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* S Chamberlain discussed the handouts she had prepared highlighting training. * The current estimated cost of the technology program is $ 9,000,000 over the next five years with an additional $ 1,000,000per year to sustain the programs. * General discussion followed in the areas of enrollment and space. Current enrollment estimates need to be adjusted to reflect an additional 100 students in the out years in addition to the projections already made. * Of the capital request this year, $ 308,000 is requested in order to make changes in existing schools in an attempt to accommodate the additional 260 students for the next school year. It is anticipated that the work will be completed this summer. If the funding for this project is through a bond authorization, Emergency Finance Board (EFB) approval will be necessary may delay the work. Should appropriation come from free cash?? * The school capital request includes $ 500,000 for architectural services for the estimated $ 5,000,000of renovations requires in accordance with the BFC report. An architect with experience in educational buildings and the use of the space is a requirement in order to insure that the town is maximizing its use of the existing space. If this request is approved then the SC will request construction funding at the 1997 Annual Town Meeting. * general discussion of the enrollment problem. J Young indicated that he did not think that there were any easy solutions. Historically if the funds were not available then programs were eliminated. There is a need to find another solution since it does not appear that the problem is getting any simpler or that it may disappear in the near future. * General discussion of privatization. Schools are currently operating with five fewer custodians than one year ago. In the short term, privatization will be more costly and long term the savings are not significant. Our costs per square foot are less than the national average and significantly less than the average in New England per J Moynihan. * S Gurayn indicated that the schools have a couple of problems this year. The $ 230,000 in state aid is an issue as well as a possible special education shortfall of around $ 150,000. * The school department personnel departed. * P Lapointe discussed and seems to think that there may be an additional $ 150,00 in school fees as well as an additional $ 350,000 in state aid for education. * P Lapointe discussed the MMRVHS assessment and his meeting with his counterparts in Arlington an Bedford. MOTION: To instruct the MMRVHS to modify the fiscal 1997 assessment to the minimum contribution levels as defined by the DOE. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY It is estimated that this action would reduce the overall assessments by $ 474,000 Lexington, Belmont and Arlington will present this motion to N Barnett and R Fitzgerald. * MOTION to approve the minutes of February 27, 1996. UNANIMOUS * MOTION to adjourn UNANIMOUS acmc596