SAU #35 EXECUTIVE BOARD DATE: NOV. 7, 2007
SAU CENTRAL OFFICE TIME: 5:30 PM
262 COTTAGE STREET
LITTLETON, NH 03561
MINUTES
PRESENT: Chairman James Payette; Board Members Mary Beaudin, Tina Peabody, Oliver Cole, Barry Liveston; Superintendent Patrick Low; Business Administrator Sally Waterhouse.
Chairman Payette called the Board meeting to order at 5:35 PM.
PUBLIC INPUT – None
MOTION BY BARRY LIVESTON, SECONDED BY MARY BEAUDIN TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 3, 2007 MEETING AS WRITTEN. The following correction was requested:
Page 2, paragraph 2, line 2 should read. . . was set at $92,700 . . . .
ALL IN FAVOR WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED CORRECTION, MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Payette asked if questions raised at the last meeting pertaining to the $3,505 for the switch; over expenditure of the copy machine line and the notation of PRIDE program had been addressed. Business Administrator Sally Waterhouse along with Board members confirmed that all questions had been answered in a timely manner.
APPROVAL OF BILLS / FINANCIAL REPORT
Manifests were circulated for Board review and information.
Business Administrator Sally Waterhouse distributed copies of the Financial Report for Board review and information noting that the current projected year end balance is $14,675.49. This is a bit higher than previously projected due to a gain in the revenue portion.
Business Administrator Waterhouse advised the Board that the auditors form Plodzik & Sanderson have been at the SAU performing the District audits. All have been completed with the exception of the SAU whose audit will be completed in the near future. Superintendent Low advised the Board that he had discussed the School Activities funds with the auditors as this is an area that has had problems in the past.
JOB MAPPING REPORT / SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Chairman Payette commented that the Board is very appreciative of the time and effort put forth by the Central Office Staff in producing this report and the attention to detail provided by each member in their individual job mapping.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that when this exercise began he had no preconceived notion of what his recommendation would be. Superintendent Low also expressed his thanks to the Central Office Staff for their review and reflection on their positions and the data produced by all. Superintendent Low further stated that all positions are at 1.0 or above. As discussed in the past, staff members are reluctant to submit overtime. This can be addressed in Non-Public Session later in the evening if necessary.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that the he had requested anonymous brainstorming ideas from the staff but that none had been submitted. In retrospect, this is quite normal in an office of this size as it is impossible to remain anonymous when ideas are shared. Superintendent Low went of to share some ideas that he had and are summarized under the Brainstorming of Ideas included in the report. Among these suggestions are the need for less space in the future; possibility of personnel working at home with the appropriate soft and hardware in place; the limiting of janitorial services at the central office; a future cap on health insurance for new hires and the potential outsourcing of some services.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that his recommendation is to honor the numerous cuts made going into this school year and maintain staffing levels at present levels for the 2008-2009 school year. Superintendent Low summarized his key drivers in making this recommendation. He noted the staff’s dedication, pride in work, cross training and acceptance of new tasks as being exemplary and extremely professional. Superintendent Low also commented on the willingness by all staff to accept the responsibility of special education needs with the retirement of Assistant Superintendent Eckerman.
Barry Liveston advised that he feels that the recommendations put forth by the Superintendent are justified and were presented in a clear and concise manner. He suggested that the Superintendent present in a similar fashion to the various local Boards as well as making a sound recommendation at the upcoming Budget Hearing and Annual Meeting. Following a brief discussion, MOTION BY BARRY LIVESTON, SECONDED BY TINA PEABODY TO ACCEPT THE SUPERINTENDENTS RECOMMENDATIONS RESULTING FROM THE JOB MAPPING REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
Superintendent Low once again thanked the SAU Central Office Staff for their efforts.
2008-2009 BUDGET DISCUSSION
Business Administrator Sally Waterhouse distributed an updated cover letter, draft of the budget and the budget summary for Board review and information.
Business Administrator Waterhouse advised the Board that the budget has been adjusted to reflect the guaranteed maximum rates for health insurance and dental insurance. Retirement remains the same. She has included a 3.5% increase for all staff members. Superintendent Low’s contract will be in its third year for a salary of $94,750.
Business Administrator Waterhouse briefed the Board on the contents of the Budget Summary noting that the first section shows the budget and district shares without legal fee and using the $91,181 as the beginning balance. This would result in a total increase of $29,655.oo or 4.62%. The second section shows the budget and district share with legal fees and not using the $91,191 as the beginning balance. This reflects an increase of $120,836 or 18.83%.
Following a brief discussion on various aspects of the budget, Chairman Payette asked if members are comfortable with the 3.5% increase. Tina Peabody commented that the inflation index is currently at 2.5% and she is comfortable with the 3.5%. Other members concurred with this thought.
Barry Liveston asked the percentage employees pay towards there health coverage as he feels that his is a question that will be raised at the December meeting. This is a topic that has been heavily debated in the private sector. Mr. Liveston also stated that his Board in negotiations with both professional and support staff at this time and this is a very prominent issued. Following a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to leave the benefits as they are currently. It was suggested that the benefit package be reviewed for updating in the future with the current staff members possibly being grandfathered for benefit purposes. Chairman Payette requested that Mr. Liveston be prepared to address this issue at the December Full Board meeting and Mr. Liveston agreed to do so. Tina Peabody suggested that last year’s pie chart be on hand for review at that meeting. A brief discussion ensued.
Barry Liveston requested that the Superintendent and Legal Counsel look at the possibility of monies from the current litigation being returned to the contributing districts. Currently there doe not appear to be a mechanism for doing so. If SAU #35 was to prevail in the litigation could monies be returned? Mr. Liveston would appreciate this information in light of Lisbon doing a withdrawal study. A brief discussion ensued.
ESTABLISH SAU BUDGET HEARING DATE
It was determined that the SAU Budget Hearing will be held on Monday, November 19, 2007 at 5:00 PM at the Bethlehem Elementary School. The Full Board Meeting will be held on December 5, 2007 at 6:00 PM at the SAU Central Office.
MOTION BY MARY BEAUDIN, SECONDED BY BARRY LIVESTON TO ENTER INTO NON-PUBLIC SESSION AT 6:30 PM UNDER PARAGRAPH II, SECTION 2 OF RSA 91A:3 OF THE RIGHT TO KNOW LAW TO DISCUSS LEGAL AND PERSONNEL ISSUES TAKING SUPERINTENDENT LOW, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR WATERHOUSE. ALL IN FAVOR FOLLOWING A ROLL CALL VOTE, MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION BY TINA PEABODY, SECONDED BY BARRY LIVESTON TO RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION AT 6:47 PM. ALL IN FAVOR FOLLOWING A ROLL CALL VOTE, MOTION CARRIED.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Low called the Board’s attention to his written report which was contained in their agenda packets briefing the Board on the contents and fielding questions as necessary.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that his school visits are current. He visited Lisbon and Landaff yesterday. Superintendent Low further advised the Board that he follows these visits up by preparing an overview of each visit summarizing what was discussed and the classrooms he visits, etc. which is provided to the principals.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that SAU #35 will be hosting the North Country Superintendent’s meeting tomorrow, Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 8:30 AM. A major focus on their discussion will be the mandated initiatives already in place for schools to deal with along with the addition of the Arts and Education Survey. It is the consensus of the North Country Superintendents that these mandates have reached a critical level and these concerns need to be submitted to the Commissioner of Education. North Country Districts are small and do have the staffing to deal with all of the mandates while still conducting the business at hand of education their students.
Superintendent Low advised that he participates in the North Country Curriculum Team in conjunction with NCES. Currently the social studies curriculum is under review.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that he recently attended a workshop on the new Special Education Regulations and the new definition of LD identification.
Superintendent Low briefed the Board on anticipated changes in the special education transportation reimbursement which will take effect in early 2008.
Superintendent Low reminded the Board that the NHSBA Delegate Assembly in on Saturday, November 17, 2007.
Superintendent Low complimented the schools on the completion of the Fall Sports Programs noting that several teams made it to tournament competition. He is working with the principals and athletic directors to ensure that the basics are in place for successful/safe Winter Sports Programs.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that the NH Legislature is currently looking at the costs to provide and adequate education. They have chosen to utilize one of the lowest salaries in the state in the amount of $27,000 with no benefits. A brief discussion ensued.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that the next Administrative Team meeting will be held on December 4, 2007. A major focus of discussion will be the Professional Development Plan.
Superintendent Low called the Board’s attention to an article in the November 12th edition of Time Magazine entitled “Best Inventions of 2007” which he feels is very interesting and informative and would be a good teaching tool.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that the DOE is requesting that principals monitor Driver Education Offerings taking place in their buildings. Commissioner Tracy recognizes that in most instances, private contractors are providing the service but is suggesting that periodic visits take place to ascertain first hand what is taking place.
Superintendent Low advised the Board that in the coming months it is hoped that offerings for Gifted and Talented students will be enhanced.
Barry Liveston requested that copies of the NHSBA Legislative Updates be forward to the Board for information and review.
There being no further business to come before the Board, MOTION TINA PEABODY, SECONDED BY MARY BEAUDIN TO ADJOURN AT 7:15 PM. ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie Brown
Board Clerk