BRENTWOOD SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Monday, January 9, 2006, 6:30 p.m.
Swasey Central School
Members Present: Anne Marie Chesno, Chair; John Hayes, Vice-Chair; Tim Hannan; Mike Johnson, and Virginia Knutson.
Administration Present: Jerry Frew, Assistant Superintendent; Joan Ostrowski, Principal
Others Present: Jim Berlo, Parent/Community Member; Liz Faria, Parent/Community Member; Jim Johnson, Parent/Community Member; Cindy Buckels and Carol Pipinias, Swasey Professional Staff Members
1. The signing of Manifests began at 6:30 p.m.
2. Chair Chesno called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
Everyone joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Visitor Johnson asked to tape record the meeting. The School Board also tape-recorded the meeting.
3. Non-public session
The Board did not enter into non-public session.
4. Approval of Minutes
MOTION – M. Johnson moved that the Brentwood School Board accept the minutes of the December 12, 2005 meeting as written; T. Hannan, seconded. Vote – Unanimous.
5. Report from the Chair
The proposed 2006-2007 School District budget was presented to the Brentwood Budget Committee on December 19th. Chair Chesno reviewed each section highlighting decreases, increases, and changes in programming needs. There were no questions from the Budget Committee at that time. The Committee was encouraged to forward questions to Principal Ostrowski prior to the next meeting to ensure that any needed documentation could be available. Chair Chesno explained revenues and noted that these are returned directly to the Town to offset taxes.. The next meeting with Budget Committee is Monday, January 23, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. All Board members are encouraged to attend.
Chair Chesno has not received a response from the Town regarding any plans to address the EEE issue. A copy of the SAU’s new Influenza Epidemic/Pandemic Prevention and Response Plan was given to all Board members.
Chair Chesno reviewed the information shared at the Joint Chairs Meeting and The Joint School Board Meeting.
· Chair Chesno discussed the SAU budget which includes a return of the Business Administrator at half salary and some additional technology assistance.
· The SAU Music Task Force’s proposal for instrumental music includes a request for one elementary instrumental music teacher who would travel from school to school at a cost of $64,000. Studies were shared that show that students’ participation in an instrumental music program during the academic day does not affect academic achievement. There is concern about how this would fit into an already heavily scheduled school day and school year. There will be a full presentation in May to the Joint Boards about this program and the possibility of a band program for the combined smaller schools.
· The proposal for a Statewide Virtual School targeting talented, motivated or gifted high school students. The time frame would aim to begin a year from this spring.
· The RUS (Rural Utilities Service) grant proposal was funded for $500,000; this is a joint grant with several other school districts that will provide interactive video conferencing equipment.
· There will be a 5% increase in bussing with an adjusted fuel clause with a ceiling of $2.30 for diesel fuel. If the price is between $2.30 and $2.50 a diesel gallon the School Districts would pay the difference. Anything above $2.50 would be borne by First Student.
· The 2006-2007 School Calendar was presented, discussed, revised, and approved. Board Member Knutson publicly communicated the Board’s appreciation of the SAU Administration’s efforts to adjust the calendar to better address academic instructional needs especially in the fall. Chair Chesno recognized the effort of Assistant Superintendent Frew in reconciling the Brentwood Board’s concerns prior to the Joint Boards’ meeting.
· The high school project is on schedule.
· HQT status for elementary school teachers has been resolved.
Chair Chesno noted that Assistant Superintendent Frew has posted the Brentwood Board goals on the web and provided each Board member with a copy. The Committee that will explore the Swasey Central School infrastructure (facility) and plan for future needs will be formed after the 2006-2007 Budget is approved. Board Member Johnson will write an article for the next Brentwood Newsletter on the budget process. The Board is in the process of developing a fiscally and educationally responsible 2006-2007 School Budget to present at the March 11th School District Meeting.
6. Report from the Principal
Principal Ostrowski reported that the school enrollment has increased by three since December with the addition of one kindergartner and two second graders.
The spring 2005 Swasey School Student, Parent, and Staff survey results have been posted on the SAU website at the Principal’s request. At this time, these are the only elementary school results posted. They may be accessed at www.sau16.org under the ‘Curriculum and Assessment’ tab. Scroll down to the bottom under ‘School Portfolio’ and then ‘Elementary School Survey Results 2004-2005’.
Principal Ostrowski reported that there have been more requests for scholarships from families for students to attend school activities than in any previous year. For the first time, requests have been received from families that have no record of financial need on file with the school. If all current requests are honored without question, the total would exceed the entire Scholarship Fund, leaving no room for any future needs. The School Board has supported the suggestion that families in need provide information and proof to the Principal showing that they meet the Federal Income Requirements for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program in order to qualify for a scholarship. If there has been a recent change in a family’s work status, proof of this would suffice in the short term.
The school community response to the Pilot Activity Program was shared. The Board Chair asked the Principal to share this information with parents through a future newsletter. This can also be seen on the School Website as the ‘Principal’s Report to the School Board’ is posted and includes the data.
The availability of access to the building on weekends by staff was briefly discussed in terms of liability. The Board asked the Principal to gather information regarding practices in other buildings to share at the next meeting.
7. Report from the Central Office Administration
Assistant Superintendent Frew noted that Superintendent Hanson would like the Board to establish a time to sit together to provide input regarding the superintendents’ performance prior to the February Joint Boards’ meeting and evaluation. The Board has invited Superintendent Hanson to join them and Assistant Superintendent Frew at 5:45 p.m. on February 13th (prior to the next scheduled Board meeting).
Assistant Superintendent Frew distributed copies of the monthly financial report. This report currently reflects a balance of approximately $35,000 projected for the end of the year. Board Member Hannan suggested the Board give the Budget Committee information about revenue increases as well as the increases in the budget proposal at their next meeting. It is agreed that this must be done clearly and carefully as these are anticipated revenues. It is important to continue to try to educate the public about this complicated concept. After the Board review, a copy of the Financial Report was given to Visitors Johnson and Berlo in reply to their request.
8. Old/New Business
Vice Chair Hayes shared information about the SAU Nutrition/Health Committee’s recommendations and how they may translate into policy. The result could be changes in the schools’ lunches and food centered activities. More information will be forthcoming.
There are two School Board positions up for election. The filing period begins January 25th and ends on February 3rd.
9. Public Comment
Visitor Berlo asked about the funding that the School Board provided to support the completion of the playground as it was his understanding that the P.F.G. had already promised the money. Chair Chesno explained that the Playground Committee had requested that the Board provide the funding to complete the playground. The Board was unaware of any P.F.G. funding beyond the $5,000 disclosed by the Playground Committee. Chair Chesno stressed that the P.F.G. is a separate entity from the Playground Committee (which has completed its work and disbanded) and is not under the authority of nor connected to the School Board. The P.F.G. must function within the structure of School District Policy for the purposes of fundraising and contributions made to the school.
Visitor Faria asked if the high school project is on budget and received confirmation that it is. Visitor Faria asked if paraeducators are individuals who work with children. Paraeducators are hired to work, under the direct supervision of a professional staff member, to provide academic and behavioral support to students. Board Member Hannan explained, in response to another question from Visitor Faria, that he is a voting member of the Budget Committee as a representative of the School Board.
Visitor Johnson questioned the expenditures for electricity. Chair Chesno responded that the electricity rates had increased, as mentioned in previous months. Visitor Johnson asked about funds that have not been expended. Assistant Superintendent Frew noted that there are supplies and equipment that have not yet been purchased, salary for a teacher who was not hired, and some other, as yet, unexpended items.
Visitor Berlo asked about grant applications and whether money has to be budgeted when a district is applying for a grant. Grant applications are separate from the Brentwood School budget.
Visitor Faria complimented Board Member Hannan on his articles regarding budget.
10.Correspondence Noted
None noted.
11.Adjournment
MOTION – J. Hayes moved that the Brentwood School Board Meeting adjourn at 7:58 p.m.; M. Johnson, seconded. Vote - Unanimous.