PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
April 8, 2014
7:00 p.m.
Timothy Edwards Middle School
Room Alt. 6
PURPOSE: To receive citizen input on the Proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2014/2015
Mayor Anwar called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m.; and requested that the Clerk of the Council read the call of the meeting (a copy of which is attached hereto). There were approximately twelve (12) people present in the audience.
Mayor Anwar requested that Chairperson David Joy give the public a quick overview of the proposed budget.
Chairperson Joy explained that the proposed budget for this year is $69,005,567.00 which is a 1.29% increase or $881,627. The main drivers of this increase are for health care and the decision to move the Board of Educations Technology (computers, etc.) from capital into the operating budget. The Board of Education continues to be in a good position with the contracts that were negotiated with the bargaining units, there has been a decrease in the cost to the district in Special Education Outplacement costs and the rate of growth on salary increases have been reduced due to retirements. The Board of Education has maintained a three month reserve in health care and the current year surplus is being used to fund the non-certified pension plan for next year. Chairperson Joy went on to explain that the budget that
is being requested represents a number of new investments as follows:
- The 6th grade Art Program has been restored.
- A new position for a Gifted and Talented Teacher to focus specifically on Elementary Math enrichment.
- A new position in the Middle School for a Middle School Math Intervention Teacher.
- Redirecting a retirement to create a position for a High School Technology Content Coach.
- New text books at the Middle School for grade 5.
- A number of new Middle School and High School courses. None of which requires new staff.
- Improvements to the athletics programs.
Mayor Anwar asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to speak.
Public
Ms. Sheila Appleton, 161 Woodland Road came forward to speak in favor the Board of Education budget, urging the Council to support and pass the budget as submitted.
Ms. Daria Plummer, 235 Orchard Hill Drive also came forward to support the Board of Education budget. Ms. Plummer requested the Town Council to support the budget in its entirety.
Board of Education Budget Public Hearing
April 8, 2014
Page 2
Following comments from the Board of Education, Mayor Anwar asked for a Straw Vote, the results of which were as follows:
Those supporting the School Budget as submitted to the Town Council: - 12
Those in favor of decreasing the School Budget from what was submitted to the Town Council: - 0
Those in favor of increasing the School Budget from what was submitted to the Town Council: - 0
The public hearing was closed at 7:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
Public Hearing Notice – Exhibit A
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