School Committee votes to install turf field behind Memorial School

The School Committee conducted its last meeting before May Town Meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. The Committee congratulated several middle and high school students who won honors for art from the Boston Globe and then moved on to the business at hand.

The 2011-2012 school calendar was reviewed and Superintendent reminded viewers that school will start after Labor Day for the first time in many years. Teachers will return to school for three days of professional development on August 29th. Students will return to school on Wednesday, September 7th. Conti noted that this is a one year trial to see how the new schedule works.

Conti informed the committee of a vote earlier in the evening by the Memorial School Committee. According to Conti, the building committee voted unanimously to recommend that the school board approve an expenditure of $385,000 to install a turf soccer field behind the new Memorial School.

Member Christine Monaco spoke in favor of the project stating that the turf field would help alleviate the town’s field shortage problems as well as problems with wet fields in the spring.

Member Kristen Russo inquired as to whether or not the $385,000 would be eligible for state reimbursement. Conti informed her that the turf field expense is not eligible for reimbursement.

“Some people may consider a turf field to be a luxury,” acknowledged Member Tom Murphy. “But it is a good financial investment."

The will not be seeking additional funds from Town Meeting because the money is available due to the fact that the construction cost less than originally expected. 

School Committee member Tom Murphy stated that the committee does not need Town Meeting approval but said that they will present the idea at May Town Meeting for discussion. Any vote that may be taken at Town Meeting would be non-binding.

 “I hope that the committee gives due respect to Town Meeting’s thoughts on this,” said Town Meeting Member Bill Beyer. “I can’t endorse expanding a project simply because its budget has unexpended funds.  The Town has other capital projects waiting for funding.  However, I will reserve final judgment until the presentation to Town Meeting,” he added.

Craig Robinson, Director of Finance and Operations told the committee that the turf field will require less maintenance than a grass field. However, at the April 12th School Committee meeting, the committee discussed the need to hire an outside firm to maintain Varsity Field which was renovated as a turf field in the fall of 2010.

The School Committee voted unanimously in favor of the turf field project.

The Committee then moved on to discuss hiring a Director of Technology Implementation. Conti explained that the schools’ Data Processing Manager is retiring. Conti proposed changing the job responsibilities to reflect the changing needs of the school department.

The new Director will be responsible for coordinating professional development in regards to technology integration, the purchase and use of applications, the training and implementation of the school’s student management system, after school workshops for teachers and parents, and more.  The Director would also be charged with developing a “Driver’s Ed” course for students to teach responsible digital citizenship and coordinating the iPad distribution to faculty and students. The salary range for this position is between $89,400 and $104,000 annually.

The School Committee voted unanimously to support the changed position.

The Committee then adjourned to Executive Session to discuss the progress of union negotiations. The School Committee is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m.