PEMBROKE SCHOOL BOARD – BUDGET WORK SESSION

PEMBROKE ACADEMY

PEMBROKE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2005

 

PRESENT:       Clint Hanson, Gerry Fleury, Rick Mitchell, Tom Serafin, Ry Weisiger, Susanne Whitbeck, Mona Kraus, Deb Bulkley, Mike Reardon, Tom Haley.

 

1.   Call to Order

 

      The Budget Work Session was called to order at 8:05 A.M. by Chair Clint Hanson.

 

2.      Immediate Business

 

A.  Citizens’ Comments

 

None

 

      B.   Budget Development

 

            Gerry Fleury reviewed the work of the MBC.  Of interest is that the selectmen intend to seek revision of the TIF from 50/05 to 90/10 so that less tax revenue would remain in the TIF and more tax revenue would revert to tax relief.  This would mean about $400,000 more would impact the tax rate formula.  The board feels it would like its tax rate sheet to reflect both current and changed versions.

 

           Tom Serafin discussed the CIP process and made the suggestion that technology and carpet/flooring replacement be removed as CIP items.  Both seem to be more annual operating expenses.  The school board agreed with this change.  Tom also discussed the need for more extensive window replacement sooner than the CIP currently indicates.  He feels that the board should consider bundling window replacement, roofing and heat controls for the district, as well as locker room upgrades at P.A., into a future bond issue.  Gerry Fleury spoke about the issues of retrofitting windows while the heating systems and air quality controls remain current.  Clint Hanson suggested completing a study of window/indoor climate issues to determine the best course of action.  The board agreed that Jonathan Burnham should be asked to investigate these issues and put together a plan.

 

            Numerous budget lines and specific proposed expenditures were reviewed and discussed.

 

            The board discussed salaries for non-certified and administrative personnel.  The decision was made to fund each area at 4.5% increase.

 

            Health insurance rates were discussed.  The board has received a proposal from the Local Government Center which would lower costs for a seemingly better product.  The board asked Tom Haley to calculate the financial effect of the new proposal and to discuss it with the teachers association.

 

            The percentage of increase in the tax rate and in expenditures was compared and discussed.  The board wants administration to draft a 5% cost increase budget, eliminating trust and reserve monies from consideration if possible.

 

            The costs and services budgeted for special education were examined in detail.  Tom Haley reviewed budget reductions which have been made in this area.

 

            Trust and reserve accounts were reviewed.  The board discussed which areas to fund and at what amounts.  The board decided to seek $200,000 total, $50,000 for Building Capital Reserve, $50,000 for special education, $50,000 for roadways, $25,000 for the equipment trust and $25,000 into instructional materials.

 

            The decision was made to seek to expend funds from the building reserve to replace the three roofs at Pembroke Academy.  Also, it was agreed to expend $25,000 from the equipment trust for equipment listed in the initiative list and $13,500 from the instruction trust.

 

4.   Adjournment

 

      At 11:45 A.M., a motion was made by Ry Weisiger, seconded by Rick Mitchell to adjourn the Work Session.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION CARRIED

 

      The next Pembroke School Board Meeting is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. at Pembroke Academy.

 

5.   Informational Items

 

      None