Joint School Committee and Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – September 9, 2009

Sharon High School Library—7:45 P.M.

Members Present:  School Committee:  Glenn Allen, Chair; Mitchell Blaustein, Linda

                               Callan, Alison Rutley, Laura Salomons; Barbara Dunham,

                               Superintendent; Timothy Farmer, Assistant Superintendent.

                               Finance Committee:  Jonathan Hitter, Chair; Charles Goodman (late),

                               Josh Kiernan, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller (Hamilton)

Other Attendees:    Richard Marks, Project Manager; Michael McKeon, Architect; of Kaestle Boos Architects.  Kevin Rourke, Middle School Principal.  Audience Members:  Paul Lauenstein, David Hearn, and other residents.

1. Glenn Allen, School Committee Chair, called the joint meeting between School Committee and Finance Committee to order.  The sole item on the agenda was the Middle School.

2. Richard Marks, Project Manager and Michael McKeon, Architect, gave the presentation explaining the background of the project from 2002 and the current submission to the MSBA stating the allowed enrollment would be 845 students, but that 849 students were now enrolled.  The full Administration would be included at the Middle School with no reimbursement for that space, which could be used for future needed space.  There would be a total cost estimate of approximately $47M and a reimbursement of $27M.  A bond issue of $21.5M would be needed.

3. There was considerable discussion on certain aspects of the project such as utility costs, green construction using new technologies for light and ventilation, water reuse for irrigation, and general costs involved.

4. Kevin Rourke, Middle School Principal stated that a new building design would end up with a cafetorium.  The Middle School was very theatrical.  The auditorium was used by other town groups.  Those spaces would be preserved in this current design.

5. There were questions and discussion from residents in the audience regarding revenue from town projects, different types of bonds available, and comparing cost of renovating or building a new building.

6. There will be a Middle School Forum and Tour, October 14, 7 P.M., and October 27, 9 P.M.

7. There will be a Finance Committee meeting October 5, with recommendations due October 13.

8. The architects cost of project numbers should be available September 29.

9. The next regular meeting of the Finance Committee will be September 14, 2009, at Town Hall.

10. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

11. VOTED:  Unanimously.

12. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.