Regular Meeting of the Amherst School Committee

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

High School Library

 

Present:            Elaine Brighty, Chair                                Jere Hochman, Superintendent

                        Chrystel Romero                                     Rob Detweiler, Director of Finance & Operations

                        Andy Churchill                                         Press

                        Kathleen Anderson                                  Public

                                                                                       Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder

                                                                                      

Absent:  Sonia Correa-Pope

 

1.  Welcome                                                                                                    9:04 p.m.

A. & B.  Call to Order/Agenda Review—Mr. Churchill called the meeting to order at 9:04 p.m. when the Regional meeting adjourned.

C.   Minutes—Ms. Brighty made a motion to approve the minutes of December 11, 2007.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

2.  Announcements and Public Comments                                                   None

There were no announcements or public comments.

 

3.  Superintendent’s Update                                                                         None

 

4.  Unfinished/Continuing Business                                                              9:54 p.m.

A.  FY09 Executive Level Budget—Dr. Hochman noted that early in the budget process, the Town of Amherst gave the guideline to develop a 2% increase budget; however, a level-services budget would require a 6% increase.  He explained that after numerous meetings with administrators, the budget being presented tonight is a 5.2% increase.  Dr. Hochman stated that this increase over the guidelines is not meant to be disrespectful to the Finance Committee in any way. He explained that he and Mr. Detweiler have been working very closely with John Musante, Town Treasurer, and the Town Manager throughout the budget process. Recommendations for ways to try to close this gap have been discussed and shared with them. Mr. Detweiler then distributed and reviewed in detail the FY09 Executive Level Amherst budget.  Dr. Hochman reviewed the additions and cuts being recommended for the Amherst budget.  He distributed and reviewed an updated document showing enrollment projections for the elementary schools in 08-09, noting that a classroom has been added back to Marks Meadow, bringing the school up to 10 classrooms.  Dr. Hochman explained that a net cut of 2 FTE teachers is being recommended; however, they are not classroom teachers.  In addition, Dr. Hochman noted that the adds/cuts list shows a cut of 0.0 paraprofessional FTE, but with a savings of $11,560. He explained that the reason there can be a savings with no FTE reduction is due to the net effect of positions that are being cut, combined with positions that are being added.  Mr. Detweiler then reviewed what the effect will be on the Amherst budget if the transportation amendment to the Regional Agreement is approved.  The net result will be a savings of $35,882 to the Amherst taxpayers. Mr. Churchill thanked Mr. Detweiler and Dr. Hochman for all the planning and hard work that has been done in getting the proposed budget to this point.  He also thanked Andy Steinberg, Amherst Finance Committee, for coming to the meeting for the budget presentation.

 

5.  New Business                                                                                None

Accept Gifts—Ms. Romero made a motion to accept gifts totaling $4,103.67 (list attached) for the Amherst elementary schools.  Ms. Anderson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.   

 

6.  Reports                                                                                          None

 

7.  Sub-Committee Reports                                                               9:36 p.m.

Mr. Churchill noted that the Schools Organization Committee is continuing to meet and a draft report is being developed.  The committee has narrowed their work down to four scenarios for further investigation.  Mr. Churchill also congratulated the schools on the principal search process. He noted that there was a very good turnout for the community interview forums, and he believes parents felt that they really had an opportunity to be heard.

 

8.  School Committee Planning                                                          None

A.  Calendar Review

B.  Items for Upcoming Meetings

 

9.  Adjournment                                                                                  9:39 p.m.

Mr. Churchill announced that the planned executive session for the purpose of approving and releasing minutes would be postponed.  Ms. Brighty then made a motion to adjourn at 9:39 p.m.  Ms. Anderson seconded and the motion passed unanimously. 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Debbie Westmoreland

 

Approved 3/25/08