Georgia Board of School Directors

March 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM – Georgia School Library

Special Meeting (Community Budget Presentation)

MINUTES

Board Present: Jennifer Petrie, Carl Laroe, Doug Bergstrom, Irene Bonin

Administrators: Bruce Chattman, Frank Calano, Flora Hurteau, Chris Sumner

Others: Lorie Bechard, Amy Rider, Teresa Rideout, Pat Rideout, Candy Granger, Heather Grimm, Fred Grimm, Julie Chiappinelli, Rep. Gary Gilbert

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:05PM

II. FY2010 Budget Presentation to Community

The FY2010 budget was presented by the Board, including:

• There was a 4-year budget comparison and chart depicting the overall budget allocation. 78% of the budget goes to direct student instruction.

• High School Tuition: It was noted that Georgia is a “choice” town and has not control over these costs. Increases are due to an unanticipated HS tuition bill that the school needs to pay. Private school tuition rate is based on the state average. There has been a large increase this year in BFA St. Albans tuition, which is one of the more expensive schools that our students attend.

• Budget highlights included expansion of the kindergarten program, consolidation of transportation to a single bus run, FWSU assessment of costs to GEMS will mean better utilization of technology services. There is a net reduction in the budget of 0.5 FTE. The school day will be expanded. Additional reductions totaling $77,000 were made to the budget following the Governor’s letter.

• The Board discussed reasons for a single bus run including increased contact time with students, decreased fuel costs, and increased length of school day to compare with the region.

• Changes in the general fun provided more detail of the previously explained highlights.

• An enrollment snapshot was also given which shows that GEMS has been fairly consistent over the past 8 years.

• NECAP recognized Elementary Principal Flora Hurteau’s hard work over the past 4 years. The scores show how many meet or exceeded the standard. GEMS students are doing really well! There has been a lot of professional development in writing, reading, and literacy. GEMS scores are very good compared to the State also. Science is an area that GEMS will now focus on.

• The Board explained the estimated tax impact of the budget and the school tax rate in light of the CLA (common level of appraisal). Georgia’s CLA dropped this year. Rep. Gilbert explained the income sensitivity, which provides financial assistance to homeowners.

• The Board showed the how GEMS compares with other schools in regards to

amount spent per student.

• A slide showed how the school is funded.

There was discussion and questions from the community regard the reduction in special education, which is due to a student’s change in location.

There was discussion about kindergarten and the single bus run. Flora noted that in her experience there have not been any issues around young children being with the older kids. Currently older and younger students already ride the bus together. There was a question about whether the kindergarten sessions would remain at four 70% classes if the budget fails. The Board explained that yes, it would remain the same because the current budget allows for three full days and one 70% day.

III. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm.