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Greg Long described three sites that the team considered and the criteria for site selection. The team determined that the existing school site is the most promising site. A phased approach is being recommended building the new Middle School first and the new Primary School later. The plan would be to build the Middle School on the site of the current Middle School using temporary classrooms during construction and then to construct a new Primary School using temporary classrooms during construction. In developing the plans, they are attempting to stay out of 200 foot zone next to the Shawsheen River. There is a 100 foot no build zone next to the river and a 200 foot area which requires remediation if there is building within that zone. Administrative services and food services would be located on the road side of campus with the classrooms on the river side. Current safety standards also require that the school be 80 to 100 feet from parking and roadways which cramps parking.
Mr. Smiley described the process for obtaining approval for the project. The usual way of doing this would be through the MILCON Process. There is a pre-MILCON meeting in April 2006 and a meeting where votes are taken on projects in May/June 2006. There are eight voting members with the DDESS Director’s vote breaking a tie. MILCON has $147 million in projects which have been chosen for funding. These projects are planned five years out into the future but projects already chosen for funding can be shuffled if a greater need arises. They fund between $25 to $40 million of projects each year. There is an effort to increase this amount. Another way to get funding would be through the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) which involves getting a special Congressional insert.
Mr. Smiley said if events come up which highlight Hanscom’s need, to send him the information because it could improve the case for funding. The Committee discussed where and how to garner support for the project from command support to political support from State Representatives, Congressmen, and Senators.
Randy Davis, Principal of the Hanscom Primary School, and Barry Hopping, Principal of the Hanscom Middle School, said that they are pleased that the process has begun. Mr. Hopping said that the Hanscom Middle School has many pressing needs.
Mr. Brandmeyer thanked Mr. Smiley and Mr. Long for their work and said that he will check in with them periodically. Mr. Brandmeyer said that the next step would be to build a work plan with specific actions to keep this moving.
At this time Ms. Dobrow called a five minutes break from 7:45 P. M. to 7:50 P.M. Ms. Manos left at this time.
Before a new teacher was hired, their commitment to attend the new teacher orientation program on August 30 was obtained. This day included explanation of the e-mail system, the phone system, and information about the two campuses. It was also the beginning of the mentoring program. For part of the day mentors and new teachers worked together. The new teachers contract permits higher support for teachers who are new to teaching as well as new to Lincoln. The Orientation Day also had time for teams which are mainly new to work together. For instance, the third grade Lincoln team had time together.
Eighteen new teachers is consistent with recent years in which the new teachers have numbered in the low twenties. The Committee discussed making sure to advertise so that minority applicants are reached.
Ms. Bottan noted that the storefront replacement at the Hanscom Middle School has been delayed. Mr. Brandmeyer said that the project became delayed because the contract, with a sole-source pre-approved vendor, got hung up in getting approval from the New England Core of Engineers. The project started at the end of August and is expected to be completed by November 15. Ms. Bottan said that the noise from the storefront replacement has been kept to a minimum. The so-called “ storefront” doorway, used mainly by parents rather than students, cannot be used but a new temporary entrance has been created and the repaired storefront doorway should be in operation by the second or third week of October.
Ms. Dobrow noted that the first meeting of the Lincoln School Facilities Committee will be held next week, and said that the Committee will receive periodic updates once their work is underway
The Committee then presented its feedback on the draft long-term agenda, changing wording and moving the dates for consideration of certain items. They added an item to consider the Hanscom Middle School, preferably at a Hanscom meeting. The Committee wants to hear a report on the status of a minor subject curriculum such as art or health and physical education. Sometime in the fall, perhaps November 3, the Committee will hear a report on the policy work that Cathy Rogers spearheading.
Mr. Brandmeyer recognized the teachers, school staff, custodians, and administrators for their work during the summer which made the school opening very smooth.
Mr. Brandmeyer announced that this is the 40th year of METCO and that the School Committee is invited to a celebration on September 24 at Franklin Park.
Mr. Brandmeyer said that the Capital Planning Committee wants requests by September 23. He has spoken with them to ask that the District submit its requests by October 16 and was told that this would be fine.
Mr. Picker suggested that Ms. Bottan go through the architect’s facilities report to see whether there is anything that should be added to the list she has compiled.
Regarding technical capital planning, Mr. Brandmeyer said that the RFPs for technical consulting are due back on October 1 and proposed that we consider an FY07 tech capital warrant similar in size and substance to the past several years.
Ms. Dobrow – yes
Mr. Picker – yes
Ms. Rogers – yes
Ms. Borgert - concurs
The Committee adjourned to Executive Session at 10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sara Rolley, School Committee Recording Secretary