SAU #44 Nottingham Nottingham School Board Public Session Minutes November 15, 2017 / 7:00 pm

Transcription

1 Members: Chair Ms. Jackie Snow, Vice Chair Dr. Roslyn K. Chavda, Ms. Susan Levenson, Ms. Christine Dabrieo, Ms. Kathryn Brosnan Others: SAU#44 Superintendent Dr. Robert Gadomski, Assistant Superintendent Scott Reuning, Principal Christopher Sousa, Vice Principal Hoellrich, Curriculum Director Jude Chauvette, Finance Director Marjorie Whitmore, Secretary Dawn Calley-Murdough Visitors: Mark DeVeber, Hannah Wiley 1. Meeting Call to Order: Chair Snow opened the November 15, 2017 meeting at 7:02 pm. 2. Chair Snow led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Review of Bills and Manifests: Board members reviewed and signed the manifest. 4. Non-Public Session (if needed): N/A 5. Approval of Minutes: Motion: by Ms. Dabrieo to approve the October 18, 2017 minutes as amended. Second by Ms. Brosnan. Vote: 5 0 in favor. 6. Public Comment: Mr. DeVeber stated he was interested in board discussion regarding the transportation bids. Chair Snow stated the bids were just received, without time for review. Ms. Levenson stated the Transportation Committee would meet to review the bids before making a recommendation to the board for a board vote. 7. Student Representatives: N/A 8. Administrative Reports: a. Business Administrator s Report: i. Monthly Financials: Postponed ii Proposed Budget: Ms. Whitmore reviewed the list of changes that were requested at the prior meeting and included in the current draft of the proposed budget. Changes included the addition of the math specialist, updates to teacher track changes and adjusted salary amounts, the approved propane bid, new tractor and snow blower, and special education teacher salaries, and tuition amounts. The total of all new changes is $159, to the overall budget. Ms. Whitmore explained the budget is up 7.2% from the prior year budget, but does not include the new transportation amount, which could increase at a minimum of $100, Dr. Gadomski reported the board should start to make their final recommended changes to the budget, with the understanding that the final SAU, preschool, Coe Brown tuition, and transportation amounts still have not been included. Chair Snow stated the proposed budget was presented to the Budget Committee and the CIP committee, and concern was expressed about the proposed increase. The two committees were told that the presented amounts were only preliminary and would be adjusted as the School Board continues their review. After discussion, the board and school administration agreed to remove the math specialist. Page 1 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017

2 The board agreed to remove the world language program from the operating budget and add the program in as a warrant article. The removal of the two positions would include teacher salaries, all applicable taxes and insurance, as well as program materials. Discussion took place about the number of lunchroom monitors, and the decision was to keep three monitors. General Supplies was reduced and would be kept level funded. Discussion took place about making sure enough supplies were ordered to prevent teachers from having to spend their personal money to have enough supplies in the classroom. Mr. Sousa state the amount budgeted should be enough as teachers are being frugal, but personal money is still spent on some classroom supplies. Ms. Levenson asked for additional details in the notes section to describe the STEAM application budget needs. Clarification was provided for the Classroom Workbooks and Classroom Textbooks Language Arts to verify they were not duplicate items. It was stated there are 21 para-professionals in the Special Education Para Salaries account to answer a Budget Committee question; the information would be included in the notes section. It was stated that some accounts salary accounts throughout the budget were part of a nonstep agreement, increases were established differently, and were not at the 3% level. Mr. Sousa answered that shadow days in the Substitute Special Education Salaries account was to provide additional training for any specialized training for the substitutes. It was stated the number of pre-school students and the total number of special education students would be included within the notes sections in applicable accounts. Mr. Reuning stated the Special Education Software Elementary account would need to be increased, as it was not previously included. It was clarified that the Lego FIRST Robotics, in the Co-curricular Dues & Fees account, was for grades 1 through 5. Ms. Levenson asked for more detailed notes about the specific stipends amounts being paid to staff for co-curricular athletic programs in the Athletic Salaries account. It was stated an amount for retirement is included in the Elementary Athletic section, as teachers have first option of accepting coach positions for co-curricular/athletic activities. Dr. Chavda asked to clarify the notes for what items are being replaced in the Elementary Athletics Replace Other account. It was stated hats and visors are replaced for baseball annually, and uniforms for other sports are replaced on a rotating basis; this year would be soccer. After discussion there was agreement to level fund the Guidance Enrichment account. Dr. Chavda asked for the average amount that would be paid to speakers. Mr. Sousa explained an average amount would be $ to $ per event, but there are many instances speakers charge the school less, and PTA funds are also utilized to help pay for speakers. Page 2 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017

3 Mr. Reuning reviewed the criteria for having the new Contracted Service ESL account, stating the school is required to have a screener to determine if there are student needs, and one or more students have been identified and will attend the Stafford Learning Center for assistance. It was stated the two speech pathologists identified in the Speech Salary account are to address current student educational needs. Dr. Chavda stated she did not want the board to remove any amounts from the Improvement of Instruction section and the other board members agreed. Dr. Chavda asked to verify the increase amount in the Librarian Salary and Librarian Aide Salary accounts. It was stated the Librarian Salary is a correction to the track change and Librarian Aide Salary is an adjustment according to the contract. Chair Snow stated she is concerned about the overall budget increase, understands the need for improvements, but felt voters could make the final decision about the library improvements. After discussion it was recommended to remove all items for the proposed library improvements, such as furniture, A/C, and the new equipment to a warrant article, to let the voters decide on the importance of a new program. Mr. Sousa stated the school could live with the removal of the new technology equipment, expressed concern that the removal of the new furniture to a warrant article could prevent buying anything if the warrant article fails, and it is the furniture that could provide the biggest impact regarding student learning. Dr. Chavda stated she felt the A/C was needed in order to eliminate the moisture that is known to damage the books and other existing resources. It was stated the Replacement of Furniture account includes replacement of the library rug, which is original to the building construction. There was agreement that the board and librarian could provide additional support for the changes proposed with the library with a presentation for the public. After discussion the board agreed to remove all library program improvements from the operating budget. After discussion the board agreed to reduce Replace Tech Equipment account by removing the replacement laptops and cutting the staff computer replacement expense in half and the New Equipment account by removing the two Apple I-Pad Carts. It was stated the equipment for the 6 th grade 1 to 1 program would remain in the budget, but additional discussion would be held by the board to determine the overall philosophy for technology education. Discussion took place about phasing in the upgrades proposed in the Internet Access account. Ms. Levenson stated the Budget Committee asked for a further breakdown of technology needs, such as one time costs and recurring expenses for equipment and software, equipment replacement cycles and expenses, and internet access requirement; both technology education and infrastructure data. Mr. Sousa would gather information for the board and a future presentation to the Budget Committee. Page 3 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017

4 There was agreement to further reduce the Contracted Services Attorney & Negotiator account and the Community Services account in the School Board Services section. Mr. Sousa stated he would be willing to remove the newly proposed shredder, there are no safety concerns with the current shredder, and could be used another year; he would rather cut the shredder than student programs. Ms. Dabrieo asked to correct the note in the Maintenance Director Salary account, which lists an incorrect salary amount. General discussion took place about the types of items needed in the Repairs and Maintenance Building account to verify the amount is correct. It was stated the A/C for the library would be removed and Mr. Sousa agreed to review and specify the items needed for building maintenance. Discussion took place about the amount needed for Insurance Premium On Building & Contents, and it was stated this is an account that should not be underfunded. There was agreement that Supplies General Custodial would be level funded. There was agreement to review the desk needs for the Nurse and if a desk is needed it would be purchased with funds from the 2017/2018 budget and would be removed from the 2018/2019 budget New Furniture account. There was agreement to reduce New Equipment by removing the two new water bottle filling stations. The amount needed for the small tractor and snow blower would be verified and would remain in the budget. Discussion took place about the number of available lockers and the replacement plan. It was stated the plan for could be postponed to the next budget year. It was stated the transportation amount would be adjusted when a decision is made on the new bids. Dr. Gadomski reported the two home school students notified the school that they will remain home schooled and the Tuition Anticipated Move-Ins amount will be reduced. This could change if they decide to attend a high school. It was stated the Transportation Committee would review ridership counts to determine how many buses would be needed to transport the high school students, especially as more students attending Coe Brown versus Dover High School. Dr. Gadomski expressed concern about what would happen to the full day kindergarten program and the transportation costs, if the Default budget is approved by the voters rather than the proposed operating budget. If the default budget is approved, there will not be full day kindergarten and could cause complication with needing a mid-day bus. Dr. Gadomski reviewed the allowable uses of the 1.5% Emergency Fund, which was for an actual education/structural emergency or to off-set taxes, with a request to the Commissioner of Education. Chair Snow asked about the SAU fund balance. Dr. Gadomski reported the Joint School Board has the option to accept it during the current year as unanticipated revenue or budgeting forward as future revenue. Page 4 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017

5 Discussion took place about School Board continued review of the proposed budget and ongoing meetings with the Budget Committee. Ms. Levenson stated she would review the current changes with the committee and let them know additional changes will still be coming. Ms. Levenson asked for a more detailed review of the accounting process of the return of unspent school funds and how it reduces taxes; the school has returned over $1.8 million dollars over the past three years. iii Default Budget: The board would further review the default budget for future questions. iv Warrant Articles: Dr. Gadomski reviewed the proposed warrant articles. A decision was made to remove the warrant article for the Special Education Capital Reserve Fund. Chair Snow asked for board members to consider if they would increase the Building Repair Capital Reserve Fund amount to $75, The board also agreed to add a warrant article for the new library program and all applicable materials, as well as for the World Language program. v. Transportation Bids: Dr. Gadomski stated the bids were closed on November 15 th at 12:00 pm and bids were received from Durham School Services and Dail Transportation. The bids were scanned and ed to board members and a financial comparison was provided. Mr. DeVeber stated he is the area general manager, his company is making an effort to expand into new areas, with the Nottingham bid the first in the local area. The Nottingham proposal included a new bus fleet. Chair Snow and Dr. Chavda asked how the national driver shortage has impacted Durham School Services. Mr. DeVeber stated the driver shortage has impacted all areas of transportation, and with the school bus driver regulations it provides a smaller pool of individuals to pull from. Hiring the right team will help keep staff, his company is currently 99% staffed, and pull personnel from other areas to make sure there is no loss of busses for any routes. Durham School Services is willing to provide good incentives and benefits to encourage new applicants and as a way to keep current staff. Dr. Gadomski reported Durham School Services was hired to assist in the recent Northwood transportation troubles with one high school bus routes. Ms. Levenson asked how Durham School Services was making an entry into the local area. Mr. DeVeber stated his company was already providing special education transportation in the local area, has full bus routes in northern New Hampshire, and wants to expand regular service bus routes further south. b. Assistant Superintendent/Student Services Report: Mr. Reuning reported Nottingham has not been selected to participate in the Special Education Compliance and Improvement Monitoring program by the NH Department of Education, which is a positive action. Page 5 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017

6 Mr. Reuning clarified the additionally received information regarding Policy GBCD Background Investigation and Criminal Records Check and Policy IJOC and the legal opinion would be reviewed during non-public session. Policy changes would be brought to the board at a future meeting. Mr. Reuning reported he had a successful and positive meeting regarding IEP s with Nottingham staff and reviewed current special education enrollment placement counts. Counts for preschool would change as students can only attend when they turn 3 and 4 years old. c. Principal s Report: Mr. Sousa reported the school had a positive Veteran s Day assembly. Student medical screenings is taking place. Mr. Sousa and Mr. Chauvette attended a class on the statewide assessment system, with similarly proposed testing formats and interface with more questions and a step up with interim testing results. The new alarm company has finally found and repaired the faulty wiring for the alarm system, stopping false alarms from taking place. Mr. Sousa stated he also applied for a security camera grant and would bring more information to the board at a future meeting. d. Curriculum Director s Report: N/A e. Superintendent s: i. Personnel Report: Motion: by Dr. Chavda to accept the personnel report for Taylor Carroll for band lessons in the amount of $ Second by Ms. Brosnan. Vote: 5 0 in favor. 9. Old Business: a. NHSAA Facility Report: Discussion took place about utilizing the school impact fees. Chair Snow stated the School Board has a challenge to identify capital needs, despite the report indicates a possible decrease in student enrollment counts. The CIP committee has seen how the board has taken steps to maximize the available space, but there is still a shortage of acceptable space, and a recommendation was made to provide a video regarding the school building to help people understand what is actually happening for those who don t see the school. Ms. Levenson stated she has pulled enrollment data from the NH Department of Education and doesn t feel the trends indicate on constant decrease, but rather a more consistent up and down. The board should focus on the deficiencies within the current space, such as the lack of a science room. Dr. Chavda agreed and felt there is an overall increasing trend and statistic can be interpreted in multiple ways; the school doesn t have enough space. Ms. Dabrieo asked what the funds could be used for. Chair Snow stated the funds could be used for capital improvements, and feels it is possible that improvements should have taken place in the past that didn t happen. The school has multiple programs that are on mobile carts, in additional to the lack of official meeting space and storage. Chair Snow asked how the board wanted to move forward in addressing the report. Ms. Levenson stated she focused on a section of the report that identifies great changes with 21 st Page 6 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017

7 century school programming. Chair Snow stated she does not believe impact fees can be used for programming changes, and focus should be on the lack of space for the health teacher, technology teacher, or a world language program. Chair Snow, Ms. Levenson, and Mr. Sousa would meet to consider the types of architectural changes that could be considered in the currently available spaces. b. Site Survey RFP: c. School Board Goals: Postponed. 10. New Business: None 11. Monthly Enrollment Report: Ms. Levenson asked for board permission to contact Coe Brown for updated enrollment counts for Coe Brown and the board agreed. Enrollment reports as of 11/15/2017 Page 7 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017

8 Page 8 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017

9 12. School Board Newsletter/Community Newsletter: Chair Snow stated she missed the deadline for the November/December Community Newsletter, but would have information available for the next newsletter. Ms. Levenson asked for board permission to create a one page School Board newsletter update with the current budget related information. There was agreement. 13. Correspondence: None 14. Committee Report/Updates: Education Committee: Ms. Levenson asked to have a backup to the next meeting. Climate Survey: Dr. Chavda stated a meeting was held to discuss what items would be included in the survey and another meeting will be held in the next couple of weeks. Dr. Chavda reported assistance will be given by Kamal Chavda to help complete the climate study. 15. Other: School Photographs: Mr. Sousa reported there were some complaints about the class photos, a meeting with the photography company was held to address the issues, and retake photos will take place. Issues were seen with smaller companies in the past, which was why the school went with a larger company. 16. Public Comment: None 17. Non-Public Session: 9:48 PM Motion: by Ms. Brosnan to enter into Non-Public Session RSA 91-A:3 II (c) and (l). Second by Dr. Chavda. Roll call to enter Non-Public Session: Ms. Jackie Snow, Chair Yes, Dr. Roslyn K. Chavda, Vice Chair Yes, Ms. Susan Levenson Yes, Ms. Christine Dabrieo Yes, Ms. Kathryn Brosnan Yes A student matter and personnel matter were discussed. The board made no decisions during the non-public session. 10:20 PM Motion: by Ms. Dabrieo to adjourn the Non-Public Session and re-enter Public Session. Second by Ms. Brosnan. Roll call to exit Non-Public Session: Ms. Jackie Snow, Chair Yes, Dr. Roslyn K. Chavda, Vice Chair Yes, Ms. Susan Levenson Yes, Ms. Christine Dabrieo Yes, Kathryn Brosnan Yes A student matter and personnel matter were discussed. The board made no decisions during the non-public session. The Board entered Public Session at 10:20 pm Upcoming Meeting Dates: November 27, 2017 at 6:15 pm Joint Board Meeting: SAU Office December 6, 2017 at 6:30 pm Regular Board Meeting December 18, 2017 at 6:15 pm Joint Board Meeting: SAU Office December 20, 2017 at 6:30 pm Regular Board Meeting 18. Adjournment: Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0", First line: 0.25" Page 9 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017

10 10:21 PM Motion: by Ms. Dabrieo to adjourn. Second by Ms. Brosnan Vote: 5 0 in favor. Respectfully Submitted Page 10 of 10 Approved as Amended 12/6/2017