MINUTES OF MEETING
JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD
Jackson Grammar School
December 16, 2013
1. Call to Order: The Dec. 16th meeting of the Jackson School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Genn Anzaldi, Lauren Synnott, Keith Bradley, Dr. Carl Nelson, and Principal, Gayle Dembowski. There were two staff members present.
2. Approve Minutes (11-20-13) –Motion was made by Mr. Kearns, seconded by Ms. Synnott, that the Minutes of the Nov. 20th meeting be approved as circulated. Motion carried with three votes in the affirmative and one abstention (Kearns).
3. Citizen Comments: None.
4. Presentation of School Programs/FYI Items:
- SAU – Other School Board Reports - Dr. Nelson reported that the SAU
Board met on Dec. 12th and approved the SAU budget for the 2014-15 school year.
5. Old Business:
A. Set Tuition Rate for 2014-15 – Motion made by Mr. Kearns, seconded by Ms. Anzaldi, to set the tuition rate for 2014-15 school year at $8,000 for the first child. Ms. Synnott questioned, from a taxpayer point of view, why that number was chosen. Mr. Kearns stated they had research other schools of similar size and this seemed reasonable. Mr. Bradley said he would be more comfortable if it were closer to $10,000. Mr. Kearns acknowledged that for the first child it should be higher. Ms. Anzaldi stated if we go with $10,000 if would cover any extra expenses, taxes, etc. and she felt $10,000 is a good fair number for what we are offering here. Dr. Nelson pointed out that some schools are
as high as $24,000. Ms. Synnott noted this does not include special services. Mr. Kearns suggested for the second child it should be 75% of that of the first child, and for the 3rd 50%. Ms. Anzaldi withdrew her second, Mr. Kearns withdrew his motion.
Motion was made by Mr. Kearns, seconded by Ms. Synnott, to set the tuition rate for 2014-15 school year at $10,000 for the first child. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Motion was made by Mr. Bradley, seconded by Mr. Kearns, that the second child should be 75% of the cost for the first child, and the 3rd child and any child thereafter should be 50%. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
It was Mr. Bradley’s opinion that this may become a problem for Ms. Dembowski when trying to get families to come here, questioning I am going to want to bring my child here not knowing what it will cost the following year. Mr. Kearns said would have to have faith that they understand that this is new and we are still trying to figure out how it will go and what the drain on the budget is. He suggested trying to keep track of why someone may have decided not to come. Ms. Anzaldi said based on what she has seen, there is never a guarantee going forward as to what it is. Mr. Bradley stated have to consider history which we do not have right now.
B. Electioneering – Dr. Nelson stated the case is settled, we settled on what we recommended, we said “that is what we are doing.” The town paid $5,000 in legal fees.
C. Consider Second Reading and Adoption of Revised Personnel Policies for Contracted Employees – Motion was made by Mr. Kearns, seconded by Ms. Synnott, to approve revised Personnel Policies for Contracted Employees at second reading. Mr. Kearns called attention to changes in Article 28, Reduction in Force, and the evaluation system (noting what we have been using). He wants to discuss to stay open (also Ms. Anzaldi). Mr. Kearns said one of the things that the policy committee, discussed was the concern is it is a financial thing if we are combining classrooms starting to water down the education a little. Mr. Bradley stated the way it is worded you are backing yourself into a corner. Mr.
Kearns said if this is a budget issue, the concern stems from the student numbers going down, getting less money. Need to look at the cohesiveness of the school.
Ms. Dembowski asked whether contracted meant full time or part time, i.e. the art teacher, music teacher, physical education teacher. Library Media Services, guidance. Ms. Anzaldi said would take contracted employee evaluation into account. Dr. Nelson noted in the non contracted it is up to the Board.
Mr. Bradley wished to change the wording the same in the last sentence to within 2 or 3 percentage points of each other which he said gives us more leeway, for instance, if both candidates were in the distinguished categories. Mr. Kearns stated they would have to both by distinguished, otherwise it would be a moot point. Mr. Bradley said his concern is with giving the Principal and the Board more leeway on who is going to be let go. Ms. Dembowski said she thinks that the language that is there is pretty clear; our staff are pretty close together. Mr. Kearns said the issue is because it is a three year average. He could agree if it was a one year. He would expect our teachers after three
years to be distinguished. Ms. Synnott said it reads the same as the exact same points. Mr. Kearns said he thinks then they should both be distinguished.
Dr. Nelson said the less subjective you can make it and the more objective the better. Mr. Kearns suggested “looking at cutting part time and sharing how those part time duties first.” Ms. Dembowski said “ first full time employee is considered staff reassignment and then performance.” Mr. Kearns wanted it to read within distinguished taking out the wording “the same.” “Within 5 points of each other.” Dr. Nelson asked do you want me to rewrite it and bring it back to you at the next meeting, giving Mr. Nemeth an opportunity also to look at it. Agreed.
D. Consider Second Reading and Approval of Revised Jackson School District Professional Evaluation System – Motion made by Mr. Bradley, second by Mr. Kearns, to approve the revised Jackson School District Professional Evaluation System at second reading. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
6. Instructional Issues: None.
7. Consider Personnel Actions: To be addressed in non public session.
8. Business Affairs:
- FYI – 2013-14 Budget Status Report – Dr. Nelson provided copy of updated
budget, noting they are still “in pretty good shape.” There were no questions or comments.
B. Review Draft of 2014-15 Proposed Budget – Dr. Nelson stated there is a $214,000 increase in the budget, or 9.6%. He explained increases and decreases: Salaries - $3,513 – incl. teacher performance, support staff, etc., as well as reduction of ESOL Tutor, reduction of Whitney Ctr. Events Coordinator, and reduction in Library Media Services of $7500. He noted an estimated increase in Health Insurance of 8.99%, a reduction in Special Education of $1,000.
Dr. Nelson said there is a big increase in Middle School tuition which is up by $143,000 with 20 students at $21,500 over last year’s 14 students, and at the high school there is an increase of $165,350 with and increase in number of students.
An increase was noted in contracted services-Grounds of $3,425 which pays for the school’s share of the paving of the parking lot next door (by contract) $12,000, and JGS share in striping new asphalt of $2,000. Library Media contracted services is up slightly, but still saving $2,500 by sharing with Bartlett. He noted the SAU Share is up slightly because of equalized valuation of the District.
Dr. Nelson said there is an increase in the tax rate of $.68 per thousand, or 13.51%, without warrant articles – warrant articles if passed would bring the tax rate up 15%, or a total of $.77 per thousand. Dr. Nelson pointed out that the estimated tax rate of $5.80 per thousand is the same as in 2011 for school taxes.
Warrant Articles:
1. Budget.
2. Capital Reserve Fund – Buses - $15,000 – Dr. Nelson reported there is currently $73,500, Jackson will purchase its next new bus in 2015-16.
3. Expendable General Trust Fund (School Building Maintenance Fund) - $2,000. There is currently $58,500 in that fund.
4. Whitney Maintenance Trust Fund - $10,000. There is currently $21,000 in that fund.
5. Expendable Trust Fund (Tuition Trust Fund) - $10,000. There is currently $62,000 in that fund. It is based on current tuition rates.
Ms. Anzaldi questioned Special Education fund. Dr. Nelson said it currently has $115,000 and we are in pretty good shape. Ms. Anzaldi questioned whether we need anything with regard to Common Core. Dr. Nelson said no, we are good with that. Professional Development will stay the same as it has been.
Mr. Bradley said regarding Article 5, he would like to increase it as he can see us needing $100,000 in 2019. Ms. Synnott stated the voters are more likely to vote no with a higher number. Dr. Nelson commented the Board voted to save 2.5% and it was approved; they asked to apply that – if you had the money you could retain $48,000. Mr. Kearns said wording with relying on the warrant article is if not budgeting for the number and pull the warrant article….he is against adding just to pull it out. Ms. Anzaldi stated we have back up scenarios.
9. Administrator’s Reports:
Superintendent – Dr. Nelson noted the need to change the date of the January meeting to the 21st and establish the date and time for the budget hearing. It was agreed it would be held on Feb. 5th at 7:00 p.m.
Principal – Ms. Dembowski reported they had a great craft fair today and acknowledged Kristin Groves, Melissa Grady and Joan Heysler for a job well done; also Heather Woodward and parents who made cookies for the Christmas Concert, noting it was a real team effort.
She called attention to an article in the newspaper regarding the Christmas Can Cure in that some of JGS 4th, 5th and 6th graders attended that event. It was noted the 6th Grade has adopted the Wounded Warrior Project. She also acknowledged Lauren Hoolihan for her part in the Christmas Concert.
Ms. Anzaldi said as regards the after school program, in follow up with Mr. Voci he felt there should be a one time tuition or donation for all the schools? Of between $200 and $400 for us to send our students over there. They would be covered by insurance. Her concern was the buses – would have to leave here to get there safely ten minutes before school is dismissed which would disrupt our school day here. If drop off at the same time there may not necessarily be a teacher in Bartlett to make sure the students get off the bus. The after school program officially starts in Bartlett at 3:20 p.m.
Mr. Bradley said would say we do not pay them as we already pay them through the town. Ms. Anzaldi noted we also have very similar program here for after school at this school. She feels we should stay with what we have here, not paying, and not disrupting classrooms. Messrs. Bradley and Kearns suggested offering without transportation. Dr. Nelson felt have to make it accessible by transporting them if you are paying. Ms. Dembowski said Bartlett Rec activities are open to Jackson students. Mr. Bradley said if we are going to pay them to be involved. Dr. Nelson recommends staying with what we have, noting transportation is a problem. Ms. Dembowski stated we have made a big investment in our after school program, Ms. Heysler is doing a great job. We can
still be open with Mr. Voci to working it out for a special situation. Mr. Bradley suggested just allowing our 6th graders go there are not pay.
10. Citizen Comments: None.
11. Board Member Issues:
- Set Date for Next Meeting – Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.
- Set Date/Time for Budget Hearing – February 5, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
12. Signing of Manifest: Manifests were duly signed.
13. Nonpublic Session: At 7:10 p.m. Motion was made by Mr. Kearns, seconded by Mr. Bradley, and carried by unanimous roll call vote, that the Board adjourn to non public session under RSA 91-A:3:II.
Nonpublic Session Minutes
Dr. Nelson and Ms. Dembowski discussed a retirement request. Ann Bennett was present to offer her views.
Mr. Kearns moved to return to public session and adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bradley and passed unanimously at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail T. Currier, Recording Secretary
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