HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2012-01-31 Minutes ABrewster School Committee RIBVE
January 31, 2012 .,
Brewster Town Hall
Present for the Committee: Dave Telman, Donna Kalinick, Marie Enochty,Jennifer Rabold,
and Mara Liebling
Present for Administration: Principals Keith Gauley and Denise Fronius,Ann Caretti,
Barbara Lavoine, Hans Baumhauer, Bonny Gifford and
Richard Hoffmann
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Rabold called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Public Hearing on the FY13 Budget
Chair Rabold and the Superintendent gave a PowerPoint Presentation on the FY13 budget
which included: the budget development process, an overview of budget priorities, goals,
Budget increases over the past five years, accomplishments, comparisons of per pupil costs
with other towns, enrollments, significant budget increases this year, and technology.
Dr. Hoffmann indicated because a few things were added back into the budget,the FY13
budget is now at 2.84% increase. He recommended that the School Committee come up with
contingencies to get to 2.5%, as requested by the Town Administrator. He reviewed the
School Committee goals which include, maintaining quality academic programs and support
services, maintaining reasonable class sizes, stimulating professional growth for all staff,
providing for students with special needs, providing for a safe and supportive climate and
enhancing parent and community involvement. He thanked the community for passing the
overrides which helped restore positions and programs that were funded previously by
grants.
Stony Brook Elementary School Budget
Discussions surrounded the secretarial line increasing, substitute caller, average absenteeism
for staff,teacher stipends for"teachers training teachers"within the district and the cost of
textbooks.
Transportation costs were discussed and the need to add 2 buses to meet the School
Committee guidelines of not picking up students before 7:00 a.m. and travel time for students
no more than 30 minutes. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that Administration will continue to
evaluate the two-tier system. People were asked to consider the benefits for the high school
students.
The cafeteria deficit was discussed at great length. Last year the School Committee covered a
$30,000 deficit. Included in the budget this year is a Point of Sale System that costs $3,636.
This system would improve efficiencies in tracking student allergies, parents can monitor
what their child is eating,parents can electronically add to their child's account and improved
inventory control and bookkeeping. Some members felt the POS system could be deferred
until next year. It was noted the cafeteria personnel thought the system would improve
efficiency. Data will be interfaced with X2, student data software,to streamline data entry.
Training is included in the purchase price.
Utilities were discussed and the cost of building maintenance. Principal Fronius indicated she
would have Mr. Schofield, Head of Maintenance, create a more specific list of expenses for the
Committee.
The Special Needs accounts were reviewed. Principal Fronius indicated that the RAVO
Program will be purchased to help students who are not successful with reading and also help
with children who have Dyslexia.
Integrated Preschool was put back into the budget and Committee members clarified that it
was not an increase over last year. There were questions surrounding the increase and it was
noted that each town's assessment is based on enrollments averaged over last three years. An
increase in preschool tuition was proposed and Dr. Hoffmann indicated that would have to be
a Union 54 vote. Mr. Baumhauer stated the rates increased last year by$10.00. If the tuition
was increased, it could help defray part of the costs of the fourth preschool classroom. The
Committee asked that a discussion on an increase in Preschool tuition be included on the
agenda at the Joint Meeting in March.
The Chair asked that consideration be given to a dedicated science teacher and restoring the
reading teacher to 100%. Ms. Enochty stated this was out of order as the Principals had
never talked about putting those positions into the budget. The Chair asked to bring this up
for discussion, potentially reduce other areas, and put two items these back into the FY13
budget.
Kindergarten enrollment was discussed and the possible need for another classroom.
NESDEC projected 76 students, or four classrooms. Kindergarten will be implementing the
Tools of the Mind curricula model and kindergarten educational assistants must be in the
classroom for the full day. Principal Fronius will re-work the educational assistants schedule
to accommodate the program without adding new costs.
At this time the Chair invited citizens from the audience to ask questions regarding the
budget. Mr. Baecker, Ms. Hill and Ms. Cazeault had questions on various line items and
questioned the increase in transportation costs,the number of educational assistants, special
needs preschool tuitions,technology budget, ERATE, substitute accounts,testing materials,
bus ridership, POS system,and preschool enrollment.
Principal Fronius clarified the explanation for account#5017, contracted instructional
services which brings programs into the classrooms like the Museum of Science Program,
Elements,Audubon, and storytellers. These are sometimes funded through the PTO.
Ms. Kalinick reiterated that the bus transportation increased the budget by$20,000 but she
felt the conditions the school committee put on the two-tier transportation was appropriate.
Eddy School
Principal Gauley reviewed his line by line budget with the Committee. The online substitute
calling system and the stipend for the secretary were reviewed. The Reading Teacher and
Title I Teacher were discussed with 25% funding included for the Reading Teacher bringing
that position back to 100%. The substitute line, and differences between Eddy and Stony
were mentioned noting Stony Brook has a long term substitute situation.
The technology, Open Cape, Fiber Optics networked in town, utilities,building and grounds,
special needs teachers, supplies, and special needs extended school year services were
discussed.
The Brewster Combined budget for FY13 was at 2.84% and a $21,451 reduction was needed
to get to 2.5%.
The Chair closed the Public Hearing on the FY13 budget.
Discussion then revolved around the possible increase in preschool tuition and how that could
help with the budget gap. Ms. Enochty felt the Principals did a good job with their budgets
and did not wish to ask them to cut anymore. She suggested waiting until March and the
tuition increase decision. Chair Rabold reminded the Committee that the schools asked for an
override last year and the need to stay with the 2.5% and let them know that most of the other
town departments are coming in below 1%. The Chair suggested reducing the cafeteria
account by$10,000 and look at the staffing in this area as well. POS was discussed and Mr.
Baumhauer indicated that was a one time expense for the hardware. Mara Liebling thought
the POS worthwhile in helping with efficiencies. She also suggested that services be combined
in the two cafeterias and felt the School Committee and Administration could up with creative
ways to be more efficient. Mr. Baumhauer reported that there had been a reduction in staff
hours this year at Stony Brook.
Mr. Baumhauer asked if the Committee would like to bring the budget in at 2.5% or even
down to 2%, as benefits had not been included in the costs yet. Dr. Hoffmann asked if the
Committee would like to direct Principals to give them some reductions in priority order.
Conversation went back to the cafeteria account and it was suggested that the $10,000 be cut
to $5,000.
Chair Rabold suggested the Committee look at goals and to start bring back the science
program in the elementary schools. Discussion regarding the science enrichment in the
schools ensued. Mr.Telman voiced a "Point of Order" and the Committee asked the Principals
to come back with a list of reductions for their review at the next meeting in the amount of
$21,400 so that the budget can come in at 2.5%.
Discussion surrounding the science program continued. Dr. Bonny Gifford indicated that
Administration could not support this idea at this time. Principals have not discussed it; there
.
is no plan of action, and no curriculum in place. She also indicated that a new science
framework has not been released by the state and a plan will have to be implemented
according to those standards.
Capital Plan
Dr. Hoffmann reviewed the revisions to the Capital Plan with HVAC$125,000, instead of
$75,000. The description for lavatory partitions was changed and was reduced from $15,000
to $10,000. He also indicated Administration will approach the MSBA and apply for a SOI in
the Energy Repair Program for the Eddy School.
Motion: On a motion by Mr.Telman, seconded by Ms. Enochty,it was voted unanimously to
approve the Capital Plan as amended.
Principal Fronius reported on the window problem at the Stony Brook School. She worried
that the $1,500,000 in the Capital Plan may not be sufficient to cover both the HVAC and roof
at the Eddy School and the window repairs for Stony Brook. There are 78 windows that
might need to be replaced eventually. Chair Rabold indicated that the Capital Plan Committee
is aware of the situation.
Ms. Enochty asked that the next meeting begin with a brief review of the Roberts Rules of
Order to clarify meeting procedures.
Adjournment
On a motion by Mr.Telman, seconded by Ms. Enochty, it was voted unanimously to adjourn
the meeting at 10:12 p.m.
Re ctfull. su itted,
A n M. Tefft, Reifrding Secretary
Brewster School Committee