Ms. DaCruz discussed updates to the RISE letter and the plan for releasing RFPs for architects and owner's representatives, with a draft to be sent for feedback and approval by the Mayor, Mr. Caluro, and Mr. Egan. The team also discussed the lease-to-purchase agreement with a principal and the need to include previous architectural drawings in the RFP bidding process for a new project. Additionally, the board approved the lease to purchase agreement and the purchase and sales agreement for the Blackridge property, with a public announcement of a Stage 2 submission for the project to follow.

Ms. DaCruz discussed ongoing updates to the RISE letter to RIDE Committee, with a focus on changing the language from financial support to general support. She also mentioned the pursuit of an update for the upcoming school year with the Teacher Retirement System, which involved a call with RIDE and the pension. Ms. DaCruz emphasized the need for transparency and the importance of having everything in writing. She also mentioned the need to plan for a potential claw back, which could be around 25%. Lastly, she expressed the need for a workbook from ERSRI to start entering their people and to have everything buttoned up by the end of March for budget purposes.

Next steps: 

• Ms. DaCruz and Ms. Waller to finish drafting RFPs for architect and owner's rep positions.

• Mr. Izzy to review draft RFPs for architect and owner's rep positions.

• Mayor, Mr. Caluro and Mr. Egan to meet mid-March to review and approve RFPs for architect and owner's rep positions.

• Ms. DaCruz to table procurement items for construction manager, educational planner, and commissioning agent until the April meeting.

• Ms. DaCruz to connect with Webex (?) regarding timelines for the new high school project.

• Ms. Waller to explore pre-development cost loan options for upfront costs of the high school project.

• Ms. DaCruz to prepare a communication plan with Mike Trainer for a press release and press conference to announce the new high school site purchase, targeting early April.

• Ms. DaCruz to include the lease purchase agreement and purchase and sales agreement in the Stage 2 submission to RIDE in September.

• Board to follow up on pension issue resolution with the State Pension system.

Ms. Hamilton presented the updates and stated that she was very happy about the collaboration with Mike Trainor and Ms. DaCruz. Ms. Hamilton reiterated that the goal is to be very transparent. 

Ms. DaCruz outlined the plan for releasing RFPs for architects and owner's representatives in mid-March. She suggested drafting the RFPs and having them reviewed by Mr. Izzy and potentially 2-3 board members before release. The other RFPs will be brought as regular items to the next meeting.

Ad Hoc Subcommittee Formation:

Ms. DaCruz proposed a draft to be sent for feedback and discussed its approval by the Mayor, Mr. Caluro, and Mr. Egan, with a release expected in mid-March. Mr. Izzy suggested taking a vote on these actions. They discussed forming an ad hoc subcommittee to finalize and release certain offers. Kat suggested a motion to approve forming this subcommittee to review procurements.