BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

 

Special Budget Study Session

March 17, 2009

 

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mrs. Blaauboer, Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo,
Mrs. Grey, Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins

OTHERS PRESENT:

Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky, Mrs. Longhurst,
Dr. Robinson, Ms. Wetmore

 

The Special Budget Study Session of the Board of Education was called to order at 7 p.m.

 

Mrs. Grey called for a moment of silence in recognition of the passing of John Rainville, an Arongen custodian.

 

Mrs. Grey led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Mrs. Grey pointed out the exits from the meeting room.

 

1.   ADOPT AN AGENDA

 

MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to accept the agenda as presented.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

 

2.   BOARD COMMENTS/REPORTS

 

Several Board members expressed compliments to Dora Myers and all those involved who worked to produce a wonderful play. 

 

Mr. DiLallo noted that he has been reaching out to various organizations and political leaders to try to get some sense of what is happening with the State budget process and the use of the Federal stimulus funds, but to no avail. 

 

3.   SPECIAL PRESENTATION

 

Mr. Jody A. Paige, Manager of the T.A. Predel Company, presented the District with a plaque for the largest quantity of recycled paper over the last year.  Dr. Robinson noted that this award is in many ways a recognition of hard work by many to make Shenendehowa a much more environmentally sound organization.

 

 

 

STUDY SESSION TOPICS

 

2009-10 Budget:  Expenditure and Revenue Analysis

 

Dr. Robinson provided the Board with a comprehensive explanation of the various steps that have transpired over the past several months to reach the current budget bottom-line.  It was noted that this is a draft budget and the goal is to realize approximately $4.4 million dollars in reductions.  Ms. Wetmore provided a detailed analysis of the areas of reductions.  Dr. Dutkowsky provided an explanation of how the proposed reduction in staffing will be handled, as well as highlighting the fact that many will be offset by vacant positions or impending vacancies due to retirements.  The current draft budget proposal calls for the expenditure of $147,447,257, which represents a 0.90% (less than 1%) increase over the last year, and a tentative tax levy increase of 2.80%.  It was noted by Dr. Robinson, and then reiterated by Mrs. Grey, that the proposed budget at this time is actually lower than the contingent budget calculation, which is $150,742,595.  The Board will be discussing the budget proposal again on March 24, at which time public comment is invited.  The goal is to adopt the budget at the March meeting.

 

Draft 2009-2010 School Calendar (information item)

 

Mrs. Longhurst presented a draft version of the 2009-10 school calendar.  She pointed out several key factors that make this calendar different from last year, with the most notable being the scheduling of the Fall Superintendent’s Conference Day prior to Labor Day.  She noted that the reason for doing so was to provide for 184 days in the calendar.  The document will be for review and feedback from the Board was requested.  The goal is to have the calendar approved by the Board at the March 31 or April 7 Board meeting.

 

4.   ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION BY Mr. Mincher, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 p.m.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Dr. Oliver L. Robinson

                                                                  Superintendent of Schools

 

 

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board