2022-09-08 School Committee Minutes

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Mr. Brandt outlined the procedures for the public hearing Presenters Dr. Milaschewski, Ms. Bottan, Ms. Nazzaro and Mr. Brandt summarized the need for a Killam project, the MSBA process, and what the requested funding would provide for the town. The presentation in its entirety is available in the SC packet. Karen Herrick called Select Board to order. Floor opened to town officials— no comments Marianne Downing —13 Heather Drive, member of fin. Comm questioned the inclusion of an increase in RISE enrollment as part of submissions to MSBA. Jay Gallagher asked about the impact on other community elementary schools, what are the plans and visions for those schools. Committee members and Dr. Milaschewski explained that the MSBA support is specific to a site, and we are only able to have one project in the MSBA process at a time, work on additional buildings would be fully paid for by the town, every other elementary school has received fundings to update the schools, Killam is the only school in the district that has not had updates since the 60's. The other elementary schools are not in the need category where there is lead in the water, student access is a challenge etc. —Additionally, while there are no plans to close any of the other elementary schools at this time. Gienapp study encompasses the entire town, and some potential outcomes would have the effect of freeing up space at the other schools by shifting RISE to the Killam school. Matt Holman asked about when the actual construction starts, where will the current students attend school. It was explained that the building would likely be built on the same site as the current building but allow the current building to remain open during construction. Ms. Gaffen—The need within the town has grown for the need to have additional classrooms for pre - K, 51% typical learners are required to maintain that program. The needs of the town have increased exponentially. Marianne Downing— do we think the number of students with IEP's will double? Geoffrey Coram Ridge Rd — member of finance committee, asked whether Killam will be large enough to remove the modular rooms at the other elementary schools. Mr. Wise —there is a regulation that covers child find, 3, 4, 5 -year-old level, and that will historically increase the number of RISE students, we will need to follow that regulation as well. Ms. Gaffen —we are not looking to increase the number of RISE spots at this time, but we can't address town school space needs and not address the need for additional RISE space. Motion to close the hearing Ms. Nazzaro motioned to close the hearing but leave the record open until 6 PM on 9/15, seconded by Mr. Wise