MINUTES OF THE HINGHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE
January 7, 2007
The meeting was called to order by Chrisanne Gregoire at 7:35 p.m. in the School Department Conference Room.
Members Present: Chrisanne Gregoire, Christine Smith, Barbara Cook, Caryl Falvey, Esther Healey, Linda Hill, Steve Nagle.
Central Office Present: Dot Galo, Ellen Keane, Jean Curtis Loud, David Killory.
Visitors Present: Denise Doherty, Roger Boddie, Sharon McKay, Gretchen Amonte, Alan Macdonald, Maryann Shafter, Mike Barclay, Dennis Friedman, Karen Goulart of the Patriot Ledger, Carol Meyer of the Hingham Journal.
On a motion by Barbara Cook and seconded by Esther Healey,
It was
Voted: To approve the Minutes of the Regular Session of December 17, 2007.
New Business.
The Committee heard a report from the School Building Committee relative to updated cost estimates for construction of a new elementary school, and repairs and improvements to both Plymouth River School and Foster School. Alan Macdonald, Chair of the School Building Committee, provided a school project update, including the SBC’s approval of cost estimates of $26,565,000 for the new elementary school and $7,000,000 for the Foster and PRS improvement projects and a recommendation that funding be requested at a Special Town Meeting on or about February 25, 2008. The cost estimates are based on the assumption that the projects will be put out to bid in February with bids opened in mid-March and a contract, awarded by the beginning of April, planning for the new school to open in September, 2009. Committee members asked questions. Audience members made comments and asked questions. Dot Galo reviewed the rationale for including Foster and PRS renovations for Special Town Meeting action and the reasons for scheduling a Special Town Meeting.
On a motion by Christine Smith and seconded by Caryl Falvey,
It was
Voted: To accept the cost of a new elementary school at $26,565,000, assuming approval of at least 40% reimbursement from MSBA, and accept that we will include the costs of the Foster and PRS improvement projects at $7,000,000 as part of the Special Town Meeting and ballot for a grand total of $33,565,000.
On a motion by Steve Nagle and seconded by Christine Smith,
It was
Voted: To approve a request to the Board of Selectmen to call a Special Town Meeting on or about February 25, 2008 and a debt exclusion ballot vote on or about March 1, 2008 for the purpose of appropriating funds for the first phase of the School Master Plan.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Hillary Doolittle as a grade 5 teacher at Plymouth River School, effective January 2, 2008.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Elizabeth Macki as a paraprofessional at South School, effective December 20, 2007.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Paula McDonald as a paraprofessional at Foster School, effective January 2, 2008.
On a motion by Steve Nagle and seconded by Linda Hill,
It was
Voted: To approve the home schooling of Simon Brady, grade 4, from January 2, 2008 through March 12, 2008.
Subcommittee Reports.
School Building Committee Meeting January 8 at 7:00 p.m. and meeting with Selectmen at 8:30 p.m. and the Advisory Committee at 8:45 p.m.
Christine Smith, Chair of the Long Range Planning Subcommittee, reported that the Committee will meet with the Capital Outlay Committee on January 9.
Barbara Cook, Chair of the Special Education Subcommittee, reported that the Committee will meet at the end of January.
Caryl Falvey and the Community Outreach Subcommittee met tonight.
Superintendent’s Report.
1. Local Ballot Question Advisory Information and Guidelines.
2. HHS Happenings Newsletter.
3. HMS School Improvement Plan 2007-2008.
On a motion by Linda Hill and seconded by Barbara Cook,
It was
Voted: By roll call vote, with all in favor, to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:10 p.m. to discuss strategies pertaining to Collective Bargaining. The Committee stated it would not re-convene in Regular Session.
Barbara Cook
Secretary
/ns