School Board Review Education Specifications For HS Expansion

By Laurie Borst

The Board of Education reviewed the education specifications for the proposed high school expansion project at its meeting October 4. The document addresses the physical needs relative to the educational mission of the various departments at the high school. A few questions by board members were addressed.

Board Chair Elaine McClure asked, “Only one existing language lab is included in this package. With an increasing student population, can all students attend language lab?”

“We can do language lab on a cart,” said Alice Jackson, assistant superintendent. “In 1997, when the lab was built, computers were much larger. With the use of handheld equipment, and wireless technology, we can take this right into the classroom.”

Mrs McClure also expressed concern about the gymnasium renovation. “If we don’t get the gym renovation, do we need more gym rooms?”

“The gym needs to be renovated because of noise, height, and seating issues,” Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff said. “These issues remain. We can divide the existing gym into three smaller spaces for gym classes, but those classes would have to be smaller also.”

“We are in the process of looking at our high school phys ed program,” Mrs Jackson added. “We are looking at the recent wellness legislation. We need a balance of spaces for strength training, aerobics, and athletic events.”

After discussion, the board voted unanimously to accept the education specifications.

Dr Pitkoff also made his Superintendent’s Report to the board. As of October 1, high school enrollment stood at 1,715; 17 students less than expected. The district has a total enrollment of 5,688; 55 students below state projections. While not as high as anticipated, this does represent an increase over last year’s enrollment.

Dr Pitkoff reported that work has been completed on the soccer field at Reed Intermediate School. The field will not be used until spring, however, to allow time for seeds to germinate and adequate ground cover to develop.

Repair of water damage in the modular classrooms at the high school has been completed, Dr Pitkoff told the board. Apparently, water damage had occurred while the structure was in use in Hamden, prior to delivery for use here. The contractor has taken full responsibility for the damage, replacing floor tiles, plywood, and an exterior wall panel and sealing outer seams. Some English classes were housed temporarily in other areas of the school while repairs were made.

An opening for a media specialist at Middle Gate School has arisen. “This is a hard position to fill,” Dr Pitkoff explained. “Only Southern Connecticut State University offers a librarian degree program at the elementary level. There is a limited number of candidates.”

Dr Pitkoff wrapped up his report by informing the board that members of the Board of Finance and the Legislative Council have toured the high school facility. A second tour is being planned for members who could not attend the first tour. Finance and council members had the opportunity to observe firsthand the crowded hallways, cafeteria, and other areas of concern at NHS.

The board also discussed the process of hiring an architect for the high school project. The first step in this process is to advertise the opening in Danbury, Hartford, and Newtown papers. Board member Tom Gissen asked why the ad would not appear in Stamford, Norwalk, or New York City papers, adding that larger projects are built in those areas and” we may find larger firms with more experience.”

Business Director Ron Bienkowski responded with several reasons. “There are clipping services that will pick up ads from local papers and run them in larger cities. Advertising in New York papers is very expensive. A small ad could run a couple thousand dollars.

“Also, we need an architect that knows the Connecticut building process, has been through that process. I would say we need someone who’s designed at least three or four high school renovation or building projects in Connecticut,” he added.

After discussion, the board voted to accept the architect selection process.

It was announced that board member Tom Gissen and Joe Costa of Fletcher Thompson, the firm that developed the high school expansion proposal, are putting together a broadcast for NTV Channel 17. The show will explain the high school project and will be on the school’s channel soon. Show times will be listed on the Board of Education’s website, newtown.k12.ct.us, when the show is ready.