Hamden Middle School Update Article from HDN

Middle School Check-In

By Sharon Bass

At last night's School Building Committee meeting, members Chris Daur, Austin Cesare and Gretchen Callahan gave the new middle school consultants a run for their money. Or rather the taxpayers' money.

Reps from Konover, the project's construction company, Turner, the company that oversees Konover, and other contractors gave somewhat less than definitive answers to how much the security system would cost and how the special ed classrooms -- originally designated to windowless rooms -- would be handled. And Daur, Cesare and Callahan were not satisfied.

On the other hand, member John Keegan defended the contractors and school administrators -- who appear to be on the same page -- saying the professionals know best.
There's been ongoing debate about how many security cameras are needed for the new school on Meadowbrook. Originally, Hamden police deemed 100 were needed, although the current middle school has just six, the high school seven. At the Jan. 26 SBC meeting, members talked about paring that number down to 75 or 50.

The rep from Konover told the committee last night that it turns out "only 71" are needed. He said the 75 figure was "based on a very quick meeting with police and the school administration." Upon further study, it was found four could be knocked off.
But that didn't please Cesare any more this time than last. He said he teaches in a high school that has 23 cameras.

"You're putting all those cameras in there and nobody's watching them," he said.
Plans call for two camera monitors -- one in principal Frank Pepe's quarters and the other in the clerical area of the main office. Pepe agreed that most of the time the monitors would not be watched. Cesare suggested having a security guard stationed in a booth with a monitor at the entrance of the school.

"I only have two security guards," the principal said. "They work with the kids, help out in the cafeteria and help with the buses. I don't have a person to be stationary."
"Cameras are not meant to be monitored these days," said Keegan.
Callahan asked Pepe how often children have behavior problems. "How often are nickel bags of pot found? Is there a lot of vandalism?"

He said vandalism occurs on the outside of the building. As discussed at previous meetings, the cameras' main purpose is to supply evidence after the fact rather than catch a crime or other problem in action.

"I'm not getting enough information to approve the $200,000" bill, said Daur clearly annoyed. "I've been asking for six weeks."

Another unknown is the actual cost of the system. The last time the SBC met, Konover gave "loose" estimates: 100 cameras for $290,000; 75 for $236,438; and 50 for $177,698. Those figures don't include the design and wiring of the cameras, the door sensors and other security measures deemed necessary for the 1,100 seventh- and eighth-graders.

"This is no different than any other budget item," said member Michael D'Agostino. "Here's $150,000, $200,000. How many cameras can we have?" $100,000 was originally budgeted for security.

Committee Chair Curt Leng made a motion to approve 48 cameras and 23 door sensors for the "loose" figure of $187,698.

The measure passed with five votes. Callahan voted against it and Leng abstained.

The "infamous special ed rooms," as Leng called them, were also on the agenda. The conversation was lengthy and repetitive.

Since parent Cathy Coughlin, who was at last night's meeting, discovered last year that windowless classrooms were earmarked for special ed children, the plans have been revised. Rooms with windows are being outfitted for special education. Four are to be learning centers, with two having full kitchens. There will also be six resource rooms, said special ed director Bill McGraw.

Callahan said she recently toured the new middle school to see the learning centers. She said the centers, where some children spend the bulk of their day, looked smaller than the windowless ones. "I'm afraid there won't be enough space," she said.

McGraw said 17 special ed seventh-graders are expected next school year, who will spend anywhere from 62 percent to 75 percent of their time in the learning centers and the rest in mainstream classes.

"I understand that," said Callahan. "But I think it's still very tight, very tight."

"We try to limit special ed classrooms to six to seven children," said McGraw. Although, he added, even with six to seven, "it may be tough at times."
Pepe said he's never seen a special education class with more than 10 children.

"What happens when new children come in next year and that number goes from 17 to 22?" said Leng.

Callahan said it would save money and space to just install one kitchen. "To me it makes so much sense than building two complete kitchens. They won't even be cooking every day," she said.

Keegan said two are needed. "I trust the experts."

Parent Coughlin interjected. "You don't need two kitchens."

"I think this has been aired considerably," said Meg Nowacki, a member of the public who regularly attends town meetings. "I hope the committee tonight will not delay in making a decision."

The committee voted 4-3 for two kitchens, not to exceed $32,670. Callahan, Leng and Cesare voted against the item.

The school is now 60 percent completed, according to Konover.