Task Force Meeting - March 1, 2011

Frostwood Bond Program Task Force Presents Recommendations

On Tuesday, March 1st, the Frostwood Bond Program Task Force presented its recommendations to Superintendent Klussmann regarding the rebuilding of Frostwood Elementary. Patty Busmire, together with parent Peter Gilmore, community member Cathie Steinberg and teacher Malissa Downham, reviewed the presentation that was provided for the Community Meeting.  As way of review, the Task Force’s three recommendations are as follows:

• Reconstruct Frostwood as a new two story building with school operations moved off-site during the construction period.

• During reconstruction, relocate Frostwood students, staff and school operations to the South

Transition Campus, located on the north-end of the Westchester Academy for International Studies.

• Relocate to the South Transition campus over winter break in December 2011 and begin school operations there in January 2012. This recommendation assumes that Meadow Wood Elementary School reconstruction is completed on time in late fall, 2011.

Following the presentation, Duncan thanked Patty Busmire for her leadership and the group for their excellent work. He posed some clarifying questions of the task force, architects and Planning and Construction representatives. Duncan expressed three concerns about the recommendations:

1. The tight timeline proposed for moving Meadow Wood out and Frostwood into the Transition campus,

2. The tight timeline for design, and

3. Approval by City of Bunker Hill.

Relative to the tight timeline, the task force confirmed that all of their discussion and their presentation to the community clearly stated that the timeline was recommended and was dependent upon Meadow Wood’s timing. They also affirmed that they had strong PTA support to assist in the relocation, and that a staff survey reflected this as their first choice. Duncan requested that any and all communication about the transition reflect that the Frostwood move would follow Meadow Wood’s rather than specifically using the December/January timeline. He reiterated that we want to be sure we are able to “under-promise” and “over deliver” so that we maintain strong community support and favorable community impression of our management of the project. Task Force members were also asked about the community concerns expressed regarding buses using the freeway or feeder roads. He affirmed that it is best if we can get buses and parents on different routes while encouraging parents to consider bus transportation during the transition period. He also questioned whether the group had heard any concerns from the City of Bunker Hill Village, stating that the district had received a letter with concerns, Duncan, thought, about concept drawing showing access to parent drop off from Memorial Drive.  Architects were requested to complete a financial analysis of the 1999 building which the concept drawing provided for the Task Force shows as being torn down. They were asked about their comfort relative to a tight proposed timeline. They were also asked about height restrictions and capacity for the new building, which will be designed for 800, but will have flexibility to accommodate a larger enrollment through flexible spaces like Ridgecrest. Duncan also confirmed that the additional transition site buildings being moved this summer to the South Transition Campus will be sufficient to accommodate Frostwood. A budget analysis was also requested.  Duncan closed by affirming next steps as follows:

• Recommendations would be reviewed to make sure there are no technical issues which would pose challenge in meeting the recommendations. Staff will review the recommendations in the regular Thursday staff bond meeting on 3/3/11.

• A bond budget review will be conducted.

• The FIP financial report that goes to the Board of Trustees monthly will be updated to reflect the new Frostwood timeline and the addition of Rummel Creek Elementary to follow Frostwood. The Board’s approval of the FIP at its March meeting will be the official approval of the Task Force’s recommendations.