3/3/26
Secondary School Ad Hoc Committee Presentation to the School Board
1. Call to Order/Roll Call (0:07)
The presiding officer called the special meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. at the Fisher Administration Building, Conference Room C, and conducted roll call.
2. Introduction of the Secondary School Ad Hoc Committee Facilitator, Ms. Paige Richards (0:59)
Paige Richards (external facilitator, Build Capacity Consulting) introduced the committee and explained the facilitation approach used since May 2025. She described a professionally facilitated process focused on collaboration, shared norms, and answering a clearly framed essential question related to secondary school facilities.
3. Presentation of the Secondary School Ad Hoc Committee Final Report Findings
2025 Secondary School Ad Hoc Committee Website | Board Presentation Slides | Final Report
- Committee process and model narrowing (11:37)
Committee-elected speakers (Will Gilbert, Mike Hayden & Sharon Muehlfeld) summarized the group's work, including tours of all four secondary buildings, visits to other districts, expert presentations, and structured deliberation. The committee evaluated ten facility models before narrowing to five for deeper analysis. - Rejection of a deferred-maintenance-only approach (13:57)
Speakers stated that a maintenance-only approach would not adequately address accessibility, safety, and instructional space deficiencies. Examples cited included outdated science classrooms, overcrowded arts spaces, and recurring flooding in theater areas. - Committee recommendation – Model F (16:05)
The committee's primary recommendation, Model F, preserves and renovates all four existing secondary school buildings (East, West, Whitman, and Longfellow). The preliminary estimate was approximately $349 million and includes deferred maintenance. Presenters emphasized that estimates are early and subject to refinement. - Key rationale: academics, social-emotional learning, and activities (17:37)
Speakers emphasized that academics and social-emotional development were the committee's highest priorities. Model F was described as supporting moderate-sized schools, strong student belonging, and robust extracurricular and co-curricular participation. - Examples of modern learning spaces (33:27)
Committee members shared observations from tours of renovated schools in other districts, highlighting modern science labs, improved music and performing arts facilities, flexible collaboration spaces, and improved safety features.
4. Questions from the School Board (55:34)
Board members asked questions about why specific models were eliminated, how demographics and open enrollment factored into planning, operating cost impacts, and the condition and use of existing buildings. Committee members responded with clarifications and additional context.
5. Public Comment (2:37:11)
The public comment policy was read. No in-person or online public comments were provided.
6. Board Discussion on Next Steps (2:42:07)
The board and administration discussed next steps, including board learning sessions, building tours, additional documentation, and a broad community engagement and communications strategy. Emphasis was placed on transparency, accessibility, and a multi-year engagement timeline.
7. Adjourn (3:02:56)
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:04 p.m. following a motion and roll call vote.