STRATHAM SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES

Wednesday, January 5, 2005
Stratham Memorial School

 

Members Present: Katherine McDonnell, Bob O’Sullivan, John Hazekamp, Mark Poirier, Ann Sloan (arrived at 6:50pm)

FAC: Allison Scammon, Barbara Loh, Susan Hunter, Susan Canada, Paula Krolikoski

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 6:35 PM.

 

Mr. O’Sullivan summarized the percentage increase in the proposed budget and the impact of the collective bargaining agreement on the overall budget request.  Mr. O’Sullivan referred the FAC to the chart of increases, decreases and those items cut by the school board during its deliberations.

During his remarks he explained the reasons for the budget reductions that the board has made.

 

Mr. Fosher was asked to describe the areas proposed for significant increase including transportation, added time for .8 FTE employees (2), increase in substitute teacher allocation, retirement, FICA, insurances, special services for identified students and salaries for support staff.

 

Ms. Driscoll spoke to the IEP requirements for interpreter services as well as special needs nursing services for the children.

 

Mr. O’Sullivan explained the philosophical underpinning of the salary schedules in the new contract, the improvement in dental insurance, the move toward increased employee contribution in the event of continued high increases in health insurance premiums.  Mr. Fosher also spoke to the various major reduction items  from the 04-05 budget in the proposed 05-06 budget.

 

Mr. O’Sullivan discussed the issue of class size relative to the impact on operating costs.

 

Ms. Driscoll noted that a new .6 position in special education is included in the budget at the kindergarten/grade one level specifically to address literacy initiatives for intensive assistance.

 

Mr. O’Sullivan referred the FAC to the increases in utilities costs (electricity and heating oil) and also asked the FAC for some feedback regarding potentially adding expenditures for buses equipped with seat belts (at some point in time).  He also asked for feedback regarding the curbing situation.

 

Discussion also ensued regarding the development of plans for future needed repairs and replacements for the Memorial School facility.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35PM.
 
Respectfully submitted: 

Ray Raudonis