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the budget's capital, administrative, and program expenditures.
During the Budget Hearing, the Board requested that administrators
reconsider including two vans and three large buses in the 2004-05
budget. Board members discussed the district's desire to maintain
appropriate bus routing times, and Mr. Carlson reviewed a report
from Supervisor of Transportation Guy Elmore, that outlined
projected bus routes and approximate individual route times
for the new school year. Mr. Carlson stated that many routes
were projected to be approximately 35 minutes in length; however,
some routes will require continued refinements prior to September.
Attention was also given during the discussion to bus route
times when children attend play dates and after-school activities.
Board members indicated that the two vans and three large school
buses should be provided within the 2004-05 budget. Additional
discussion was focused on two additional buses to be considered,
one bus for each elementary school. However, after further analysis
and discussion, it was determined that this would have a minimal
effect on bus routes.
The Board then requested that the administration review recommendations
for deferring some expenditures until 2005-06, in order to
provide a strong program for the students while balancing
community needs for a responsible tax rate increase. Dr. Taylor,
Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Personnel, reviewed
the proposed reductions from each school. The reductions included
deferring some textbook purchases and supplies, and some reduction
in additional aide time for the elementary and middle schools.
Board members' questions focused on assuring a high quality
program for all students. The Board continued to struggle
with the precise level of reductions that should be included
in the 2004-05 budget.
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Further discussion continued. The primary needs of the schools
were highlighted, specifically the 13.7 full-time teachers,
which maintains the Board's commitment to class size guidelines.
At length, Board members came to consensus on the proposed
2004-05 budget of $55,078,738. The Board will publicly adopt
the budget at their April 20 meeting, and hold Budget Hearing
V on May 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the district office.
Mr. Kaplan reviewed the budget brochure and communication
to the community to explain the school budget as it relates
to the Board's ongoing goal of Successful Management of Enrollment
Growth and Class Size. Board President Ira Schulman read into
the record two resolutions-the first in regard to the public
hearing on May 4, and the second with regard to the annual
election to be held May 18, 2004. Mr. Schulman then encouraged
everyone to vote on Tuesday, May 18, at HCC Middle School,
from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Budget Steps from Here:
- April 20 BOE Business Meeting, Budget Adoption, 7:30 p.m.,
DO
- May 4, BOE Budget Hearing V and Business Meeting, 7:30
p.m., D.O.
- Budget Vote: May 18, at HCC, 6:30 a.m. to 9:00
p.m.
BUSINESS AGENDA
Staff Reports
Mr. Carlson was requested by Board members to give an update
on the Athletic Facilities Project, and reported that work
will commence on both the tennis court and Coman Hill athletic
field as soon as weather conditions permit. Once the sod is
placed on the surface, the Coman Hill field will be ready
for use within two weeks.
Concern was raised by the Board about the irrigation system
delay at Coman Hill, and Mr. Carlson indicated that the system
may be installed prior to formal
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approval by the Water
Department, but may not be used until such permission is granted.
He also indicated that the contract for the Phase I archeological
study for all four schools has been signed and delivered to
the vendor. Mr. Carlson is concerned about the potential delay
to the commencement of the construction phase of this project.
Staff Reports
Dr. Taylor reported on the last meeting of the year for the
joint Curriculum Committee and Site-Based Teams. She thanked
the committee members and Joel Goldsholl, teacher at HCC,
for participation at the Socratic Seminar, which was a highlight
of the meeting.
Board Reports
On behalf of the Board of Education, President Ira Schulman
thanked the administration, particularly the superintendent,
for the many hours spent in planning and communicating the
specifics of the facilities project. Mr. Schulman also commended
the PTSA, the advisory committee, and the many community members
who worked on communicating the needs of the schools. Mr.
Schulman further noted that several community members commented
on the quality of the communications to the community. Thanks,
too, were extended to Wendy Gardner and Gail Reese for their
roles in leading the communication team. The community was
thanked for the positive vote on the Bond.
Executive Session
The Board conducted an executive session on personnel and
legal matters.
4/20/04 BOE
The Board met again on 4/20, but with only four members in
attendance. (Two Board members were chaperoning the 8th grade
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