Answers - Chris L. Moore - Candidate for Board of Education

Q1: Do you support the construction of a new high school as approved by the Board of Education in 2008? If yes, please describe what you would do in your role on the [B.O.E., B.O.S., B.O.F.] to support the passage of the referendum. If no, please describe what modifications need to be made to the current proposal in order for you to support it.

A1: As a BOE member I would support the prior 8-1 decision to recommend to the BOF, BOS, and community that we finance new construction of the high school. The last year has brought significant financial and budgetary challenges to our town, but it does not change the reasoning behind the BOE decision: that new construction represents the best and most fiscally responsible long term investment for our students and our town. The current GHS facility is a poorly insulated sprawling one story facility with 29 roofs leading to high operating and maintenance costs. As detailed by the findings of the Community Task Force on School Facilities (CTFSF) a "restricted scope" project would not meet our short or long term needs while still being very costly. A complete renovation would be within 20% of the cost of new construction, would be more costly long term in terms of maintenance and operating costs, and would not meet the long term needs of our students or community. New construction at the current site would avoid disruption of the students and teachers and could incorporate the existing science wing and turf field.

As a BOE member I view my role to pass the referendum as one of communication: with the community and with other Boards and commissions. Communication that the current state of facilities is unacceptable, by continuing tours and emphasizing the CTFSF report. Communication that there is no solution without significant cost, and that predominantly new construction will represent the best long term investment in our community, resulting in a more compact, energy efficient building, with smaller roof space and lower maintenance costs. I hope to convey a vision of a facility that represents a solid investment and will meet the educational needs of our students through the 21st century, as well serving as a resource for all community members.

While I do support the BOE decision from September 2008, I think it is important for voters to understand some of the discussion that has followed that recommendation. Specifically, it appears that there will be a two-phase referendum including a first phase to finance more detailed plans that would allow better estimates of costs. Whether this first phase is accomplished through referendum or town meeting, I agree that this is important to provide the community with a better and more specific idea of the costs, benefits (including energy efficiency and maintenance), and what the building will include so that they can make a more informed decision at referendum.

Currently, there is a consultant investigating the feasibility of other sites for school construction. While I think it is likely that the existing site will remain the best choice for a new HS, I am open to other suggestions.

Additionally, more recent cost estimates have been lower than they were in September 2008, and we are no longer retaining the architectural services of Fletcher Thompson. Some of their estimates included contingency costs of as much as $20 million. I think it is important that we re-evaluate the costs closely and it is my hope that with more specific plans the contingencies and costs will be lower.

Ultimately the decision to finance any infrastructure project will be in the hands of the voters.

Q2: What will you do in your role on the [B.O.E., B.O.S., B.O.F.] to ensure drafting of a town & education budget which meets the needs of the town and schools of Guilford AND is likely to be approved by the voters in a referendum?

A2: As a Board of Education member I will work diligently with the superintendent, other BOE members, other Boards and the town to ensure that the BOE budget represents that most economical budget we can put forward without compromising quality. Efficiencies may be realized by combining some services duplicated on the town and BOE sides. We should also be able to provide quality education for some of our special needs students on the Shoreline, either through regionalization or bringing more students in house. Special needs students comprise 10% of our student population and over 20% of our expenditures, with significant expenditures for transportation out of district. If this is done correctly it will save significant money while providing special needs students and families with quality services closer to home.

Once the budget has been passed on to referendum, I will work to communicate with the community the importance of voting to pass it.

Q3: As things currently stand, the town and education budgets are growing at a rate which exceeds the growth of the grand list. In your role on the [B.O.E., B.O.S., B.O.F.], what steps will you take to address this growing gap between budget expenditures and tax revenues?

A3: As a Board of Education member I will have no direct role in revenues, and ultimately the passage of the budget is under control of the voters. Regarding my role on expenditures, as a BOE member I intend to work collaboratively with all boards to economize these as much as possible without compromising quality, using some of the approaches described above.