TOWN OF ROCKY HILL
BOARD OF EDUCATION
MEETING OF December 7, 2006
Members Present: Neil Geldof (Chairman)
Nadine Bell
Peter Arico
Mark E. Carberry Charles McMonigle
Rene (Skip) Rivard
Anne Schmidt
Catherine Vargas
Jennifer Viggiano-Grosse
A meeting of the Board of Education was held on Thursday, December 7, 2006, in the Council Chambers of the Rocky Hill Town Hall. Chairman Geldof called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was recited.
AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
Moved Anne Schmidt, seconded by Rene Rivard, to add item #14-Executive Session to the agenda.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved Anne Schmidt, seconded by Mark Carberry, to reverse items #10 and #11 on the agenda.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Peter Arico, seconded by Anne Schmidt, to accept the minutes of the September 11, 2006 Board of Education meeting.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Peter Arico, seconded by Anne Schmidt, to accept the minutes of the November 9, 2006 Facilities Committee meeting.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Peter Arico, seconded by Anne Schmidt, to accept the minutes of the November 16, 2006 Facilities Committee meeting.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Peter Arico, seconded by Anne Schmidt, to accept the minutes of the November 16, 2006 Board Of Education meeting.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Peter Arico, seconded by Anne Schmidt, to accept the minutes of the November 28, 2006 Joint Finance & Facilities Committee meeting.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
Dr. Vautour reported on the following correspondence:
A thank you note was received from Claudia Bertz for recognition of her loss.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
RHTA Liaison Committee – No Report.
Alexandra Calafiore, 5th grader at Stevens School told about what students are currently learning in their classes in grades K-2.
Shannon Chudzik, 5th grader at Stevens School reported on grades 3-5.
Molly Tallbert of West Hill School reported on activities taking place at West Hill School.
Bradley Adams and Kaitlin Bogen representing Griswold Middle School spoke of activities at the middle school.
f period.
Sarah Bowdwin representing Rocky Hill High School reported on several events taking place.
Meeting Open to the Public
Debbie Friday of 316 Parsonage Street voiced her dismay after reading an article in The Hartford Courant that there were requests made for portable classrooms at Stevens, West Hill, and the high school. She asked for the reasoning for the West Hill School request, and commented that Stevens School has the most severe overcrowding. She asks why there is only one portable being requested for Stevens School, and how it will alleviate the problem there. She noted enrollments show Stevens has 5 classes exceeding the recommended guidelines, and West Hill had only 1. She requested the Board share the latest enrollment data again, by school and grade and asked what this means for the middle school as there was no mention of a portable for them.
Chairman Geldof thanked Mrs. Friday for her comments and noted the issue was already on the agenda, and would be addressed when the Board got to those issues.
1. Consent Calendar
Moved by Nadine Bell, seconded by Anne Schmidt, to accept the consent calendar for December 7, 2006.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
2. Personnel and Negotiations
No Report.
3. Policy
No report.
4. Finance
No report.
5. Curriculum
No report.
6. Professional Development
No report.
7. Facilities
No report.
8. Technology
No report.
9. Transportation/Accommodations
Mark Carberry presented a report pertaining to school bus safety. He received comments from the public expressing their concern about school bus licensing in general and DMV procedures in light of recent events in West Hartford.
He stated Rocky Hill schools have relatively long-tenured drivers that are screened through DMV and Double A. The committee is confident in the district’s drivers. Double A does random drug testing, and the Governor is looking to mandate random background checks as well. Governor Rell wants to choose about 6 cities and towns throughout the state for these random checks. Reading directly from the Governor’s statement: “Governor Rell wants an overhaul of DMV system of checking backgrounds of drivers of school busses and other student transportation vehicles.” He added, the new DMV Commissioner, William Ramirez, is looking for more established contact with bus companies for helping them understand the qualifications bus drivers must meet, and to help understand when a driver is disqualified.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
11. Portable Classrooms
Dr. Vautour requested approval from the Board of Education for 3 modular classrooms: (1) science/class lab for the high school, and (2) elementary modular classes. He asked Mrs. Hayward, Assistant Principal at Rocky Hill High School to explain the need for the additional science class lab at the High School.
Mrs. Hayward referenced her memo sent to Dr. Vautour detailing some issues the high school was having due to lack of science lab classroom availability. She noted that not only has the overall student population increased by over 125 students over the last ten years, but the number of offered science classes has also increased. The school no longer has the lab space necessary to service the science department.
A significant problem due to the lack of labs is with scheduling. Every week 12 classes have to be juggled around the science department in the building. Often, classes will have to vacate the lab area so that another class can take a turn using the room. This poses a problem especially if the class was not finished with the room, and they must remove all of their support material, etc. Sometimes there is a shortage of actual classroom space as well. To alleviate that problem, 5 times per week, a lecture type class is being taught in a lab, which has no blackboard and has an obstructed view of the teacher.
The second major problem in regard to the science labs is that the general level science classes have been scheduled without labs attached because there is no lab space available. All the earth science classes, general level biology, and chemistry and physics classes don’t offer a lab. Also, the upper level senior elective courses don’t have a lab. With the new science framework, there is even more additional information that is required to be taught, with no additional time to teach it. An extra lab period once or twice per week would afford additional instructional time. A hands-on approach helps many students learn. Students, who plan on going moving on in science in college, are not able to have the lab experience with many classes.
Overall, the school is unable to afford the students the proper lab experience in their science education, and this is simply unacceptable. Finally, the issues impacting the science department affect the entire school. Because of the lack of space, students are unable to get all of the courses they desire because the schedule is out of options. She concluded by emphasizing the desperate need for the additional science space for the 2007-2008 school year.
Dr. Vautour referenced his letter from one year ago last August to recommend two additional teaching positions due to increased enrollments. Although the staff was needed, Dr. Vautour later noted that there was no space to put them. At the November 28, 2006 meeting, Dr. Vautour presented the Facilities/Finance committee with enrollment projections for next school year. He noted the following observations:
1) In September 2007, all kindergarten classes at Stevens/Moser would be at the outside limit of the recommended guidelines at 20 students.
2) Grade 4 classes across the district (West Hill and Stevens) would be at the outside recommended guideline limits at 22 students per room.
3) Grade 1 classes at West Hill School are nearly at the outside limit with an average at 19.2 students with an outside recommended guideline at 20 students.
4) Grade 2 classes at Stevens are already nearing the outside limit at 19.6 students with the outside limit being 20.
Given this data, the committee felt it was justified to request a portable at both West Hill and Stevens schools. He also mentioned that there is extensive lead-time in getting these completed. If the modulars are to be used for the 2007-2008 school year, then the Town Manager has to set in motion the necessary steps to insure site locations be determined, bids obtained, and to get them delivered and completed. Dr. Vautour asked for a motion to request a science classroom/lab at the high school, one at Stevens School, and one at West Hill School.
Anne Schmidt questioned if there was a plan for the redistribution of classrooms among the space including the portable. Dr. Vautour responded the older students should most likely be the ones using the portables. He noted adjustments would need to be made as the data becomes available.
Nadine Bell asked how much the portable classroom would help the high school. Mrs. Hayward responded that it won’t solve the problem, but it will help. Dr. Vautour asked that this solution be considered as only part of the bigger picture- the long-term solution that will be discussed shortly.
Moved by Mark Carberry, seconded by Peter Arico to request installations of one modular science lab/classroom at Rocky Hill High School, one modular classroom at Stevens School, and one modular classroom at West Hill School
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
10. Status Report on Facilities Committee Deliberations on the Schoenhart Report
Dr. Vautour referred back to a report he presented at the last Board meeting pointing out Mr. Prowda’s enrollment projections in his previous year indicated we should expect a high point in 2015-2016 school year of 2,710 students. This number has been updated for this year to 2,863 students for the 2015-2016 school year. This suggests over a 10-year period an additional 300 students coming into the district. He also stated that he would get these reports to Mrs. Friday tomorrow.
Mr. Arico summarized the final review of the facilities report relating to the forums held in August. He presented some history and five possible scenarios:
Moser School-Complete renovation, building upgrade, demo part of building
Stevens/West Hill School-Upgraded facilities and 8 new classrooms & portables.
High School-33,000 square feet added to meet curriculum needs; upgrades
Total Projected Cost of Scenario 1: $73,774,000
State Reimbursement: 13,969,000
Cost to the Town for Scenario 1: $59,805,000
Moser School-Convert to other uses
Stevens School- Add 27,000 sq. feet or 20 for new classrooms, upgrade facilities
West Hill-Add 23,000 sq. feet or 16 new classrooms, upgrade facilities
GMS-Add 12 new classrooms, upgrade facility
Rocky Hill High School-Add 33,000 sq. feet to meet curriculum needs; upgrades
Total Projected Cost of Scenario 2: $73,494,000
State Reimbursement: 15,387,000
Moser School-Converted to other uses within the town
Stevens School-No additional space requirement; portables would be removed and building upgraded
West Hill School-No additional space requirements, building upgraded
GMS-Add 12 new classrooms and upgrade building as in scenario 1 and 2.
Rocky Hill High School- Add 33,000 sq. feet to meet curriculum needs; upgrade
Total Projected Cost of Scenario 3: $78,500,000
State Reimbursement: 17,496,000
Cost to the Town for Scenario 3: $61,004,000
Moser School-Converted to other uses within the town
Stevens School-No additional space requirement; portables would be removed and building upgraded
West Hill School-No additional space requirements, building upgraded
GMS-Build new middle school
Rocky Hill High School- Add 33,000 sq. feet to meet curriculum needs; upgrade
Total Projected Cost of Scenario 4: $96,007,000
State Reimbursement: 24,874,000
Cost to the Town for Scenario 4: $71,133,000
Moser School-Converted to other uses within the town
Stevens School-No additional space requirement; portables to be removed and building upgraded
West Hill School-No additional space requirements, building upgraded
GMS-Converted to elementary school, and building upgraded
Rocky Hill High School- Converted to middle school with upgrades
Total Projected Cost of Scenario 5: $97,938,000
State Reimbursement: 30,173,000
Cost to the Town for Scenario 5: $67,765,000
Return of Moser School to Town:- 2,772,000
$64,993,000
Scenario 5 state reimbursement is much larger because it is new construction. In summary, scenario 5 will cost $5,188,000 over scenario 1 and $6,886,000 over scenario 2. The recommendations in scenario 5 should provide reasonable class sizes within state guidelines, provide space needs for students for the next 20 years and beyond versus an approximate 8-year build out using scenarios 1 and 2.
Nadine Bell thanked the Town Council for allocating $20,000 of funding to have an evaluation done by an architectural firm. She felt the Board needed to provide all information to the public no matter how unpalatable it may be. She stressed the need for a long-term solution to the overcrowding problems. She urged her fellow Board members to support scenario 5 as the best option for the town.
Mr. Rivard agreed with Mrs. Bell and noted this decision will have a lasting impact on the town of Rocky Hill, realizing this is an emotional issue. He addressed the fact that not only class sizes change, but curriculums change, referencing the one room schoolhouse. He believes scenario 5 will give the necessary improvements to the school buildings, allow for advancement in curriculum, and allow planning for the next 20 years, so that we are not just doing a temporary fix.
Moved by Anne Schmidt, seconded by Rene Rivard for acceptance of the 9 conclusions of the Facilities Committee as delineated below.
1. It is prudent to insure sufficient space for an additional 448 students for a total population of 3,005.
2. Site structural and systems deficiencies exist in all of our schools.
3. There are programs/services in each of our schools currently operating in inadequate/substandard spaces or locations.
4. Increases in enrollments will exacerbate space problems in our existing schools.
5. No space exists to allow for evolving programmatic needs.
6. It is prudent to plan for all-day kindergarten in Rocky Hill and include sufficient space for such classes.
7. Retaining the current K-5 configuration is the most desirable course of action.
8. Elementary schools in the 300-500 range are preferred and a third elementary school should be considered for Rocky Hill to allow for an average population of 450 students.
9. Beyond addressing enrollment increases, space should be considered for future program developments.
OPPOSED: Mr. Carberry
FAVOR: ALL OTHERS
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Anne Schmidt, seconded by Nadine Bell, to approve the recommendations of the Facilities Committee to:
1. Return Moser School to the Town;
2. Build a new high school;
3. Convert the existing high school to a middle school;
4. Convert the middle school to an elementary school;
5. Complete upgrades to Stevens and West Hill schools; and
6. Provide portable classrooms as necessary to address enrollments/programmatic needs pending completion of construction projects.
IN FAVOR: ALL OTHERS
MOTION CARRIED
Mrs. Vargas asked Mr. Carberry if he would like to discuss any concerns he may have, and Mr. Carberry responded that he doesn’t agree with the recommendation.
Moved by Rene Rivard, to request that Town Council approve a referendum for purposes of obtaining the funds necessary for preparation of educational specifications and bid documents for the proposed projects.
Anne Schmidt expressed concern about the process, and asked for a friendly amendment that it should be noted that the board is asking the Town Council to approve the board’s recommendation, and move forward with a referendum.
Moved by Rene Rivard, seconded by Nadine Bell, to amend the motion to ask Council for approval of scenario 5 and move for approval to obtain funding necessary for preparation of educational specs and bid documents for the proposed projects.
OPPOSED: Mark Carberry
IN FAVOR: ALL OTHERS
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Rene Rivard, seconded by Nadine Bell, to ask Council for approval of scenario 5 and move for approval to obtain funding necessary for preparation of educational specs.
OPPOSED: Mark Carberry
IN FAVOR: ALL OTHERS
MOTION CARRIED
12. Replacement for Dr. Levy
Dr. Vautour informed the Board that there have been 12 applicants for the replacement of Dr. Levy, the caliber of which did not meet his standards. He noted he has asked Dr. Fusco to stay on until another posting is made in the later part of the spring. He thinking is that several talented administrators would be hesitant to leave their district mid-stream.
13. HOTS Resolution
Mr. Turansky explained in order to receive the Higher Order Thinking Skills Grant Funds, the state requires the Board pass a resolution that empowers him to enter into a contract with the state and also authorizes the Board secretary to sign a resolution stating that fact.
Moved by Peter Arico, seconded by Catherine Vargas to pass a resolution that empowers Mr. Turansky to enter into a contract with the state to obtain funding for the Higher Order Thinking Skills Grant.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Anne Schmidt, seconded by Nadine Bell to move into executive session at 8:00 p.m. and invite Mr. Turansky and Dr. Vautour to attend.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Mrs. Bell, seconded by Mrs. Vargas to come out of executive session.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Mrs. Vargas, seconded by Mrs. Bell, to adjourn the meeting. (9:00 p.m.)
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa R. Reed
Recording Secretary
Accepted by: _______________________ Date: _____________________