WHS BOND REFERENDUM: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, ISSUES, AND CONCERNS As of 20 July 2008

WHS BOND REFERENDUM: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, ISSUES, AND CONCERNS

As of 20 July 2008

?? July 2008

Citizens of Westerly;

The School Committee urges you to approve the bond referendum for improvements to Westerly High School when you vote on 4 November. The improvements the bond will finance are needed urgently in order for Westerly to continue to provide a quality education to our students.

Through the detailed efforts of the referendum subcommittee, which is comprised of citizens from various stakeholders in the town, we have developed a detailed list of questions, concerns and issues concerning the referendum. We also have provided accurate, clear and concise answers to each question, concern, and issue. Please read this document carefully. We trust these answers will resolve any reservations you have about the need for the referendum and will earn your support at the polls.

We recognize that there is no good time to pass a bond and that some of our citizens are facing economic challenges. We are committed to using the bond monies wisely and only for what is authorized. The School Committee firmly believes that the benefits of passing the bond, which will allow our schools to better prepare our students to be productive members of our town, which will help to maintain property values, and which will allow Westerly to attract quality businesses, significantly outweigh the challenges that the bond may create.

Sincerely,

Nancy Burns-FusaroChairpersonWesterly School Committee

Concern about taxes

1: What will be the total cost, adding principal and interest, if the State does reimburse 30% or $9,000,000 of the principal?

A: The total cost of the bond (principal + interest) is estimated to be ~$48M, less the 30% reimbursement of ~$14M yields a true cost to the town of ~$34M. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

The principle will be based on the independent review by A/Z Corporation and could be less than $30M. Town Finance Director suggested using a 5% interest with a 20 year life.

Concern about taxes

2: What will be the total cost, adding principal and interest, if the State does not reimburse 30% or $9,000,000 of the principal?

A: The total principle and interest for the life of the bond is estimated to be ~$48M. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

Concern about taxes

3: What are the specific terms of the 30% matching grant from the State that we are told about? We were told last time was our last chance. Now we are told the same.

A: Based on information from the Town Finance Director and RIDE, the bond will have a 20 year life, 5% interest rate and be reimbursed at 30% (principle and interest) by the Rhode Island Health and Education Building Corporation. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

Legislation was introduced to take the reimbursement away from Westerly. The legislation failed. It is possible that if we do not take advantage of this funding source, legislation will be reintroduced and MAY pass.

Concern about taxes

4. Q: How much can we trust the State, facing deficit problems of its own, to keep its word and reimburse that 30%?

A: The State, under financial constraints, could change the enabling legislation during the next legislative session. We cannot be sure. (PW)

Not sure how to answer this one. We should ask people like Dennis Algiere or Peter Lewiss for some context here. I believe that the commitment would be considered a law making a renege very unlikely. (DP)

Concern about taxes

5. Q: For how much longer can we trust the State, facing deficit problems of its own, to keep its word and reimburse that 30%?

A: Get RIDE document from Dr. DiPaola

The deadline is uncertain, but the State, under financial constraints, could change the enabling legislation during the next legislative session. We just do not know.

Concern about taxes

6: What happens if voters pass the bond, and the State then reneges upon reimbursing that 30%?

A: See previous question. The total cost of the bond is estimated to be ~$48M. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

Concern about taxes

7. Q: Where is this 30% State reimbursement commitment document, so we can read it ourselves?

A: Get RIDE document for Dr. DiPaola

Response pending. (Dr. DiPaola should produce this ASAP to maximize credibility.) (PW)

I have asked Dr. DiPaola for this documentation. He has responded with an email exchange with the contact person in Providence, but not anything “official.” Dr. DiPaola to comment further. If something exists, we should obtain a copy. (DP)

Concern about taxes

8. Q: What will be the expected interest rate for this borrowing?

A: 5% per input from Town Finance Director.

Concern about taxes

9: Where is this school bond financial impact statement, so we can see how this will affect our future finances?

A: See cost model spreadsheet.

Concern about taxes

10. By how much will this bond raise our taxes – if the State does reimburse 30%?

A: The median assessed value of a home in Westerly is ~$350K. For such a home, passage of this bond will increase the annual tax obligation by ~$92.15. This assumes no concurrent budget reductions and no funding from external sources (e.g., Feinstein Foundation). (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

Concern about taxes

11. Q: By how much will this bond raise our taxes – if the State does not reimburse 30%?

A: The median assessed value of a home in Westerly is ~$350K. For such a home, passage of this bond will increase the annual tax obligation by ~$131.65. This assumes no concurrent budget reductions and no funding from external sources (e.g., Feinstein Foundation). (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

Concern about taxes

12: How much will it cost the Town each year to pay off the bond debt, and for how many years – if the State does reimburse 30%?

A: Passage of this bond will oblige the Town to pay ~$1.7M for 20 years. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

Concern about taxes

13. How much will it cost the Town each year to pay off the bond debt, and for how many years – if the State does not reimburse 30%?

A: Passage of this bond will oblige the Town to pay ~$2.4M for 20 years. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

Concern about taxes

14. Do these yearly repayment costs get added to future school budgets? Will there be less room in future school budgets for teachers and programs?

A: The net impact of the bond (payment less revenue) will be an expense to Westerly Public Schools for 20 years. (Need to confirm with Ms. Dickey and Town Finance Director.)

Concern about taxes

15. Will this reduce future School or Town budgets?

A: The added annual net cost of the bond (payment less revenue) will reduce the flexibility of Westerly Public Schools budget. This will have to be managed with all feasible cost reduction measures. The cost model working group will make recommendations for the Westerly School Committee to consider.

Concern about taxes

16. How much more taxes will the average $350,000 homeowner pay per year for this and for how many years – if the State does reimburse 30%?

A: Preliminary analysis indicates taxes on a $350K home would go up ~$92.15 annually for the life of the bond (20 years).

Concern about taxes

17. Q: How much more taxes will the average $350,000 homeowner pay per year for this and for how many years – if the State does not reimburse 30%?

A: Preliminary analysis indicates taxes on a $350K home would go up ~$131.65 annually for the life of the bond (20 years).

Concern about taxes

18. Q: How much more taxes per $100,000 of property assessment will a homeowner pay per year and for how many years – if the State does reimburse 30%?

A: The bond is estimated to increase the tax rate by $0.26 per $1,000 of assessed value. This would equate to $26.00 per $100,000 of assessed value. The increase would be in effect for the life of the bond (20 years). (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

Concern about taxes

19. Q: How much more taxes per $100,000 of property assessment will a homeowner pay per year and for how many years – if the State does not reimburse 30%?

A: The bond is estimated to increase the tax rate by $0.38 per $1,000 of assessed value. This would equate to $38.00 per $100,000 of assessed value. The increase would be in effect for the life of the bond (20 years). (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

Concern about taxes

20. Q: How do you expect retirees, widows, and people on fixed incomes, with increased fuel, food, utility, and other costs, to pay these increases?

A: Need to articulate value to community beyond facility upgrade (e.g., indirect benefit to property values, marketability of real estate, economic development benefits, etc.).Also need to provide facts of how energy upgrades will SAVE money down the road (e.g., controlling the heat in the winter and keeping the windows shut will save money). (DP)

Concern about taxes

21. Q: What reasons can you give these people on fixed incomes, and increased costs, to pay these increases?

A: Education of our community’s kids has to be a priority for any citizen.Better schools = better towns = better local businesses = better property values

Pay now or pay more later, when costs are higher and we are forced into building new. Taxpayers have already had the benefit of deferring this tax cost. This project should have been started years ago. If you need proof, take a tour of the Ward building. (JB&KM)

The renovations are truly needed as investments in our children’s marketable skills and their future.

Heating plant changes will produce energy savings of (John Sutcliffe will supply) and pay for themselves in (Financial Group Input here) xx years.

We will prove that we are doing this in the most cost-effective manner.

The State can deny accredidation if the facilities are not up to standards. Get last accredidation document. Impact on college acceptance and on business moving into town if not accreditated

Concern about taxes

22. Will Westerly be able to pay the extra money for this bond every year - without exceeding the spending caps?

A: The bond, if passed, will have a $0.26 impact on the tax rate, assuming no other changes. The tax rate for the 2008-2009 budget is $8.87. In order to answer this question, one would have to know what other savings initiatives and other revenue would be considered. However, State law allows debt repayment to be separate from and to exceed the caps. Nonetheless, every feasible savings opportunity should be employed to reduce the tax impact of bond passage.

Concern about taxes

23.Please explain the budget spending caps?

A: Rhode Island General Law §44-5-2 (Paiva-Weed Law, aka: S-3050) limits the tax levy increase. Starting in 2007, the increase was limited to 5.25%. The percentage will decrease each year (5.25%, 5%, 4.75%, etc.) until the increase levy flattens at 4%.

Concern about taxes

24.What will this do to Westerly’s bond rating?

A: Check with Town Finance Director and Mr. Smith.

Concern about taxes

25. Q: What other expensive bonds will be sprung upon Westerly?

A: At this time, we know of no other bond referendums being planned by the Town

Distrust of the system

26 Q: Didn’t the school Phase I waste $13,000,000 on high school landscaping last time?

A: Many people think this was on trees and grass. We need to emphasize the hardscape projects of parking, streets, paving, etc. Possibly use an analogy of cost to pave a 25 foot wide driveway and line it with trees. Then multiply that by x amount to cover the amount of the high school property. (JB&KM)

Ask Dr. DiPaola for a high level breakdown of past bonds and their scope. (DP)

Also, funds were used to fulfill a commitment made to the adjoining neighbors of the high school to eliminate parking on the street and around Bellevue Ave. (JM)


27. Q: Didn’t the school department get money for new high school windows twice in the 1990’s and never did replace those windows?

Judge Lallo claims that the schools asked for $300,000 in the early 1990’s to replace the high school windows, then spent it on something else. And that they got another $300,000 to do the same thing within a year or two, and again spent it on something else. Need to check this

A: Check capital budget records.

.


28. Q: Why did the school department announce that recent $930,000 budget deficit as a surprise earlier this year? Can we trust them?

A: Doing first quarter budget analysis is difficult. As of 5 Feb 08, the SC was briefed that a deficet might occur. This was briefed in opens session at a school committeee meeting. There were several reasons that the deficet WPS is self-insured. There were some unexpected health benefits and tuition costs. The financial department of the school was understaffed. If WPS deferred maintenance, we would have avoided a deficet. Will report closely and frequently in the future.


29. A: Why doesn’t the school system maintain its schools?

WPS maintains the schools to the best of its ability, based on the financial assets provided. Of course, there is always room for improvement. For many years, cuts made by the Planning Board, Finance Board and the Town Council to capitol improvement requests from the School Committee have contributed to this problem. Also, recent findings by the Facilities Management Committee indicated in a report to the School Committee that the schools have been well maintained throughout the years.

The Director of Maintenance maintains a logbook for work done at each school. This logbook is available for review by any taxpayers. Anyone who has a specific criticism on maintenance should contact the Superintendent, who will be glad to discuss the specific issue with them.

We can’t change the past, but we are committed to the future. The current School Committee has demonstrated its commitment to maintenance and an example would be the WMS. We incurred a deficit because of our commitment to maintenance.

Did not cut school maintenance funding when TC established a maintenance fund (Taken from WPS operating budget) to maintain schools.


30. Q: What assurance do we have that the school department will maintain its buildings better in the future?

A: This is one of the documented goals and objectives of the current School Committee. In the past two budget years, no monies were cut or moved from the Maintenance Account. The age of some of our schools is a contributing factor to the perception that schools have not been properly maintained. The condition of the three newer schools, Dunns Corners, Springbrook and the Middle School contradicts this perception. The School Committee’s refusal to cut maintenance funding in SY 07-08 was one of the reason the District incurred a deficiet. We can not change the past but are committed to the future


31. Q: Why does the St. Pius School, built in 1870, look so good, when our schools do not?

A:This is not an equitable comparison. Much less foot traffic through St. Pius compared to any of the public schools. Much smaller facility – no gymnasium, no cafeteria, … Ability of parents/families to participate regularly in building/grounds upkeep without grievance. (JB&KM)

This is not necessarily a factual statement. Also, the Saint Pius X School was vacant and not used for many years (not as much wear and tear as some of the Westerly Public Schools). Saint Pius recently completed a building fund project which led to many of the current improvements and renovations. (JM)

WPS provides bus transportation for St Pius schools, which means St Pius does not have to spend money on transportation


32. Q: Why does my child have to go on a bus to the Bradford School when we have a school nearby?

A: Some students needed to be moved due to teacher lay-offs, and to maintain lower class sizes at the elementary levels. The School Committee has made a commitment to minimize these types of situations and will try to honor any parental requests to have students attend the elementary school in the district in which they live.


33. Q: When are you going to level with us about school closings?

A: The School Committee has been honest and forthright with all information regarding the potential closing a school. The School Committee is still in the discussion stage regarding this matter and no decision has been made at this point in time. During this discussion stage, the School Committee will keep parents and the community aware of what is taking place every step of the way. We also will expect, welcome, and encourage parent and community input at meetings that will be scheduled concerning this issue and any other budgetary items.

The SC is beginning to study a District reorganization plan. There will be public forums. By 1 November 2008, the SC will announce its plan for reorganization of the District.

Also, the SC will send out information to parents when schools open in the late summer of 2008.


34. Q: Why did the Phase I contractor get to recommend what to spend, then do the work, and also be the watch dog of its own work?

A: We were not on that project and cannot explain it. We plan to do this project with a much better structure – like the police station - which came in under budget and ahead of schedule. One School Committee member, David Patten, is experienced in such structures and was on the very effective oversight committee of the police station.

The WHS renovation project team, if approved by the voters, will be organized differently than past school projects.


35. Q: Why did the school department spend so little on kids’ textbooks last year?

A: WPS spends as much funds as possible on textbooks. We would like to spend more, but funds are not always available. We have allocated our limited funds as best we can. We encourage parents and the public to provide specific input. Here is a comparison, using R.I.D.E. data on funding spend on books and student services

Westerly: $333/student x 3000+ studentRI: Chariho: Johnston:


36. Q: Why are there so many administrators who do not get laid off when teachers do?

A: This is not a true statement. In 2007, the central office staff was reduce by 3 personnel through attrition. The duties of these 3 personnel were assigned to other staff persons. All staff is subject to lay-offs and based on School Committee discussions, recommendations from the Superintendent and contractual obligations decisions are made regarding lay-offs. We can assure you that all administrative positions have been closely scrutinized in the past and will be in the future. We feel all existing staff is vital to the operation of the Westerly School District. We certainly realize however, that due to budgetary limitations some of the positions may need to be eliminated or reduced resulting in the absorption of the duties of these positions among other staff. Also, Westerly Public Schools administrative staff is low compared to other similar school districts throughout the state (information to be provided by Dr. DiPaola).

Did not fill business managers position, the federal program director and the benefits coordinator in the last school year once the individual holding the position retired.

WPS also does not have a dedicated human resources manager. It is a collateral duty of the Director of Finance.


37. Q: Why can’t we get prompt, direct answers at School Committee meetings? The Town Council answers all of our questions.

A: This is not always the case and at times, we are not at liberty to respond immediately. If there is a concern or question we can not answer, we usually direct the Superintendent to follow up in a timely manner with the person who has raised the question.

The School Committee recognizes the public dissatisfaction with this matter and is looking to change its Citizen Input format to allow for more information and responses during School Committee meetings.


38. Q: When are we going to get highly experienced professional school labor negotiators, instead of the school solicitor, to protect us during labor contracts?

A: The School Committee has voted to send out an RFP (Request for Proposal) for a experienced, professional school labor negotiator to represent us during contract negotiations with the WTA. WPS will have to pay for a independent negotiator out of its operating budget


39. Q: Is it true that the last school contractor got a company bonus for doing so well for his company after Phase I?

A: The Town is responsible for obtaining an audit for the Phase 1 project.


40. Q: Why did the Phase I make a fancy high school campus and then include no walkway awning weather protection between the buildings?

A: Phase I, which was approved by the voters, did not include a plan for a walkway. Phase I created something similar to a college campus by combining the Ward and Babcock buildings into one campus. College students rarely have inter-building weather protection. Our students have learned to dress for the weather. This project is trying to save money, so it is unlikely to add the expense of a walkway, which is estimated at over $1 million.


41. Q: Did the Phase I school construction ever complete its audit requirement? Was the audit officially approved? Are we in compliance and legally able to start Phase II?

A: Response pending. See #39

This must be answered, clearly, credibly, and promptly. Suggest Dr. DiPaola do so.


42. Q: Where can we find the written Phase I audit report and proof of its acceptance?

A: Response pending. See #39

This must be answered, clearly, credibly, and promptly with written copies of proof. Suggest Dr. DiPaola do this.


43. Q: Why don’t we get believable figures on the costs of Town versus private bussing?

A:


44. Q: Why does the school department keep claiming that its schools are high-performing when student test scores are not?

A: “High Performing” is a State of Rhode Island definition that we are always happy to hear and cannot resist passing on. But Westerly’s paramount goal remains to provide the best education possible for our students.

WPS continually is looking to identify/evaluate its strengths and weaknesses in terms of student performance. Our goal is to improve continually in all aspects of student performance


45. Q: Why does it cost over $14,000 per student to educate our children?

A: Get figures for Westerly in comparison to RI and other town figures


46. Q: Why did the school committee try so hard to reject recommended accounting standards and reporting its finances to the Town which pays its bills?

A: We can not change past perceptions. The School Committee is committed to the openness and accounting standards required by Rhode Island General Laws, Title 16, 45, and included the Westerly Town Charter.


47. Q: Why didn’t the school department act on the study RISC paid for? Why is there such reluctance to speak to people who propose more efficiencies?

A: Negotiations with WTA started in October 2005. The Education Partnership report was received July 2006. Negotiations were almost complete by that time. Report was a restatement of data that WPS provided to the Education Partnership. There was nothing new in the report. The School Committee already had committed to all of the goals mentioned in the report. The Committee was successful in achieving some of its goals (for the first time all teachers pay 10% of health care insurance costs) and were unsuccessful in other areas. That is the nature of negotiations. Education Partnership recently was discredited. It filed for bankruptcy/reorganization in July 2008. Financial records in disarray.


48. Q: Why does the school department bow to the unions?

A: We are working towards reducing cost through careful negotiations. We have made some positive strides. In the last WTA contract, for the first time, every teacher pays 10% of their health care coverage costs.

The School Committee committed to having labor agreements that address the issue of public concern.

The School Committee has sent out an RFP to obtain an experienced, professional school labor negotiator for negotiations with the WTA


49. Q: Does the school leadership believe that there is a credibility gap, or does it believe there are just some “nay sayers?”

A: We recognize, from public comments, that some believe that there is a credibility gap. That disappoints us. We commit ourselves, through this project, to do our best to be totally credible and to encourage public questions and input to that end. We will work to improve open communications with the public.


50. Q: Why should Westerly trust you? How does the school leadership plan to increase credibility?

A: The professional and business practices of the referendum subcommittee members consistently have been credible and proper. We again commit ourselves, through this project, to do our best to be totally credible and to encourage public questions and input to that end. Every one of our meetings has been advertised and is open to the public. We encourage open discussion of our documents, figures, and plans. We actively are seeking increased membership from all stakeholders in Westerly.

Contact Louis Sposato or David Patten if you desire to join the referendum subcommittee

Cynicism about this proposal

51. Q: How do we know that all this stuff is really needed?

Q: KEY QUESTION. Public will want to know who determined and recommended these items. Investment in education invests in the children’s futures. (PW)

A superior school system can attract business executives and, therefore, businesses to Westerly.

Would you want your kids in a school building with no fire suppression system?

Take a tour and look for your own proof. Ask yourself if high school students deserve better? Video project to help with this. (JB&KM)


52. Q: Who did the needs assessment? Did the teachers, who use the facilities, tell us what was necessary? Or did a contractor decide what to build and bill to us?

A: Response pending. Public will want to know who determined and recommended these items.


53. Q: Is there a copy available of the needs assessment for each aspect of the project and who provided the input? Has declining enrollment been considered in that?

A: Response pending. Public will want to see this and some will complain if unavailable.


54. Q: How do we know that these claimed costs are legitimate; not just a contractor’s high bid and fudge factor?

A: We have arranged for the police station contractor, the AZ company, which finished under budget and ahead of schedule on the police station, to take a new look at these estimates.


55. Q: Are you just going to accept that last contractor’s claims about what this project will cost?

Q: No. We have arranged for the police station contractor, the AZ company, which finished under budget and ahead of schedule on the police station, to take a new look at these estimates.


56. Q: How do we know that the school department will actually spend these moneys as voted? After all, they occasionally have diverted moneys to other items before.

A: The claim that the school department has diverted monies before in incorrect. Bond referendum funds only can be spent on the action authorized by the bond. For Phase I, which was completed under budget, the actions taken were the action approved by the voters. When using town funds, maintenance projects are funded through the capital budget program. By law, the money can only be spent on the specific authorized project. For the money to be spent on a different project, the Capital Overview Committee (comprised of members of the TC, SC and other citizens) must approve the request. Then, the SC must send a letter to the TC requesting authorization to move the funds to another project. (Of note, the SC recent requested that left over monies from the BES windows project be authorized to be spent on the BES door replacement project.)


57. Q: Will the school department promise, in writing, to do the work that the bond would pay for?

A: By law, funds approved through a bond referendum only can be spent on the scope of work approved by the referendum.


58. Q: How do we know that some of this money isn’t just a slush fund to make up for budget cuts?

A: By law, funds approved through a bond referendum only can be spent on the scope of work approved by the referendum. If the project comes in under budget, the excess funds will be returned to the Town.


59. Q: Who will watch over how all this money is being spent?

A: We plan the kind of structure and oversight board with the same kinds of expert people who did such a good job with the police station. We encourage interested citizens to volunteer to serve on the oversight board


60. Q: Will there be a building committee staffed by several experts in project management such as was done at the Police Station?

A: Yes. We encourage interested citizens to volunteer to serve on the oversight board.


61. Can you explain why these renovations at the high school are supposed to cost more than twice ($30,000,000) what the brand new police station cost ($12,000,000)?

A: The projects can be compared using cost / square foot benchmarks. One should consider that new construction (Police Headquarters) differs from renovations (Westerly High School). A fact-based comparison can be done once we have a more fulsome cost estimate of the project.


62. Q: How do we know that the Ward and Babcock buildings are even strong and healthy enough to last the life of this bond?

A: Our engineers and architect believed the buildings to be suitable for renovation and there is no evidence to the contrary. Although no one can be sure of the structure deep inside, we have found no reason to believe that we should be tearing down these buildings to build far more expensive new ones. (PW)

Dr. DiPaola to provide structural engineering analysis previously done for both buildings (Ward and Babcock). (DP)


63. Q: Why don’t we just build a new, well-insulated high school instead of patching up an old one?

A: A new high school building with comparable squire footage was estimated to cost about $90,000,000 in 2007. Costs undoubtedly have increased since then. A $90M bond would never pass. The $25-$30M renovation is actually the lower-cost option.


64. Q: Isn’t the number of students in Westerly schools decreasing? How many students will the renovated high school have to accommodate ten years from now?

A: There are so many variables that any estimate must be viewed with caution. Our best estimates, using demographic data from the Town, predict a decrease from about 1100 students currently in the high school to about 1000 students five to ten years from now.


65. Q: Can’t we save money by shifting some students to the middle school and using less of the high school?

A: We have considered that and do not believe that shifting high school students to the middle school would achieve savings.

Be up front with response about the possibility of moving 5th grade in order to close an elementary school. Stop playing the information game. (JB&KM)


66. Q: So can’t we just renovate the Ward building and let Babcock go, because we do not need it?

A: There is insufficient space in either Babcock or Ward Halls to house the entire high school population, even if the population dips to 1000 students. In addition, renovations will take over a year. School must continue during that time. Sections of Ward Hall will be closed to be worked on and the population temporarily shifted to Babcock Hall.


67. Q: Are we free to choose any contractor or the most competitive contractor this time? If we don’t use the previous contractor from Phase I middle school, can that company sue us?

A: We believe that we are free to choose from all contractors, including the Phase I contractor, and have no obligation to any contractor. Solicitor Lallo advised us on July 2 that he is awaiting written confirmation of that from the lawyer who wrote the Phase I contractor contract.

The solicitor has stated this is the case and is in the process of confirming it in writing.


68. Q: Have we received legal proof, in writing, that we have no obligations to the Phase I contractor and are perfectly free to solicit bids from any contractor?

A: Not yet. Solicitor Lallo advised us on July 2 that he is awaiting written confirmation of that from the lawyer who wrote the Phase I contractor contract.


69. Why does just putting new furniture, new plumbing, and new electrical in our lab rooms cost so much?

A: The cost model will include an estimate of each program element. When this is complete, a more fact-based analysis of the total project cost can be done.


70 . Q: Why do new windows for the high school cost so much? The schools only asked for $300,000 to do them all in the 1990’s?

A: Mr Sutcliffe stated that there is no record of WPS receiving $300K in the 1990’s to replace windows. It would be a capital overview project, and there is no evidence of it (LPS)

Even if some windows were replaced, how many more still need to be?


71. Q: Will this have a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System certificate?

A: We have a committed building director who is well versed and has expertise in this area. Mr. Sutcliffe saved $39,000 in 2007-2008 alone by converting to natural gas for heating. Since WPS began its energy abatement program in 2004, we have saved over $500,000 in energy costs.


72. Q: Will this project better insulate the buildings to save on heating costs?

Q: Response pending. Doubt that these renovations include tearing down or expanding external walls to provide more insulation. Replacing old steam boilers with new hot water heating system will allow much better control and much less waste of heating energy and save xxx (John Sutcliffe).. The increased R values of the new windows will save xxx (John Sutcliffe).


73. Q: If there be not enough time between now and November 4 to do needed homework or analyses, shouldn’t we postpone this project until we get the answers?

A: The TC and SC voted unanimously to put this question on the ballot on 4 November. There will never be a “good” time to ask for a bond. The potential of losing the 30% reimbursement is very real. The likelihood grows the longer we wait. In the past legislative session, legislation was introduced in Providence to take the opportunity away from Westerly. The legislation failed, but based on the State’s financial situation, there is no guarantee that such legislation will not be introduced again during the next legislative session.


74. Q: Specifically, what will this facilities renovation do to help students learn more than what they are learning now?

A: Lab improvements with furniture modules for better student group configuration, and providing modern equipment - to replace labs built in the 1960’s will promote better learning in the sciences. CASE STUDIES - see separate doc. to be provided by Jen Brinton. Numerous studies have been published which show a direct correlation between the quality of school buildings and student achievement. There are some studies which show that renovations bringing school building conditions from poor to excellent resulted in a 10.9 point increase in student achievement. (JB)


75. Q: Will these facilities produce better student test scores or can we accomplish that in another more cost-effective way?

A: This is the bottom line and must be answered. (PW)

CASE STUDIES pending (JB&KM)


76. Q: Why doesn’t this expensive plan include overhead digital projectors and teacher computers in each classroom, to provide teachers with the best modern communication tools?

A: During the needs assessment, overhead projectors were not part of the education requirements asked for by the administration and the teachers, based on the amount of money available and the fact that other actions in the project were given a higher priority.


77. Q: Why do staff levels remain high despite falling enrollment?

A: This is an incorrect statement. In the past four years, WPS has laid off a total of ?? Teachers and ?? Teacher assistants.


78. Q: Isn’t it true that, when including school debt in the equation, that Westerly education costs more than $17,000 rather than $14,300 per student?

A: Show where Westerly sits in comparison to other districts in the state. RIASC would have data


79. Q: Did, as a July 8, 2008 letter to the Sun asserts, Westerly student SAT scores rank last out of the eight Washington County towns in 2006-2007?

A: SAT scores depend upon what portion of the students take the test (all or selected stronger students, exclusion of weaker students), teaching to the tests, parental support and expectations, the number of special needs students in a school, as well as the teaching. Ask Dr. DiPaola for figures and comments. (PW)

Elizabeth Panciera letter to Sun 7/11/08: Westerly has by far the highest percentage of economically disadvantaged students in the region – and economic disadvantage strongly correlates to low SAT scores.


80. Q: If the project, as did the police station, finishes under budget, will there be a stipulation that the excess money will not be transferred, used, or borrowed, so the total bond debt will be decreased and taxes will be less?

A: If the project comes in under budget, the amount borrowed will be reduced, thus saving the taxpayers money and reducing the financial impact to the tax rate.


81. Q: Will there be a review of existing room use schedules and alternative options in both buildings to determine whether rooms are used to full capacity – and then just renovate those rooms needed?

A: Currently, this project accepts the needs assessments formulated by Phase I. A number of people would like to see AZ corporation reassess these and other needs. Need School Committee decision here.


82. Q: Could we reconfigure some programs (based upon declining populations) to be taught in fewer classroom spaces, and only renovate (in a thorough manner) those spaces?

A: Currently, this project accepts the needs assessments formulated by Phase I. A number of people would like to see AZ corporation reassess these and other needs. Need School Committee decision here.


83. Q: What is the reason to change the science lab locations rather than rebuilding them in the current locations? What is the cost difference between these two options, everything considered? Will AZ look at this?

A: Recommend that AZ evaluate and report on this.


84. Q: What dollar allocation is being provided for new equipment to equip the new labs?

A:


85. Q: How much space is recommended for each student? How much for academics and how much for support space for students? How do our high school numbers compare with those recommendations?

A: Ask Dr. DiPaola.


86. Q: Have we or other schools found innovative ways to work with recommended student space numbers to meet all identified student educational objectives?

A: Ask Dr. DiPaola.


87. Q: Will there be a review of the decision making process that led to this plan and the $30,000,000? That should be part of this project if we want a number of people on board.

A: No. The scope of the project is based on the needs assessment, done with the participation of the administration and the teaching staff. The SC feels that the needs assessment remains valid.

Distrust of the System

88. Q: Why cannot teachers make simple copies of documents? Is it true that only teachers’ assistants can do that because of union requirements?

A: Ask Dr. DiPaola


89. The State 30% reimbursement is sent as annual revenue payments to Westerly each year over the life of the bond. Does it go to the Town for direct application to bond repayment, or to the School Department to be used as the School Department desires?

A: The 30% reimbursement of the principle and interest from the Rhode Island Health and Education Building Corporation will go directly to the debt service.


90. Q: Are we going to be ready to start construction by January, 2009, if this bond passes, considering that there is little time and much holiday time between November 4 and January?

A: Once the bond passes, the work must be put out for bid, then designs finalized. Actual construction is not estimated to begin until the fall of 2009 and will last 12-15 months.


91. Q: All that ($xxx) for windows? How many windows are there in the high school?

A: Ward Building: 280 windows

Babcock Building: 236 windows

(John Sutcliffe)


92. Will the proposed heating plant investments save their investment costs over the remaining life of the units, or life of the buildings?

A: It is generally accepted in the construction industry that energy savings investments, also called “LEED” or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, far exceed the design and construction of such upgrades. This is based on the USGBC, National Research Council and typical cost of capital.


93. Q: Will the costs of the proposed window replacements with increased R values save their investment costs over the remaining life of the windows, or life of the buildings?

A: It is generally accepted in the construction industry that energy savings investments, also called “LEED” or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, far exceed the design and construction of such upgrades. This is based on the USGBC, National Research Council and typical cost of capital.

94. Q: Is it true that a parents’/citizens’ group offer to voluntarily repaint the Tower Street School for free was rejected because of union influence?

A:


95. Is it true that some teachers give busy work to students when the class begins and then just “surf” the internet instead of teaching? Is there any policy for monitoring of internet use by students? Teachers? Administrators? Is it being done?

A: This statement is false. WPS policy ## specifies how computers can be used during school hours. “Surfing: the internet is not allowed. The policy applies to students, teachers and administrators.


96. Q: Is there an expert Quality Improvement Team regularly looking at the details and looking for the inevitable problems in the education delivery process?

A: School process improvement teams?


97.Q: Has the School department developed measurement parameters for each component of its activities?

A: ?


98. Q: Will the School Committee establish such a Quality Improvement Team, including quality improvement experts, providers, payers, and consumers of education?

A:


99. Q: Is or will the School Committee be gathering issues to be presented at the next WTA contract negotiations?

A: Yes. The SC is in the process of beginning to develop its strategic goals for negotiations with the WTA


This report was prepared by the

Red Cell Working Group of the

Referendum Sub-Committee

Jennifer Brinton

Kristin Martino

Jim Murano

Fred Sculco

Philo Willetts

Documents

WHS BOND REFERENDUM: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, ISSUES, AND CONCERNS As of 20 July 2008