REPORT OF THE WORK SESSION FOR THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR
2002 CAPITAL BUDGET -- STATE REQUEST

Tuesday, September 26, 2000

Vice President Phyllis Ettinger called the work session to order at 4:30 p.m. In addition to Ms. Ettinger, the following Board members were present: Mr. H. J. Jack Barnhart, Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Mr. James R. Sasiadek, Mr. Sanford V. Teplitzky, and Mr. James E. Walker. In addition, Dr. Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent of Schools, and staff members were present.

Mr. Sasiadek questioned whether our request was sufficient. Ms. Roddy stated that the request is realistic as to what we can accomplish in the timeframe. She noted the focus of this request is new construction.

Ms. Cohn entered the room at 4:33 p.m.

Mr. Sasiadek asked if it would be helpful to have a supplemental list of projects prepared. Ms. Roddy responded that the next phase of our capital major maintenance program would involve middle schools. She stated that when we appear before the Board of Public Works in January, we should be able to give them a progress report and show movement on the 2001 projects.

Mr. Barnhart questioned whether we are asking for what we need rather than what we want. Ms. Roddy indicated that our request is extremely realistic, and in her opinion, we stand a very good chance of receiving almost all the money.

Mr. Kennedy questioned the timeline for air conditioning the special schools. Ms. Roddy noted that Ruxton was air conditioned as part of the addition project. When Battle Monument received funding for a new heating system, the architect was asked to include air conditioning in the design. The State did not allocate funds for this project. However, there was enough money within the County dollars to proceed with the project. Ms. Roddy stated that White Oak was built with air conditioning. With respect to Maiden Choice, money for air conditioning was requested for 2001 from the County and State. Although we did not receive the State money, the County money was stretched to fund the project.

Mr. Krempel noted that a contract is in place for air conditioning Maiden Choice and should be placed before the Board at the end of October. Although the project is scheduled for 2002, Mr. Krempel noted he would ask that it be moved up.

Mr. Kennedy suggested that over the next few years we start looking at air conditioning all schools. We have many children who suffer with allergies and asthma as well as having many mainstreamed children in our schools. There are also programs that run past the close of school in June. Ms. Ettinger suggested a feasibility study be undertaken to look at the needs and costs of such a project.

Mr. Arnold entered the room at 4:45 p.m.

Mr. Teplitzky stated that it is critical that we not ask for more money than we can prudently spend, but we want to ask for as much as we need. Ms. Roddy stated that funding authorities are aware of our concerns and desires to keep the capital maintenance program moving forward. Noting the large number of roofs on county schools that need repair or replacement, Mr. Teplitzky suggested that we accelerate roof repairs if it's decided to seek additional funds.

Mr. Barnhart asked if escalating construction costs were projected in our request. Ms. Roddy stated the figure of $150/sq. ft. was used in developing our request. Mr. Barnhart suggested that we might wish to revisit that figure in light of current costs.

Mr. Sasiadek asked about addressing open space areas. Ms. Roddy responded that if a determination is made regarding open space, there are steps to be taken before it can be included in a capital budget request.

Mr. Barnhart asked for clarification of Ms. Roddy's earlier comment on "partially" addressing the open space issue at Chesapeake High School. Ms. Roddy stated she will check on the full scope of the project and get back to Board members.

Ms. Ross-Holmes inquired if there was an objective process in place where when certain criteria are met, an investigation or study takes place to look at new school construction. Ms. Roddy stated there is not a formal process in place for additions or new construction. She said September 30th enrollments are reviewed and five- and ten-year projections are monitored. The Maryland State Office of Planning also does projections. Housing developments are also reviewed. Ms. Roddy noted that this annual monitoring is part of the review process as opposed to a directive. Ms. Ross-Holmes stated that she would like the Board and the Building Committee to be pro-active in this area by having countywide guidelines in place for new construction and additions.

Mr. Kennedy asked about future new construction in the Southwest/Northwest Areas. In terms of middle school seats, Ms. Roddy stated her office would be looking at September 30th enrollments. There are construction funds in 2004 for what has been identified as Windsor Mill Middle School. He supported Ms. Ross-Holmes idea of guidelines for new construction.

Ms. Ettinger reminded Board members of a projection comparison about two years ago using DeJung Report figures versus our own projections. Variances were noted, and Ms. Ettinger stated this data should act as a trigger for the Board to begin to study needs in various areas. She stated the Board might benefit from the updating of this data. Ms. Ettinger agreed with Ms. Ross-Holmes's idea of some standardized way of triggering mechanisms for future study.

Work Session &endash; Page 3

The work session was concluded at 5:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

___________________

Joe A. Hairston

Secretary-Treasurer

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