HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-11-04 School Committee Minutes READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
READING,MASSACHUSETTS
Re¢ular Session November 4, 2002
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Griset called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Parker Middle School Multi-
purpose room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi,Dahl, Griset,
McFadden, Russo and Mr. Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Hannunian,
Associate Superintendent Richards, and the following presenters: Attorneys Giffune,
Gonzalez and Slavitt,Dr. Kennedy of NESDEC,Mr. Bowen and Mr. Peirce of o -
Flansburgh and Town Treasurer Beth Klepeis.
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Chair Griset stated that the purpose of this evening's meeting was for the SchoolzSm
Committee to receive an update on the elementary building projects and to decide m F,<
whether to move the projects forward. Chair Griset welcomed the presenters and D y MM
outlined the program for this evening including the guidelines. = �'
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Dr. Hamtunian stated that the purpose of this evening's meeting was to hear from
presenters with information relative to whether the Town should move forward or not
move forward on the elementary projects. He discussed the overall enrollment issue and
the plan that was approved by the Town. He stated that he would be asking the
Committee to vote to authorize the superintendent to come forward in the next few weeks
with a plan to move the projects forward. Dr. Harmunian introduced this evening's
presenters.
Attorney Slavitt of Gadsby Hannah outlined the litigation process to date. He stated that
simply put the litigation is not an impediment to the moving forward on the projects.
Mr. McFadden asked for the Town's exposure in a worse case scenario. He also asked for
information on legal costs.
Mr. Slavitt stated that any meaningful worse case scenario would require minimal
additional steps to deal with technical changes to control waterflow and infiltration of
water from rain and snow. He stated that the bulk of the legal fees have been expended
in the trials. He stated that further briefs will have to be filed but the cost will be a small
fraction of the cost to date.
Dr. Kennedy of NESDEC discussed the enrollment projections. He stated that NESDEC
was 1.7% off in this year's projection. He outlined the historical enrollment,birth rates,
and projected enrollment. He stated that NESDEC over-projected by 43 the number of
kindergarten students this year. He noted that 24 students this year chose to go to private
kindergarten this year accounting for 1/2 of the overage. Dr. Kennedy discussed issues
related to enrollment projections. He discussed the elementary then and now issues
including how society looks at education.
Regular Session 2 November 4,2002
Dr. Kennedy stated that letters to editor in local papers had to do with NESDEC 1997
projection and the DRA projections. He stated that there were two issues that accounted
for the differences in the two projections. First, the NESDEC numbers do now and have
always included Reading METCO students and DRA did not include METCO students.
He stated that back in middle 1990s Reading had about 80 METCO students. Second,
the DRA projection was done in a year where the most recent data from birth to
kindergarten showed a 3%increase in kindergarten class from birth year. The
information NESDEC projection was done in a year when new information showed a
13% increase in kindergarten class from birth year. He stated that the large 13% increase
never happened again but that NESDEC used the data available. Dr. Kennedy also
discussed the increase in students leaving the Reading Public Schools at the end of 8ih
grade.
Mr. Dahl stated that he wanted the public to know that we subscribe to NESDEC and the
projections are done on an annual basis.
Mr. Tucci asked if the projections take into account the development at Longwood and
Spence Farms.
Dr. Kennedy advised that building permits are taken into account but had not specifically
f included the proposed Longwood and Spence Farm developments.
,ll. Mr. Brown stated that full-day kindergarten must be paid for by the state if the state
mandates it.
Dr. Kennedy agreed and stated his opinion that the state will not mandate full-day
kindergarten.
Ms. Herrick asked if the estimates on page 7 are national averages.
Dr. Kennedy stated that actual births come from state figures and estimates are done by
NESDEC for future years based on the history of births in the community.
Mr. Bowen presented information on the estimated cost increase due to the delay on the
projects. He stated that the new elementary school estimate is $2.5 million more. He
stated that because the Barrows plans were not finalized they were able to rearrange
space in the plans at Barrows and hold the cost steady. He discussed the possible
changes in future SBA reimbursement.
Mr. McFadden asked if the reduction in square footage at the Barrows school was just a
stairwell.
Mr. Bowen advised that it was the stairwell and a reconfiguration in the administrative
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4 Reeular Session 3 November 4, 2002
Mr. Russo asked if any of the increase costs were associated with anything overlooked in
the first proposal.
Mr. Brown asked how much of the $2.5 million increase is related to the ledge on the
site.
Mr. Bowen stated that the ledge was not a substantial cost of the project and was covered
in the estimate from 2.5 years ago.
Mr. Barry Berman asked if the reduction in square footage at the Barrows school would
change anything programmatically.
Mr. Bowen advised that the reduction would not change anything programmatically.
Mr. Schubert asked if, due to the slowing economy, there would be a chance that the
amount of money necessary to move forward could be lowered.
Mr. Bowen advised that they have seen no decrease in bids because of the economy when
bidding their last two schools.
Mr. Squeglia asked how long the estimate was good for, would it be another$50,000 if
the Town waited until July.
Mr. Bowen stated that the representative from Hanscom advised that the figures should
be good through next summer.
Mr. Norman Strack asked if we will still qualify for the 66%reimbursement rate.
Mr. Bowen advised that since the projects are already on the SBA list the reimbursement
rate would hold until 1 year from the time that the state notifies you that have been
funded.
Ms. Herrick asked why the Barrows project was not moved forward earlier.
Mr. Bowen explained that the requirement from the SBA for reimbursement was that the
portable classrooms must be removed and without Town agreement on the new
elementary school the Town would be unable to remove the portables and would forfeit
reimbursement.
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4 Reeular Session 4 November 4, 2002
Lee Sullivan asked if there would be a cost saving in bidding both projects together.
Mr. Bowen stated that they had tried that in other communities and it did not result in a
cost savings.
Andrew Grimes asked if the total of both projects would be reimbursed at 66%.
Mr. Bowen advised that the Town would be reimbursed 66% up to the SBA maximum
for the year construction starts. He stated that he thought the new elementary school
would go beyond the state cap.
Ms. Klepeis discussed her memorandum outlining the tax increase that would be required
to cover the increase in cost for the new elementary school.
Ms. Cavicchi asked for clarification on arbitrage.
Ms. Klepeis explained arbitrage and that borrowed funds must be expended within two
years of borrowing.
Mr. Dahl stated that although we are saying that the costs of the elementary projects
before this estimated increase would not raise taxes we all need to realize that taxes go up
every year 2.5%.
Ms. Amy Coumounduros stated that the taxes go up 2.5% anyway whether the school
moves forward or not.
Mr. Andrew Tyler questioned Ms. Klepeis' calculation on the tax chart.
Ms. Klepeis stated that she would review the figures.
Dr. Harutunian discussed the minimum amount of money necessary to open the fifth
elementary school. The costs included a principal, secretary and custodian and all other
staff would be split between the 4 school staff split between 5 schools until the Town's
financial situation improves. He stated that the portable classrooms would be removed
and that classrooms would then be needed for the number of teachers currently in the
portable classrooms.
Mr. Dahl stated that the maintenance report recommended square footage for custodial
cleaning indicates we should have two custodians at the new school.
Dr. Harmunian advised that with the removal of the portable classrooms he believed he
could reorganize staff to cover the area.
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Re¢ular Session 5 November 4, 2002
Mr. McFadden asked about the cost to staff the cafeteria.
Dr. Hamtunian advised that all costs for cafeteria staff except '/z of the health benefits are
paid for by revenue generated from the cafeteria.
Rita Tuscano asked if the room gained in the new school would then allow class size to
be reduced.
Dr. Harutunian advised that due to the financial situation in the town he would be unable
to hire additional staff to lower class size at this time.
Ms. Gael Phillip Spence asked if the Superintendent had any creative ideas for funding
additional operating costs.
Dr. Harmunian stated one possibility would be to have one class of all day kindergarten
and charge perhaps between $2,000 and $3,000 per year.
Mr. Dahl stated that the School Committee has not had a discussion about all day
kindergarten and that would need to be discussed further.
Brian Crocker stated that the voters have spoken and the elementary projects should be
moved forward.
Chair Griset stated that the Committee has been given authority by the voters to move
forward but because of the litigation there is a$2.5 million gap and plans on whether to
address that gap and move forward must be discussed.
Jim Mulvey asked for clarification. He stated that looking at the increase to school
department budget chart for cost of operating a fifth school it appears that you will have
no staff except a principal, secretary and custodian.
Dr. Harmunian advised that he would be spreading the 4 school staff over 5 schools. He
noted that the removal of the portables and returning core facilities to the 4 schools would
also free up staff would free up teachers for classrooms in the new school
John O'Connor stated that the operating costs chart for the 4-school scenario includes
$50,000 for maintenance. He stated that he had toured the Barrows Elementary School
and that it was clear that in addition to maintenance on the portable classrooms that the
heating system would need to be replaced and that more money should be included in the
maintenance line for repairs.
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4 Regular Session 6 November 4,2002
Dr. Harmunian advised that he did not want to give the impression that he was trying to
increase the costs on the operation of 4 schools so he did not include more maintenance
costs. He noted that if the boiler had to be replaced and we don't do a renovation to
Barrows then he would attempt to seek some type of state reimbursement for the boiler.
Mrs. Phillips asked why the operating cost chart did not include textbooks and other
materials as the 1999 chart did.
Dr. Haru[unian advised that materials would move with the teachers.
Ms. Phillips asked if 5 schools would share the nurse coverage.
Dr. Harutunian advised that they would and nurse coverage at the elementary school
would drop from approximately 85%95% down to 75%.
Ms. Phillips asked about the ramifications to the Town including costs to plow and
maintain field.
Chair Griset stated that the chart speaks to operating costs for the school department.
Ms. Phillips stated that Mr. Dahl made the comment that the teachers in the portables
would be located at the new school and children would be bussed.
Chair Griset advised that was not what was said. He stated that the teachers who teacher
in the portables would no longer have a classroom. The Superintendent would create a
plan to move appropriate staff to the new school and that staff may or may not include
teachers who teach in portable classrooms.
At 9:35 p.m. the Committee took a short break.
Chair Griset stated that Attorney Gonzalez, Slavitt and Dr. Kennedy have commitment
this evening and asked that anyone with questions for those presenters ask their questions
now so they may go to their next appointment.
Mr. Russo stated that he did a calculation that shows that the enrollment numbers are
declining based on a running average. He stated that we depend on projections to build
schools and if the accuracy of the data is imprecise we should know that.
Mr. McFadden asked how many METCO students Dr. Kennedy predicted going forward.
Dr. Kennedy advised 38.
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4 Reeular Session 7 November 4,2002
Mr. McFadden asked Dr. Harutunian if he believed the number of METCO students
would change.
Dr. Haruunian advised that due to a lack of space unable to increase the number of
elementary METCO students but if the 5`h school comes on line he would work to
gradually increase to the contracted 100 students unless directed otherwise by the
Committee.
Ms. Squeglia asked Dr. Kennedy to verify the degree of accuracy for the NESDEC
enrollment.
Dr. Kennedy advised that the rate was 1.7%.
Andrew Taylor asked Dr. Kennedy if by not including the possible Spence and
Longwood developments the Town may be leaving itself short of elementary space once
again.
Dr. Kennedy advised he had not specifically included the Spence and Longwood
developments.
Elaine Webb stated that she has sat through many meetings and heard Dr. Kennedy's
enrollment data picked apart. She stated that he has told us the projections this year were
within 1.7% and that figure is sufficient. She stated that we have to get the school
moving forward and look to reducing class size.
Stephanie Rotstein questioned whether class size guidelines would remain the same with
the addition of a fifth school.
Dr. Hamtunian advised that they are the School Committee budgetary guidelines.
Debbie Reed asked Dr. Kennedy if while doing projections real estate turnover is
reviewed.
Dr. Kennedy advised that it is reviewed.
Jim Mulvey asked Dr. Kennedy if there are any studies that show that when new schools
are built in a community there is a rapid increase in families moving into the community.
Dr. Kennedy advised that the potential is there but is limited by the inventory of property
for sale.
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Regular Session 8 November 4, 2002
Dr. Harutunian asked Town Counsel for the Town's position on moving forward.
Attorney Gonzalez stated that there is nothing legally impeding moving the projects
forward.
Diane Walker asked what percentage of Reading student's attend private school.
Dr. Hamtunian advised that Reading has a very high retention rate and that out of 4,500
children approximately 165 students leave to go to private school.
Brian Crocker asked for clarification if the town was unable to move forward because of
a state law regarding the gap in funding.
Attorney Gonzalez state that the project can move forward as long as the funding gap is
made up later by a vote of the town.
Ken Tucci stated that he has read in the paper that the Mola's attorney says the town
cannot move forward.
Attorney Slavitt stated that the Mola's attorney is wrong.
LMs. Mandell stated that she had missed the beginning of the presentation and wanted
clarification on the reduction in size of the Barrows elementary school.
Chair Griset advised that Mr. Bowen had discussed the reduction and it involved the
relocation of a stairwell and change in the administrative office space.
Mr. Dahl agreed with the earlier comment that class sizes are too large.
Mrs. Cavicchi stated that she wanted to reinforce for the public the new elementary
school is being built for the future and for the children who are here now. She suggested
that members of the public contact the school principals and schedule a tour of the
buildings to see first hand the conditions.
Mr. McFadden stated that he toured Barrows School today and the existing conditions in
some of the teaming areas are unacceptable.
Mr. Russo stated that the enrollment projections have dropped and all options should be
reviewed.
4 Reeular Session 9 November 4, 2002
Mr. Dahl stated that the problems in the elementary schools have not gone away. School
psychologists' offices are still in closets, students are still working with their educational
assistants in the hallways. He stated that if the Town does not move forward we will be
leaving 66%reimbursement on the table.
Chair Griset stated that our enrollment has increased over the last 10 years and has not
declined. He stated that we are up 540 students over 10 years ago.
Mr. Russo stated that enrollment has dropped since 1997. He stated that he is in
agreement with the Committee on lower class sizes and removing the portable
classrooms. He stated that he is questioning the process.
Mr. Twomey stated that he is glad to hear that Mr. Russo agrees that portable classrooms
should be removed. He stated that the School Size and Enrollment Committee made
recommendations regarding the school projects notjust on enrollment increases but also
the current conditions of the elementary schools including no art or music rooms.
Ms. Bernice Herrick asked what the average salary of Reading principals is.
Dr. Harmunian stated that he did not have that information available.
Mr. Spadafora urged the Committee to move the project forward.
Mr. Taylor stated that enrollment stated that our elementary schools are overcrowded
today. He appealed to the Committee to move forward with the project.
Tina Brzezenski stated that she is happy to see the Committee addressing the elementary
issue and urged the Committee to move forward.
Stephanie Rotstein asked Dr. Harutunian if more teachers would be hired when the new
school is complete to lower class size.
Dr. Harutunian advised that teachers could not be hired until the Town's fiscal situation
improved.
Mr. McFadden asked how long the construction time on the projects would be.
Mr. Bowen stated that the new school would be complete in approximately 24 months
and Barrows in approximately 30 months.
Mr. O'Connor asked if the$2.5 million increase is reimbursable by the state.
Dr. Harutunian advised it would be as long as we haven't reached the state cap.
Reeular Session 10 November 4,2002
Mr. Bowen stated that he believed the cap would be exceeded but he did not know by
how much.
Mr. O'Connor thanked the Committee for their efforts on behalf of the children of
Reading.
Barry Berman urged the Committee to move the project forward.
Mr. Phillips discussed the article in the Globe regarding two competing projects in
Reading. He stated that the article blamed the Molas for the delay. He stated that was
unfair because the project would have been delayed because of the cost increase.
Chair Gri set stated that the neither the School Committee nor the Superintendent laid
blame on the Molas.
Ms. Cavicchi stated that when the bids came in high the Committee spent several
evenings cutting things out of the project to bring the project in on budget.
Mr. Phillips stated that no peer review was done on the project.
f Mr. Andrew Taylor stated his concern that the potential developments at Longwood and
Spence be considered in entolhnents when building the new school.
Mr. Twomey outlined the information the Town Manager had received regarding the
impact of the developments.
Mr. Schubert stated that there are some uncertainties with the new developments and the
School Committee should take into account the proposed new developments.
Mr. Graham stated that leaving aside the high school the information distributed by the
Town Treasurer indicates the remarkable accomplishments of the Town of Reading in
renovating Parker, Coolidge, Eaton, Birch Meadow and now Barrows and building a new
elementary school for a tax increase of$15.56 per average household.
Mr. Tucci stated that he and his wife have worked campaigning for the schools. He
asked about the ramifications to the operating budget by moving forward on the projects.
Ms. Klepeis stated that we have carried in the capital budget$750,000 for debt service
for Barrows and the new school.
Mrs. Phillips stated that it is clear that we need more money for the new school and
Barrows. She stated that the renovation of Barrows is not tied to the new school.
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Regular Session 11 November 4, 2002
4W Chair Griset stated that the funding for Barrows is tied to the solution for the enrollment
issue in the Town of Reading. If we moved forward with Barrows and did not build the
new school then we would not be reimbursed by the state because we have not solved the
enrollment issue.
Mrs. Phillips again stated that the Barrows project could move forward without the new
elementary school and be reimbursed.
Ms. Elaine Webb stated that half of the people in the room had heard Mrs. Phillips
remarks on at least two other occasions and asked the Committee to move forward and
make a motion.
Mr. Russo advised that anyone wishing to contact him could contact him by his cell
phone and gave his cell phone number to the public.
Mr. Twomey moved that the School Committee direct the Superintendent to move
forward as quickly as possible with the development of the new elementary project.
and the Barrows project and bring to the School Committee a plan to fund the $2.5
million needed for the Dividence Road School project Ms. Cavicchi seconded the
motion. The vote was 5-0-1. Ms. Cavicchi,Mr. Dahl,Mr. Griset.Mr. McFadden
and Mr. Twomey voted yes.Mr. Russo abstained
Mr. Russo stated that he was abstaining because he received his packet of information on
Friday and needed more time to review the information.
ADJOURN
At 11:35 p.m. Mr. Twomey moved to adjourn. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion.
The vote was 6-0 Ms. Cavicchi Mr. Dahl Mr. Griset Mr. McFadden Mr. Russo
and Mr.Twomey.
Respectfully sub its ted,
C&I�
Harry K. Harutunian,Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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