Robison: Fixing Fairbank Community Center Roof a Priority

The condition of the Fairbank Community Center roof has been a focal point in discussions with the Board of Selectmen and Sudbury Public Schools Committee.

During its Jan. 16 meeting, Sudbury Public Schools Committee member Bob Armour, who is serving on the Facilities Use Task Force, provided a status update to other Committee members. 

At present, the task force is interested in pursuing a study to determine the optimal use of the building and taking steps to stop the roof leaks that continue to plague the building. 

According to agenda minutes taken at the meeting, Committee Chair Richard Robison asked Armour to encourage the task force to fix the Fairbank roof as soon as possible. The SPS central office staff and much of SPS' technology infrastructure are located in the Fairbank Building. 

Facilities Director Jim Kelly has reported to the selectmen about how the roof leaks during rain and when snow melts. According to the SPS minutes, ceiling tiles are removed to prevent them from falling on visitors, and a large bucket collects water that drips from the ceiling in the hallway by the SPS entrance.

The following is the remainder of the minutes from the Jan. 16 meeting:

FY14 Budget Update

Dr. Wilson presented an update of the SPS FY14 Budget.  As a result of a reduction in health care benefits due to the move to the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), measures that have reduced energy costs, various other cost-savings measures and cuts to the SPS budget over the years, Sudbury Public Schools' FY14 Roll-Up (level staff) Budget reflects Fincom's prescribed revenue growth of 2.7% without a need for additional funding or cuts. 

The Roll-Up budget represents an expected increase of 3% for most expenses, level-funding for utilities, and maintaining the current staffing level of 385.91 Full Time Equivalents with projected step increases and 2.5% salary increases per the negotiated contracts.  The budget does not include a myriad of other needs of the Pre-K through 8th Grade system.  While there is no deficit expected with the Roll-Up Budget, it is important to note that continuous improvement of the School District must find a way to address these ongoing needs (that are not included in this budget) as discussed by Dr. Wilson and the Committee:

• additional costs related to professional development, assessments, and curriculum alignment to meet the Common Core standards;
• maintaining class sizes within School Committee guidelines - 20 students in Kindergarten classes, 22 in Grades 1 and 2, and 24 in Grades 3-8;
• curriculum resources for Common Core (new texts/supplemental materials purchases);
• two additional math coaches in Grades K-5 (to total four in the elementary schools, i.e. one in each elementary school);
• development and enhancement of in-district special education programs (to assist in the management of costs of out-of-district placements);
• enhanced safety devices, protocols and procedures (with a possible impact on staffing);
• technology to enhance instruction and learning (possible 1:1 Initiative);
• compensation for staff members who participate on data teams (who are responsible for the analysis of student assessment data to inform instruction);
• additional resources needed for psychology, speech, Tier II interventions, and literacy (in the middle school);
• lunch/recess monitors;
• data management (Initiative Implementation).

Recognitions

Superintendent Dr. Anne Wilson recognized Jason Tinkov as the winner of Loring School's Geography Bee (held on Jan14).

Dr. Wilson also recognized members of Sudbury Public Schools (SPS) staff (Human Resources Director, Ken Storlazzi; Business and Finance Director, Mary Will; and Business Services Administrative Assistant, Laurajane Taylor) for their work on school security enhancements, including the establishment of a front door attendant policy and the hiring of attendants who are greeting visitors at the schools during the ongoing security device procurement process. 

Curtis Middle School - State of the School

Curtis Parent Organization (CPO) Co-Chairs Marybeth Madigan, Carrie Lucchese, and Judy Merra welcomed Sudbury residents, SPS staff members and the School Committee to the meeting.  They discussed the goals and work of the CPO in its support of the Curtis community, including hosting events in appreciation for the staff and fundraising for education enrichment programs and technology in the classrooms (e.g., ActivBoards, ActivExpressions and Document Cameras).  The School Committee and Dr. Wilson thanked the Co-Chairs and the CPO for their generosity and support of the school.  Curtis Principal Stephen Lambert expressed his gratitude to the CPO Co-Chairs for their leadership in making Curtis a welcoming environment for all.

Mr. Lambert was joined by Curtis House Administrators Elizabeth Greer, Angela Menke, and Paul Lamoureaux for the State of the School presentation.  With 1068 students (357 in 6th Grade; 326 in 7th Grade; and 385 in 8th Grade) the school's 114 staff members are focused on goals and initiatives, including: 

• enhancing instruction through the use of student assessment data;
• aligning the Math and English Language Arts curricula to the Common Core standards;
• closing the achievement gap in Math;
• ensuring that all students feel connected to the school;
• implementation of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE's) Educator Evaluation System;
• sharing of best teaching practices among colleagues;
• maintaining a culture that not only emphasizes high expectations for academic success but also provides for the social, emotional, and physical needs of all students.

School Safety Update

Dr. Wilson presented an update regarding enhancements to school security.  As of Monday, January 14, the front doors of all of the District's schools have been locked.  An attendant greets visitors and follows a newly established process to allow admittance to the school.  School principals are communicating regularly with Dr. Wilson about the new security procedures and any related issues. 

It is expected that buzzer systems will be installed at the front doors by the end of March.  The procurement process for the necessary equipment is currently underway.  The District is also working to identify a security consultant with whom to work. 

Dr. Wilson reported that towards the end of January, she, Mary Will, and Sudbury Police Chief Richard Glavin will attend a school safety conference that will be hosted by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials. Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone will speak at the conference along with other experts in security and safety planning.    

FY14 Calendar - Start and End Dates

The School Committee approved a start date of September 3, 2013 for the next school year and an end date of June 18, 2014 (the 180th day -  the last day - if there are no snow days) and June 25, 2014 (the 185th day if there are five snow days).

Superintendent's Report

Dr. Wilson reported that two searches, one for Loring's Assistant Principal and another for a House Administrator for Curtis, have begun. Both positions have been posted and will have start dates in August 2013.