1997-05-01 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session Page 2 May 1 1997 said because there are new Town Meeting members. Russ said you have to give background information. Dr. Harutunian said the second and third sentence in the second paragraph may be confusing. The Draft is as follows: SBC= School Building Committee SC= School Committee RMHS= Reading Memorial High School At Town Meeting last fall, the SBC summarized a feasibility study of RMHS done by the architectural firm of Drummey, Rosane, and Anderson. The report concluded that the present building was structurally sound and contained more space than was needed for a high school of 1300 -1400 students. It reported that interior finishes, lighting fixtures, electrical plumbing and mechanical systems had reached the end of their useful lives. It also reported that, although the quantity of space was not an issue the arrangement of that space, the quality of that space, did not meet the educational goals of the School Department and, in some cases, the educational standards of the state. The report concluded with the recommendation that most of the High School be renovated at a cost of $30 million dollars, two thirds of which would be reimbursed by the state. The SC recognizes that the $1.85 million dollars recently approved by Town Meeting is a necessary, but temporary solution to the High School problem. The work proposed on Page 15 of the Town Meeting booklet was chosen specifically to meet immediate structural, mechanical, safety, and accreditation issues. An acceptable permanent solution has not yet been recommended. The instructional motion before you represents a positive step towards a permanent solution. A well- designed, educationally sound high school is just a dream without the money to pay for it. Sale of real estate funds will play an essential part in realizing that dream. The School Committee is committed to further meetings and consultation with the SBC, the Finance Committee, and the Selection in an effort to solve the High School problem. This fall, hopefully in the comfortable seats of the new Parker Middle School Auditorium, you will be presented a report of progress on this issue, the proposed renovations at the Coolidge Middle School, and any additional anticipated school building projects. Please show your support by voting for this instructional motion. Mr. Stohlman moved that his statement be the School Committee response to Russ' motion. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Ms. D'Antona moved to amend statement to delete the first two paragraphs. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion.