| BSC Permanent Minutes February 3, 2009 |
| PERMANENT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BOXFORD SCHOOL COMMITTEE BOXFORD TOWN HALL FEBRUARY 3, 2009 Members Present: Cynthia Foster, Betsy Leary, Rebecca Lundrigan, Pam Messenger, and Cynthia Murphy (note – Betsy Leary arrived at 8:35 p.m.) Others Present: Dr. Creeden (TTU Superintendent), Steve Greenberg (TTU Director of Finance and Human Resources), Kathryn Nikas (Principal – Cole School), Lawrence Fliegelman (Principal – Spofford School), Jane Bonaventura (Cole School and Boxford Teachers Association), Mary Hamilton (Spofford School), Ellen Gaskell (Recording Secretary) Chairman Pam Messenger called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. ROUTINES: 1. Remarks from the Public: None 2. Reports from Other Committees: a. There was a funeral service for Officer Cashin yesterday. Cindy Murphy noted a memorial website www.captcashin.com has been set up and thanked those who did this. REPORTS: 1. Report of the Superintendent: None NEW BUSINESS: 1. School Committee Strategic Plan: a. The plan was approved with edits last week. It will be available for review on the school website. A motion was made by Pam Messenger to approve the Boxford School Committee District Goals 2008-2012 and Action Plan for 2008-2009, seconded by Rebecca Lundrigan. Motion passed 4-0. 2. School Committee Annual Report: a. The highlights of the Annual Report are: the Coordinated Program Review, “Touched by Technology” achievements, and increased Time-On-Learning. b. Pam Messenger asked the committee members if they thought that the Annual Report was ready to approve. Dr. Creeden felt that additional work on the Coordinated Program Review was needed. Cynthia Foster said to wait until Betsy Leary arrived to settle this. c. When Betsy Leary arrived at 8:35 p.m., she said she thought that the Annual Report was finished. A motion was made by Pam Messenger to submit the Annual Report to Ms. Carleton, seconded by Cynthia Foster. Motion passed 5-0. 3. FY 2010 Budget Development: a. Impact of Federal Stimulus Legislation i. Dr. Creeden reported that there is a meeting next Monday with Congressman Tierney regarding the American Recovery Reinvestment Act, or ARRA and its impact on education. 1. ARRA has been approved by the House, but not by the Senate yet. 2. There are 3 categories of funding for ’09: a. “Green” School Modernization i. $34,000 – could help pay for lighting retrofits and water flow restrictions ii. One year grant b. Special Education Grant Programs i. IDEA grant - $138,000 ii. Two year grant – do not build into the budget in case it isn’t awarded next time around c. Title I ESLEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) - no dollars available b. Chapter 70 Local Aid i. Dr. Creeden said that the Governor proposed level funding Local Aid for next year. ii. Level funding is contingent upon unapproved taxes, such as the “Twinkie Tax”. iii. Dr. Creeden expects early resolution about Local Aid. c. Kindergarten Registration i. Principal of the Cole School, Kathryn Nikas reported these results: 1. 118 packets have been mailed. 2. 4 students will not attend. 3. 91 have registered; 46 for 3-day K and 45 for 5-day. 4. 23 potential students haven’t replied yet. 5. She expects 6 K classes of 15-16/class and budgeted for 7 classes. 4. FY 2009 Financial Review a. TTU Director of Finance and Human Resources, Steve Greenberg, made the presentation: i. A copy of the report was included in the packet. ii. Note – numbers are subject to change. iii. $206,000 projected surplus iv. FY08 encumbrances - $48,000 will be turned back. v. Surplus will only get smaller. vi. Pam Messenger wanted to know the makeup of the unused discretionary spending and potential consequences of not spending the money. vii. Cindy Murphy questioned why utility expense was $30,000 higher than expected. 1. Steve Greenberg said that the increased electricity demand due to technological improvements (e.g. Smart Boards) was the cause. 2. FY10 utility expense has been adjusted for this. viii. Cindy Murphy asked who is being charged rental fees for using the schools 1. Dr. Creeden replied that only the YMCA and Central Office are charged rental fees. ix. Cindy Murphy also asked if the Special Education budget piece was developed with Director Sharon Lyons; Steve Greenberg said yes. b. February 7th Finance Committee Meeting i. Pam Messenger wanted to know if this is an open meeting; Dr. Creeden said yes. ii. Meeting time – 9a.m. to 12 noon iii. Focus – ’09 shortfall and 2010 financial gap iv. A FinCom memo, included in the packet, asked the BSC to consider a 5% budget reduction. All BSC members felt that this reduction would require massive cuts. v. Cindy Murphy, Dr. Creeden, and Steve Greenberg and Betsy Leary all plan to attend the meeting, with Pam Messenger arriving later. vi. It was agreed to consult the FinCom, who were also having a meeting in the building at this time, about the exact nature of the upcoming meeting, after the BSC meeting adjourned. 5. Correspondence: Pam Messenger received a school planning and management magazine. 6. Other: None CONSENT AGENDA: 1. January, 27, 2009 – Regular Meeting Minutes: a. Page 1 Corrections i. In the “Others Present” section, include Kathryn Nikas (Cole School Principal) and Larry Fliegelman (Spofford School Principal). ii. In the “New Business” section, paragraph 1c., change Ms. Messenger to Ms. Murphy. b. Page 2 Corrections i. In the “New Business” section, paragraph 2b., subheading ii., line 9, insert the word possibly between could and begin. c. Page 3 Corrections i. In the “New Business” section, paragraph 2c., change the spelling of Capitol to Capital. A motion was made by Pam Messenger to approve the January 27, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes, seconded by Cynthia Foster. Motion passed 4-0 (Betsy Leary hadn’t arrived at this point). Note – 1/6 and 1/20/09 minutes will be approved at the next meeting. 1. Payroll and Bill Warrants: a. Payroll A motion was made by Pam Messenger to approve the payroll, weeks ending in 1/23/09 and 1/30/09, in the total amount of $280,277.45, seconded by Cindy Murphy. Motion passed 4-0. b. Bill Warrants A motion was made by Pam Messenger to pay BW#09-41 in the amount of $38,018.71, seconded by Rebecca Lundrigan. Motion passed 4-0. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Pam Messenger to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m., seconded by Cynthia Murphy. Motion passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Ellen Gaskell Recording Secretary |
