1998-03-03 School Committee Minutes

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REGULAR SESSION -2- March 3, 1998 Emily Long asked for clarification on the SBAB guidelines. Chair Twomey advised that the SBAB has three categories for reimbursement. Category I is to correct racial imbalance, Category II is for enrollment issues and Category III is for renovations to address programmatic issues. The formula is based on demographics and the economic status of the town. Chris Himathah asked if the numbers and projects in the capital plan take into account issues of the School Size and Enrollment Committee. Chair Twomey advised that the plan was done in anticipation of addressing enrollment issues at the elementary schools and the middle school. Jackie Chipman asked how proposal #3 related to the article for the Special Town Meeting for Coolidge Renovation. Chair Twomey advised that the School Building Committee is an independent group. They have concluded that the best solution for the middle school enrollment issue is to renovate and add on to the Coolidge School. The School Committee will have to address proposal #3 from the School Size and Enrollment Committee at tomorrow night's meeting. If the School Committee supports the School Building Committee then proposal #3 from the School Size and Enrollment Committee will be negated. Joanne Douglas asked what the School Building Committee plans are for Barrows. Chair Twomey advised that the School Building Committee has not yet addressed the elementary issues. Dorothy Kesselara asked if the $1.8 million for repairs to the high school is for last year's budget. Chair Twomey advised that FY98 is the current fiscal year and most of the renovations to the high school are environmental and the work is being done now. Mark Nelson asked if solution #1 can be staggered. Do the new school first and then move renovation to Barrows to 2002.