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91 <br /> <br />JOHNSON SCHOOL RENOVATIONS <br /> <br /> Mr. Jimmie Dunbar, Assistant Superintendent of <br /> Charlottesville Schools, and Mr.-Douglas Westmoreland, <br /> architect for the project,~ reviewed plans for the renovation <br /> of Johnson School as follows: replace the mechanical system; <br /> upgrade lighting; replace windows, install sprinklers; <br /> install fire alarm system; install intercom; make fully <br /> handicapped accessible; paint; replace plumbing fixtures; add <br /> electrical outlets. Asbestos removal was expected to begin <br /> in early summer, with renovations to follow upon completion. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that she had not understood that <br /> certain projects such as renovating the media center and <br /> administration area were to be included at this time. <br /> <br /> Mr William Atwood, School Board member, stated that the <br />project was within the $2.5 million budget and the projects <br />agreed upon were felt to be what was best for the school. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that she had tried to make it clear <br />in previous discussions that she did not favor necessarily <br />using all the available funds and expressed concern that a <br />standard would be set for other schools yet to be renovated. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever stated that he felt there was a broader <br />issue of making a budget decision without being able to look <br />at other competing interests. <br /> <br /> Ms. Waters stated that it was her understanding that <br />Council had been polled about using the $2 5 million and a <br />majority had agreed. Ms. Waters added that she agreed to <br />spending the full amount being mindful of the improvements <br />which had taken place at Clark and Venable Schools. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that in the future she would not <br />vote for authorizing use of a certain amount of money but <br />would want to approve particular projects. <br /> <br /> Mr. Rauzelle Smith, Chairman of the School Board, stated <br />that as a member of the School Capital Projects Committee he <br />felt that to do less at Johnson School would be a mistake. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards recommended that Council discuss improving <br />the process for future projects and encouraged Councilors to <br />suggest ideas. <br /> <br />SCHOOL BOARD PROPOSED BUDGET <br /> <br /> Dr. Joseph McGeehan, Superintendent of Schools, stated <br />that he expected at least $800,000 to $850,000 in additional <br />state funds but did not yet know the amount. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever questioned whether the additional state <br />funds would be tied to funding the Standards of Quality which <br />the City currently funds. <br /> <br /> Dr, McGeehan replied that he did not yet know if the <br />funds would be tied to the Standards of Quality but thought <br />that the schools would probably have discretion in how the <br />funds are used. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever stated that he had understood that <br />reductions in the school budget were being made but did not <br />think the numbers shown were significant. Mr. Vandever <br />stated that he thought the School Board was going to go <br />through the budget and work in a revenue neutral situation <br />and make cuts but felt that little had changed. Mr. Vandever <br />stated that he had called the elementary schools to ask about <br />student/ teacher ratios in kindergarten and grades one and <br />two and found that Clark and Jackson via, the two schools <br />with the most at-risk students~ had the highest ratios. Mr. <br />Vandever encouraged the School Board to find money for <br /> <br /> <br />