1997-06-16BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS
June 16, 1997
A special meeting of the Beverly School Committee was held on Monday,
June 16, 1997 at the McKay Elementary School, Beverly, MA.
Members Present:
Mrs. Frutiger, Mrs. Krueger, Ms. Levin, Mr. McHugh,
Mrs. Seamans and Mrs. Goodenough.
Mrs. Gillespie arrived at 7:40 PM.
Members Absent:
Mr. Bjork and Mayor ScanIon.
Also Present:
Keith Manville, Acting Superintendent,
Judy Mulligan, School Business Manager,
Jean Kuespert, Architect, Earl Fiansburgh & Associates,
Ray Bouchard, Chair, Elementary Building Commission,
and Michael Lauranzano, Building Commission.
Mrs. Goodenough called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM.
Agendas were made available and the format for the meeting was briefly outlined.
Introductions were made, and Mrs. Goodenough expressed appreciation to the
McKay parents and staff for making preparations and arrangements for the meeting.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Ms. Levin presented background information from 1991 to the present on
deliberations and actions by the School Committee, Building Commissions, Mayor,
and City Council that led to the formulation of the 6-school building plan now being
implemented. Through use of transparencies/overhead projections, information
was presented on the projected building plan, as well as floor plans of both Briscoe
Middle School and McKay Elementary School. Architectural drawings, building
plan, feasibility study, and various reports were made available for review.
ARCHITECTURAL COSTS/CONSIDERATIONS
Jean Kuespert, Architect, and Mike Lauranzano, Building Commission, presented
information and considerations in the proposed plan, which included phasing and
many variables. The projected occupancy date for the new school on Balch Street
is September, 1998. A schedule of the proposed school renovations from the State,
is on file in the Superintendent's Office.
Special Meeting
June 16, 1997
Page 2
QUESTIONS/ANSWERS.
Persons wishing to speak (list on file in Superintendent's Office) were recognized
and questions were answered. Great concern was voiced by many McKay
parents/community members as to the age of the McKay School, the lack of facilities
for students, and the equity and fairness of keeping students in the McKay School
until the building project is completed. Requests and pleas were made to move
McKay students into the new school when it is completed and transfer other school
students into the McKay School during transition times. Suggestions were made to
have repairs made to McKay School to be able to continue to house students there
during the building project. Emphasis was made on the need for alternatives, and
consideration of equity for all students.
Clarification was made that a Task Force will be set up by Superintendent Bill Lupini
and Assistant Superintendent Keith Manville in the coming weeks, and a report will
be presented to the School Committee in October, containing proposed plans for
redistricting students as building projects come on line. The process will be
publicized and input and suggestions will be received through the Superintendent's
Office. Dr. Manville emphasized that a final decision on which schools will occupy
the new building has not been made, and will be part of the Administration's report to
the School Committee in October.
The following suggestions and requests were put forth, and will be forwarded to the
Administration for consideration.
BRAINSTORMING/SUGGESTIONS
1. Move McKay to new building, move students from renovated building into
McKay, with overflow to new building.
2. Concern for how new building will be taken care of by school communities
that are there temporarily (as well as normal wear and tear on building.)
3. Move only grades 4/5 to new building with children there temporarily (so
they at least benefit new building).
4. Move modulars to McKay when Cove is renovated to aid housing temporary
students.
5. Stagger start/end times of bussing while new school/McKay both open/operating.
6. House grades K-1 from Hannah, Cove, North Beverly, Centerville(not Ayers)
at Patten Wing; construct additional classroom space as necessary.
House grades 2-5 at McKay.
Take current Patten Wing kindergartens/preschool to new school.
Move McKay students to new school.
7. Consider renting space for School Administration, freeing space at Briscoe.
The meeting ended at 10:00 PM.
Stella Mae Seamans
Secretary