Allenstown Schools

Space Needs Committee Minutes

January 26, 2006

Allenstown Elementary School

 

 

Captain Sean Mulholland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:43pm in the Allenstown Elementary Library.

 

The following members were in attendance:

 

Karen LaPlume, Secretary

Tom Irzyk

Dennis Carmichael

Sandra McKenney

Larry Anderson

Stedman Holton

Al Paradise

Ann Viar

Terri Kenney

 

A motion was made by Larry Anderson to accept the November 9th meeting minutes as amended; Sean Mulholland seconded. All in favor.

 

A motion was made by Sean Mulholland to accept the December 6th meeting minutes; Dennis Carmichael seconded. All in favor.

 

Sean asked the committee to reconsider having a non-Allenstown resident as the chair of this committee. Larry Anderson made a motion to appoint Stedman Holton as the Vice Chair; Tom Irzyk seconded. Motion carried, Stedman Holton nominated the Vice Chair.

 

Tom Irzyk shared sample flyers/brochure communications utilized by other districts who have undertaken building projects. Tom showed a video produced by the Conval School district which was very effective.

 

The committee discussed that a video would be effective in our community but the concern over having enough time to produce the video. The committee went on to discuss the content for this year’s building project flyer. The following was identified as key points to cover in the promotional piece:

  1. Why we need the addition to AES?
  2. How we plan to address these needs.
  3. What the tax impact on the voter will be. (give example on $100K, $150K, and $200K homes)
  4. Informing people that they can register to vote on voting day.

 

Issues identified:  Over Crowding!

  • inadequate space for Art, Music, and Computer instruction
  • inadequate space makes it difficult for 1 on 1 instruction including; special ed, title 1 and testing
  • upgrade of substandard security system
  • inadequate food service area that provides for both schools
  • undersized classrooms at elementary school
  • 5th grade elementary taught in middle school environment
  • present facilities do not meet No Child Left Behind and ADA requirements

 

Solutions:

This addition will provide –

  • dedicated classroom space for Art, Music, Computer
  • each group dedicated space for special needs instruction
  • elimination of shared classrooms
  •  will open up needed space at middle school

 

 

Terry will follow up with Tom Haley on:

  1. Can a video or link to a video be placed on the school website?
  2. Can the committee send flyers home with the students?
  3. Will inquire as to any HS student who may be willing to work with the committee to produce a video.

 

Terry noted that phone calls to parents could be made from school by staff informing them of the issue that will be appearing on the town ballot on March 14th. The committee consented that any calls and/or promotional materials do not instruct the voter which way to vote but simply educate them on the issue.

 

Stedman will develop a flyer highlighting the items discussed and direct the reader to the possible video on the web. He hopes to have a draft for the committee to review at the next meeting.

 

The next meeting will be held, Wednesday, February 1st in the AES Library. The meeting adjourned at 8:16pm.