RADNOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

School Board Meeting Minutes form October 12, 1999

The night the CITIZENS were HEARD!

(please note: the minutes were edited to include the Radnor Middle School discussion ONLY. Several words were high lighted in order to bring attention to important information. If you would like to read the balance of the minutes please contact the School District Office. They will e-mail copies.)

October 12, 1999

Office of the Secretary

Wayne, PA

A Board Meeting of the Radnor Township School District Board of School Directors was called to order at 7:50 P.M. on the above date in the Middle School Activity Center by Board President Paul Yakulis.

Also present were Superintendent John DeFlaminis, Lisa Palmer, Mary Geiger, Kitty Lugar, Robert Baker, Jim Dormond, William Laffey, Mary Hornyak, Charles Shupe, Maureen Reusche, Cecilia Aitken, Henry Adamczyk, Leo Bernabei, and Jennifer Blake. Approximately 125 members of the staff and public were in attendance as well as five representatives of the press.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. Yakulis reported that an Executive Session was held on October 5, 1999 at which time the Board discussed: 1) real estate negotiations for the Middle School; and 2) planning for negotiations with the Radnor Township Education Association. Prior to this evening’s meeting, an Executive Session was held to discuss: 1) real estate negotiations for the Middle School; 2) possible litigation around administrative agreements; 3) planning for negotiations with the Radnor Township Education Association.

Upon motion of Mr. Lewis, seconded by Ms. Albright, and carried by unanimous affirmative vote of all members present, and with no abstentions, the Board approved the minutes of the August 10, 1999 meeting.

Student representative Anne Cooper reported on the High School dedication, invitations to the National Honor Society, the Global Responsibility Organization, Homecoming, and the Service Board’s participation in the AIDS Walk. Student representative Sarah Parkinson reported on a upcoming Thanksgiving Service Project and the creation of a student lounge.

Mrs. Mary Meeker stated that she had received no agenda in the mail and that it was not on Channel 16.

Dr. DeFlaminis indicated that the agenda had been mailed to her on Friday and that the agenda is on the website and on Channel 16 as soon as it is prepared.

Tim Dilworth urged the Board to hear the public comments of the community members regarding Radnor Middle School before any vote was taken.

Mr. Yakulis outlined the sequence of the meeting and assured the community members they would be heard before the vote. Mr. Yakulis further noted that the community has been welcome and the Board has been open to discussion at every meeting.

Dr. DeFlaminis stated that at the Board Meeting of September 28, 1999, the Administration was directed to instruct Mr. George Metzger of HMFH Architects, Inc. to produce for the District a prospective sketch of what a new middle school may look like on the existing middle school site and a site sketch locating the best possible location of a new middle school on the existing site. Mr. Metzger was supplied with current site drawings, detailed information pertaining to water issues around the site and information detailing educational specifications and program needs. This evening, Mr. Metzger presented his conceptual drawings and discussed the possibilities of locating and constructing a new middle school on the existing site.

Over the last ten years, numerous studies have been done on Radnor Middle School and questions posed. Since November 24, 1998, questions from the Board and the public have been answered, and information spanning several years has been updated and presented to the Board for their information. Materials have also been distributed to the public on request, have been published on the web site, and have been summarized in a video for any interested citizens. Two public forums have been held and fifty-two questions from the Board and public have been answered. The minutes from the last public forum have been made available at this meeting for anyone who may wish to receive them. The Board received them this weekend. This evening the Board discussed the future of the Middle School and was asked to provide direction to the Administration.

Mr. Metzger began his presentation by stating that he felt that the present Middle School site was adequate for construction of a new Middle School. His presentation consisted of a preliminary study resulting in three approaches to putting a building on this site. (See Addendum File)

A. A building of three or four levels, 175,000 to 200,000 square feet, with the long side of the building on Windermere Avenue and the short side on Louella Avenue. This would allow the present building to be used until the new building is completed. It would necessitate the demolition of the Administration Building and the Activity Center. The gym’s location is not problematic and could remain.

B. A building putting construction along South Wayne Avenue with the possibility of incorporating the gym as part of the new construction. There would be an entrance from Windermere Avenue and a front entrance on South Wayne. This option preserves the maximum amount of open space. It would necessitate the demolition of the Administration Building, the Activity Center, and the present Middle School. This option presumes that the Middle School must be demolished before any construction begins. This option would be more problematic to solve the technical issues of water management. The flexibility of open space would be a trade off for constraints with water management and relocation of students.

C. A new building along School Lane on the north side of the property leaving the south side for open space development. This option would incorporate the use of the gymnasium. One advantage would be the possible use of School Lane for traffic flow. The grade level for this option is higher than option B but not quite as high as option A. This option allows the retention of the Activity Center and the Administration Building or more fields can be developed where the Administration Building is now. Another advantage is that the school is closer to the center of town and screens the backs of the businesses on Lancaster Avenue.

At the request of Mr. Lewis, Mr. Metzger recapped his presentation of two weeks ago. He stated his opinion that there was a lot of information available to make a decision. He felt there was commitment on the part of the Board and community to develop the best plan and the focus must be: 1) the urgency to come to a decision either on the present site or on another site due to increasing enrollment, the condition of the existing building, and the length of time needed to design and construct a building; 2) the existing building is inappropriate to be considered as reuse for a Middle School based on the groundwater problems that would be prohibitively expensive. The structure does not lend itself to be optimally suited for a Middle School team concept educational program; 3) the structure has serious limitations and renovation would still be building within those limitations and would not be cost effective. He urged the Board and community to separate two issues: 1) keeping the old building based on the historical value of the structure; and 2) deciding the most optimal location of a Middle School for its ability to most optimally meet the educational specifications. He restated that although there are alternative uses for the Middle School building such as an arts center, the storm water and the age of the building are still problems. He also reminded the Board that keeping alternatives such as an arts center on the site would constrain the full potential for a Middle School with open space.

In response to Ms. Albright’s questions, Mr. Metzger indicated buses would be stacked in bus loops designed to accommodate them. Mr. Metzger pointed out on the three options where streets could be widened and bus loops developed while still preserving play space. Mr. Metzger again reiterated that construction options pursued must be done in conjunction with development of groundwater control offsite. Mr. Metzger explained that each option is designed for 175,000 to 200,000 square feet to house approximately 950 to 1,000 students. He indicated that if the projections indicated a larger student population than 1,000 students, then the Board might want to examine the option of building two middle schools.

Dr. DeFlaminis indicated that there was a 3.5% increase this year and had asked the Pennsylvania Economy League for a fast track estimate of future populations.

Mr. Gibson and Ms. Albright expressed concern for the zoning requirements for all of the options. Mr. Metzger indicated he was not familiar with the zoning requirements.

He indicated that the challenge is to determine if the best use of the site is for a Middle School and then determine what kinds of issues that raises. He indicated that he still held the opinion that a good Middle School could be built on the site depending on whether groundwater solutions can be found and if the design could comply with zoning requirements.

Mr. Yakulis then accepted public comment. Mr. Tim Dilworth indicated that most community members here this evening thought that the October 5^th community forum was the beginning of the Middle School process rather than the culmination. He stated that he was under the impression that the Board would form a Citizens Advisory Council similar to that formed for the High School. He stated his opinion that the overwhelming sentiment at the community forum was that the Middle School and the community in which it is located are good for each other and complement each other. He could not understand the benefit of moving the school from the center of town.

Ms. Margaret Ralph asked who has been a part of this (Middle School) process and specifically, was the Wayne PTA asked how it feels about taking the school out of Wayne.

Dr. DeFlaminis answered that the first study was done over ten years ago. He reminded Mr. Dilworth that when the Citizens Advisory Committee was finished with their work at the High School, the group was asked to begin to work with the Board and Administration on the Elementary and Middle School processes. The Citizens Advisory Committee indicated they did not wish to continue and would leave the processes to the District administration. During the elementary process, the Middle School was examined again as part of that process.

Ms. Ralph asked again if the Board had asked the Wayne PTA, the Ithan PTA, and the students how they feel about going to school in Wayne. She questioned if any polls had been taken, if the Wayne Business Association had been asked what it thinks about a school being pulled out of Wayne, if the Planning Commission and the North Wayne Civic Association had been asked about the process, and had the community been given an opportunity to give their opinion on the tradeoffs.

Dr. DeFlaminis indicated that the first community forum was held for community testimony. He stated that questions have been taken from community members, parents, and the Board since November 24, 1998 and every question has been answered at a public Board meeting. Every month at the PTO Coordinating Council, the leadership is advised and updated of the District’s progress on the Middle School.

Ms. Chris Kingsberry stated that she disagreed with the members of the public who felt that the community has not been informed. She indicated that the process has been very public and urged the Board to construct a new state-of-the-art Middle School on the site and not condemn property unless absolutely necessary.

Mr. Sandy DeLone urged the Board to vote on this decision tonight and not waste time taking polls. He strongly urged the Board to build a new school on a new site because there is no room for future expansion on the present site.

Ms. Sue Parsons urged the Board to keep the present Middle School building because it connects the students to the past and gives them a sense of connection to the community.

Mr. Henry Lysak urged the Board to vote on this decision tonight. He stated that he was very encouraged by Mr. Metzger’s three proposals and asked the Board not to use the existing building but build a new school on the site. He commented that the environment in the center of Wayne is much safer than an isolated wooded area.

Mr. Stephen D’Orio of the Wayne Business Association indicated that the Association has been informed of the process and it would be unfair to say that the Association represents any one opinion on either keeping the school in Wayne or moving to a new site. Mr. D’Orio stated that children do not necessarily think that community is as important as adults seem to think. He called attention to the recent problems of adolescents and teenagers hanging around stores and disrupting customers, defacing property, and interfering with business. However, he stated his personal opinion that removing the children from the fabric of the community is not necessarily healthy either and urged the Board to keep the Middle School in downtown Wayne.

Dr. DeFlaminis thanked the Wayne Business Association for keeping an open mind in listening and discussing the issues that surround the Middle School.

Mr. Craig Church stated that the town center is the heart of Wayne and urged the Board to leave the Middle School on the present location.

Ms. Margaret Swisher questioned whether expansion of a new Middle School on the present site is necessarily an issue, since more than 1000 students would preclude the building of a second Middle School. Mr. Yakulis agreed that although a cost is associated with smaller schools, without polling the Board, he felt that the consensus would be a preference for smaller schools.

Ms. Fione Hirgey urged the Board to keep the Middle School at the present site and questioned whether the population growth would be so great that expansion would be necessary in the future.

Dr. DeFlaminis indicated that enrollment trends are booming and, with available open space shrinking, the Board must consider this boom now in order to be prepared.

Mr. Dan Toner urged the Board to: 1) consider carefully the current population boom in planning for future construction and expansion; 2) move the school to Ardrossan and condemn the land if necessary; 3) be cognizant that the Board represents all of Radnor Township School District and not just Wayne constituents.

Mr. Carter Fisher commented that the children are the heart of the community and should be kept in the center of the community. He indicated that the students are receiving an excellent education in the present building and asked the Board to continue that fine education in the same location in a new school.

Ms. Andrea Gimbal urged the Board to build a state-of-the-art school for the Middle School students.

Mr. Michael Luskin asked the Board to look at each site available, list the pluses and minuses of those sites, and develop a more analytical way of making a decision.

Ms. Jane Golas suggested that the Board consider how Lower Merion was able to preserve an old elementary school and keep the school as the center of the community. She urged the Board to keep the maximum number of students in the Middle School below 1000, and to build a new school on the same site.

Mr. Paul Salvaggio urged that the Board consider the town of Wayne as a whole, attempt to preserve the architecture, and keep the school in the center of Wayne.

Mrs. Carol Cassidy stated that a Wayne community center is more needed as the center of Wayne than a Middle School. She urged the Board to consider a new school on a new site.

Mr. Joseph Kimmel urged the Board to reconsider whether the most expensive school is necessary. He urged a good educational system at a reasonable cost. He asked the Board not to rush to make a decision at this time, think about cooperating with the Township, and build on public land.

Mr. Frank Bigeler urged the Board to move ahead and not go through the same protracted process of Radnor Elementary School. He urged that the Board build a new school on the present site.

Ms. Gari Brindle urged the Board to build a new school on the present site.

Ms. Jini Loos urged the Board to keep the Middle School on the present site because of the sense of community. Ms. Loos questioned what 35 acres could offer to Middle School students that the present site could not offer other than playing fields.

Dr. DeFlaminis explained that a new building on the present site would accomplish the educational program but a 35 acre site would provide additional recess areas and playing fields, possibly no water problems, and better traffic flow.

Ms. Albright commented that it is important for the public to know that the Board is weighing the long term perspective of a site that would house a Middle School in which any academic program can happen.

Mr. William Spingler urged the Board to keep the Middle School on the present site. He stated that he is sure the Board can count on the Radnor Commissioners to help solve the water problem. He asked the Board to work with the Commissioners to keep the Radnor urban sprawl at a minimum.

Mr. Michael Pillion asked the Board to clarify the exact question on which the Board will vote this evening.

Mr. Yakulis responded that the Board plans to set direction on how the Board wants to address the future of the Middle School.

Mr. Pillion urged that the drawings be redone according to zoning requirements before a decision is made to stay on the site or to choose a new site. He stated that there is no urgency to condemn land since the Board will always have that power.

Mr. Rob Burrows commented that in the shadow of Columbine, it is an asset that the Middle School is located close to emergency services.

Mr. Robert Klein urged the Board to keep the Middle School on the present site. However, he commented that busing to school versus walking to school at the present site is not necessarily as major a consideration as a state-of-the-art building on any site.

Mr. George Beatty fully supported keeping the Middle School on the present site because of the importance of a sense of community. He also asked that the Board delay the vote and suggested the possibility of a referendum.

Mr. Tom Lally suggested to the Board that Mr. Metzger be given the opportunity to develop the Middle School plans further and to incorporate a community center, a swimming pool, and/or elder care facility into those plans.

Mr. Hank Mahoney requested that before the Board voted to keep the Middle School on the present site, that there should be open discussion on the possible alternative sites. He further expressed his opinion on two of the alternative sites under consideration. He stated that 1) to exercise the powers of eminent domain on Ardrossan land would be bad form and in some people’s opinion, morally reprehensible; 2) the condemnation of an apartment building and swapping of land necessary to use the Encke site would be very disruptive and costly to the taxpayers. He urged the Board to recognize the vitality that the school and businesses bring to the community of Wayne. He urged the Board to keep the Middle School on the present site.

Mr. Sandy DeLone again urged the Board to keep the Middle School on the present site.

Ms. Ina Henkin stated that she felt the process was rushed and that many stakeholders had not have the opportunity to give input to the Board. She urged the Board to present the information to the PTA groups and parents of each of the elementary schools.

Mr. Laffey clarified for Mr. Kimmel that Plan A allows for the same amount of field space as is currently available on the site.

Ms. Andrea Locasale, a neighbor of the present Middle School, urged the Board to keep the Middle School on the present site.

Mr. Bill Karayannis asked the Board to consider that the present site is finite and urged the members to seek a larger site with contiguous fields for all sporting events.

Mr. Bill McGuigan urged the Board to keep the Middle School on the present site because of the value to the community and center of Wayne and asked them not to build on another piece of open space.

In answer to Mr. Dilworth’s statement that he was never asked to serve on an Advisory Committee on the Middle School, Dr. DeFlaminis reiterated that the Advisory Committee was asked at the conclusion of the High School project to continue with work on the Middle School.

Mr. Dilworth then asked the Board if Mr. Lewis’ idea of hiring three architects to draw schematic proposals for the present Middle School site had been considered.

Mr. Yakulis stated that in his opinion, the concepts that Mr. Metzger created could be given to one qualified architect to develop the site and that hiring three architects would be a waste of money. Mr. Dilworth suggested that they ask architects to volunteer their time. He also suggested the formation of the Citizens Advisory Committee at this time to begin working with the Board and Administrators on the Middle School. He cited the problems that have been overcome by St. Katharine’s in dealing with limited space, water problems, and traffic congestion.

After a short recess, Mr. Yakulis thanked the public for their interest, comments, and orderly participation in the meeting. He opened the discussion on the Middle School to the Board.

MOTION WAS MADE by Mr. Gibson, and seconded by Ms. Orlichowski, that after consideration of the current condition and possibilities of renovation, it is the conclusion of the Board that the current Middle School building does not suit the future educational needs of the Middle School students of the District and that those needs will be best served in a newly constructed facility. The Administration is directed to propose a list of possible sites for construction of a new Middle School facility, that list to include rebuilding on the current Middle School grounds.

Mr. Lewis stated that the decision on the Middle School is made difficult by tradition, emotion and his own experience and knowledge. He stated that he thinks the Radnor Middle School could be renovated to the extent of solving all the problems and questions having to do with the educational specifications and could probably be the most economic solution. He stated that he has spoken and listened to many people and while many would like to see the present building renovated, those same people would be satisfied if a new building was built on the present site. He stated that the urgency to make a decision is the fast disappearance of Ardrossan land if that were to be an option. That land could be acquired later but it makes sense to move quickly. Mr. Lewis reiterated that he had hoped to get three competing architects in a selection process to give three proposals for: 1) the renovation of the present Middle School; 2) building a new school on the present site; and 3) building a new school elsewhere. Mr. Metzger’s ideas and thoughts were helpful but not as complete as the ideas of an architect who would be asked to give a proposal to renovate the existing structure. However, Mr. Lewis stated that Mr. Metzger’s opinions were solid and he respected them. Mr. Lewis further stated that he hoped that the Township and District would take the initiative on Ardrossan.

Mr. Glynn disagreed with the comments of the public about the Board moving too quickly. He stated that the Middle School has been under discussion since 1991 and the Board has done a very thorough process to this point. Although Mr. Glynn supported Mr. Gibson’s motion, he urged the Board to build the new school on the present site. Based on the information available to the Board, he felt that the only limiting factor is field space for after school sports and did not feel that was sufficient reason to move out of the heart of Wayne. He was against taking land without an overriding reason to do so and that an examination of the data does not warrant that. He further stated that if enrollments continue to grow, there are other options, and as a part of the Board’s analysis, those options should be provided to the public at the appropriate time.

Mr. Gibson thanked the many individuals who gave input on the Middle School question. He went into this debate with a feeling that if at all possible, the school should stay where it is and this feeling has been reinforced by the comments of the neighbors and community. He expressed that it is not the building itself that is important, but the feeling students have of connectedness and community. He stated his opinion that the present building is no longer viable and the cost to renovate to the educational specifications would be prohibitive. Although this motion does not address all the questions the community came with this evening, it sets a direction to move forward and build a new school, and urges cooperation between the Township and the District to remove obstacles for that construction.

Mr. Brink commented that this action this evening is the beginning a very long process. Tonight, the Board identified what the Board does agree upon. He stated that the present building is not the one the students should be in for the next seventy-five years. Although there is much emotional attachment to the present building, what is needed for a Middle School program for the next seventy-years is not a building laid out decades ago. Mr. Brink reiterated that the water problem is an important one that must be solved and cannot be solved with the present structure. There are many options available for a new building and it remains to be seen which is the most economical and quickest to construct. There are also many options available for the Middle School building that would be an asset to the community. Mr. Brink stated his opinion that the Middle School building is clearly at the end of its life and that the Board must look at building a new school and consider all possible sites to serve the needs of the communities.

Mrs. Aman spoke at length that the Board has reviewed extensive materials, taken tours of many Middle School buildings, (both renovated and new), and listened to experts, the Administrators, and the community. Although the Board has not gone directly to PTA boards, the Board has held endless meetings and answered endless questions. Mrs. Aman stated that how the educational program can be delivered is the most important question, and that educational program can delivered much better in a new building. She cited the many advantages of larger and more efficient educational areas that a new building would offer. Mrs. Aman strongly urged the Board to seek a new site to build because this site is constrained, and she is not convinced that the water problems can be solved.

Mr. Madden stated that he came this evening unconvinced that the Middle School building could not be renovated. However because of the water problems and crowded facilities, he has moved to favoring a new building. He was concerned with the Board’s sense of urgency and feels no haste is necessary since an excellent educational program is being delivered at the present time in the present Middle School. He stated that a new school should be built on the same site based on the community aspects and the Board should not explore new sites until all options are discussed for a viable school on the present site.

Ms. Orlichowski read the following statement:

Ms. Albright thanked the community for their input and reiterated that many opportunities have been offered for the public to participate in the Middle School process through the website, through public meetings, through community forums, through telephone lines at the Board meetings, and through questions submitted to the Board and Administration. She expressed appreciation for the community aspect of a school in the center of Wayne. Ms. Albright commented that with the referendum that allowed for Ardrossan to exist in Radnor Township, was the expectation that eventually some of that land would be returned for public use. As a taxpayer, she expressed disappointment that all of Ardrossan land has been committed for private use. Ms. Albright strongly expressed that the present Middle School building be demolished, a new building be constructed, and that the Board explore all available sites for that construction.

Mr. Yakulis read the following statement:

Dr. DeFlaminis stated that the Administrators who have been involved in this work, absolutely support the Board motion. He asked the Board to provide support for architects and real estate consultants if the Board approves the motion. He asked for clear direction from the Board on the process which they wish the Administration to follow so that the public will know what is expected of the Superintendent.

Mr. Madden expressed concern that the motion gave the direction to seek other available sites at this time. He stated that the Board should give the community one more opportunity to hold a Town Meeting to give input to the Board to further determine if the Board should seek alternative sites or build on the present site.

Mr. Yakulis called for a vote on the motion on the floor, which had been made by Mr. Gibson, and seconded by Ms. Orlichowski, that after consideration of the current condition and possibilities of renovation, it is the conclusion of the Board that the current Middle School building does not suit the future educational needs of the Middle School students of the District and that those needs will be best served in a newly constructed facility. The Administration is directed to propose a list of possible sites for construction of a new Middle School facility, that list to include rebuilding on the current Middle School grounds. The motion was carried by affirmative vote of eight members present, with one member opposing, and with no abstentions.

Mr. Madden explained that he voted in opposition of the motion because he felt that all possible options to build on the present site needed to be explored before additional sites were considered.

UPON MOTION OF Ms. Albright, seconded by Mrs. Aman, and carried by unanimous affirmative vote of all members present, and with no abstentions, the Board directed the Superintendent to send a letter to the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners asking:

1) what future plans the Township might have for storm water management in the center of Wayne; and 2) specific alternative site suggestions commensurate with long range land use development, with a response requested in a timely fashion.

Mr. Yakulis requested the Administration to return to the Board with a new timeframe for the site selection.

UPON MOTION OF Mr. Madden, seconded by Mr. Glynn, and carried by unanimous affirmative vote of all members present, and with no abstentions, the Board authorized that a town meeting be added to the Middle School process, with invitations extended to members of the community, different organizations in the community, and any interested citizens, and would not be characterized by a facilitator.

Having no further business to come before the Board, upon motion of Mr. Brink, seconded by Mr. Lewis, and carried by unanimous affirmative vote of all members present, and with no abstentions, the meeting was adjourned at 11:59 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa A. Palmer, Secretary

Board of School Directors