School Facilities Ad Hoc Committee

School Facilities Ad Hoc Committee Committee Co-Chairpersons Marnie Morrione, District 5, Portland Board of Education ∙ Ethan K. Strimling, Mayor David Brenerman, District 5 City Councilor Nicholas M. Mavodones, At-Large City Councilor Justin Costa, District 4 City Councilor Sarah J. Thompson, At-Large Board of Education Stephanie Hatzenbuehler, District 4 Board of Education Anna Trevorrow, Chair, Board of Education Thursday, January 19, 2017 5:30pm – 7:30pm City Hall – Council Chamber DRAFT Meeting Minutes & Notes The meeting began at 5:35pm. Attendance: Mayor Strimling, School Board Member Marnie Morrione (Committee Co-Chairs) Councilors: David Brenerman, Justin Costa, Nicholas Mavodones School Board Members: Board Chair Anna Trevorrow, Stephanie Hatzenbuehler, Sarah Thompson Superintendent Xavier Botana Deputy City Manager Anita LaChance Special Assistant to the Mayor Jason J. Shedlock Mayor Strimling and Board Member Morrione began the meeting by welcoming the Committee members and the public and letting the attendees know the purpose of the evening. This meeting would consist of brief updates on school scoring based on the recently-completed School Facilities Assessment, a presentation of information provided by the State Department of Education, Committee member proposal presentations, a public hearing on any Committee Member proposal(s), and a Committee vote. Mayor Strimling also stated that courtesy of Portland Public Schools and Superintendent Botana, the childcare would be available until 8pm in Room 24. The minutes of the December 22, 2016 meeting of the School Facilities Ad Hoc Committee were approved unanimously. Superintendent Botana shared that according to the scoring based on the state rubric, performed by Sebago Technics and based on facilities needs alone, the needs at PATHS/Casco Bay High School, Reiche, Longfellow, Portland High School and Lyseth – in that order, scored the highest need. He stated that typically the state does not fund more than one school – if any – in Portland, and he and the School Board would determine which schools to apply for in the upcoming funding round. He noted the needs at PATHS/Casco Bay High School, as well as Portland High School were significant and very expensive. 1 Mayor Strimling explained a memo that was sent to him as a response to questions related to Portland schools’ chances based on previous years’ scores and rankings. The memo, from Scott Brown, Director of School Construction Programs at the State Department of Education, stated that there has been increased interest in funding for the upcoming round, that new schools with more need may apply, and that previous scores do not dictate one’s placement on the new list. Councilor Mavodones then presented his school facilities proposal, which entailed funding two schools (Lyseth and Presumpscot) locally and recommending the School Board apply for Longfellow and Reiche. His proposal would add back in the parking improvements for Lyseth/Lyman Moore $247,489 as well as an additional $1,450,000 for the Lyseth bus loop and field work. The total local funding for this proposal would be $31,625,732. Councilor Mavodones stated that this proposal would save the taxpayers money while waiting to see where Reiche and Longfellow score on the upcoming state funding list. He stated that given the amount of time it would take to complete all four schools, that he felt it prudent to ask the state one more time to fund two of the four schools. (See attachment for more details) Mayor Strimling then formally proposed the Committee Co-Chairs’ proposal. It mirrored the proposal discussed at the last Committee meeting: a $60,958,164 plan, developed in concert with school principals and officials, that would guarantee the rehabilitation of all four schools by funding them locally, while contemplating the School Board would seek state funding for other schools identified with the heaviest needs. The proposal would spread the borrowing over 6 years to minimize impact and also restore the solar domestic hot water heater for the Reiche pool. (See attachment for more details) After the formal presentation of the proposals, a public hearing on the plans followed. Below is a snapshot of each participant’s comments. Sarah – Bowdoin College (in support of four school bond) • Adequate school facilities support better education • Issues like temperature, light, acoustics, air quality are proven to impact: o Illness and absenteeism o Morale and motivation o The perceived value of students and parents o Academic performance o Teacher retention Steve – Resident & Former Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • Also an architect • Frustrated by so many studies pointing to same conclusion • If Councilors had children in the system, it would have been completed already John – Member, Board of Public Education (in support of four school bond) • We must not turn our back on public education • We are choosing not to deal with safety and learning issues • Support full measure of bond to protect our most vulnerable residents Anetta – Former Reiche Parent & Current Ed Tech (in support of four school bond) 2  • While some problems have been fixed at these schools, more problems exist and will not go away • Action is overdue Justin – Longfellow Parent (in support of four school bond) • Also had a child in pre school • There is no good reason to delay • We’ve been prudent to the point of neglect for far too long Ben – Longfellow Parent (in support of four school bond) • When he moved here years ago, the factor was the good schools • Not sure of parents would say the same thing now • Act to invest in community and attract parents like him from outside of the city Peter – North Street (opposed to four school bond) • Had two children got o Reiche, two more step children • Offered a note of caution on the cost • Largest bond in history of Portland could tie up binding capacity • Take a hard look at closing and consolidating schools instead • Not a good time to borrow so much in the face of uncertainty at the federal level • This issue should be decided on during a general election or even waiting until 2018 Gene – Thomas Street (in support of four school bond) • Most jurisdictions fund school improvement locally • We have gotten our fair share of state money (Hall, Riverton) • Time for local taxpayers to step up and pitch in • Others around us fund their school needs locally and do not rely on the state o Westbrook, Kennebunk/Arundel, Wells, Durham/Pownal/Freeport, Gorham, Biddeford Holly – Member, Board of Public Education (in support of four school bond) • This effort is long overdue • The voters deserve the chance to decide • It’s unfair to students who have to learn in such different environments (new schools vs old) • Mold and mildew in schools make people sick Bill – Congress Street (in support of four school bond) • Must scuttle policy to let schools get worse in order to qualify for state funding • Tax base is increasing • Buildings have become a distraction • We fund gold courses, new field turf and pond renovations instead • Must make our kids a priority Spencer – Portland City Councilor (in support of a four school bond) • Must fix all four schools • Work with community on cost and participatory budgeting. Maybe $40M? • Four schools should get what they deserve • Four school package should be send along to the full Council to debate 3 Jessica – Berkley Street (in support of four school bond) • purchased in Portland 15 years ago • Has paid for Capisic Pond, the Civic Center, etc • Now finally ready for tax dollars to pay for our schools • We must help keep families in Portland • A look at news reports on our schools – 8 of 10 articles highlight dire need o Not a selling point for new families • It’s more than just parents who want this – it’s the community • The school board has not failed. They have applied to the state and tried for 20 years. • It’s the Council that needs to step up and let the voters decide Mike – Beacon Street (opposed to four school bond) • If we funded only these, what would happen to other schools? • How are we going to manage $300M need across entire district? • Fears this bond would shortchange high schools • We must focus only on health and safety needs, learning achievement John – Spring Street, King Parent (in support of four school bond) • First generation Reiche graduate • Alarmed at degradation of his former school and other schools • This bond isn’t about fancy frills for schools – it’s to meet the needs identified • People used to choose schools because of their quality – that no longer happens • Let voters decide – democracy is at stake Chris – Spring Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • Substandard facilities at Reiche (roof, noise, temperature) • Hoping for state funding – again – is a long shot and a gamble • Should not gamble with the safety of our schools • There’s a sense of pride when a community steps up and funds its own schools • Let voters decide Katrina – Congress Street (in support of four school bond) • Has worked in a lot of classrooms across the area • These four schools need it most • Would not send her kids to any of them Laura – Bayview Drive (in support of four school bond) • There is a link between education and architecture • Serves on Hall School Building Committee • Environment is the third teacher, behind the classroom teacher and one’s peers • Must think of equity across the city • Staff must also be thought of – they need to work in substandard conditions Anna – Salem Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • Recently a partition wall fell over at Reiche, kids could have gotten hurt • We must not wait for an injury or worse 4 Joanne – Grant Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • Loves her neighborhood and says it’s important to invest in ourselves • Cultural diversity must be protected and invested in • Crime increases if we don’t invest in early childhood education Seth – Roberts Street (in support of four school bond) • Elementary schools are important part of our community • You need to reach kids early or attrition sets in without investment • Businesses need educated workforce • We will see the impacts of shortchanging our schools in the deterioration of our communities Sue – President, Portland Education Association (in support of four school bond) • Three sons who went to Portland public schools, two grandchildren at Lyseth • We must address critical infrastructure needs and safe schools with a focus on learning environments • PEA supports the full four school bond – must put it to voters and act now Richard – State Representative (in support of four school bond) • Serves on Education Committee • Been to meetings around state and knows the key to business development is workforce development • Need for modern facilities to prepare workforce is critical • We cannot wait any longer – we have waited 20 years • Not only supports these four schools, but also more investment going forward to meet needs Benny – Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • 6-foot-tall, 25-foot-long wall fell at Reiche • Kids do well in school despite of unacceptable environment • They should not have to worry about their surroundings • We must think of the next generation of kids Peter – Francis Street, Former School Board Chair (in favor of action to repair schools) • Presided over many moves and relocations of kids, difficult decisions • In the face of $320M need, decisive action is needed • The need was $110M 10 years ago, cost is not going down • Most unacceptable would be no action at all Katherine – Greystone Street, Former Presumpscot Parent (in support of four school bond) • Considered leaving Portland but decided to stay – would not make same decision now • Skunks living under Presumpscot trailers • Buildings make a difference and welcome families • We must have a sense of urgency for all four schools, not a halfway attempt at just two • Perhaps we need less schools, but if we are committed to the number, we should do it right • Equity is important – we must make the investment now Lily – Turner Street (in support of four school bond) 5  • Cares because it impacts democracy • Cost is less than $9/month • New Mainers cannot focus in substandard environments • We already have food insecurity and now the schools are more distractions • People will just leave to go to less diverse schools • Public schools need to be a priority and we must take our responsibility seriously Aura – Arcadia Street, Presumpscot Parent (in support of four school bond) • Daughter is in a modular classroom • Must go outside in the cold to access a bathroom in main building • Expeditionary learning needs adequate space • Neighborhood schools are the centers of the community • We must show our values and that we value our kids Amy – Winters Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • Moved here 11 years ago and nothing has changed • Rebuilding is an economic issue, it attracts new families and new investment • Right now, we attract young people and when it’s time for them to send their kids to school, they leave Emily – Cushman Street (in support of four school bond) • Not only should we support all four schools, but we should fund the original $70M • We should not have to cut corners and use old equipment when other schools (East End, Ocean Avenue) have new equipment • Reductions perpetuate inequity • Teachers will be forced to spend their own money and work hard to find funding rather than focusing on educating kids Ginny – Emery Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • Would rather pay more taxes than pay for noise cancelling headphones • This responsible investment would ensure adequate long term environments • Generations of parents have been fighting for this • We must also plan for the future so that we’re not in this place again Heather – State Representative, Lyman Moore Parent (in support of four school bond) • Worked at a substitute teacher – teachers know tricks to keep kids comfortable and focused – but shouldn’t need to use them • Small business owner – we must attract businesses and families • Sister went to Lyseth 30 years ago and the building is the same • Cannot take a chance on state funding • Must act now for the sake of these and future kids Jessica – Kenilworth Street, Longfellow & Lincoln Parent (in support of four school bond) • We should be asking for even more money than the current bond • Putting off a decision is unacceptable • If we wait for the state, perhaps they will tell us to close a school or redistrict • Investment bring a pride of ownership – we must act now 6 Adam – Edgeworth Avenue, Longfellow & Deering Parent (in support of four school bond) • Kids with crutches at Longfellow are falling down starts because there is no elevator for them • Infrastructure is subpar • This wouldn’t impact his kids, but he supports it because it’s an investment that he wishes those before him made • The state has not helped these schools – the federal government is even worse • He’s worried that teachers will continue to leave with the new schools being built surrounding Portland Jennifer – Edgeworth Avenue, Longfellow Parent (in support of four school bond) • Rebuilding is an economic development issue • New parents are watching to see what is done • We must also think about the teachers who have to work in these schools for years without these needed fixes – we must keep and recruit good teachers Joey – Kellogg Street (in support of four school bond) • We are doing a disservice to our kids • Young families keep communities alive • 20 years, 7 studies, no action must change • A two school proposal means we are committing to ensuring two failing schools and gambling on funding them • In speaking about a “back to basics” budget approach, what is more basic than the needs of our kids? Jake – Fall Lane, Lyseth Parent (in support of four school bond) • Schools serve as community centers • Current state of our facilities is embarrassing • He knows of three families in his neighborhood alone who left because of the conditions of the schools George – Hanover Street (in support of four school bond) • The City Council should have done its job when this issue was before the finance committee years ago • Our schools are disappointing to new arrivals to our city and we’re losing the competition with localities surrounding Portland • Conversations about economic development should include schools • We’re a city in crisis is we cannot adequately fund our schools Robert – Maine Building Trades (in support of four school bond) • We need skilled workers and a trained workforce • During this construction boom, are we building Portland’s middle class? • Our local schools should be funded – and built – locally with fair wages and responsible contractors Matt – Veranda Street (in support of four school bond) • Workforce development begins at our public schools 7  • Prioritization of our tax dollars for schools should reflect our values • We’ve put this issue off for far too long Lewis – Laborers International Union (in support of four school bond) • Must make this happen for our kids and our local workers Bobbi – Concord Street (in support of four school bond) • Our tax base is expanding and we can afford $150/year • The tragedy of the closing of Nathan Clifford is one that we must never forget and repeat – and it could happen to Longfellow if we don’t act Chris – Hartley Street, Longfellow Parent (in support of four school bond) • Supports fuller $70M bond – it’s not asking too much of taxpayers • We must give to get and it is worth it • We are watching our local schools slowly deteriorate • A social worker should not have to work with vulnerable kids in a broom closet • A nurse should not help kids feel better in a mechanical closet • The buildings impact teachers too – working there for 20 and 30 years in those conditions Emily – Art Teacher at Longfellow (in support of four school bond) • Neighborhood schools mean something to the community • It is our responsibility to act Ben – State Representative (in support of four school bond) • While Augusta should act, they are not so we must locally • We need great schools and the voters must have a say Will – Burnham Place, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • Equity is imperative, among: o Kids o Schools o Communities • Why do some kids need headphones to cancel noise and others don’t? • Friends have left because of the schools and we’re losing our economic diversity • The voters should be allowed to decide Tim – Hartley Street (in support of four school bond) • Future Longfellow parent • Kids will be directly impacted by this decision, they need to be kept in mind, not politics • What does it say to them if they are not made a priority? Bree – Spring Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • Urges the Council to raise her taxes - $150 a year is worth it • We’ve been talking about this issue since she went to Reiche • We have not made a meaningful local investment in our schools in 25 years • A two school proposal sends the wrong message that some kids matter and some do not • We are finally close to letting the people decide – let them vote 8 Heather – Winter Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • Former Reiche student • It’s worse there than you think • A ramp had to crumble for the city to fix it • Kids need to learn with an open doorway to the special education area, which is loud and disruptive • Economic development doesn’t seem to focus on education • How much money in TIFs have we given away rather than spend it on schools? Molly – Amherst Street, Longfellow Parent (in support of four school bond) • Walking your kids to school is a major value of a neighborhood school • Scared the state will try to consolidate or close schools and endanger the Deering Center community • A two school proposal would allow schools to languish • Closing schools would also impact local businesses Lisa – Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • These buildings put our teachers in a difficult situation • Has a child with hearing loss could not go to Reiche because of the noise • Went to Hall, then that caught on fire, water destroyed her FM hearing system • Had to finally send her child to a private school to meet her needs o Most parents are not fortunate enough to be able to do that • We must remember that this is an economic development and marketing opportunity. Pictures of trailers and buckets catching water are not selling points. • Parents with the means will leave the system • Elementary schools are the entry points for parents in our school system and our city Carrie – Concord Street, Longfellow Parent (in support of four school bond) • Investment is about community interaction • There is a reason why community centers are at elementary schools • Letting them fall into disrepair is unacceptable Otis – Westminster Street, Longfellow Parent (in support of four school bond) • His child had a death in the family and had to receive therapy in a broom closet • There is asbestos in the school John – Clinton Street (in support of four school bond) • If we split the two schools, kids will get left behind • With Nathan Clifford, we found out when the state does not value neighborhood schools • To wait three years for two schools to try to get funding when they’ve already been rejected multiple times does not make sense Steven – Cushman Street (in support of four school bond) • Read a list of individuals and groups in support of four school bond ranging from activists to architects, retirees and a number of other groups 9 Matthew – Edgewood Street, Lyseth Parent (in support of four school bond) • We must meet the needs of our next generation and strengthen neighborhood schools • Scarborough is acting to meet their needs and so should Portland • The kids are our future and we cannot think that education has not changed – our buildings much change with it • There is no guarantee for state funding • We have $350M worth of needs and we must start somewhere • The Finance Committee killed a $45M proposal in 2013 • It will not get any less expensive • We should forward the $60M option along with an escalated additional $10M option, to voters Stephanie – Garrison Street (in support of four school bond) • Future Hall parent • We must prevent what happened at Hall to happen at any of our other schools • We must not wait for state funding when we repeatedly get turned down • The taxpayers will support the full bond Janine – Spring Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • The noise at Reiche makes it really hard to concentrate and learn • Youngsters need to focus • Let the voters decide Ethan – Brentwood Street (in support of four school bond) • Our tax impact will be helped with the recent passage of Question 2 (school funding) • We will be retiring pension debt in 10 years further easing the burden • State funding is not predictable and it is common for schools to get passed over and not move up on the list • There should be no expectation that if we wait, again, we’ll get funding • We’ve been patient – it’s unfair to ask us to be again Mary Ann – Bedell Street (in support of four school bond) • Why would the Ad Hoc Committee spend all this time studying these four schools to then at the last minute just move to fund two? • Where is the other opposition? • The voters must be allowed to speak Joanna – Brackett Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • 15-year veteran elementary school teacher • Staff at Reiche is special • Her child will not be impacted, but future kids will • Think of the ethics of sending our kids to unsafe and crumbling schools • We cannot keep pushing this decision off Steven – Salem Street (opposed to any school bond) • Opposed to any bond • But if any of them, the $35M proposal would be better • Add back in items taken out and moved to CIP if you are going to put out a bond 10  • A project Manager is a waste of money • Financial assumptions do not make sense Emily – Cushman Street, Reiche Parent (in support of four school bond) • School capital costs are a local responsibility and the city shirked that responsibility • 1993 was the last time we stepped up • The strategy of using the yearly CIP to meet needs has failed • Allow residents to pay $150/year, or $.48/day • We can apply to the state for other schools in need, so we are not turning away state money • Parents must fundraise to purchase headsets for Reiche – unacceptable Brad – Washington Avenue (in support of four school bond) • Daughter was a special needs student at Presumpscot • Teaching and therapy in hallways and closets is not acceptable • Lots of special needs kids are struggling and need adequate facilities • Early education determines the rest of someone’s life and we must show we care The public comment section of the hearing was then closed Councilor Brenerman then moved for adoption of the Co-Chairs’ $60.9M proposal. Board of Education Chair Trevorrow seconded the motion Councilor Brenerman stated that he grew up in Portland and has witnessed the slow deterioration of these schools. He felt like the Co-Chair’ proposal is a thoughtful and balanced approach after tours, testimony, hearings and meetings with stakeholders, parents and experts. He stated he’d love to have a “free” school that the state would pay for, but every time these schools have been in front of the state they have not made the grade for funding. Casco Bay/PATHS and Portland High School stand a good chance at funding and we should apply to the state for them. The Ad Hoc Committee did their work and reduced the original amount based on research and need. We must also keep and attract young families as this is also an economic development issue. Good schools draw in people and business. We have wonderful teachers but the schools are not equal to the staff, and they must be. Board Chair Trevorrow added that the concerns she has heard over the last year at the Committee have been very real, but what resonates most is the deferred maintenance needed. We need to make an investment and a commitment locally. State funding is subjected to a very difficult political scenario. We must meet 21st century learning standards, but teachers are educating in schools that meet the standards of the 1960s. Teachers should be given the opportunity to be creative and to teach. The public has demonstrated their willingness to make the commitment. Councilor Costa stated that this issue is personal and important to him. He has spent time on the School Board and there have been a lot of people who have worked long and hard on this issue. Everyone supports the academic needs of our students. Capital needs issues are not unique to Portland or even to Maine – it’s an issue the jurisdictions around the country are grappling with. He stated we are at this point because we did not have the structures in place to plan for and implement projects when they were needed. We have the structures and personnel in place to make informed decisions. We have tried – and failed multiple times – for state funding for these schools. There has been no consistence in the states ranking of our schools, so it is difficult to hold out any school in the hope of state funding. If we apply to the state for one or two of these schools, he is not confident that we will revisit this and solve 11 the problem in any kind of a timely manner. We can apply for the high schools that are well positioned for state funding and begin that work. We must pass this bond to give assurances to the community that equity is important. The School Department must also know that we will be putting pressure on their operating budget. We must also establish a dedicated capital account for schools in the CIP and perhaps explore transferring any operating surplus into that capital account. We must put into place long term policies to ensure adequate capital planning. In a decade when our pension obligation comes off the books, we must be ready to invest immediately in our identified needs. Councilor Costa stated that he is happy to support the Co-Chairs’ proposal and let the voters have their say. Board Member Thompson stated she is currently serving her fourth term on the Board. There has been so must talking about this issue. She is tired of talking. She expressed thanks to Superintendent Botana for his leadership and working with the Board and the Committee on this to help bring it this far. Board Member Thompson grew up in Portland. Lyseth doesn’t look any different than it did in 1980. We have a plan. We’ve engaged hundreds of people. Millions of dollars in studies have pointed to the same conclusion. We must invest and cannot cut our way to prosperity. Schools are the hubs of our communities and our job is to stop wringing our hands and frame this question for the voters. She stated her priority is school students and staff. The last facility report highlighted a $100M need. Now we’re over $300M. CIP requests have not been fulfilled. We must let the public decide. Councilor Mavodones stated that there is no doubt of the needs of the schools, but also the tremendous capital needs of the city. He stated he has voted for a lot of projects and tax increases in his time as a public servant. We also have a fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers and there is a cost to what we’re about to do. He stated that if the debt is not reimbursed by the state, we may be forced to cut expenses and cut staff. The city has one capital improvement budget and needs to balance all needs with the cost of those needs. He stated that he has had to cut staff and positions in the past because of budget concerns and that those are the hardest decisions an elected official can make. Councilor Mavodones also expressed concern for the timeline proposed. It is his position that if the state says they will not find these two schools that are not part of his proposal, then he’d be willing to revisit local funding. The issue is not need or politics, it’s financial impact. A $150 tax increase might be easily absorbed by some people, but for others, it will be a real hardship. We must look at the large universe of needs and the impact to residents. As far as applying for the Casco Bay/PATHS and Portland High School, there is no guarantee for state funding for them either. He stated that if the Committee and the full Council is contemplating $60M, they night as well consider the full $70M. He closed by stating that he understands that schools and kids are a visceral issue, and they should be. A motion was made by Councilor Mavodones to amend the current motion on the floor (Co-Chairs’ $60.1M proposal) to reduce it to $31.6M in local funds for Presumpscot and Lyseth schools. Mayor Strimling seconded the motion for the sake of discussion. Mayor Strimling spoke in opposition to the amendment made by Councilor Mavodones. He stated that his respect for Councilor Mavodones is well documented, but he cannot support the motion. He cited the Facilities Needs Assessment that outlined Casco Bay/PATHS and Portland High as good candidates for state funding, where we have not applied and gotten turned down for them before as we have for the four elementary schools in question. He agreed with Councilor Costa’s assessment that revisiting this issue after being rejected for state funding would be difficult and time consuming. He also stated that the most that Portland has even received funding for is one school per cycle, so to think that the state would fund two is unrealistic. He also said that the added cost of about $5/month for Portland residents is worth ensuring all four schools meet 21st century learning standards. 12 Board Member Hatzenbuehler stated that this was a difficult decision for her. She is concerned about the cost and impact on budgets in light of the other policy decisions such as the push for universal Pre- K and hiring teachers. She also expressed concern about debt services on a large bond. She hopes we can find a way to talk about the scope of these projects, but will be supporting the 4 school option that’s currently in front of the Committee. A vote was called on the Mavodones amendment. The motion failed 7-1 (Mavodones in support). Board Member Morrione offered her thank you to everyone for their hard work on the issue. She stated she knows how hard it is to make cuts. But she stated that Portland is growing. Businesses are hiring. We’ve spend $7M on research firms and consultants on this issue. What do we want our city to stand for? Education should be a selling point for Portland. We must put our money and our actions where our mouth is. She stated that it is time to send this issue to the voters and give them a choice. The cost of dithering is real and increasing each year. We have been meeting for years on this issue, have come to the same conclusions and will lose all credibility if we do not act. A vote was called on the underlying motion (Co-Chairs’ 60.9M, four school proposal). The motion passed 7-1 (Mavodones opposed). The proposal will not be forwarded to the Board of Education for their review. If no changes are made, it will be transmitted to the Council’s Finance Committee for their review and recommendation to the full Council. The timing is currently on track for a June ballot if that is the Council’s will. Mayor Strimling also thanked Deputy City Manager LaChance, Tyler Barter and his colleagues at Oak Point Associates, Superintendent Botana and his staff as well as Special Assistant to the Mayor Jason Shedlock for their hard work. After a motion by Board Member Hatzenbuehler and a second by Board Chair Trevorrow, the meeting adjourned at 9:43pm. Submitted by Jason J. Shedlock, Special Assistant to the Mayor 13

1. 5:30 P.M. School Facilities Ad Hoc Committee Agenda Documents: 1.19.17 SCHOOL FACILITIES AD HOC COMMITTEE AGENDA.PDF 2. School Facilities Ad Hoc Committee Minutes 12.22.16 Documents: 12.22.16 SCHOOL FACILITIES AD HOC COMMITTEE MINUTES.PDF