December 16, 2008 at Georgia School Library
Board Present: Jennifer Petrie, Doug
Bergstrom, Carl Laroe, Irene Bonin, Casey Hager
Administrators: Armando Vilaseca, Frank Calano
Others:
I. Call
to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:15PM
II. FY10 Budget Work Session
● Full
Day Kindergarten Discussion – Doug provided some information regarding the
full-day kindergarten program from past years at GEMS and a comparison from
some different states regarding their programs. Doug proposed a policy regarding the current program. Casey suggested a three-day and a 0.75
program. Doug’s proposal would involve
a RIF (reduction in force). Flora
conducted a survey of parents who have children in the half-day program. Only one parent said they would want to keep
the 0.5 program. The point of Doug’s
policy is to keep one classroom at 0.7 and maintain a choice for parents. There were public comments regarding the
program.
ACTION: Motion by Jennifer Petrie to
approve the kindergarten program for three full days, one 0.7 day, seconded by
Casey Hager, approved unanimously.
● Single
Bus Run – There is a proposal for a single bus run. The school has gone out to bid for a new bus
contract. This may allow some
flexibility for an activities bus.
Chris gave some different options regarding the bus costs. Armando distributed information regarding
additional revenues from grants and special education, which must be reported
as an increase in the budget. The state
is anticipating the average school budget increase to be 4.7%. A single bus run would gradually increase
the school day. It will also save on
fuel.
● Approved Finalized FY10 Budget Proposal
–
ACTION: Motion by Casey Hager for a budget proposal
under 4%, seconded by Jennifer Petrie, approved unanimously.
III. School Board Seat
Schedule – There are three
seats open. Two one year positions and
one three year position.
IV. Other –
● Community
Forum Discussion – Irene submitted a proposal from the Steering Committee
to change the date and the format.
There was a request for the member’s names that are on the Steering
Committee.
ACTION: Motion by Irene Bonin to
change the date of the Community Forum to March 30, 2009 with an alternate date
of March 31, 2009, seconded by Jennifer Petrie, approved unanimously.
● Jennifer
Petrie excluded herself from this discussion.
There was a memo distributed from Chris regarding the tax payment that
was paid late. It is the responsibility
of the town to ensure this payment is made in a timely fashion. This same scenario happened last year. Doug has asked for some clarification
regarding the payment process.
● Doug received a letter from the State stating
the COD is at 8.75.
● Town of Georgia Auditors have requested the
books for audit.
V. Executive Session (Bus
Contract) – Motion by
Irene Bonin to enter Executive Session at 8:25PM, seconded by Casey Hager,
approved unanimously. No action as
a result of Executive Session, exited Executive Session at 8:30PM.
VI. Upcoming Meetings
● FWSU Quarterly Meeting: December 17th
at 7PM at Fairfax Community Library
● Regular Board Meeting: January 6th at
6PM at Georgia School Library
● Special Budget Meeting: January 13th at 6PM at Georgia School Library