Frank reported that this is our 4th FOIA request.  In the month of September, U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders requested EMSA's student directory.  A student directory is FOIA-eligible as long as it's not used for commercial purposes.
 

Frank noted that he reports to the board every month and that thus the board is aware of the financial situation of the school.

The school is in stable financial condition.  We ended with a financial surplus last year. 

 

Mel reported that the Outreach Committee has participated in several outreach events and there are a few more big ones coming up:  Salvation Army and Housing Authority.

Melanie summarized the renovation of the Art Barn.  She introduced Brandon Hall, lead architect from Wheeler Kearns Architects (WKArch).  She then outlined the design opportunities for the campus.

Goals:  honor EMSA's mission, vision, and values.  Financially and environmentally sustainable design. Support student learning and EL Education.  Respect the rich history of the campus.

 

Brandon Hall of WK Arch presented the design process and iterations.  He introduced the current options and ideas.

Wall space being a premium, framing views outside, shared space open and light-filled.  Larger class sizes.  

Some of the questions from the audience included bathroom and locker set-up, teacher types (math, science, ELA), where would 5th Grade be, when will these cabins be ready, where is the cafeteria, ....

Heavier mass of classes with lighter connection space.  All classrooms will have abundant natural life.  Storage systems built in.  Keeping spaces as flexible as they can be.

Would love feedback on materials.  E.g., Cedar shingles shown--easily maintained.  Other wood materials and "standing seam" metal.

He touched on the schedule for design and construction.

He opened the floor up to questions and input.  Some of these included:
Parking, Morton Arboretum has permeable pavers, metal facing not appealing, libraries, burden of buying books for classroom  can be expensive, cart system for library didn't work, window--why can't we have more in cabins, can we survey kids as well, sports, can partner with other schools--partnering, what about arts & music, foreign languages, clubs, partner with local resources (for clubs), U-46 Pathways, promote magnet/academies, security, security guard, color-coded shirts for grades, will kids wander, can these slides be shared now, electives, band, orchestra, chorus, entry to campus (improvement), school zone signs, evacuation concerns.