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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2013-01-17 Minutes ff NINE)Brewster School Committee January 17, 2013 Brewster Town Hall Present for the Committee: Chair Telman, Donna Kalinick,Brenda Cazeault,and Jennifer Rabold Present for the Administration: Dr. Hoffmann,Dr. Gifford, Dr. Caretti,Ms.Venditti,and Principal Fronius Call to Order Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. at which time he addressed the audience regarding security in the Brewster Schools assuring everyone that the Town Departments,along with Chief Koch, are working hard to make sure all schools are safe for our children. As changes happen,the school committee will be as forthcoming as they can be without giving out to much information about the plan. Citizens Speak None FY13 Budget Update Giovanna Venditti reviewed the monthly expenditure and variance reports with the committee. Over the next month,a spending plan will be developed for FY13 which will include Central office cost as part of the end of year plan. Questions were raised regarding account#7064, Instructional Hardware. Balances in utilities accounts will be reviewed and brought to the next meeting. With savings from these accounts,pre-purchasing supplies for next year might be a possibility to help with the FY14 budget. Special Needs Transportation account#5091 was discussed, which is an unanticipated expense with a cost of$31,917 from November—June. The committee would like to know if the operating budget is able to absorb this expense and would also like to know if the child rides a bus alone or with other children. Balances in Revolving Accounts were reviewed and discussed. FY14 Budget Update Dr.Hoffmann reviewed the funding gap with the committee, as well as the Brewster Elementary Schools combined budget. The town's budget is$8,108,738. Fringe costs are$1,524,324 leaving$6,584,414 for the combined operating budget. This represents a$148,480 or 2.3%increase. However,the current proposed budget is$6,759,883 leaving a budget gap of$175,469. Unanticipated special needs costs were discussed and it was asked what is being cut in the regular day budget to pay for the unanticipated expense within the operating budget. The Committee reviewed the possible reduction list for Eddy Elementary School. A decision was made NOT to eliminate the science tutor position from the reduction list. Curriculum leaders and support positions were discussed and a question was raised as to whether or not there was an overlap in some areas. It was the consensus of the committee to table the discussion relative to possible reductions at the Eddy School until Principal Gauley could be in attendance. Ms Rabold noted the increase in substitute lines,supplies,textbooks,and hardware. She suggested hardware be placed in the capital plan. It was also noted he cafeteria director's salary was taken out of the revolving account and placed in the Central Office budget which made the Central Office budget increase significantly. Prinipal Fronius reviewed her possible reduction list. The rental agreement with the YMCA was discussed. It was suggested utilities be reviewed and reduce the supplies for next year if some pre-purchasing can be accomplished. It was noted there are no costs in FY14 for Tools of the Mind. A question relative to training in Tools of the Mind was asked regarding a new teacher, mentoring and the cost. Smart boards were discussed. Principal Fronius indicated Stony Brook has 9 Smart boards and would like to have them in the kindergarten,art and music classes. She also indicated she would like to purchase additional supplies in the area of science. Out of District transportation was discussed and Dr. Caretti indicated that the mileage was analyzed between the program and where the student resides. Dr. Caretti will review the invoices. Dr. Caretti also mentioned that they are researching bringing this student back into the district but does not want the student to attend a program by his/herself. She thinks she can create a program for three students. Dr. Caretti indicated it is difficult to put a Kindergarten student in the"I Can"program as there would be no peers for the child. Motion: On a motion by Jennifer Rabold,seconded by Donnak Kalinick it was voted unanimously to reduce the Stony Brook Elementary School budget by$31,860. FY14 Central Office Budget Dr.Hoffmann reviewed the Central Office budget with the committee noting the increase in costs by 16%is due to corrections in entries for staff and addition of several positions into the Central Office budget that included: Nurse Coordinator,ELL Coordinator Travel Stipend, Computer Repair Technician,Computer Repair Technician Travel Stipend, Salary for Food Service Director,Travel for Food Service Director and the salary for Facilities Coordinator. These costs are being paid through other accounts this year so these are not new costs to Brewster. Dr. Hoffmann indicated on January 9th the subcommittee voted to support the Central Office budget with a 4-2 vote. Wellfleet and Brewster voted against as they did not want to have the new part time facilities coordinator in the budget. Ms. Rabold indicated she would like to see reductions in the foodservice bookkeeper position. Legal fees and postage were discussed. It was suggested that the Central Office continue to work to reduce their paper and postage usage. Dr.Hoffmann indicated he and Ms. Venditti went through each line item and made reductions before it was brought to the committee. Chair Telman asked if the computer repairs and the use of the technician was based on population or numbers of computers. The Superintendent indicated the time log could be checked to see where most of the time is spent but right now the breakdown is based on enrollment. (Brewster-18%,Eastham-8%,Orleans- 8.4%, Wellfleet-5.4%, Region-60%) School budgets in the other member towns were mentioned as to where they stand and what they are facing in FY14. It was stated that Brewster's percentage in the regional budget was going down. Dr.Hoffmann indicated that Ms. Venditti has made changes in the way the salaries and longevity are recorded as a total in the line items, which was suggested by the auditor,and makes it appear that there are big increases when there are not. Some of the employees have step changes and everyone has the contractual 2.5%. Ms.Rabold would like Dr. Hoffman to show what was reduced in the Central Office budget before the December subcommittee meeting. The amount in the telephone line item was mentioned. Dr.Hoffmann indicated the increase was because the account was under budgeted this year. FY14 Capital Plan Dr.Hoffmann reviewed the capital plan with the committee. Discussion ensued regarding HVAC systems at both schools,submitting a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts Building Authority,the telephone system, playground and security. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that he has made initial contact for electronic access to the MSBA and is waiting for a response. It was also noted that Mr. Sumner may put the security expenses on a separate warrant article. Motion: On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to approve the FY14 Capital Plan as amended 1. Move $50,000 to feasibility study for the Eddy roof/HVAC 2. Move Telephone System replacement at Stony Brook to FY15 3. Security System—approve with the proviso that we have a separate warrant Article, and if it is not voted at Town Meeting, put it back in the Capital Plan. 4. Clarification that the$260,000 is from other sources and$100,000 would come from Town Meeting Total request for Capital Plan in FY14=$320,000 Update on the Superintendent's Evaluation Dr Hoffmann reviewed the procedures for the mid-cycle review of the Superintendent and answered questions concerning the forms and documents. At the Joint School Committee meeting on January 31,2013 members will provide verbal and written feedback using the approved forms to the Superintendent with regard to his professional practice and progress towards meeting the approved 2012-13 goals. Policy Manual Section AA,First Reading On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Donna Kalinck, it was voted unanimously to approve Section A of the policy manual, "in form"for a first reading. Food Service Update Due to the late hour,it was decided to Table this item until the next meetng. Reports and Information Cape Cod Collaborative—Chair Telman reported the Collaborative is looking to purchase a couple of new buses. Transportation—Donna Kalinick reported that the next meeting of the subcommittee is January 22nd at 4:00 p.m. and she cannot attend the meeting. Jennifer Rabold volunteered to attend. Playground—Jennifer Rabold reported that the application has been completed for CPC funding and they gave suggestions for revisions. They are meeting on Feb. 28 to vote on that provision and meeting with Recreation Department on February 4`h. Policy—no report First Tee Program—Chair Telman reported that both teachers have started training. The manuals and equipment should be distributed shortly. They needed two separate laptop computers to start the training. Approval of Minutes on a motion by Donna Kalinick, seconded by Brenda Cazeault, it was voted to approve the minutes of December 20, 2013 with the following correction: (1 Abstention:Jennifer Rabold) On a motion by Donna Kalinick, seconded by Brenda Cazeault,it was voted unanimously to turn authority for security of the schools to Chief Koch to work in conjunction with Administration on security measures and security plans. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Donna Kalinick,it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ann M.Tefft BREWS R CLERK '13 MAR22 12:12