TOWN OF ROCKY HILL
BOARD OF EDUCATION
BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING OF January 11, 2007
Members Present: Neil Geldof (Chairman)
Peter Arico
Nadine Bell
Mark Carberry
Charles McMonigle
Rene (Skip) Rivard
Anne Schmidt
Catherine Vargas
Jennifer Viggiano-Grosse
A budget workshop for the Rocky Hill Public Schools was held on Thursday, January 11, 2007, in the media center of Griswold Middle School. Board of Education Finance Committee member, Peter Arico called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was recited.
I. BUDGET SESSION TIME LIMITS
Dr. Vautour explained budget workshops should not go past 9:00 p.m., but if they need to run over, the proper adjustment would be made.
II. INTRODUCTION – BUDGET OVERVIEW / FORMAT
Dr. Vautour conducted a budget slide presentation complimented by hard copy reports to each Board member and administrator. He started the presentation with a quote from Henry Ford:
“We can’t take a slipshod and easygoing attitude toward education in this country. And by “we” I don’t mean “somebody else”, but I mean me and I mean you. It is the future of our country – yours and mine – which is at stake.”
1. Budget Calendar:
Dr. Vautour presented the budget calendar as follows:
· Jan 5, 2007 Submission of Superintendent’s Budget to Board of Ed
· Jan 11 – 31, 2007 Board Review of Budget Request
· Feb 1, 2007 Budget Revisions Completed
· Feb 1, 2007 Board Adoption of Budget
· Feb 15, 2007 Board Budget Submitted to Town
2. Budget Process:
Dr. Vautour explained the budget review process as follows:
Ø Establish Budget Session Time Limits
Ø Introduction – Budget Overview
Ø Budget Review Sequence
· Instructional Programs, 6-22 / 36, 37, 40
· Support Programs, 1-5
· Support Programs, 23-35, 38, 39, 41
· Board Action
Ø Scheduled Meeting Dates
· Jan 11, 2007, GMS Library / Media Center
· Jan 16, 2007, GMS Library / Media Center
· Jan 23, 2007, GMS Library / Media Center
· Jan 25, 2007, GMS Library / Media Center
Ø Budget Meetings Begin at 5:30 p.m.
Budget Book Layout:
Dr. Vautour reviewed the Budget Book layout, which is comprised of:
Ø Section 1 – Budget Overview:
· Superintendent of Schools’ Message
· Budget Charge
· Mission/Vision/ Goals
· Mandates
· Assumptions Used in Construction of Budget
· Reductions Made by Superintendent of Schools
· Budget Highlights
Ø Section 2 – Budget Detail
· Budget Detail
· Backup Sheets for Each Cost Center
Ø Section 3 – Budget Support Materials
3. Budget Construction & Assumptions:
Dr. Vautour explained the budget construction was based on the Board’s mission, vision, and goals, coupled with state-mandated responsibilities.
Assumptions used in constructing the 2007-08 budget were:
§ Maintain adequate staffing to insure delivery of quality programs and services
§ Maintain a response to enrollment shifts.
§ Maintain class sizes consistent with guidelines to the fullest extent possible.
§ Where possible, reduce or eliminate staffing while maintaining programs and/or efficiency of services.
§ Adjust specific budget areas to accurately reflect funding sources used to purchase current years supplies and materials.
§ Budget adequately to respond to contracts with bargaining units:
Teachers = 4.74% salary increase
Administrators = 3.25%
Secretaries = 3.25%
Nurses = 3.0%
Paraprofessionals = 3.25%
§ Maintain commitment to textbook acquisition cycle (to ensure that our textbooks are current), Technology Plan, professional development, and curriculum development.
§ Respond to increases in the area of health benefits = 15%
§ Cover transportation expenses – Increase of 3% plus fuel surcharge. Double A bus company has been bought out by Durham School Services, and they will be honoring our existing contract with Double A, this will be the first year of a five-year contract.
§ Continue involvement in GHAMAS and Academy for Performing Arts
§ Maintain support for athletics and co-curricular activities
§ Maintain commitment to field trips and summer school
§ Continue the pursuit of enhanced opportunities for students
§ Respond to space needs and supply adequate furnishings for the same.
Dr. Vautour explained the district operating budget is composed of two components: 1) The Superintendent of Schools’ Proposed Operational Budget, and 2) the Facilities Department School-Based Budget.
Facilities Budget:
Dr. Vautour explained the Facilities budget is comprised of personnel expenses related to custodians, salaries as well as benefits. Also included are supplies for routine maintenance and repairs, contracted services, and capital project requests.
Referring to a Facilities Budget handout, he explained items by school that are simply carryover items from the prior year(s), ones that have already been addressed, and pointed out new items being requested in this budget as follows:
High School:
Items already addressed:
-Room 103 was air-conditioned.
-Gym floor was stripped and refinished.
-Front stairs were repaired and handrails were repainted.
New requests:
-Installation of security cameras to be placed inside and outside the building.
-Proposal for enlarging the dark room in 102 and partition off room 101 to allow for a digital art program.
All items on the listed below are carryover requests from prior years.
Ø Entire storage/auxiliary gym proposal
Ø Enlarge dark room
Ø Add at least two additional science labs
Ø Fencing around athletic field
Ø Two to four new classrooms
Ø Replace intercom system and classroom telephones
Ø Air condition music recording studio
Ø Carpeting for main office and guidance office (23 years old)
Ø Renovate room 215 – new art lab
Ø Remove stage in 315 (lib. Comp. lab)
Ø Paint all lockers and emergency doors
Ø Begin cycle of painting classrooms
Middle School:
Items already addressed: Ranger system has been addressed and is operational.
New Requests:
-Installation of doorbell buzzer at the delivery door for security precautions.
-Shelving for computers to increase the numbers of computers in each area.
All items on the listed below are carryover requests from prior years.
Ø Need for athletic fields
Ø Larger floor space and seating area in gym
Ø Auditorium
Ø Add storage trailer
Ø Air conditioning (starting with rooms without windows)
Ø Increase parking area
Ø Print for classrooms and hallways
Ø Additional classroom space
Stevens School:
Items already addressed:
-Principal and secretary office was painted.
-Partial resurfacing of blacktop areas.
New Requests:
-Portable classrooms carpeting, roofing and outside paint. The question remains: “How much money should be expended on this, since this is part of a much larger issue. “
-Blinds in the office and conference room.
All items on the listed below are carryover requests from prior years.
Ø Complete installation of ramps into courtyard (classroom doors not level with pavement for handicapped access)
Ø Update intercom system
Ø Upgrade/replace portable classrooms
Ø Purchase storage shed(s) for custodial equipment, etc. (presently equipment is stored in stairways and hallways)
Ø Install air conditioners and appropriate wiring in rooms (some rooms have air some do not)
Ø Repair granite curing near gym
Moser School:
Items already addressed: cafeteria ceiling
New Request: none
All items on the listed below are carryover requests from prior years.
Ø Install intercom system (presently communications by walkie-talkie only)
Ø Install air conditioning and wiring in all classrooms
Ø Expand parking lot (more staff/more cars/no space)
Ø Replace windows (old windows in disrepair, falling apart, drafty)
Ø Resurface blacktop areas
Ø Repaint exterior trim and cupola
West Hill:
Items already addressed: Additional electrical outlets in the classrooms
New Request: Digital clocks to replace battery operated clocks.
All other items are carryover from prior year requests.
All items on the listed below are carryover requests from prior years.
Ø Enclose office area – safety
Ø Create storage area on loading dock
Ø Storage bins for primary grades
Ø Voice mail
Ø Paint awnings and trip
Ø Paint library and hallway walls
Ø Install shades in new classrooms and gymnasium,
Ø Paint fence
Ø Repave blacktop
Ø Blinds for grade 5 classrooms, café, and library
Ø Library and reading room carpeting needs to be replaced
4. Budget Requests NOT Honored:
Dr. Vautour explained that each year administrators submit budget requests that are based on input from their staff. Then he, along with Mr. Turansky and Mrs. Boutilier sees justification for each of the items being requested, and fashion a budget that is reasonable.
Of the 2007-2008 budget requests, the following items were not honored :
West Hill: .5 office paraprofessional, .5 Math Resource Teacher, 1 Grade level coordinator for Unified Arts, 1 Grade Level Coordinator for Pupil Services, 1 Lead Teacher Stipend.
Griswold Middle School: .2 FTE Physical Education Teacher, 1.0 FTE Math Consultant, .45 FTE Math Resource Teacher, .4 FTE World Languages Teacher, 1.0 FTE Keyboarding Teacher, 1.0 FTE Guidance Counselor, 1 part-time Math Paraprofessional (15 hrs).
Special Education:
Bright Beginnings: .5 FTE Special Ed Teacher, .5 FTE Speech/Language Pathologist, .5 Paraprofessional, .2 FTE Occupational Therapist, .2 FTE Physical Therapist. Dr. Vautour said he thought that the needs of this program should most likely be able to be met with the existing staff.
KIP-2: 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher, .5 FTE Speech/Language Pathologist, 1.0 FTE Paraprofessional, 2 part-time Paraprofessionals. Dr. Vautour states that we may be able to institute this program this year through a re-deployment of personnel at no additional cost.
High School: .4 FTE Business Education Teacher, .2 FTE Family & Consumer Science Teacher, 1.0 FTE Reading/Literacy Coach, 1.0 FTE Internal Suspension Paraprofessional for the internal suspension room.
District-Wide: 1.0 FTE Language Arts Coordinator
Dr. Vautour stated because he did not honor these requests it does not mean that he doesn’t agree with them, but feels they are not doable within a given year.
The total of all these reductions equals $840,914. Had the previous budget requests not been stricken from the proposed budget, the total budget would have been 3.47% higher.
5. Total Requested Budget:
THE 2007-2008 TOTAL REQUESTED BUDGET IS: $26,542,235
The budget increase in dollars is $2,282,608; a 9.4% increase.
$ Request % of Total Request
Salaries $18,900,453 71.2%
Employee Benefits $ 3,829,400 14.4%
Transportation $ 1,023,540 3.9%
Tuition $ 928,100 3.5%
All Other Purch. Services $ 911,180 3.4%
Supplies, Texts, Materials $ 714,845 2.7%
Equipment $ 234,717 .9%
TOTAL: $26,542,235 100%
Dr. Vautour notes this budget is very labor intensive, and 93% of the entire budget is in the first four categories (above). If any significant cuts are to be made, it would have to come from staffing.
6. Analysis of Budget Increases:
In summary, salaries are up $1,100,098 including 5.0 new positions either certified or non-certified; which accounts for $350,860. Tuition: up $495,450, Employee Benefits: $386,865, Supplies and Materials $62,354, Transportation: $59,640, Other Services: $53,731, Textbooks: $52,146, Equipment: $41,991, ($40,000 is to equip the modular classrooms) All Other: $30,343.
7. Request by Category:
§ Salaries: Contract percentage increase summaries as mentioned above
§ Employee Benefits: Increase in benefits is roughly 15%, which has four major contributing factors:
1) Annual market trend rate is between 12-14%; we used 15% because we are using 20 months. 2) Most recent renewal was flat, which puts pressure on an upcoming year 3) Most recent claims experience is less than favorable 4) There is no surplus to temper the ‘07-’08 budget request. Dr. Vautour is hoping this will drop some, as we get closer to budget adoption.
§ Tuition:
Special Education Outplacements: $827,000
Magnet Schools: $53,400
-GHAMUS- Maintains 24 students (3 add’l slots = $9,450 increase)
-Performing Arts - Maintain 16 student slots
-Open Choice - 35 students
Adult Education $32,000
Vocational-agriculture program, $15,700 (2 students)
Dr. Vautour explains when the budget was constructed, they had expected 46 Choice students, but have only 35, and do not recommend accepting any more due to physical plant constraints. Because of this difference, there is a revenue shortfall of $22,000.
§ Special Education Outplacement Tuition Costs:
Initial preparation of the ’06-07 budget anticipated 17 students at a cost of $698,811. However, the current projection through year has jumped to $1,252,801 due to the influx of students and changes in status of individuals that have driven these costs.
Also, parents can choose to send their children to magnet schools. We currently have two students attending Noah-Webster School in West Hartford, and one at the Pathway program. This is normally tuition free, unless there are special education costs involved. We are beginning to see some of these fees come through. In this budget, there is approximately $14,000 attributed to Magnet School fees associated with special education.
30 students were initially expected in the special education outplacements at a cost of $1,289,329. Dr. Vautour recently learned there will be an additional student, which will cost the district approximately $40,000.
8. Enrollment Trend Analysis:
Elementary Schools:
-Enrollment at 1,255 in 06-07 is expected to increase through 2016-17 to 1,351
Middle School:
-Enrollment at 585 in 06-07 is expected to increase through 2016-17 to 696
High School:
-Enrollment at 742 in 06-07 is expected to peak at 826 in 2015-16
District:
-Enrollment at 2,582 in 06-07 is expected to peak at 2,863 in 2015-16.
Dr. Vautour notes these are snapshots at a specific moment. The actual numbers change on a daily basis depending on the local population.
9. Proposed Staffing Adjustments:
Elementary Level:
-West Hill: - Add Assistant Principal .50 FTE
-Add Grade 4 Teacher 1.0 FTE
-Stevens: - Add Assistant Principal .50 FTE
- Add Grade 5 Teacher 1.0 FTE
-Moser: - Add Secretary .55 FTE
Dr. Vautour states Board policy requires him to bring to the Board’s attention for consideration the addition of Assistant Principal when the elementary population hits 625 students. The combined Elementary school population is 1,256 students. Although this would justify the addition of two Assistant Principals, Dr. Vautour asks for one Assistant Principal to be split between the two schools.
Dr. Vautour explains there is a need for additional secretarial assistance at Moser School since there is no continuous office coverage there. This position can also perform other elementary school secretarial tasks.
Middle School Level:
Proposal to add .20 FTE reading teacher for 6th grade, 7th and 8th grades will have this intensive support service.
High School:
Math - .4 FTE addition for applied math in Algebra IIG sections require attention.
School Administration – Add one .55 FTE Secretary to handle the Win School software program. Win School data is currently being entered by multiple people, which causes mistakes. Also, the assistant principal is currently devoting 30% of her time on insuring this data is being recorded properly.
District Wide:
Add .30 FTE Strings Teacher
In summary, these additional positions come to an equivalent of 5.0 FTE and a $350,860. Of this, two additional teachers are due to enrollment.
10. Modular Classroom Furniture/Equipment Needs:
In addition to the modular classrooms, there are the furniture and equipment needs that go along with them.
High School Science Lab Concerns:
Currently, 12 science classes are relocated weekly. This disrupts classes, and leaves a potential for damaged equipment. No labs are available for general level science courses such as biology, chemistry and physics. Also, there are no labs for environmental science and forensics. Dr. Vautour explains this is where the $18,170 need comes in to equip a third modular to be used at the high school. Mr. Turansky calculated a cost of approximately $10,000 for each elementary school modular, and $20,000 for the high school modular equipment needs.
11. Program Highlights:
Instructional Technology $149,261
Textbook Acquisitions Cycle $114,382
Curriculum Development $12,420
Professional Development $43,000
New Courses $38,303
Instructional Technology Recommendations:
Hardware: Year 1 of Technology Lease 3 $50,000 (replacement, etc.)
Hardware: Technology Lease 1 & 2 $99,261
Total Hardware: $149,261
Total Software: $105,871
Technology:
Replacement Cycle-125 PCs may be distributed as follows:
-50 High school library & technology Ed
-35 GMS lab and library
-26 HS office and guidance
-14 Central office
-20 laptops
Software Needs: Site Licenses are needed for all computer software due to copyright laws. Penalties for pirating are much more expensive than purchasing the software licenses.
New Textbook Requests 2007-08: Total $114,382 (excluding new course requests)
Ø High School: $43,028 for Math, PE, Science
Ø Middle School: $42,240 for math books for grades 6,7, & 8
Ø Elementary Schools: $29,114 for math books to complete trailblazers at the 5th grade level & music materials. The music dept has been requesting materials for the past 7 years.
Curriculum Development: = $12,420
Ø High School: $4,050 for Art, Business Ed, Math, Physical Ed, and Science
Ø Middle School: $810 for Math
Ø Elementary Schools: $7,020 for Health, Language Arts, Math, and Science
Ø District Wide: $540 for Music
Professional Development: = $43,000
Three major themes in professional development: 1)It furthers district goals for training in teaching techniques, 2)technological applications, 3)inclusionary practices. Also addresses requirement to provide 1.8 CEUs of training.
District-wide = $16,000
School-wide = $21,000
Administrators = $6,000
Total Costs: $43,000
Dr. Vautour states the private sector usually has professional development as a percentage of its total budget. In this perspective, this amount is not significant.
12. New Courses Requested: $38,303
High School:
-Art, Advanced Drawing
-Art, Digital Multimedia Design
-Art, Advanced Pottery
-Language Arts, Abnormal Psychology
-Language Arts, Real World Literacy
In the English dept, these courses are replacing older courses that have fallen by the wayside.
13. Overview Summary:
Dr. Vautour summarizes this proposed budget responds to enrollment changes; provides for upgrades of texts; and provides for our commitment to technology, professional development, and curriculum. It allows for quality courses and programs; maintains our magnet school participation; and maintains our involvement in the open choice program. (He notes he has not requested any new spaces for the Open Choice program because we don’t have the space. He maintains that this does not suggest that he is stepping away from a very important social commitment for the community of Rocky Hill.) It maintains summer school services, a literacy program, and addresses critical space needs.
In closing, Dr. Vautour believes a 9.4% budget increase is significant, but not outrageous. It is an attempt to balance the needs of the district against economic constraints.
14. Questions Regarding Budget Proposal:
Mrs. Schmidt made an announcement requesting anyone with questions regarding any of the information presented tonight to contact Dr. Vautour or Mr. Turansky before the next budget meeting.
DETAIL BUDGET REVIEW:
Dr. Vautour presented the detailed budget beginning on page 6 of the budget book and answered questions as discussion evolved.
Program 6 - Art Program: Total increase: $67,948
No staffing changes, 8 FT teachers.
Total Increase in the art budget is $67, 948. Of this, $21,579 (not including fringe benefits) is related to salaries. Non-salary increase is $46,369. Of this, $2,430 for curriculum development and $32,735 for the Technology Digital Lab (computer hardware, etc.)
High School: Requested $6,115 for 15 digital cameras, 5 single reflex cameras, a safelight, (red light for darkroom) & an air purification unit.
Mrs. Vargas questioned why the digital cameras didn’t come out of the lease purchase. Dr. Vautour responded this is related directly to a course offering, and is part of start up costs for that course. Secondly, they are trying to maintain replacement cycles, so it needed to be highlighted to stand alone. He made note to possibly insert this into the lease if need be as the budget process progresses.
Mrs. Schmidt questioned the classification of the safelight and air purification system. If it is affixed to the building, then it should possibly be classified under facilities. Dr. Vautour plans to check if these items are affixed to the building.
Mr. Arico questioned whether the salary figures included fringe benefits. Dr. Vautour explained the only time fringe benefits are associated with a salary is where there’s a new position being requested. He clarified that the first line item on page 6 in the amount of $251,876 is for salaries only. Fringe benefits are included elsewhere.
Mrs. Vargas questioned the extra $1,400 in item 690. Mr. Pitocco responded this is for laser cartridges for the increase in digital photography artwork.
Middle School: Per Pupil factor is $17.21 this year applied against 606 students.
Stevens School: Per pupil factor is $5.66 at elementary level.
Mrs. Schmidt questioned what the administration section was under art. Dr. Vautour explained it was costs related to the new course. (For curriculum development, materials, and technology for the design course) It was categorized here to highlight and then it will be incorporated in future budgets.
Program 7 – Business Education: Total increase: $9,359
No change in staffing. There are two members in the department. The increase for the department is $9,359. Salary increases are $12,846, non-salary requests decreased due to less need for textbooks this year. $4,250 is for 25 ergonomically correct chairs for keyboarding.
Program 8 – Career Education: No budget
Program 9 – English: Total increase: $83,519
Increase in staffing of .2 for a strategic literacy teacher at Griswold Middle School. This result is a current part-time person being increased, but not becoming full time. There are 18.5 total personnel in that department. The total proposed increase is $83,519 with $75,749 attributed to salaries. The additional .2 FTE accounts for $11,600. Existing staff accounts for $64,149 of the salary increase. The non-salary increase is $7,770. The high school requested $400 for field trips. The middle school put in for new trade books at a value of roughly $3,600.
Program 10 – World Languages: Total increase: $30,605
No change in staff. There are a total of 10 teachers between the high school and middle school. Languages taught are Spanish, French, and Latin. The total department increase is $30,605. The salary increase is $32,718. There is a decrease in the non-salary request of $2,113. $1,040 of this is attributed to advance placement training because a teacher will not be needed next year.
Mrs. Bell questioned whether there were enough texts to go around. Mr. Pitocco answered that in-fact, there are enough texts, and the textbooks are available online.
Program 11 – Health Education: Total increase: $1,837
There are no proposed changes in staffing. There are 1.8 FTEs. Salaries increased $4,294. Non-salary decreased $2,457. Dr. Vautour noted the CPR training fee of $500 was previously classified under the physical education program, which is the cause of the $500 increase from last year to this year. $3,500 Healthwaves books purchased at the elementary level.
Mr. Geldof questioned what the CPR fee was for. Mr. Pitocco responded the fee was for the rental of the mannequin for CPR training purposes.
Program 12 – Family & Consumer Science: Total increase: $11,527
There are 4 teachers in the program, and there is no change in the staffing. Salaries increased $12,165. Non-salary decreased $638. In the ‘06-‘07 budget an electric oven was purchased, which is why the line item is zero for ’07-’08.
Mr. McMongile asked how many students are enrolled in the UCONN Honors Individual and Family Development course. Mr. Pitocco responded he thought there were 12 students in the class. Dr. Vautour stated he would find out how many students were in enrolled in that class per Mr. McMongile’s request.
Program 13 – Technology Education: Total increase: $15,249
There is no change in staffing in technology education. There is a staff of 5 people with a salary I increase of $18,044. There is a non-salary decrease of $2,795.
High School: Request for a brake lathe for $5,900, workbench stools $720
Mrs. Schmidt asked why the Capstone Course was not included. Mr. Pitocco stated students were not ready for the course, and they hadn’t budgeted for the course last year. He would verify why students didn’t take the course.
Middle School: Per pupil factor is $12.12 for the 611 account.
Program 14 – Mathematics: Total increase: $116,508
Seeking additional .4 FTE which would bring the FTEs up to 14 for the department. $67,839 increase is attributed to salary. The new portion is worth $22,200, which means existing staff salary increase is $44,639. Non-salary increase is $44,639.
High School: $6,300 was requested for updated algebra, calculus, and geometry texts, and $6,513 for applied math, probability and statistics and algebra II books.
Mr. Arico asked if the books were replacements. Mrs. Boutilier noted the texts that were being replaced updated since 1989, 1986, and 1990.
Middle School: $38,400 to equip grades 6, 7, and 8 with new texts. There is a request for (220) sixth grade math books at $60 each, (210) 7th grade books at $60 each, and (210) 8th grade books at $60 each. Replacement books are for 7th grade pre-algebra, academic algebra, and honors algebra. Mrs. Boutilier noted these are 12-year-old books, and this purchase was previously put on hold.
Stevens School: Replenishing existing Trailblazer books for grades K-4.
Moser School: Replenishing existing Trailblazer books for grades
Administration: Replenishing existing Trailblazer books for grade 5.
There was a lengthy discussion about the Trailblazers program and its perceived effectiveness. Feedback from the respective principals were all very positive. Trailblazers has been found to be an exciting and effective learning tool by teachers, parents, and students. A parent commented she is very impressed with her child’s learning progress resulting from the program and mentioned the program teaches in a manner that encourages true understanding of concepts, as opposed to memorization.
An area of concern was the language difference between the Trailblazers program and standardized classes and tests.
Mrs. Boutilier responded based on Connecticut standards, there is a bridge between the Trailblazers language and the standardized world. Also, it was mentioned there is already in place a bridging of language going on as the students advance through the grades.
Program 15 – Media: Total increase: $15,609
No change in the number of staff. Currently have 6.6 staff members. Salary increase is $12,730. Non-salary increase is $2,879. There is $2,000 in the library for fees to maintain the electronic databases. At the elementary level, there is a significant increase in the 642 accounts. There is a new library media specialist who is charged with upgrading the collection at these schools. Over the next three years, there will be an effort to keep the collection as up to date as West Hill School.
High School: Mrs. Vargas asked what the databases are in the high school budget. Mr. Pitocco stated there are three electronic databases that the high school uses. 1)Epsco, which has history in auto repair, 2)Facts on File, which is a variety of facts, science issues, and prime source documents, and 3)Gale Group Database, which has literature, additional science resources.
Mrs. Vargas was inquiring about this to be sure it wasn’t a duplication of a request in another area.
Mr. Vautour stated the administration had been interested in an electronic card catalog, but the company that they were dealing with was sold. The price doubled from $10,000 to $20,000 with a $5,000 per year maintenance fee, therefore, the idea of an electronic card catalog on now on hold.
Stevens School and Moser Schools: There is an increase on item 642, which is part of an upgrade of the library collections.
Program 16 – Music: Total increase: $43,555
There is a .3 FTE increase in staff, which brings the staffing to 7.5 people. The dollar increase for the department is $43,555, of which $38,471 is attributed to salaries. The strings .3 FTE adjustment is $17,400, and the remaining $21,071 is attributed to existing staff. The non-salary increase is $5,084.
High School: The high school would like a music library shelving unit to be located in the music office, which will cost around $1,025 and two guitar amps at $725.
Middle School: Seeking a tilting base drum stand for $330
Elementary: Grade 4 texts, Spotlight in Music for $4,908
Dr. Vautour explained that the Ed Foundation contributed roughly $6,500 worth of instruments, and hopes at the February or March Board meeting to invite the president of the foundation to officially make the announcement, and to invite some of the young violinists to showcase their talents.
Program 17 – Physical Education: Total increase: $34,373
There is no change in staff requested. There are currently 10 FTEs, and a salary increase of $28,030. Non-salary increases are $6,343.
High School: Note: $500 is attributed to weight room repairs. There was a request for a treadmill at $3,500. Wellness books are needed at a cost of $3,050. Mrs. Boutilier explained the high school has been shifting its focus more toward health wellness. Dr. Vautour notes the $500 CPR program was removed from this area of the budget to health education, as mentioned earlier.
Mr. Arico asks how one treadmill would be effective. Mr. Pitocco responded they have been asking for this for several years, and this is a start.
Mrs. Bell mentioned many students should be able to meet the state requirements through their participation in athletics and was wondering if the number of teachers could be reduced by allowing students to use their athletic participation toward meeting the state criteria. The education part could be a separate classroom activity.
Mr. Pitocco responded physical education is not athletics. Education goes beyond playing a team sport. He also reiterated this is a state requirement. Mrs. Bell questioned how beneficial 20 minutes of actual activity could be, taking into consideration the changing of clothes and showering that must be done, which cuts into class time.
Mrs. Schmidt also mentioned the educational portion could be addressed. Mr. Pitocco replied the P.E. courses also work with the schedule. Mrs. Hayward agreed a change in approach could possibly adversely affect scheduling. Dr. Vautour summarized the discussion by saying this is a very large philosophical issue in educational systems, and some private schools do consider athletics to be physical education. Some require their students to participate in an athletic sport each semester. He felt this is not something they can tackle this year, but does warrant being reviewed.
Ms. Boutaugh explained that trunk flex testers were tools that were used as part of the state’s physical fitness requirement.
Program 18 – Pool: No budget
Program 19 – Language Arts: Total Increase: $36,884
There was no requested change in staffing. There are 4.5 FTEs in the department. Salaries increased $38,825. Non-salary items increased $1,941.
Stevens School: $387 for training of Junior Great Books parent volunteers
Mrs. Bell mentioned this used to be a video training session. Ms. Boutaugh explained training has changed to live training.
Program 20 – Science: Total Increase: $71,231
There was no requested change in staffing. There are currently 16 people in the science department. Salaries account for $47,328. Non-salary items account for an increase of $23,903.
High School: Replacement textbooks for $3,400 and new environmental science and biology texts for $33,465.
Mrs. Schmidt inquired how the forensic science course was doing, and Mr. Pitocco mentioned that enrollment had spiked when it was first offered, but has dwindled somewhat. Mrs. Hayward mentioned that the environmental science courses are doing very well.
Program 21 – Social Studies: Total Increase: $19,514
There was no change in staffing requested. Current staffing is at 13.40 FTEs. Salaries increased $44,653, and non-salary decreased by $25,139. The decrease is due to the fact that textbooks were purchased in the ’06-07 school year, and no new ones are needed for ’07-’08.
Anne Schmidt reminded attendees to be sure to voice any questions or concerns by next meeting.
Moved by Neil Geldof, seconded by Catherine Vargas to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa R. Reed
Recording Secretary
Accepted by: _______________________ Date: _____________________