Regular Meeting of the RegionalSchool Committee
Monday, March 5, 2007 7:00 p.m.
High School Library
Present: Elaine Brighty, Chair Jere Hochman, Superintendent
Tom Flittie Rob Detweiler, Dir. of Finance & Operation
Andy Churchill Mary Kersell, ARHSParentCenter
Michael Katz Public
Marianne Jorgensen Press
Sonia Correa Pope Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder
Alisa Brewer (arrived at 7:35 p.m.)
Michael Hussin (arrived at 8:09 p.m.)
Absent: Maureen Ecclestone, Sok Kimeng Chamm (student representative)
1. Welcome 7:10 p.m.
A. & B. Call to Order/Agenda Review—Ms. Brighty called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. She then welcomed everyone to the meeting and reviewed the agenda.
C. Minutes—Mr. Churchill made a motion to approve the minutes of February 6, 2007. Ms. Correa Pope seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
2. Announcements and Public Comments 7:11 p.m.
Abby Julien, parent, stated that her family moved to Amherst in August based on the strength of its music program. She said that she is very upset that the proposed cuts include two positions that provide band and winds instruction, noting that she feels these cuts are the beginning of the end of the program. Donna Griffen, parent, noted that she does not have a child in the band program, but said she questions the thought process that went into the decision to cut two music positions. She stated that music really helps students succeed in other areas of the curriculum. Mr. Churchill noted that the budget process is not yet complete and said the School Committee appreciates the input of parents.
3. Superintendent’s Update 7:29 p.m.
Dr. Hochman reported that he is forming a Legislative Committee to add a layer of formality to the legislative action that is already being done by parents, staff and professional groups. He noted that he included an all-call for interest in the Learning@ARPS newsletter on Friday, March 2, and there will be an organizational meeting on Thursday, March 15 at 3:30 p.m. Dr. Hochman also reported that he attended the MSAN Governing Board meeting at the end of February. MSAN is going through reorganization at this time. He noted that the decision has been finalized to house MSAN at the University of Wisconsin Madison and the Director’s position has been posted. Dr. Hochman stated that he has brought the issue of MSAN dues and financing to the attention of the Governing Board and is hopeful that the move to the college campus will facilitate a positive change in the dues structure. Dr. Hochman reported that the High School production of Cats was last weekend and it was remarkable to see more than 225 students participating on stage and behind the scenes.
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business 7:37 p.m.
A. FY08 Budget
IncreaseHigh School Preschool Fees—Ms. Brighty asked for a motion regarding an increase in the High School preschool fees. Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to approve the increase in the fee scale for the ARHS preschool program for the 2007-2008 school year to make it equitable with the fees charged for the Crocker Farm preschool program. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
IncreaseSchool Lunch Prices for FY08—Ms. Brighty asked for a motion regarding an increase in the price of school lunches. Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to approve an increase in lunch prices for FY08 in the amount of $0.25 for student lunches and $0.50 for adult lunches. Mr. Katz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Budget Assumptions Update—Dr. Hochman distributed updated copies of the Budget Meeting #1: Data and Direction and Budget Meeting #2: Budget Assumptions packets. He then reviewed the revenue information contained in the Budget Assumptions document, noting that the primary issue with our budget is one of revenues not expenses. Dr. Hochman noted that Regional transportation reimbursement will be an issue that will be pursued strongly in the coming year. Mr. Churchill asked for clarification for uses of fees collected for parking. Mr. Detweiler noted that there are two options. The fees can be put into E & D to be used for the following year. The other option is to put the fees into a revolving fund. If that option is chosen, the fees can only be used to support items related to parking (such as paving, etc.). Mr. Detweiler noted that the School Committee voted last year to deposit parking fees in a revolving fund. During a discussion of health insurance costs, Mr. Churchill noted that the district absorbed an increase in health insurance of 36% last year, with anticipated increases of 15% this year. Ms. Jorgensen asked that the issue of elementary transportation costs being borne by the Region be brought up at the Four Towns meeting on Saturday. Dr. Hochman stated it can be discussed; however, it will require a reopening of the Regional Agreement in order to make the change. He stated that he plans to note at the Four Towns meeting that it is time to begin reviewing the Regional Agreement for the FY09 budget. Dr. Hochman then reviewed the expenditure section of the Assumptions document. He noted that in FY07, 16 teachers were cut. In FY 08, there are 14 teachers slated to be cut in grades K-12. Regarding food service, Dr. Hochman pointed out that the district has not broken even with Chartwells as anticipated. For the past three years, Chartwells has paid the district the amount necessary for the district to break even. For FY08, the district will not be reimbursed by Chartwells if we do not break even. Dr. Hochman pointed out that any additional change in the mix of foods in the vending machines is likely to result in a significant loss of revenue which will have to be borne by the district. After discussion, the School Committee directed Mr. Detweiler not to authorize any changes in the vending mix due to budget constraints.
FY08 Proposed Budget—Mr. Detweiler distributed copies of the FY08 Proposed Budget. Dr. Hochman noted that this is a 1% increase budget. He stated that at the next meeting, a greater-increase budget will be presented to the School Committee for their vote since the budget can be reduced once voted, but it cannot be increased if additional revenues are realized after Town Meeting. Mr. Detweiler then briefly reviewed the data included in the proposed budget. Dr. Hochman then reviewed the final cuts list that was used to get to a 1% increase budget. In explaining changes in music, he noted that there are two areas to think about in any of the cuts: programmatic and staffing. He explained that High School cuts will be made in elective classes based on student enrollments, which may include classroom music. There is and has never been a plan to reduce the eight ensembles at the High School so there are no programmatic music cuts at the High School. Potential cuts to individual teachers, however, are based on a number of factors including contractual issues and seniority. In order to ensure that teachers with expertise in the field will be teaching each of the ensembles (for instance, a band teacher teaching the bands), Dr. Hochman noted that a .4 FTE has been included in the add list. Ms. Jorgensen asked if there will be cuts in the academic electives. Dr. Hochman explained that all electives are in the course guide; however, since all students will be required to take two study halls it will force choices of fewer electives, both academic and non-academic. The decision of where elective cuts will be made will be based on student choice. Dr. Hochman noted that restoring the 4.0 FTE in HS electives will be at the top of the bring-back list if new revenue is realized. Ms. Jorgensen asked how health will be offered at the Middle School. Dr. Hochman stated that it will be included in Physical Education in order to ensure that all students will receive health instruction. In the past, some students who had support classes such as Math Tune-Up did not receive health instruction. Ms. Correa Pope asked how MCAS support will be provided to students who need it. Dr. Hochman stated that MCAS support is still included in the budget. Dr. Hochman then reviewed the required adds to the budget. Dr. Hochman asked the School Committee for guidance regarding the percentage increase budget amount they would like to have presented at the next School Committee meeting. In reviewing the cuts list, Ms. Jorgensen expressed concern about cutting the High School administrator. Ms. Brighty also expressed concern about the cuts in Central Office, noting that the work there is essential and she is concerned about the ability of the office to continue performing that work with the cuts. Ms. Jorgensen agreed, noting that people can only be asked to do so much work before it becomes unmanageable and they will leave their jobs. After discussion, the School Committee asked Dr. Hochman to present a bring-back list next week, prioritized and clustered, so that the committee can choose the percentage budget to approve based on that list. The committee affirmed that their top priority in bring backs is to get students out of study halls. In reviewing the adds/cuts lists, Mr. Churchill expressed support for bringing back requested funds for texts and supplies. Ms. Jorgensen expressed support for maintaining the athletic program in a way that allows as many students as possible to participate. Ms. Brighty noted that professional development funds, ELL, and safety/maintenance projects that have been delayed for several years are high priorities. Ms. Correa Pope expressed support for the additional Math Tune Up teacher because of the benefit the program provides to our families.
5. New Business 7:15 p.m. (A)/9:51 p.m. (B)
A. ParentCenter Presentation—Mary Kersell of the ARHSParentCenter distributed copies of the booklet “Guide to the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District Budget” which has been developed by the ParentCenter over the past several months. She noted that the purpose of the document is to facilitate communication about the budget and budget process between parents and the School Committee. Ms. Kersell then explained the types of data included in the document. She also stated that the ParentCenter developed a set of recommendations based on their experience in gathering the data, including the need to centralize all of the data. Ms. Kersell asked the School Committee to review the booklet and note if there are other data points they would like to see included in the future. The ParentCenter is paying to mail the booklet to all parents within the school system and it will be posted on the ParentCenter, school and municipal websites. Mr. Churchill noted that this is a wonderful service. He stated that it would be beneficial to have the Budget Advisory Group review the document to see if they have recommendations about data that should be included. Ms. Correa Pope stated that this document will make it much easier for members of the community to follow the process. Ms. Brighty stated that she is very impressed with the document, noting it is a very appealing format.
B. Accept In-Kind Donation—Mr. Hussin made a motion to accept Dr. Dennis Rosen’s gift to the RegionalSchool District of file cabinets and furniture valued at $600.00. Ms. Correa Pope seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
6. Reports None
7. Sub-Committee Reports None
8. School Committee Planning 9:53 p.m.
A. Calendar Review—Four Towns Meeting, Saturday, March 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the Middle School auditorium; Amherst School Committee, Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00
B. Items for Upcoming Meetings
9. Adjournment 9: 54 p.m.
Mr. Hussin made a motion to adjourn at 9:54 p.m. Mr. Churchill seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Westmoreland
Approved 3/13/07