Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2018-03-01 Minutes I IF. ' •.I c' 11. c:1 Nauset Regional School Committee March 1 2018 poll ' " ' Brewster Town Hall :.Fs: � Present for the Committee : Richard Stewart, Ed Brookshire, Deb Beal, Chris Easley, Jim O ' Leary, Sarah Blackwell , John O ' Reilly, Robert Sinclair, Sallie Probolus Absent for the Committee : Judith Schumacher Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, . Giovanna Venditti , Ed MacDonald and Maxine Minkoff Call to Order Chair Easley called the meeting to order at 6 : 04 p .m . Agenda Changes It was suggested that the committee consider adding Unfinished Business and Future Business to the agenda. Chair Easley requested a moment of silence for the victims and their families in Parkland, Florida . Citizens Speak — none PriorityBusiness FY19 Budget The Superintendent reviewed where the committee is in the budget process and indicated there were no changes at this point. He is not changing the salary line items relative to future vacancies . It was requested that the budget be reconsidered to include safety measures in our schools . Line Items 8322 and 8323 were clarified. A correction was made to the article in the Cape Codder regarding the OPEB amount which was incorrect and should have stated the amount is between $ 17, 000, 000 and $21 , 000, 000 . Assessments were discussed, how assessments are determined and the increases to the towns . A few members wanted to change the capital plan and eliminate the air conditioning at the Middle School and High School . It was thought that iPads could be moved into the capital plan and then the additional money in the operating budget could be used for hiring a counselor or to enhance security. It was indicated that there are two different budgets, capital and operational . It was also indicated that the budget met the 2 . 5 % guideline from the towns . The Superintendent indicated that the committee is dealing with two different warrant articles . He also indicated that the iPads were moved out of the capital plan and put in the operating budget at the request of the towns . The committee was reminded of the unanimous vote taken on the capital plan and the revenue stream that was anticipated with the installation of air conditioning and summer concerts at the Middle School . It was suggested that members look at both the revenue side and the expense side of the budget. It was also suggested that the revenue is speculative with no guarantee . Sallie Probolus asked if the committee could decide that they have already approved the capital budget and move forward with the operating budget or take a vote to reconsider the capital budget. Nauset Regional School Committee 3 - 1--2018 [ 1 ] Deb Beal made a motion to reconsider the capital budget. The motion was seconded by Ed Brookshire . Clarification was made that a vote of reconsideration was to put the capital on the next agenda. It was stated once again that laptops cannot be included in the capital budget because the towns said they are not infrastructure . A member mentioned that the money saved from the air conditioning could be used to lower the budget and could not be used for the purpose of giving to E & D . John O ' Reilly called for the vote . It was voted 5 yeas and 4 nays(Sara Blackwell, Sallie Probolus, Ed Brookshire and Chris Easley) to reconsider the capital plan. The Chair indicated a 2/3 majority vote was needed to pass the motion , so the motion failed . Members questioned the vote. Members shared concerns about the balance in E & D and the revenue sources as well as potential unanticipated costs . It was also stated that revolving funds have been drawn down and E & D is low. Chair Easley spoke to the security and safety of the students in the school being paramount and that the conversation around the issue of security is ongoing and a daily topic in the system . He is also concerned about the diminishing revenues and the 2 . 5 % increase . He reminded the committee that 90 -94% of the budgets are personnel costs and the cost of health insurance continues to rise . It is difficult to sustain these budgets going forward . Ms . Venditti reviewed the town assessments with the committee and indicated they are driven by student population, noting assessments fluctuate . A member indicated that the only way to reduce assessments to towns is to cut the program or add funding into the operating costs . Ms . Venditti indicated that the capital budget is increased by 2 . 5 % each year. The Superintendent requested a vote on the FYI operating budget at 2 . 49% increase . It was suggested that the committee adopt the 2 . 49% budget and leave E & D where it is or the committee could ask Administration to reevaluate the budget, make reductions, and those reductions would go to E & D . It was mentioned that eventually E & D will not be sufficient . If revenues do not increase or replenish, it will impact the program or an override is needed . It was explained the Regional Schools cannot go back to the towns after the budget is voted so it is important to have sufficient funds in E & D for emergencies . MOTION : On a motion by Ed Brookshire, seconded by John O ' Reilly, it was voted to enter the Public Hearing of the FYI budget at 7 : 31 p.m . The Superintendent presented the FYI budget, showcasing highlights, the safe and supportive climate in the schools, the parent and community involvement, a budget overview, the net operating budget increase, the total operating budget and debt service and the town assessments with cost increases to member towns . The Superintendent thanked the School Committee for all their hard work on the budget. Motion : Sarah Blackwell made a motion that was seconded by Ed Brookshire to approve the FY19 budget as presented in the amount of $22 ,589 ,788 . The vote was 7 yeas and 2 nays (Robert Sinclair and Deb Beal) , the budget was approved . Nauset Regional School Committee 341- 2018 [2 ] It was suggested one member could not support the budget because of the amount in the professional development line items . Another member reminded the committee of the presentation by Mr. Gauley relative to professional development. Other members were concerned about safety and security . Future Agenda Topics : The Superintendent indicated he is keeping a list of topics as suggested by members . New items included : exercise at the HS , school security and budget implications, reducing parts of the agenda/streamline agenda, update on five year strategic plan, and review policies . Adjournment On a motion by Sara Blackwell , seconded by Deb Beal , it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8 : 10 p. m . Nauset Regional School Committee 341- 2018 [ 3 ]