• Newman Update As you may know, the Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) has been working since last spring with the architectural firm of Drummey, Rosane, and Anderson (DRA) to recommend a permanent solution for Newman's outdated heating and ventilation systems. So far the architects have shared the following with the PPBC:

- The building's structure, including walls and foundations, is sturdy and can continue to be used as a school for many, many years to come. As part of regular maintenance, the school's roof should be replaced.

- There are at least two viable options for replacing the building's heating and ventilation system (and adding air conditioning). One option is to install rooftop HVAC units (estimated construction cost: $17 million); the other option is to build one main mechanical room (estimated construction cost: $20 million) that would support the building's HVAC needs. Both options would provide the school with a high quality, serviceable, and dependable HVAC system that meets current regulations and building codes and maintains healthy and safe indoor air quality and ventilation.

- It is possible to locate some modular classrooms on campus, but away from construction areas, for use by students and staff while the school is renovated. Adding modular classrooms to the campus during construction will add additional costs to the project - conceivably up to 30 percent of the cost. Depending on whether or not the building is completely unoccupied or partially occupied for a renovation project will impact the length and duration of construction as well as costs.

Given the complexities associated with such an important and ambitious project, the PPBC does not believe it is ready to recommend a specific project to the Special Town Meeting scheduled for October 27th. The School Committee also believes that more time is required to discuss the planning, phasing, and logistics associated with this project. The PPBC, with DRA, will hold a forum at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15th at Broadmeadow to present the options under consideration. Parents and community members are encouraged to attend and ask questions and share ideas.

• School Committee Fall Open House The School Committee will also hold its annual Fall Open House at the high school cafeteria on Saturday, October 18th from 9 until 11:00 a.m. This will be an opportunity for parents and community members to meet the School Committee and interact in an informal setting over coffee, compliments of our friends at Starbuck's. The School Committee is interested in hearing your ideas, concerns, and suggestions. Please join us!

As always, please contact me now and throughout the year with questions, comments, and suggestions. I can be reached at 781.455.0400, extension 203 or dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us

Did you know... The 2008 Needham Public Schools Performance Report (mailed home in August and online: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ ) indicates that Needham students continue to improve and perform exceptionally well on the SAT, MCAS, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams? For example, over 400 AP exams were administered last spring with a Needham High passing rate of 94%. And Needham continues to compare favorably with similar communities when considering the average single family tax bill: Needham ranks 14 out of 21 surrounding communities. I will share additional highlights of the Performance Report in future emails as a postscript.