NHS Space Needs Panel

Will Meet Feb. 2

By Larissa Lytwyn

Addressing mounting concern over Newtown High School’s burgeoning student population, with a potential projected above-capacity enrollment as soon as this September, the High School Space Needs Study Committee will hold its first meeting Monday, February 2 in Room 122 of the Reed Intermediate School at 7:30 pm.

Serving as ex officio members is Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Alice Jackson, Business Director Ron Bienkowski and Maintenance Director Dom Posca.

In addition to Newtown High School Principal Bill Manfredonia and Assistant Principal Lorrie Aresenian, the 10-member committee includes school board member Thomas Gissen, who has extensive background in architecture, Michael Portnoy from the Board of Finance, Legislative Councilman Joseph Borst, Public Building and Sites Commissioner William Furrier and parents Earl Gordon, a former school board member, and Cheryl Barbour.

The committee is still seeking a possible Newtown Federation of Teachers representative and area educator for membership.

During its first meeting next week, the committee plans to provide an overview of its charge as well as organize committee leadership, establish a meeting schedule and establish the following meeting’s agenda.

According to the committee charge, members will “brainstorm ideas, explore options, obtain information and discuss relevant findings to present a feasible recommendation (or series of recommendations) to best accommodate the space needs of Newtown High School students.”

The panel will also study the “pedagogical design(s) that may ensue as a result of potential space recommendations.”

The committee plans to invite area professionals including engineers, architects, town planners, educators and contractors to “provide relevant information to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of options.”

Document conclusions will include “careful consideration of educational, health and safety, financial, logistical/transportation and practical implications,” as well as land use feasibility.

A final written recommendation, or series of recommendations, will be presented to the Board of Education at a yet-to-be-determined date.

The charge stipulates that the committee will function in an advisory capacity only. Final determination of a possible plan of action will be “at the sole discretion of the Board of Education.”