TOWN OF ROCKY HILL
BOARD OF EDUCATION
BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING OF January 16, 2007
Members Present: Neil Geldof (Chairman)
Peter Arico
Nadine Bell
Mark Carberry
Charles McMonigle
Rene (Skip) Rivard
Anne Schmidt
Catherine Vargas
Member Absent: Jennifer Viggiano-Grosse
A budget workshop for the Rocky Hill Public Schools was held on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, in the media center of Griswold Middle School. Board Of Education Finance Committee Chairperson, Anne Schmidt called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was recited.
A notice of a Town Finance Committee meeting to be held at 4:30 on Thursday, January 18, 2007 was provided to all attending members and administrators. Several items to be discussed at that meeting will relate to the Board of Education.
I. Responses to Questions from the January 11, 2007 meeting:
§ Dr. Vautour provided an itemized list of equipment that is included in the budget request for the digital multimedia design course.
§ Dr. Vautour reported it was decided the darkroom safelight and air purification system would be best classified under the facilities budget. Therefore, the Board appropriation can be reduced by $655.
§ Enrollment in the UCONN Honors Family and Consumer Science course is currently nine students.
§ The high school forensic science course enrollments were ’04-’05: 17 fall/7,
spring; ’05-’06 12 fall / 10 spring; ’06-’07 12 fall / 8 projected for spring.
II. Continued Review of Programs:
Dr. Vautour continued the presentation of the detailed budget by program.
§ Program 22 – Special Education: Total increase: $691,168
Dr. Vautour reported there is no change requested for staffing requirements. Full-time equivalents remain at 55.5. Salaries increase by $183,960. The non-salary increase is $507,208. There is a tuition increase of $464,000 and a related transportation increase of $50,200. Dr. Vautour reminded the Board that there have been catastrophic events this year in the special education budget. The ’06-‘07 budget was constructed anticipating 17 students in special education outplacement, and since the budget was adopted, another 17 students have been identified.
Four of these individuals moved into town as out-placed students with tuitions totaling $207,678. One of those students alone was over $91,000. Three students are attending magnet schools and there are certain special education costs associated with these students. Magnet school tuition is free with the exception of the special education costs, which in this case are $15,081 in unanticipated costs.
There is another student who needs increased services this year at a cost of $23,581. There is a preschool student to come in that will cost approximately $25,000. There are 4 students receiving in-district support that comes to $4,095. There are five students who have been placed through planning and placement team initiatives that come at a cost of $206,998. These instances prompt a significant increase in the special education program for the 2007-2008 year.
There is one additional student that is anticipated to cost about $40,000, which is not currently included in the proposed budget, as it was learned after the draft of the proposal was completed.
Mrs. Bell asked if special education students that move into the district are re-evaluated once they enter the Rocky Hill school district.
Dr. Fusco, Interim Director of Special Ed, responded that yes, the records are reviewed, and then conditions are placed on another PPT.
Mrs. Bell asked if students attending the magnet schools who are in special education were considered special education students when they attended Rocky Hill schools. If so, how did Rocky Hill schools handle the needs of the student, and why can’t the magnet schools do the same?
Dr. Vautour responded that they were in programs with existing in-house staff, and that the magnet schools have determined that they don’t have the capacity to handle it.
Mrs. Schmidt asked if the Board had jurisdiction since the town was paying for the student. Dr. Vautour responded, no, because the parents have the choice per the State of Connecticut.
Mr. Arico asked what the total tuition increase is. Dr. Vautour responded the total dollar increase proposed is $464,000 plus an additional $40,000 for one more student not included in the proposal as explained previously. This is for a total of 30 students in the proposal plus the additional one for a total of 31 students.
Mr. Rivard asked where the funds to support this increase are anticipated to come from. Dr. Vautour explained that in past years, there was a “place holder” at a value of $30,000. This year, there are no place holders. Dr. Vautour stated there was no way to anticipate this kind of increase.
Mr. Geldof asked how we get the message out to the public that this is a real number being proposed, because he received a call from a reporter telling him that they had found an error in the budget in regards to the $691,168 special education increase. Mr. Geldof assured the reporter that this number was correct.
Dr. Vautour suggested explaining to individuals, at public hearings, and when this budget goes to Town Council.
Mrs. Schmidt asked if administrators were confident in the district’s assessments of the special education students. Dr. Vautour responded, yes, they are continually reviewing, and care is taken with placement of students in classrooms.
Mr. McMonigle asked how many students in total participate in the special education program. Dr. Fusco responded that there are approximately 250 students.
Mr. McMonigle asked about the legal fees figure and the virtual academy amount. Dr. Vautour answered the legal fees have been re-classified to general legal fees. And, added the work being done with the students does not necessitate a virtual academy since the course offerings are being handled within the program itself.
Dr. Vautour relayed KIP-2 should result in no additional cost by re-allocating parent time and substituting that for teaching.
Mrs. Bell asked what the total number of students would be. Mrs. Fusco responded: 14.
§ Program 36 – Computers: Total increase: $30,080
Dr. Vautour reported that there is no change in staffing. Staff remains at three. The majority of the increase is for site licensing fees, which amount to $27,951.
Mrs. Boutilier explained there are 825 computers with software licensing. Dr. Vautour noted that Microsoft has been very aggressive in pursuing software violations, and the penalties come at $10,000 per violation. He also noted we are carrying two leases currently, and are proposing a third one in the new budget in order to maintain the continuation of replacement cycles.
§ Program 37 – Student Support: Total increase: $11,163
There are no changes requested in staffing. There are currently 2.35 FTEs that provide support for math and reading. The majority of the increase is for salaries in the amount of $10,934. The remaining $229 increase is related to supplies and materials.
§ Program 40 – Elementary Education: Total increase: $275,882
Two full-time teachers were requested. (1) FTE for Stevens, (1) for Moser, bringing the district up to 63.90 staff. The total increase in this program is related to salaries. $116,000 is attributed to the two new positions. Existing elementary teachers’ salary adjustments come to $159,882. Dr. Vautour expressed his feeling that he is justified in this request as the classroom sizes are either at or approaching the State-recommended maximums levels.
Mr. Rivard asked the size of the 1st grade class. Dr. Vautour stated that Stevens has 22, 22 and 21 and Moser has 17 and 16.
Dr. Vautour mentioned that a long-term resolution to the problem of elementary school class sizes would be to have the two schools merged as one.
§ Program 1 – Board of Education: Total increase: $5,100
Dr. Vautour noted the $5,000 increase in object #331 was merely a reclassification of legal fees from special education as mentioned earlier.
Mrs. Schmidt asked what the retainer amount was, and Dr. Vautour responded that the amount was $25,000.
§ Program 2 – General Administration: Total increase: $3,315
FTEs remain at 4.45. $2,465 is for salary increases. Non-salary increase is $850. There is a slight increase in supplies and answering service for obtaining substitutes.
§ Program 3 – Improvement of Instruction: Total increase: $11,351
Dr. Vautour stated there was no change in the staffing level of 3.0. The $7,337 increase is associated with salaries. The non-salary increase is $4,014. Most of this increase is due to an increase in curriculum work for $1,864 and professional development for $1,250.
Mr. Arico questioned if the items in 3b and 3c, totaling $33,845 were in addition to teacher salaries. Dr. Vautour responded that yes, these were additional stipends for teachers who assume additional duties beyond their teaching responsibilities: such as coordination of team meetings.
§ Program 4 – Planning & Research: Total increase: $0
The FTE is .45, and is a technology analyst position.
Mrs. Schmidt asked what type of projects this position has worked on. Assistant Superintendent Boutilier responded this person generally maintains the data warehouse, updates the website, and has upgraded the elementary education report cards to allow teachers to input grades from home. She also does reports on demographics, data analysis, etc.
Mrs. Schmidt asked if the district has considered any online access to grades, as some other communities such as Avon and Simsbury offer this option.
Mr. Rivard asked how many report cards are sent out annually. Dr. Vautour responded approximately the number of students multiplied by 4 times per year, which comes to approximately 2,000 x 4 = 8,000. Mr. Rivard also mentioned that in some colleges, students are only able to access their grades online.
§ Program 5 –School Administration: Total increase: $219,334
Dr. Vautour stated there is a request for an increase of 2.1 FTEs. One FTE will be an Assistant Principal for the elementary schools to share, and the other is the Moser and Win School secretarial school request. $204,473 increase is for salaries. $182,660 is for new positions, and $21,813 is for existing administrative positions. $103,800 is slotted for the assistant principal, $38,780 to move the Moser/Stevens secretary from part to full-time and $38,080 to move a high school secretary from part to full-time to address the Win School issue.
Dr. Vautour then referred to a copy of State Statute Section 7-284, which refers to police protection at places of amusement. The statute reads as follows:
“When police protection is necessary or required at any boxing bout or wrestling match, place of public amusement, sport contest or hockey, baseball or basketball game, or any other exhibition or contest, which is being held or is to be held in any municipality, the amount of such protection necessary shall be determined and shall be furnished by (1) the chief or superintendent of the police department in any municipality having an organized or paid police department, or (2) the commanding officer of the state police troop having jurisdiction over the municipality in any municipality having a resident state trooper. Any such protection shall be paid for by the person or persons operating, conducting or promoting such game, exhibition or contest. “
Dr. Vautour explained Rocky Hill is part of a group from schools from surrounding towns that met recently along with Chief Custer, concerning police coverage at school events. It was determined that the status quo for police coverage is insufficient. As a result of this, there is an increase of $12,700 requested. There will be 2-5 officers present at sporting events depending on the nature of the event.
Mrs. Bell asked if this is based on the experience here at our high school. Dr. Vautour stated that this was not based on any occurrence in Rocky Hill. Dr. Vautour and Mr. Pitocco mentioned that there was recently a stabbing at a hockey game in Wethersfield with a Newington team.
Mrs. Bell stated that she doesn’t see substantiation for this increase.
Dr. Vautour mentioned that some schools have SRO’s, or Student Resource Officers, which Rocky Hill does not have.
Mr. Geldof mentioned that the police chief was put on the spot at this meeting, and all of the school mayors, town managers, superintendents, etc. were in attendance, and Rocky Hill schools had less coverage than the surrounding towns at this meeting.
Mrs. Bell asked if we were requesting this increase because it was the right thing, or because we didn’t want to look bad. Mr. Geldof responded it was because we didn’t want to look bad. Mrs. Bell took issue with this and noted there are so many other things they would like to do with this budget.
Mrs. Schmidt questioned why the town isn’t responsible to pay for this coverage. Dr. Vautour read from the State Statute that the organization responsible for the event is responsible for the cost of safety for the event.
Mr. Rivard asked if these costs are police overtime. Dr. Pitocco stated this is extra duty for police officers, and we pay a flat fee. He will find out exactly what the fee is, but guesses it is somewhere around $400 per officer per shift.
Dr. Vautour stated that it would be a waste of municipal money to contest the interpretation of the State statue, but it would be a good idea to talk to Chief Custer about using discretion concerning individual cases of police coverage at school events.
Mrs. Vargas noted the public should be advised as to why there is additional police presence at these events to inform potentially concerned citizens.
Mr. Pitocco mentioned other than Berlin, the other towns are not in our sports league.
Mr. Rivard noted someone should speak with Chief Custer to have his support in this issue.
Dr. Vautour continued detailing program 5 by pointing out $3,560 for 10 walkie-talkies between the three elementary schools in the case of emergency.
He also highlighted object 322 shows a decrease of $5,100 in relation to the HOTS program because it is felt the current level of funding is not necessary at this time.
§ Program 23 – Adult Education: Total increase: $0
Dr. Vautour explained Rocky Hill is part of a larger adult education cooperative with Middletown. He referred members to the tab section at the back of the budget book for a summary of the Rocky Hill assessment of $32,000. He mentioned the state requested Rocky Hill join a consortium due to size of its program.
§ Program 24 – Co-Curricular: Total increase: $10,611
No requested new FTEs. There is currently 1 position. $3,976 of the increase is related to salary, $6,635 is non-salary. $5,000 is related to the Names Assembly, which is a program that is run every four years. There is possibly a $1,200 reduction that can be made under Lend-A-Paw program because Representative Guerrera has offered to make a $1,500 contribution from the residual campaign fund to provide transportation for this program.
Mrs. Vargas questioned the greenhouse stipend. Mr. Turansky responded this was originally paid for out of revenue from the plant sales, but it made the program unviable. The Board agreed this should be paid for out of the budget.
Mr. Rivard asked what the Names Assembly entailed. Mr. Pitocco explained the Names Assembly’s goal is to get students to be more sensitive to each other, to bring the culture of the school to a higher level of civility, and an assembly where students discuss how names have hurt them. Action plans are then discussed, and plans to improve situations are put into place.
Dr. Vautour stated this is a very powerful program, and Mr. Carberry asked Mr. Pitocco how he felt the program was doing. Mr. Pitocco stated the program was going very well. Mr. Carberry stated he had heard otherwise from some students.
Mr. Rivard asked if there was diversity training for faculty. Mr. Pitocco said the faculty attends workshops on their own, and the Names Assembly incorporates some of these issues also.
§ Program 25 – Athletics: Total increase: $10,795
There is a high jump pit added in the amount of $5,900, and one pitching machine in the amount of $1,900.
Uniforms to be replaced include girl’s soccer, volleyball, unified sports, swimming, tennis, and golf. Typically, varsity uniforms are purchased, and then handed down to junior varsity. Sometimes, additional uniforms are purchased if enough are not available to the freshmen team. There was a report of a student using duct tape to hold up his uniform, but he did this instead of going to the coach to request a new one. It was determined that there were more shorts, and the issue was resolved.
Mr. Rivard questioned the high jump pit. Mr. Pitocco responded the current one is unusable, and does not meet State standards. They are borrowing one, and cannot continue to do that.
§ Program 26 – Summer School: Total increase: $5,137
There is an increase of $612 in salaries. $4,440 has been requested for busses for students. Dr. Vautour noted that only 139 students chose to participate out of 290 students invited to attend. It has been determined that participation will increase if transportation is provided to and from school. Mr. McMonigle asked if the increase in students would increase the rest of this budget. Mrs. Boutilier states this shouldn’t be the case and stated the summer school schedule is 4 days per week 3 hours per day from 9-11 a.m.
§ Program 23 – Adult Education: Total increase: $41,907
Staffing will remain at 6 guidance counselors. Salaries account for an increase of $41,517. Every other year a “Career Day” is run at Griswold Middle School. This is included in the ’07-’08 year.
Mrs. Bell questioned the 611 account. Mr. Pitocco responded the 611 and the 690 accounts were reshuffled.
§ Program 28 – Health Services: Total increase: $15,995
Staff remains at 5 nurses. Salary increases are $7,506. Non-salary increase is $8,489 with $7,700 for 3 defibrillators and training for them at the elementary schools.
Mrs. Vargas questioned why the school nurse salary decreased on page 28e. Mr. Turansky stated that the figure of $49,474 was incorrect. It should be increased by $131 to $49,605. The correct total for 2007-08 requested amount should be $51,715 rather than the $51,584 figure shown.
Mrs. Schmidt asked if staff members other than nurses are trained to use the defibrillator. Mr. Pitocco said there are a group of 12 or so individuals who are trained at Rocky Hill High School. Mrs. Hayward mentioned the staff that would be most likely to be present at events, etc, where the machine may be needed are generally the ones to be trained. Mr. Pitocco stated the school custodian is also trained. Mr. McMonigle asked who determines when the machine is needed. Mrs. Hayward says once the machine is hooked up to the patient, the machine tells the user if it needs to be used.
Mr. Rivard questioned exactly what the district medical advisor was. Dr. Vautour explained Dr. Ann Milanese is the district advisor, and that she is associated with the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. She oversees much of the nurse’s work and is the person who is consulted by the district for clarification of medical issues involving students.
Mr. McMonigle asked if this is a required position. Dr. Vautour stated the district is required to have medical advice provided by a doctor. Mr. Rivard asked if there was a possibility of a physician’s assistant position rather than a nurse so that the PA could serve as both nurse, and medical advisor. Mr. Rivard asked if this person was utilized much. Dr. Vautour stated she is consulted often. Dr. Fusco added the advisor attends all of the nurses meetings, gives the district direction in regards to medically fragile students, consults with parents, attends PPTs, etc. and she is very good at what she does.
§ Program 29 – Other: Total increase/(decrease): ($15,867)
Dr. Vautour informed the members that object 690 needs $20,000 to equip the science lab/classroom with tables, desks, chairs, etc. The Bunsen burners, etc. will be part of the module itself, which will have to be bid out through the town.
At the elementary level, $10,000 each is needed for West Hill and Stevens schools to equip their modular classrooms as well.
A postage meter is being requested for Stevens School.
Dr. Vautour pointed out the degree change line item has been increased by $10,000 to keep up with anticipated costs. This is due to young staff earning Master’s degrees. Per contract, once they have achieved the requisite number of credits for degree, they are moved on the salary schedule.
The nurse substitute cost has been increased by $5,000. There may need to be another adjustment in order to stay competitive.
The early retirement incentive program for ’07-’08 would be the fourth year of a five year plan.
Mrs. Schmidt asked about substitute nurse status. Dr. Fusco explained it is very difficult to attract people to this position because of the salary. Dr. Vautour mentioned it has not yet been determined if there is a need for a long-term substitute nurse because the individual in question hasn’t yet provided certain information.
Dr. Vautour drew attention to the fact that there is a new severance line item on page 29f. Mr. Turansky explained this is related to employees who are approaching retirement, and this is the first of a two-year plan.
Mr. Arico questioned the need for a postage meter at Stevens School. Ms. Boutaugh relayed this was for more efficient use of the personnel’s time.
§ Program 31 – Employee Benefits: Total increase: $383,865
Dr. Vautour referred back to the last budget meeting where he explained Mr. Lindberg’s reasoning for the 15% increase.
A member questioned if the insurance policies went out to bid. Dr. Vautour communicated that Mr. Lindberg feels that we should stay with Cigna and not go out to bid due to the frequency that this has been done.
§ Program 32 – Fiscal Services: Total increase: $5,580
There are currently 2.45 FTEs in the bookkeeping division. The salary increases account for $5,520.
Mr. Arico questioned the increase in the payroll cost. Mr. Turansky explained this increase is related to a financial system upgrade. The paper payroll system was converted to a pc-based system for better efficiency. He does not anticipate any decrease for this service in the coming years.
§ Program 35 – Transportation: Total increase: $5,075
Dr. Vautour stated due recent road changes on the intersection of Webster Lane and Rocamora Road the district has been able to eliminate the special van going there at a savings of $13,800. Mr. Geldof questioned how the district was able to accomplish this. Dr. Turansky reported the new housing project put in off of Webster Lane and the intersection on Elm Street was rebuilt; therefore alleviating any concerns the bus company may have had. Mr. Turansky noted the district has communicated with the police department and the bus company regarding this.
Mrs. Schmidt asked how the ownership transition of the bus company has worked out so far. Dr. Vautour replied the transition has been seamless to this point.
Dr. Vautour referred to information provided at the January 11, 2007 meeting with respect to the transportation contract, there is a 3% increase plus fuel surcharge: The first $1.50 per gallon of gas is paid for by the bus company, the next $.25 above that is shared between the two entities.
Mr. Arico questioned if the bus company is required to maintain the school busses as part of the contract. Mr. Turansky replied there is a specific maintenance schedule, and it is in the bus company’s best interest to keep the busses in good working order. They take very good care of the busses, and have retained the existing staff. He noted Durham Bus Company is the third largest bus company in the country, and has over 10,000 busses on the roads in the United States, and 2,000 in Canada.
At 7:30 there was a 5-minute break.
Mrs. Schmidt asked if there were any areas that anyone wished to discuss or request further information on.
Mrs. Vargas stated she was not comfortable passing a budget tonight and the Board should have time to absorb all the information, and reflect on it for the next meeting.
Mrs. Schmidt asked if anyone wished to move the next meeting to Thursday. Mr. McMonigle conveyed that there may be a need for two meetings next week, and he prefers the two meetings remain in place as scheduled
Moved by Catherine Vargas, seconded by Peter Arico to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa R. Reed
Recording Secretary
Accepted by: _______________________ Date: _____________________