Archive: News

There were almost as many people there to explain the proposed $20.8 million Lansing school capital project as there were to learn about it.  Only around 16 people attended the second of two public hearings designed to answer questions and garner support for the project.  But school officials presented the project and clarified concerns raised in the meeting.  "When I came in tonight I didn't know how I was going to vote," said Susan Brock.  "Now I am quite certain how I am going to vote."


The presentation was the same as school officials have conducted at last week's public hearing as well as for staff and private groups.  Superintendent Mark Lewis began with an overview, then turned the microphone over to architect David Green, who explained what repairs and renovations are included and why they are needed.  High School Principal Michelle Stone talked about the academic program in her school and methodically explained what program needs drive the specific renovations and additions proposed for the building.  Business Administrator Larry Lawrence summarized the finances and tax impact.

If you missed the Capital Project public hearing you can still catch it on Cable Channel 16 at 6pm tonight (2/2) and 5pm tomorrow (Saturday 2/3).

Residents asked about the size of the district office and whether all alternatives had been explored.  Officials explained that renovating space in a school building is the best option because it is eligible for State aid, while renovations to the existing district office or constructing a new or modular building are not.  The new district office will be about twice the square footage of the existing one to address overcrowding, lack of adequate facilities and storage, and to house two district administrators whose offices are currently in other buildings because there is no room for them in the district office.

Principal Stone defended Proposition 2, which includes renovations to current music rooms and a new band room, as well as a technology classroom.  She said that the current technology classroom in the Quonset hut behind the middle school may not be available because the building is in such bad shape, and with advancing technology she needs to be assured of a space to teach what she predicted will become pre-engineering courses.  She also defended the strong music program, explaining that the State recommends the size of a room for the activities held in it.  The proposed new band room is twice the size of the existing one, illustrating how inadequate the current facility is.

But some residents wanted to know whether non-core programs should be cut.  "I wonder at what point one has to say that we can't take on that program," one said.  "As much as we'd like to be the world's most perfect school.  Do some of these things belong in the early stages of college?"  But Stone said there is no fat in the current program.  "I say that our kids need to be competitive, and this is what it takes," said Stone.  "We aren't going to be the most perfect school.  We are going to be a school with a solid program.  This facility will keep us at the same competitive level that children that have graduated in the past have had.  We are going to lose pace if we don't step it up."

Stone also underlined the point that while 14 regular classrooms are planned, the net gain is only six.  The other classrooms will be built to replace those displaced by renovating space occupied by existing classrooms.  Four classrooms occupy the space where the proposed district office would go, and needed expansion to science classrooms account for the others.  The six new classrooms would alleviate the problem of 'traveling' teachers, allowing more teachers to have their own room so they can be more available to students.  There are no plans to hire new teachers, she said.  Lawrence noted that fewer than two new maintenance positions would be needed because of the addition, and those are the only new positions planned.

James Sullivan raised the issue of wired 'data outlets,' saying that the schools should instead invest in wireless technology because it will be easier and less expensive to upgrade as the technology progresses.  School officials said that by the time firm plans are laid that may be the option that is chosen, and asked Sullivan to participate on a technology committee to lend his expertise in computing communications to the district.

The district mailed brochures and bulletins to district residents explaining the project and encouraging people to attend the public sessions.  Last week's session is to be broadcast on public access television, and post cards were mailed this week to remind people to vote next Tuesday (February 6th).  Officials have expanded the voting time from 7 am to 9 pm to allow all voters a chance to weigh in on the project, and Lewis says absentee ballots are available at the district office.

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