Present: M. Morrison, S. Heinrich, T. Koenig, C. Morrison, W. Morrison, School Board liaison P. McGrath
Excused: K Powell

The meeting was called to order by W. Morrison at 7:40 PM.

W. Morrison summarized the previous meeting:

• A traffic plan for Thorntons Ferry, which was similar to one prepared by former committee member Doug Miller was unanimously approved.
• S. Heinrich had made a motion regarding going before the School Board to discuss space options for the middle school which had been tabled.
• M. Chiafery had contacted W. Morrison to discuss the issues involved.

M. Morrison asked if the committee was against modular units because they were modulars or because of the stated use. Members responded by stating that the units do not address the problem. And that the issue might be that the committee sees one thing as the problem and the administration is solving a different problem. Members also discussed the political ramifications of installing modular units.

M. Morrison stated he wanted what was best for the students and he saw the modular units as raw educational space.

T. Koenig asked how modular units would affect the students and the curriculum. The projected student population for fall, 2002 is approximately the same as fall, 2001. In his opinion, if nothing is done, the students are no worse off. But he feels that there are other things than might be tried before installing portables. He had concerns regarding weather, security and the fact that they were not being proposed to reduce class sizes. He also wanted to know if the purpose was to improve the curriculum or to re-establish a good curriculum.

P. McGrath said that security of the units is being seriously looked at.

T. Koenig stated that he had concerns about the benefits of the middle school World Language program to the high school curriculum.

W. Morrison noted that he had requested a place on the School Board agenda for June 26th. He asked what the committee wanted him to say.

S. Heinrich felt the committee should report the various options looked at and present the reasons for the plan the committee feels is appropriate. He favored a multi-faceted approach.

C. Morrison felt that the any space option implemented should show that all space in the middle school is being utilized as much as possible and that it should address the various non-compliance issues. She suggested that the administration might consider relocating some subjects to larger spaces.

W. Morrison suggested that the committee present a summary of their conclusions backed up by facts. P. McGrath suggested the committee consider justification rather than slick marketing.

T. Koenig made a motion to remove from the table the motion "That the committee request placement on a School Board agenda before they vote on a final plan regarding space options at the middle school for 2002-03 so that the School Board can make an informed decision" and amend said motion by adding that "a written summary report would be prepared and presented." The motion was seconded by S. Heinrich.

Discussion on the motion:
T. Koenig stated that the committee should focus on things that impact the education of the students. He felt that every dollar spent needs to enhance the education of the children. He wondered if putting World Language and Health in the modular units is having as big an impact as some other things might.

M. Morrison stated he wasn't sure that the committee could change the School Board's mind. He did agree that any space option should be used to reduce class sizes.

C. Morrison stated that, if the committee could not get on the School Board agenda before any vote on modular classrooms, they could still make comments and present information during Public Participation at the beginning of the meeting.

T. Koenig stated that modular units as a solution to get teachers off wheels is not as good as using them to reduce class sizes.

The committee suggested the following three options be summarized and included in the written report to the School Board:

1. A multi-faceted approach which could include 1 - 2 modular units as well as storage trailers, re-doing the maintenance area, and integrating a computer classroom in part of the library.
2. Two modular units used to make each cluster a five person team, reclaiming maintenance, and integrating a computer classroom in part of the library. This would mean hiring additional teachers and leaving Health on wheels.
3. No modular classrooms, reclaim maintenance, put both computer classrooms in the library, leave health on wheels and use newly available classrooms for cluster homerooms.

By consensus, the committee decided to draft a report which would be approved at a special meeting on June 24th.

On a motion from S. Heinrich, seconded by M. Morrison, the committee voted to adjourn at 9:40 PM.

Last Updated: April 3, 2003 by Wayne Morrison