HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Administrative Unit #66
204 Maple Street
Contoocook, NH 03229
Hopkinton School Board
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
I.
Chair David
Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Present: Chair David Luneau, Co-Chair Kim Fuller, School
Board members Larry Donahue (arrived at approximately 6:50 p.m.), Liz Durant
and Peter Yunich, Superintendent Dr. Brian Blake, Business Administrator
Michelle Clark, Director of Student Services Dr. Val Aubry, Director of
Technology Matt Stone, Administrative Assistant Tara Graham, Principal Steve
Chamberlin, Principal Michael Bessette, Principal Bill Carozza, and Assistant
Principal Chris Kelley.
II.
Additions/Deletions
to the agenda: Action items #3 and
#4, regarding early retirements, to be read later during that section of the
meeting.
III.
Correspondence
A.
Dr. Blake
received notice from Counsel Tom Barry following up on the Irrevocable Letter
of Credit which was asked to be reviewed during the last TreasurerÕs
Report. Mr. Barry communicated
that he saw no problem with the letter.
IV.
Approval of
Minutes
A.
Motion to
approve the 11/18/08 minutes made by Ms. Fuller, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion
passes, all in favor, minutes approved with minor edits.
V.
Public
Comments
A.
Scott
Flood: Mr. Flood commented that
the TownÕs 2009-2010 budget is 1% below their 2008-2009 budget. He suggested looking at decreasing the
School DistrictÕs 4% increase.
B.
David
Lancaster: Mr. Lancaster expressed
his disappointment that there were not more Budget Committee members at this
meeting.
C.
Marion
Paxton: Ms. Paxton inquired as to
why there were non-public budget items and if they should be under law, made
public. Dr. Blake responded that
they were items dealing with specific personnel and were therefore
non-public. Ms. Paxton suggested
that the details of that be made clearer on the agenda.
VI.
Staff
Reports/Presentations
A.
Principal
Bill Carozza (Harold Martin School):
á
In addition
to his written report to the Board, Mr. Carozza remarked that the old gym floor
will be replaced starting 12/20/08.
á
Mr. Luneau
gave ÒkudosÓ to Mr. Carozza for the Web 2.0 Outreach.
B.
Principal
Michael Bessette (Maple Street School):
á
In addition
to his written report to the Board, Mr. Bessette noted that student Kevin
Donahue, who was congratulated at a previous meeting for winning a computer for
the school, actually gave the school two computer systems – the one he
won as well as one his uncle donated.
C.
Principal
Steve Chamberlin (Hopkinton Middle-High School):
á
In addition
to his written report to the Board, Mr. Chamberlin congratulated the GirlÕs
Varsity Soccer Team for being recognized for not receiving any yellow cards all
season.
á
Ms. Fuller
asked how many responses are expected from the online survey of recent
graduates? Mr. Chamberlin
responded that with the phone interviews they received about a 40% response,
the outlook is promising for the online survey as well.
á
Mr. Luneau
congratulated the recent inductees to the National Honor Society and noted that
it was quite an achievement. He
asked what specific criteria they look for? Mr. Chamberlin responded that there are national as well as
district-based criteria, mainly focusing on academics, service, leadership and
character.
D.
Superintendent
Dr. Brian Blake:
á
In addition
to his written report to the Board, Dr. Blake noted that the white paper on
Hopkinton 2.0 (H2O) will be posted on the website tomorrow. Mr. Luneau asked how the Board would be
made aware of schedules, or receive progress updates on the H2O process? Dr. Blake responded that he will be
reporting on a monthly basis. Mr.
Yunich asked if there was a timeline for deliverables? Dr. Blake responded yes, as they move
forward. The subcommittees are
choosing their groups now and reports will be expected starting in February.
á
Dr. Blake
also attended the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony and commented on
what a nice ceremony it was.
á
Mr. Luneau
asked how ÒTough Choices, Tough TimesÓ by Marc Tucker, relates to the model for
the school calendar for next year?
Dr. Blake responded that it discusses ways to restructure education,
including exit exams for students leaving earlier and the opportunity to attain
college credits sooner. Mr. Luneau
expressed his appreciation that New Hampshire was selected for this initiative
and hopes Hopkinton benefits. A
link to information on ÒTough Choices, Tough TimesÓ will be posted on the
website.
á
Mr. Donahue
asked if when reviewing goals with the Leadership Team were any of the goals
moved, noting his concern over burnout.
Dr. Blake responded that they were not necessarily moved or changed, but
priorities were set.
E.
Business
Administrator Michelle Clark (Financial Report):
á
Ms. Clark
reviewed the month end financials for the month of October. She also discussed a memo regarding
revised expenditure numbers, due to an incremental adjustment in the number of
credits with tuition reimbursement per the HEA contract.
VII.
Comments From
The Hopkinton School Board
A.
Mr. Luneau
noted that he was invited to and attended the Department of Resources and
Economic DevelopmentÕs Economic Summit.
Although he was the only School Board member there, it was a very
educational-based conference. He
commented that it was nice to see that New Hampshire is concerned with
education and the future of it for our workers.
VIII.
Items For Board
Discussion
A.
Budget
2009-2010:
á
Dr. Blake
presented on the challenges of cutting the 2009-2010 budget to a 2.5% increase
and a 0% increase, and what that would mean to delivering education as we know
it in the Hopkinton School District.
Mr. Donahue noted that a break out of the budget line items would be
helpful, he also asked about the budget cuts being asked of the
Government. Dr. Blake responded
that those cuts are specifically for the Department of Education, the direct
effect on us will be through building and catastrophic aid reductions. It may also offset our bond interest
payment, directly affecting the budget.
IX.
Public
Comments
A.
Merle
Dustin: The DAR contest deadline
is 12/19.
B.
David
White: It is hard for the public
to understand the budget discussion with all of the account numbers being
read. Also, budget cuts will be
damaging for the kids in the ÒmiddleÓ – a law of unintended
consequences. There will not only
be a Òbright flightÓ, but students in the middle as well, and a public
unrest. Perhaps education bonds
(similar to war bonds)?
C.
Rebecca
Briccetti: Also agrees about
children in the middle. The
community has enthusiasm regarding H2O and thinks itÕs a great step forward
– when deliberating, please think outside of the box, consider new
paradigms, and remember why so many families come to live here.
D.
Richard
Brandt: Regarding putting a link
to ÒTough Choices, Tough TimesÓ on the website, we should also counter with
other viewpoints.
E.
Martha
Madsen-Greabe: Suggested that the
schools also consider survey to parents and the community at large to find out
what the concerns are. Also noted
that the social environment at the schools is a very prevalent problem.
F.
David
Lancaster: Are the reimbursements
cuts for building funds from the state current or future? Dr. Blake answered that currently it is
prorated at 85%, next year it will prorated again. Mr. Lancaster suggested that the Board try to hold the state
responsible for the money they already approved. Mr. Lancaster then asked that the budget committee be
e-mailed the dates of the district budget workshops and suggested that the
Board look at the trends of lunches sold as an effect on the budget.
G.
Karen
Irwin: Ms. Irwin asked the Board
if there were any H2O initiatives incorporated into the budget or budget
process? Dr. Blake responded that
it would be difficult to point to any one line in the budget, but overall,
efficiencies are being examined at every stage of the process, for example, the
energy audits and printing costs that have already been examined.
H.
Rob
Thompson: Mr. Thompson asked where
the 0 and 2.5 numbers came from in Dr. BlakeÕs presentation. Mr. Donahue responded that they are
examples for the purpose of defending the current proposed budget. It is important to know what the
challenges are and to be prepared.
X.
Action Items
A.
Recommend the
Hopkinton School Board approve the early retirement of Curt Martin, effective
June 30, 2009. Mr. Donahue
motioned, Ms. Durant seconded, all in favor, motion carries with regret and best
wishes.
B.
Recommend the
Hopkinton School Board approve the early retirement and accept the resignation
of Linda Walsh, effective June 30, 2009.
Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Fuller seconded, all in favor, motion carries
with regret and best wishes.
C.
Recommend the
Hopkinton School Board approve budget adjustment 2009-08 in the amount of
$1000.00 for unexpected out of district special education transportation
costs. Ms. Fuller motioned, Ms.
Durant seconded, all in favor, motion carries.
D.
Recommend the
Hopkinton School Board approve the SuperintendentÕs recommendation of winter
coaches for the 2008-2009 winter sports season, a combined total cost of
$30,589.00. Ms. Fuller motioned,
Mr. Donahue seconded, all in favor, motion carries.
XI.
Ms. Fuller
moved at 9:30 p.m. and Mr. Donahue seconded that the Board enter non-public
session as provided in (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) to discuss negotiations,
personnel, and budget. Motion
passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant, Ms. Fuller, Mr. Luneau and
Mr. Yunich, (all) in favor.
XIII.
Following a
motion by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Fuller, the board voted to seal the
minutes of the non-public session for one year. Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant,
Ms. Fuller, Mr. Luneau and Mr. Yunich, (all) in favor.
XIV.
Motion to
adjourn by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Fuller. Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant,
Ms. Fuller, Mr. Luneau and Mr. Yunich, (all) in favor.
Adjourned at 11:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tara D. Graham
Hopkinton School Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Maple Street School, Hopkinton NH
Non-public minutes
XII. Non-Public
Session (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)).
During the non-public session, the Board discussed negotiations and
personnel.
Mr. Yunich motioned to come out of Non-Public Session. Second offered by Mr. Donahue. Roll call, all in favor. Board returned to Public Session at
11:34 p.m.
HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Administrative Unit #66
204 Maple Street
Contoocook, NH 03229
Hopkinton School Board
School Board Meeting/Budget Workshop
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
XII.
Chair David
Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Present: Chair David Luneau, School Board members Larry
Donahue, Liz Durant and Peter Yunich (excused at 7:40 p.m.), Superintendent Dr.
Brian Blake, Business Administrator Michelle Clark, Director of Student
Services Dr. Val Aubry, Director of Technology Matt Stone, Principal Steve
Chamberlin, Principal Michael Bessette, Principal Bill Carozza, and Assistant
Principal Chris Kelley.
XIII.
Budget
Discussion
á Mr. Luneau: housekeeping:
This is a regular board meeting with a special purpose. The School Board has developed a userÕs
guide and copies are available tonight at the meeting, or on the website. There may be a time opened later in the
evening for public comments.
á Dr. Blake: Two weeks ago a budget with a 2.54% increase (not inclusive
of negotiated agreements) was presented.
Last meeting the Leadership Team was asked to look at two different
scenarios – a 2.5% overall budget and a 0% budget. Purpose tonight should be to answer any
questions from the Board and receive guidance on where to go from here. Also note that the budget and contracts
are voted on in separate warrant articles by the voters.
á Mr. Donahue: Three years ago (the last time agreements were negotiated)
the operating budget was in one column for review and the contract agreements
were in a separate column – it would be a good idea to also have a ÒnetÓ
column, to have an idea of the overall impact.
á Mr. Yunich: It is a labor vs. non-labor separation, it is easier to
compare variable costs year to year and easier for the general public to
understand.1
á Mr. Donahue: What does a successful budget workshop look like? What are we trying to accomplish
tonight before we leave? – Completing the packet? Looking at line items? Naming a percent (landing zone) to work
towards?
á Mr. Luneau: We need to provide a clear message to the Superintendent
regarding what the School Board is expecting for the budget that they will be
behind recommending.
á Mr. Donahue: Are there any changes since the other presentations?
á Ms. Clark: We are revenue neutral with education grants/state aid. We will be short $6500.00 in building
aid this year and that is subject to change for the following year up until
September 1st. We are
hopeful that there will not be a decrease as there was this year.
á Dr. Blake: Experience from the past has been that the Board work from
the budget presented by the Superintendent, which would keep the negotiated
contract agreements out of the equation for the purpose of a percent budget
increase. The voters will decide
whether to add the contract amounts as well when they vote on the different
warrant articles.
á Mr. Yunich: When the budget is presented, the voters should be looking
at the total amount.
á Mr. Luneau: The information can be hard for the public to understand and
separate, we want to make it as easy as possible. It is also very important to compare apples to apples
– a total in non-bargaining years as well as bargaining years.
á Mr. Donahue: It is also easy to mislead people and we want to avoid that.
á Mr. Luneau: We should be looking at the big picture – personnel
and non-personnel related.
á Dr. Blake: Goal is to leave the meeting tonight with all the BoardÕs
questions asked and answered. The
charge is to be able to vote on a budget to present by our next meeting.
á Mr. Luneau: Suggest starting with where we add and subtract items, then
discuss the 0% and 2.5% examples, then establish priorities in the budget. Does the new spreadsheet received today
contain the negotiated agreements.
á Ms. Clark: The current spreadsheet contains the HEA proposed agreement.
á Mr. Luneau: In the Schedule B reductions, how were they arrived at and
how many students will be effected by the cuts/reductions?
á Mr. Chamberlin: HS Drama Club – students will still have Fall and Spring performances,
just not as many other chances to perform throughout the year. MS Alpine – 6-8 students, chosen because it
has the fewest kids, loss of instructional time and the highest expense per
member. MS Field Hockey B – 15 students, will cut 6th
graders, 7th and 8th will all be combined onto one team. MSS Peer Leader Advisor – 25-30 students, hoping the Peer
Leader program will continue on a volunteer basis (Mr. Yunich commented that
authorization from the Union would be needed for this to happen). Sue Pisinski Lab – will still have equipment on
site, but teachers will have to access it independently. Artist In Residence Coordinators (2
positions) – will
double the workload on the other two coordinators.
á Mr. Luneau: What are the savings from the Schedule B adjustments?
á Ms. Clark: $12,753.00.
á Mr. Luneau: How was the heating oil/gas costs arrived at? When does our current fuel contract
expire?
á Ms. Clark: These were numbers agreed to by the energy buying group we
are a part of. Our current
contract expires June 30, 2009.
á Mr. Yunich: It would be useful to poll where we believe we are to
ÒlandÓ, percentage-wise, to provide a direction for the Leadership Team. It would also be good to know that if
these items suggested are cut, that there are still enough alternatives for the
students to maintain the richest possible education experience, while remaining
in our Òlanding zoneÓ.
á Mr. Chamberlin: We tried to get to a number that the Leadership Team was
comfortable with, while trying to also reduce the impact as much as possible.
á Mr. Donahue: If given a year or two to focus on the and increase revenue,
what might we look at? Perhaps
activity fees? Parent
transportation to extracurricular activities to keep the programs whole?
á Ms. Durant: Athletics are one thing, but there are many other areas to
also consider. Can we purchase
online books?
á Mr. Yunich: We need to look at the inefficiencies of a stand-alone
school of our size with student numbers declining. How do we maintain our quality of education at a reasonable
cost? It may mean costs, but they
donÕt have to be detrimental.
á NOTE: Mr. Yunich excused due to illness, asked for the contents of
his ÒbiasÓ (an e-mail to Dr. Blake) be submitted into record – Mr. Luneau
read the document later in the meeting.
á Mr. Luneau: Having now analyzed the 0% and 2.5% samples, would it shift
any priorities?
á Dr. Blake: The Leadership Team had the expectation for clear direction
and a landing zone, reprioritizing is planned for the next Leadership Team
meeting.
á Mr. Donahue: Would it be efficient to discuss at what obvious areas we
can get creative with cuts? Have
there been any changes with food service?
á Ms. Clark: We will not be replacing one position next year. Any other changes we will not know
until closer to the District meeting.
Funds allocated for food service are only $1.00 – it is a revenue
vs. expense program and has been running at a deficit.
á Ms. Durant: What is our arrangement with DriverÕs Ed? Could we look at creatively funding the
books?
á Ms. Clark: Revenue offsets the line in the budget, it is
self-sustaining.
á Mr. Luneau: Is there anything in the budget that would go against the
principles of H2O?
á Ms. Durant: Could we reallocate any funds and save at the same time?
– The Curriculum Coordinator position – would it help to bring
efficiencies to our operations, therefore cost effective in the long-run?
á Mr. Carozza: It is difficult to coordinate throughout the entire district
when we do not have one person focusing solely on curriculum.
á Mr. Bessette: Helps the total alignment throughout the system.
á Mr. Stone: Technology tries to receive the most bang for the buck
– it is impossible for us to predict what we will buy 18 months down the
line.
á Mr. Luneau: Back to guidance and landing zoneÉ we should focus on new
revenue sources and look at educational programs and services. WeÕd like to see the minimum impact on
students participating in current programs.
á Ms. Durant: We do not want to lose sight of what our goal is – to
invest in our kidsÕ educations as much as we can, within our means. The Leadership Team has worked
diligently to find programs that are not as, or no longer as valuable to our
students – prioritizing these things go directly to the bottom line
– the kids.
á Mr. Donahue: What is the total percentage of the current proposed budget
increase? What do we want to get
to?
á Mr. Luneau: We would like to get to what we were at last year, a 3.68%
increase, we are currently at 4.91%.
We should be looking towards any revenue source we can to get to that
number.
á Ms. Durant: How many students are in the vocational program?
á Mr. Chamberlin: 12 student who participate their junior and senior years.
XIV.
Public
Comments
á Allan Bloomquist:
1.
Last year
the economy was good and we were at a 3.68% increase, why a 4.91% increase when
the economy is bad?
2.
Hopkinton
has 18% with income under $10,000.00 and 15% under $25,000.00 – remember
the strain on taxpayers. Mr.
Donahue noted that these numbers also include individuals who work less than
full-time – including per diem and part-time workers, retirees,
teenagers/students, etc.
3.
The first
things usually cut in business are conferences, travel, etc.
4.
At the
appropriate point, it would be helpful if the budget packet can be e-mailed out
or available on the website.
á Jim Lewis:
1.
Would we be
spending additional revenue that we found as well as adding 3.68%? (Mr. Luneau answered, ÒNoÓ)
2.
2.5% would
be easier to stomach than 3.68%
á David Lancaster:
1.
Appreciate
the hard work the Board and Leadership Team have put into this process.
2.
Would like
to see how much weÕve saved from the early retirement program.
3.
Tax liens in
Hopkinton went from $20,000.00 in 2005 to $397,000.00 currently. Mr. Luneau noted that had a
conversation recently with a town official who commented that the tax revenues
had started coming in much better than originally anticipated.
XV.
Motion to
adjourn by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Durant. Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant,
and Mr. Luneau (all) in favor.
Adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tara D. Graham