Budget Committee

Minutes

January 5, 2009

Official as of April 8, 2009

Chairman Daniel McNally calls the public session to order at 7:15 p.m.

PRESENT: Chairman Daniel McNally, Vice-Chairman Robert Holden, Selectmen Representative Alden Dill, School Board Representative Colleen Pingree, Water District Representative John Jacobsmeyer, Robert Bailey, Nona Holmes, Kate McNally, Lucy Edwards, Babette Morrill, Kevin Ash, Herb Johnson, Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver.

ABSENT: Ken Rick-excused, Shelley Bobowski, and Ken Witham. 

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Principal Esther Asbell, and Business Administrator Allen Demko.

MINUTES:
October 29, 2008 and December 23, 2008
Herb Johnson makes a motion, second by Kate McNally, to approve the October 29, 2008 and December 23, 2008 minutes, as written. Mr. McNally notes an amendment to the October 29 minutes as follows:
Page 6: Change: Mr. to Ms. …
Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

WORK SESSION ~ SCHOOL (Continued):
Mr. Holden states that he has been thinking about how the town’s people would want him to vote. He thanks the people who attended the public hearing. He reflects comments of the public; one noted that the budget was too high, another stated it was okay, and another asked to see a budget with no increases. Mr. Holden states that he feels that in the recession timing of 60 days is a long time and come March, the economic situation could be different than it is right now. He provides a spreadsheet he created proposing suggested reductions to the school’s proposed budget that he notes has increased $312,000. He states that he is concerned as to how the budget will be perceived in March.

Discussion on proposed changes from the school board and the principal’s proposed budgets. Ms. Pingree states that the school board has cut Artist in Residence, assemblies, and the 8th grade trip transportation from the principal’s proposed budget. Ms. Pingree states that Ms. Asbell did request that the staff present a bare bones budget and she feels that they did do that.

Further discussion is held regarding the student activity fund. Mr. Demko states that he did check for RSA’s regarding these types of accounts and there are not any in NH. He notes that in Massachusetts there are RSA laws and guidelines for student activity funds. Ms. McNally states that her concerns were supplementing, not supplanting funds. Ms. Asbell notes that with Title 1 you can only supplant, not supplement. Philosophical discussions ensue on whether certain items should be paid through the operating budget or be fund raised. Ms. Pingree states that $32,000 is the amount of money that should be spent down at this time. Mr. Johnson states that he understood that some of these items were in there for special items. Ms. Pingree states that some items have lines in both the operating budget and the student activity fund. She states that she is relying on Mr. Demko to help sort this out and his opinion is that this is an excessive amount of money to have in this fund. Ms. Pingree adds that there are still some items that need to be clarified and Ms. Taylor is working on trying to make this more transparent. 

Pages 1-4: Dept. 1100~Regular Education
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally, to recommend the school board amount of $6,316,462.81.

A discussion is held regarding the column titles. Mr. McNally states that there does not appear to be an actual expended column. Discussion ensues and Mr. Demko explains that the year prior actual column is the expended column. Ms. Asbell states that the 07-08 proposed column is not shown. Ms. Smith states that the proposed and budget totals appear to be the same numbers. Mr. Demko states that this is a function of the software and how it was printed out. 

Mr. Holden makes a motion, second by Mr. Johnson, to reduce line 1100-5110-401/Teacher Aide Wages from $81,352. to $63,025, a difference of $18,327. Ms. Edwards asks if these positions are contracts. Ms. Asbell explains the paraprofessional positions are under contract for this year. She adds that this line reflects the reading tutors and explains the duties of these positions. Ms. Asbell states that this is based on the contracts, not based on an increase in positions. She adds that there are different levels of qualifications in education through the state for paraprofessionals now and the figure also reflects longevity. Ms. Asbell states that this is a negotiated contract and is a raise for 3.5 positions. Amendment VOTE: YES: RH, BM, JJ, HJ. NO: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, KA, DM. Motion does not prevail; 4/8.

Ms. McNally asks about line 1100-5110-202/Mathmatics Warrant Article #6  and if the amount has been spent. She states that the financial statement shows that the funds have not been spent. Ms. Pingree replies that this was spent and there are a few issues that were noted in the financial statement. Ms. Asbell states that this was a one-time summer program.

Mr. Holden makes a motion, second by Mr. Johnson, to reduce line 1100-5120-020/Teacher Substitute Wages by $10,000. Ms. Asbell explains that school year 06-07 $39,830.73 which is why the figure was budgeted at $40,000. Mr. Holden asks what the current balance is through November. Ms. Asbell replies that it is hard to project health costs and this is a budgeted figure that she feels is safe and not exorbitant. Amendment VOTE: YES: RH, HJ. NO: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, BM, CP, KA, JJ, DM. Motion does not prevail; 2/10.

Mr. McNally asks what the total amount would need to be if all staff were to take one full year of sick days; all staff at 15 days per year. This figure will be provided at a later time. Mr. McNally states that this line is typically underfunded. Ms. Pingree agrees.

Mr. Holden makes a motion, second by Mr. Johnson, to reduce line 1100-5120-040/Aide Substitutes Wages by $4,000. Ms. Asbell explains that school year 06-07 $4,470 was expended and $2,430. was spent in 07-08. Mr. Holden states that he feels that there is enough funding in another line. Amendment VOTE: YES: RH, JJ, HJ. NO: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, BM, CP, KA, DM. Motion does not prevail; 3/9.

Ms. McNally refers to line 1100-5213-000/Life Insurance and asks if paraprofessionals receive life insurance or is it only certified staff. Ms. Asbell replies that the paraprofessionals received life insurance as it is in their contract. Ms. McNally asks why the life insurance is reduced. Ms. Asbell replies that positions of staff have changed resulting in differences in salaries. Mr. Johnson notes that the salaries have increased. Ms. Asbell replies that some salaries are less than last year due to new staff. Mr. Johnson states that if the staff receives a step increase, then their life insurance would increase. Ms. Asbell states that the formula they have is $0.20 per $100.00; however, they will double check on this.

Mr. Holden makes a motion, second by Mr. Johnson, to reduce line 1100-5610-011/Math Supplies by $25,000. for a new total of $5,000. Ms. Asbell explains the new math program that is planned to be implemented for K-5. She states that there are currently 11 different math programs that are being used for K-8 and the school is working to get one curriculum. She feels that consistency is important and it is difficult for the students at this time and for the teachers to teach. Further explanation is provided of the new program.  Amendment VOTE: YES: RH, HJ. NO: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, BM, CP, KA, JJ, DM. Motion does not prevail; 2/10.

Ms. McNally asks about the proposed figures noted in the health insurance buyout, line 1100-5219-020. She also notes line 1100-5220-000/FICA and states that salaries have increased and the FICA figure proposed is less. Ms. Asbell states that the buyout includes part-time buyouts that are prorated. She adds that the school will provide more information for the committee. 

Mr. Dill asks if the negotiations that are being done right now for teachers’ wages will take effect in this budget. Ms. Pingree notes that this is presented as a warrant article. Ms. Pingree adds that in looking at this proposed budget the increase is 2.57%, which is an increase on the cut budget from last year. The cut last year was $256,000. Mr. Demko provides an explanation sheet, which breaks down the differences between the proposed and the adopted budgets (with “cuts&rdquo noted for the general fund and food service items.

Ms. McNally asks about the tuition for other schools, 1100-5561-000. She states that it was previously noted that the figure provided is not the actual tuition figure for Dover High but the tuition figure for CBNA. She asks if there are home school students that are high school students and if they are included in the CBNA tuition. Ms. Asbell explains the current numbers that are shown include 10 transitional students and the numbers are always changing. Ms. Asbell states that tomorrow there will be 57 eighth grade students at NES, and currently at CBNA there are 79 Freshmen, 60 Sophomores, 66 Juniors. She states that there is some flexibility in the numbers. 

Ms. McNally asks if the principal’s job description has changed. Ms. Asbell replies yes and explains that in the past she did not do CBNA figures; however, this year she was asked by the SAU to complete many more line items than she has in the past.

Ms. McNally refers to line 1100-5610-121/Music Supplies, and asks how many students are in the band this year. Ms. Asbell replies that she believes it is around 25 students in the band/chorus program for grades 5-8.

Mr. Dill asks if the FICA amounts have changed since the food service has been removed from the general fund. Mr. Demko replies that he will look at the FICA figures spreadsheet tomorrow as he is unable to come up with the correct amounts at this time and will provide accurate figures for the next meeting.

Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Mr. Bailey, to defer any further voting on Dept. 1100~Regular Education until Wednesday, January 7. VOTE: YES: RH, HJ, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, BM, CP, KA, JJ, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Ms. Morrill makes a motion, second by Mr. Johnson, to reduce line 1100-5733-002/New Furniture by 50% for a new line total of $3,310.05. Ms. Asbell explains that this line includes a new cabinet for art room supplies, which was a recommendation from the fire chief as there is a safety factor. This line also includes chairs for various grades as there is not enough for all students and 22 desk/chair combos. Mr. Holden asks the cost of the supply cabinet. Ms. Asbell states that the cabinet is quoted to be $1,264., which would allow some funds available in the line to purchase chairs. Ms. McNally notes that historically one classroom of chairs is budgeted to be replaced every year.
VOTE: YES: RH, BM, JJ, HJ, DM. NO: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, KA. Motion does not prevail; 5/7.

Pages 4-7: Dept. 1200~Special Education
Ms. McNally makes a motion, second by Ms. Edwards, to recommend the school board amount of $2,515,362.09.

Ms. McNally asks if the salaries, line 1200-5110-020/Spec. Ed. Teachers Salaries, includes the new case manager. Ms. Pingree replies yes. Ms. McNally also refers to line 1200-5110-050/Spec. Ed. Secretary Wages and asks if this position is under the paraprofessionals. Ms. Pingree replies yes.

Mr. Dill asks about tuition of other public schools, line 1200-5561-000 and why this student is in Nottingham and not Northwood. Ms Asbell states that there is a very specific program in Nottingham and rather than going out of district, it was much more fiscally responsible to use an existing program, which is why the program in Nottingham was chosen. She adds that Northwood does not have the program.

Mr. Dill asks if there is any buffer for the number of special ed. students at CBNA, line 1200-5563-000. Ms. Asbell replies no, this has not been done. She adds that the increases projected for regular education are estimated to be 2.5% and for special ed. is 9%. Ms. Asbell explains that there has been a decrease in population for special ed. at CBNA; however, not enough to remove positions. She states that they need to keep all the positions and have a lower number of students participating. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, BM, CP, JJ, DM. NO: KA, HJ. Motion prevails; 10/2.

Page 7: Dept. 1310~Vocational Education
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. Holmes, to recommend the school board amount of $3. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, BM, CP, KA, JJ, HJ, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Page 7: Dept. 1400~Enrichment
No money is involved.

Pages 7-9: Dept. 1410~Co-Curricular
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. Edwards, to recommend the school board amount of $29,791. Ms. Pingree states that the science camp is funded in the proposed budget.

Mr. Holden makes a motion, second by Ms. Morrill, to reduce 1410-5110-007/Science Camp Stipends for $900. and to fund from the existing student activity account. Mr. Holden re-words the motion to state to reduce line 1410-5110-007/Science Camp Stipends to $0. Mr. McNally states that if the line is reduced to $0, can the item be paid for from another line even though there is no funding allocated. Ms. Pingree states that $1. should be left in the line. Mr. Holden amends the motion, and Ms. Morrill seconds, to reduce line 1410-5110-007/Science Camp Stipends from $900. to $1. Mr. Dill asks who makes decisions relative to the student activity fund. Ms. Asbell replies that this year the superintendent and the business manager will be dealing with the fund.

Discussion ensues regarding the funding for science camp. Mr. Bailey notes that this is specific to 6th grade. Ms. Pingree adds that the class looks forward to the event and the program is a benefit. She explains that it coincides with the curriculum and the school board feels that this should be a budgeted item and not funded through the student activity fund. Ms. Asbell states that she contacted the camp and requested an updated book of information to ensure that the camp program is teaching along with the current science curriculum. She states that this in an opportunity for kids to learn in the actual environment where in the classroom the environment can only be simulated. On another note, she adds that for some kids science camp is the highlight of their educational career at Northwood Elementary School.
Amendment VOTE: YES: RH, AD, BM, KA, JJ, HJ. NO: RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, DM. Motion does not prevail; 6/6.

Mr. Holden makes a motion, second by Mr. Dill, to reduce line 1410-5500-001/Science Camp from $17,000. to $1. Mr. Holden notes that there was a member of the public who spoke against funding this line. Discussion continues regarding cutting science camp and funding issues. Mr. Johnson states that there are funds available in the student activity fund, such as the vending machine earnings, that could be used to cover the cost of the science camp as it is not fundraised funds. Ms. McNally states that this needs to be paid for by the taxpayers as it has been stated science camp is a part of the curriculum. Ms. Edwards states that what drives the budget is the increases in special education. She states that she, too, feels that the science camp is a part of the educational program and is not a student activity. Mr. Johnson states that he does not believe that anyone on the budget committee wants to take the program away; just to find alternative funding for the program. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, BM, JJ, HJ. NO: RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, KA, DM. Motion does not prevail; 5/7.
VOTE on recommend school board amount - $29,791. YES: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, KA, JJ, DM. NO: RH, BM, HJ. Motion prevails; 9/3.

Pages 9-10: Dept. 1420~Athletics
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Mr. Holden, to recommend the school board amount of $26,575. Ms. Edwards makes a motion to amend the motion, second by Ms. McNally, to reduce the proposed total to $1. and suggests that the funding come from the student activity fund. Ms. Pingree notes that there are contracted stipends through negotiations for the coaches. She adds that she does not believe that the stipends can be paid from the student activity fund. Further discussion is held on changing the line totals but no change in the proposed amendment occurs. Ms. Edwards asks if this department is for after school sports teams. Ms. Pingree replies yes. She adds that there is a charge of $25 per player to play on the after school teams; therefore, some revenue would be lost. Ms. Morrill states that more students may be affected as more participate in athletics than the 6th grade science camp attendance. Ms. Pingree notes that there are health and wellness requirements that the school must meet as well. VOTE: YES: LE. NO: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, BM, CP, KA, JJ, HJ, DM. Vote on the amendment: 1/11.

Motion to recess is made by Mr. Holden, second by Mr. Dill, until Wednesday, January 7, at 7:00 p.m. Motion passes unanimously. 

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary