School Committee DIscusses Capital Budget At First Meeting Of 2011

Tuesday night's School Committee meeting, held in the library of , began with the approval of four leaves of absence for school employees.

The committee also approved the recall from layoff of Riley Perry, a Coventry High School custodian effective Jan. 11.

Blackrock Presentation 

Three fifth grade students, Evan, Chloe and Abby put together a presentation highlighting the programs and activities the school offers to students.

Evan spoke about the NECAP testing Pep Rally that gets students excited about the exam, Math Masters, Alan Shawn Feinstein good deeds, Fun Day and Safety Patrol, of which he is Captain.

Chloe discussed Blackrock's recycling program, the plant and vegetable garden that students tend to, and behavior support initiatives using the four "Be's", Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Ready and Be Safe.

Abby rounded out the presentation by explaining the school's wellness policy that encourages students to eat healthy and exercise through programs like Wellness Club and increased activity in gym classes. She also mentioned the student's charitable work with Boxtops For Education, Pennies For Patients and Jump Rope For Heart.

Strengths And Challenges 

Principal Alicia Castle discussed the positive and negative situations that she and fellow school administrators have encountered recently at Blackrock.

The strengths include the balance between academics and community involvement at the school, improved NECAP test scores, especially in science, and consistent staffing with teachers that "work at Blackrock and stay at Blackrock."

The weaknesses include the growth in class size that challenges a student's ability to learn in a one-on-one environment and the lack of technology in the school based largely on the fact that certain updates, such as the addition of more outlets have not been added since the building was constructed in 1971. Castle also stressed the need for better communication within the building and district as a whole.

Report On Town Council Pre-Budget Meeting

The committee unanimously moved to approve the Capital Budget that was during the work session before the Town Council meeting.

Applying for a bond to fund the $1, 495,000 budget may be an option for the committee as interest rates are currently very low. The largest budget item is the $500,000 needed to make fire code upgrades to . The upgrades are required in order to reopen the school for the 2011-2012 school year in September.

Other budget items include $475,000 for roof replacement at , $200,000 for upgrades to the high school athletic facilities including outdoor seating and a new track, and $75,000 to improve the technology infrastructure throughout the school district.

The next meeting of the School Committee will be held on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. Location will be announced at a later date.