NOTTINGHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Minutes of JANUARY 14, 2010 Public Meeting
*Minutes are not FINAL until approved by Committee Vote
ATTENDANCE X = Present, E = Excused
ELECTED OFFICIALS |
ROLE |
TERM EXPIRES |
x |
Charlene Andersen, Chair |
Capital Improvement Program Rep |
2010 |
|
VACANT |
|
2011 |
x |
Chet Batchelder |
HCPP Grant Advisory Committee Rep |
2012 |
x x |
Scott Curry |
Impact Fee Committee Rep |
2010 |
x |
Donna Danis |
Capital Improvement Program Alternate |
2012 |
E |
John Decker, Outgoing Chair |
HCPP Grant Advisory Committee Alternate |
2011 |
E |
Michael Koester, ViceChair |
HCPP Grant Advisory Committee Alternate |
2011 |
|
Lovely Love |
Board appointed Member at Large |
2010* |
x |
Doug Simmons |
Appointed by Committee to fill Term |
2010* |
|
|
|
|
|
Other Board Members |
REPRESENTING |
|
x x |
Gary Anderson Selectman |
Board of Selectman (BOS) |
2012 |
|
VACANT |
Nottingham School Board |
2011 |
AGENDA
7:00 ~Call to order, introductions & Review minutes from 12/17
7:15 ~School Budget Public Hearing
8:00 ~Budget Committee Recommendations on School Budget
8:45 Review minutes from 1/07
8:50 Other Business & Roundtable
7:09 pm Call to Order and Introductions
Chair Andersen called meeting to order. Members of Budget Committee introduced themselves. Chair asked that representatives of Nottingham School, SAU 44, Nottingham School Board, introduce themselves. In attendance Dave Sommer, Business Administrator SAU 44, Michael O’Neill Business Administration Consultant, Jack Caldon Nottingham School Board. Michelle Carvalho, Principal Nottingham School came in at 7:15 pm and introduced herself.
Chet Batchelder motioned accept the minutes from 12/17/2009. Donna Danis second. Chair requested line 42 be amended to correct “join” to Joint. For now, no other corrections, Mr. Batchelder moved to accept minutes as corrected, Ms. Danis second. Scott Curry abstained.
7:12 pm School Budget Public Hearing
Chair Andersen opened the public hearing by explaining how the meeting would progress. She would read section budget totals and ask for questions pertaining to that section.
Mr. O’Neill reviewed the Proposed Regular and Default Budgets. Chair expressed disappointment that the Budget Committee had not received the Tax or Revenues as requested before the meeting. Mr. Caldon apologized that the information did not get to the board as planned.
Mr. Batchelder suggested reviewing the warrant articles after the main budget. Members agreed.
Regular Education 1100, pgs 1-middle of 4. TOTAL: $5,488,026.36
Mr. Curry questioned why Coe-Brown parent contribution was not included. Mr. O’Neill explained some monies received from parents but there was no projection for future monies for 2009-2010. Year to date there has been $8,460 paid by parents who students attend other schools than Dover High School. Mr. Caldon offered that previously the School Board had no policy or procedure in place to collect from parents. Current board has developed a plan with procedures and policies going forward. Questions from Gene Reed citizen, about past due collections for food service handled differently than tuition? Who’s responsibility is it to collect from parents, and what is happening with past due accounts from parents of students in previous years? Mr. Caldon acknowledged the accounts do not go to a collection agency. Reviewing
previous SAU Board minutes from past years will point out this problem but never addressed. Adding the school board is now receiving reports regularly. Mr. O’Neill reported the budget is 5.75% increase over 2009-10 budget.
Ms. Andersen was concerned about salary increases for contracted school employees while town employees are not receiving a salary increase.
Citizen Joseph Clement questioned the workbook increase on page 4, 5643-000, 5644-005, and 5645-000. He explained that he is concerned with teacher and student dependency on workbooks. He also wanted information about Textbook replacement cycle. Chair offered that this is a mandated plan as the school is a need improvement in this category. Principal Carvalho explained that the Core Reading program is to absorb some of the textbook cycle replacement costs. Workbooks are helpful in small group study and overall studies. She explained to a question from Mr. Reed that the basic of math may not
change, but “strategies” for teaching for example math do change over time. Mr. Clement commented if textbook replacements are a “need” or a “want”.
Mr. Batchelder questioned how the Dover High Tuition affects the budget. Mr. Caldon said they do no have final figures from Dover but the contract goes through 2016. Mr. O’Neill explained that the budget reflects a 3% increase already calculated. Mr. Reed questioned how the tuition for Coe-Brown 5563-000, is 4.9% but the overall line item is 30+%. Mr. O’Neill explained part of this increase is the SB-2 decrease last year for non-covered items. He added that the figure based on current enrollment of ninth graders plus 5.
Citizen Laura Clement questioned if Coe-Brown still had a cap of the number of Nottingham students could enroll. The answer was there is not a cap, as students still need to make eligibility. Example if 80 was the number of students from Nottingham set by Coe-Brown, but if 100 students wanted to enroll and met requirements then 100 students could enroll.
Special Education 1200 pgs 4-middle to middle 6. TOTAL: $1,873,599.12
Ms. Danis raised the issue of the cost of the platform swing and requested the principal explain whom would it benefit. Ms. Carvalho said the swing would address the younger students with Sensory Integration issues. Mr. Clement questioned the need again for workbooks and different textbooks. He asked if special needs students are in self-contained classrooms. Ms. Carvalho responded that the special needs students are part of the classroom. There are times when different workbooks address the issues of study for a certain need better than regular textbooks.
Co-Curricular Salaries 1410 pgs 6-top of 7. TOTAL: $14,401.28
Athletic 1420 pgs 7-middle of 8. TOTAL $20,440.23
Responding to Mr. Reed’s question of umpire fee increase, Ms. Carvalho said Nottingham is still less than surrounding towns and this would help keep qualified umpires.
Guidance 2120 pg 8 TOTAL: $78,078.27
Ms. Carvalho wanted to address the need for books to help address social skills, keeping bullying down amongst students. There have no serious problems at school.
Health 2130 bottom pgs 8-9 TOTAL $73,439.22
Mr. Reed questioned the need of the 20% position. Ms. Carvalho explained additional position for increase demand of student population and when extra screenings are required. Mr. Reed recommends to NBC that this budget line dropped for a savings of approximately $10k.
Special Contracted Services 2140 bottom pg 9-middle of 10. TOTAL: $71,347.06
Mr. Reed wanted to understand more about the Medicaid reimbursement. Mr. O’Neill explained that this is to complete work for Medicaid reimbursements for the school. Ms. Carvalho gave further details about the requirements for some Medicaid programming in the school Occupational Therapy, Speech, Language. The school sends information to an outside agency to complete the reports. The monies received are revenues. Mr. Clement asked about costs associated with ESL, English Second Language. ESL is throughout the SAU, the amount based on how much time the student(s) need. Each school pays toward the costs. Mr. Reed concerned with needs for OT, occupational therapy and PT, physical therapy.
Speech 2150 middle of pg 10-top 11 TOTAL: $140,396.65
Significant increase as staff person is now employee of Nottingham School. Also replaces previous employee who was contracted employee as explained by Ms. Carvalho answering Mr. Reed’s question about increase dollars for position. Chair commented that in long run a contracted employee would be more expensive.
Improvement of Instruction 2210 pg 11 TOTAL: $43,146.39
Mr. Reed questioned tuition reimbursement for teachers and technology. Mr. O’Neill explained it is an employment contract and based on the bargaining agreement. Mr. Reed questioned the amount. Ms. Carvalho answered the reimbursement figure is also based on history. Ms. Danis questioned if textbooks were included in the fees.
Library and Educational Media 2220 pg 11-top of 13 TOTAL: $99,039.03
Mr. Curry asked how the town Library and the school share costs. Ms. Carvalho explained that the libraries share computer software system. The figures reflect further clarification from the town library. Mr. Reed suggested the salary increase for the Librarian Aide not be included in budget request.
Computer Assisted Instruction pg 13 2225 TOTAL: $37,068.36
Mr. Reed questioned the five-year replacement recommendation. He offered the children are elementary school level and may not need replacement that frequently at the younger levels. He questioned the costs of desktop commuters at $865 apiece. Mr. Reed continued that the network fees seem overpriced. Chair asked Ms. Carvalho to explain requirements for network. Ms. Carvalho explained that as a school there are additional filtering and spam protections to prevent children from unauthorized searches. Mr. Curry suggested there are numerous business companies that outsource their network services to companies whose job is to be up to date with protections and filtering that should offer their services more competitively. Mr. Reed compelled the NBC to review costs further.
School Board Services 2310 pg 13 bottom to top of pg 15 TOTAL: $53,487.24
Mr. Reed noted the large increase for Audit services and if part of the increase was for costs from previous year. He also commented on the estimate of legal fees. Mr. O’Neill confirmed RFP had gone out and the addition covered previous costs.
Principal’s Office 2410 pg 15-16 TOTAL: $286,813.94
Mr. Reed requested freezing the salary of the Principal and the Secretary. Mr. Clement asked if the school had tried to bundle services of phones and internet. Ms. Carvalho said the School does have a service that dramatically reduces costs for the phone service. Mr. Curry commented that in previous discussions with the BOS during budget questions he suggested the town’s departments and the school could have the same carrier the costs savings would be significant.
School District Bookkeeper pg 16-17 TOTAL: $51,604.85
Mr. Reed suggested freezing the salary of the bookkeeper.
Operation and Maintenance of Plant 2620 pg 17-19 TOTAL: $532,376.11
Mr. Reed suggested salary freezes and noted the decrease in Rubbish Removal. Mr. Reed was concerned about the lawn care increase. Ms. Carvalho reported that the ball fields are part of the school costs and increase usage of soccer field.
Transportation 2700 pg 19-top of pg 20 TOTAL: $582,507.72
Questions of the audience regarded the increase cost of the late bus, how many children use the bus, and if cost sharing with Barrington were possible? The late bus has Barrington students; there are 2-3 children. Ms. Danis commented she had heard from parents the bus is not late enough for children who participate in sports. Mr. Clement added the late bus was originally for student who needed extra time to have assistance from the teacher(s). Ms. Danis would like to see service expanded to include athletic participants as well.
Food Service 5220 pg 20-21 TOTAL: $166,467.64
Mr. Reed noted the large increase in Health Insurance costs. Mr. O’Neill advised personnel change from a single plan to family plan accounted for the difference. Mr. Batchelder confirmed some costs offset with funds or revenues. Mr. O’Neill confirmed the State provides $2K, the Federal Government $2K, and students buying lunch. Ms. Clement requested salary freezes. She commented that she hopes the NBC considered the opinions of the public when they vote later. The chair acknowledged she took notes of the public comments for the vote.
Grand Total: $9,820,861.07
Warrant Article 7 Shall the Nottingham School District vote to approve Collective Bargaining agreement with Nottingham School Board and Teachers…
Year 2010-11 Estimated Increase $22,562.00
This is a possible proposed contract adding one year. Citizen Tom Sweeney pointed out the language in this article was new. Mr. Reed said the proposal would reflect approximately $19500 in salary raises.
Warrant Article 8 Raising and Appropriating $20,700 for sidewalk repairs, sealing, crack repairs and line stripping on circular drive and playground.
Mr. Reed informed attendees Arthur Stockus had worked for years with the Public Works Department in Maine. Mr. Reed voiced strong concern for the costs of the repair, asked NBC members if they had seen the actual area, and if indeed the repairs are for safety than why the wait. Ms. Carvalho explained teachers, students, and parents reported concerns for the sidewalk. There was no money available for the repair within the current budget.
Warrant Article 10 Raise and appropriate $18,000 for Architect and Engineering pre design services for new site and/or renovations to existing site.
Mr. Reed encouraged the NBC not approve this warrant article. Mr. Sweeney encouraged any study to be concerned with the wetlands. Mr. Batchelder added the updated information from the study committee is on the school’s website.
Warrant Article 11 Raise and appropriate $15,000, and be placed in Special Education Capital Reserve Fund.
Mr. Clement feels this money returned to the taxpayers. Mr. Batchelder suggested that if parents do not receive the special education services as outlined in the state regulations than parents usually sue the school. Ms. Danis is previous years authorized funds were not used and student population has moved on or graduated the budget could be reduced. Mr. O’Neill advised the Trustees of the Trust Funds are responsible for the funds.
Warrant Article 12 Raise and appropriate $10k placed in the Building Repair Fund
Mr. Clement suggested money be returned to taxpayers. Ms. Carvalho advised some funds used for repairs this year. Mr. Clement the school can always come back to the public and request additional funds for repairs.
Chair thanked audience and representatives for attending. After 5 min break, the NBC will vote and make recommendations.
9:20 pm Budget Committee Recommendations on School Budget
Members suggested review warrant articles first.
Article 6 Ms. Danis motion to recommend, Mr. Curry second. Members discussed issues of economy, raises to school but not to town, questions town might ask. Chair could explain vote at deliberative session. Chair called for vote.
In Favor of warrant article 0 Against 6 (unanimous of attendees).
Motion failed.
Article 7 Ms. Danis moved to recommend, Mr. Curry second. Discussion and clarification by members on costs and the time frame to call a special meeting. Chair called for vote.
In favor Mr. Anderson, Ms. Andersen, Mr. Batchelder, Ms. Danis, Mr. Simmons. Against, Mr. Curry.
Motion passed.
The chair closed the public meeting.
Article 8 Mr. Batchelder moved to recommend, Mr. Anderson second. Discussion about public input, using town supplier, or at least review by town department of roads. Using capital funds then add additional funds to the capital funds. Chair called for vote.
In Favor, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Batchelder, Ms. Danis, Mr. Simmons.
Against, Ms. Andersen and Mr. Curry.
Motion passed.
Article 9 Mr. Simmons moved to accept Ms. Andersen second. Chair called vote.
In Favor Mr. Anderson, Ms. Andersen, Mr. Batchelder, Mr. Simmons. Against Mr. Curry, Ms. Danis
Motion Passed.
Article 10 Ms. Danis motion to recommend, Mr. Simmons second. Chair called vote.
Motion passed unanimously
Article 11 Ms. Danis motion not recommend, Mr. Curry second. Chair called vote.
Motion passed unanimously.
Article 12 Mr. Anderson motion in favor, Mr. Simmons second. Chair called vote.
In Favor, Ms. Andersen, Mr. Simmons.
Against, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Batchelder, Mr. Curry, Ms. Danis
Motion failed.
Mr. Batchelder requested to defer 1100 series until end. Members agreed. Chair would introduce category and members could raise issues and make motion.
Special Education 1200-5731-0061 page 6
Mr. Curry made a motion to remove platform swing from line item. Ms. Danis second. Chair asked the Principal if the purchase for the swing could out of the Special Education Reserve Fund. Ms. Carvalho was not sure. Chair called for vote.
In Favor Ms. Andersen, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Batchelder, Mr. Curry, Ms. Danis.
Opposed Mr. Simmons. Motion passed. Budget reduced by $2160.80 recommended.
Speech 2150-5110
Improvement of Instruction 2210-5240
Though no motion, discussion of these areas by members.
Replace Tech Equip 2225-5734-031
Mr. Curry motioned to change amount of purchase for 27 computers $600 each. Mr. Simmons.
Chair called for vote.
Motion passed unanimously. Reduce total Computer Assisted Instruction proposed total to
$19,945.99.
Transportation 2700-5519-041
Mr. Curry made motion to zero out line item and no longer provide late bus. Mr. Simmons second.
Discussed providing students in rural area with transportation, no high school of Nottingham’s own, and considering including athletes. Chair called for vote.
In favor Mr.Curry and Mr. Simmons. Against: Ms. Andersen, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Batchelder, and Ms. Danis. Motion failed.
Director of Technology 1100-5110-31
Mr. Curry noted technology is up to date but that the director is not providing a budgeted service in these economic times. Mr. Curry made a motion to decrease the salary by the proposed difference of $1,390.70. Mr. Anderson second. Chair called for vote.
In Favor Mr. Curry. Against, Ms. Andersen, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Batchelder, Ms. Danis, Mr. Simmons. Motion failed.
Tuition Other Public Schools 1100-5561-000
Mr. Batchelder proposed to reduce the amount by $50,000. Mr. Curry second. Chair called vote.
In Favor Ms. Andersen, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Batchelder, Mr. Curry, Mr. Simmons.
Ms. Danis abstained. Motion passed.
Tuition Coe Brown/Pinkerton 1100-5563
Mr. Curry proposed to reduce tuition by $50k, Mr. Batchelder second. Chair called vote.
In Favor Ms. Andersen, Mr. Curry, Mr. Simmons. Against: Mr. Anderson and Mr. Batchelder
Abstained Ms. Danis.
New Budget total with NBC approved changes $9,711,545.27. Chair read article 5 with new balance amount. Chair called vote. Article 5 Raise and appropriate operating budget of $9,711,545.11.
Motion passed Unanimously.
10:00 pm Review of minutes 1/7/2009.
Members agreed to defer minutes until next week.
10:05 pm. Other Business
10:10 pm Roundtable
10:12 Motion to Adjourn
Mr. Curry made motion to adjourn, Ms. Danis second.
FUTURE MEETING DATES OF INTEREST
01/21/2010 Town Budget Final Review including Tax Impact
Feb 3, 2010 – 7:00 PM School District Deliberative Session School Gym
Wednesday {Between 1/30 & 2/6 – RSA 40:13, III}
02/04/2010 Town Budget Public Hearing Reassess deliberative session results
All meetings are at the Town Offices Conference Room 1 and start at 7 pm unless otherwise noted.
Respectfully submitted
Jill Sunde
| 
