Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
August 12, 2009
The School Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Wilson Middle School auditorium. Chairman Coburn called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Members Present: Karen Adelman Foster, Dirk Coburn, David Margil, Amy Mistrot, David Murphy, Anne Zernicke
Anne Blanchard arrived at 6:30 p.m.
Others Present:
Peter Sanchioni Superintendent
Karen LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
William Hurley Director of Fiscal & Management Services
APPROVAL OF OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Dr. Sanchioni introduced Mr. Tom Lamb, Athletic Director, who requested the School Committee’s approval for the Natick High School Cheerleaders to travel to Pine Forest Cheerleading Camp in Greeley, PA August 16-19, 2009. Ms. Zernicke moved for approval of this trip. Ms. Mistrot seconded. It was unanimously approved.
SIGN MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATICK SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
THE NATICK CONSERVATION COMMISSION AND THE
NATICK COMMUNITY ORGANIC FARM
Dr. Sanchioni requested that the School Committee sign the memorandum of agreement between the Natick School Committee, the Natick Conservation Commission and the Natick Community Organic Farm. This agreement covers the transfer of land from the School Committee as discussed and voted on at previous meetings. Members of the School Committee signed the document.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT ARTICLE FOR NATICK HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT
Mr. Hurley requested the School Committee’s approval to submit the following article for the Fall Town Meeting to cover the cost of construction documents for the high school project in order to keep the project going through March of 2010. This article has been vetted by the Town Treasurer and bond council:
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for partial architectural
services for the replacement/renovation of Natick High School including schematic
design, design development and construction documents as required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or otherwise; or otherwise act thereon.
Mr. Hurley pointed out that all of these costs are reimbursable under the MSBA program. Ms. Adelman Foster questioned whether any language needs to be added to cover any additional costs that may not be listed in the language above. Mr. Hurley will follow up. Chairman Coburn requested that this language be voted on and if need be can be modified at a later date prior to the submittal deadline of August 22. Mr. Murphy moved for approval of this article as written. Ms. Mistrot seconded. It was unanimously approved.
TO APPOINT A MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Chairman Coburn announced that the Board of Selectmen has voted to establish an Audit Committee and have requested that one of the members be a current member of the School Committee. A copy of the posting and charge of the Committee was also provided. A discussion continued. The idea of the School Committee appointing a non-member was discussed. Dr. Sanchioni stated that this would require the permission of the Board of Selectmen. Chairman Coburn entertained a motion to allow him to discuss this with the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Mistrot moved for approval for Chairman Coburn to speak with the Board of Selectmen to see if the School Committee could appoint a non member to the Audit Committee. Ms. Adelman Foster seconded. It was unanimously
approved.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE TO HEAR PRESENTATIONS FROM ARCHITECTS ON THE MODEL SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR THE NATICK HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT
Chairman Coburn discussed the procedures for the joint meeting this evening with Natick High School Building Committee in which they will hear presentations from the three invited architects recommended by the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s for the model school program. The School Committee & Building Committee have also taken tours of the three model schools and have received a substantial amount of information from the Owner’s Project Manager, RF Walsh.
Copies of the proposals were distributed to the School Committee and the High School Building Committee in advanced and are available in the Central Office.
Chairman Coburn confirmed that members of the School Committee had the list of questions which would be asked of each firm.
The School Committee recessed at 6:10 p.m. while the architectural firm set up for the joint meeting with the Building Committee.
The meeting reconvened at 6:30 p.m. and the High School Building Committee joined the School Committee.
Chairman Coburn welcomed members of the community who were present to hear the presentations by the architectural firms. He reported that a standard set of questions have been developed and if these questions have not been answered throughout the presentations, Superintendent Sanchioni will ask the questions of the architects. Any additional questions will be asked even handedly to all three firms.
Mr. John Ciccariello, Chair of the Building Committee discussed the process as well. He stated that there will be a 5 minute set up for each firm, a 30-minute presentation followed by a questions and answers by the Superintendent. It is important that the same questions be asked of each firm. This is not a public hearing. Any questions from the public may be submitted and discussed at the next School Committee meeting, August 17, 2009.
Dr. Sanchioni recognized the High School Building Committee for their hard work and for the important task they have ahead of them. Dr. Sanchioni recognized two members of the MSBA who were here this evening - Mary Pichetti and Paul Fowkes. He stated that the School Committee, the Building Committee, and the Administration are all appreciative of the opportunity to work with the MSBA through the Model School Program. Dr. Sanchioni recognized the School Committee who has the ultimate responsibility to decide which school to build and has and will continue to approach this task with diligence, attention to detail and commitment for success. Dr. Sanchioni recognized Representative David Linksy who is here this evening and has been a big supporter of this process and continues to help with great
assistance. He recognized the Owners Project Managers from RF Walsh, Dave Billings and Paul Kalous who have been invaluable for leading us here tonight.
Dr. Sanchioni welcomed and introduced the 1st presenters – The Mount Vernon Group.
Mr. Frank Tedescho, President of the firm introduced his team who participated in the presentation of their model school design. They responded to questions from the Administration and School Committee members.
Dr. Sanchioni welcomed and introduced the 2nd presenters – Symmes Maini & McKee Associates. Alex Pitkin, Senior Design Architect introduced his team who participated in the presentation of their model school design.
They responded to questions from the Administration and School Committee members.
Dr. Sanchioni welcomed and introduced the 3rd presenters – Ai3 Architects. Scott Dunlop, Owner and Partner of Ai3 introduced his other owners and partners who participated in the presentation of their model school design. They responded to the questions from the Administration and School Committee members.
At 10:05 p.m. Ms. Mistrot moved to adjourn. Mr. Margil seconded. The School Committee adjourned and the High School Building Committee returned to their meeting in the Music Room.
Peter Sanchioni, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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