[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

October 13, 2008

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Two brief updates to begin the week:

•  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Newman's outdated heating and ventilation systems.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 [ mailto:dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us
]dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us

Sincerely,

Daniel E. Gutekanst, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools


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.

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