BOARD OF EDUCATION
Special Budget Proposal Meeting
April 1, 2008
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mrs. Grey, Mr. Huff, Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Mr. DiLallo |
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OTHERS PRESENT: |
Ms. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky, Mrs. Longhurst, Mr. Melia, Dr. Robinson, Mr. Smith, Dr. Snyder, Ms. Wetmore |
Mr. Casey called the Special Budget Proposal Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7 p.m.
Mr. Casey led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Announcements
Mr. Casey announced that this special meeting is to allow budget discussion by the Board of Education and hopefully adopt the 2008-2009 school budget amount. Our goal is to continue to meet legal obligations by adopting the 2008-09 school budget 45 days before the mandated vote date.
Mr. Casey pointed out the exits from the meeting room.
1. ADOPT AN AGENDA
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the agenda be approved as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2. BOARD COMMENTS ON THE 2008-09 PROPOSED
BUDGET
Ms. Wetmore and Dr. Robinson provided handouts to the Board of Education showing highlights of the 2008-09 proposed budget. Ms. Wetmore pointed out that the only item that has changed is the BOCES State Aid. We are anticipating that BOCES Aid will be reinstated to its actual level. Dr. Robinson noted that it is important that we look at revenues. We need to prepare for the future. It’s important to work to have a fund balance nearer the 4% rather than go closer to 2%.
Mr. Mincher asked if we have “whittled” the budget down too much. Dr. Robinson feels that we are in good standing and he would not recommend something to the Board that would put us in jeopardy. It is better to try to balance over the years rather than have spikes.
Mr. Huff is in strong support of having a cushion for future flexibility. Mr. Casey commented that the issue of cushioning is a balancing act and we have to cushion for the taxpayer. We support going to the 4% fund balance for the cushion. We try to meet a middle ground and we need to maintain momentum, public support and great programs.
Mrs. Bowles had a concern with revenues. What impact would there be if the state-wide revenues don’t come through? We should also give some consideration to the expenditure side so we don’t have to rely on the fund balance. We should probably look at new expenditures and priorities.
Mrs. Grey said she doesn’t think she has ever scrutinized a budget as much as she has this one because we all feel a result of it. She feels that there is very little room on the expenditure side to eliminate. She is very pleased that we found some revenues to address the tax rate and she would support this budget. We need to keep things under a microscope throughout the year to prioritize.
Mr. Casey stated that we need to have a plan to monitor the spending. Dr. Robinson responded by saying that our past code structure was complex and made it difficult to provide information to the Board. The Appropriation Status Report, that can now be prepared, will show us immediately where we stand. We will also be asking for authorization. We have to anticipate positions for the fall, but they may not be needed. However, we need Board authorization to do so. Beginning April 8, the Appropriate Status Report will be provided every month. We look forward to being able to monitor the budget more effectively.
Mr. Huff asked if savings were realized in the budget with teachers retiring and new teachers starting at a lower rate. Dr. Robinson responded by saying we don’t budget that tightly. We want to be able to hire a more qualified person if they are available.
Mrs. Bowles noted that it is critical that a conservative look is taken at additional expenditures.
Mrs. Wiggins thanked Ms. Wetmore for the hard work and dedication she provided in putting the budget together. She led everyone present in a round of applause for Ms. Wetmore.
3. ACTION ITEM
a. Adoption of Proposed 2008-2009
School Budget
MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Grey, that the Board of Education of Shenendehowa Central School District is hereby authorized to expend a budgeted One Hundred Forty-six Million, One Hundred Thirty-four Thousand, Three Hundred Ninety-four Dollars ($146,134,394) during the 2008-09 school year and to levy the necessary tax therefore.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mr. Mincher provided a budget analysis document he prepared showing enrollments and proposed budgets for school districts similar to Shenendehowa within New York State. The document indicated that Shenendehowa is comparable with other districts.
4. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk
of the Board