Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
January 17, 2008
The School Committee held a meeting on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Wilson Middle School. Chairman Wynn called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
Members Present: Anne Blanchard, Dirk Coburn, Karen Adelman Foster, Steve Meyler, David Murphy, Rick Wynn, Anne Zernicke
Others Present: Joseph Keefe Interim Superintendent
Tom Rose Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Staff
Parents, Press
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chairman Wynn asked if anyone wished to come forward for “Public Speak”. No one came forward.
UPDATE ON SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY MEETING
Dr. Keefe provided an update on a visit held today with the School Building Authority in Boston to discuss the high school building project. The following participated in the meeting:
Dr. Joseph Keefe, Interim Superintendent
Mr. Rick Wynn, Chairman of the School Committee
Mr. James Connolly, former Superintendent
Mr. John Hughes, Principal of Natick High School
Mr. Robert Graham, Director of Facilities
Mr. Tom Rose, Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Mr. Fred Witte, Town of Natick Comptroller
Mr. Chris Bradley, Town of Natick Procurement Director
State Representative David Linsky
State Representative Alice Peisch
Joseph Buckley, Chief Engineer at the Massachusetts School Building Authority
Dr. Keefe reported that Natick is one of 49 communities that have been selected to present a feasibility study to the School Building Authority. The district has until May 1 to submit data such as demographic and community development, socioeconomic indicators, education specifications – the driving force behind the plans of the school. The town will have to provide $250K to fund the feasibility study. Once the state has given the go ahead, a project manager will need to be hired, the cost of which will be split between the town and SBA. There will then be a design review team made up of architects and engineers of the SBA as well as appointees from the Town Administrator, the School Committee and the Superintendent who will select an architect firm for the final design process. Reimbursement from the state is based on a formula:
31% is the starting point for every town and incentives may be added such as extra percentage points based on cumulative property value, developing a “green” school, and one which can be maintained for 50 years with minimum maintenance. All these incentives could bring the total of reimbursement to 48%. No timeframe for construction was given at this point.
CONTINUATION OF FY09 BUDGET DISCUSSION
Dr. Keefe led a discussion on the FY09 budget. It is his hope to have the School Committee vote a budget amount at its next meeting of January 23, 2008. Dr. Keefe reviewed the Proposal to Address Possible FY09 Budget Shortfall which was developed as a result of several hours of meetings with the Central Office administration and principals. This list totals $1,418,000 in cuts. He stated that no one is happy with the reductions on this list, but it is necessary to take some steps to look at reductions in the event an override vote were to fail.
Dr. Keefe reported on a memorandum he received from Ms. Cathi Collins, Education Sub-Committee Chair, Finance Committee which speaks about the School Committee’s discussion to add $100,000 to the FY09 school budget for extraordinary capital repairs necessary at Natick High School. Ms. Collins believes that rather than increase the school budget outright, it would be more appropriate to put these funds in the Finance Committee Reserve Account until they are needed to cover this type of expense.
Some discussion took place regarding the town and school budget split. More discussion on the split will take place at the Financial Planning meeting on Wednesday, January 23 and can be reported on at the School Committee that same evening.
CAPITAL BUDGET
Mr. Bob Graham, Director of Facilities, reviewed the past, current and projected capital improvements for the various schools. Mr. Graham expressed his concerns that year after year these projects have not received funding. A request was made to remove from the list the estimated dollar figure of $70,000,000 for a high school replacement since it is unknown what the inflated cost of a new high school will be.
TO SELECT A SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Chairman Wynn provided background information on the Superintendent Search:
§ Over 150 surveys were received from people on what they wanted in a new superintendent
§ Over 200 people participated in forums on what they feel the needs are and what is wanted in a new superintendent
§ A brochure was developed and 20 applications were received.
§ Chairman Wynn thanked the members of the Credential Screening Committee who consisted of:
Tom Hourihan, Community Member
Dennis Barr, Community Member
Barbara Brown, Principal Johnson School
Kristine VanAmsterdam, Board of Selectmen
Marianne Davis, Director of Human Resources
Robin Snyder, Teacher
Andrew Rollins, Teacher
Anne Blanchard, School Committee
Anne Zernicke, School Committee
§ The Credentials Screening Committee reviewed all the resumes and interviewed 7 candidates.
§ Two of the three finalists were interviewed by the School Committee in public sessions – Dr. Christine Tyrie and Dr. Peter Sanchioni.
§ The School Committee reviewed all of the feedback on the candidates which they received from the community, parents, staff and administration.
Chairman Wynn thanked all who participated in this process and stated that this has been a very difficult decision for the School Committee. Chairman Wynn requested a motion.
Mr. Meyler moved to appoint Dr. Peter Sanchioni as Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Natick, effective July 1, 2008, and to authorize the Chair and the Vice Chair to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Sanchioni. Mr. Coburn seconded. It was unanimously approved. Chairman Wynn, on behalf of the Committee congratulated Dr. Sanchioni and thanked Dr. Christine Tyrie.
At 10:00 p.m., Mr. Meyler moved to adjourn. Mr. Murphy seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Joseph A. Keefe, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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