March 9, 2015
Work Session
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Gentili, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; Councilor Morgan-Allain was absent.
Others present included City Manager James Wheeler, School Superintendent Corinne Cascadden, Business Administrator Bryan Lamirande, School Board Chair Nicole Plourde, City Clerk Debra Patrick, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Finance Director Patty Chase, Assistant Principal Tim Forestall, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun and public
School Department Budget
Ms. Plourde went through the School budget handout reporting that the School Board’s goals are to continue on the path of one to one technology and full day kindergarten in the next fiscal year. The administration’s request was an increase of $1.8 million and the board trimmed that down to a requested increase of $525,563 or a 3% increase. The largest increase is a 4.5% rise in health insurance and the implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act. The increase in the employer’s share of the NH Retirement System is also a factor.
Ms. Plourde noted that enrollments continue to decline. Preregistration for Kindergarten is 67 students. Class size is well within target, though enrollment has fallen since September by 31 students. Tuition rates are on target. She explained a chart that shows the fluctuation of the percentage of the tax rate that has gone to the schools over the years.
There are 5.5 positions that will not be renewed thereby reducing staff through attrition without any layoffs. Special education and occupational therapy costs are dependent on the number of students needing the services and the kind of services needed. A major variable is out of district placement cost which considers the child’s best interest; it is estimated to increase by $79,000
Capital projects for this year would be roofing and the replacement of floors in both gyms. The schools are on target for one to one computer devices for all students. The decline in enrollments directly correlates to the estimated revenues going down. State and local aid including equitable education, building aid and other revenues are estimated to be $232,933 lower.
Mayor Grenier asked if having full day kindergarten will increase the number of special needs students that we would have to provide for earlier. Ms. Plourde replied that most are already identified and the schools pay starting from the age of 3. Mayor Grenier asked, considering the 31 students who have moved since the start of school, if statistics are kept on what types of families moved away. Ms. Cascadden noted that the prison rotates some employees every two years; others tend to cycle in and out of the city. She added that there are more students going to home schooling, partly because of virtual learning. There have been 25 home schooled in the past and the number is up to 40 this year.
Mayor Grenier asked if special education factors in the amount of aid. Ms. Lamirande said that we may lose for general education but might gain in the special education portion; however generally, when regular education population goes down, we lose tuition overall.
Mayor Grenier asked where our per pupil costs fall within the State. Mr. Lamirande explained that the information is available on the Department of Education’s web site. He cautioned that it is appropriate to compare schools that offer K through 12, like Berlin. Of those, he said, Berlin is the lowest per pupil cost.
Mr. Lamirande indicated that there are 75 educational assistants, office staff, and bus staff in the pool with no health insurance and working 30 hours per week. The hours from any added activity such as bus duty or coaching counts in the total hours. The employees working 30 hours will be enrolled in the bronze plan and they will be responsible for paying about $1,000 per year of their insurance. The city’s portion will be $4,035 per employee.
Mayor Grenier asked about the gym floors and Ms. Cascadden stated that the old gym is original to the building and the “new” gym’s floor is likely original to the renovation in the 1930’s. Both are heavily used by the students and the public.
Mayor Grenier asked about revenues for catastrophic aid saying that $31,879 is budgeted; however more than that has been collected. Mr. Lamirande said that the Department of Revenue identifies that number. Mayor Grenier noted that the budget is a two month process giving time for updates to the information prior to the next meeting.
Mayor Grenier mentioned unflattering comments directed toward the School Board and Superintendent of Schools. He asked if they wanted to address the comments. Ms. Plourde explained that the controversy with Milan began with a small group of parents that wanted choice to place their children in either Berlin or Gorham schools. The Berlin School Board approved Dummer’s request for choice because there was little effect on the budget. Milan however, has more students and it was determined by the Berlin School Board that it was in the best interest of the students to decline Milan’s request for choice.
Milan and Berlin entered into an AREA agreement and subsequently Berlin saw that a large number of students from Milan were going to Gorham. The Board questioned the rationale and did not receive an explanation. Berlin sought counsel and they were advised that manifest hardship under an AREA agreement needs to have input from the sending school and the receiving school. Time was set aside time for a hearing and Milan chose not to have the hearing. Counsel advised that Berlin was due a monetary settlement. Berlin was owed $105,000 and agreed to settle for $38,000
Ms. Plourde stated that there are some in the leadership that mistook Berlin’s kindness for weakness and they said they were “bullied” into paying. Ms. Plourde added that she is offended. There is arrogance in not wanting to work with us. She added that she appreciates the numerous residents of Milan who called and value the relationship between the communities. She looks forward to Milan’s elections and hopes to work with the new school board.
Ms. Cascadden commented that she is not confrontational and would work with Milan any day they would like to meet. She said she wants to move on. Mr. Lamirande said that no governing board is going to hand over thousands of dollars because they were being bullied. They have a certain amount of culpability and there was no bullying involved.
Mayor Grenier said that the goal is to better the educational opportunities of both communities.
Site Visit
Ms. Cascadden reported that the NHDOE visiting team had high marks for the city and its commitment to the school system. They stressed the strong working relationship with the City and the school’s commitment to advancing technology.
Mayor Grenier commented that the schools are about 40% of the total City budget. He appreciates the hard work and excellent employees in the schools.
Election Committee Presentation
Councilor Nelson reported the conclusions of the Election Committee when they were asked to review options on election sites in the city. She said the committee reviewed the options and their recommendation is to provide three voting locations throughout the city removing the schools. The three voting locations would be the two current Angel Guardian and the Recreation Center, and St. Kierans Center for the Arts would be added as the new and 3rd voting location. The new locations would take effect after the next municipal election. Handouts will be available at the polls letting people know that their location will change. It is also recommended that uniformed officers are assigned to be in the schools on Election Day.
Mayor Grenier commented that this is a satisfactory alternative and the change can be promoted at the municipal election. Councilor Rozek asked if there is more room at St. Kieran. Councilor Nelson noted the space is wide open and there is a ramp for handicap accessibility. The City Clerk preferred St. Kieran for the ease of parking. Councilor Remillard moved to accept the Election Committee’s recommendation; Councilor Otis seconded and the motion carried. Councilor Rozek was opposed.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Otis to enter into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 II (c) Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person… (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property…~~~~~~ (e) Consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation which has been threatened in writing or filed against the body or agency… So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to seal until the various issues resolved as releasing them would render any action taken ineffective; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Rozek moved to adjourn; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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