not to do add alternate one they cannot do add alternate two or three. Mr. Bowen discussed the three add alternates, concrete paving and curbs, solid surface counter tops and additional site planting. The Committee discussed the cost savings to the taxpayers if the add alternates were not approved. The Committee members discussed the fact that the taxpayers had approved the new elementary school and high school renovation and felt to add a further burden may not be prudent. After some discussion, Mr. Bowen stated that since he believes that add alternate one was so important. Flansburgh would agree to pick up the $10,000 cost for the concrete sidewalks. Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the donation of $10,000 from Flansbureh to cover the cost of the concrete sidewalks, add alternate one. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Russo.