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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-30 School Committee MinutesReading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session October 30, 2003 CALL TO ORDER Chair Dahl called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Carpenter, Dahl, McFadden, Russo, Spadafora and Webb and Student Representative Nelson. Also present were Superintendent Schettini and Associate Superintendent Richards. BILLS & PAYROLL Bills and payroll circulated for signature. Chair Dahl advised that he would be taking the minutes out of order this evening. CITIZENS' INPUT Ms. Phillips asked for clarification on the special education budget in light of the recent article regarding the funding for the Department of Education's special education circuit breaker program. Chair Dahl stated that Superintendent Schettini would be discussing the issue later in the evening and if her questions where not answered during the Superintendent's update she could ask questions at that time. SUPERINTENDENT /CHAIR REPORT Chair Dahl advised that he attended the last Finance Committee meeting and there was discussion regarding the School Committee's article 10 on the Town Meeting warrant. He stated that later in the evening the Committee should discuss article 10. Mr. Carpenter updated the Committee on the RCTV contract discussions. He asked any Committee members with input on the RCTV contract to contact him. Mr. Russo updated the Committee on the Substance Abuse Council meeting. He stated that there would be a meeting on November 18`h regarding Binge Drinking. Mr. McFadden congratulated the band for winning the silver medal at the state finals. He discussed the Veteran's assembly scheduled for Wednesday at the Joshua Eaton School. Mr. McFadden stated that he attended the VNA Hospice Open House and Diane Gould of the VNA asked that he extend the Board Members appreciation to the faculty at the Killam Elementary School for their support. Regular Session 2 October 30, 2003 Superintendent Schettini stated that the School Committee's FY05 Budget Priorities were included in this evening's packet for review by the Committee. Chair Dahl discussed the importance of all -day kindergarten and stated that he would like to see all -day kindergarten remain on the Committee's list of priorities for the new few budgets. Superintendent Schettini discussed the recent articles regarding the circuit breaker law and the previous 50/50 program. He stated that the FY04 budget does not include any cushion for the special education budget due to the recent change in funding for the circuit breaker program. He stated that he would be monitoring the special education budget closely and would update the Committee throughout the year on the budget. Mr. Russo stated that the article in the paper was misleading and even though there was a reduction in the funding for the circuit breaker program it still represented a significant increase in funding compared to the 50/50 program. Chair Dahl stated that he did not believe the article was misleading. He stated that the idea behind the circuit breaker program was to hold districts harmless for severe special education situations. He stated that if the Committee had taken the state at their word rather than budgeting conservatively we would have a serious budget shortfall in the FY04 budget. Ms. Phillips asked if the circuit breaker was for residential tuition only. She asked how many residential placements were in the district. Superintendent Schettini stated that the circuit breaker was not only for residential tuition and the district currently has six residential placements. Superintendent Schettini stated that the Committee should review the process for naming the new school and put the item on a future agenda. Chair Dahl stated that the process was voted on and he did not believe the process should be changed. Ms. Webb stated that there would need to be some editing, as there is no longer a building committee. Superintendent Schettini stated that the presentations on the Barrows and RMHS plans at the CPDC meeting went well. He distributed information from that meeting. Regular Session 3 October 30, 2003 Superintendent Schettini advised the Committee on the date and time for the next Suburban Coalition meeting. Superintendent Schettini stated that he and Vice Chair McFadden would attend the joint MASS/MASC conference in early November. Superintendent Schettini reminded the Committee that the Audit Committee still had a vacancy for a School Committee representative. Superintendent Schettini congratulated Mr. Doherty on receiving the Administrators Award from the New England League of Middle Schools. He stated that the Executive Director of the New England League of Middle Schools would present the award to John a future School Committee meeting. MINUTES Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of August 28, 2003. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of September 3, 2003. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of September 8, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of September 18, 2003. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of September 22, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of September 30, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of October 7, 2003. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. Regular Session 4 October 30, 2003 Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of October 7, 2003. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb voted yes Mr. Dahl abstained. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of October 14, 2003. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. RMHS PRESENTATION The Committee discussed the CPDC report distributed by the Superintendent. Chair Dahl asked Mr. Dunlap of AD whether the items on the list were all doable items. Mr. Dunlap stated that the findings on the seven items were the responses received to questions that were asked. He stated that he did not think the CPDC was attempting to direct the project. Mr. Hoffses stated that he would be reviewing, with the Committee, the site plan presented to CPDC and would then ask Mr. Bell to review some updates to the entry and to review the milestones. He stated that they would then review the cost estimates with the Committee. He stated that they believe they are at 100% design development stage of the project. Mr. Hoffses reviewed the site plan. Mr. McFadden stated that there is not a need for 8lanes on the track. Mr. Spadafora stated his concern regarding traffic at the entrance to the fieldhouse and the main high school. Mr. Hoffses reviewed the three major entrances and stated that he would bring back information on the possibility of widening the lower entrance at Oakland Road. Mr. Russo asked if the entire fieldhouse was supposed to be expanded and is now not being expanded. Mr. Hoffses stated that the expansion of the fieldhouse was based on something earlier and no space was being lost. Chair Dahl asked where the staging would begin. Mr. Hoffses reviewed the staging plan. Rezular Session 5 October 30, 2003 Mr. Hoffses discussed the planting plan and answered questions from the Committee. He also reviewed the plans for the synthetic fields. Chair Dahl stated that one field would need to be moved forward quickly for the community. In response to comments by the Committee Mr. Hoffses stated that they would look at whether some type of stands could be added to the lacrosse /field hockey field. Ms. Phillips stated her concern about the boring reports and test pits being done when ground water was low. Mr. Hoffses stated that test pits were dug and Judith Nitsch reviewed and has logs of test pits. He discussed dewatering and stated that it is a normal specification. Ms. Phillips asked for an updated cost breakdown sheet. Mr. Hoffses stated that he would be discussing the cost breakdown later in the evening. Ms. Phillips asked how much of the $6 million for site work is synthetic field costs. Mr. Hoffses stated that $1.2 million for the football field and just under $1 million for the lacrosse /field hockey field. Mr. Bell stated that they continue to look at front landscape to add more definition to the entry. He stated that they are also reviewing the memorial and are looking at a freestanding memorial and different glass materials. Mr. Russo asked whether there was space between the front column and the building. Mr. Bell stated that there is approximately 8 feet running behind the memorial. Mr. Carpenter stated his concern for the safety of the students and the community in having an alcove of that type without lighting. Mr. Bell stated that the memorial will be clear and agreed lighting would be important. Mr. Webb asked if the roof of the memorial was attached to the library. Mr. Bell stated that it was not because of snow load issues. Mr. Spadafora stated that he felt the design of the entry had come a long way and he was comfortable moving forward, he would still like to see an arch or something to soften the look. Regular Session 6 October 30, _2003 Mr. Bell discussed the schedule including the bidding process and the timing of School Committee meetings. He stated that the bid set is all- inclusive including the specifications for the contract. Mr. Hoffses discussed how contractors' references are checked. He discussed the possibility of protests. Mr. Hoffses stated that of all the projects they have done approximately 10% might have been protested. Mr. McFadden asked if they were working with Beth Klepeis regarding when and how much money needs to be borrowed. Mr. Hoffses stated that he has a call in to Ms. Klepeis to discuss the issues. Mr. Hoffses reviewed the cost estimates and the contingencies. The Committee discussed possible add alternates including the second gymnasium. Mr. Dunlap stated that the second gym would be a difficult add alternate and the Committee may want to consider doing as a separate bid. Mr. McFadden asked for an estimate on the second gym. Mr. Hoffses stated approximately $1 million based on 6,000 square feet. Superintendent Schettini discussed the FF &E and technology issue. Mr. Hoffses stated that he was meeting Monday with the high school administration to discuss the FF &E and technology issues. He stated that teachers would have access to their own computer and have e -mail. Ms. Phillips stated that the project needs to stay within budget and some things being added are not reimbursable. She stated she would like the Committee to look at other areas to see if non - reimbursable items can be reduced. Mr. Russo stated that he would like a more caution approach on the project and reimbursables. Mr. Dunlap stated that AD had reviewed the cost estimates and that the $2.2 million contingency if not used could allow some categories to be raised. He stated that AD believes that Design Partnership is at 100% design development. Mr. McFadden stated that he was pleased with the thoroughness of Design Partnership on this project. Regular Session 7 October 30, 2003 Mr. Spadafora moved to accept the design development for Reading Memorial High School as presented by Design Partnership of Cambridge dated October 30, 2003 with the following amendments: one, the possibility of widening lower entrance from Oakland Road from 2 lanes to 3 or possibly 4 and two, date adiustments for meetings. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -1 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb voted yes, Mr. Russo voted no. Mr. Russo stated that he is in favor of the high school project but disagrees with the fast pace of the project and is concerned that we don't have a commitment of state reimbursement. He stated that the community authorized the project with a 52% to 55% cost reimbursement, and the Committee should get reauthorization from the community if we don't get that amount of reimbursement. Mr. Carpenter stated that any delay in the project would cost the Town money, both in higher interest rates and higher bids. Mr. Russo stated that the economy is not improving and he believes his cautious approach would be better. Chair Dahl stated that that this is a difficult phasing project and deadlines must be met. AB CONTRACT Chair Dahl discussed the terms of the AB contract. Ms. Webb moved to approve the contract between the Reading Public Schools and AB as presented with the Superintendent's memorandum of October 27, 2003 for project management services for the new elementary school, the Barrows school and the Reading Memorial High School with one amendment in section 9.2 changes 30 days to 90 days. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0. Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. Mr. Russo stated that section 9.7 addressed his concern regarding specific staff. He asked if we would have two different clerks of the works. Mr. Dunlap stated that the intent was to leave the School Committee the opportunity to use Werner Grabowski if that is their desire. Ms. Phillips stated her concern about the rate of pay included in the contract for a clerk of the works. Mr. Dunlap stated that is not the rate of pay for the clerk. Regular Session 8 October 30, 2003 Mr. Carpenter asked if tracking charts would be done. Mr. Dunlap stated that tracking charts would be done. Mr. Dunlap updated the Committee on the new school and the Barrows School building projects. He stated that there were some minor issues with invoices and a letter has been sent to the architect for clarifications. He stated that AD is working on developing schedules for all three projects with milestones. Mr. Dunlap stated that the new school is on schedule and the critical time to look at this project will be in February. Mr. Spadafora asked if there were alternatives to the glulam if delivery became an issue. Mr. Dunlap stated that there are only a handful of companies that make the product. He stated that they have met with the owner of the company and are doing everything to be sure material arrives on time. Mr. Russo asked if AD had used this glulam in other jobs. Mr. Dunlap said they had not. Mr. Dunlap stated that they are working with Flansburgh to get updated cost information and a variety of other things. He stated that they would be bringing this issue back to the Committee in the near future. TOWN MEETING ARTICLES Chair Dahl stated that the Committee would discuss the Town Meeting warrant articles at the November P meeting. ADJOURN At 11:45 p.m. Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. Respe ll s ed, Patrick A. S ettini, Jr. Superintendent of Schools