ROCHESTER SCHOOL BOARD

Special School Board Meeting

November 26, 2007

School Department Board Room

DRAFT

 

Members Present:

Mr. Frank Callaghan

Mrs. Audrey Stevens

Mr. John Connelly

Mr. William Brennan

Mrs. Pamela Hubbard

Mr. Robert Watson

Dr. Anthony Pastelis

Mrs. Peggy Parker

Mrs. Anne Grassie

Mrs. Jae Duntley (arr 6:34 pm)

Mrs. Nancy Warren (arr 6:36 pm)

 

Members Absent:

Mr. Charles DeVito

Ms. Diane Moody

 

 

 

 

Also Present:

Mr. Michael Hopkins, Superintendent

Mr. Kent Hemingway, Assistant Superintendent

Mrs. Linda Casey, Business Administrator

 

Guests/Press

 

 

Mr. Callaghan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call with a quorum present. Members participated in the pledge of allegiance.

 

Mr. Hopkins discussed the Space Information handout sheet in detail; reviewing the current modular classroom configurations and student population.   A detailed overview of the space needs status at each elementary and secondary school was also conducted.

 

Lengthy discussion ensued between board members and administrators regarding the best options for alignment of grades to best meet the educational needs of students. 

 

Mrs. Parker expressed the need to exhaust all possible solutions of reconfiguration within the elementary schools before considering a new building.  Dr. Pastelis strongly suggested a population study be conducted before any final decisions are made, it is essential to have this data to analyze as part of the process to a solution.  Mr. Connelly and other members indicated that the first step in this process if to find out educationally what is needed, then proceed with a focus and direction.

 

The Board requested that the Superintendent compile recommendations to present to the Board, with input from the District Management Team from some of the ideas and options discussed this evening:  neighborhood schools are positive; how community will be affected; quality education is first priority.

 

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mr. Brennan, to adjourn.  On a unanimous vote, the Board adjourned at 7:30p.m.