Town of Natick - School Committee Minutes 08-17-09

Natick Public Schools

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES

The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, August 17, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the School Committee Room, 3^rd Floor, Town Hall. Chairman Coburn called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Members Present: Anne Blanchard, Karen Adelman Foster, Dirk Coburn, David Margil,

Amy Mistrot, David Murphy, Anne Zernicke

Others Present: Peter Sanchioni Superintendent

Karen LeDuc Assistant Superintendent

William Hurley Director of Fiscal & Management Services

Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary

At 7:05 p.m., the Administration requested an Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws. Ms. Mistrot moved for approval. Mr. Margil seconded. By roll call vote all members were in favor of entering into Executive Session.

At 7:35 p.m. the School Committee resumed its regular meeting.

RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Ms. Davis, Director of Human Resources, requested that the School Committee ratify the contract for the

Custodians & Maintenance Bargaining Unit. This contract calls for a 0% increase for FY10 and will include a side letter for one paid day off for bargaining unit members on Yom Kippur (September 28, 2009) during FY10 only. This side letter will expire on June 30, 2010. Ms. Adelman Foster thanked the Custodian and Maintenance employees for their patience in working with them in a most difficult time. Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval to ratify this contract dated June 19, 2009. Ms. Mistrot seconded. It was unanimously approved.

TO SELECT AN ARCHITECT FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT

Chairman Coburn outlined the process for the discussions this evening for the selection of the Architect for the High School Building Project. He reported that the School Committee heard presentations last week from the three architectural firms which were put forth by the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the model school program. Chairman Coburn reported that the School Committee has visited all three model school facilities and this evening the School Committee will be making its selection on the architectural firm only and that a process will be put in place for the site selection at a later date. Chairman Coburn introduced Mr. Jack O'Neill who came forward on behalf of the High School Building Committee with its selection for the Architectural firm. Mr. O'Neill reported that the High School Building Committee's recommendation to the Natick School Committee of the ranking of the designers to be sent to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for approval under the Massachusetts School Building Authority Model School Program be Ai3 Architects ranked first, Symmes Maini & McKee Associates ranked second, and Mount Vernon Group Architects ranked third.

Dr. Sanchioni introduced the School Committee's Attorney, Andrew Waugh, who stated that the role of the

School Committee this evening is to accept the ranking from the Building Committee to forward the selected

Architectural firm to the Massachusetts Building Authority and to begin contract negotiations with the

Dr. Sanchioni provided the following statement:

The School Committee is to be commended for initiating the process to build a much-

needed new high school.

Natick is very fortunate to have an experienced and skilled building committee that has

pursued this opportunity with dedication and due diligence

Natick has been invited by the Massachusetts School Building Authority to participate

in their model school program. The model school program allows for a greater total

reimbursement and reduces the time needed to complete the project. In essence, Natick

taxpayers will pay less for the school and the project will be completed in a shorter

Last Wednesday evening, August 12, 2009, Natick received presentations from three

highly regarded architectural firms to build the new Natick High School.

Each presentation demonstrated why their school has been chosen to be a model, thus making the decision all the more difficult, however, to the benefit of Natick.

It is the recommendation of the High School Building Committee to the Natick School

Committee that the ranking of the designers to be sent to the Massachusetts School

Building Authority for approval under the Massachusetts School Building Authority

Model school program be Ai3 Architects ranked first, Symmes Maini & McKee

Associates ranked second, and Mount Vernon Group Architects ranked third.

I support that decision of the Building Committee and suggest that you vote tonight to

enter into negotiations with Ai3.

Secondly, I recommend to you that you vote tonight to designate the Superintendent to be your designee to negotiate with Ai3.

If you accept the High School Building Committee recommendation, it will be

incumbent upon Ai3 to demonstrate to you and the community that they can design

their building to fit our site in a way that meets the demands of the school department, neighborhood, property abutters, and the entire community.

Know, I have spoken to Ai3 and they have assured me that they can develop, in

collaboration with us, a final site plan and building orientation that will be

unsurpassed - meeting the needs of the school department, neighborhood, and abutters, while simultaneously taking advantage of all the natural attributes of the site.

IMPORTANT POINT - tonight we are selecting a model school with a site to be

Having visited all three model schools, spoken to the administrators at those schools, studied the written proposals, and listened to the presentation last week

I firmly believe that the Whitman-Hanson model provides the best educational facility for the students of Natick for the following reasons:

• As you have seen from your visitations, Whitman-Hanson (designed by Ai3) is the

only model that designed each classroom as a specialized educational environment

incorporating the very latest in technology - including a teacher computer, LCD

projector, interactive Smartboard or white board, DVD/VCR, video switching unit,

document camera, coax cable connections, and wireless internet access.

·The Whitman-Hanson model is the onlv model that offers a space to accommodate a

district wide technology department and has proven to be effective in accommodating

• The building has a highly advanced integrated security system that acts to provide

safety and security for our students, staff, and teachers. This system includes a

building-wide and site-wide video surveillance system, card reader access to the

building and critical classroom areas, and electronically secured and monitored

• The Whitman-Hanson Model is the only design to include a sound reinforcement

system; proven to be effective in helping students to receive teacher instruction clearly

and effectively, with particularly strong support for students with learning challenges.

• The Whitman-Hanson Model includes a 125-student distance learning theatre and

lecture hall, which will be a valuable addition to the educational program.

• The Whitman-Hanson model includes the most advanced technology infrastructure,

with flexible cable trays throughout the building, an entirely wireless access

environment in addition to hard-wired computer access, LCD televisions and plasma

screen televisions throughout the hallways and lobbies for the distribution of

information to faculty and students, and broadcasting capabilities from a video

production studio.

• The building has a very simplified circulation pattern where all spaces are wrapped

in a circle around a central courtyard; this simplified circulation has been described to

me by the Whitman-Hanson users as being efficient and effective for students; while

simultaneously being easy to traverse by visitors.

• The building includes teacher collaborative planning areas within the core academic

spaces that include work areas and conference rooms with LCD projectors,

Smartboards, and computers; providing our faculty and staff with access to the

necessary tools to promote professional development and cross-collaboration between

• The Whitman-Hanson model offers the most advantageous location for the Alternative

High School. The Alternative High School currently offered at Natick High School is

an integral part of the building plan.

• The Whitman-Hanson Model includes a 4-court gymnasium (the largest of the three

models) includes sub-dividing curtains, which allows the space to be divided into five

specialized physical education areas. It also includes hoisting equipment that raises

and lowers large size wrestling and cheerleader mats such that they do not take up

valuable floor space.

• The Whitman-Hanson Model has a well-organized and well-placed cafeteria that

seats 450 students. Its rectangular shape makes it very flexible and an excellent multi-

• The Fine Arts area of the school includes a beautiful and well-designed 850-seat full

theatrical performance auditorium that Whitman-Hanson currently leases for $15,000

per weekend, allowing them to supplement the costs of many educational programs and

• The Whitman-Hanson Model has a prominent and centrally located Media Center on

the 1^st floor at the front of the building; providing easy access and promoting this key

space as the hub of information technology within the school.

• The Whitman-Hanson Model promotes a sense of community by providing easy 1st

floor access to important public spaces such as the library, auditorium, cafeteria,

gymnasium, and computer labs.

• Whitman-Hanson was completed on time and under budget with no dangling punch-

list problems or difficulties with the building systems after occupancy. This allows

teachers, administrators, and custodial staff to focus immediately on running the new

school; rather than being burdened with delays, cost-overruns, or the responsibilities of

finishing an incomplete project.

• As you are aware there are two districts that have already selected the Whitman-

Hanson Model to build in their community. Although, every community is different and

will choose to modify the model to match their own personal needs, there is an added

level of confidence knowing that two other communities, having done their due

diligence, have already chosen the Whitman-Hanson model as the starting point for

their new facilities.

• As mentioned, I spoke to administrators and teachers in all three facilities -

overwhelmingly, I felt a-greater sense of satisfaction at Whitman-Hanson.

For these reasons I support the High School Building Committee recommendation and highly endorse the Whitman Hanson model, designed by Ai3

Dr. Sanchioni asked Mr. John Hughes, Natick High School Principal, and Mr. Dennis Roche, Director of

Technology to come forward. They both endorsed the selection of the Whitman-Hanson design for the new Natick High School.

A discussion continued and questions were responded to.

Chairman Coburn asked members of the audience to come forward with questions and comments and were

limited to two minutes each. He stated that any written communication provided to the School Committee will

be part of the public record. He requested that if anyone who wishes to speak, they introduce themselves,

disclose any affiliation they may have with any of the three architects, and limit their comments to two minutes.

Below is a summary of the comments made from the public:

Ms. Cathi Collins, Town Meeting Member and member of the Finance Committee, speaking as a member of the

public. She had questions pertaining to the model presented by the firm SMMA, which was different than the

Hudson model school, as to whether it qualifies under the MSBA program and whether there would be any

additional costs due to the change. She provided a written copy of the questions to the Chair. Ms. Collins

spoke in support of Ai3 and urged the School Committee to accept the ranking recommendation of the High

School Building Committee.

Mr. Chris Kruzinski, parent and Town Meeting member - Are the credentials of the Building Committee

available as well as their deliberations and meeting minutes? (answer: this information will be available at the

NPS website at www.natickps.org).

Ms. Nancy Lavash, resident and Town Meeting Member, spoke with people with knowledge on both the

Hudson model school and Whitman-Hanson model school. She relayed the information she received from these

people. A copy of her letter was provided to the School Committee.

Mr. Jon Traficonte, resident, architect and Chair of the Natick Design Review Board, spoke in support of the Hudson model school designed by the architect firm Symmes Maini & McKee Associates. His firm has worked in the past in a consultant role with Symmes Maini & McKee, however, is not currently working with them. He provided a copy of his comments to the School Committee.

Ms. Sara Lynn Keller, member of the Design Review Board, has a problem with the process of choosing the

model school before choosing the site.

Ms. Lauren McGee, Natick High School student spoke in support of the Hudson model which is similar to the current high school which provides easy access from the front of the building to the cafeteria, gymnasium and auditorium.

Mr. Peter Nottonson, resident and architect, was very impressed with the presentation of the firm Symmes

Maini & McKee Associates and feel that any firm we deal with should be up to speed with today's technology with use of the computer in 3d that gives a much better idea of the site, building, rooms, etc. Feels we are trapped into using three schemes. We need to take a step back to do the programming - the owner should do the programming before lines are drawn. Doesn't believe we will save time by going with the model school approach and stated that there is still a lot of unknown information.

Ms. Kim Schmidt, Town Meeting member, expressed her excitement in learning about the education benefits of Whitman Hanson model. Hopes the community comes forward with their input and would like some of the

information gathered by the tours of the three facilities documented for the benefit of the community.

Mr. Jamie McGee, Town Meeting Member, requested that the Superintendent incorporate some of the ideas into the design that led to the 7-6 vote of the High School Building Committee.

Mr. Jeff Silverstein, resident and member of Natick Forever and Expense Control Taskforce, felt the agenda item was misleading as it was listed, To Select an Architect for High School Building Project, and should have listed that it was pertaining to the selection of a model school. He felt there should be more public exposure on this project than there has been. He feels that given the importance of this project, the decision should be postponed to allow more public airing.

Mr. Jim Connolly, resident and former Superintendent of Natick Public Schools, spoke of his experience in

dealing with Ai3 and in dealing with many school projects over the past several years. He is in support of the

selection of Ai3 without reservation.

Mr. Paul Joseph, Town Meeting Member, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, and member of

Economic Enhancement Committee thanked the Committee for this part of the process. He praised the process -

he has seen visible information on the website, he has attended forums in the past on educational programming,

and received a letter from Dr. Sanchioni as a Town Meeting member inviting him to these meetings.

He stated that information has not been withheld. As a citizen, he feels we need to move quickly and take advantage of the practicality of the state's model school program. He urged members of the community to engage themselves in the process.

Mr. John Gastaldo, parent, stated that the process isn't over and knows the School Committee will work with

the architects on a site plan that is efficient and proper for Natick once the site is chosen. He stated that the site

is very important, but the educational programming is even more important.

Chairman Coburn asked if School Committee members wished to comment.

Ms. Karen Adelman Foster moved for approval for the School Committee to accept the ranking of the High

School Building Committee and enter into negotiations with Ai3. Ms. Zernicke seconded.

Ms. Adelman Foster wished to remind the community that the Town of Natick receives a larger percentage

from the state and gets more leeway on size if we choose a model school. She provided her reasons why she

supports the model school designed by Ai3.

Ms. Mistrot stated that the process which we are undergoing in choosing a high school to last 50 years, one

which needs to fit into the community and the neighborhood, is a large responsibility and she will be careful

along with her colleagues in making decisions for an entire community. She expressed her gratitude on

receiving feedback from the community and is thrilled with public attendance at the meeting last week with the

architects. She strongly encouraged members of the community to watch for future meetings and be involved in

the process so that the building is reflective of an entire community. Ms. Mistrot spoke in support of the model

school designed by Ai3.

Ms. Zernicke thanked the community for coming out this evening and participating in this process. She stressed

that the School Committee has done their homework, they have studied material and toured all facilities which

was a huge piece in making their decision. She stated that the architect presentations are just a slice of

information and the community should rest assured that we on this committee have done due diligence and

continue to do so and take this project very seriously. She expressed her gratitude for the work of the Building

Committee. Ms. Zernicke spoke in support of entering into negotiations with Ai3. She is certain that Ai3 will

take neighbors and community members concerns seriously.

Ms. Blanchard supports the recommendation of the Building Committee wholeheartedly and thanks the

Building Committee and her School Committee colleagues for all the work which they have put in. She

reminded the community that this is part of a larger state program and in return of 50% funding we have to meet

timelines and have limited choices. It is very important that we work with a partner that will help as much as

possible to optimize our site, our location and our educational program. She spoke in support of the Whitman

Hanson Model designed by Ai3.

Mr. Margil stated that most of his impressions have already been stated by colleagues. He stated that whatever

architect we sign a contract with will work with us to make the model school our own and that none of the

designs presented last week will be Natick's design. He requested that abutters stay involved with the process

and help select a building that is right for our students and educational system, and subsequently decide on the

site. He supports the recommendation of the High School Building Committee.

Mr. Murphy spoke in support of the model designed by Ai3. He stated that Ai3 is a known entity and has a

excellent history and track record in working with the Natick community. They use high quality, durable

materials and have a superior layout. He was also very impressed with their design for technology. He

believes that Ai3 will provide a very attractive high school that will come on time, under budget and will serve

the Natick students for 50-60 years.

Chairman Coburn stated that technology is very important and the Ai3 model is designed for full

implementation of technology. All the buildings toured had great features which we can learn from. He stated

the reasons why he supports the model school designed by Ai3. Mr. Coburn spoke in support of the School

Building Authority and the work they are doing to improve schools across the Commonwealth. He stressed that

with the work of his colleagues, the administration and the building committee, Natick will end up with every

bit as good a functional result than those from surrounding towns for a lot less money.

Chairman Coburn called for a vote on the motion for the School Committee to accept the ranking of the High School Building Committee and enter into negotiations with Ai3. It was unanimously approved.

Mr. Margil moved for approval to designate Superintendent, Dr. Sanchioni, to be the designee for negotiations.

Ms. Mistrot seconded. It was unanimously approved.

Ms. Blanchard requested that a site selection process be presented at the next meeting.

NETWORK ACCESS POLICY

Mr. Dennis Roche, Director of Technology, provided the School Committee with a draft of a Network Access

Policy which needs updating. Members were urged to review the policy and to forward any questions they may