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189 <br />READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 29, 1983 <br />He outlined the plan the SSC intends to follow: (1) move some offices into the <br />Library, gradually phasing out the Community Center; (2) rezone and sell the <br />Community Center; and (3) redevelop the Pearl Street School by installing suspended <br />ceilings, air conditioning ducts, additional electrical and telephone wiring, and <br />an elevator (in the dumwiater shaft). Mr. Nissen estimated the cost of these <br />renovations at $500,000. <br />The School Committee and Dr. Wells discussed at length enrollment projections <br />as they pertained to the possibility of the need to either use Pearl Street <br />again as a school or build another school at some future time. At one point <br />Dr. Munnelly suggested the Committee give thought to a professional study of <br />enrollment projections. <br />Also discussed was the question of how long a time would be reasonable to mothball <br />the School if the School Committee decided to go in that direction. Mrs. Philbrick <br />noted that by 1990 about half of the High School will be unused and that the <br />Committee must decide how that space will be used. <br />Selectman O'Brien said that initially the SSC felt the Town Hall should remain <br />in the Reading Square area; but upon touring the Pearl Street School it became <br />apparent that it was the most suitable of all the buildings under consideration <br />for a Town Hall. She pointed out that some work would have to be done on it, <br />noting that the roof needs repair, but that it is very adaptable to the building <br />code. She added that the portable classrooms would make an excellent "Drop In <br />Center" for senior citizens. <br />Mr. Coco said his biggest concern in turning the School over to the Town was <br />whether the Town would vote for a new school if one is needed in a decade or so. <br />Dr. Wells pointed out that in 5 -10 years there may not be a lot sufficient in <br />size and suitably located for a new school. He added that the decision on Pearl <br />will be a gamble; the School Committee will have to depend on engineers to say how <br />long a building should be mothballed; and that enrollment figures obtained when <br />school opens will not help with the decision. <br />Mr. Nissen said that because he thought the School Committee now has as much <br />information as it will have he felt a vote could be taken. He then moved that <br />the School Committee resolve to turn Pearl Street School over to the Town for a <br />municipal building if the Town should decide to use it for that purpose. There was <br />no second to the motion. <br />Mr. Nigro brought up the question of the Town's financial condition in 5 -6 years, <br />should a new school building be needed. <br />Selectman O'Brien said the SSC plans to discuss this with the Finance Committee, <br />adding that she knows some debts will be finished in a few years but doesn't know <br />the effects of Proposition 0z. Mr. Nissen said that by 1990 -91 all municipal <br />debts, with the exception of some sewer projects, will be paid. <br />Chairman Coco thanked Mr. Nissen and Selectman O'Brien for their presentation. <br />