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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-23 Special Town Meeting MinutesSPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center February 23, 2015 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E Foulds, at 7:35 PM, there being a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said by all in attendance. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Laura Gemme, when on motion by Marsie West, Board of Selectmen, it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant. Motion made by Marsie West, Board of Selectmen to dispense of the reading of all motions in their entirety. Motion Carried Point of personal privilege given by Thomas Ryan, Precinct 1, It was requested that the Town remove the "Handout Guidelines" from future Town Meeting Warrant Reports. ARTICLE 1: Motion made by Marsie West, Board of Selectmen to hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Board of Assessors, Board of Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Town Manager and any other Official, Board or Committee. Reports given: Bob LeLacheur made a brief comment on the Instructional Motion made by Ron D'Addario, Precinct 6 from the November 20, 2014 Town Meeting. Motion made by Marsie West, Board of Selectmen and Article 1 was tabled ARTICLE 2: Motion made by Marsie West, Board of Selectmen and Article 2 was tabled ARTICLE 3: Motion made by Marsie West, Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to appropriate the premium paid to the Town upon the sale of bonds issued for the purpose of constructing a new library, and for the payment of all costs incidental and related thereto, which bonds are the subject of a Proposition 21/2 debt exclusion, to pay costs of the project being financed by such bonds, and to reduce the amount authorized to be borrowed for such project, but not yet issued by the Town, by the same amount, or take any other action with respect thereto. Background: Recall that the approximate funding for the Library project is as follows: $18.4 million: Total as authorized by Town Meeting and then approved by the voters $5.1 million: State grant from the Board of Library Commissioners $13.3 million: Expected local share, as a debt exclusion Due to the timing of the state grant, paid over five years versus a shorter than expected construction period, the local share of funding was divided into two parts: $10.0 million (permanent) as soon as the construction contract was signed $5.3 million (temporary) includes extra to cover the timing of the state grant $3.3 million (permanent) once the project is closed out On Thursday January 15, 2015 the Town sold 10 -yr debt with these purposes: $10.0 million library project $4.3 million to refinance old debt for Barrows, Wood End and the partial MWRA buy -in il, SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center $1.3 million for local share of West Street project February 23, 2015 The 1.499% interest rate received was quite low on this debt sale - for example remaining interest costs for the $4.3 million of refinanced debt were reduced by over $0.5 million. The town also received a large premium above the $15.6 million in par value for this debt issue, driven by Wall Street's desire to package the debt for retail income buyers. On the library portion of debt sold, the Town would like to keep the $933,541.01 in premiums received, due to the low interest cost. MA DOR requires that in order to do so, Town Meeting must vote to reduce the original authorization by the amount of this premium, such that the new authorization is $18.4 million - $933,541.01 or $17,466,458.99. Note that this is a technical change only - taxpayers will still be asked to pay the expected project costs of $18.4 million. The new financing schedule for the project becomes: $10,933,541.01 (permanent) sold on January 15, 2015 $4.4 million (temporary) includes extra to cover the timing of the state grant $2.3 million (permanent) once the project is closed out (approximate) Approving this Article locks in low financing on an additional —$1 million; failing to approve this Article will require the Town to borrow that — $1 million at the close out of the project in about two years, at an unknown interest rate cost. Finance Committee Report - given by Karen Herrick: The Finance Committee recommends this article by a vote of 8 -0 at their meeting on January 21, 2015. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Presentation given by: • Bob LeLacheur - See Attached 2/3 Vote Required Declared by Moderator 149 Town Meeting Members in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 4: Motion made by Marsie West, Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to appropriate by borrowing, whether in anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 6, Massachusetts General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for highway projects in accordance with Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws, or take any other action with respect thereto. Background: Incoming Governor Charles Baker released an additional $300 million in funding that the legislature had already approved for local roads, via Chapter 90. This increases the Chapter 90 share for Reading from $605,869 to $908,803 for fiscal 2015. Last April, Town Meeting authorized the smaller amount, so additional authorization is needed in order to claim the additional $302,933. Finance Committee Report - given by Paul McNeice: article by a vote of 8 -0 at their meeting on January 21, 2015 Bylaw Committee Report: No report 21 Page The Finance Committee recommends this SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School February 23, 2015 Preforming Arts Center Presentation given by: Bob LeLacheur - See Attached 2/3 Vote Required Declared by Moderator 149 Town Meeting Members in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 5: Motion made by Marsie West, Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to amend the FY 2015 -24 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7 -7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto. Background: This Article is included in every Town Meeting Warrant. The Reading General Bylaw states (section 6.1.3) "... No funds may be appropriated for any capital item un less such item is included in the Capital Improvements Program, and is scheduled for funding in the Fiscal Year in which the appropriation is to be made." Bond ratings agencies also want to ensure that changes to a long -term CIP are adequately described. The following changes are proposed to the FY 2015 - FY 2024 CIP: General Fund FY15: $1,240,000 $1,200,000 School Facilities - modular classrooms $40,000 Improvements at Morton Field (backstop and handicapped accessible seating) FY16+ ($38,000) ($38,000) Morton Field (part of Birch meadow complex $2.3 million future plans John F. Doherty, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools 82 Oakland Road Reading, MAO 1867 Phone: 781- 944 -5800 Fax: 781- 942 -9149 Reading Public Schools Craig Martin Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Martha J. Sybert Director of Finance and Operations Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow To: Town Meeting Members From: John F. Doherty, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Date: January 24, 2015 Re: Kindergarten and Space Needs for 2015 -16 School Year The following memo provides background information for the Special Town Meeting Articles on the purchase of 6 modular classrooms for Killam, Joshua Eaton, and Barrows Elementary Schools. Timeline At the December 22, 2014 School Committee Meeting, the Committee directed the Superintendent to develop a plan for implementation of modular classrooms to support district -wide full day kindergarten and address increased enrollment at the Killam, Eaton and Barrows Elementary Schools for the 2015 -16 31 Page SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center February 23, 2015 school year. This was based on our full day kindergarten registration numbers that were finalized on December 19th and other space related issues that are described below. At the January 8, 2015 School Committee meeting, the Committee voted to request a Special Town Meeting to request funding for six modular classrooms. In discussions with the Town Manager and the Town Clerk, a proposed timeline has been developed which will culminate in a Special Town Meeting on February 23 d. The timeline is as follows: Timeline FDK Enrollment 92 School Committee vote requesting Special Town Meeting Schedule 12/22/2014 Legal Review 106 School Committee Vote Specifying Specific Path -Complete 1/8/2015 Finance Committee Meeting 1/14/2015 Warrant Background and Report Due to Town Manager 1/15/2015 Financial Forum {FINCOM Vote on Proposal; BOS vote to close Warrant for Special Town Meeting; FINCOM Vote on Town Meeting Article 1/21/2015 Warrant Goes to Print 1/27/2015 Warrant Available to Town Meeting Members 2/2/2015 Town Meeting 2/23/2015 Lottery for Full Day Kindergarten If Town Meeting Does Not Approve Article 2/24/2015 Notification to Families of Assignment 3/1/2015 Rationale for Request The space needs are related to the following factors: • Increase in full day kindergarten over the last several years. • Increase in the number in- district special education programs over the last several years. • Incoming "population bubbles" at Barrows and Killam: total kindergarten enrollment (full and half day) is significantly increased at these two schools for 2015 -16 year. • Steady increase in enrollment at Joshua Eaton (46 students) since 2010 -11 school year. • Current "population bubble" at Eaton: Total kindergarten enrollment (full and half day) at Eaton this school year has led to kindergarten class sizes averaging 24.5 students. As this group moves to first grade next year, they will all be "full day" and we are aware of several incoming first graders who will join Eaton after attending private kindergarten. We have budgeted to add a Grade 1 Teacher at Eaton next year to bring class sizes for this group back to School Committee guidelines. • Art and Music Classrooms decreased at Barrows, Killam, and Joshua Eaton. The information below will go into more detail into the above points of emphasis. Updated Enrollment and Modular Classroom Information As a reference point for discussion, I have included Table 1, the kindergarten enrollment since the 2005- 06 school year, which is the first year full day kindergarten was implemented in the district. I have also included the current registration numbers for the 2015 -16 school year. Table 1 -Full Day Kindergarten Enrollment 2005 - present .. 2005 -06 FDK Enrollment 92 Total 287 •, FDK 32% 2006 -07 106 325 33% 2007 -08 123 324 38% 2008 -09 120 324 37% 2009 -10 123 280 44% 41 Page SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center SchoolYear 2010 -11 FDK Enrollment 145 Total 348 0. Attending FDK 42% 2011 -12 166 319 52% 2012 -13 177 302 59% 2013 -14 195 287 68% 2014 -15 228 322 71% 2015 -16 12/19 227 296 77% February 23, 2015 Table 2 outlines the enrollment numbers for full day and half day kindergarten as of December 19, 2014, which was the registration deadline for families who wanted to be considered for full day kindergarten. Please note that we usually receive several additional kindergarten registrations between now and the start of school in September. Table 2- Kindergarten Registration (2015 -16 school year) as of December 19, 2014 Category Half Day 12 Meadow 11 9 19 ... 18 Total 69 Full Day 66 36 45 55 25 227 Total 78 47 54 74 43 296 Holding Out for 2015 -16 3 3 4 2 12 Private K 3 1 4 3 11 Other 2 2 Unable to Contact 15 4 10 17 3 50 Original Census 92 54 70 99 45 360 As you can see from the chart above, we currently have 227 students who have requested full day kindergarten for next year, the second highest total ever requested in our district. In addition, 25 students have notified us that they will not be attending Kindergarten in our district next year, but plan on attending either Kindergarten or Grade 1 the following year, which will add to the 2016 -17 Kindergarten and Grade 1 class numbers. Moreover, we have been unable to contact 50 families from the original census numbers, which means, based on historical data and our original census, it is possible we will reach at least 310 -320 kindergarten students for the 2015 -16 school year. There may also be students who were not on the census or who have not moved to Reading yet that are unaccounted for in our count. This means that potentially an additional 30 or more students from the current registration numbers could be added between now and September. It should be noted that we currently have 296 students registered for next year, which is one of the highest projected kindergarten enrollments that we have had by the registration deadline. Based on current data and the School Committee discussions at the December 22, 2014 meeting, the kindergarten classroom needs for the 2015 -16 school year are listed below in Table 3. Please note that this will change as enrollment numbers increase. I have included two additional columns for classrooms needed, based on 100% full day participation and anticipated kindergarten classroom needs for the next 1 to 5 years. These numbers are based on current and historical enrollment patterns. The Joshua Eaton classroom needs include an additional Grade 1 classroom for next year in order to expand the current kindergarten classroom from 3 classrooms to 4 classrooms due to high class sizes in the current kindergarten class (current class sizes are 24/25). 51 Page SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center February 23, 2015 Table 3- Kindergarten Classroom Space Needs for 2015 -16 and Projected 1 -5 Years Based on current known enrollment for 2015 -16 school year School Half Day Full Day Total Number FD Classes Number HD Classes Number Integrated Classes Number Classrooms Available Number Additional Classrooms Number Additional Classrooms Number Additional Classrooms Needed for 2015 -16 Needed for 100% FDK Needed for 1 -5 years Birch Meadow Joshua • • . Eaton E Grade Grade 1 Classroom) need) I have included in Table 4 below a projection of classroom use for the next five years based upon current enrollment numbers and historical trends. I assumed in this projection that Killam and Eaton would continue to have 4 classrooms per grade, and Barrows, Birch Meadow, and Wood End would have three classrooms per grade. I also made the assumption that the 2014 -15 school year is the baseline starting point for the number of classrooms. Barrows begins at a deficit of one classroom because we are currently using an under —sized former music classroom for kindergarten, which is not counted as a regular size classroom. Table 5 summarizes all of Table 4. Table 4- Classroom Use Projection for Next Five Years Please note that the charts below show only full size for classroom use and does not include classroom education. 2014 -15 School Year classrooms that are currently being used space used for art, music, PE, or special School Grade K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Total Available Net 2015 -16 School Year School Grade K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Total Available Net 61 Page SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center 2016 -17 School Year February 23, 2015 School Grade K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Total Available Net • ffT ���� ©�® 2017 -18 School Year School Grade K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Total Available Net • ffT ���� ©�® 2018 -19 School Year School Grade K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Total Available Net • ffT ���� ©�® 2019 -20 School Grade K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Total Available Net • ffT ���� ©�® As you can see from the charts above, we will need a minimum of 4 modular classrooms for the 2015 -16 school year; two at Barrows and one at Joshua Eaton and Killam. We will begin to need five classrooms (2 at Barrows, 2 at Eaton, and 1 at Killam) for the 2019 -20 school year. Having six modular classrooms (two at Barrows, Eaton, and Killam) will provide adequate space for all kindergarten programs, the Grade 1 classes at Eaton, and moves music classes at Joshua Eaton and Killam from the stage to a classroom. It will also provide some swing space at Joshua Eaton and Killam if there is an unanticipated enrollment increase. 71 Page SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center February 23, 2015 Table 5: Net Classroom Space Needed for Grade Level Classrooms Only (2014 -20) School 2014 -15 2015 -16 2016 -17 2017 -18 2018 -19 2019 -20 Funding The estimated total costs to install the six modular classrooms will be in the range of $1,000,000 to $1,200,000. One of the variables in the cost estimate will be the location of the modular classrooms at each site and the proximity to utilities such as electricity, water, and sewer. We are currently working with town officials and an architect to determine the best locations for the modular classrooms at the three sites. We are also going to factor into the estimated costs the use of an outside contractor to do site preparation work because of the number of projects that the Reading DPW will be involved with this spring and summer. Operating Costs For the 2015 -16 school year, we do not anticipate additional personnel costs with the installation of the modular classrooms. Existing kindergarten staff will be reassigned to the schools with population increases. For utility costs, we are anticipating approximately $15,000 - $25,000 per year in electricity and heating costs. The cost will be dependent on whether we will be using electric or natural gas to heat the modular, depending on the location of the modular to those utilities. We are still calculating water and sewer costs. The final cost will depend upon if we are able to use natural gas versus electric for heating the modular with natural gas being the less expensive option. Educational Impact of Modular Classroom Decision If we are able to secure the six requested modular classrooms, we will be able to ensure elementary class sizes that conform to the School Committee guidelines, offer dedicated art and music space at all five elementary schools, and continue to offer tuition -based full day kindergarten for families who request it. If we are not able to secure modular classrooms for the 2015 -16 school year, approximately 80 students will not have access to full day kindergarten at their own neighborhood schools, including Barrows, Killam, and Joshua Eaton. We will have some slots available at Birch Meadow and potentially at Wood End for full day kindergarten for those families, but not all families who request full day kindergarten will receive full day kindergarten next year. Without these modular classrooms, we will continue to have reduced art and music classroom space at Barrows, Killam, and Eaton to accommodate increase enrollment or "population bubbles." The classroom space problem will resurface in the 2016 -17 school year if we do not purchase modular classrooms next year because the kindergarten students will be moving from half day classrooms to full day classrooms in Grade 1. For example, at Barrows, we will need to have four classrooms available in Grade 1 for the 2016 -17 school year; currently only three classrooms exist in that grade and no other classroom space is available. Without the modular classrooms at Barrows, first grade class sizes in the 2016 - 2017 school year are projected to be more than 26 students per class, well above the School Committee guidelines of 18 - 22 students in a grade 1 class. Community Impact of Modular Classroom Decision During this process we have heard from kindergarten families that some of the reasons they moved to Reading include the quality of our schools and the opportunity to access full day kindergarten in their neighborhood setting. The additional space from modular classrooms will create equitable opportunities for families to access tuition -based full day kindergarten across the district, as well as equitable class sizes for 81 Page SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center February 23, 2015 our K -2 students across all five elementary schools. Without the modular classrooms, we will be conducting lotteries at some of our elementary schools for full day kindergarten slots. Financial Impact of Modular Classroom Decision Not having modular classrooms next year will also have a significant financial impact on an already strained projected FY16 budget. If 80 students who are currently registered for full day kindergarten next year do not receive full day kindergarten, there will be a staffing reduction of 2.0 FTE Teachers, 2.0 FTE Paraeducators and an additional budgetary reduction of $200,000 to the FY16 budget. In addition, approximately 30% of our full day kindergarten students access our tuition based extended day programs, resulting in a decrease of an additional $37,000 to the budget. Therefore, the overall impact of not having modular classrooms next year will result in a decrease in the FY16 budget of up to $237,000, in addition to the $849,000 we are already reducing in the level serviced FY16 budget, as well as, a reduction of up to 2.0 FTE Kindergarten Teachers and 2.0 FTE Paraeducators. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Finance Committee Report- given by Paula Perry: The Finance Committee recommends the proposed amendments to the FY 2015 - FY 2024 Capital Improvements Program by a vote of 8 -0 at their meeting on January 21, 2015. Placing items in the Capital Improvement Program is a prerequisite but in itself does not authorize spending funds towards these items. For this issue, the FINCOM did suggest the full presentation be given in this Article. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Presentation given by: • Bob LeLacheur - See Attached • Christopher Caruso • Dr. John Doherty - See Attached School Committee Christopher Caruso, Chair Good Evening Fellow Town Meeting Members, On behalf of the Reading School Committee, I thank you for your participation in this evening's meeting. Asking you to come to a special town meeting in the middle of this never ending winter was not a decision that we took lightly. We understand the inconvenience and the expense of convening our town meeting members. We thank you for being here tonight. This evening, we are presenting a plan to address space issues that exist at our elementary schools. These space issues have been caused by 3 main factors. First, our full day kindergarten program has continued to grow since its inception in 2005. Second, programmatic changes, especially in the area of special education, have led to an increased use of space within our schools. And third, we are experiencing an enrollment bubble that is putting pressure at the elementary grades. It's important to note that our enrollment numbers, except for this recent bubble, have not dramatically fluctuated since building the Wood End School ten years ago. What has changed is the way in which we're using this space. When Wood End was built, we did not realize the importance of full day kindergarten... and ... We were also just beginning to make progress into keeping our "out -of- district" children in our schools. So, some might say that we, the School Committee, have created this situation. And they are correct. We have built an outstanding Full day Kindergarten program that increasing numbers of families are taking advantage of. 91 Page SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center February 23, 2015 Was I a believer in the need and value for full day Kindergarten when I joined the committee ten years ago? Honestly, 10 years ago, I was on the fence. Am I a believer today? Yes 100 %. What has changed? I've listened to educational professionals speak about its value. I've listened to our young families asking for it and willing to pay for it. I've witnessed a global society where our students need every advantage to help with their success. We have also done a great job in building our Special Education program. We have out -of- district students staying, and returning, to Reading saving thousands of dollars in tuition. Ask any family in a situation where there is a need for individualized learning and the overwhelming majority would prefer their children stay in Reading. But with these successes has come increased pressure on our physical plants. As was the case ten years ago, we are running out of space in our elementary schools. The School Committee has been discussing this situation for the last two years. We formed an Early Childhood Education Center working group to look at possible solutions. This led to both the Woburn Street School study and the proposal for a new building along Oakland Road. Neither option ultimately proved to be the right fit for our community. There are good reasons why these options did not work. The traffic study at Woburn Street caused significant concern. The proposed location at the high school was met with concern. We also heard very clearly that parents prefer their neighborhood school over a central kindergarten building. Finally, the cost of a new building ... $30 million dollars, was not something our town meeting members were ready to approve. So, we have gone back to the drawing board looking for the right long term solution. The Committee has reformed the space needs working group continues to study alternate solutions. Tonight, we are presenting a near -term solution that we feel solves our current space issue. We see this as a near -term solution that will serve our community for 5 -10 years. During this time, we will continue looking for a more permanent answer. The solution we propose places two modular classrooms at Killam, Joshua Eaton, and Barrows. The estimated cost of the project is $1.2 million dollars with an estimated annual operating cost of $20k. We see multiple advantages with this option. First, the cost is significantly less than constructing a new building or renovating an existing structure like Woburn Street. Second, we have clearly heard a desire from families to keep children in their neighborhood schools. And finally, it gives our community time to find the right permanent solution. Dr. Doherty will present this evening on how we have arrived at this solution and the specifics around the project. After his presentation, we will be happy to answer any questions that you have. After some discussion a motion was made by Kevin Welsh, Precinct 5 to Move the Question 2/3 Vote Required 99 Voted in the affirmative 46 Voted in the negative 149 Town Meeting Members in Attendance Motion to Move the Ouestion Carried Main Motion Carried ARTICLE 6: Motion made by Mark Dockser, Finance Committee that the Town vote to amend the Town's Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2014, as adopted under Article 14 of the Annual Town Meeting of April 28, 2014 and amended by Article 8 of the Special Town Meeting of September 29, 2014 and by Article 5 of the Subsequent Town Meeting of November 10, 2014 and Article 4 of the Special Town Meeting of January 5, 2015; and to see if the Town will vote to raise and 101 Page SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center February 23, 2015 appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds, or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to be added to the amounts appropriated under said Article, as amended, for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto. Background: General Fund - Wages and Expenses Account Line Description Decrease Increase C99 - Capital School Facilities - modular classrooms $1.2 million Morton Field $40,000 $1,240,000 191 - Public Safety wages Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $6,000 $31,500 192 - Public Safety expenses Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $31,500 $2,500 K91 - Public Works wages Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $2,500 $13,800 K92 - Public Works expenses Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $13,800 $1,500 Y99 - Storm Water Fund Expenses Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $1,500 Subtotals $45,300 $1,285,300 Net Operating Expenses 10 000 $1,240,000 From Free Cash $1,240,000 Enterprise Funds - Wages and Expenses Account Line Description Decrease Increase W99 - Water Fund Wages Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $6,000 W99 - Water Fund Expenses Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $6,000 X99 - Sewer Fund Wages Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $2,500 X99 - Sewer Fund Expenses Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $2,500 Y99 - Storm Water Fund Wages Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $1,500 Y99 - Storm Water Fund Expenses Clothing allowance moved into wages due to recent IRS decision about taxability $1,500 Subtotals 10 000 $10 000 Net Operating Expenses 0 From Enterprise Fund Reserves 0 In addition to the schoo improvements to Morton will be raised before the Improvements to Morton future portion is reduced recent IRS ruling combi 111 Page nI capital request described in Article 5, fundraising is in place for $40,000 in Field. Approximately half of the total has been raised thus far and the other half end of the fiscal year. All funds raised will be deposited to the general fund. Field were in the capital plan as part of a larger Birch Meadow complex, so that In addition, net neutral Town budget adjustments are made as a result of a ed with collective bargaining changes to move certain uniform expenses into SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center February 23, 2015 employee wages. This change took effect during FY15, so this budget adjustment is needed for the current fiscal year, and also helpful in comparing budget changes in FY16. Finance Committee Report - given by Mark Dockser: The Finance Committee recommends the proposed amendments to the FY 2015 budget by a vote of 8 -0 at their meeting on January 21, 2015. Bylaw Committee Report: No report After some discussion a vote was taken: Motion Carried Marsie West, Board of Selectmen moved to adjourn the 2015 Special Town Meeting sine die at 9:51 PM with 149 Town Meeting Members in attendance. Motion Carried A true copy Attest: Laura A Gemme Town Clerk 121 Page Modular Classroom Proposal READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOWN MEETING FEBRUARY, 2015 Timeline 12/11/2014 12/22/2014 1/5/2015 1/14/2015 1/15/2015 1/21/2015 2/2/2015 2/23/2015 Week of 2/23/2015 12/30/2015 Topics To Address Review of current space needs Enrollment for 2015 -16 School Year Analysis of Classroom Use Needed for Next Five Years Cost Estimates of Modular Proposals Questions Elementary Space Needs Driven by the Following Population bubbles in kindergarten at Barrows and Killam for 2015 -16 Need to add a Grade 1 Teacher at Joshua Eaton next year (Class Sizes Currently at 24.5 with more students anticipated to move in) Increase in enrollment in full day kindergarten over the last several years Increase in in- district special education programs over the last several years Smaller size classroom at Barrows (Maximum -12 students) Steady increase in enrollment at Joshua Eaton (46 students) since 2010 -11 schoolyear Art and Music Classrooms decreased at Barrows, Killam, and Joshua Eaton 1 FDK Enrollment 85 3 1 2005 - Present School Year r 2 it 38 Enrollment 2005 -06 92 287 t 32% 2006 -07 106 325 33% 2007 -08 123 324 38% 2008 -09 120 324 37% 2009 -10 123 280 44% 2010 -11 145 348 42% 2011 -12 166 319 52% 2012 -13 177 302 59% 2013 -14 195 287 68% 2014 -15 228 322 71% 2015 -16 (As of 230 306 75% February 23) Kindergarten Classroom Space Needs for 2015 -16 and Projected 1 -5 Years As of February23, 2015 17 68 85 3 1 2 2 2 2 it 38 4s 2 1 3 0 0 0 10 43 53 3 3 1 (lnclutles 1 2(1ncludes Grade 1 c ss) Grade 1 Classroom) 20 56 71 _ 1 3 - 2 2 18 25 43 1 1 3 0 0 0 12/30/2015 February Kindergarten Registration as of Category 5,xrov: � Birch Joshua Killam Wood End ' To[al Meadow Eaton �I HaN Da 17 11 10 20 18 76 Full Da 68 38 43 56 25 230 85 49 53 76 43 306 15 4 10 17 3 49 Total Holding Out for 2015 -16 school ear Private K Other Unable to Contact Original Census 91 14 11 91 41 160 Net Classroom Space Needed for Grade Level Classrooms Only (2014 -20) School 1 2014-15 1 2015 -16 1 2016 -17 1 2017 -18 1 2018 -19 1 2019 -20 Barrows Birch Meadow 0 0 0 r r r EdIOn Killam Wood End /) K -5 Program Comparisons (2005/06and2014 -/15) *- Integrated Kindergarten Classrooms (Halfand Full DayTogether) B BM K JE WE Total ' B BM K JE WE Total Full Day 1 1 1 1 1 5' 2 3* 2 3* 2 12 Kindergarten Special 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 7 Education Programs IDLC, ILP, SSP, LLD) Art /Music 2 2 2 2 2 10 1 2 1 1 2 7 Space Reconfiguration- Killam Non - Instructional Spaces (Storage room and workspaces) have been converted to Instructional Spaces for students K -2 Learning Center SSP Program Classroom Tide 1 • occupational Therapy Learning Center Reading Room School Psychologist Speech Special Education Sensory Room All converted spaces are less than optimum size for learning environments The current speech room used to be Art supply and Speech was in an office on the stage. The teachers dining area is used every morning for meetings with the SSP children 12/30/2015 Space Reconfiguration - Joshua Eaton Stage converted to music classroom, this also makes the music teacher have to travel during lunch times as well as when the cafeteria is used for enrichment. Office space used for small group instruction for Title 1, OT, PT services and Team Chairperson. Conference room converted to office space for confidential meetings and phone calls for families. Art room is a converted work room not designed to hold large class sizes. LLD and learning center classes share space creating a compliance issue. Space Reconfiguration - Ba rrows Music Room converted to DLC2 Classroom which was then converted to kindergarten classroom Can only have 12 students due to size of classroom 3 Other Issues Related to Space Community Impact Families with young children are moving to Reading for the quality of the schools and the ability to access Full Day Kindergarten • Appmzimately up to 80 students will not have access to Full Day Kindergarten School District will conduct a full day kindergarten lottery in some schools for available spaces Without additional space Students will be assigned to half day which will cause space issue in 2016 -17 when they become Grade 1 students Will affect Kindergarten and Extended Day Revolving Accounts Budget Reduction and Staff Reduction If some parents leave for private kindergarten or other options They will return in Grade 1 Space problem still exists Other measures used to address space Integrated Kindergarten Classrooms Half day and full day students in same classroom Half day students leave at 11:30 a.m. "Superintendent's Option" New students and kindergarten students with no siblings may be assigned out side of their home district (within 2 miles) to balance class sizes Schedule art and music classes on opposite times to maximize space Does not allow for grade level common planning time 12/30/2015 Proposal Modular Classrooms Place 6 modular classrooms at elementary schools • 2 Killam, 2 Barrows, 2 Joshua Eaton Modular classrooms would address short term classroom space needs for next 5 years Address full day kindergarten enrollment for next year Address Grade 1 classroom need at Joshua Eaton for 2015 -16 school year Address population bubble at Barrows (next year's kindergarten) Would be part of a multi -step, longer term space solution to address elementary and preschool needs Space needs working group planning on longer term solution Why not redistrict schools? Last time redistricting was completed was in 2006 when Wood End was built Redistricting usually occurs for the following reasons in a community Opening or closing of a school • Dramatic increase in in student population in an area due to new developments Current situation is caused by a high turnover of homes in the Eaton, Barrows, and Killam districts with families with young children Similar patterns have happened in the past in Birch Meadow and Killam We have been reassigning kindergarten and new students outside of their neighborhood district for the last four years A thorough redistricting process would not yield a major shift in student population due to where the students are located Redistricting would not be completed by September, it would be disruptive to families, and is emotionally challenging. The results may not be sustainable. 4 Why not use Superintendent's Option? This option has only been used in the past to move a small number of students to other schools to balance class size Unable to move the number of students necessary to balance class sizes and provide full day kindergarten for all families Need to move at least 20 students from Barrows (Birch Meadow) Birch Meadow can only take 16..d.-wdh cu .enm11- Need to move at least 20 students from Killam(Wood End) Need to move at least 10 students from Joshua Eaton (No school available) Who is moved is limited because of siblings and students who live over 2 miles from school Barrows move to Birch Meadow would create class size and space problem at Coolidge in 5 years. Goals: • Increase Classroom capacity at three Elementary School sites • Barrows Elementary School— Maximum 2 classrooms • Joshua Eaton Elementary School — Maximum 2 classrooms • Killam Elementary School— Maximum 2 classrooms 12/30/2015 Modular Classrooms TOWN MEETING FEBRUARY. 2015 5 xnooc L'11 21 Lam_. IIOODUa GWlllOdb .� Dunes..• __. __ Bid Specification to include: Bid Specifications (to be developed) for Modular Classroom Building will include pricing for various options that include: • Site preparation, footing/ foundation systems, delivery, installation costs Dismantling and removal costs within 5 years (option) • Option 1: Cost to own • Option 2: Cost to own Refurbished Units 12/30/2015 l Estimated Costs — Purchase Options "' of Additional Total Classrooms Sq. Ft Est Cost Modular Costs Barrows 2 1,800 $217,800 Eaton 2 11800 $217,800 Killam 2 1,800 $217,800 Totals 6 5,400 $653,900 Site Preparation & Utility Tie In $300,000 Architectural Services $35,000 Furniture, Fixture & Equipment Estimated at $25,000 per Classroom $150,000 $1,138,400 Contingency estimated at 5% $56,920 Estimated Cost to Purchase $1,1951320 A Estimated FDK Impact • Current class size of the grade 1— 5 population will require the reduction in the number of students that can participate in Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) if no modular classrooms are added. -Based upon current registration data approximately 40 -80 students would not have access for full day kindergarten -There will also be a reduction in Extended Day tuition •FY16 Budget developed assuming similar FDK participation rates as current year -impact to the operating budget will be somewhere between $100,000- $200,000, depending on the number of families that do not receive full day kindergarten -in addition, up to 2.0 FTE Teachers and 2.0 FTE Paraeducators could be reduced due to lower enrollment Sample Photos �.i �N•� 'ty, 12/30/2015 Operational Expense Estimate with modular classrooms • We do not anticipate additional personnel costs with the additional modular classrooms, unless there is an unanticipated enrollment increase at a school • 2015 -16: Additional Grade 1 Teacher at Joshua Eaton- Restructured funds -Estimated operational costs for utilities could range from $15K to $25K for the combined six units depending on whether natural gas or electricity is used Community Benefit Maintain comparable class sizes at Eaton, Barrows, and Killam Provide space for families to have access to tuition based full day kindergarten Maintain quality of our kindergarten program Provides a 5 -10 year solution while Working Group works on longer term solution Provides summer learning classroom space for elementary students and community In Summary 6 Modular Classrooms Needed for 2015 -16 School Year • 2 each at Barrows, Eaton, and Kill— Estimated Cost: $1,200,000 Annual Operating Cost: Researching utility costs; no additional personnel costs as a result of modular classrooms If we do not secure modular classrooms for 2015 -16 School Year • School Department will conduct a lottery • 40to 80 students will not have full day program and will not access Extended Day • Loss of revenue to kindergarten and extended day revolving accounts • Reduction to operating budgetfor FY16 will range between $100,000 and $200,000 • Joshua Eaton Grade 1 Classroom may be compromised • We will need classrooms in 2016 -17 Space Utilization Questions? 12/30/2015