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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-10 School Committee Minutesti OF/? O c Town of Reading b Meeting Minutes 'sJ9pfNC0P19? Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2014 -03 -10 Building: School - Memorial High Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: Open Session Attendees: Members - Present: Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Lisa Gibbs Jeanne Borawski Time: 7:00 PM RECEIVE© TOWN CLERK �, c SING. 1 ,rSJ. P 2:35 Location: Superintendent Conference Room Session: General Session John Doherty, Superintendent Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Andrea Nastri, Student Representative Members - Not Present: Hal Croft Chris Caruso Student Representative Conner Traugot Others Present: Dan Ensminger, Marsie West & James Bonazoli (arrived at 7:12 p.m.) - Board of Selectmen Mark Dockser, Craig Merry, Peter Lydecker, David Greenfield, Paul McNeice & Jeff Perkins - Finance Committee Debbie Butts, RISE Director Brian Heslin & Kevin Sexton, Early Childhood Working Group Bill Brown, resident Nancy Docktor, resident John Halsey - Board of Selectmen Candidate Scott Dunlap, Ai -3 Jim Jordan, Ai -3 Mary Mahoney, KBA Elaine Webb & Linda Snow Dockser - Candidates for School Committee Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Page 1 1 Acting Chair Robinson called the School Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. He reviewed the agenda, announced the meeting was being recorded and welcomed guests. Mr. Dockser called the Finance Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. I1. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Mr. Robinson asked for public input. Mrs. Snow Dockser asked, in light of the recent tragedies in Newton, what Reading was doing to address the social- emotional needs of our students. Dr. Doherty confirmed that Mrs. Snow Dockser was referring to the suicides. She said yes. Dr. Doherty indicated that the social - emotional well -being of all students has been a priority in the district especially over the past three years. The presentation of "Race to Nowhere ", the creation of the Behavioral Health Task Force and the addition of programs and support staff have all played a role in ensuring our students feel safe and have the tools and knowledge of options who they can go to when feeling anxious. B. Reports I 1. Student Ms. Nastri reported on the following high school events: Dodgeball tournament RMHS Band events -Jazz Fest and New Orleans Night Early Release on Wednesday Mr. RMHS and the Sophomore Semiformal are next week ELA MCAS testing next week 2. Liaison 3. Assistant Superintendent Mr. Martin provided information on the upcoming visit by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. He encouraged the public to email him with topics of discussion for the Secretary. Mrs. Janowski asked how the teachers were selected to participate in the roundtable discussions. Mr. Martin said that teachers that have been involved in the implementation of the curriculum standards were considered to be part of the discussions. Page 1 2 4. Superintendent Dr. Doherty reported on the visit of the United States Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan's visit to the district on Wednesday. The Secretary will be visiting several schools in the state. He reviewed the events of the day which will include a roundtable discussion with Teacher Ambassador Fellows that are travelling with the Secretary, a meet and greet opportunity, a visit to a math classroom and a final roundtable discussion with the Secretary. Massachusetts Commissioner of Education Mitchell Chester, Tom Weber, Commissioner of the Department of Early Education and Care and Paul Toner, MTA president will also be in attendance. Mrs. Janowski commented that this is quite an honor and we are the only suburban district. Mrs. Gibbs thanked the administration for having the leadership and vision to make Reading a leader in educational innovation. Mrs. Borawski wanted to acknowledge the teachers for their efforts during the many changes in the ways we teach. Mr. Bonazoli called the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:15 p.m. C. Continued Business (Out of Order) FY 15 Budget Dr. Doherty and Ms. DeLai will be presenting the School Committee Recommended Budget to the Finance Committee on Wednesday night. Dr. Doherty said the presentation will not include specific details on methods to close the $485,000 gap between the Fincom recommendation and the School Committee budget. If the additional funding is not approved, 75% of the reductions will be personnel and these reductions will have a significant impact. D. New Business Early Childhood Center Presentation (Out of Order) Dr. Doherty provided an overview of the work done by the Early Childhood Working Group. During the process over 30 options were explored which were reduced to approximately 10 options that the group felt were feasible. The Working Group was very insightful during discussions. Once the number of options was reduced, the Architects were brought in to work with the group and to determine the feasibility of each proposed option. Dr. Doherty thanked the group for all the work they have done. Jim Jordan of Ai -3 continued the discussion. He indicated that two other sites were proposed for an Early Childhood Center; one at 453 Haverhill Street and the other adjacent to the Burbank Arena. It was determined that both sites would be inadequate due to location, flood zones and wetland concerns. Page 1 3 He went on to review four proposed options for building a PreK -K Early Childhood Center. The first option discussed was a stand -alone building behind Coolidge. This facility would occupy most of the field space behind Coolidge. The Working Group felt it was important to replace the lost field space. Two options were presented, both in the PAC parking lot that would provide for a replacement field. Option 2 was the preferred option which calls for a stand -alone structure to be built in the Performing Arts Center parking lot. The proposed building would be two stories used to house preschool and kindergarten. Option 3 considered building behind the Killam School. There were many negatives with this option including the loss of all the playground and green space, drop -off logistics and abutter concerns. Option 4 looked at two smaller facilities being built. Sites proposed for this option would be Coolidge, Parker and Killam. If Coolidge was used, the field still needs to be replaced; Parker would require large retaining walls and Killam would pose the same concerns as in Option 3. Option 5 looks at adding onto each middle school and moving fifth grade to the middle school therefore opening classroom space at the elementary schools. This option would address the kindergarten issue only. Option 6 looked at optimizing parking at Oakland Road site. The topography on that site would pose a problem because of ledge and slope concerns. Option 7 a & b proposed that an Early Childhood Center be built on the Oakland Road parcels. This site would require large retaining walls that would impact abutters as well as ledge and slope concerns. Options 8 —11 looked at different configurations in the Performing Arts center parking lot. These options included a Kindergarten only Center, Kindergarten only and Central Office building, a PreK -K and Central Office facility and PreK - K Center with parking beneath and a bridge connector to the high school. Option 12 looked at using the Reading Public Library but the building did not meet the requirements to address the space issue. During the review of the options Mr. Jordan pointed out that the loss of parking spaces and the ability to replace them may pose a challenge with several of the options. He reviewed the options to alleviate this concern including the use of the Imagination Station area to create 92 new spaces. He also reviewed other options to gain parking on the high school site. He next reviewed the option selection matrix and said that Options 2 & 10 are the preferred solutions of the Working Group. Mr. Dunlap, Ai -3, felt the matrix helped shape the discussion as the criteria matched up with the discussion the working group had regarding priorities. It was a simple yes /no poll. The group took a look at the benefits of locating the Early Childhood Center on the high school site and felt it made the most sense. Page 14 Mrs. Gibbs asked it including the Central Office in the new building would be a good trade off. Ms. Nastri left the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Dr. Doherty reminded the committee that there is a space shortage at the high school. Ms. DeLai added that a creative use of space has been needed to accommodate the needs. Mr. Robinson echoed Mrs. Gibbs concerns. He would like to know how much usable space would be gained by moving the Central Office. Mrs. Janowski appreciated the thorough and comprehensive presentation and asked for clarification on the matrix. Mr. Dunlap indicated that it was done by consensus vote. Mrs. Janowski appreciated the amount of time and effort the Working group put in during the process. Mrs. Borawski expressed concerns about moving kindergarten out of the neighborhood schools into a central location and inquired about the possibilities of keeping them in the buildings. She met with Dr. Doherty to review these concerns and appreciated receiving a copy of the KBA Space Needs Study performed in March 2013. She would like the report included in the minutes for tonight's meeting. Ms. DeLai reviewed the study for the audience. The KBA study was performed after the Locker Report to take a deeper look at the possibility to build/expand our current elementary schools. It was determined that we could only gain 2 classrooms per building in most cases. The cost and possibility of having to bring existing buildings up to accessibility standards was not a cost effective option. Mrs. Janowski asked how the vacated classroom space would be used once the kindergarten and PreK students were moved. Dr. Doherty said that when Wood End was built the administration made a commitment to the community to provide for separate music and art spaces. He also pointed out that during the recent Coordinated Program Review it was cited that we do not have adequate space for Sped services. There are also times when we have larger entering grades which would require additional space. Mrs. Janowski asked if there was flexibility for the future. Dr. Doherty said our enrollment grows 1 - 2% a year and this decision is not being driven by enrollment concerns but rather than programs. Mr. Robinson asked if there were any restrictions of building on the current high school site. Dr. Doherty indicated that Town Hall was in the process of researching any such restrictions. Mr. Dunlap indicated the concern that there could not be additional impervious surfaces. There has to be a balance of impervious vs. pervious on the site and he feels by building in a parking lot the effect on green space is minimal. Page 1 5 Mr. Brown suggested that the Conservation Commission be contacted regarding these questions. Mrs. Webb supports Option 10 and feels if using the Oakland Road property could be avoided those parcels would still be available for sale. Mr. Brown pointed out that Weston Road and Bancroft Ave. is the geographical center of Reading reinforcing that the high school would be the best location. Mr. Ensminger thinks there should be a series of public meetings and possibly ask the CPDC to voluntarily review the proposal. Mr. Bonazoli appreciated the thoroughness of the planning and presentation. He asked what effect on per pupil spending would there be creating a PreK -K Center. Ms. DeLai responded that it would not significantly impact the per pupil numbers. The Chapter 70 funding should increase to account for the increase in full day kindergarten students. Ms. West asked if operating costs have been taken into consideration with the options presented. Ms. DeLai indicated these costs will be explored once we know which option will be moved forward for consideration. Ms. West asked if parents were concerned moving grade 5 to middle school, preferring them to stay in their home schools. Dr. Doherty said there are a couple of obstacles in moving grade 5 to the middle school level. The core facilities will be strained, scheduling would have to be changed and the middle school philosophy would clash with the self - contained classroom model. Ms. DeLai added that moving grade 5 would only address the kindergarten issue. Mrs. Borawski feels we need to address both PreK and Kindergarten. Mr. Brown cautioned about relying on increased Chapter 70 funding. It will only go so far before the funding is no longer available. Ms. DeLai explained that Kindergarten is accounted for in the formula. Mr. McNeice would like to see kindergarten remain in the neighborhood schools but understands the space concerns and he sees no advantage of moving grade 5 out of the elementary schools. He feels that Option 10 is an excellent option. Mr. Heslin pointed out that the Working Group felt the community should receive something in return and the addition of a full size gym in the new facility was an appropriate option. He feels the new center is best for the community. Mr. Ensminger asked about the plans for going to Town Meeting to request the funding. Page 1 6 Mr. Robinson said the committee will need to review, discuss and vote on the options at their next meeting. Dr. Doherty said this presentation included conceptual drawings only. The next steps would include the cost to do a design study. Mary Mahoney, KBA, reviewed two options for the design phase. Option A would be Design Advancement to 100% Schematic Design to provide for building occupancy in the Spring 2017. The cost for this option would be $439,400. The disadvantage to this approach would be that commencement of design development after Town Meeting would result in a Summer 2015 bidding period (not ideal due to mid -year schedule) with construction start Fall 2015 and building occupancy for the Spring 2017. Option B would provide for Design Advancement to 100% Design Development to provide for building occupancy in the Fall 2016 at a cost of $889,600. By advancing the project documents to design development level with partial site construction documents, a more reliable and time sensitive cost estimate would be produced and the efficiency of the combined design efforts would advance to a level at which Project approval at Town Meeting 2014 would result in a Spring 2015 bidding and construction start in the Summer 2015. Ms. Mahoney feels it is better to go out to bid earlier in the year because contractors like to plan for the year. Mr. Ensminger pointed out that a debt exclusion vote would be needed and asked if there would be a possibility of a special election. Mr. Dockser asked how many months it would take to develop the documents under Option A. He wondered if it would be in the best interest of the town not to wait until the Fall Town Meeting and hold a Special Town Meeting to accelerate the process. Ms. Mahoney said the development of the design packages would take 5 — 6 months after approval of Town Meeting. Mr. Dockser asked if it would be possible to accelerate the schedule for the development Option A. The answer was it could be accelerated but there would be an impact on the design team. Mr. Dunlap said it would take approximately 6 — 7 months to complete the design development. The schematics could be prepared in 3 — 4 months for Town Meeting approval and then continue on with the design development. Ms. DeLai reminded the Committee that an invitation to bid would have to go out per Procurement Regulations. Mrs. Webb voiced concerns in regard to parking. She said we have a tremendous Performing Arts facility and she wouldn't want the lack of parking on site to affect the use of the facility. Page 1 7 Mr. Robinson said the Working Group was also concerned about the parking and had a lot of discussion regarding the parking. Mrs. Snow Dockser asked if a four season structure that would include air conditioning has been discussed. Dr. Doherty said that discussion regarding the infrastructure and mechanical will be addressed during the design phase. Mr. Ensminger asked about the disparity of classroom size between the different options presented. Mr. Jordan responded that classroom size requirements vary by program. Preschool classrooms require more square footage than middle school classrooms. Mr. Robinson thanked Ai -3, KBA and the Early Childhood Working Group for being at the meeting. Dr. Doherty said that the School Committee will discuss and vote on the Option on March 24th and Finance Committee would vote at their meeting on March 26th Mr. Bonazoli moved, seconded by Ms. West to adiourn at 8:51 p.m.. The motion carried 3 -0. Mr. Dockser moved, seconded by Mr. McNeice to adiourn at 8:51 p.m. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 8:51 p.m. Mr. Robinson called the meeting back to order at 8:56 p.m. Dr. Doherty asked the School Committee to forward any questions they had as soon as possible to allow time to research and answer. Mr. Robinson felt that Option 10 may be the better option but would like to know how the Central Office space would be utilized. Dr. Doherty said that the Office of Teaching and Learning would also move creating additional space as well. The use of these spaces will be determined during the design phase of the proposed project. Approval of Field Trips RMHS French Exchange Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the RMHS field trip to France in April, as part of the French Exchange Program. The motion carried 6 -0. RMHS Europe Dr. Doherty explained that this is a new trip and he had met with Dr. Ryan and Mr. Higginbottom. Mrs. Janowski asked why the Committee was approving a Page 1 8 trip that wasn't scheduled until 2016. Dr. Doherty explained, because of cost, it gives families time to save and the trip cost can be locked in. This trip is a little longer, two weeks, than previous trips therefore more expensive. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the proposed RMHS field trip to Warsaw, the Baltics and Stockholm in June 2016. The motion carried 4 -0. RMHS Metropolitan Opera Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the annual RMHS field trip to the Metropolitan Opera in the spring of 2015. The motion carried 4 -0. Coolidge Prindle Pond Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the annual Coolidge seventh grade field trip to Prindle Pond in April 2014. The motion carried 4 -0_ III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) The following warrants were circulated and signed. Warrant S 1436 2.27.14 $289,406.27 Warrant 51437 3.6.14 $244,641.39 b. Approval of Minutes Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the open session minutes, as amended, dated February 24, 2014. The motion carried 4 -0. c. Bids and Donations Award of Contract Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to support the request for a reserve fund transfer from Finance Committee in the amount of $200,000. Ms. DeLai said the boiler replacement was originally slated to be done as part of the 2016 -17 Capital Plan. In November, it was determined that one of the two boilers had developed internal leaks. The decision was made to accelerate the repair. As part of accelerating the repair it is necessary to request the transfer of these funds to the Finance Committee reserve fund. The motion carried 4 -0. Page 1 9 Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Multitemp Mechanical Corporation of Walpole, MA to replace the Joshua Eaton boilers. The motion carried 4 -0. Mr. Robinson asked when our gas contract was ending. Ms. Delai said we are locked in at our current rate until June of 2015. She expects to see a significant increase in gas prices when negotiating the next contract. Accept Donations Coolidge Science Team Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept a donation in the amount of $2,500 from the Coolidge Science Olympiad to be used to support the coaching assistant positions for the 2013 -14 school year. The motion carried 4 -0. RMHS Girls Lacrosse Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept a donation in the amount of $1,500 from the Reading Lacrosse Association to be used to support the coaching assistants for the girls' team. The motion carried 4 -0. Calendar IV. Information Mrs. Janowski asked to include the amount of money in donations the district has received from parent and outside groups in the budget presentation to the Finance Committee. V. Future Business VI. Adjournment Mrs. Gibbs announced that the executive session is necessary to protect the litigation position of the body. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to go into Executive Session to conduct strategy with respect to litigation, collective bargaining and approval of minutes and not to return to open session. The roll call vote was 4 -0. Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Janowski, Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Borawski. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the o h occurred during the meeting. V erF. Dohert , Ed.D. intendent of Schools Page 1 10