A. OPENING

PRESENT: Edwards, Holmes, Huyler, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson

ABSENT: Hackett, Lok, Thresher

ALSO
PRESENT: Interim Superintendent of Schools Mistretta, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Brett, Director of Student Support Services Tait

ABSENT: Director of Human Resources Attorney Libby

Mr. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. Mr. Robinson stated that this was a special meeting for the sole purpose to discuss the high school referendum. He further stated that the Board of Directors made this meeting possible. He explained the agenda for the meeting, which comprised of a public comment session, followed by presentations by Dr. Mistretta, Mr. Sierakowski and Mr. MacDonald of the Downes Group, followed by a final public comment session.

Mr. Robinson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. He stated that he looked at the enrollments, which seem to be coming down over the past couple year. He commented that there were 192 fewer students this year. Additionally, he noted an editorial in the Hartford Courant that encouraged voting for school open space. It stated that the science rooms have outdated plumbing and equipment. In 1999, NEASC stated there was ventilation problems, as well as problems with electrical code, and he does not feel this has been looked at. If science rooms have outdated plumbing and equipment, he asked why it wasn't taken care of. He noted that the expansion to the MRA cafeteria was handled with a bond referendum of $4M dollars. He feels that there could also be a referendum to expand the cafeteria at the high school. He asked why things aren't done as the problems occur. The article noted the lack of space and inability of students to take classes they want. He stated that this happens all the time in colleges. He noted that the rise in tax assessments only take in account the passage of the school referendum. He feels the increases will be much higher because the taxpayers will have to pay for the raises of teachers as well. He feels that the problems at the high school could have been solved years ago.

2. Lisa Kidder, 36 Grissom Road. She stated that she is the parent of a freshman daughter this year. She commented that students in her daughter's science class take turns sitting on the table in the lab due to overcrowded conditions. She stated there are lunch waves where students are standing up, and she assumes it is not a full lunch waves as seniors are out of the school for their lunch periods. Over the years, maintenance has not been done; however, that doesn't mean that the community shouldn't act now. She feels it should be done as the high school is in danger of losing its accreditation for space reasons. If the referendum does not go forward, her understanding is that the school is put on probation and could lose accreditation. This means that students will have trouble getting into the colleges they want. As stewards of the education system, this cannot be allowed to happen. After being involved in budgets over the years, she understands why some of the problems haven't been addressed or resolved, but emphasizes that is not a reason to move forward now. She urges everyone to vote for this referendum on November 2.

3. Dorothy Brindamour. She stated that it is finally time to hear about the high school referendum. All she has been hearing about is Bennet, and she feels that this is wrong. In November, the referendum is on the addition and nothing else. She gets upset when she hears about Bennet and feels the Board should be telling the community about the addition. She feels a lot of people don't pay attention to the issues. She noted that she hopes the Board stays away from Bennet as she will be ready to argue about it after November 2.

4. Al Lutz. He questioned the design size that is being used. The State and NEASC have done enrollment projections for 9 through 12 for the rest of the decade, and it shows that there is a significant decrease in the number of students. The projected enrollment is in the neighborhood of 2000 or less in the next four or five years, by the time the addition is built and opened. He knows there is a need for space, but he doesn't feel that the principal or taxpayers should be burdened with space that is really not needed for the 9 through 12 students in the next decade. He stated that this building is for the future and not for today because it won't be built for two or three years. He suggested starting with 2005 enrollments, and working forward. He noted most districts are decreasing and not increasing. He feels that the district should get something in writing from the State Department of Education on reimbursement size based on enrollment projections.

5. Merrill Kidd, 158 Follybrook Lane. She stated that she and Keith Carson are attending thirteen PTA meetings in October. The two that they have already been to did not know anything about the Manchester High School referendum for an addition. She noted that everyone knows about the Bennet issue. She is worried that the information on the high school is not out in the community. She asked if the PTA and Board of Education could work together in the next couple of weeks to distribute information. She stated that the community does not know that the high school is on warning with NEASC, and what would happen if the high school is not accredited.

6. Leslie Frey, 30 Florence Street. She asked to comment on the previous Board of Directors meeting regarding Bennet. Mr. Robinson stated that the Board of Education would not accept things that should be addressed to the Board of Directors. Ms. Frey stated that it has to do with Bennet, which is a school issue. Mr. Robinson denied this discussion as it is a meeting devoted to the high school.

7. Geoffrey Naab. 188 South Main Street. He stated that he is a member of the Board of Directors. He is addressing the Board because of the exchange that just passed. He noted that the agenda states the Public Comments can be regarding any item before the Board. He does not feel it is proper for the Chairman to change the agenda to suit whatever purposes he wants. Mr. Robinson stated that he did not intend to be confrontational, and asked Ms. Frey to address the Board. He thanked Mr. Naab for his comments.

8. Leslie Frey, 30 Florence Street. She thanked the Board for reconsidering. She stated that a few people do not agree with her position on Bennet and would like her to shut up and go away. She stated she would not do this. She feels that everyone should agree to disagree. She tries to keep an open mind when people voice their opinions and concerns and she feels that everyone should do the same. She thinks the Bennet issue is a matter of economics. She feels that everyone can agree that a new multiuse facility at Bennet and a new middle school elsewhere is an ideal solution, but she does not believe taxpayers will want to pay double to see this happens. She stated the taxpayers need to pay for the high school addition, and then address the issues at Bennet. She stated that normally people are on a budget and spend accordingly. She addressed a comment made by the Bennet PTA President regarding Carter Chevrolet not wanting to sell. She does not know how accurate this information is, and she does not believe the President can speak for Mr. Carter. She stated the Lynch Toyota moved, so why not Carter Chevrolet. She also feels that she needs to defend her reputation after some slanderous comments were made at the Board of Directors meeting the previous week. She expected to tour Bennet without an ID. On the day of the tour, she decided to walk to Bennet to see what a student might experience on their walk to school. She was greeted by three police officers she knows very well. The PTA President refused her entry even though the officers vouched for her. The PTA President claimed to have identified everyone but she did not ID the officers. Officer Rivard let her use his personal vehicle to return home to retrieve her ID. She does not feel that this was necessary, and she would like to know why IDs were asked for. She understands other school Open House sessions do not require ID. The Secretary of State's Office verified that you do not need an ID to vote; you simply have to sign an affidavit.

9. Joe Bernard, 28 Teresa Road. He asked why a new school should be built. He asked who supervises the students in school. He asked when the last time the Board walked through the entire school to see the damage that is done. He asked why the Town should give the students a new school, as they will damage it as well. He feels the Board spends money like it is water. He stated that someone should watch the students so that they don't destroy the schools. He asked if there are hall monitors, and if there are, he feels they must have their eyes closed.

10. Edwin Bias, 39 Greenwood Drive. He currently has a sophomore at the high school and will have a freshman there next year. His students will not benefit from the expansion of the high school, but he feels that the community should start investing in its children and schools. He feels it is the best and right thing to do. He feels that Bennet deserves better treatment than what they have been getting.

11. Bill Ogden, Branford Street. He thinks that it is a shame that this is the only meeting regarding the high school for public comment. He stated that a couple of years ago, the Board was pushing for a new high school and letting the grammar schools go. He commented on the Waddell storage facility and stated he was told that there would be ten classrooms built there. He then found out that the school threw away all the paper that was stored there because it was contaminated. He feels that the paper was thrown in the dump, which represented tax dollars. He believes the Board covered up the problems regarding the Waddell basement. He believes the town needs the addition to the high school. He feels the Board needs to be honest with the taxpayers if they want them to pay. He also commented that there is an article in the paper regarding the Downes Group and a no bid contract with the State. He feels that this should be looked into.

C. MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL DISCUSSION
Dr. Mistretta welcomed everyone to the meeting and the high school discussion and commented that there had already been several presentations. She stated that she and Mr. Sierakowski would do other presentations throughout the community at the Chamber of Commerce, the Senior Citizen Center, the Rotary, and many other places. She distributed to the audience a flyer that explains the high school issues and the referendum.

Mr. Sierakowski first replied to the comments that students were destroying the schools. He stated these comments were simply inaccurate and a mischaracterization. He is proud to be principal of the high school and proud of the students and what they accomplish everyday. He stated the Downes Group has clearly enumerated a 97% room utilization at the high school. This means that on a daily basis, classes cannot be moved, study halls are frequently held in the cafeteria, teachers changes are extremely difficult to manage, and computer lab use means swamping classrooms with another teacher. There is also no room for flexibility in instruction. The only large space for combined guest speakers is in Bailey Auditorium. The auditorium is used by a variety of groups throughout the town, by the school district, and by the high schools own department programs. This makes is largely unavailable for other classroom arrangements. To plan an assembly at the high school, they have to look months in advance to determine if the auditorium is free for use. The cafeteria cannot be used for study halls during the lunch waves since the lunches are very much over the capacity. There has been a tremendous growth in population over the last four years from approximately 1900 to 2278. Space and staff has not been added. Classes have gotten larger to the point of being in violation of the teacher contract in a number of instances. In spite of this, teachers and students continue to do what they should be doing. There is a lack of space across the entire district. He feels that the school will not be swimming in extra space with the addition. There are currently 2278 students in a school that was designed for a capacity of 1700.

Dr. Mistretta stated that there is no place to move grade 9 to within the district. The district is now also out of space in the elementary schools, except for the area in the basement of Waddell. She stated that this area is moldy, and hopes to create a situation during the renovation to correct the mold situation. Right now they are trying to save that space in case the district needs it for something. Additionally, there is no space in the middle schools. The sixth grade students cannot be moved into the elementary schools. She stated that Manchester High School is crowded now (as compared to the 1960s) due to four key things that are space eaters. The first is Special Education and English Language Learners. The buildings have had to change to accommodate these students. The second is technology; the third is changes to curriculum and assessment, and fourth in the increase in Advanced Placement courses and UCONN courses. With regard to Advanced Placement and UCONN courses, she feels the district should be celebrating this achievement of students taking these courses. The number of students taking these courses has tripled. This is a space eater and often the classrooms with fewer students in them. Manchester High School student deserve to take Advanced Placement course levels and deserve the space that is needed to offer these levels. Regarding technology, there are fourteen rooms dedicated to all types of technology. This is a necessity, since in 2007; the State of Connecticut will be testing students on CAPT writing through computers. Regarding Special Education and English Language Learning, there is 11% of students within the district in English Language Learning programs. This is double what it was five years ago. This is a federally mandated program that must be provided. Additionally, there are federal mandates regarding Special Education. There are a lot of students in wheelchairs and that require a lot of equipment. This is also was not an issue years ago. Regarding curriculum and assessment changes, the CAPT writing on computers is an example. Additionally, students work more now in groups and on problem solving. The Board has strengthened the value of the diploma by increasing the graduation requirements. This also takes more space to implement these increased programs. The faculty size, although desperately needed to reduce class sizes and open more classes, cannot be increased because there is no room. There are no small classrooms for study halls; therefore, students are going into large, non-productive study halls. Space is a valued commodity that the district has run out of.

Mr. Sierakowski stated there are now twelve Special Education rooms that were not required when Manchester High School was built. Additionally, there was no Career Center or Student Support Center, which are programs vital to student's everyday lives. The proposals that are put forth are based upon meeting the needs of students.

Dr. Mistretta stated that the Manchester High School of 2004-05 is not the same school of the 1960's because the students have changed, their needs have changed, and the laws have changed. In addition, she explained that the NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) is the accrediting body in New England. It is a way of keeping quality assurance and the high school subscribes to the NEASC standards. These standards are the way that colleges can determine the quality of the high school the student has graduated from. Students need to indicate that they have come from a school that is accredited.

Mr. Sierakowski stated that the high school is on warning because the NEASC accreditation committee recognized the fact that the high school was quite overcrowded in 1999. The space needs have not changed and have gotten greater. NEASC stated that Manchester needs to address the space issue. The high school has been able to address all NEASC concerns except the issue of space because of two failed referendums and library material issues based on cost. He stated that students couldn't register for some courses because there is no room. The high school is now five years away from the next evaluation to be accredited. The proposed addition will provide desperately needed classroom space. The federal mandates that require space need to be met as well. They determined that any added space should be in the form of a freshmen wing to give them an intensive transition experience. The addition would also add cafeteria space as the current cafeteria has insufficient space to accommodate all of the students. This increased space would provide a segregated space for freshmen as well. This addition would remove the high school from the NEASC warning.

Dr. Mistretta referred to photos that show very crowded conditions. A community member commented that they looked like a school he attended in New York City. She stated that Manchester, CT does not benchmark itself against schools in New York City, but against other schools in CT. Manchester is one of the largest high schools in Connecticut. She feels that Manchester students deserve to have an education and environment that is similar to other Connecticut students. She stated that after several failed referendums, this is the option that Manchester is left with.

Mr. MacDonald, of the Downes Group, made some summary points. The administration has chosen an alternative that will increase the space of the high school by nearly 25 percent, bringing it up to the minimum State standards for square footage. These standards have not changed in the past 17 years. They are using enrollment projections that are even lower than the actual current enrollment. They expect the future enrollments are within a 5 percent margin of error. Another goal of the project is to bring the alternative education students into the main building, which is parallel to the goal of education to bring these students into the main enrollment body. They will have an isolated wing, but will be able to be on site for those courses that they currently have to commute for. They proposed over two dozen alternatives to increase space at the school and increase teaching amenities. This option maximizes State dollars, adds a significant amount of new construction space, brings all the building codes up to date, takes care of the program designs and makes some site improvements such as an isolated bus lane. He feels this addressing the most important priorities without exceeding what the State says the Town should be building. He briefly commented on the remarks by a public speaker regarding the Downes Corporation. He stated they would be happy to meet with anyone to discuss the company's history of 70 years of construction and project management in the State.

Mr. Robinson opened up the floor to Board Members who wished to ask questions of the presenters.

Mr. Rizzo stated that in the 1960s, there weren't student services such as social workers and therapists in the schools. He commented that this also uses space in the current scenario.

Dr. Mistretta agreed that these students used to be institutionalized, while they are now educated in the public school system.

Mrs. Tait stated that in the 1960s, these students were placed in Mansfield and Newington Children's Hospital. There were fewer social workers and school psychologists in the schools as well.

Mr. Rizzo stated that when projections are made for enrollment, they are based on live births and housing starts and do not take into consideration the mobility of people moving into town. He understands there has been a great influx of new members of the community.

Dr. Mistretta agreed that this is where the margin of error comes into play. The other problem is the development of the southwest corner of the Town.

Mr. Rizzo stated that he has looked at the ten-year projections, and stated they are mathematical calculations that do not reflect the actual situation. By ignoring reality, the district may end of building something that is not big enough to accommodate the needs. He thanked Mr. Sierakowski for his comments about students not destroying the building. The condition of the building is not due to students destroying it, but is due to the fact that it is old and it needs to be maintained and it hasn't been.

Mr. Edwards acknowledged the people that attended the meeting. He hopes that most people will support the referendum. He thinks that there are people in the community that feel the Board does not value the tax dollars. They want to know that every dime spent is spent on something useful. Therefore, he invited those people to attend the budget workshops and become involved in the process. Additionally, for those who think students are destroying the buildings, he urged them to get a copy of the capital improvement plan. This plan lists everything that is wrong with the building with a priority list. The top things on this list include chimneys, repointing walls, boilers, ventilations systems and roofs. These are not items that students destroy, rather things that wear out or haven't had proper maintenance. The fact that this maintenance was not done five years ago does not take the place that it should be done now. He feels that this is an investment in our children's future and an investment in the community.

Mrs. O'Neill stated she didn't support the referendum for the big new high school, and she really wanted to see a plan like this for a referendum at that time. She is glad to see this item is on the referendum and that the community is working with the Board on this plan. She is confident that it will pass, as it is the practical solution.

Mrs. Holmes stated there is a variety of ways information is getting out to the public on this referendum such as videos and the pamphlet that was distributed. She asked Dr. Mistretta to elaborate on what is available.

Dr. Mistretta stated that she and Mr. Sierakowski will take the presentation anywhere in Manchester. There is a Channel 16 talk show that was produced regarding the subject, which will be plugged into any available time space on Channel 16. There will be tours at Manchester High School.

Mr. Sierakowski stated that they would be speaking with the newspapers to spread the word about tours during the last week of October. Additionally, there will be a Coffee with the Principal on October 20 at 7:30 a.m., open to parents that would include a tour of the school.

Dr. Mistretta stated they were hoping to show a DVD but the technology did not cooperate. This DVD will be shown at presentations around the community that were mentioned previously. They will also attend any PTA meeting that requests them. It has also been presented at several Board of Education meetings.

Mrs. Huyler asked how brochures are getting out to the public.

Dr. Mistretta stated that they would be mailed, and have already been included in absentee ballots.

Mrs. Huyler asked if this information would be posted on the website.

Dr. Mistretta stated she would look into it, although only explanatory text could be posted.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Al Lutz. He asked if there is any consideration is recouping part of the purchase price of the properties on Summit Street from the State Department of Education since the land is being used for the school. He stated it is nice to have tours and is encouraged by this. It is essential that the community tour the building while classes are in session, as touring an empty building is only partially helpful. This will show the community the real environment while school is in session.

2. Milt Perlman, 2 Sanford Road. He stated that he looked at the pictures and has been present in the school while classes are changing and doesn't believe it looks like the mob scene depicted in the pictures. He stated there are 192 fewer students this year overall than last year. He stated Mr. Sierakowski stated students don't mind the overcrowding. He commented that taxpayers do not have a pool of money, and the increase in staff that will be needed is not mentioned. He feels taxes will also go up based on staff raises. Regarding technology, he asked why students are offered online classes at home to help ease overcrowding. He stated the Board opted out of the efficiency study, and it might have been an opportunity to see how efficient the system is.

3. Bill Ogden, Branford Street. He stated that he is not against education, but he is against reckless spending. He asked why policemen are stationed at the high school if they're no problems. He feels that it is only a few people that cause the problems. He stated the Board let the schools fall apart. With regard to the Downes Group, he stated the article ties them in with Tomasso with a no bid contract. He feels the Town should know where the tax dollars are going and if they are going to get the best bang for the buck. The Downes Group also donated to the Mayors reelection, and believes this should be looked at.

4. Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. As a graduate of Manchester High School, and a parent of four students, she stated the high school is an important issue. She thinks it is important to do this for the high school. She stated there is no room at the school to take electives. Her senior son leaves school at 10:30 in the morning because all the classes are closed. She hopes the town will favor the referendum.

5. Keith Carson, 45 Kane Road. His comments are in favor of the referendum at the high school. As a parent of two, the decision will only affect him as a taxpayer because his children will no longer be in school. He stated there is a history of voting in Town that parents of younger students don't vote. He hopes that this changes with this referendum. He commented that great strides are being made at the high school with what they have and it only can get better with the addition. He stated this is the future of Manchester and the community has to do a better job with education. He emphasized that the school is on NEASC warning, and there is no plan B. He wondered what would happen next if the referendum does not pass.

6. Tom Deffonbald, 150 Summit Street. He stated he is a neighbor of the high school and he embraces the expansion of the high school and education in Town. As a community member, he wants to see education develop. As a neighbor, he has some issues. He feels some of the areas around the school are not watched. He has no problem with the expansion, but he is concerned about things that are allowed to slip by. He has neighbors that are in the 10th and 11th grade that cannot spell, and he believes this needs to change. There are a lot of people angry about spending money when they see some of the results and things that are slipping through the gaps. It may not be a huge number of students, but he feels all of the issues need to be addressed.

7. Joe Bernard, 28 Teresa Road. He stated he worked in a high school in 1965 and he knows of the damage that was done. He does not believe it has changed. He does not approve of a new school as he feels the students will damage it again. He told the Board to take care of the schools they have before they build new ones.

Mr. Robinson thanked everyone who attended. He urged everyone to vote on November 2, and hoped that the community would approve the addition based on the aspect of NEASC accreditation.

MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adjourned at 9:07 p.m.