Approval of Records
January 22, 2003
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
January 13, 2003
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, January 13, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Town Hall. Chair Broekel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Peg Broekel, Michael Cashman, Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland,
Diane Packer, Ted Wynne
Members Absent: Kristine Van Amsterdam
Others present: James J. Connolly Superintendent
Patrick Schettini Assistant Superintendent
Audrey Seyffert Assistant Superintendent
Mary Ellen Dunn Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Community Members, Parents,
Staff & Press
MEETING WITH STATE LEGISLATORS
The School Committee and Administration joined the Selectmen's meeting for a discussion with the State Legislators.
Representative David Linsky, Mr. Joel Barrera (representing Senator Cheryl Jacques), Representative Alice Peisch and Senator David Magnani talked about the cuts expected to be made in local aid for FY03 and beyond which could cost Natick $600,000 for FY03. The legislators requested that people come forward to them with any ideas that may help the town to do more for the citizens such as cost savings ideas, ideas for raising revenue, such as local sales and meals tax, etc. Representative Linsky also reported that he doesn't see any dramatic changes with SBA reimbursement rates except that it may take longer to reimburse communities that build or renovate their public schools. A recommendation was made to invite staff from Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry and Congressman Markey's office the next time a
meeting of this nature takes place.
REPORT FROM HIGH SCHOOL ARCHITECTS (HMFH ARCHITECTS)
The School Committee arranged for a presentation during the Selectmen's meeting to various boards such as Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Zoning Board on the options for a renovation/new construction of Natick High School. Chair Broekel provided some history on the establishment and makeup of the High School Building Committee who has been working for over a year on the renovation project for Natick High School. Mr. Connolly introduced members from HMFH Architects, Mr. George Metzger, Mr. Steve Freelander, and Mr. Roger Dehaan who gave a presentation on three construction options for Natick High School as well as the cost associated with each.
Option 1B - KBA original study
Option 1B Revised - HMFH alternative to the original study
Option 5D - HMFH alternative for new construction
The preliminary cost estimates indicate that Option 5D(new construction) is approximately 10% lower than any of the other options listed above (for renovations).
Comments/concerns raised:
· Concern over smaller auditorium from what exists today
· It would be helpful to list what open space exists with each option - Open space is tangible to the Town
· Accommodations for use by townspeople and for other groups such as Town Meeting, Speech Festival, Drama Groups, etc.
· What are expansion possibilities if needed in the future if student population should increase
· Is the diagram of the new building a good school or one that just happens to fit
· Would like more detailed information on the square footage difference between the options
· How much of an increase would the “Escalation to Bid Date of August 03” be if it were a year later
· May need an additional option - more out of the box thinking
The School Committee returned to its meeting room on the third floor.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Paul Griesmer, Chair of the Capital Subcommittee of the Finance Committee reported that during January and the first part of February, the Finance Committee will be focusing on the operation budget and will then be looking at the long term capital plan.
Ms. Packer recommended putting some thoughts together in a letter to Senator Kennedy and Senator Kerry explaining concern with the 50/50 Program (state reimbursements for residential school tuition) and other unfunded mandates. Mr. Connolly indicated that he is in the process of compiling a list of issues, which could be incorporated into a letter. He will provide this information to the School Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
James J. Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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