2022-12-15: School Committee

Click timestamps in the text to watch that part of the meeting recording.

Swampscott School Committee Meeting Review: December 15, 2022

1. Agenda

Based on the transcript, the likely agenda for the meeting was as follows:

  1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance 0:14
  2. Public Comment 1:07
  3. Committee Announcements 1:07
    • Discussion of New Elementary School Groundbreaking
  4. Superintendent’s Report 2:57
    • Swampscott High School Theater Update (Presentation by Joe Douillette) 3:27
  5. Chair’s Report 29:29
    • Updates on Budget Process & Tri-Chair Committee Meetings
    • Climate Action Presentation (Presentation by Martha Schmidt) 31:26
  6. Subcommittee Reports 47:29
    • Policy Subcommittee Update
    • School Building Committee (SBC) Update (Groundbreaking, Pre-Blast Survey Info) 48:04
    • Negotiations Subcommittee Update 48:51
    • Budget Subcommittee Update 48:51
  7. Consent Agenda 48:51
    • Approval of Minutes (November 17, 2022)
    • Acceptance of Donation - Scott Cordiner / Hammond Museum (Robotics Team)
    • Acceptance of Donation - Alexei Evdokimov (Robotics Team)
    • Acceptance of Donation - Red V Training and Consulting, LLC (Robotics Team)
    • Approval of Warrants (# 23-21 and 23-23)
  8. Adjournment 52:54

2. Speaking Attendees

  • Joe Douillette (Presenter, SHS Theater Update): [Speaker 1]
  • School Committee Chair (Name not stated): [Speaker 2]
  • Suzanne Wright (School Committee Member): [Speaker 3]
  • Martha Schmidt (Climate Action Resilience Coalition Representative): [Speaker 4]
  • John (School Committee Member): [Speaker 5]
  • School Committee Member (Name not stated): [Speaker 6]

3. Meeting Minutes

Call to Order: The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance 0:14.

Public Comment: The Chair asked for public comment; none was offered 1:07.

Committee Announcements: Member Suzanne Wright discussed the groundbreaking ceremony for the new elementary school held on Tuesday, describing it as exciting and well-attended 1:19. The Chair echoed the positive sentiment, praising Member Wright and her group for their work and noting the palpable energy at the event 1:57. They briefly discussed how the ceremony felt significant, marking a real start to the construction phase 2:34.

Superintendent’s Report: SHS Theater Update 2:57 Joe Douillette presented a comprehensive proposal for upgrading the Swampscott High School auditorium 3:27. He stated the facility is nearly 20 years old and experiencing wear and tear, particularly with sound and lighting systems. The vision is to create a “professional class facility” primarily for school use (fine arts, assemblies, meetings) but also benefiting town functions (Town Meeting, committees) and community groups (performing arts, recreation).

Key issues highlighted 5:50 included end-of-life lighting, failing audio components, curtain repairs, poor acoustics causing echo, inability to use certain microphone types due to lack of power over audio lines, only two rows of stage lights (limiting dimension), and poor sound coverage in the front rows of the audience.

Proposed upgrades detailed:

  • Hybrid Meeting Space: Adding capabilities similar to the room they were in (wireless mics, Zoom interactivity, PTZ cameras) using $100k already budgeted from PEG funds over FY23-FY24 7:40.
  • Audio Upgrade (~$300k): Moving to a digital audio network for flexible sound routing, installing line array speakers for better audience coverage (including front rows), and replacing aging components 9:20. A new audio console has already been purchased.
  • Lighting Upgrade (~$300k): Replacing the failing, obsolete incandescent system with energy-efficient LED lights offering greater color flexibility and control 10:38. This would potentially yield a National Grid incentive ($35k estimated).

Funding sources mentioned were PEG funds ($100k), potential grants and donations (actively seeking), and a remaining Capital Improvement request of approximately $600k for FY24 and FY25 12:24.

Douillette sought School Committee feedback on three key points 13:31:

  1. General support for the project.
  2. Potential allowance for one-day liquor licenses for specific cultural events (advised as necessary to break even).
  3. Consideration of a stipended Technical Director position to manage the facility.
  • Discussion Dynamics: A detailed discussion ensued regarding the Technical Director position. Member John asked about funding models 14:15. Douillette outlined possibilities (stipend, hourly, course relief) and stressed the need for professional expertise 14:37. Member Wright raised concerns about finding qualified personnel and, significantly, the issue of “ownership” – whether the position would be school-based, town-based, or shared, drawing parallels to persistent challenges with scheduling and managing town fields [16:20, 19:10]. The inherent tension between prioritizing school use while accommodating town/community needs was a central theme [19:38, 20:02]. Member Wright suggested exploring creative funding like Mass Cultural Council grants or a revolving account linked to ticket sales [25:18, 26:28]. She also emphasized the need for thorough training and documentation for the new high-tech equipment 28:04.
  • Committee Position: The Chair conveyed general support for the upgrade project, citing the importance of proactive maintenance and the educational benefit for students using current technology [22:07, 28:47]. Regarding the liquor license, the Chair acknowledged its likely necessity for events but stated it requires input from the Superintendent and town authorities 23:36. The Committee agreed that the Technical Director role requires significant further discussion involving town administration (specifically Max Casper, Facilities Director) to determine structure and funding 25:17. The Chair asked Douillette to continue collaborating and report back 29:29.

Chair’s Report 29:29 The Chair reported that budget work would begin in January 30:07. The Tri-Chair Committee (School Committee Chair, Select Board Chair, Finance Committee Chair) plans to meet with the Town Administrator and Superintendent soon to address preliminary questions before detailed budget discussions commence 30:16.

Climate Action Presentation 31:26 Martha Schmidt, representing the Swampscott Renewable Energy Committee and the Climate Action Resilience Coalition, presented an update 31:26. She summarized the 2021 town Greenhouse Gas Inventory (approx. 60% buildings, 40% transportation) 34:44, referenced the Commonwealth’s Net Zero 2050 goal 33:16, showed images of local climate impacts (flooding) 33:46, and mentioned the Climate Action Resolution passed at the May 2022 Town Meeting 35:50. The Coalition secured a $50k state grant to hire a consultant to help develop a comprehensive Climate Action and Resilience Plan 36:50. The plan focuses on Buildings, Transportation, Waste, Resilience, and Natural Resources 38:33. A town survey indicated high resident concern 39:24. The goal is to have a plan ready for adoption at the May 2023 Town Meeting 36:35. Schmidt was primarily seeking to raise awareness and solicit input.

  • Discussion Dynamics: Member Wright inquired about how other town committees had previously endorsed the resolution (clarified they spoke in favor at Town Meeting) 40:32. The Chair and Member John stressed the importance of robust community engagement throughout the process 43:54. Schmidt noted a stakeholder meeting was planned for late January 43:19 and public events would follow. Committee members offered constructive suggestions for outreach, including using school communication channels and engaging high school groups like the Green Scholars class and the Political Action Club 45:42.
  • Committee Position: Members expressed clear support for the climate action planning initiative [41:48, 42:07]. The Chair offered the committee’s assistance in publicizing events and information, asking Schmidt to inform them when a formal endorsement vote might be appropriate [44:38, 47:12].

Subcommittee Reports 47:29

  • Policy: Member Wright mentioned ongoing work with the Chair (“Don”) on policy review using a spreadsheet 47:38.
  • School Building Committee (SBC): Member Wright provided an update following the groundbreaking 48:04. Pre-blast notices have gone out to neighbors within specified distances. Residents in these zones can request a pre-blast survey and must do so by January 28th. Blasting is anticipated to start in mid-January.
  • Negotiations/Budget: The Chair noted upcoming meetings for the Negotiations Subcommittee (regarding items with the Swampscott Education Association) and the Budget Subcommittee 48:51.

Consent Agenda 48:51 The Chair read the consent agenda items: Regular Session Minutes from November 17, 2022; three donations for the Robotics Team registration ($300 from Scott Cordiner c/o Hammond Museum, $400 from Alexei Evdokimov, $300 from Red V Training and Consulting, LLC); and Warrants #23-21 and 23-23. The Chair expressed sincere thanks to the donors on behalf of the committee and the district 50:30.

  • Motion: Member Wright moved to approve the consent agenda 52:27.
  • Second: The Chair seconded the motion 52:28.
  • Vote: The motion passed unanimously 52:34.

Adjournment 52:54

  • Motion: Member Wright moved to adjourn 52:57.
  • Second: The Chair seconded the motion 52:58.
  • Vote: The motion passed unanimously 53:03. The meeting adjourned.

4. Executive Summary

This Swampscott School Committee meeting focused on significant future planning for town facilities and climate action, alongside routine business.

Major Auditorium Upgrade Proposed for High School 3:27 Joe Douillette presented a plan to significantly renovate the nearly 20-year-old High School auditorium. Facing aging sound and lighting systems 5:50, the proposal includes approximately $600,000 in Capital Improvement requests (plus $100k from existing PEG funds) over the next two fiscal years for upgrades like modern digital sound, energy-efficient LED lighting, improved acoustics, and hybrid meeting capabilities [7:40, 9:20, 10:38]. Why it matters: This project aims to provide students with a modern facility for arts and education, while also improving the space for Town Meetings and community events. The School Committee expressed general support for the necessary upgrades 22:07.

Complexities Raised on Theater Management 13:50 A key part of the theater proposal involves creating a new Technical Director position. Why it matters: While necessary for managing an upgraded, complex facility, extensive discussion, particularly from Member Suzanne Wright 19:10, highlighted the significant challenge of determining funding and oversight for this role, given the building’s shared use by the school and town. This reflects broader governance issues in Swampscott regarding shared resources. The Committee recognized more planning with town administration is needed before committing 25:17. The practical need for potential one-day liquor licenses for revenue-generating events was also raised but requires further policy review [13:38, 23:36].

Climate Action Plan Moves Forward 31:26 Martha Schmidt provided an update on the town’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan, which aims for adoption at the May 2023 Town Meeting 36:35. Developed with consultant support funded by a state grant 36:50, the plan addresses local greenhouse gas emissions (primarily from buildings and transportation 34:44) and climate resilience. Why it matters: This plan represents Swampscott’s formal strategy to address climate change impacts locally and align with state goals. The Committee supported the effort and emphasized community input 43:54, offering to help engage residents and student groups 45:42. Residents should anticipate opportunities for input in early 2023.

New School Construction Update [1:19, 48:04] Following a successful groundbreaking 1:19, Member Suzanne Wright reported that neighbors near the new elementary school site are being notified about pre-blast surveys, which must be requested by January 28th. Blasting is expected mid-January 48:04. Why it matters: This marks tangible progress on a major town project, with key construction activities imminent.

Robotics Team Receives Community Support 50:30 The Committee gratefully accepted $1,000 in donations from Scott Cordiner/Hammond Museum, Alexei Evdokimov, and Red V Training and Consulting LLC to support the High School Robotics Team’s participation in competitions.

Routine Business The Committee approved minutes from November 17, 2022, and necessary financial warrants via the Consent Agenda 52:34. Updates were provided on ongoing policy, budget, and negotiation subcommittee work [47:29, 48:51].

5. Analysis

This School Committee meeting showcased a mix of forward-looking strategic discussions and routine operational matters, revealing both collaborative efforts and underlying governance complexities within Swampscott.

Theater Upgrade: Necessary Investment vs. Operational Hurdles Joe Douillette’s presentation 3:27 effectively argued the need for the SHS auditorium upgrade, framing it as essential maintenance and modernization beneficial to students and the wider community. His focus on failing systems 5:50 and potential efficiencies 12:10 built a strong case for the capital request itself. However, the subsequent discussion, particularly around the Technical Director position 13:50, exposed significant operational challenges. Member Suzanne Wright’s pointed questions about governance and “ownership” 19:10, explicitly linking it to past struggles with shared resources like fields 19:15, were critical. This wasn’t just about finding budget for a stipend; it was about navigating Swampscott’s often-tricky landscape of shared school/town facility management. The Committee’s cautious consensus – supporting the upgrade’s concept while demanding more interdepartmental planning for the management 25:17 – appears pragmatic. They recognized the proposal’s merits but wisely avoided committing to an operational structure likely to encounter friction without broader town buy-in and defined responsibilities. The handling of the liquor license question 23:36 similarly reflected prudence, acknowledging a practical reality while respecting the policy sensitivities of alcohol in a school environment.

Climate Plan: A Model of Coordinated Effort? Martha Schmidt’s presentation 31:26 on the Climate Action Plan represented a seemingly smoother interaction between a town initiative and the School Committee. Grounded in data 34:44, state mandates 33:16, and prior Town Meeting action 35:50, the plan’s development appears well-structured, aided by grant funding and consultancy 36:50. The Committee’s response was notably supportive and constructive 42:07. Their proactive suggestions for engaging student groups like Green Scholars 45:42 demonstrated an effective leveraging of school resources for a town-wide goal. This exchange suggests a potentially effective model for collaboration on shared priorities. However, the ultimate success hinges on continued public engagement 43:54 and navigating the Town Meeting approval process 36:35, which remains a future hurdle.

Committee Dynamics and Focus The meeting, though noted as having a “smaller gathering” 2:57, demonstrated substantive engagement from the present members. The Chair managed the proceedings efficiently. Member Suzanne Wright played a notably active role, probing deeply into the practical implications of both major presentations [19:10, 40:32]. Member John also contributed key questions on finance and process [14:15, 43:54]. The detailed nature of the theater discussion relative to other items underscores its perceived complexity and financial weight. The brief subcommittee updates 47:29 serve as placeholders, indicating that much of the Committee’s detailed work (policy refinement, budget preparation, negotiations) occurs outside the public meeting forum, a common practice but one that limits transparency into those specific processes during the main session. The overall tone appeared collegial and focused on addressing the agenda items thoroughly.