School Board Meeting June 9, 2008

Regular Special Board Meeting June 9, 2008
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

Minutes

At 5:00 p.m. Chair Edie Brooks called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Vern Newby, Diane Zipperer, Christie Wood and Sid Fredrickson were present.

2007-2008 Budget Amendment Hearing – Mrs. Brooks opened the hearing.
Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs spoke about the revenue changes per emergency levy, tort levy adjustments, and miscellaneous. The district experienced a support unit drop, which is why we received less from state. Also seen was an increase in expenditures; spending in special services was higher than expected. Development of IEP’s and lower Medicaid reimbursement led to a shortfall of approximately 1 million dollars. To mitigate the problem, a moratorium was placed on contracted services, and the district delivered services in-house when possible. Intense training on Medicaid and the reimbursement process took place. Significant adjustments were made in supplies and capital objects to offset salaries and purchased services. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is attached to the original minutes.

Mr. Fredrickson asked about reimbursement of Medicaid at 1 million. Mr. Newby asked if controls are now in place for special services contracted services. Mr. Briggs noted that service delivery is being provided where possible without outside contracted services. Ms. Bauman added that the district is looking to hire their own service providers; a significant savings. Mrs. Wood noted the enhanced training of staff was discussed last year and asked why controls weren’t in place. Mr. Briggs responded that decisions regarding contracts in special education were being made within buildings and there was a lack of control for staying with line items within budgets. Many individuals believed contracted services were Medicaid reimbursable and some were not. Ms. Bauman noted that special education budgets have been broken down building by building and shared with principals who have authority to obligate funds; this helped paint a clearer picture for principals.

Dennis Hendrickson, CDA spoke about impact fees that can be charged to mitigate the impact of building and development in order to protect existing citizens. Idaho Code 67-6513 does not dismiss local authority. He asked that the district superintendent attend planning and zoning meetings. The statute is in place and he implored the Board to use this to rid the community of levies. He asked the extent of overruns in special education programs. The amount according to Mr. Briggs is $1,075,000. Ms. Bauman noted she has had lengthy conversations with Mr. Hendrickson and the district will look at this as a possible solution. Mr. Newby who has been very involved at the state level with Idaho School Boards Association and the legislation said he will be interested in hearing additional information.

With no further comments, Mrs. Brooks closed the budget amendment hearing.

2008-2009 Budget Hearing – Mrs. Brooks opened the hearing.
Mr. Briggs stated that 83% of the general fund comes from the State of Idaho, and 15% from levies. He spoke about the process of rolling numbers forward to make projections and based on those numbers, next years enrollment is projected. These projections tend to be conservative. Allocations are based on retirements, resignations, assignment changes, increased salary schedule for longevity and educational credits, and costs of operation. Ms. Bauman discussed some of the identified budget challenges: Cuts of $2,037,585 were made and will not affect programs. Additionally, building principals identified amounts that could be cut from their building budgets. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is attached to the original minutes.

Mr. Briggs shared the proposed budget of $61,870,000. Expenditures: sixty-three percent goes to salaries and twenty-two percent to benefits. Rate of attendance, less enrollment growth, fund balance lower than projected or unexpected cost increases could change the budget picture. Mr. Newby asked about textbooks purchased this year (K-5 language arts), these have been purchased however there are currently no funds for adoption purchase in FY 2010 and we will be dependant on supplemental levy funds. Additionally, the next adoption will be a priority purchase upon passage of levy. Ms. Bauman extended an invitation to community members to participate in a finance task force; many cuts will affect children, a task force will include people who have a background in finance. Mrs. Brooks recommended that the task force be a standing committee and to also look for public input as budget planning takes place. The community will feel more ownership. Treasurer Julie Day thanked Tom Hobson, Barbara King and Ethan Haberman for their assistance in bringing the budget information packet forward.

Dennis Hendrickson, CDA asked about cancellation of the district summer school; these students need remediation and will they be left behind, is there any help through the virtual academy. Ms. Bauman explained that the elementary and middle school programs were cancelled and the district is proceeding with high school program. Elementary and middle school students will receive remediation beginning in September during the regular school year. Summer programs are never long enough so efforts made this fall will be helpful.

With no further comments, Mrs. Brooks closed the hearing.

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum – Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the agenda as presented, passed 5-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board – None

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:
A. Personnel
B. Consultant Contracted Services
C. Computer Purchase
Ms. Bauman noted that the consultant contract was for a school improvement coach who will work with staff at Project CDA; this school needs the most assistance to meet AYP and the law requires this.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the consent agenda, passed 5-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items

CHS Expansion Project – Incoming superintendent Hazel Bauman spoke about the proposal to expand facilities at CHS. This was first presented to the Board at the June 2nd meeting. A survey was posted on the district website, resulting in 217 responses - 91% were in agreement that the proposal was a good idea.

Motion by Mr. Newby to accept the proposal depending on certification of building plans and complete funding to be secured prior to the start of construction, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

Approval of 2007-2008 Amended Budget – Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the amended budget as presented, passed 5-0.

Approval of 2008-2009 Budget – Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the budget as presented, passed 5-0.

Meeting recessed at 6:00 p.m.

Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Newby for Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. Roll call vote: Brooks, Newby, Fredrickson, Zipperer, Wood each “yes”.

Meeting returned to open session at 7:55 p.m.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Edie Brooks, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 6:10 pm, in accordance with Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent.

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