APPROVED

WINDHAM SCHOOL BOARD

Public Session

Workshop Meeting

August 21, 2007 – SAU #28 Building

 

 

School Board Members:        Al Letizio - Chairman, Beverly Donovan,

                                                Bruce Anderson and Beth Valentine

Superintendent:                      Dr. Frank Bass

Assistant Superintendent:     Roxanne Wilson

Business Administrator:        Toby Eaton

 

Chairman, Al Letizio called the public session of the Windham School Board to order at 7:45 p.m.

 

Mr. Letizio stated that what will be discussed tonight with the Athletic Committee, will also be discussed at the next Business Meeting to be held at the Planning Department.  He noted that the purpose of the meeting with the Athletic Committee was to formulate a vision for the future of athletics for Windham High School.  Mr. Letizio listed the items the Athletic Committee deemed as necessary needs.  The Athletic Committee members discussed the rationale behind each of the needs stated:

 

  • Additional Baseball/Softball fields – to support JV teams.  Field would also be used for field hockey.  Fields are needed for when varsity field is in use.  It was noted that JV is a training ground for varsity sports – a developmental phase/environment.  JV teams are typically formed for students, primarily freshman and sophomores, who have a harder time making a varsity squad.  Statistically speaking, 31% of students from Windham that currently attend Salem, play baseball and 28% of students play softball.

 

Dr. Bass noted that by having JV teams, it creates a niche’ for some students and allows them to stay connected with their school.

 

  • Stadium – containing a track and artificial turf field.  The Athletic Committee stressed that they cannot facilitate what they want to offer with what is currently planned at the high school site.  It was also noted that athletes cannot practice and play football on the same filed.  Also stated, the benefits of having an artificial turf field out way sod in many ways.  There will not be a need for watering or mowing and the cost of installation will be made up over time. 

 

  • Track – it was noted the track would be for community use also.  A broken back track option was discussed (track around a multipurpose artificial turf field).  It was further noted, that without a track, there will be more injuries.

 

Owner’s Representative, Glenn Davis, noted that because we did not get voter approval for artificial turf, he has to go with the planting of sod for the fields.

 

Dr. Bass spoke of the benefits of an artificial turf field, noting injury rate drops. 

 

Bruce Anderson requested a definition of the stadium the Athletic Committee proposes.  He noted that there are many different types of stadiums.  The Athletic Committee responded that the ultimate goal was to create a town centerpiece which could be used for a lot of functions.  They would like a multi-use town facility with plumbing and lighting.  They further noted that revenue could be generated if the stadium was enclosed by fencing.

 

At this time the Committee noted that youth football was growing, with the probability that Pelham would be separating from Windham in the future, noting Windham would need to provide their own youth football program.  The Committee also stated that students are expecting the same sporting options that were offered to their siblings at Salem High School.

 

  • Second Gym – a 60 x 100 foot 2nd gym was discussed.  The gym would support such sports as wrestling; gymnastics; spirit; dance; lacrosse and spring sport practices.  It was stressed that if there is not a place for wrestling to practice, then it will be moved to the cafeteria.  This would require tables to be removed and mats to be mounted on the walls.  Without a 2nd gym, gymnastics would have to go offsite.  One gym will not be enough.

 

Beverly Donovan questioned if there would be enough room at the site to build a 60 x 100 foot 2nd gym.  Mr. Davis responded that there was enough room to accommodate.

 

  • Training Room of Adequate Size – It was noted that the size of the training room was addressed the training room will be larger than the original plan.

 

  • Tennis Courts – it was noted that tennis courts could be used at Griffin Park.

 

  • PE Field/Artificial Turf – The pros and cons of an artificial turf PE field was discussed.  It was noted it would be an extension of the gym.  Mr. Davis will keep the School Board informed about the field.

 

Bruce Anderson questioned the adequacy of seven (7) rectangular fields for fall sports.  The Athletic Committee noted this would be adequate with the addition of a stadium.

 

The possibility of an artificial turf field coming from the CIP was discussed.

 

Mr. Davis noted planting of sod was ready to go.  It was also noted, that everyone in attendance agreed that artificial turf was the best option, but that it was not being supported at this time by the voters.

 

Mr. Letizio and Beverly Donovan discussed how the high school athletic vision would work with the town’s recreation master plan.   Mr. Letizio noted the town recreation plan, to date, did not include support for the high school.

 

The Athletic Committee commented that the population of Windham is growing at a fast pace and that fields are needed for both the schools and town.

 

Beverly Donovan stated it would be helpful to have written backup of what was requested by the Athletic Committee.  She also noted it was important to get a placeholder for items in the CIP.  She requested a detailed written report.

 

Bruce Anderson noted the need for a new middle school was coming sooner than later.  He stressed that the Board will need to look at the future of the district.

 

Chairman Letizio stated his intention was to have the School Board adopt a vision of what the high school will have and then move to the next step.

 

Beverly Donovan noted that immediately when the high school opens, it will not need everything as presented for a few years.

 

Beth Valentine noted her concern of not supporting our senior class, if we can not offer them variety in the way of athletics.

 

Members of the Athletic Committee noted some frustration in the way of being neglected as a committee.

 

Dr. Bass stated that there was no doubt that the Committee had done a lot of work, but as a community, the vision of athletics has to be set and presented.  Information needs to be given and digested.

 

Beth Valentine stated she feels good with where they are, as presented.

 

Bruce Anderson noted he agreed with the vision when it is built out.  He noted if we have to phase this in, he needs to know what the priorities are.

 

Leadership Goals

 

Dr. Bass informed the School Board about the team collaborative of both Pelham and Windham.  He noted how pleased he was with the retreat.

 

Facilities Master Plan

 

Al Letizio spoke of the need of a detailed plan of how they will use all of the facilities.  He also spoke of the need of a middle school facility.  He noted he would like to concentrate the Boards’ focus at the next workshop meeting to address the master plan.  He requested Dr. Bass and staff provide the Board with enrollment statistics along with capacity amounts at each school.

 

Bruce Anderson spoke of the future of Golden Brook - whether to refurbish or not. 

 

Beverly Donovan spoke of the preschool program issues and their inadequate space.  She also spoke of public kindergarten. 

 

Beth Valentine questioned if kindergarten will need to be a full day program.  Dr. Bass responded by stating the State will work with the District on the time frame as long as we show we are working towards fulfilling the public kindergarten need.

 

Glenn Davis noted a middle school will need about 8 acres of land.  He also noted they had looked at the topography of the site for a new middle school on the high school land. The Board discussed a 900 student middle school model as being the best scenario. 

 

Manifests

 

Building Fund Voucher #1015                          $248,921.25

Voucher #1016                                                $403,912.58

Voucher #1014                                                $104,019.51

 

Motion to approve manifests as signed was made by Bruce Anderson with a 2nd by Beverly Donovan.  Approved 4-0.

 

Information/Correspondence

 

Business Administrator, Toby Eaton, discussed a letter the SAU received from a Paving Company regarding the middle school paving bid.  The Board discussed the proper response to the letter.

 

Beth Valentine questioned where the District ended up with first grade enrollment numbers.  It was noted that they were less than anticipated.  It was also noted that Principal Maguire shifted a teacher at Golden Brook School to where there was a need in second grade.

 

Dr. Bass discussed a date for a site visitation of the high school project.  It was noted that they would try to set up a time of 6:00 p.m. before the next school board meeting at the Planning Department.  It was also noted that the Board of Selectman would be invited to attend.

 

Mr. Eaton discussed the recent bids that he obtained for fuel.

 

Motion to Accept Fuel Bids was made by Bruce Anderson with a 2nd by Beverly Donovan.  Approved 4-0.

 

Motion to Adjourn the public session under RSA 91-A:3II(b) at 9:54 p.m. was made by Beverly Donovan with a 2nd by Beth Valentine.  Al Letizio-aye; Beverly Donovan-aye; Beth Valentine-aye; Bruce Anderson-aye

 

Respectfully,

Diane Figaro