7/11 BOE Meeting

The BOE discussion tonight was regarding the educational value of
facilities.

PACT members present included myself, Jim Wall, Jen Milano, Peter
Jelley, and Lisa Johnson.

Discussion was led primarily by Dr. Tom Forcella, superintendent of schools.

We are lucky to have Dr. Forcella as a superintendent, he is correctly
focused on the culture of education within the classroom and between
students and teachers while certainly being aware of the impact
facilities can have on this culture. He has previously been through a
bonding process and a renovation.

His comments highlighted the many ways a facility can help augment
education including: support for a collaborative school environment,
school identity, academic intervention space, alternative program space
(the point was made that operating money could be saved by not
outsourcing as they are currently), technology in support of learning,
PLC (professional learning community) environment, team and department
clusters, support for extended day and year, support for volunteerism
and public involvement, support for project-based learning, public
display and recogntion of student accomplishments, suppport for
character development and behavioral expectations, space for fine and
performing arts, pupil services space, and science and integrated
technology.

Dr. Forcella has been careful throughout this process to be clear that
he will work with the resources he has to make Guilford the best it can
be, without ignoring the beneficial effect facilities can have.

He mentioned several specific examples of excellent teachers who had
chosen other jobs specifically because of facility issues and it was
mentioned that several teachers (in Adams) are actively seeking other
jobs due to facility issues.

Catherine Walker (Adams principal) and Rick Misenti (GHS prinicipal)
presented the educational positives and negatives for various options
presented by the CTFSF. The only negative for new facilities was that
"They still have to study!"

There was some discussion regarding contingencies in the renovate like
new and new options with the point being made that contingencies in
renovation are likely to go to removing asbestos or mold while
contingencies in new are likely to go to new technology for teaching.

Mauro Rubbo, CTFSF chair, pointed out that better estimates regarding
new facilities will be possible once more specifics are decided upon,
and agreed that contingencies may be relatively higher in a renovation
than a new project, although it is also possible that materials for a
new project could rise at an even greater rate than projected.

It was pointed out that costs presented by the CTFSF are in 2012 $$.

The next BOE meeting on July 28th is focused on cost issues. They are
considering inviting Sightline to present on that date.

Chris