Budget Committee

Minutes

January 12, 2009

Official as of April 8, 2009

Chairman Daniel McNally calls the meeting 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, Ken Rick Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver.
Herb Johnson arrives at 7:25 p.m.

ABSENT: Shelley Bobowski, and Ken Witham. 

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

Health/Benefits Handout
Ms. Smith explains that health benefit information is being provided this evening from the finance administrator at the request of the selectmen. Ms. Smith states that according to what the finance administrator explained to her, that any time funds are expended from a town it is public information; therefore, anyone can come in to town hall and request to see this information. She adds that there is not a problem with connecting the position and the benefit dollars that go with the position. Ms. Pingree states that the school board disagrees with this statement and they are not able to provide a breakdown. 

Attendance
A discussion is held regarding the attendance policy. Mr. McNally explains that if members miss four consecutive meetings without notification being provided, resulting in an unexcused absence, then the outcome is that they are removed from the committee. Ms. Smith replies yes and adds that this is per state statute. Mr. McNally states that two members of the budget committee have been absent for four meetings without notification.

Mr. Ash makes a motion, second by Mr. Holden, to send Ken Witham and Shelley Bobowski a letter stating that they have been removed from the budget committee due to the fact that they have missed four consecutive meetings. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

WORK SESSION ~ SCHOOL (Continued):
Pages 1-4: Dept. 1100~Regular Education
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. Edwards, to recommend the school board’s amount of $6,323,732.81. Ms. Pingree explains that the FICA and life insurance numbers have been corrected. She refers to a note from Karen Taylor, the finance administrator, stating that currently updates are being done to the ADS finance software and these numbers previously had to be re-entered manually. She states that this process will be changed so that these numbers are automatically calculated and Ms. Taylor was not aware that these updates were not being done. Ms. Pingree states that the FICA variance is due to possible teacher retirement of $25,000. and $10,000 for teacher’s aides. Also noted is an error in the formula for calculating the life insurance.
VOTE: YES: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, JJ, KA, KR, DM. NO: RH, BM. Motion prevails; 10/2.

Pages 9-10: Dept. 1420~Athletics
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Mr. Holden, to recommend the school board’s amount of $26,575. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, KA, KR, DM. Motion prevails; 12/0.

Page 10: Dept. 1430~Summer School: Literacy Connection Project
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. Edwards, to recommend the school board’s amount of $3,400. Ms. Asbell explains that last year the math program was a warrant article. She adds that the program will not run if there are not at least 12 students as it is not financially responsible to have the program run without 12 students. She adds that this program is less than the math program. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, KA, KR, DM. Motion prevails; 12/0.

Page 10: Dept. 2112~Truant Officer
Mr. Holden makes a motion, second by Mr. Dill, to recommend the school board’s amount of $1. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, KA, KR, DM. Motion prevails; 12/0.

Pages 10-11: Dept. 2120~Guidance
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally, to recommend the school board’s amount of $108,282.57. Ms. Pingree notes that line 2120/5330-Standardized Testing reflects the annual My Voice Survey. Mr. Holden struggles with the fact that $5,300. needs to be spent in order to create better communication between students and staff. Examples of the survey are provided and reviewed. Ms. Asbell explains the My Voice Survey and reviews the pyramid, and school’s mission statement. She states that this is the foundation for the school and that the school has been building over the past three years. The data is what is used to improve the school. In addition, Ms. Asbell provides a draft of the school board’s goals and notes that the goals are in direct connection of the conditions noted in the pyramid. She states that she feels that the survey is a huge part of what is increasing academics.

Ms. Asbell states that the $5300. is for Pearson Publishing to produce the survey and provide results. This is a standardized survey and the company segregates the results for the school breaking it down by condition. Ms. Pingree adds that the surveys are reviewed and the results are analyzed, which are grade specific. She adds that these results help to illustrate issues per grade, gender issues, bullying, and every aspect of the school. It also points out academic issues, weaknesses, strengths, and overall it produces a lot of information. Ms. Pingree feels that the surveys are very enlightening.

Mr. Holden asks how many students take advantage of this survey. Ms. Asbell replies all students plus staff for a total of 558. Ms. McNally asks what the consequences would be if the survey was delayed for one year. Ms. Asbell replies that there would be no data for the year. She states that the data really needs to be provided yearly to support the kids academically and to see them succeed.

Mr. Holden requests that the survey be provided to the committee for better understanding. Ms. Asbell states that Pearson Publishing does not allow for surveys to be distributed. Ms. Asbell states that the school will be making a presentation for next year.

Herb Johnson arrives at 7:25.

Ms. Morrill asks if the survey is an international program. Ms. Asbell replies that it is international. She states that there are surveys conducted in London, to Hawaii to Maine. Ms. Pingree states that a safe estimate would be currently over 200 schools participate. Ms. Asbell states that there are no other companies that provide these surveys as Pearson has the sole copyright and she explains that she must send all surveys back, including blank surveys. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, JJ, KA, KR, DM. NO: BM, HJ. Motion prevails; 11/2.

Pages 11-12: Dept. 2130~Nurse
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally, to recommend the school board’s amount of $67,751.50. Mr. Holden refers to line 5737/001-Replacement of Equipment. Mr. Holden states that he recalls a comment from the public hearing noting that the thermometer could be purchased at a cost of $40. Mr. Holden amends the motion, second by Mr. Johnson, to reduce line 5737/001 from $181.50 to $40. Ms. Asbell refers to the nurse’s detail sheet and explains that there were two figures provided for the ear thermometer. She states that there was a thermometer for $99.; however, the warranty was for one year vs. the other, which was $165. with a five year warranty. Amendment-VOTE: YES: KR, HJ, DM. NO: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, JJ, KA. Motion does not prevail; 3/10.

Ms. Morrill asks what the state mandate is for school nurses. Ms. Asbell explains the nurse’s assistant position and states that the nurse sees an average of 100-120 per kids per day. Original Motion-VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, HJ, KA, KR, DM. Motion prevails; 13/0.

Membership Discussion
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally, to re-instate Shelley Bobowski since she has come to the meeting. Mr. Holden states that he supports the motion; however, notes that the board really needs the participation of its members. Ms. Pingree asks if Ms. Bobowski would like to be re-instated. Ms. Bobowski replies that she ran for a one-year term and was voted in for a three-year term, so she was surprised to find out that she still was a member. She states that she was going to resign last week; however, realized that it is too late in the season to get someone to replace her. She understands that she has missed four consecutive meetings and refers to the state statute regarding attendance; however, she explains that there have been some changes which have prevented her from being able to attend.
 
Ms. Smith asks if it was the intent of the board that Ms. Bobowski did not meet the state law as she has missed consecutive meetings and, therefore, was no longer a member of the committee. She asks if the committee is now discussing appointing Ms. Bobowski to a vacant seat.

Mr. Bailey states that it is difficult for members to participate after the entities have presented their budgets. Ms. Smith explains that the committee has their own procedures that can be set aside; however, the other is a state statute.

Mr. Rick asks what the difference is between a board and a committee. Ms. Smith replies that there is no difference other than title. She states that the budget committee was put in place by the town’s voters as they voted for a municipal act, which then requires that a budget committee be created. Ms. Smith adds that the budget committee must operate under statutory requirements.

Mr. Rick suggests that the vacant positions be advertised. Mr. McNally explains the time frame now since the committee is reviewing proposed budgets for 2009. He states that in the past when this subject was addressed, the committee agreed to proceed with the existing number as it was easier since a new member would not have the history and discussion of the materials.   
Mr. Holden states that statute requires the committee to vote the members off as was done. He states that there are only three meetings left and he notes that Ms. Boboski’s term is up in March anyway. He suggests she runs again in the March election. Ms. Bobowski agrees and adds that it maybe difficult to join the committee in the middle of the process at this time.

Ms. McNally states that if the committee would have voted a few minutes later, then Ms. Bobowski would have been present. Mr. McNally replies that there still would have been an issue due to the wording in the statute. The motion and second are rescinded.

Pages 12-13: Dept. 2140~Contracted Services
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Dill, to recommend the school board’s amount of $132,842.73. Ms. McNally asks about the ESL Contracted Service, line 5310-005, as it notes that this is contracted by the SAU for all three schools for K-12. Ms. Asbell explains that this is a pro-rated split between all three schools in the district. She states that needs have decreased in Northwood; however, increased in Strafford, so the percentages of what to pay has changed. She states that the payments are based on service needs. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, HJ, KA, KR, DM. Motion prevails; 13/0.

Page 13: Dept. 2150~Speech
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Dill, to recommend the school board’s amount of $122,307.84. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, HJ, KA, KR, DM. Motion prevails; 13/0.

Pages 13-14: Dept. 2210~Improvement of Instruction
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. Edwards, to recommend the school board’s amount of $13,780. Mr. Dill asks if the reduction is due to less staff and Ms. Asbell states yes. Ms. McNally asks if the changes are also reflected in the FICA and retirement and Ms. Asbell answered yes. Additional discussion ensues regarding the mentor stipend, line 2210/5319/001. Ms. Asbell adds that also included in this line is the SAU staff development stipends at $1500. for five mentors and $1,500. for Northwood’s representative on the SAU staff development committee. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, HJ, KA, KR, DM. Motion prevails; 13/0.

Pages 14-15: Dept. 2213~Improvement of Instruction
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. Edwards, to recommend the school board’s amount of $32,700. Mr. Holden requests an explanation of the section. Ms. Asbell explains that the tuition is a contract obligation as well as the support staff. She adds that she is aware of additional paraprofessionals that will be enrolling in programs and college courses this year, lines 5240/020 and 5240/040.

Ms. Asbell refers to line 5322/001, In-service Training, and explains that $1,200. is the support staff in-service training per the master agreement. She explains that for the past two years the school has been a school in need of improvement and two years ago a grant was received in the amount of $25,000. This year a grant of $20,000. was received. A huge amount of the grant must be used for staff training. Currently, she has used the grant funds for staff training purposes of the skillful teaching course and for a math consultant. Ms. Asbell notes that if Northwood makes AYP again, the school will not be a school in need of improvement and will no longer be eligible for the grant funds; therefore, she explains that she has budgeted $1,000. to allow the continuance of staff development. 

Mr. Holden asks the principal if she would be able to run these programs with  $4,500. less. Ms. Asbell replies that she does not believe so as they are all contractual except for the $1,000 for line 5322/001 and for the $1,000 staff development, line 5322/002. VOTE: YES: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, JJ, DM. NO: RH, BM, HJ, KA, KR. Motion prevails; 8/5.

Page 15: Dept. 2220~Media
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Dill, to recommend the school board’s amount of $59,856.36. Ms. McNally asks if the retirement increased and FICA remained the same, lines 5220/000 and 5232/020. Mr. Demko explains that the salary is multiplied by .0696 and the figure provided is an accurate figure. He adds that the increase from last year is due to the fact that the rates have increased.

Ms. McNally refers to line 5640/001, Library Books, and states that the amount was cut after school district meeting last year. She asks why the request this year is only for $3,000. Ms. Asbell replies that the she asked all staff to be as frugal as possible and the librarian also has two book fairs this year, which are fundraising events. Ms. Asbell adds that there are funds in the  student activity fund under books that will allow her to be around the $6,000. figure for next year. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, HJ, KA, KR, DM. Motion prevails; 13/0.

Pages 15-17: Dept. 2225~Computer Instruction Services
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Dill, to recommend the school board’s amount of $124,517.19. Technology Director Steve Robert is present this evening to address any questions the board may have. Ms. McNally asks about the retirement figures. Ms. Asbell notes that the technology director’s status has changed from certified to non-certified, lines 5232/020 and 040.

Mr. Holden asks how the school will explain the need for 32 new computers. Ms. Asbell replies that computers were completely cut last year so no computers were purchased.

Mr. Robert explains the school’s technology plan. He states that the school is on a five-year rotation to replace computers, which is at a rate of 20% per year. He states that this is about 180 computers. He states that they budget for the 20% based on the current market. Mr. Robert explains that he still must budget for this amount and notes that there may be grants available. Last year the computers were cut; however, he was able to get some other computers with funds, which should be able to go a few years.

In addition, Mr. Robert states that when he started working for the school there were many old computers. He adds that there is also old software and this is not efficient. He adds that the computers are old and break, and then there is normal wear and tear. He adds that there are students on these computers all day.

Ms. McNally states that there was regular replacement and the mobile computer cart was purchased. Ms. McNally states that she was surprised that Mr. Robert commented that the computers are old as there is a line every year in the budget for computers to try to keep upgrading and maintaining them. She states that the budget committee has always supported the computer lines. She adds that she thought this year the item could be postponed since the computers have been replaced or updated yearly. Mr. Robert explains that prior to his employment, computers were replaced in the computer lab.

Ms. Asbell states that during the first year of her employment, the school did not have any new computers. The budget was approved and computers were replaced two years ago but only in the computer lab. She states that this is different than computers in class rooms. The mobile lab was approved last year and this is the computer that travels, is not stationary. Ms. Asbell states that last year there were no new computers purchased. She states that all of the computers in the school are at least three to some even five years old. She adds that she had not seen a technology plan written until Mr. Robert arrived.

Mr. Ash asks how many computers the school is operating and how many are obsolete. Mr. Robert replies around 165 and adds that one or two are obsolete. Mr. Robert adds that he will continue to make the computers work should the line be reduced, and he will try to keep all up-to-date. Mr. Ash asked if the computers were not upgraded or replaced this year, then how many would be obsolete and Mr. Robert replies at least 30.

Mr. Holden asks how old the computers are that are proposed to be replaced. Mr. Robert replies that these computers are at least 5 years old as the oldest computers are from 2002. Mr. Holden states that he would like to see additional information relative to the current computers prior to voting. 

Herb Johnson amends the motion to reduce line 2225/5737/001-Replacement of Equipment to $15,000. Ken Rick seconds. Ms. Pingree states that having read the tech plan, this is about buying a number of computers every year so that there is a rotation plan. She states that this is necessary to move forward and maintain a working number of computers in the school. Mr. Johnson understands and agrees with the purpose of the plan; however, he adds that there would still be more than one-half of the requested amount of $29,761.72 to work with. Ms. Morrill suggests that the committee add additional funds to the repair lines. Ms. Pingree states that many of the necessary repairs are done by Mr. Robert and he has saved a lot of money as he has rebuilt and also repairs many of the computers. Amendment-VOTE: YES: RH, NH, KM, BM, JJ, HJ, KR. NO: AD, RB, LE, CP, KA, DM. Motion prevails; 7/6.

A discussion is held regarding the computer software line, 2225/5610/001. Ms. McNally asks for a general explanation of the section. Ms. Asbell explains that the SNAP software is health software for the nurse’s office and specifically coordinates with the CBNA system. She adds that also included in this line is the maintenance software, and lunch program modules to maintain free and reduced lunch programs, as well as software to allow parents to pay for the lunch program on the web. Ms. Asbell states that the lunch software is critical to increase the revenue. She continues to note other general software included in this line and adds that the Alert Now communication software is also included in the line. 

Mr. Demko further explains that the food service department is trying to increase the volume and one way to do this is to have more students participating in the free and reduced lunch program. He adds that there are reimbursements from the state and they need to increase the volume and activity. Ms. Asbell provides a per item breakdown for all software included in the line.

New bottom line for Dept. 2225~Computer Instruction Services is $109,755.47.
VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, BM, JJ, HJ, KR, DM. NO: CP, KA.  Motion prevails; 11/2. 

Page 17: Dept. 2310~School Board Services
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Mr. Bailey, to recommend the school board’s amount of $43,980. Ms. McNally requests an update on the most current costs for the public hearing, attorney’s fees, legal fees. Ms. Pingree states that the amount is an estimate around $150,000. for all three schools and Northwood’s portion is estimated to be $50,000. She states that the $50,000 is a reasonable estimate and includes the forensic audit. She states that not all bills have been received; however, they anticipate the exact figures will be available in February.

Mr. Bailey asks if the total amount will be paid from this year’s budget. Ms. Pingree replies yes, the year we are in and we will be over budget.

Ms. McNally refers to line 2310/5330/001-School District Auditor and asks when the 07-08 audit will be available. Ms. Pingree states that the school board has not seen the audit. She states that it is still a draft and is being presented to the board at the next financial meeting next month. Mr. Demko states that the board needs to review and adopt. It then needs to be finalized by the attorney and CPAs. Further discussion ensues regarding the process of approving and Mr. Demko notes that the format of the audit will also be different. Ms. Smith notes that the she must have the audit by the first week in February in order for it to be included in the town report, the sooner the better.
VOTE: YES: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, KA, KR, DM. NO: RH, HJ. Motion prevails; 11/2. 

Page 17: Dept. 2321~S.A.U. #44
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. Edwards, to recommend the school board’s amount of $293,542.16. A discussion is held regarding the SAU salaries being separated. Ms. Pingree states that the superintendent’s salary is under the SAU and is $106,943. The interim superintendent will be working through the end of the year at a per diem rate. She adds that the same interim superintendant will be continuing to work for an additional year at this salary, which was calculated based on the state average of schools in NH of similar size. Ms. Pingree states that there are no health benefits provided.

Mr. Demko states that the total paid is $117,450.; however, holidays, vacation days, and sick days are not paid for so the maximum amount is $117,450. 
Mr. Demko continues to explain that the $106,943. was determined by reviewing the 2007 salaries according to the Department of Education and for three towns. Ms. McNally asks about next year’s figures and Mr. Demko replies that there will be an annual salary with benefits.

Mr. Demko explains that the business manager salary is $380.00 per day for a total of $99,180. He states that holidays, vacation days, health and dental,  and sick days are not paid for. This will be for the remainder of 2009 and also for 2010.

Additional discussion is held regarding the administrative pool. Mr. Demko explains that the pool is set up for the superintendent, business administrator, grant writer, special ed. director, and special ed. assistant director. He states that the school board approved a 4% pool increase to be decided in March or April prior to the issuing of the contracts.
 
Mr. McNally states that this is an area that the committee accepts. Ms. Pingree states that the issues have already been voted on by the school board. Mr. McNally states that these figures cannot be changed. Additional discussion is held regarding pool raises. Mr. Demko explains that the salaries have not increased. He states that there appears to be a problem in all three schools in the district; gross appropriations of revenues and expenditures. He notes that the grant writer line has increased. He states that the amount shown is the amount for the full salary. He refers to the 08-09 approved and the 09-10 budgeted amount is the CBNA funds as the grant writer writes for both the elementary and the high school. He adds that historically the gross salary minus the reimbursement was being netted. 

Ms. Smith comments that it is often stated that the budget committee must accept something. She states that the budget committee can recommend any dollar amount on any line regardless of contractual agreements. She states that there are no contractual agreements unless they were voted at school district meeting, which are binding through to the next year. Ms. Smith adds that if the contractual agreements are not funded, it forces the body to renegotiate contracts; however, the budget committee members can vote regardless of prior contractual agreements. Nothing is stated that the budget committee cannot recommend a different figure unless it has been voted on by the legislative body at the previous district meeting. 

Mr. Holden asks if the Northwood School Board interacts and reviews the expenditures of the SAU. Ms. Pingree replies yes and adds that they have not always received all of the information that they had asked for and adds that there are now different reports being generated that cover the information better. Mr. Holden requests that the school board review the expenditures as there are some items that seem to be questionable. Ms. Pingree replies that the budget was reviewed by the entire SAU board with the superintendant and business administrator. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, HJ, KR, DM. NO: KA. Motion prevails; 12/1. 

Pages 18-20: Dept. 2410~Office of the Principal
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. Edwards, to recommend the school board’s amount of $285,163.89. Mr. Rick asks if the salary lines for 5110/101-Principal; 5110/102-Assisstant Principal; and 5110/501-Secretarial are contracts. Ms. Pingree replies yes. Mr. Rick asks if these positions would be willing to take a 12% or $25,000 collective cut, which ever is less. Ms. Pingree states that she would assume that the staff would say no. Ms. Asbell states that she enjoys her job, does a good job, and she would like to be compensated for her efforts.

Mr. Holden asks if the phone system, line 5737/001-Replacement of Equipment, could be removed then and Ms. Asbell states yes. Ms. Asbell states that the amount of repairs from July 2007 through October 2008 total $2,592.40. This does not include replacements. She states that she is not able to reorder and because the system is so antiquated, it is now difficult to locate rebuilt items. She notes that to rebuild an office phone cost $124.50. She states that it is important to address this and it is now becoming a costly system.

Ken Rick refers to line 5110/501-Secreterial Wages and asks why such a large increase from $51,000 to $59,000. Ms. Asbell states that these are contracted positions and the steps reflect the increases. Ms. Pingree notes that the amounts are $56,000 increased to $59,000.

Mr. Holden amends the motion, second by Mr. Johnson, to change 5737/001-Replacement of Equipment, from $8,660. to $1. Ms. McNally asks the age of the system and Ms. Asbell replies that it is 20 years old. She adds that there are safety issues as the school’s lock downs are processed through the phone. Ms. Pingree notes that the quote provided was for budgeting purposes only. Mr. Robert adds that another quote was received and it was much higher. Ms. Pingree states that a facilities committee has been created for items relative to the buildings. She adds that School Board Member Dave Ruth is a member of the committee. As a group these items have been generated, so there have been discussions regarding building issues.
Amendment-VOTE: YES: RH, BM, HJ, KR. NO: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, JJ, KA, DM. Motion does not prevail. 4/9. Original Motion-VOTE: YES: AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, JJ, KA, KR. NO: RH, BM, HJ, KR. Motion prevails, 9/4. 

Page 20: Dept. 2510~Fiscal Services
Mr. Dill makes a motion, second by Ms. Edwards, to recommend the school board’s amount of $53,985. A discussion is held regarding the employment status of this department. Ms. Pingree states that this is a contracted position, 40 hour full time position. This is not a salary position as the person does not supervise anyone. Ms. Pingree states that this is a new hire. Mr. Demko explains that they adjust hours around so not to exceed 40 hours per week. VOTE: YES: RH, AD, RB, NH, KM, LE, CP, BM, JJ, HJ, KA, KR, DM. Motion Passes unanimously; 13/0.

A discussion is held regarding the next meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, January 15. Ms. Pingree states that the school board will still have outstanding budget related issues: negotiations and the six non contractual positions. She recommends that the committee consider adding a school work session prior to the February 7 meeting due to the fact that the budget committee must review the negotiated contract and any additional increases to the six positions prior to a public hearing.

Mr. McNally explains that the February 7 meeting is really just for the committee to address petition warrant articles. The final presentation to the public is scheduled for January 24 and anything should be presented at the January meeting. Ms. Smith adds that if the school will be pushing out two weeks from the normal process time, then it may be necessary for the school to print their own town report as the deadline for printing may not fit within the town’s required time frame. 

Mr. Demko refers to RSA 32:5-1 and states that February 5 is the last day for collective bargaining to be finalized. Ms. Smith states that the discussion was relative to holding off on all operating budget lines and, therefore, the proposed operating budget would not be ready. Mr. Demko states that the teacher’s collective bargaining unit is a warrant article. Mr. McNally states that the committee could address the bargaining unit. He adds that the board could not address adjusting salaries to correspond with the negotiations. Ms. Pingree states that the school board is not able to meet again until January 22. Additional discussion is held and Mr. McNally states that the next scheduled meeting is January 15 and the board will need to meet on the “snow date” January 20. He asks members to consider scheduling an additional meeting for January 17, which will be finalized at the next meeting.

Alden Dill makes a motion to recess to Thursday, January 15; at 7:00 p.m. Ken Rick seconds the motion. The motion passes unanimously 12/0 at 9:10 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary