April 14, 2008

Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting – Monday, April 14, 2008
Superintendent’s Conference Room, Wellesley Middle School

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 6:33 pm.  Mr. Young, Ms. Allen, Mr. Guiffre, Ms. Littlefield, and Ms. Newman were present.  Also present were Ms. Wong, Ms. Gregory, Ms. Berdell, Mr. Connelly, and Mr. Keough.

ACTION ITEMS
High School Project – Administrative Offices

The committee revisited the recommendation from Ms. Wong for a decentralized location of administrative offices in a refurbished high school, stacked on the different levels of the building, about which it had deferred action pending more opportunity for public feedback. In the ensuing discussion, members raised individual concerns about supervision, access, and planned flexibility for designated areas. 

Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Mr. Guiffre, it was

VOTED:   To direct SMMA to create decentralized administrative offices, with plans to provide flexibility in design to the extent practicable to allow for future changes.

Motion CARRIED 4 – 1. Ms. Allen voted No.

Permit Request  In conjunction with the request by Wellesley Celebrations Committee for a permit from the Natural Resources Commission to use Hunnewell Field as the site of a concert and fireworks Sunday, May 18, 2008, Ms. Newman summarized the preliminary planning for the event that has occurred to date, and noted that the Natural Resources Commission is seeking support for the proposal from other town departments.  The NRC is also seeking assurance from other town departments that concerns about the proposal impacting their specific responsibilities have been addressed.

Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Mr. Guiffre, it was

VOTED:   To cite concerns to the Natural Resources Commission for the proposed event on May 18, 2008, as follows: •potential damage to fields and school property • loss of field use • secondary impact of parking at other schools.

Motion CARRIED 4 – 0. Ms. Allen Abstained.

ADJOURNMENT
The public session was adjourned at 7:15 pm

Executive Secretary