ACTION TEAM MEETING #2

FACILITIES TEAM

FEBRUARY 20,2007

 

Co-chairs: Dan Coronato and Kristen Abernethy

 

Meeting was attended by Carol Freeborn, Kerry Murphy,Dan Weissman(arrived at 8:00 pm) and Dan Coronato (arrived at 9:00 pm)

 

Called to order at 7:15 pm after a brief outline by Mr. Bryan Hensz, Internal Facilitator.

 

The Strategy for Facilities that was developed at the Strategic Planning Meeting in January was discussed:

        “We will provide separate, appropriate, and fully equipped facilities to implement and support our instructional programs with community support”

 

Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Freeborn reviewed information provided to the committee by the staff. This list outlined the weaknesses/needs of the staff concerning facility needs.

 

Within this context, we broke down the project to three areas:

1.    Utilization of Additional Space either through new construction or renovation of existing space within the building.

2.    Indoor Facility renovations.

3.    Outdoor Facility Construction/Renovation.

 

Additional Space

This is the largest concern. Several options were discussed to alleviate the forced sharing of space across all departments. The Library is used for three separate small classes, teacher lounge for band, faculty dining for small class, Health on a cart, no space for OT/PT, 2 special ed sharing one class, preschool class off-site.

Other concerns were also brought up: possible science lab to ready Hampton students for Kittatinny, new Band Room, and administrative offices so Principal can have decent office.

Options could include one project that would include several classrooms for small group instruction, pre-school kindergarten classes, and office and storage space. The scope of the project would be determined by enrollment, placing basic skills teachers back in classroom, and the existing space that would be freed up with this type of project.

 

Indoor Facility

 

With the increase in technology – electrical upgrades need to be looked into. Also dead zones with the wireless network need to be addressed.

With this scope, the use of either solar/wind power was brought up to offset some costs. Any additional construction/renovation should consider alternative power sources.

Audio Enhancement for classrooms and closed  circuit TV’s ( with the possible integration into curriculum) was discussed.

Carpeting in the building is great, many are concerned with the dust, pollen in building- ventilation seems to be a concern.

 

Outdoor Facility

Additional playing fields will be constructed this year courtesy of Hampton Township. We are also looking at upgrading/increasing the black top surface used for recess with the addition of painted on games, basketball area, etc. A possible natural “workout loop” (similar to Kittatinny’s) would be a nice addition and could be used for recess and P.E. classes. The students need to get moving!

Would like to see an additional shed out back for the use of P.E. equipment, recess toys, sleds, etc.

Security issues around the campus were reviewed. Key pads on strategic outside doors ( tech lab, cafeteria, kindergarten) would help.

Is there a real need for fencing the district?

 

Many items were discussed this evening- the committee will be meeting next week to narrow down the steps necessary to move forward.

 

Submitted,

 

Kerry K. Murphy