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School Committee Meeting Hopkinton School Committee Updates status of the Borrego Solar Project and Initiatives for School Year 2008-2009
by Jessica Aker October 3, 2008 The Hopkinton School Committee (HSC) met last night in the Middle School Library to discuss 13 agenda items, including an update on the Borrego Solar Project, an initiative that has been discussed extensively over the summer of 2008. Vice-Chair Phil Totino was absent from the meeting, and HSC member Rebecca Robak was able to attend only the second half of the meeting. Facilities Director Brian Main brought a revised proposal to the HSC regarding the continuation of the Borrego Solar Project. There were 3 applicants for the project, but Mr. Main asserted that Borrego “was the strongest candidate.”
A committee consisting of Mr. Main, Selectman Matt Zettek, Fire Chief Gary Daugherty, and Cara
Morano (file photo), Energy Consultant from Borrego began negations that
would crystallize updated terms of the agreement. Under the project,
energy would cost 12 cents per kw hour, a 1.8 cent reduction from the
current price of energy in Hopkinton. The Borrego plan would save
$50,000 throughout the 20 year agreement.
“Cutting edge solar panels that would generate 430 kw as opposed to the original 340 kw proposed, and they will be available for the same price” said Mr. Main.
Other incentives to continue with the project are additional outreach and education programs to teach citizens about solar power. More information would be available online, in a press release, and fact sheets in order to “address concerns regarding the project,” said Mr. Main.
School Committee member Dave Stoldt referenced a similar initiative that has been a success at a school in California. Mr. Main cited additional examples of equivalent projects in Gloucester, MA. Superintendent of Schools John E. Phelan, Jr. remarked that “State agencies have something to learn from our discussions. They have definitely affected the way the state coordinates similar efforts in different towns.”
Kim Pucci, a representative of the Hopkinton Education Foundation (HEF) reported the progress of various grant projects, and the future direction of the HEF. Last year, the HEF celebrated their 15th anniversary. HEF has been able to implement 250 grants that total to about $70-75,000. Accomplishments include a program for grades 8 and 10 called Empowering Writers, expansion of musical instruments in the Center School, and a grant named for EMC, a company that deals with information management. EMC’s headquarters are in Hopkinton in addition to having over 60 offices worldwide. The company has sponsored math and science programs for the past 2 years.
Ms. Pucci said, “We need to start raising some money for these grants, so we have a few events coming up. The Spelling Bee was a great success last year, so we are cosponsoring it this year with HPTA. All of the schools will be represented for the first time, and the HSC will have their own team. We will also hold the sensational gala and the golf ball drop events again.”
Director of Student Services Kirsten Esposito Balboni gave a summary of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Mid-cycle Report. Special Education and English Language Learners' (ELL) programs were evaluated based on changing MA regulations. Eighteen areas are examined in both programs. The Special Education program requires some work on a handbook and finalizing transitional planning forms. The ELE program compliance showed 5 areas of satisfactory compliance.
Dr. Phelan believes the results are related to the Hopkinton School District having only a small group of ELL students, as well as the many details of state mandates.
“It is very difficult to meet some of the goals, like training every staff member in various English Language Education strategies, especially when not all schools have ELL’s. I commend Ms. Esposito Balboni for recognizing this as a civil rights issue, and working very quickly on implementing changes over the summer with staff members.”
Mr. Stoldt asked, “Are we on target for getting the corrective actions in place by October 31st?”
Ms. Esposito Balboni responded that she was confident that this could be accomplished.
Other agenda items included a variety of themes. Eleven additional students were recognized in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Colleen Gianino, Phil Powers Jr., and Katie Wilson were recognized for their artwork and articles that were published in School Arts Magazine. A preliminary summary of MCAS results, the School Choice initiative, Superintendent/District Goals for FY 09, the Capital Improvements Forecast, a Strategic Planning Update, and the approval of HSC minutes for special meeting on March 6, 2008 and a working session on August 28, 2008 were discussed.
The next meeting of the School Committee is scheduled for Thursday October 16, 2008 at 7:30 P.M
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