School Committee Begins Preparation for Central Office Relocation; Central Office to Remain at Prescott through 2015
At a workshop meeting July 24, School Committee members briefly discussed the future location of Central Office departments and staff. With Prescott Reuse Committee and the Town Manager preparing another round of bids on reuse of the historic building, School Committee members discussed what direction they should following in the next couple years as the town considers the building 's future.
Superintendent of Schools Antony Bent said the School District currently has a lease to remain at Prescott School through 2015 which will give School Committee members ample time to consider the future location Central Office functions. Currently, the Superintendent's Office, Assistant Superintendent's Office, Business Manager and IT Director are located at Prescott School.
Bent said School Committee members discussed the possibility of hiring a consultant to help them study where to relocate. However, members decided against seeking the help of consultants and instead will have Business Manager Jared Stanton study the possibilities. The study will include an assessment of space available in other school buildings in the District and whether or not that space is appropriate for the location of central office functions.
Bent also noted that initial inquiries by the town into reuse of the building has not drawn a lot of interest.
Religious Holidays on School Calendar Remain Under Discussion
School Committee members continued a discussion on what religious holidays to put on the School Calendar at their workshop meeting July 24. The School Committee first broached the topic at one of their regular meetings near the end of the school year. Under consideration was which religious holidays to recognize on the school calendar and which ones to omit.
Those religious holidays that are placed on the calendar mean that schools close on that day. Those not on the calendar mean that schools remain open. The discussion has prompted emotional response from some parents as some religious holidays may be recognized over other religious holidays. Also under consideration may be a suggestion that no religious holidays be recognized on the calendar except for Christmas.
Superintendent of Schools Anthony Bent said no final decision has been made on the matter and that religious holidays on the school calendar remain a work in progress by the School Committee.