The Board of Selectmen met with the School Committee in the Library of the Middle School at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Mr. Mauceri, Mr. Harris, Mr. Veno, Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. Balukonis, Ms.Vacca, Ms. Davis, Mr. Jervey, Mr. Venezia, Mr. Webster, Dr. Troughton, Mr. Nelson, members of the Finance Committee and of the Secondary School Building Committee. The Boards met to discuss the building needs at the secondary level.
The meeting opened with Dr. Troughton reviewing the needs at the secondary level and the issues at hand. Dr. Troughton also reviewed the recent history of state funding for school building projects. Dr. Troughton noted that the state has toured the middle and high schools and gave them a rating of “3” on a scale of 1-4, with 4 meaning that the school should be replaced or reconditioned as soon as possible. Dr. Troughton stated that the town needs to position itself to be ready when the state re-opens its funding for school building projects in July of 2007.
Dr. Troughton noted that a Statement of Interest had already been signed off on by the Selectmen. After careful examination, the SSBC has decided that the best solution would be to build a new high school and renovate the middle school, with the buildings sharing core facilities. Dr. Troughton stated that the modular classrooms currently at the high school would be reused at the middle school.
Mr. Brad Dore of Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc. made a presentation of the project. Mr. Dore discussed the site and the phasing of the project. A proposed project schedule was also reviewed.
Dr. Troughton stated that it will take another $1 million to create a complete schematic design. Ms. Vacca stated that the School Committee is requesting $350,000 from PlaceNameplaceOctober PlaceTypeTown Meeting.
Mr. Mauceri stated that the Selectmen had some concerns over the “Do Not Do” list on the MSBA’s website. Some of the things that the committee has already done or proposes to do are on the “Do Not Do” list, such as hiring architects and project managers. Mr. Mauceri also asked what the minimum amount would be that the town would need to invest in order to procure a $35 million dollar check from the state (half of the estimated cost for the project). Mr. Dardeno asked exactly what would the $350,000 be used for.
Mr. Dore stated that the $350,000 would take the project from the basic block diagrams presented this evening to what the building will really look like, including the building materials and further site evaluation. It will also create a dialogue with the MSBA that the town has been considering this project seriously, he said.
Mr. Venezia asked the Selectmen if they felt that there was a need for such a project. Mr. O’Leary stated that he was conceptually behind the project, that he feels that the middle
school needs to be addressed and that it makes sense to look at both the middle and high
schools at the same time. However, in reading the material from the MSBA, he has concerns about spending too much money and not playing by the rules. Mr. O’Leary doesn’t want to have placeNorth Reading be seen as a “wealthy community not playing by the rules”.
Mr. O’Leary suggested a place saver for PlaceNameplaceOctober PlaceTypeTown Meeting and letting the community know that the Selectmen are behind the idea. Mr. Veno agreed that he felt that the schools need to be addressed and supported the idea of a placeholder.
Mrs. Bailey (in the audience) noted that a dollar amount does not need to be attached to the placeholder, if the state regulations become clearer by Town Meeting, a dollar amount can be inserted later.
Mr. Mauceri stated that he supported the placeholder on the warrant and suggested that a “Plan B” also be developed.
Mr. Jervey noted three things that need to happen before PlaceNameplaceOctober PlaceTypeTown Meeting:
1. The town needs more precise ideas with what it can do with its level of funding.
2. Dr. Troughton should meet with Ms. Craven of the SBA as suggested by Representative Jones to clarify the new regulations.
3. Examine the need for additional modular classrooms, stating that the School Committee cannot keep the middle school going without more space.
As a final note, Mr. Mauceri noted that the make-up of the building committee may have to be expanded based on the new regulations.
The discussion ended at 9:30 p.m.
ADJOURN
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO, MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
___________________ _____________________________
Date Joseph Veno, Clerk
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