Schools
School Committee Tracks Building Plans
In a brief meeting Superintendent Kathleen Willis updated the committee on the new building proposal and the initiative to develop strategies for increasing achievement.
The School Committee met on Monday to discuss the building project, vision and mission statements and other new business.
Superintendent Kathleen Willis informed the School Committee of the conference call she participated in along with principal Jon Bernard, members of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the district's Operations Project Manager Chris Simmler and Designer Brad Dore on August 30.
According to Willis' report the state authority reviewed the building project's status and its compliance with MSBA policies and procedures. The agency requested additional information from the architectural firm Dore and Whitier about comparable building options.
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In reviewing the space summary MSBA identified two areas, physical education space and team rooms where the square footage exceeds state regulations. Simmler and Dore discussed ways of reducing the extra footage. They will submit required changes to the MSBA by September 13.
On September 14 the and high school principals will attend the state agency's Boston meeting with Willis, Simmler and representatives from Dore and Whitier.
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At that time the MSBA will informally discuss the integration of the middle and high school on one site location. They will formally announce their decision about the combined plan on September 28.
Vision and mission statements
In keeping with her goals Willis and her administrative team have drafted a statement identifying the school department's vision of what they want the schools to embody and how they will get there.
"The mission statement adds definition to our focus," said Willis. "It shapes the schools by keeping everyone clear on the what and how of our teaching and planning."
"The new statement will be finalized and shared with the faculty district-wide at a meeting on the 23rd," Willis reported. "The school committee will receive the statement October 1."
School Committee Meeting Schedule
The calendar of meetings has been revised in order to have the committee hold meetings at each school before any vote on the school building project is required from the town.
"We want the parents to have time to ask questions and get the answers they need to make an informed decision," said Chairman Gerry Venezia. "The community needs to have a clear idea of exactly what's at stake."
