APPROVED
Windham
School Board
Public Session
September 5, 2006
Workshop Meeting
– Planning Department
School Board Members: Chairman, Bruce Anderson, Barbara Coish
Galen Stearns, Beth Valentine, Beverly Donovan
Superintendent: Dr. Elaine Cutler
Asst. Superintendent: Roxanne Wilson
Business Administrator: Brian Gallagher
Chairman, Bruce Anderson called the public session of the Windham School Board to order at 7:01 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence in honor of the events of September 11, 2001. Call of the Roll followed.
Good News from Windham Schools
Barbara Coish announced that Golden Brook School welcomed 241 Transition and First Grade students on the first day of school. The first grade class of 199 students is composed of 128 boys and only 71 girls. The first week went very smoothly.
Beverly Donovan announced that everyone is invited to the annual PTA sponsored Ice Cream Social held this Friday starting at 6:30 p.m. at Center School
Beth Valentine announced that Windham Middle School’s M2M Summer Training was a complete success. Over 60 students gave up a day over the summer vacation to learn what it takes to be a mentor. She noted that Middle School open house will be held September 20th at 7:00 p.m. along with a 6th grade parent Camp Bournedale informational meeting.
Adoption of Minutes
Motion to Approve July 31, 2006 Public Workshop meeting as amended was made by Galen Stearns with a 2nd by Beverly Donovan. Approved 5-0.
(Amendment:
word addition of “permit” page 2)
Motion to Approve August 1, 2006 Public Workshop meeting as amended was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Galen Stearns. Approved 5-0.
(Amendment:
spelling pg. 2)
Motion to Approve August 10, 2006 Public Workshop Meeting (GBS) was made by Galen Stearns with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Approved 5-0.
Motion to Approve August 15, 2006 Workshop Meeting was made by Galen Stearns with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Approved 4-0. Bruce Anderson absent.
Motion to Approve August 17, 2006 Non-Public Business Meeting was made by Galen Stearns with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Approved 5-0.
Motion to Approve August 17, 2006 Pre-Public Meeting was made by Beth Valentine with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Approved 5-0.
Motion to Approve August 17, 2006 Public Business Meeting as Amended was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Galen Stearns. Approved 5-0.
(Amendment:
spelling changes)
Motion to Approve August 22, 2006 Non-Public Meeting as Amended was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Beth Valentine. Approved 5-0.
(Amendment: spelling change)
Motion to Approve August 22, 2006 Public Session as Amended was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Galen Stearns. Approved 5-0.
(Amendment: spelling change)
Motion to Approve August 29, 2006 Non-Public Session Workshop Meeting was made by Beverly Donovan with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Approved 5-0.
Motion to Approve August 29, 2006 Public Session Workshop Meeting as Amended was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Galen Stearns. Approved 5-0.
(Amendments:
addition of missed statements – Carl DuBois stated general
conditions could increase $120,000 due to lengthened construction schedule –
page 3. and
Bruce Anderson stated he did not want to proceed without a guaranteed maximum price. He also felt that subcontractors needed to be pushed hard to cut prices – page 3)
Vendor and Payroll Manifest to be Signed
B/F #1011 $ 48,422.91
Sau #1003 $ 29,027.81
P/R Batch #5 deductions $ 17,982.01
P/R Batch #5 $ 14,908.76
P/R Batch #11 & #12 deductions $161,052.52
P/R Batch #11 & #112 $240,988.81
Batch #10 $ 557.81
Consent Agenda – None at this Time
Appointment Presentations by the Public – Attendees absent – To Be Rescheduled
Other Business Items
Presentation by Harvey Construction Regarding Windham
High School.
Chairman Anderson explained for the record, that they will be beginning the site work and that it was not a unanimous decision by the Board. He noted that there were pros and cons to this matter and that it was a tough decision that the Board had to make.
Carl DuBois, from Harvey Construction spoke regarding the decision to begin the site work. He stressed that it did not make sense to cut the bidders of the site work loose, considering there was such a large gap in bid. Harvey Construction felt that it would be prudent to go ahead with the lowest bidder for the site work. He noted that they are going to release the paving numbers, stating that portion of the job will be bid out later. The primary reasons for beginning the site work were as follows:
Beverly Donovan clarified the reason for voting to begin said site work. She noted that this would be preliminary site work and that there was a need to see what the well yield would be.
Galen Stearns stated that he felt he needed more time and that he owed it to the town to wait, which is why he voted in the negative to begin site work.
Beth Valentine stressed that there were two (2) components to this project the site and the building. She stated that there was very little value engineering that could be done on the site work as opposed to the building. She explained that if we rebid the site work it very well could come in higher and then that higher cost would have to come from the building side of things. She stated that all of the flux was in the facility and that she was not comfortable with the numbers and going ahead with the facility portion. Her vote was to delay the facility at the August 17th meeting. Ms. Valentine then noted that the Board listened to Harvey Construction Cost Estimators, noting they stated there was a risk out there in delaying the site work.
Barbara Coish stated that if the road was started then in the spring we would be ready to start the facility. She stated that she has faith in the expert opinions of Harvey Construction and that Team Design and Harvey Construction are working very closely with one another.
Bruce Anderson stated that he has spent 2 ½ years working on this project. He stated that he felt the bids were high because of the time of year they were put out. He felt it was impossible to reengineer the facility in a few days and as of 8-17-06 was leery.
Mr. Anderson then stated that Team Design and Harvey Construction felt fairly comfortable with $135.00 a square foot, noting that we will recapture the auditorium. He stated that he hopes the Board’s majority is right regarding the site work.
Beverly Donovan spoke that she felt it was unfortunate that people think we make decisions lightly. She stated that the Board respects each other in the end, stressing again that this is preliminary site work and to please bear with us.
At this time Beth Valentine stated that if anyone wished to call her and discuss this to please do so.
Members of Public
Addressed the Board
(What follows is a summary of public comments)
Brian Carne (signature not legible) stated that he felt the Board did not get it and that he wants the best high school for this town. He asked the Board to come back to the voters in March and tell us what it will cost. He feels frustrated and would like the Board to step back and get a Guaranteed Maximum Price.
Beth Valentine stressed that voters will have that option in March. Noting that in March there will be a GMP with an outline of what can be built.
Mr. Caren felt the Board held a secret meeting and would like a GMP for the original design.
Ms. Valentine stated that there are no secret meetings of the School Board and that the voters will get the option of the original design with GMP numbers.
Galen Stearns stated that based on $33 million this is what we can do now. Noting other options will be brought to the voters. He stressed that we are moving in that direction.
Jack Gattinella stated he was concerned that everyone did not understand what a GMP was. He noted that it could mean a lot of things to difference people and to be careful how you define it.
Tom Case stated that now that the Board decided to go forward with the site work, he would like to hear positive comments from the public.
Floyd Wagoner stated that his tax burden is heavy and he is concerned with extra costs noting that the Board should be careful that we don’t build this great high school - that nobody can afford to live here. He requested clarification of the bond interest and suggested that perhaps they change the bond to a 30 or 40 year term in order to keep our tax at a reasonable rate. He urged the Board to do the math if another Bond is requested and approved.
Business Administrator, Brian Gallagher noted that Mr. Wagoner made an interesting point and that the School Board was very fortunate to lock in a 3.92% rate
Galen Stearns assured Mr. Wagoner that the Board would look at this and do their due diligence.
Michael Hatem stated he felt if we designed the high school in 2005 we would have broken ground. He feels that the best thing is to design the school we want. He also feels that the Board will be getting a lot of change orders on the project.
Barbara Coish invited Mr. Jim Gove from Gove Environmental Services to speak regarding the site.
Mr. Gove stated that regarding the Clark Farm site, we simply did not have enough space to build a high school. He noted that we were looking at direct wetland impacts along with impact to perennial streams. He stressed that he had a good knowledge base about the Clark Farm and he new what he was looking for. He then stated that he liked the London Bridge site, noting it was larger and that it was following an existing roadway. This site was easy to permit and the impact to wetlands was very low.
Mr. Gove noted that he identified the London Bridge Structure early on in the process and that the State originally deemed it not of historical interest but later due to unfortunate circumstances, the state reversed its decision. He stressed that the bottom line was that we would not be able to get the permit for the Clark Farm. From the site availability around town, he feels that London Bridge is the best site for this project.
Tony Massahos spoke next stating that he was not here about the land itself, but rather the pathetic actions by the Board. He stressed that they should hold off on the construction of the school. Noting that he felt they did the wrong thing by agreeing to dig up the land. He noted that the Board has a very large supporter base and that starting construction before winter was disappointing to him. He feels they are doing the wrong thing.
Beth Valentine stated for Mr. Massahos’ awareness that the district is really a year out with Salem.
Mr. Massahos then stated that he felt the only reason the Board was starting on the land was because they were afraid of losing the land.
Beverly Donovan stressed that we authorized preliminary site work to obtain a well yield. It is a rough site to work and they are not building a full road.
Carl Dubois from Harvey Construction reiterated the reasons for beginning the site work. The low bid subcontract extended his bid two times and he noted the reason he was low was because he would do his own blasting of the site. The consensus at Harvey Construction was to lock in now the subcontractor’s bid.
Beth Valentine reiterated her decision of August 17, 2006, by stating that there were too many variables with the facility but that there would not be a change of scope with the site. She stated that she was not going to risk the price of the site going up.
Peter Livingston spoke stating that he appreciated the Board’s work, but was disappointed that the last public meeting was not known.
The Board stated that all meetings are posted at the SAU and at all schools, but that things come up constantly that need there immediate attention.
Jim Frisone stated that he was extremely disappointed that the Board was going ahead.
Carl DuBois spoke noting that they asked the contractor of the site work to hold changes until April, 2007. The contractor will hold his numbers regarding any value engineering changes.
Beverly Donovan stated that the Board wants to know, without a doubt, that the site work is going smoothly.
Dennis Senibaldi spoke referring to the agenda of meetings that are held and that he was disappointed that he did not know about the last meeting where the decision was made to begin the site work.
Barbara Coish explained that she and Beverly Donovan made the request to discusss the site work at the last meeting.
Mr. Senibaldi feels that the public will perceive this as back-door politics. He wished to know how much money would have to be taken out of the facility to cover the cost of the site work.
Bruce Anderson noted that legal counsel stated that some site work can come out of the facility bond.
Brian Gallagher clarified that the decision was made to begin site work pending bond counsel consultation and that in summary, funds can be intermingled. He stressed that bond counsel had reviewed the information and felt very comfortable with his decision.
Donna Hume spoke to the Board, stating that she was very disappointed that there would be a delay in the whole project. She felt that the comments made in the room were very distracting tonight. She thanked the Board for moving ahead with the site work and that she looks forward to hearing from the Board in March.
Charlie McMahon stated that he was extremely disappointed that the Board approved the site work and that he felt the previous meeting should have been known. He then stated that he felt there was another site to look at, the Clark Farm. Mr. McMahon asked Jim Delisle from Team Design, if work had also been done on the farm site. He felt due diligence was not done. Mr. McMahon pleaded with the Board to change their mind regarding the site work. Mr. McMahon stated that he felt the lot line issue was not an accident. Mr. McMahon then stated that he feels we are going to have the biggest tax impact and that it will be a tremendous pain to the taxpayers of Windham. He noted that he was glad that Mr. DuBois agreed to take this project on but that we need the Board to do the right thing for the taxpayers. He would like to have Mr. Gove on site from this point on.
Jim Gove spoke again reiterating what he previously stated, that there was due diligence done on the Clark Farm. That the bottom line was the school would not fit and wetland permits could not be obtained.
Beverly Donovan stated that she wanted to set the record straight. When we were looking at the Clark Farm during the co-op negotiations, we were looking at both sides of the road. The seller sold the south side land and the other side (north side) was too small. She also noted that the seller had many contingencies/conditions that the District could not meet.
Bruce Anderson stated that no one on this Board purposefully knew of the lot line issue. He stressed that we were talking about an old lot with deeds that date back 100 plus years. He also stated that with regard to the Salem negotiations, after the co-op with Pelham failed, there was a push to return to Salem to try to negotiate but that failed again. He stated that the old School Board, at that time, was concerned that if Windham built a facility in Salem, that it had to be a permanent home for Windham with voter rights. Salem said no to these terms.
Toney Massahos spoke to the Board again stating that he felt Beverly Donovan and Barbara Coish had their minds made up prior to the August 17th meeting. He stated he always supported a Windham high school but that he was here to ask the Board to reconsider starting the site work. He felt that there was a lot of emotion involved in this and that the Board is dividing the town.
Beth Valentine responded by stating she understood that it is emotional, but she has to look at the 600 plus students. She questioned Mr. Massahos what would be done differently regarding the site work now. Mr. Massahos responded by stating that nothing would be different. Beth Valentine further stated that the obligation of the Board is to build something. Mr. Massahos stated that his bottom line was what will we do if there is trouble on the site after the work starts. His final comment was that he felt the majority of people in this town feel the high school is extremely important and support the high school whether they can afford it or not.
Carl DuBois once again stated that the site contractor will hold his price on value engineering items and that the reason why Harvey Construction brought this forward was because they re-evaluated the risk and there opinion was to lock in this subcontractor before his extension ran out. Mr. DuBois noted that the risk would have been $1 million.
Beth Valentine stated that $1million was a huge amount to the facility. It would have been painful to see what would have had to been cut on the facility end if the site work went over $1million more.
Gary Curtis addressed the Board stating that he sees both sides of the issue. He wanted clarification of the steps that were coming up and to try to understand the redesign. He questioned if the whole original plan would be rebid. The Board responded that yes it would, along with the scoped down plan. He felt it was a waste of time for everybody to bring up the other land issues. He felt it should be taken completely off the table.
Charlie McMahon made a formal request to take Mr. Gove up on his offer of getting any Clark Farm information he had to him. Mr. McMahon stated that it should be made available to the public so that the whole Clark Farm issue can be put to rest. Bruce Anderson stated that he would also have Appledore Engineering forward their information on the Clark Farm. Noting that the records will have to be obtained and that it would take a few days.
At this time, Galen Stearns made a request of the School Board that from now on, all future high school meeting be televised.
Bruce Anderson stressed that he did not like the term dumbing down but would like to use the term redesigning of the facility. He then noted that there would be a Curriculum Committee meeting held tomorrow night at the SAU office for anyone who wished to attend.
The Board did not make a Motion to Reconsider starting the site work.
5 Minute Recess Taken
Salem High School and the AREA Agreement
Dr. Cutler announced to the Board that the Area Agreement Meeting with Salem will be held on September 20, 2006 at the Salem Superintendent’s Office. Dr. Cutler explained the two (2) types of Agreements that could be formed. The first is the Area Agreement Extension which she noted would have to be agreed upon, sent to the State for Approval and placed on a warrant article in both towns. This type of Agreement would take a positive vote from both Salem and Windham in order to continue. The second type of agreement is the Tuition Agreement. This agreement would be very specific in that it would be asked for a one year term. No public hearing is necessary. It would be stated that Windham would not entertain another tuition agreement with another town. This type of agreement is made between the two school boards.
Dr. Cutler noted the ramifications for Salem in that it would delay their building project by one year. She also noted that Galen Stearns, Beth Valentine and Barbara Coish would be the three (3) Windham Board Members attending the meeting on the 20th. At this time, Dr. Cutler reminded the Board about their consensus to notify Salem that the current 9th graders would be coming back to Windham for their senior year. Windham will ask Salem if they could take some students on a tuition based bases, with tuition being the parent’s responsibility.
Beth Valentine questioned if there was a way in March 2007, which the Board may want to place a separate warrant article to voters asking them if they wished to pay for the senior class to finish at Salem.
Dr. Cutler reminded the Board that all requests with regard to the Agreement have to be made before the September 20th meeting with Salem. There would not be enough time to produce such a warrant article for March. She stressed that Salem would like a clear decision from the Windham School Board.
Dr. Cutler stated that senior year is a critical year. Galen Stearns stated that he felt that students, after spending 3 years at a high school, will have social bonds. He firmly feels that the Board should look into allowing that senior class to be able to graduate from Salem. He also stated that during the first year of any high school you will not have a good sports, band or drama program, noting that these students will have worked very hard at these programs for the three previous years.
Beverly Donovan stressed that the Board needs to be careful and not categorize all seniors as wanting to stay at Salem. She stated that it would not be fiscally prudent and that the students will need to be prepared in advance. She also stressed that a high school is really missing something if there is not a senior class that first year.
Bruce Anderson stated that if he could turn back the clock by a year, he would. He has seen a lot of parents change their views regarding this subject and he stated he would want to bring the senior class back to Windham.
Galen Stearns noted that we need to enter negotiations with a clear plan. He also reminded the Board that class rings are generally ordered during the sophomore year of high school.
Beverly Donovan noted that as much as she feels bad for the senior class, Windham High School really does need them. She feels she has to look at the majority of students’ needs.
Motion that the Class of 2010 be the First Graduation Class from Windham High School was made by Beverly Donovan with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Approved 4-1. Galen Stearns – No.
High School Update and Committee Reports
Bruce Anderson announced that one person had resigned from the current Facilities Committee. He noted that the Committee will be changing.
Barbara Coish noted that the Communications Committee will be releasing a new FYI.
Beverly Donovan noted that Integration had one resignation.
Presentation of Policies/Reports by Superintendent and
Staff
Opening Day Enrollment Information
Dr. Cutler informed the Board that there were nine (9) more students enrolled as of opening day than were anticipated. She noted that hard numbers would be out in October.
AYP Status
Roxanne Wilson informed the Board that all three (3) schools made AYP. She noted that Windham Middle School made AYP by the skin of their teeth and that they are looking closely at this. She stressed the target for making AYP increases every two years.
Ms. Wilson also noted that special education and testing is very difficult. Alternate tests are available based on a special education student’s needs.
Update of Professional Development
Roxanne Wilson informed the Board that a Professional Development Master Plan is due in October. She noted the process that is used, changes from the State and that the district has a lot of work to do in order to develop this Plan. Ms. Wilson wanted the Board to be aware that the state is getting away from clock hour professional development and leaning more towards imbedded learning in the classroom.
Golden Brook Update
Brian Gallagher informed the Board that he has been working closely with the Windham Fire Department to enhance fire detection Golden Brook School. He stated the major issues had been addressed and that they are going forward with addressing the other issues.
Administrative Monthly Reports
Brian Gallagher noted for the Board that most of the money being expended was in the areas of base service fee, additional services and outside contracts.
August Monthly Budget Worksheet – Brian Gallagher introduced a summarized version of the monthly budget worksheet for the Boards approval. Galen Stearns noted that he liked a more detailed report. Beth Valentine noted that she would still like to have a summary version. Dr. Cutler noted that Mr. Gallagher will include a more detailed report in each of their packets.
Information and Proposals from Board Members
TGIF – will take place next Monday.
School Councils – Had not met yet this school year.
CIP – It was noted that three (3) items had been submitted from the Board. They will present their items to CIP at the September 7th meeting. The three items include: middle school repaving and parking, middle school field request and request for capital reserve for future middle school building project.
NHSBA – Beverly Donovan noted that there was a meeting coming up and that the Board will be seeing updates very soon.
Salem School Board Update – Barbara Coish noted that she will be attending their next meeting on Tuesday.
Legislative Update – Beth Valentine questioned when their meeting with the legislators would occur. Dr. Cutler stated that this will occur after their election in December 2006.
Barbara Coish noted at this time, she had visited Exeter High School recently and that she was very impressed with the site and lighting. She questioned if the Board of Selectman would reconsider the underground utilities. Exeter High School was built by Harvey Construction Corporation. This High School has traditional overhead road and site lighting and Ms. Coish was very impressed with this. Galen Stearns suggested that it was well worth asking the Board of Selectman to reconsider.
Future Meetings
September 6, 2006 Windham Curriculum Committee – SAU office 7:00 pm
September 6, 2006 Windham Communications Comm. – SAU office 11:00 am
September 19, 2006 Windham Workshop Meeting – Planning Dept. 7:00 pm
Joint Meeting Board of Selectman
September 20, 2006 Windham Athletics & Wellness Comm. – SAU 7:00 pm
Galen Stearns noted that this meeting will need to be
rescheduled due to other district conflicts
October 4, 2006 SAU Meeting – SAU Office 7:00 pm
Future Agendas
Motion to Adjourn the public session under RSA 91-A:II(b) at 10:35 p.m .was made by Beth Valentine with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Galen Stearns-aye; Beverly Donovan-aye; Barbara Coish-aye; Beth Valentine-aye and Bruce Anderson-aye.