APPROVED

Budget Workshop Meeting

Public Session

November 21, 2006 – Planning Department

 

School Board Members:          Galen Stearns, Beverly Donovan, Beth Valentine, Barbara Coish

Superintendent:                               Dr. Elaine Cutler

Business Administrator:          Brian Gallagher

 

 

Barbara Coish called the public session of the Windham School Board to order at 7:00 p.m. with a call of the roll.  All those in attendance stood to salute the flag and to observe a moment of silence.

 

Budget Presentation

 

Technology – Terry Bullard presented the technology budget to the School Board.  She stated that the budget continues to be level funded at $200,000.  She noted that 87 computers at Windham Middle School will be replaced, per the replacement schedule.  The average life of computers is about six years.  She further stated, she stores the old computers – until the she knows what the districts future needs will be – some of the computers that cannot be stored are recycled and used for parts.

 

Ms. Bullard stated that PowerSchool had been sold to Pearson Education Systems – a server and licensing upgrade is needed in the near future.  She noted the new company is offering a good rate of $2,500 along with attractive incentives to upgrade now.  She noted this would bring us completely up to date.

 

Special Education – Tina McCoy presented the special education budget to the School Board noting that in-district enrollment numbers are stable while out of district placements increased significantly.  She further noted that Instructional Assistants are level funded at this time; Salem High School special education student numbers have declined; next years eighth grade special education numbers will be up.

 

Tina McCoy discussed contracted hourly employees who perform services for occupational therapy and speech therapy.  She noted that in some cases, it would make more sense to hire these employees as full time employees rather than keeping them hourly.  She presented information regarding this to the board members.  Dr. Cutler stated that she would like to see more money placed in the operating budget – noting this would be a more fiscally sound decision.

 

With regard to special education transportation issues, Galen Stearns noted that this area in the proposed budget went up $100,000 for 7 more students.  Ms. McCoy responded by stating that she realizes it is hard for people to understand the figures, but that is what we need to educate special education students.

 

Windham Middle School – Steve Plocharczyk presented the middle school budget to the School Board noting that enrollment numbers are trending down next year.  He noted an increase in the text book account for the Connective Math Program.  He stated that it is critical that we fund the 7th grade for this program.  He further stated that they need to look ahead to hiring an additional art teacher.  A new piano was also requested.

 

It was noted that when you want to keep the ratio of students down, requests for additional teachers should go into the budget, rather than on a separate warrant article.

 

Dr. Cutler reiterated this by stating that teacher requests should not be placed on a separate warrant article – noting it is too risky to leave it up to the voters, it should be in the budget.

 

Steve Plocharczyk stated that the school board has the responsibility to put it into the budget – noting that it was done that way in the past.  Dr. Cutler stated that most school districts do it this way.  However, it would require a special meeting of the School Board to reverse the way teachers are requested.

 

Windham Center School – Andy Desrosiers and Deb Armfield addressed the School Board regarding the Center School budget requests noting that there is a 20 student increase.  However, no additional staff is needed.  There are still 26 home rooms.  They noted a slight increase in audio video equipment for curriculum mapping purposes along with a slight increase in math facts material. 

 

The music department budget showed an increase requesting some musical instruments and a locked storage cabinet to keep them in.

 

Galen Stearns questioned the reason for the doubling of the maintenance budget.  Brian Gallagher responded by stating that maintenance is finding an increase in summer projects – noting the boiler and roof needed maintenance this summer.

 

Golden Book School – Beth McGuire addressed the School Board regarding the Golden Brook Budget.  Mrs. McGuire stressed that there would be a dramatic increase in student enrollment next year (16% increase).  In keeping with and ensuring a safe learning environment, she is requesting to add three (3) classroom teachers and one (1) grade level assistant.  She noted that even with adding three more teachers they will be looking at 23 students per classroom.  Music and Art will now be on carts – noting their equipment and materials will be kept in a storage area until needed for each day.  Mrs. McGuire noted that they have a storage area where supplies are kept.

 

Beth Valentine inquired if Golden Brook surveyed the neighboring preschools to obtain accurate enrollment numbers.  Mrs. McGuire responded by stating that they most definitely survey preschools.

 

Galen Stearns inquired if the requested (4) positions were reflected in the Budget.  Mrs. McGuire stressed that they currently are not reflected in the proposed budget – noting that currently, such requests for staffing are placed on a warrant article unless otherwise changed by a vote of the Board - as stated previously.

 

Mr. McGuire also made a first request for an Assistant Principal – noting that when enrollment numbers goes over 500, it is recommended.

 

Highlights from the budget also included:

 

Windham School District – Brian Gallagher addressed the School Board regarding the District budget by noting the following major increases:

 

                  (it was stated that the mandatory retirement increase would be an issue with the Legislature this Spring)

 

Dr. Cutler explained the medical subsidiary and teacher retirement impact to the Board.

 

Beth Valentine questioned the medical subsidiary.  Brian Gallagher stated it is guaranteed through July, 2008.

 

Board Discussion

 

 

Dr. Cutler stated the need for first grade teachers was critical and that it should be part of your budget and not on a warrant article.

 

Beth Valentine stated that if we were to take Tina McCoy’s suggestion of full time vs. hourly for specialists, it would really ultimately be a savings for the district.  The savings could take care of one teacher’s salary.

 

Galen Stearns questioned if sick-time was factored in to Tina’s proposal.  Meaning if they are out sick, and we have to hire someone else for the interim, has she considered it.  Brian Gallagher and Elaine Cutler will speak to Tina regarding this and get back to the Board.

 

Brian Gallagher noted that we know that there are some items that should be a warrant article.  However, with regard to Golden Brook School, we are cautioning the Board that it may be overlooked if it is kept as a warrant article.

 

Brian Gallagher suggested warrant articles:

 

Brian Gallagher spoke of the Middle School increase and new location of leach fields at a cost of about $100,000.

 

Beth Valentine stated that she would still like to move into our own mini CIP’s – as our schools age more.

 

Galen Stearns would like to look into having it in a school facility maintenance fund.

 

Dr. Cutler suggested that a Librarian position be placed on a Warrant Article.

 

Beth Valentine stated that the increases presented tonight were very modest.

 

Brian Gallagher noted that with regarding to a maintenance trust fund, unexpended money at the end of the year could go into this type of fund.

 

 

The Windham School Board met with legal counsel.  The public meeting was recessed @11:10 p.m. and will continue November 22, 2006 at 3:00 at SAU #28.