March 23
Turning to transportation, facilities, and business and management
subjects on 3/23, the Board looked at the capital component
of the budget, debt service, and transportation. Mr. Steve Thompson,
Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, outlined the contents
of the buildings and grounds' maintenance budget, including
the Capital Asset Preservation plan, which is part of the annual
proposal. He noted the proposed addition of two more staff members,
whose assignments would focus on maintenance of the soon-to-be
renovated athletic fields across the district.
Mr. Greg Carlson presented an overview of the district's
debt service obligations, noting that details are available
to anyone who wishes to inquire. Mr. Carlson also presented
on the subject of transportation, due to the medical absence
of Supervisor of Transportation Guy Elmore. Board discussion
on that topic spotlighted the planned presentation of replacement
buses, while administrators identified a choice the Board
will have to make regarding whether the bus replacement costs
should be included in the operating budget proposal, or put
out on a separate proposition. The Board also wrestled with
the question of whether to go beyond replacement of buses,
to add two more full-size vehicles to the fleet, in hopes
of improving route times and seating capacity, particularly
at the elementary level. More information was requested by
the time of the April 13 meeting.
The administrative portion of the last section reviewed.
Comments included dates to look at the proposed budget
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for Cable TV as another area of possible savings. Copies
of the complete budget materials are available upon request,
but an extensive description of the whole budget will be mailed
to every Byram Hills household after April 20, when the Board
adopts the proposal, so that residents will have an opportunity
to review the data before the May 18 vote. Board member John
Grimes reminded the public of the remaining dates in the budget
development process:
- April 13, Budget Hearing IV
- April 20, Budget Adoption
- May 4, Budget Hearing V
at 7:30 p.m., D.O.
- Budget Vote: May 18, HCC
Business Agenda - Consent Agenda:
On both 3/22 and 3/23, the Board approved Consent Agenda items,
which are detailed on the following page.
Unfinished Business - Girls' Soccer:
Returning to the subject of girls' soccer, as a follow-up
to the recommendation from Superintendent John Chambers and
Athletic Director Mike Gulino made at the 3/9 meeting, for
a gradual transition of the girls' soccer program from the
spring to the fall season, the Board considered a motion to
accept the recommendation. Board discussion included the nuances
of the timetable, speculation about the status of girls' soccer
of neighboring districts, and an expressed wish to see Section
I take up the question more broadly. Members of the public
made a variety of comments. Some spoke in support of the recommendation,
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arguing that it was
the best possible compromise, respecting the variety of opinions
expressed on the issue. Other speakers argued for a quicker
transition. One member of the audience suggested that the Board
table the issue.
The Board, after commenting that the matter had received
more than adequate publicity, voted unanimously to accept
the recommendation as written, which does provide for a gradual
transition of girls' soccer from the spring to the fall season.
The transition would begin for freshmen and j.v. players in
the fall of 2005, and culminate in the completion of the move
for the whole program, including varsity soccer, by the fall
of 2006.
Mr. Chambers and Mr. Grimes appealed for continuing support
from all concerned on the various challenges of the transition,
especially on the goal of continuing high levels of overall
participation in the entire girls' athletic program.
Facilities Update:
Greg Carlson provided updates on the Athletic Facilities project,
inching closer to sign-off from the State Education Department.
The district expects to commence reconstruction of the fields
this spring.
Mr. Carlson also reported the latest news on SED review of
the district's proposal for additional portable classrooms
are scheduled for installation this summer at CH and WA.
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