|
|
|
Scroll down or click the bookmarks to see all the submitted minutes for meetings held in February
|
|
Budget Committee Meeting Minutes February 25, 2008 East Lyme Board of Education East Lyme Central Office
In attendance: Mary Broderick, Melissa Ford, Marlene Nickerson
Excused: Tim Hagen
Administrators Present: Paul Freeman, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Steve Buck, Nancy Burdick, Paul Freeman, Paul Smotas
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Agenda Item 1. 2007-2008 Budget Transfer
The subcommittee will recommend to the BOE at their 7:30 p.m. meeting on February 25, 2008, approval of the following 2007-2008 budget transfer to reallocate $15,339.26 as follows: 1) $2,000 added to existing funds ($8,000) in Flanders Equipment Account to purchase a hot water heater; 2) $1,400 to replenish account; 3) $1,939.25 to cover remaining cost of new LBH special education classroom; 4) $7,000 to replenish HS Repairs Account; 5) $6,000 to replenish District wide Supplies Account.
The committee was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Broderick Budget Committee
|
|
|
|
4281 Monday, February 11, 2008East Lyme High School INTV Room (B101) Regular Meeting – 7:30 p.m. Board of Education Regular Meeting MinutesNot official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on February 25, 2008
Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Judy Engel (Secretary), Mary Broderick, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson, Andy Dousis (7:32)
Administrators Present: Paul Smotas, Paul Freeman, Steve Buck, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Judy DeLeeuw, Lucy Schuman, David Miko, Pat Phillips
I. CALL TO ORDER – 7:30 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Jaime Ellis.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT – 1. Barbara Jacobsen, 10 Clark Street, spoke in support of reinstating art, music and physical education. 2. Jeff McNamara, 6 Larchwood Lane, asked if cutting ELMS sports was a philosophical or economic decision and noted parents would like to address this issue before fall 2008.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Marlene Nickerson moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education regular meeting of January 28, 2007; Melissa Ford seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education special meeting of February 4, 2008; Melissa Ford seconded.
VOTE PRO: Kevin Seery, Andy Dousis, Judy Engel, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson
ABSTAIN: Mary Broderick, Elizabeth Groeber MOTION CARRIED
V. SPECIAL REPORTS: SELECTMEN'S REPRESENTATIVE, STUDENTS' REPRESENTATIVES, and OTHER REPORTERS A. Students’ Representative – Robyn Engel and Sara Schwartz reported: · students appreciate accessing their class rank and GPA online · course selections for 2008/2009 will be available online · students look forward to the upcoming school vacation · juniors and seniors are excited about CAPT 4282 · spring production, Little Women, will be held on February 29, and March 1, 7 and 8 · Guitar Hero fundraiser · SAT test date is March 1, 2008 · girls’ track team won the Class L State Championship and the boys did well too B. Selectmen’s Representative – Pamela Rowe commented on the transparency of both the school and the town budgets this year and looks forward to the joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Board of Education on February 27, 2007. C. Salem’s Representative – Not present. D. Building Committee Representative – Gerard Burkhardt was not present. E. Other Reporters - None
VI. CONSENT AGENDA Item (B) was removed from the Consent Agenda and added as Discussion & Action Item VII.A.2 (donation of physical fitness equipment valued at approximately $27,300 to the ELHS Fitness Room from James Grieder of Shoreline Health and Fitness).
MOTION: Elizabeth Groeber moved approval of the Consent Agenda as amended (with removal of item (B) as above; approving (A) donation of $500 to the ELHS Peace Club from CL&P; Mary Broderick seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
VII. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS A. Finance/Facilities/Community 1. Discussion/action re: continued discussion and adoption of 2008-2009 budget In response to the Board of Education’s direction from its last meeting, the Budget Committee reviewed and discussed the administration’s recommendations on specific details for reducing the proposed budget in line with the Board’s direction. Tim Hagen presented the Budget Committee’s Considerations amounting in reductions of $536,000 and bringing the total budget increase from 6.85% to 5.44% over last year’s budget. Noted was an increase in revenue projections of approximately $700,000. Considering this increase in revenue, the effective budget increase is approximately 4%. Elementary teacher increases remain intact and the kindergarten specials have been reinstated. The importance of protecting athletic and extracurricular programs was discussed. Judy DeLeeuw will conduct an evaluation of middle school programs and the Board will determine its philosophy regarding sports and extracurricular activities district wide.
MOTION: Tim Hagen moved to approve the Board of Education Budget for 2008-2009 in the amount of $40,078,063, accepting the Budget Committee Considerations on 2008-2009 Budget dated February 11, 2009 with the following changes; 1) returning $22,000 to athletics, and 2) increasing the health insurance savings from $30,000 to $52,000; Judy Engel seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
2. Discussion/action re: proposed donation of physical fitness equipment valued at approximately $27,300 to the ELHS Fitness Room from James Grieder of Shoreline Health and Fitness
MOTION: Mary Broderick moved to accept with great appreciation the donation of physical fitness equipment valued at approximately $27,300 as determined by donor James Grieder; Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED 4283
B. Instruction 1. Discussion/action re: proposed elementary after school activities programs (HA&NC)
MOTION: Mary Broderick moved approval of the elementary after school winter/spring activities programs for Lillie B. Haynes and Niantic Center School; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
C. Personnel D. Policy E. Other
VIII. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS A. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Smotas: ▪ updated the Board on the recent propane gas leak at Flanders. ▪ spoke of celebrations of 100th day of school on Monday, February 11, 2008. ▪ distributed State Statue information regarding the school year and school day. The 2007/2008 graduation date will be set after April 1, 2008. B. Assistant Superintendent Paul Freeman: No report at this time. C. Business Director Don Meltabarger – ▪ reported a $1400 savings by using new postage software. IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Budget Committee – Minutes of 2/6/08 were included in packet. B. Policy Committee C. Community Relations Committee D. Personnel Policy Committee E. Long Range Planning Committee F. Buildings & Grounds Committee G. Elementary/Middle School Enhancement Committee H. Substance Abuse Ad Hoc Committee I. School Calendar Ad Hoc Committee J. East Lyme Aquatic and Fitness Center Committee K. Other Committee Reports
X. COMMUNICATIONS A. Letter to Flanders Parents/Guardians from Kathryn Sassu, re: possible gas leak, dated 2/1/08 XI. NOTICES A. Notice of the following staffing changes: 1. Appointments: • Alexander Rudkin, .30 Child Care Aide (Sundowner’s Program), NC, 2/6/08 • Sean Ashburner, .6 Math Long-term Sub Teacher, HS, 1/28/07–6/20/07 2. Reassignments: • Christine Maxfield, from 1.0 Instructional Aide, FL to 1.0 Library Assistant, HS, effective 2/25/08 • Susan Spector, from .7 Instructional Aide and .2 School Aide, to 1.0 Instructional Aide, FL, effective 2/25/08. Susan is also a .4 Daycare Facilitator at FL. 3. Increases/Decreases in FTE: • Lauren Brake, increased from .8 to 1.0 Math Teacher, HS, 1/28/08–6/20/08 • Dianne Condon, increased from 1.0 to 1.2 Math Teacher, HS, 1/28/08-6/20/08 4. Resignations 5. Retirements
4284
6. Supplemental Appointments
B. Notice of the following out of state field trips: 1. ELHS Viking Valhalla Yearbook students to New York, NY on Friday, March 21, 2008 to participate in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Conference at Columbia University. 2. ELHS Grade 11 students to Providence, RI on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 to attend a production of Richard III at Trinity Repertoire Theater. 3. ELHS Physic students to Agawam, MA on Friday, May 23, 2008 to participate in Physics Day at Six Flags New England.
XII. BOARD COMMENTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A. Board Comments: 1. Mary Broderick thanked Board members for the budget process. She emphasized the importance of maximizing opportunities for children and staff and recognized that challenges from the community are important. 2. Andy Dousis recognized the ELHS Wrestling Team as 2007-2008 ECC Champions.
B. Future Agenda Items: 1. Long Range Planning 2. 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 ELPS Calendar 3. Homework 4. Recess
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Mike Schultz, 14 Lovers Lane, thanked the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for their presentation of the budget. He expressed concerns regarding the burden on taxpayers and requested more information on the bargaining process of employee contracts.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved to adjourn at 9:04 p.m.; Andy Dousis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted, Judy Engel/lb Judy Engel, Secretary East Lyme Board of Education
Board of Education Special Meeting Minutes Monday, February 4, 2008 Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on February 11, 2008
4278 EAST LYME BOARD OF EDUCATION East Lyme, Connecticut
7:30 p.m. East Lyme High School INTV Room (B101)
Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Judy Engel (Secretary), Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson
Board Members Excused: Mary Broderick, Elizabeth Groeber
Administrators Present: Paul Smotas, Paul Freeman, Steve Buck, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Judy DeLeeuw, Lucy Schuman, Larry Roberts, David Miko, Kathryn Sassu, Jeff Provost
I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Marlene Nickerson
III. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Mary Walsh, 10 Woodland Drive, spoke in support of funding for 4 elementary teachers. She encouraged Board members to question and scrutinize new proposed programs and to consider funds from programs outside of the school day.
2. Pat Sher, 9 North Pine Street, spoke in support of funding for elementary teachers to keep class sizes down.
3. Melissa Brosius, 20 Luce Ave, spoke in support of kinder funding for elementary teachers to keep student to teacher rations down
4. Mary Ann Hightower, 39 Old Black Point Road, spoke in support of funding for 3rd grade position and restoring kindergarten specials.
5. Alisa Bradley, 105 Bayview Road, encouraged the Board to support kindergarten specials and to keep class sizes down at the elementary level.
6. Chris Smith, 74 Black Point Road, asked the Board to highly consider funding for the additional proposed elementary teachers to keep class sizes down. She also spoke in support of restoring kindergarten specials.
7. Melissa Green, 29 Lake Avenue, spoke in support of the proposed elementary teaching positions and restoring kindergarten specials.
4279
8. Julie Horner, 42 Manwaring Road, EL teacher and parent, highly supports adding proposed elementary teaching positions and stressed the importance of low class sizes.
9. Mike Schultz, 14 Lovers Lane, stated budget cuts are necessary. He expressed concerns regarding excessive salary increases and high school teachers accepting additional teaching loads to cover shortages.
10. Karen Rak, 27 Black Point Road, asked how paraprofessionals influence the teacher to student ratio.
IV. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS A. Discussion re: proposed 2008-2009 Superintendent’s Budget Paul Freeman reviewed budget questions and answers #26 – 30. Additional budget questions may be sent to Paul Smotas or Paul Freeman at Central Office and will be addressed at the February 11, 2008 meeting. All budget questions and answers are listed on the district website.
Budget Committee Chair Tim Hagen updated the Board on the February 1, 2008 committee meeting. The committee’s goals include: 1) maintaining safety and health standards; 2) maintaining academic excellence at all levels of achievement to include maintaining or improving class sizes at all levels of instruction , adjusting staffing levels based on enrollment and programming considerations, and maintaining and improving strong professional development initiatives; 2) striving for balance and equity between all levels of the district; 4) educating and servicing all East Lyme students, whenever possible, within their home district; and 5) recommending a budget for the East Lyme Public Schools that assures continued excellence for the district and is responsive to the community’s economic constraints. The committee’s consensus was that an $85,000 place holder be added to the budget proposal for kindergarten specials, although a budget with an increase over 7% would not be appropriate for submission to the town. A proposed reduction of $536,242 was generated as a starting point for the Board’s budget deliberations and was detailed in a PowerPoint presentation entitled Budget Committee Considerations on 2008-2009 Budget. This reduction represents a 5.66% budget increase over 2007-2008.
The Board reviewed the committee recommendations and provided ideas and further direction for the Administration to explore in the implementation of the proposed reductions; such as, using professional development funding to support the STEPS program; moving staffing positions to areas of greater need; providing reduction in the transportation account in response to the addition of a special education van; and further reductions in the equipment accounts.
The administrative staff will meet on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 to discuss the recommended reductions and what further reductions could be made if necessary. The Budget Committee will reconvene on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 and the full Board will meet on Monday, February 11, 2008 for further deliberations and adoption of the 2008-2009 budget.
Budget questions/answers and all budget presentations are available on the district web site – under Board of Education, 2008-2009 Budget Process link.
The committee commended Dr. Smotas and the administration for providing a budget with great detail and transparency.
4280
V. PUBLIC COMMENT – None at this time.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Andy Dousis moved for the Board to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m.; Judy Engel seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted, Judy Engel/lb Judy Engel, Secretary East Lyme Board of Education
Budget Committee Meeting Minutes February 1, 2008 East Lyme Board of Education East Lyme Central Office
In attendance: Melissa Ford, Tim Hagen Committee Chair, Marlene Nickerson Kevin Seery, Paul Freeman, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Steve Buck, Nancy Burdick, David Miko, Lucy Schuman, Kathryn Sassu
Excused: Mary Broderick
The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m.
Agenda Item 1. Proposed 2008-2009 Budget Discussion
The Budget Committee discussed the importance of providing a budget which assures the quality and excellence of the school district yet is responsive to the economic realities for the community. There was consensus that an $85,000 place holder should be added to the budget proposal but that a budget with an increase over 7% would not be appropriate for submission to the town. The committee reviewed budget areas which have little flexibility for cost reduction without impacting staff. The total fixed cost increase is approximately $1.6 million, which leaves about $1 million of budget increase in items with more flexibility for reduction.
The committee discussed reductions in the areas of supplies, purchased services, equipment, transportation and new staffing/program proposals. A proposal for a reduction of $536,242 was generated as a starting point for the Board’s budget deliberations on February 4th. (see attached slides.) The committee commended the Superintendent and the Administration for providing a budget with great detail and transparency. While proposed reductions are not without concerns and potential impact on the district, the “Budget 101” details made the discussions simpler and more focused.
The committee felt that the goal for the Board’s meeting on February 4th would be to provide overall direction to the Administration for areas of reduction. Paul Freeman said that the Administration would then develop an implementation proposal at the February 5th Ad/Staff meeting. So, the Budget Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 6th to review the implementation proposal for presentation to the full Board on February 11th.
Agenda Item 2. Long Range Capital Plan
|