Stratham School Board Budget Workshop Minutes

Thursday, December 9, 2004
Stratham Memorial School

 

Members Present: Bob O’Sullivan, John Hazekamp, Anne Sloan, Mark Poirier

Administration: Tom Fosher, Principal, Katherine Nichol, Assistant Principal, Meg Driscoll and Mary Ellen Palmer, Co-Directors of Special Services, Ray Raudonis, Interim Assistant Superintendent

Mr. O’Sullivan called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM.

 

Mr. Raudonis discussed the proposed 2005-06 budget, the total increase proposed, and the specific areas contributing to the increase.  The total budget, including the new cost items of the teacher contract was up $749,625. with $590,342 coming from the following items:

Teacher contract

New curbing/portable classroom

Insurances/FICA/Retirement

Position adjustments and new positions

Aide salaries

A lengthy conversation ensued regarding replacement of curbing, especially in light of a pending lawsuit.  The discussion involved the cost of doing all of the replacement or continue to phase in the replacement as planned.  It also was discussed as to the notion of putting the money in the operating budget or in a separate warrant article.

 

The administration was asked to determine the full cost of replacement and to place that in the budget. 

 

The proposed after-school program was discussed.  Designed to be an academically challenging opportunity for students to do advanced work.  Seed money of $3,500 is in the proposed budget.

 

The board proceeded to discuss the proposal by function series.  Mr. Fosher informed the board that he was withdrawing the proposal for a portable classroom at a cost of $48,000.

 

The board scheduled a December 21, 2004 budget workshop at 7:00 am.

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Ray Raudonis