The completion date for the Thompson School is still not firm.

Superintendent Kathy Bodie reported at a brief meeting Monday, June 19: "We still do not know, and probably will not know, exactly what the exact timeline is for a little bit."

She followed up, saying that "the goal is that it will be substantially completed by Aug. 18" and would soon after be able to receive a certificate on occupancy. However, she added, "We do have a solid plan B going forward."

Projects called 'fluid'

School Committee Bill Hayner commented that "one of the local news" [outlets] reported that the Thompson construction project was behind. YourArlington reported this June 16. He wanted to remind the public that construction projects are very "fluid and can change quickly."

Bodie also reported that there were problems with the Thompson elevator. At this time, she continued, it looks like the elevator will have to be totally reconstructed. She will be meeting with Facilities Management this week to determine what needs to be done.

In terms of the Stratton School, Superintendent Bodie said she was "totally confident it will be ready" for a September opening. Having just seen it, she commented that it was beautiful and urged committee members to schedule a tour of the school.

A public meeting was held last week for parents interested in the progress of the Gibbs School. Bodie reported that the advisory committee has been meeting regularly and all of the information about the project can be found on the schools' website under quick links. That includes the PowerPoint for the last parent forum. 

She announced that she is planning more parent forums during the next school year.

More detail on Skanska due

A more detailed announcement of the high school project manager, the Skanska Co., Bodie said, will be made at the July 10 Permanent Building meeting.

Going forward, the building committee will be busy all summer deciding on a designer for the project. Committee member Kirsi Allison-Ampe reported that she was working on a website for the high school building project.

Arlington students achieved national recognition

Bodie introduced top Arlington High runner Ryan Oosting, who last week won a national championship. He finished first in the national 5K race and the next day he came in second in the two-mile race.

Called on to speak, the sophomore modestly told the committee that although racing seems like an individual effort when on the track, there are many other people involved. He generously thanked everyone who assisted him in various ways.

Bodie next spoke of the extraordinary year for the middle-school students who participated in the state and national History Day competition. Of the nine projects that went to the state competition, five qualified for the nationals. At the nationals, a student group website placed second.

Other business

In other business, the committee approved the appointment of Naomi Greenfield to the Human Rights Committee as the representative of the School Committee. 

The committee then voted members Len Kardon, Jennifer Susse and Bill Hayner to the Arlington Investment Policy Review Group and the Dollars for Scholars Working Group.

At the end of the meeting, the committee voted, 6-1, on the contract for the director of special education, Allison Elmer. Committee member Hayner voted against approval of the contract. He declined to comment.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:29 p.m. No School Committee meetings are scheduled for the summer. 

This news summary by YourArlington freelancer Jo Anne Preston was Wednesday, June 21, 2017.