Education Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION COMMITTEE Tuesday, January 2, 2018 Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT: Guang Ming Whitley, Chair; Tom O’Rourke STAFF PRESENT: Eric DeMoura, Town Administrator ALSO PRESENT: Anna Dassing, Principal, Lucy G. Beckham High School Ms. Whitley called the meeting to order at 11:17 a.m. 1. Public Comments Marie-Louise Moreto 1133 Liberty Court, stated that she is the President of the Mount Pleasant Community Arts Center (MPCAC), and is also collegiate mixed media artist, past president of the Mount Pleasant Artist Guild and a former member of the Town’s Cultural, Arts & Pride Commission. She said that her background has been almost exclusively in theatre. She said she was a member of the New York Ensemble Studio Theatre and also the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, who are the people that give away the Emmy Awards. She said that the MPCAC is a center without a home and a 501c3 non-profit, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and their mission is to increase access to the arts in Mount Pleasant by the creation of a Community Arts Center for everyone’s use. She said it would be a place where the local artist organizations could perform, present exhibits and where the community itself could create art. She said that their mission is to enhance the arts by providing a venue where residents can learn, create, rehearse and perform without having to travel outside of Mount Pleasant. She said that this would support businesses that derive income from the arts,  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 2 of 20 employment opportunities for individuals who create arts, and a reputation as a tourist destination with concerts, shows, workshops, exhibits and book fairs that would draw people to Mount Pleasant. Carol Hallman, 2352 Parsonage Woods Lane, said that she is part of the governing Board for the Community Arts Center. She said that they are aware that there is a possibility for some assistance from this Committee as they contemplate a contribution of $400,000 to help the performing arts center at the new Lucy Beckham High School. She understands that a similar partnership was undertaken and achieved several years ago when Wando High School was built, and they are interested in working with the Town to find some common ground. She said that affordable facilities in Mount Pleasant built for rehearsing, performing and doing arts is difficult to find. She said when they are found, they are in organizations such as churches or schools where they already have a full range of activities; therefore, availability is an issue. She said they are looking at a summer offering, given the former arrangement with Wando High School, that they may be able to find a way to launch their summer stock offerings and obtain more traction. She said that they are three years old and the first year they did organizational development, the second year, they did strategic planning and now they are in the implementation phase. Keely Enright, 1245 Dearsley Court, Producing Artistic Director of the Village Repertory Company which is currently located downtown Charleston at the Woolfe Street Playhouse. She said they were founded in Mount Pleasant and for eleven years, were Mount Pleasant’s resident theatre company. She said that she has been a resident of the Town over 20 years and she does care about what the artistic community looks like in Mount Pleasant, which has been her priority since moving to the Town. She does not believe that $400,000 of the Town’s funding should go to the school district. She said had this funding gone towards a repurpose, an up-fit, or help on a build, the Village Repertory Company would have stayed in Mount Pleasant. She said the work that gets curated at a high school is not what she believes is what this Town deserves. She said it did not work at Wando High School, which is not used by the community and  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 3 of 20 has not been. She said whatever funding the Town allocated towards this project twenty years ago, a vibrant arts scene has not come out of the use of Wando High School. She said she is not sure why the Town wishes to do this again. She does not believe this is the best use of Town funds. She wishes the Town would embrace having an arts center built outside of the high school or Recreation Department situation. She said that the Town deserves to have a vibrant arts community. She said that she does not believe that the Town should spend $400,000 on a high school and said the school district should be spending their own money and let that be the high school’s project. She truly believes that the Town needs an arts center, and that it is important to the Town. Kevin Cunnane, 3032 River Vista Way, said that with regards to providing funding to the school district, he has been to School of the Arts and West Ashley High School, for different performances and asked if the municipalities provided funding for those facilities. He asked why the Town of Mount Pleasant is being asked to contribute, and not everyone else. 2. Update on the construction of Lucy G. Beckham High School Anna Dassing, Principal of Lucy Garrett Beckham High School, said the presentation she has is simply an overview. She said the first slide is a brief background on herself.  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 4 of 20 She stated that the next illustration is where they are in the timeline and said that everything is on track to be open in the fall of 2020. She said that the next illustration indicates why they selected some of the programs that are going into this new 912 comprehensive high school. She said being a second high school in Mount Pleasant is a very unique opportunity. She said Wando High School is able to offer many different programs and opportunities for students, but the size of Wando High School has been a particular challenge. She said when the school district,  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 5 of 20 Town and Community members began thinking about what was needed in a second high school, they thought about the workforce needs and needs for the area, as well as the profile of the South Carolina graduate. She said they wanted to ensure that the students have the knowledge, skills and life and career characteristics they want all children to have. She said they began looking at the workforce needs and the information that came from the Chamber of Commerce, as to the areas they see as a need for the high school to address. She said they will have a full core of academics focused on college and career readiness in all levels from college preparatory, honors, advanced placement and dual credit with some of the local colleges.  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 6 of 20 She said that they are considering adding Mandarin as a language. She said career and technology courses are some of the areas they are also looking to add. She said in addition, they are going to be a very strong school for the visual and performing arts. She said that she has personally seen what the arts have done for her son, who has been in the band since the sixth grade. She said that they  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 7 of 20 are also looking at ways to incorporate a recording studio. She said this would be at all levels. She said that athletics, JROTC, and Physical Fitness are just a listing of the programs they are looking at. She said that they are in the process of looking at Navy JROTC, but need assistance with this program.  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 8 of 20 She reviewed the site plan with Committee members and said that the stadium piece will be demolished, but will have a full track field. She said there are two athletic fields. She stated that this is a rendering of the front elevation as well as the front entrance. She said the following is the entrance to the Performing Arts Center and added that the parking lot next to it will allow direct access to the large courtyard.  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 9 of 20 She stated that the Performing Arts Center is a dedicated area and will have accessibility for evening and weekend performances with a separate entrance coming in off of the side. She said that after events, people are able to flow out into the courtyard.  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 10 of 20 She stated that they will have an outdoor serving line, as well as an indoor serving line for meals.  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 11 of 20 She stated that the gymnasium will be able to seat 1,500 people with a smaller auxiliary gym, which will be located on the first floor. She stated that the media center will be located on the second floor.  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 12 of 20 She said that one unique feature of the media center is that it goes into the third floor, to a space referred to as a “maker space”, which is an opportunity and an area were students, adults and teachers are able to use to create different things. She stated that the “maker space” will have a heavy emphasis on technology, but could also blend in when addressing Science, Technology, Engineering, and the Arts. Ms. Whitley suggested moving to item #3.  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 13 of 20 3. Consideration for funding of enhancements to the performing arts center at Lucy G. Beckham High School Ms. Dassing stated that this is the Performing Arts area and believes that everyone understands budgets and the constraints the school district has. She said that the Performing Arts Center is planned to seat approximately 500 people and are currently in the process of looking at some of the finishes and how to upgrade the audio and visual capabilities. She said that due to the building constraints, they do not have a traditional loft space, so they are thinking about projection and the audio visual pieces that can be done without adding huge funding and time, because they have a very limited budget. She said there is a nice lobby area and have a dedicated entrance, as well as storage. She said one of the directions they were asked to look at was updating the audio/visual pieces and are working with a company to help them understand what pieces to add. She said as far as upgrading some of the finishes, they are looking at additional display space to do more gallery type presentations and would be something the two and three D art students could use and have as an area for display. She said they are also looking at upgrading some of the theatrical pieces with some of the  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 14 of 20 sound shelves, acoustics and upgrading some of the seating. She said they are also upgrading the bathrooms there in order to have a place that the community is able to use that is not a traditional high school restroom. Ms. Whitley said that she appreciates Ms. Dassing coming in to provide the Committee with an update on the school and theatre. She said there has been significant discussion in the community regarding the need for a performing arts center. She said with the cost of land and building an entire theatre, she believes this is an opportunity for the Town to make an investment in the school to upgrade in order to be a more professional level facility in exchange for use. She realizes that this was accomplished in the past with Wando High School; however, this use did not happen. She said what was discussed was a specific use agreement to where there is dedicated time for the Town to have access to the facility. Ms. Dassing said that what will be very different is that the Lucy Beckham High School will be much easier to access and be more centralized. She said that they are very open to looking at how to partner with local artists to be able to work with the students. She added that they are dedicated to the arts and understand the importance and will be looking for ways to  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 15 of 20 enhance their students’ experience as well as the community’s experience. She said there will also be opportunities during the summer and breaks, as well as evenings and weekends for performances. She said there was also discussion to use this as a lecture hall during the day. She said they are open to working directly with the Town and the community to ensure this is a space for everyone. Mr. O’Rourke said that based on comments made by the public, asked how the existing agreement with Wando High School works now. He asked if there was a contract with Wando High School for use of the auditorium. Mr. DeMoura said that when this transpired a number of years ago, he is not sure a use agreement was signed off by both parties. Mr. O’Rourke recommended that if the Town is going to sign one, to sign it in this Committee, in order to justify the funding. He said that certain uses could be accomplished at one school and some at the new school. He said that we do not know who will come after Ms. Dassing; however, if there is a contract, it protects the Town going forward. He suggested going back and accomplishing two agreements at one time. Ms. Dassing said that there is currently a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the school district and the Town for Wando and some of the athletic facilities. Mr. DeMoura pointed out that this is for athletics only. Ms. Dassing stated that the MOU she saw most recently, she believes the district is considering updating, and would like to work with the Town. She said it basically states that as long as the schools are not using it, the Town has first access. Mr. DeMoura stated that the Town would not agree to those terms for a contribution of this size at this facility. Mr. O’Rourke said that good contracts make for good partnerships. He said that when you are in a comfortable facility, this could really add to the performing and visual arts for the Town’s citizens. He said that  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 16 of 20 utilizing both a Wando and Lucy Beckham High School agreement would serve both. Ms. Dassing said that the facilities are very different. She said that the Lucy Beckham High School has a small facility and does not have a balcony or a pit or a full loft type system, which is why they are looking to do something different. She said if the community has access to this at Wando, then what could Beckham High School contribute in order to compliment that. Ms. Whitley said that what they gathered from their first meeting at Charleston County School District was more about the technical side, such as upgrading the audio/visual/lighting and knows that they are working on the finishes so it does not feel like a high school auditorium, but truly a professional level performing arts center. She said what is needed is a recommendation that this be in the Capital Plan so that Town Council is able to review it and decide if they would like to move forward with this, with a clear caveat that there needs to be a very strong use agreement in place so that the Town has regular access to the facility, as well as the opportunity to partner with community groups. Mr. O’Rourke said that he is not certain it is in the Capital Plan, because it is not the Town’s facility. He suggested that there be a meeting with the School District and Mr. DeMoura to discuss details and then bring to Town Council for consideration. Mr. DeMoura said if this Committee and Council feel this way, it would take it out of the competitive process of the CIP. He said that he would like to discuss further how this would work. Mr. O’Rourke said that he would be in favor of this if there is a contract; however, would not support it without one. He believes this would be the best thing for the citizens. Gary Santos, 1690 Greystone Boulevard, said that in the late 1990’s the Town partnered with the School District for approximately $200,000 for Moultrie to put in lights and with Cario, put close to $800,000 into putting up lights. He said there were Council meetings out at Wando’s  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 17 of 20 facility once a year. He said that the Town was already working on the soccer facility at the school and partnering up. He said the school district has been great and when they are not using their fields, the Town is able to utilize them. He said this helps everyone. He said the Town has a great relationship with the school district and looks forward to furthering this with the new high school. He said that it is important for the Town and school district to work together, because at the end of the day, these are the children of Town residents using these facilities. Will Haynie, 316 Mallard Court, stated that he believes this has potential, because the Town needs to enhance the arts in the community. He said that there are some details that the Town and School District need to be clear on. He said the contract is one, but the others are the technicalities. He asked where the programming will come from and who is going to be putting on the plays or musical performances if the Town contributes. He suggested asking the community. He said that previously he raised money for this type of program and asked if there is an opportunity to obtain the community’s support. He asked if the school district is open to the idea of a benefactor and if certain rooms or sections or seats be named after benefactors, which would reduce what the Town would be contributing and the community would be buying into this performing arts center, making this a real community arts center. He said these are only some thoughts. Kathy Landing, 2114 Seewee Indian Court, said that this is a subject that is near and dear to many of the citizens. She strongly believes that there is a much bigger picture here, that in an effort to diversify the economy in Mount Pleasant, we are going to be working on some economic development ideas that could fit beautifully with a Performing Arts Center and perhaps also with Lucy Beckham High School and Wando High School. She said she attended many performances when her son was active in the drama program at Wando High School. She said it was a high school environment with high school bathrooms. She said that she believes this is a broader picture that may need to be addressed at the Town Council Retreat. She said her thoughts were when she saw the  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 18 of 20 auditorium that there could be the possibility of it being a terrific venue for screening films. She said not just for theatre, but film as well. Bob Brimmer, 2380 Parsonage Woods Lane, said that what we are hearing is a great deal of support for pursuing this. He said there are a number of details that need to be addressed and economic development is an opportunity to expand those who do come to Mount Pleasant. He said with the experience at Wando High School and over the years, they have expanded and made improvements. He asked if the upgrades that are being discussed are something that would need to be done at the time of construction or are these upgrades something that could be reviewed in two to five years, when the school district could budget funding. Ms. Dassing said that they could always add on; however, they are very limited in space. She added that the school district has capital plans and this high school has a set amount. She said it is not likely they will receive additional funding. Mr. Brimmer said that this funding request is late in the planning and asked if this is something that must be now while the building is being constructed or may it be reviewed after construction is completed. Mr. DeMoura stated that the upgrades that have been discussed are cosmetic in nature and are not too late to be included in the budget, and also technology. He said that now is likely the opportune time or within the next six months for the funding enhancements. Mr. O’Rourke asked if Mr. Brimmer was referring to the Town’s contributions. Mr. Brimmer responded in the affirmative. Ms. Moreto said that as beautiful as the plans are, she sees the performing arts center at the Lucy Beckham High School as more of a lecture space than a theatre space. She said that when discussing the upgrades and the financial cost, if you upgrade it later, it is more expensive. She said that what she sees lacking is theatre lighting and to  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 19 of 20 add it afterwards, will affect not only the design of the theatre, but the cost. She said it would be more cost effective to do any upgrades prior to being built, to make this a functioning theatre. She said that she also did not see in any of the plans the backstage area for dressing room facilities. She would like to suggest that before they move further with the plans for building this, to bring the arts and theatre organizations together to gather input for what is needed for a professional functioning theatre. Ms. Whitley asked Mr. DeMoura if this is appropriate for the CIP. Mr. DeMoura said that he believes it is, because it is such a significant cost that it must be taken in the same context as all the other large expenditures. He said that the Town is not building it, but investing approximately half a million dollars and must be considered at the same time as the other projects. He said it is not technically a CIP project, but the funding makes it worthy of consideration. Mr. O’Rourke said that how we monetize this is up to the Town. He said the programmatic elements of this, there are professional groups in the community that know what they are doing. He believes that in a community such as Mount Pleasant, we will be able to do this. He said that what the Town needs to make sure of is that the Town is protected as a Town and financially, and the taxpayers are protected. He asked if it is too late to go back and have public meetings with the designer. Ms. Dassing stated that they are in the construction documents now and what the Committee has seen today was not completely ready for presentation. She said that the lighting packages and other additional items, are items that have already been discussed. She said there may still be some opportunity to add. Mr. O’Rourke made a motion that the Town request McMillan Pazdan Smith to meet with the Mount Pleasant Community Arts Center, the Cultural Arts and Pride Committee and those in the arts community in order to gather consensus and would then like to recommend that the funding be taken to the CIP for consideration by full Council, because there are many questions to answer and much work to be done, but does  Education Committee January 2, 2018 Page 20 of 20 not want this to slow the progress, and would like to move forward, which starts with public input, and if there is lighting or other elements, it should be included so that those costs could be considered as part of the CIP; seconded by Ms. Whitley. All present voted in favor. 4. Adjourn There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 12:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ashe January 2, 2018