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

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by W. Morrison.

W. Morrison explained that he thought there should be some response to letters that were appearing in local newspapers that the modular units have solved the space issues at the middle school eliminating the need for a new school.

S. Heinrich felt that it was too early for a letter on the subject of a new school. He felt a letter campaign nearer March and April would have better impact.

T. Koenig suggesed that a response letter could do more damage than good at this point.

C. Morrison suggested the committee put together a "Frequently Asked Questions" to be used during the promotion of the new middle school and include "Didn't the modular units solve the problem?"

K. Powell stated that she thought the committee should start slowly, but regularly layering information about the need for the new middle school.

T. Koenig asked what the School District was planning to do about voter education on the new middle school. P. McGrath reported that no discussions had been held on this subject as yet.

W. Morrison agreed that a response letter might not be a good idea but wondered what, if anything could be done.

The committee discussed some possible suggestions to be utilized as part of an informational program for the new middle school:

1. Write a series of articles for submission to the Merrimack Connection. The first might be an article discussing the 1st Monday attendance figures in comparison to the projections and explaining how the middle school is still overcrowded and projected to remain that way.
2. An article on the PBC, what it is and what is does - and mention informational coffees, meetings or whatever that committee members are willing to attend.
3. A "coffee" which will be a tour of the middle school open to all, not just middle school parents.
4. Letters written now to the various community groups offering to speak in February/March/April or asking for a five minute slot on their agenda during that time period.
5. An article on registering to vote and the process of correctly filling out an absentee ballot.
6. An update of the program on cable with Tina DeMember.
7. Chatting at the beginning of the Seniors meetings.
8. An update of the video showing the current conditions at the middle school and their effect on students.
9. Everything must be informational and positive.

S. Heinrich noted that the new parking lot at Thorntons Ferry is open and there has been some improvement with the parking, drop-off and pick-up situations.

On a motion from S. Heinrich, seconded by T. Koenig, the committee voted to adjourn at 8:15 PM.

Last Updated: April 5, 2003 by Wayne Morrison