TOWN OF ROCKY HILL

BOARD OF EDUCATION

BUDGET WORKSHOP OF JANUARY 18, 2005

 

Members Present:     Nadine Bell (Chairperson)

                                    Peter Arico

                                    Kirk Bostwick

                                    Neil Geldof

                                    Charles McMonigle

                                    Francis Palazzolo

                                    Anne Schmidt

                                    Catherine Vargas

                                    Jennifer Viggiano-Grosse

 

Members Absent:      None

 

The second budget workshop of the Board of Education was held on Tuesday, January 18, 2005, in the Library/Media Center of Griswold Middle School.  Mrs. Schmidt called the meeting to order at 5:30P.M.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

Mrs. Schmidt turned the meeting over to Dr. Vautour.  Dr. Vautour said there were four questions that were asked at the last session that he has information on.  The first question dealt with the per pupil cost with respect to the Virtual High School or Academy.  He mentioned that $2,000 was put into the budget that represents 5 courses at $400 per course.  Dr. Vautour said it is anticipated the money for this would be used for certain high end courses that would not be able to be run in the alternate program.  Chairperson Bell inquired if this was the distance learning center, and Dr. Vautour stated it was the Virtual Academy.  He said the distance learning is a grant out of GHAMAS for equipment that will be used in the high school.  The Virtual Academy is a link to an actual course off of campus.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if the Virtual Academy is something that Mr. Pitocco described at the last budget workshop, and Mr. Pitocco said that was correct.  Mrs. Schmidt asked where this was put in the budget.  Dr. Vautour stated that is in Ms. Levy’s budget, Program 22, under Object Code #590.

 

The second data request dealt with computers and peripheral donations.  Dr. Vautour said Fred Ames provided a grid to everyone that summarizes this particular information (from 9/11/02 to 9/30/04).  He said 85 laptops, 449 desktops, 20 inkjet printers, 54 LaserJet printers, and 375 monitors were received.  Dr. Vautour said a couple of the sources that have been giving the donations will be out of cycle for a year, or two, because they upgraded their equipment, made the donations, and then they will use their equipment for one to two years before they start the donation program over again.  Therefore not as many donated units that have been received in the past two years will be anticipated in the future.  Mr. Bostwick inquired as to whether the people donating, have put us in the cycle for sure, or do they pick and choose on who is in the cycle.  Dr. Vautour said we are always first in line, but sometimes it depends on the corporate mentality in the way that periodically they do not want to keep the donations going to the same districts.

The third question had to do with discrepancy relative to the digital electronics course.  Dr. Vautour said last year, when budgeted, it was approx. $19,000, and this year it is in the budget at a lower amount.  Fred Ames, when reviewing the equipment requests with the tech ed department, determined that some of the Project Lead The Way equipment was high-end equipment that was not necessary to run the course.  He identified comparable units at a lower cost.

 

The final request had to do with the leasing history for our technology acquisitions.  Mr. Turansky updated the grid for this.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if a lease was not going to go into effect, and equipment was going to be trickled down, if it would still be good equipment.  Mrs. Boutilier said yes.

 

Program 6 (ART)

 

Dr. Vautour went into the budget detail review, and started with program 6 (art).  There is a recommendation for an additional .2 FTE (to introduce the digital design course at the honors level at the high school).  This would bring the art department to a complement of 8 full-time teachers.  The total increase of the art budget is $38,415.  Of this increase, salary accounts for $31,178 ($11,140 of the salary represent the .2 FTE; for the remaining 7.8 teachers the contract calls for $20,038 to be devoted to salary adjustments).  The non-salary increase is $7,237 (for curriculum development; materials and textbooks for the digital design course; four 35mm cameras for the high school ($920), and two enlargers ($490); kiln (over 20+ years of age) at the middle school (replacement $3,300).  Dr. Vautour asked if there were any specific questions relating to the art program at the schools.  He said page 6a summarizes the high school budget.

 

Chairperson Bell asked about textbook loss, and if students are required to pay.  Dr. Vautour said yes.  Chairperson Bell then asked where that money goes.  Mr. Pitocco said it goes into a book fine account.

 

Mr. McMonigle had a question on the kiln.  He said there was a question about a kiln last year and thought there was an extra one at West Hill School that was not in service.  Mr. Pear said it is out of service, but it is not worth fixing.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked about the 611 account for the consumables at the elementary school level, and wanted to know if that was a per student cost.  Dr. Vautour said art at the elementary level is $5.28 per student for Stevens, and West Hill, and Moser is $6.60 per student.  He said the per pupil allocation at the middle school is $17.00 per student.

 

Dr. Vautour said page 6f provides a summary of the digital design course ($11,140 is for salary for .2 FTE; $780 is for curriculum development; $320 is for materials; and $980 is for texts).  The grand total is $13,222.

 

Mrs. Vargas said when she looked at this course in last year’s budget there was equipment listed for $17,146, and she is wondering if equipment is not needed for this course this year, or is it listed someplace else.  Dr. Vautour said computers might be used in the tech ed lab to carry out some of these functions.  Dr. Vautour said the $17,000+ has been eliminated in this year’s budget.  Mrs. Boutilier elaborated on the use of equipment in the tech ed lab.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if it is just computers that will be used.  Mrs. Boutilier said there is some software also that was able to be purchased.  Mr. Bostwick said he went to the high school, and there is a room where there is a station of four computers set up in a circular format with millwork there.  He wanted to know if that belongs to tech ed. Mr. Pitocco said it does.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if there was any opportunity in the art department to run this class concurrently with an art class or to replace an existing art class by combining it maybe from a scheduled perspective with something else to save on the FTE yet still get the program in.  Dr. Vautour said he would have to take a really hard look, and couldn’t answer that question this evening.  Chair-person Bell asked if a digital art course was to be offered, if there would be some kind of reduction in another art class, or if this would have an incremental number of students taking it.  Mr. Pitocco stated it would be hard to predict.  Mr. McMonigle asked if this would be possible to run on the existing equipment, or if time is available for the room.  Mr. Pitocco stated nothing would be known about this until the master schedule is done.

 

Mrs. Schmidt recapped the outstanding questions about art.  Questions were asked about digital art (whether it can be combined, and whether or not it is going to rob from another program).

 

Program 7 (Business Education)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no changes in the number of full-time equivalents.  The department has three members.  The total increase is $39,428, of which $36,078 represents the salaries, and $3,350 represents non-salary.  Dr. Vautour said we are looking at upgrading accounting texts at the academic level, and advanced accounting techs ($6,420 for accounting techs;  $1,665 for advanced accounting techs), and $1,260 to upgrade law and marketing in terms of curriculum development.  Dr. Vautour said on page 7, object 8d (Dues and Fees) should not be there.  In the final adopted budget there will be a reduction of $80.

 

Dr. Vautour asked if there were any questions on page 7a.  Mrs. Vargas said that no FTEs are added, and yet there is a $36,000 increase in the salaries.  Dr. Vautour said this reflects the fact that a teacher is on leave, and expects to return in the fall at a much higher salary.  Mrs. Vargas asked if the substitute’s rate is in there now, and Mr. Pitocco said yes.  Chairperson Bell asked about object code #641 (accounting and advanced accounting textbooks), and she wanted to know how old the current ones are that are being used now.  Mrs. Boutilier said most were purchased in 1995.  Mrs. Schmidt said in the supplies account it has typically been running around $3,800 but $5,000 is continuously being asked for, and she wanted to know if this is a possible area for reduction.  Mr. Pitocco said he didn’t know.  Mr. Turansky said in 2002-03 there is an expenditure for textbooks in conjunction with supplies, and he feels they prioritized differently, and needed some textbooks that year.  Mr. Pitocco said $6,000+ was asked for this year, but he cut them back, and he will have an itemization of the requests.  Mrs. Boutilier said the international business course has caught on, and she suspects the teacher is using more supplies.

 

Dr. Vautour asked if there were any questions on business education.  Mrs. Schmidt said there are no outstanding requests for information for business education.

 

Program 9 (English)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no staffing changes.  He said there are a total of 18 teachers in the middle school and high school English department.  The total increase is $63,098, and salaries represent $61,018, and $2,080 represent non-salary items (textbooks, etc.).  Page 9a has information concerning the high school.  Mr. Arico asked Mr. McMonigle if the salary increase for the nine teachers, up 6.1%, is in line with the contract.  Mr. McMonigle said it is at 5.4%, but if you move up a in a degree this would be in line.

 

Mrs. Vargas asked a general question about English.  She wondered if video streaming would eventually reduce costs for renting videos.  Mr. Colonghi said there is a good possibility.  Mrs. Vargas asked if this is going to be across the grade levels, and Mrs. Boutilier said they all have a 30 day trial, but will probably take at least a year to get it in place.  Mrs. Vargas asked if videos would be done away with because of this, and Dr. Vautour said he doesn’t anticipate every video that a teacher wants would be in the streaming video program.  Mr. Watson said it will take awhile to find what is out there.  Chairperson Bell said it is a very impressive program.

 

For West Hill School, Mrs. Vargas asked what a trade book is.  Ms. Marino said trade books are small books that students used for guided reading.  Mrs. Boutilier said they are like paperbacks. 

 

Dr. Vautour said the per pupil allocation at the elementary level for English is $11.30 at Stevens, and West Hill, and at Moser it is $14.13.  Chairperson Bell asked if the Moser allocation went up from last year.  Mr. Turansky said if anything it came down.  Mrs. Vargas asked if Moser could be included with other schools to get the cost down.  Chair-person Bell believes it is a shipping issue.  Dr. Vautour said some of the teachers at Stevens School disburse items into the classrooms, not realizing some of the items are supposed to be going to Moser School, and then Moser School doesn’t have the supplies.  A direct drop at Moser instead of combining shipping works better.

 

Mrs. Vargas asked what blank books are.  Ms. Marino said they are the blue composition books.

 

Program 10 (World Languages)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no changes in the FTEs.  There are 10 world language teachers.  The total increase is $50,986, and of this $48,039 is for salaries, and $2,947 is for non-salaries.  The high school is looking for $3,970 for workbooks and posters for French, and Spanish, and 2 DVD/VCR units ($2,000), and 2 carts ($730).  The middle school is looking for 30 texts in Spanish ($1,800).

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked if this year’s French class is going to Quebec.  Mr. Pitocco said he believes the trip has been cancelled.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if the students pay 100% for trips like this, and she was told they do.

 

Mr. McMonigle asked if departments own their own TVs and DVDs.  Mr. Pitocco said the media center has some.  The world language classes are trying to get one in every one of their classrooms, because they use them all the time, and it is an integral part of what they do.  Mrs. Boutilier said the textbook companies are coming out with more, and more technology.

 

Mrs. Vargas asked if the workbooks for the Spanish and French are supplements to the books that have been bought or asked if they are consumables, and asked for what levels.  Mr. Pitocco said they are consumables (for levels 1 through 5 in Spanish, and for levels 2 and 3 in French, and there are also some journals for writing).

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked about the TV/DVDs, and asked how long they last.  Dr. Vautour said they should last five to ten years.

 

Mr. McMonigle asked if the workbooks for Spanish and French are disposable.  Mr. Pitocco said they are.

 

Program 11 (Health Education)

 

Dr. Vautour said there is no change in staff for health education.  The total increase is $13,097, of which $11,057 is for salaries, and $2,040 is for non-salaries.  The big issue is the request for K-5 health texts totaling $3,500, to replace the Here’s Looking at You 2000 program that has become outdated.  The health education recommendation surfaced in the curriculum review four years ago.

 

Mr. Arico said he was looking at a figure of 17.6% salary increase for one teacher.  Chairperson Bell asked if that was a leave situation, and Mr. Turansky said there is teacher currently on leave that is scheduled to come back next year.  The substitute rate is factored into this year’s budget, and the teacher’s salary will have to be replaced for next year.  The substitute is full-time.  Dr. Vautour said the budget as it exists, reflects the substitute, and the budget as requested reflects the return of the teacher.

 

On page 11d Mrs. Schmidt asked what a hand-held mechanical smoker is.  Dr. Vautour said it is a device that a cigarette is placed in, and it draws the smoke through some sort of a filter to demonstrate what it does to a lung.

 

On page 11e, Dr. Vautour stated is where the textbooks for K-5 are ($3,500).  Mrs. Vargas asked what is currently being used for those books.  Mrs. Boutilier said Here’s Looking at You 2000 is what is currently being used, and she said the health program is sporadic.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if these are replacement textbooks.  Mrs. Boutilier said we had the kits from the early 1990’s, so they are not textbooks per se.

 

Program 12 (Family & Consumer Sciences)

 

Dr. Vautour said there is a request for an additional .2 FTE to allow for the introduction of a UCONN honors course (Individual and Family Development).  The total of the increases is $43,943 of which $38,568 is for salaries (of this salary $11,140 is associated with the additional .2 FTE, and $27,428 is for the existing salaries), and $5,375 is for non-salaries.  At the high school level $1,500 is for the replacement of a gas oven, and $1,625 if for the independent living textbooks.  At the middle school level $1,000 is for the replacement of two electric stoves; $780 is the cost associated with the honors level curriculum for individual and family development; $1,100 is for texts; and $800 is for supplies.

 

Mr. Arico asked if the gas oven would be commercial grade, and Dr. Vautour said he believes it is, and it will be in the family consumer lab.  Mrs. Vargas asked if in the current year the $1,500 is for a gas stove, and Dr. Vautour said yes.  Mrs. Vargas asked how many there are.  Dr. Vautour said they would clarify this.  Mrs. Vargas asked if they are planning on replacing one stove per year, and Mr. Pitocco said not necessarily.  Mr. Arico asked how old they are, and Mr. Pitocco said they are approximately 8 years old.

 

Mrs. Vargas asked if the salary increases are for a teacher being out. Dr. Vautour said yes.

 

On page 12b, for the middle school, Mrs. Vargas asked if they use electric versus gas for the ovens, and she was told they do.  Mr. Watson said there are six stoves, and only four are working well.  The two stoves that are not working well are both over 10 years old.  Mr. Arico asked if these ovens were not commercial grade like the ones at the high school, and Mr. Watson said they were not.

 

On page 12c is the summary of the new course request (the .2 FTE, curriculum, supplies, and textbooks).  The total cost is $13,820.  It is a UCONN/honors course so any student taking the course, who elects to go to UCONN receives 3 credits.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if you would get credit at UCONN and Dr. Vautour said yes.  Mr. Pitocco explained that AP credit is accepted everywhere, and Dr. Vautour said transferability is much greater with an AP course than UCONN course.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if there was any opportunity to run this in conjunction with another class, and Mr. Pitocco said he was not sure.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if there are a minimum number of students that need to apply for a class.  Dr. Vautour said if they want to run a class for three to five students they would bring this to the Board’s attention and there would be classes such as remedial courses, or a Level 5 in world languages.  Mrs. Schmidt asked for the new course if there is any idea of how many students might take it.  Mr. Pitocco said he doesn’t have an absolute certainty as to how many students might be in this class, but there should be approximately twelve students.

 

Mr. Palazzolo asked for family and consumer science, what else is offered besides cooking and sewing.  Mr. Pitocco said there are a lot of courses offered such as early childhood, and fashion design.  Mrs. Hayward said interior design is another course offered.  Mr. Palazzolo was curious as to what family and consumer science entails.  He wanted to know if they learn how to fill a checkbook out.  Mrs. Hayward said they learn about budgeting.

 

Program 13 (Technology Education)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no changes in staff.  There are 5 teachers between the middle school and the high school.  The total increase is $22,045, of which $16,265 is for salaries, and $5,780 is for non-salaries.  For “Project Lead The Way” (PLTW) staff training is $3,300; supplies are $1,656; texts are $2,500; and equipment is $5,975.  Mrs. Schmidt asked about the PLTW for the digital electronics course if it will be at both the academics, and honors level, and Dr. Vautour said yes.  Mr. McMonigle asked if this was the last of PLTW.  Mr. Pitocco said there were 5 courses originally in the PLTW series, and one of these is manufacturing.  The year before last year, PLTW introduced the civil engineering and architecture course, as well as the manufacturing course.  Mr. Pitocco said because of this, there were now 6 courses.  The final original 5th course was a project course in which takes all the know-ledge of the first 4 courses, and the students work on a project the fifth year.  Presently we have principles of engineering, digital electronics course, civil engineering and architecture, and the final project course.  Mrs. Schmidt asked when the first group would be ready for the final project course.  Mr. Pitocco believes it is the year after next year.  Dr. Vautour said this final project course builds upon all the courses in the array so the bulk of the equipment is in place, therefore there are not a lot of costs associated with it.  Chairperson Bell then asked how long it takes to complete the first 4 courses in this sequence.  Mr. Pitocco said ideally these first 4 courses should be completed in the first 3 years (1 course in the first year, 1 course in the second year, 2 courses in the third year).  Chairperson Bell asked given the scheduling requirements if there are many students who can take 2 courses in their third year.  Mr. Pitocco said he doesn’t know how many can, but whoever these kids are, they are going to have to make choices.  Mrs. Hayward said by the third year, many schedules open up for kids.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked about the kids that entered PLTW as juniors if they get some type of acknowledgement.  Dr. Vautour said they will get acknowledgement in the fact that on their transcripts it will show they have an Engineering course, and if they choose to go to a school for engineering this will be a step up for them, and he said any single course will be to their advantage.

 

Mr. Geldof asked how we can maximize the number of students who will get the opportunity to get a full array as they go through all four grades.  Mr. Pitocco said they can try to attract as many 9th graders as possible.  Mr. Geldof asked if there is a plan in place.  Mr. Pitocco said it is marketed through counselors.  Dr. Vautour also mentioned some of this will have to be “word of mouth” from students who are taking these courses.  Mr. Geldof said we need a matrix for the next session and a re-capping of this program to see where we go with the course for this year, and how we achieve the goal of establishing a capstone course for the next year.

 

Mrs. Schmidt recapped saying the numbers are needed for capstone course, and Mr. Geldof’s request for a matrix.

 

Program 14 (Mathematics)

 

Dr. Vautour explained about the request for a .6 FTE math implementation specialist to assist Mrs. Boutilier in overseeing the implementation of Trailblazers at the elementary level, and work with the middle school and the high school staff in curriculum revamping of math offerings.  This will bring the number of teachers to 14.20 FTE in the middle school, and high school.  The total increase is $118,396 of which $78,456 is salaries (of which $33,420 is for the math implementation specialist, and $45,036 is for staff currently employed).  The non-salaries increase is $39,940.  For the high school, $1,000 is for visiting engineers who work with algebra students.  Introduction to calculus texts are $1,850, and teaching materials of $350 associated with this course.  For algebra 1 academic ($3,640 is for texts); and probability and statistics ($1,360 for texts).  At the elementary level there is a need for teacher manuals and manipulatives for the two new second grades ($3,200), and new texts for Trailblazers for Grades 3 through 5 ($63,280).

 

Mrs. Schmidt inquired about the engineers teaching algebra.  Mr. Pitocco said there is actually a team of them, and Mrs. Hayward said they stay all day (in-house field trip).  Mr. Pitocco believes the money they receive goes towards their organization.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked about the elementary school Trailblazers, and the request for the math workbooks, and manipulatives, and she asked if it is going to be found that the maintenance for this program is going to be significantly more than what it is now because of the consumables.  Mrs. Boutilier said with time, consumables might not need to be purchased, because copying might be able to be done in-house.  Mr. Pear said that he believes grades 3, 4, and 5, do not have workbooks.  Mrs. Boutilier said that is correct.  They are hardcover books.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if she could get a ballpark figure as to what the ongoing costs would be to replace manipulatives, and sets, etc. for Trailblazers.  Mrs. Boutilier said she would get a figure.

 

Mr. McMonigle spoke about the cost of second half textbook implementation between last year, and this year.  Mrs. Boutilier said last year they had not made a decision on which series they were going to go with so they took the average cost, and also the cost for the purchase of textbooks for the special ed class, special ed teachers, and math resource classes was not figured in.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked if Trailblazers is just introduced to a student in 5th grade, will there be a significant gap or redundancy in what they get switching over to.  Dr. Vautour said the higher up you go in the grades, before you actually introduce the materials, the more of a challenge there will be.  He said what the Board might want to discuss is whether to perhaps stagger the introduction of the math program.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if it was ever looked at to see if Trailblazers matched the CMT, and whether this was a good program for Connecticut.  Mrs. Boutilier stated it absolutely was, and our school system is in good shape. 

 

Mrs. Schmidt recapped saying an approximate cost is needed with regards to the ongoing cost for manipulatives, etc. for Trailblazers.

 

(There was a recess that started at 7:05P.M.  The meeting reconvened at 7:25P.M.)

 

Program 15 (Media)

 

Dr. Vautour stated there are no changes in FTEs.  The total increase is $11,150.  Salaries represent an $11,397 increase, and a decrease of $247 (non-salaries).

 

Mrs. Vargas asked a general question with regards to the computer listing, and the items that come under the lease.  She said in some cases there are digital cameras, and carts, and then in different programs there are DVD players, etc., and wanted to know if there is consistency.  Mrs. Boutilier said this is something that is struggled with every year, but they try to get Fred Ames to sign off on all of the technology equipment so whatever is being purchased by a specific department is compatible with the rest of the technology equipment in the school system.  Mrs. Vargas asked if we will see these items being disbursed, and she was told that is correct.  She also thought that some of these items are not expensive enough to put through a computer lease.  Mrs. Boutilier said they agree.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked Mr. Turansky for an object code breakdown for Object 730.

 

Chairperson Bell asked if there were still typewriters at Griswold.  Dr. Vautour said there are for catalog cards, and things of that nature.  Mr. Watson said any books they receive that are donated or that they get at the book fair need cards typed up on them.

 

Mrs. Schmidt had a question about West Hill School.  She wanted to know why in object code #690 there is a DVD player, where in other programs the DVDs are listed in object code #730.  Mr. Turansky said it is the principal’s choice as to how it is reflected in their budget.

 

Mrs. Schmidt said to recap this program, object code #730 needs to be broken out.

 

Program 16 (Music)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no changes in the staffing, with six people.  The total increase is $29,191, of which $15,329 is for salaries, and $13,862 is for non-salaries.  Dr. Vautour said there is some money in the high school for increased transportation because the competitions the students participate in are trying to be expanded.  The high school is looking into getting 20 rehearsal chairs and carts ($1,688), a music library system ($1,394), and 50 additional music stands ($1,913).  The big item request in this program is music texts for the elementary level ($21,532).

 

Mrs. Vargas said last year some of the chairs were cut out of the budget.  She pulled out the budget requests from last year, and $10,365 had been budgeted for rehearsal chairs, and the band storage box.  She said about half of the chairs were cut out so the budget request was brought down to approximately $6,000 in Object Code #730.  Mrs. Vargas said this year it is up to $13,000 so she wanted to know if something got shifted to put an additional $7,000 there.  Mr. Turansky said last year there was a new course request, and the equipment was originally budgeted under the 06 account, and once the Board adopted the budget, it was moved into the appropriate school.

 

Chairperson Bell asked about why there is such a big increase in object code #611 at Stevens School.  Mr. Pear said this is based on per pupil expenditure, and said he thinks there were less kids at his school last year.  Dr. Vautour said he believes when discretionary cuts were asked for last year, principals went back, and made their adjustments, and Dr. Vautour believes object code #611 was one of the areas hit.

 

There was a discussion about the music textbooks.  Mrs. Boutilier said these books are not able to be shared between schools because they are needed periodically during the day.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if students cycle through music quarterly.  Dr. Vautour said the students have music once a week, all year long.

 

Mrs. Vargas asked Ms. Marino if chairs are needed in the music room, and she said stackable chairs make it easier.

 

Program 17 (Physical Education)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no changes in FTEs.  There are 10 teachers.  The total increase is $41,744, of which $41,388 is for salary increases.  The difference of $356 is for balls, bats, etc.

 

Mr. McMonigle asked about the digi-walkers for the middle school, and asked if they were bought last year too.  Mr. Pear stated there were some at Stevens School.  Mr. Watson said those were received from a grant.  Mrs. Boutilier said they came from the Rocky Hill Education Foundation.  Mr. McMonigle inquired as to whether the use of these was going to be expanded.  Mr. Watson said these are only in one school.

 

Mr. McMonigle asked about Griswold School.  He inquired about the digi-walkers again, and asked if a big ticket item was purchased in object code #611 last year.  Mr. Watson said he would have to check.

 

Dr. Vautour said the 611 factor for physical education is $3.17 per student at Stevens/ West Hill, and $3.96 for Moser. 

 

Mrs. Schmidt recapped about Mr. McMonigle’s request in object code #611.

 

Program 19 (Reading)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are 4 FTEs.  The total increase is $17,392, of which $14,388 is for salary increases, and $3,004 is for non-salary increases (largely for replenishment of supplies, and materials for the reading series).

 

Chairperson Bell asked with regards to Stevens School, and object code #642, if the significant difference is due to cuts from last year.  Mr. Pear said part of it is probably due to the fact of the extra 2nd grade class being put at Moser.  He said they have always operated with 4 or 5 2nd grade classes, and next year there will be six of these classes.  Chairperson Bell asked if they would all use the same set of library resource materials.  Mr. Pear said there are separate library centers (like a reading center) in each classroom.

 

Mrs. Schmidt said that there is also a significant difference in object code #642 for West Hill School.  Ms. Marino said they do have the same going on as at Stevens School.  She said they are looking for tradebooks, and Mrs. Schmidt asked what a tradebook is.  Ms. Marino said it is a paperback, and explained a little more about it.  Mr. Arico asked how this would relate to increasing reading skills.  Ms. Marino said they are trying to target the student’s skills.  For small groups, tradebooks would be utilized, and for larger groups, the signature series would be used.  Mr. Arico asked if this has been ongoing, and Mrs. Boutilier said in 1999 a new reading series was added.

 

 

Program 20 (Science)

 

Dr. Vautour said this is the third instance where this is a request for additional instructional staff, .2 FTE in order to introduce the earth science honors course.  The total number of science staff is 15.6 FTE.  The total increase is $97,260 of which $86,327 is for the salary increase ($11,140 is for the new .2 FTE and $75,187 is for the existing salaries adjustments for the middle and high school Science teachers).  The non-salary increase is $10,933.  The high school is requesting two balances ($798), a skeleton model ($330), and models of euglena, amoeba, and paramecium all at around $350 apiece.  The cost associated with the earth science honors course, minus the salary, are curriculum development ($780), materials ($150), and texts ($1,300).  The high school department is also proposing the development of an integrated biology/chemistry course, and curriculum writing for this would run $780.  For elementary schools, supplemental texts would cost $2,500, and additional teacher materials that would cost $1,200.

 

Mrs. Vargas asked if someone is out on leave in science at the high school.  Mr. Pitocco said no.  Mrs. Vargas said there is a large increase in the salaries.  Mr. Turansky said there is a .4 physics position that is not funded this year that gets reflected in the budget.  Mr. McMonigle asked if only 8 teachers are funded for, and Dr. Vautour said yes.  Dr. Vautour said the physics conversation surfaced after a GHAMAS comparison of course offerings, and the need to adjust in honors level, and this was done after the budget process.  Mrs. Vargas asked how this got reflected in the budget as 8.4 FTE, if it happened after the budget was finished.  Mr. Turansky said he believes the Board authorized the addition of a .4 FTE.  Dr. Vautour said an executive session might have to be gone back into, and Mrs. Vargas asked if more could be found out about this.

 

Chairperson Bell asked if .4 physics is 2 physics classes.  Dr. Vautour said it is a physics class, plus a lab.

 

Mr. Arico asked about object code #642, and if the VCR tapes are being converted to CD-type tapes.  Mr. Watson said both VCR tapes, and CD-type tapes are being used.  Mr. Colonghi said they are using mostly VCR tapes still.

 

Dr. Vautour said the science factor for object code #611 is $5.28 per student at Stevens/ West Hill, and $6.60 per student at Moser School.

 

Mrs. Vargas asked Mrs. Boutilier about the supplementary science for K-5, and asked if

that was for the new program that was brought in a couple of years ago, and asked if this was the first time items were being added to it.  Mrs. Boutilier said yes, and said the State just revised the science standards so our science units are being looked at to see how closely they align with the new standards.  Mrs. Vargas confirmed that this is not a consumable for the old project, and that this is actually new materials.  Mrs. Boutilier said yes, and said these are actually soft cover books.

 

Dr. Vautour said the outstanding item he has for science is clarification of the .4 FTE for physics.

 

Program 21 (Social Studies)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no staffing changes, and there are a total of 13.4 FTEs.  The total increase is $53,063, of which $45,828 is for salary increases, and $7,235 is for materials, supplies, etc.  There are curriculum development funds for world cultures, U.S. history, civics, and A More Perfect Union, and materials related to these courses, and textbooks related to civics, world cultures, and U.S. history in the high school.  At the middle school there is a request for 200 textbooks ($13,200).

 

Chairperson Bell asked about object code #642 and the increase from $250 to $750.  Mr. Colonghi said this relates to geography, and said in the past it was paid for by a grant.

 

Dr. Vautour said the social studies per pupil cost at the elementary level is $5.28 at Stevens School/West Hill School, and $6.60 at Moser School.

 

Mrs. Vargas asked Ms. Marino about object code #641, and Ms. Marino said this money is for replacement texts.

 

Program 22 (Special Education)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no staffing changes.  There are 52.4 FTEs.  The total increase is $348,023, of which the salary increase is $140,622, and the bulk of the increase is showing up in tuition.  In the tab section of the budget book, there is a grid that gives an indication that costs attributed to private placements that are showing up in the general fund are $211,646, and the total public placements are $296,350, so the tuition amount being requested based on the analysis of known students for next year is $507,996.  This budget has been constructed with one unknown student, known as John Doe ($30,000).  This is a factor for unidentified move-ins.  Chairperson Bell asked if this was in the object code #560, and Dr. Vautour said yes.  Mrs. Viggiano-Grosse said last year John Doe was cut, and she was wondering if he was actually needed last year.  Mr. Turansky said with the addition of the clinical program the school system has been able to take care of some new students that typically would have been sent out.  Mr. Turansky believes we are now at the maximum enrollment.  Chairperson Bell asked how much tuition was deferred because these new programs were instituted, and how much more we would have spent or asked for next year.  Mr. Turansky said he didn’t remember but that information they will get for her.  Mr. Turansky pointed out at the bottom of the tab the excess cost is capped at 68% and that is still a variable.  The State’s best estimate at this time is that they will cap it at 68%, and he believes it was capped at 72% last year.

 

Mrs. Schmidt inquired about the rest of the mix of the students, and if it is fairly consistent with what we had in the past, and Ms. Levy said it is fairly consistent.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked about the list of students as it existed last year, and asked if some of the students migrated into the clinical day program, and Ms. Levy said that was correct.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if we have replaced some of the students on the list.  Ms. Levy said the students that needed clinical placement have dropped off.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if the clinical day program was ever used to the maximum, and Ms. Levy said it has been.

 

Dr. Vautour said a substitution sheet had been given for page 22b because object code #590 had been erroneously labeled.  It had read that $2,000 was for legal fees for special education, and this in fact is for the Virtual High School list for the clinical day program.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked what the Virtual Academy is again.  Dr. Vautour said there is a distinction between distance learning, and the Virtual Academy, or Virtual High School.  GHAMAS is making a donation of equipment to us for distance learning which allows us to interact with GHAMAS, and other sites associated with it, at the high school.  Virtual Academy is part of the clinical day program. 

 

Dr. Vautour said the one data request he has for special education is the analysis of the cost referral as a result of the clinical day program.

 

Program 23 (Adult Education)

 

Dr. Vautour said the amount is the same ($32,000).  The costs associated with the adult education program are greater, and there is a State grant that makes up the difference.  Mr. McMonigle asked if we are committed to Middletown again.  Mrs. Boutilier said research was done last year, and Middletown gave us the better deal.

 

Program 24 (Co-Curricular)

 

Dr. Vautour said the total increase is $10,842, of which the salary increase is $5,729, and non-salary increase is $5,113.  There is an increase in expenses associated with field trips.  Page 24a is for the high school summary.  Chairperson Bell inquired about object code #321, and asked regarding the drama productions if only one is going to be done.  Mr. Pitocco said this is for next year, and there are going to be two productions.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked about the increase in object code #581.  Mr. Pitocco said they are rearranging some of the money from object code #611 and #810, and moving it back into #581, so that more programs can be brought in, and also increasing cultural programs at the high school.  Mr. Arico asked about object code #321, and the accompanists.  Mr. Pitocco said this could be anything from a small ensemble to a pianist.

 

Chairperson Bell asked if the high school has a drama coach, and Mr. Pitocco said there is one presently and are hoping to have a second one by Friday.

 

Program 25 (Athletics)

 

Dr. Vautour said the total increase is $3,238, of which the salary increase is $6,758, and in non-salary area there is a decrease of $3,520.  There has been a decrease in equipment requests, and he spoke about the athletic trainer.  Mr. Turansky explained that they underestimated the amount that was needed for the current year’s budget, and it should have been budgeted at $12,000 for this year.

 

Mr. McMonigle asked about object code #330, the athletic director certification course, and asked if this is an annual course he has to take.  Mr. Pitocco said the athletic director, and coaches have to take C.E.U. courses like teachers do, but he is not sure if they have to take this annually or over a course of two to three years.  This item will be clarified.

 

Mr. McMonigle inquired about the transportation cost for athletics, and said the same amount is funded for next year, as it is for this year, and asked if we are getting a standard cost for the coming year.  Mr. Pitocco said the average trip costs $173, and they average about 250 trips per year.  Mr. Turansky said this should be covered by the standard contract, and sometimes we get a break on the athletic trips, but it should be a 3% increase for next year, and it is dependent upon how many playoffs the school has.  Mrs. Schmidt asked if in the $42,350 the 3% is reflected, and Mr. Turansky said it would be reflected here.

 

Mr. Arico questioned the reduction in object code #730.  Mr. Pitocco said the equipment purchased is based on needs, and there are new rule changes for softball helmets, and baseball helmets, etc.  A pole vault was put in last year’s budget, and that was a very expensive item ($8,000).

 

Mr. Bostwick asked why object code #581 (transportation) at the middle school is less expensive than the high school, and wanted to know if we are using the same company.  Mr. Watson said this is their estimated cost.  Mr. Turansky said it is a question of whether to bump up the rate, and use a fewer number of trips, or do you use more trips with the lower rate.  Mr. Pear said that most of the middle school bus trips are afternoon trips, whereas the high school has more evening trips so there might be the difference in rate.

 

Program 26 (Summer School)

 

Dr. Vautour said there is a tab section that describes the summer school proposal.  There is only going to be a three week single session now.  Dr. Vautour said it is hoped that 144+ students can be accommodated again, and the increase is $2,388.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked if object code #322 is because of the fact of the three week single session now, and Mrs. Boutilier said they are increasing 10 hours for each class.

 

 

Program 27 (Guidance)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no staffing changes.  There are 5.5 counselors.  The total increase is $22,177, of which $20,644 is for salary increases, and $1,533 is for non-salary increases.  He said on page 27b, object code #321 has doubled in cost.  This additional $1,000 will cover the bi-annual career day.

 

Program 28 (Health Services)

 

Dr. Vautour said the total increase is $14,107.  There are defibrillators listed for the high school, Stevens, and West Hill schools ($3,200 per unit).  There has been a second donation received that will go to the high school, so the unit identified for the high school will be transferred to Moser School.  Mr. McMonigle asked if this was our choice, and Dr. Vautour said if there is a defibrillator for one school who is to say that the other students in the district aren’t in the same need of the device.  Chairperson Bell asked if there are any charges that are not included in the base price of the defibrillators, such as wall mounts, gloves, etc.  Dr. Vautour said he believes everything is all inclusive.  On page 28, Dr. Vautour said Moser School is listed for a defibrillator, but on page 28d it is omitted there.  Mrs. Viggiano-Grosse asked if there is some training with the defibrillators.  Mr. Turansky said he believes the training is included in the $3,200.

 

A request was made to table Program 29 at this time, and Dr. Vautour consented.

 

Program 31 (Employee Benefits)

 

Dr. Vautour said the increase is $325,093, and that is a fluid number at this time because we are working off of a 16% estimate.  Chairperson Bell asked if there was a calculation on what each per cent reduction is, and Mr. Turansky said he did not have it.

 

Program 32 (Fiscal Services)

 

Dr. Vautour said there is an increase of $710, and $700 of this is associated with the payroll service.  Mr. Arico asked if payroll is done internally, and Mr. Turansky said it is done by an outside company.  Mr. Arico asked about the salaries, and Mr. Turansky said those are for the bookkeepers.

 

Program 35 (Transportation)

 

Dr. Vautour said the increase is $16,550, and this represents a 3% factor for the contract with Double A.  Mrs. Vargas asked if this is year one, and Mr. Turansky said he believes this projects year three of the new contract, and she asked if it is a five year contract, and was told it is.

 

 

Program 36 (Computers)

 

Dr. Vautour said this is the program where the request has been put into for the technology assistant.  Dr. Vautour said they believe there is an individual who is qualified to carry out the responsibilities of the technology assistant who would be interested in this, and the $40,000 is perceived to be salary.  Chairperson Bell asked if an individual was hired for this position, and his/her spouse had benefits, and then the spouse lost his/her job, would the Board be mandated to provide benefit costs, and Dr. Vautour said he believes it would have to.

 

Mr. McMonigle asked if this individual would be a member of a bargaining unit, and Dr. Vautour said no.

 

In the computer account, Dr. Vautour said there is the request for the technology assistant, and then the 2nd technology lease at a variable of $50,000.  Mr. Palazzolo asked if the technology assistant could take over maintaining the projectors, etc.  Dr. Vautour said this individual would be primarily working with Fred Ames on the network systems, and software systems.  Mr. Palazzolo asked if this technology assistant would be responsible for purchasing equipment, and Dr. Vautour said Fred Ames is the contact person for this now.

 

Mrs. Schmidt asked if a full-time position is built she wanted to know approximately how much is used for benefits.  Mr. Turansky said approximately $13,000 which includes health insurance, Medicare, etc. 

 

Program 37 (Student Support)

 

Dr. Vautour said this is primarily the part-time math paraprofessionals, and the reading paraprofessionals.  There is a decrease of $7,341 and this plays into some differentials of the salaries associated with the individuals.  There has been some turnover from this year into next year.  Mrs. Vargas asked what happened with the ESOL instructors in object code #112 on page 37e.  Mrs. Boutilier said this is something that can’t be projected.

 

Dr. Vautour said he proposes that Program 29, as well as programs 1 through 5 be held off tonight, and reviewed at the next budget session instead.

 

Program 38 (Copiers)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no changes.

 

Program 39 (Enrichment)

 

Dr. Vautour said there are no changes.

 

Program 40 (Elementary Instruction)

 

Dr. Vautour said there is an increase of $317,665.  This incorporates two additional teachers (one 2nd grade teacher at Moser School, and one 2nd grade teacher at West Hill School, and this represents $111,400 in new salary).  The general adjustment for elementary salaries is $206,265.  Mrs. Vargas asked how much money was put in for each of these 2nd grade teachers, and Mr. Turansky said $55,700.  Mrs. Vargas said West Hill School reflects $122,000 over the regular increase.  Mr. Turansky said this reflects a couple of people on leave this year, so there are steps, degree changes, and leaves of absences.

 

Program 41 (Student Assessment)

 

Dr. Vautour said this account has been basically zeroed out.  It was for off level testing, and Congress has mandated that in 2006 testing be done grade 3 through 8 and possibly grades 10 and 11.  The cost for testing grades 3 through 8 will be covered by the State Department of Education.  Mrs. Viggiano-Grosse asked what the wisdom is behind skipping grade 9.  Dr. Vautour doesn’t think there is any logic.

 

Moved by Mrs. Schmidt, seconded by Mr. Bostwick, to adjourn the budget workshop at 9:00P.M.

 

Favor:  All

Motion Carried

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Jo-Anne Booth

Recording Secretary

 

Accepted by: _____________________