BRENTWOOD SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Thursday, January 18, 2007, 6:00p.m.

 

Members Present:    Anne Marie Chesno, Chair; Virginia Knutson, Vice-Chair; Tim Hannan; and, Michael Johnson

 

Administration Present:      Jerry Frew, Assistant Superintendent; Joan Ostrowski, Principal

 

Others Present:        Diane Alden, Ann Bell, Cathy Blaisdell, Cindy Buckels, Katie Burke, Chris Burke, Sarah Campbell, Paula Cilia, Sue Culligan, Kathy Desmarais, Margaret Dullea, William Faria, Marc Hyzre, Patricia Hosker, Jody MacBride, Christine Martin, Laurie Monsell, Carol Pipinias, Barb Pollard, Brett Ramsdell, Kelly Ramsdell, Gennie Rowe, Paula Rushia, James Voteur, Cheryl Scott, Amy Wilson, Mary Wills, and Kim Woods

 

1.    Chair Chesno called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.

Everyone joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

2.    Non-public session

MOTION – Board Member Knutson moved that the Board enter into non-public session at 7:25 p.m. in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3 II (c).  Board Member Hannan seconded.  Roll Call Vote:  A. Chesno, yes; V. Knutson, yes; T. Hannan, yes; and, M. Johnson, yes.  Motion carries.

 

MOTION – Board Member Johnson moved that the Board adjourn from non-public session at 8:33 p.m. in accordance with RSA 91-A:3II (c); Board Member Knutson seconded.  Roll Call Vote:  A. Chesno, yes; V. Knutson, yes; T. Hannan, yes; and, M. Johnson, yes.  Motion carries.

 

3. Budget

      Chair Chesno recapped the steps that had gone into the development of the approved Brentwood School District Budget Proposal for 2007-2008 that was sent to the Brentwood Budget Committee.  She reminded people that the budget approved and submitted was not the original proposal or even the revised proposal from the Principal.  Chair Chesno explained that the Brentwood Budget Committee was concerned that the proposed 6.6% increase to the current school budget is too high and has set a target of 3.84%.  Due to the inclement weather on January 15th, the only school representative at the Brentwood Budget Committee meeting was Board Member Hannan.  The 3.84% target was set by the Budget Committee because that is the percentage increase of the Exeter Cooperative School District budget proposal.             

      Board Member Hannan shared that the Brentwood Budget Committee members had questions about the need for an assistant principal, class size, special education numbers, and the developmental preschool.  He noted that the Budget Committee is reacting to the tax bills and are not singling out the School District; they are telling all Town entities to submit flat proposals.  Board Member Johnson stated that no one likes their taxes to increase and that everyone wants the Town agencies and boards to be fiscally responsible.  Chair Chesno added that the School Board has provided a great deal of information, rationale, and back-up to the Budget Committee every year.  The reality is that costs continue to climb.           

      Principal Ostrowski informed the Board that she could not make any additional recommendations to reduce the school budget proposal below the 6.6% already approved.  She explained that to do so would be educationally irresponsible.  She did, when pressed, present several scenarios of what the school program could look like if the budget was further reduced

      The School Board understands the Budget Committee’s request for a budget proposal that reflects a 3.84% increase. The Board will defend the approved 6.6% increase as a fiscally responsible budget that will provide a quality education to the children of Brentwood.  The Board also agreed to share their best guess of what a 3.84% proposal would reflect when school opens in late August 2007. The Board cannot support or endorse a budget recommendation at this level.

      The Board will make information available to parents and community members regarding the budget proposal and process and the rationale for their decisions.  A notice from the Board will be sent home to parents on Friday, January 19th that outlines the information and meeting dates.

 

4. Public Comment

·         Resident and teacher Mary Wills emphasized the importance of informing parents of the possible impacts of the budgetary decisions.

·         Resident and parent Cheryl Scott expressed her concerns regarding the scenarios presented that would eliminate much of the kindergarten program and dramatically increase class sizes at the 2nd grade.  She noted that residents often blame salaries for the increases in the impact on taxes and asked about areas like utilities and benefits. Chair Chesno noted that 75% of any business’ budget is salaries.  Although electricity and propane are projected to increase in cost, this does not have a large impact on the bottom line of the budget.  She noted that being a part of the SAU helps the Board to bring in fiscally responsible figures for many of these lines because the size promotes better ‘buying’ power.  The tax increase (guesstimate) at a 6.6% increase to the School budget would be 62¢ per $1,000.  These numbers will be firmed up at the January 22nd Budget Committee meeting.

·         Resident Brett Ramsdell asked if the proposed 6.6% budget is available to the public.  Chair Chesno explained that this is usually available after the Budget Committee makes their recommendation but that, this year, the Board will post it on the website earlier.  This will be done on January 19th.  Principal Ostrowski provided Resident Ramsdell with a hard copy t the meeting.

 

4. Adjournment

 

MOTION – Board Member Johnson moved that the Brentwood School Board Meeting adjourn at 7:53 p.m.; Board Member Knutson seconded.   Vote - Unanimous