HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-01 ad Hoc - Capital Improvements Advisory MinutesCapital Improvements Advisory Subcommittee
Meeting Minutes
February 1,1996
Present: Members - Jim Keigley, George Thompson, Richard McDonald, Bob
Cavicchi, and Charles Peacock.
School Department - Harry Harantunian and John Doherty.
School Committee - Matt Cummings, Susan Cavicchi, and Tim Twoomey.
School Buildings Committee - Russ Grahamm
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Coolidge Middle School.
The Subcommittee was given a tour of the entire Coolidge Middle School (CMS) by
Principal John Doherty. CMS was built in 1961. The only major work that has been done
is the replacement of the roof and boilers. Along the tour Mr. Doherty pointed out areas
where improvements are needed. These included: more room for computer labs; shortage
of storage space; an extension of the auditorium stage; space for band practices; more
space for the guidance department; additional space for special needs students; no space
for teacher or administrative meetings; renovations for the music, speech, and resource
rooms as well as the science labs; and conversion of the shop rooms to teacho present day
technology classes.s
After the tour Superintendent Harantunian and Mr. Doherty discussed the process for
identifying needs of the CMS building and the related recommended solutions. A CMS
committee consisting of Mr. Doherty, teachers, and parents has been formed. The
Committee will present a report to Dr. Harantunian in about 2 months. This report will
subsequently be distributed to the School Committee.
Because the Committee's work is not complete it difficult to determine the cost associated
with work at CMS. Based on anticipated space needs a preliminary estimate of $250,000
was used. However, members of the School Department and School Committee
expressed concern that the estimate was too low. In addition, Dr. Harantunan indicated
that none of the renovations would qualify for SBAB reimbursement.
Next, the subcommittee discussed the Reading Memorial high School (RMHS) project
with Dr. Harantunian and the School Committee members. Dr. Harantunian is presently
interviewing architects for the projects. He has asked that architects to approach the
project as the minimum project needed to obtain SBAB reimbursement. Dr. Harantunian
indicated that the date in the Capital Plan may be too aggressive. The feasibility study
won't be available for public review until this fall. Because the feasibility study has not
been done Dr. Harantunian indicated that the cost estimate of $ 2 million is very
preliminary. He could not dispute other town government officials who felt costs would
be in the $ 10 million range.
Finally, the subcommittee discussed the Schools Technology Plan with Dr. Harantunian
and the School Committee members. The Plan is still in process. Dr. Harantunian has
asked for the following from each school principal: present inventory, needs, present and
future use, and type of training. Dr. Harantunian is presently working with a consultant
that specializes in technology design. The Plan will be completed before the end of the
budget process.
The meeting adjourned at 9:35.
Respectfully, Submitted,
Ceorgu Thomppon