Budget Committee Meeting

Non-approved Minutes

January 12, 2006

Monadnock Regional MS/HS Library, Swanzey, NH

Members present: Gary Bednarski, Dick Bauries, Chair Jane Fortson, Robert Smith, Neil Moriarty, John Tommila, Stephen Russell, Robert Mitchell, Eric Stanley, Terry Clark, Tom Parker, Neal King, Karen Cota and Nancy Johnson. Absent: Don Arguin.

Administrators Present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum, T. Warner, Dir. of Technology and L. Biron, Business Manager.

Principals Present: M. Young, K. Craig, J. Smith, D. Mousette, S. Rashid, D. Dahl, B. Tatro and K. Carter.

J. Fortson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Public Hearing: J. Fortson explained that she would open the Public Hearing to the audience. She explained that she would read the article and invite the audience to address that Budget Committee. She would ask that the person speaking identify themselves and the town that they live in. She would like to limit the comments to 3 minutes.

J. Fortson read Article One. Public comments on Article One: B. Connell of Richmond commented on the increase in the proposed budget and the fact that each year it has a compounding effect. He commented on the teacher and the support staff contracts that are being asked for. He said that it is like a runaway locomotive. He commented on the heating oil and the gas increase. He said that the taxpayers would like to flat line the budget. He said that a 4 % increase is attainable or maybe 0 %. He said that he spoke to R. Bauries who spoke to Ms. McCullen about what each town would pay extra on a $100,000.00 house. He read all the town increases to the group. He then asked the Budget Committee to reduce the budget to 4% or less.

D. Mason of Swanzey, commented that we need to keep it going consistently and keep it running. We all pay taxes. He said that people paid taxes for me when I went to school and I will pay now. He made a comment asking if we want to become a Winchester Junior. He suggested cutting out the after school babysitting. He asked why we even have it. He suggested that the Budget Committee cut where they can but nothing that affects education. He said that the public told the School Board to cut MC2 and they didn’t. Why not?

W. Imon from Richmond said that he would like to compliment the Budget Committee. He said that there is a responsibility to the community. There needs to be a fair compromise but to stay within those numbers.

A citizen from Troy commented that the school system is low-balled with a default budget and we can not do it again. He said that his son attends Troy and he does not want to see that happen.

A citizen asked about the default budget. He questioned the difference between last year’s budget and this year’s budget. J. Fortson explained the increase in Spec. Ed. and the teachers increase. J. Fortson closed discussion on Article One.

J. Fortson read Article Two. Public Comments: No comments.

J Fortson read Article Three. Public Comments: P. Bauries asked that this be explained. L. Biron explained that based on the previous projects, the District would receive 55% back from the state. He explained that the $230,925.00 does not affect taxes. D. Bersaw from Richmond commented that if the money were applied to the budget it would reduce the budget. L. Biron said that was correct. It would stay on the revenue side.

J. Fortson read Article Four. Public Comments: P. Bauries asked if this figure was inclusive to the ins. L. Biron explained that it includes the step increases and negotiations. There is a savings of about $35,000.00 to the district because the teachers will be paying more out of their pockets. P. Bauries asked what the district pays for insurance. L. Biron said that the figure is in the 3.7 million range. P. Bauries commented that the savings is less than $35,000.00.

D. Bersaw asked if the contract has been signed. K. Dassau explained that the association and the Board have approved the contract. K. Dassau explained that if the contract is defeated all terms and conditions stay in effect.

D. Connell asked what the percentage is that the teachers would pay for insurance. J. Fortson explained that if passed it would be 88%-12%.

J. Fortson read Article Five. Public Comments: No comments.

J. Fortson read Article Six. Public Comments: No comments.

J. Fortson read Article Seven. Public Comments: S. Russell would like it clarified on who has the meeting. K. Dassau said the School Board. N. Moriarty called for a point of order. He said that the Budget Committee could still make recommendation on that article.

D. Bersaw asked why the meeting. K. Dassau explained that the intent is to give the School Board the ability to go and negotiate and talk about a new contract. N. Moriarty said that the number could not be changed at the deliberative session.

J. Fortson read Article Eight. Public Comments: P. Bauries asked what the list of health and safety issues were and if they were in dyer need. K. Cota read the list and explained that they were approved by the Facilities Committee. P. Bauries asked when the last time the buildings had the ducts cleaned. She asked about the cafeteria items on the list. K. Cota explained that the ducts have never been cleaned in about 40 something years. The cafeteria expansion was completed but there are specific items in the kitchen, which are safety concerns. P. Bauries asked if the duct cleaning was going out to bid. K. Cota explained that they would be getting 3 bids for anything over $5,000.00.

R. Tarbox asked if there would be a savings if they only did one school at a time. C. Dreyfuss said that it would be more expensive.

D. Connell asked what they are treating the ducts with. K. Cota explained that Servpro for instance would clean the ducts manually and there is no spraying involved.

J. Fortson read Article Nine. Public Comments: P. Bauries asked what the district spent over the past 3 or 4 years on architectural, engineering or design. Where are the reports and are they usable? L. Biron explained that they really have not spent any money. American Construction we did not pay. P. Bauries asked about the $60,000.00 that was funded a year ago. L. Biron said it was for the cafeteria and the possible fire walls to be constructed in this building.

J. Fortson read Article Ten. Public Comments: P. Bauries asked if the Board would explain why they are looking for a Facilities Director. K. Cota explained that the Facilities Committee has been working long hours. They would like to have one person in charge of all the facilities. The district has $42,000.000.00 in assets. This is the second most important cost. They believe that money could have been saved with this position. D. Connell asked if this position is independent or under L. Biron. K. Cota explained that this is a district position under K. Dassau. P. Bauries commented that the $70,000.00 does not include the benefits. J. Fortson said that she believes it includes the benefits. K. Dassau explained that the motion approved by the Board said salary only.

J. Fortson read Article Eleven. Public Comments: P. Bauries asked if this is for emergency maintenance. J. Fortson said yes. She explained that the $60,000.00 already in the account might be used for the new septic system. K. Dassau commented that is correct.

J. Fortson read Article Twelve. Public Comments: P. Bauries asked the administration to define this article. K. Dassau explained that for the last 4 years we have had the fund but in the past it was to come from an unreserved fund balance. There is about $54,000.00 plus in the account. He explained that the funds are now being asked to be raised. If they reach $200,000.00 the School Board and the Budget Committee may consider not funding the account for that year.

J. Fortson read Article Thirteen. Public Comments: B. Bohannon asked if this is something like Reverse 911. N. Moriarty said that it was and commented that is would be able to inform the 8 towns but it is primarily for the schools. It would be used by the towns only in high emergencies.

J. Fortson read Article Fourteen. Public Comments: P. Bauries asked who we are not paying. L. Biron commented that unfortunately it was an overrun from June 30, 2005 and the auditor even considered items in July part of this figure. L. Biron said that they are not asking for any action. They are working with the Budget Oversight Committee to cut this year.

J. Morgan commented that they owe the $210,147.00.

P. Bauries commented that a budget doesn’t get cut it gets decided.

J. Fortson read Article Fifteen. Public Comments: D. Bersaw asked if the article was saying that Monadnock would not tuition. K. Dassau explained that the Budget Committee and the School Board have no position on this issue. This is by petition. The first year it is exploratory and the second year is for a funding mechanism. K. Dassau said that it is to allow them to create a plan.

J. Fortson read Article Sixteen. Public Comments: No comments.

J. Fortson read Article Seventeen. Public Comments: J. Carnie from Richmond commented saying that MC2 was voted on by the district. The Budget Committee and the School Board need to take a serious look at this. There is a budget of $500,000.00 for 25 kids. The issue of the per-pupil cost still needs to be looked at. He said that if there needs to be cuts made make them where there is excess money. He commented that the MC2 would not end when the grant ends.

R. Allen of Swanzey commented on the low student teacher ratio to maintain. It is recommended that the students receive 4 years of English and the teachers have over 100% of the student body. The teachers are working between 52-60 hours a week. By cutting the staff is like taking a pick ax to the foundation of education.

R. Tarbox said that he does agree with the comments on the English dept. He said that he works 50-60 hours a week. He said that these are hard times for a lot of us. He said that he does not understand the numbers but the tax increase will affect him. He said that he works in a school district in Vermont and he pays 50% of the health care. The health care needs to be looked at.

C. Tarbox commented on the home heating oil problems. She said that she does not want to see that staff cut. She commented on the money that the district owes on the deficit and commented that they should stay within the budget.

K. Blodgett of Swanzey commented if you increase education you will flourish.

M. Beauregard asked why parents and retired people should have to struggle. He asked the Budget Committee to look within themselves when deciding the budget.

D. Connell commented on an article in the Keene Sentinel. He commented that pouring double in and you do not get a better product.

D. Bersaw commented that the Budget Committee and the School Board are out of touch. The people are looking for cuts from last year. He said that the process of education needs to be more efficient.

P. Bauries asked if there would be more information regarding Article One. Article One should be explained before the Deliberative Session. S. Russell commented that this is a public meeting and everyone had the opportunity to attend. Now is not the time to scream that they do not know what is on the budget. It is a matter of public record. He said that the Budget Committee has been here for months.

P. Bauries asked if there would be something available before the Deliberative Session. J. Fortson commented that the Budget Committee went to all the eight towns and that meetings were not well attended.

MOTION: T. Clark MOVED to allow M. Shepardson to speak. SECOND: R. Smith. VOTE: 14.93/0/0/1.07. Motion passes. M. Shepardson commented that she lives in Marlborough, which is a small town. She said that government regulations require mandates to the district. Times have changed and the school is trying to deal with it. She said that there use to be general aides in the classrooms but now they are Spec. Ed. Aides. We need to look at other ways to fund education.

MOTION: G. Bednarski MOVED to close the public session. SECOND: R. Smith. VOTE: 14.93/0/0/1.07. Motion passes.

Approval of Minutes: MOTION: N. Moriarty MOVED to approve the December 13, 2006 Budget Committee Minutes. SECOND: G. Bednarski. DISCUSSION: J. Fortson thanked M. Suarez for taking the minutes. VOTE: 14.19/0/.74/1.07. Motion passes.

2. Budget Committee Updates:

a. Default Budget Subcommittee Report: MOTION: N. Moriarty MOVED to disband the Default Committee. SECOND: ??????VOTE: 11.20/1.32/2.41/1.07. Motion passes.

b. School Board Facilities Committee Update: K. Cota reported that the Board met on January 3, 2006 and voted to accept the warrant articles with certain corrections on the support and teachers articles. They decided to wait and discuss the budget until after this meeting. They reviewed the first draft of the school calendar for 2006-2007. W. Cotton from the CCC was present and gave a presentation. R. Todd the attorney for the Surry group informed the Board that the Town of Surry would like to start the steps to withdraw from the district. The Board agreed to wait until April to bring up this issue. J. Fortson thanked K. Cota for her time on the Budget Committee.

c. Budget Oversight Subcommittee Report: J. Fortson reported that they met on January 11, 2006. They discussed the projected revenue to expense sheets. The anticipated revenue over expenses is $482,700.00. It is reported that they are moving in the right direction. It was reported that there are no big expenses on the horizon.

3. Final Vote: Warrants and Budget: MOTION: T. Clark MOVED to accept Article One as presented. SECOND: K. Cota. DISCUSSION: N. Dion commented that there are a few areas that there could be a savings. He said that he would like to see something less than 6.7%. He said that he went on the State Board of Education web site and reviewed the information on the number of students per administrator. He said he compared other districts to Monadnock. He said that Hanover is the only district with a lower student administrator ratio than Monadnock. He said all the others are higher. He commented that this is not the Budget Committee’s domain but he does feel that there are too many administrators. He said that there could be a savings in course reduction. He said that there are too many dept. heads as well. He said that these issues need to be looked at. T. Parker recommended that they reduce the increase from 6.7% to 5.1% over this year’s budget. He explained to the Budget Committee how he got to the figure that he did. He explained that he counted the number of employees and there is an increase in staff from March of 1997. He commented that the number of students has dropped but the employees increased. L. Biron commented that 30 employees are maintenance or food service. MOTION to amend. T. Parker MOVED to amend the increase over this year’s budget to 5.1% which would make the operating budget $29,041,264.00. SECOND: G. Bednarski. DISCUSSION: T. Clark asked about the suggestion of cutting the health benefits by $280,000.00. T. Parker said that he does not believe that the increase would be 26.8%. R. Mitchell said that the $280,000.00 is a crap shoot. Where would you propose the other 6.8% in health insurance come from? T. Parker commented that the administration has come to the Budget Committee and asked to spend more. He said that he is sure that there would be excess income. He said that his cuts are from the administration’s proposed level 1,2 and 3 cuts. He said the reduction of aids time should not be on there. He said that R. Smith had a list of recommendations that he also used. K. Cota asked how could the number be brought down if there is a contract with the teachers. K. Cota asked what would happen if the number goes over. T. Parker said to take it from income. K. Cota commented that you could not compare the student teacher ratio. There are programs that have changed, required or created. It is much different than in 1987. She commented on the 80 teachers and T. Parker said it was 80 employees. K. Cota stands corrected. S. Rashid said that he is alarmed to hear of the cuts to Mt. Caesar and Cutler. He said that he is not sure where they would come from. He said that he is very alarmed. He said that it would hurt his program. T. Parker commented that the cuts are off of the administration’s level cuts. He said that it does not mean they can not take it someplace else. T. Parker said that the 5.1% is really 7.1% with the teacher’s contracts. B. Tatro commented on the number of students in the classrooms at Mt. Caesar and she said that 6 years olds can not do an awful lot on their own. Someone looses out every day. S. Rashid commented that they have been charged with taking care of the education of the children. He asked that the Budget Committee give the administration a number and we can cut. He said that the percentage should be their call. T. Parker commented that the Budget Committee would not dictate. He said it is a reasonable increase. S. Rashid commented that he is listening to T. Parker but when the Budget Committee read the list of cuts it disturbs him. K. Carter commented that it is not easy and every year we find ourselves in this position. We have looked at this together. The economic part and the needs for our children. She said that she met for two straight days with her colleagues and tried to find the right balance. She said that they would still teach no matter what. J. Smith commented that he was under the impression that the Budget Committee agreed on the number prior to this meeting. Why are we debating? N. Moriarty commented that’s baseball. J. Smith said that they have worked days and thought that the Budget Committee accepted the 6.7%. G. Bednarski commented that the budget has increased 50% since 1997. He said that the party is over. K. Dassau agreed that the party is over and they are working hard to have it be the last year. K. Dassau said that he is surprised that T. Parker said don’t come back for the additional revenue and now said that they could come back. G. Bednarski commented that no classroom should have 8 students in it. The staff should be cut to replace the 17 year old textbooks. He said to establish parity, no longer in the best interest of small groups. He also addressed the health benefits. R. Bauries commented that K. Dassau indicated that the average cost for insurance is at 17%. He said that they plugged in 20 % at the time and it was only 17%. L. Biron told R. Bauries that he spent the difference on trailors. He said that the increases are causing a lot of pain in the elderly. R. Bauries read the increases of the towns on a $100,000.00 house which were read earlier. He said that he could not support a budget with this high of an increase. He would like to see it lowered. S. Russell commented that other things are also going up not just fuel. The school supplies are also going up. Everyone is facing the fact that things are going up. He thanked R. Bauries for his spread sheet scare tactic. He said that R. Bauries threw together a bunch of numbers. The cuts proposed would effect education. He said that he would tell the taxpayers that they would be getting quality educational product for their money. He would support the 6.7% budget. J. Kenyon commented that before cutting the teachers there are new state standards that may be affected by the cuts. D. Hodgdon said that some of the cuts would need to be looked at because of the state standards. MOTION to amend the amendment. N. Moriarty MOVED to increase last year’s budget to 4 %. SECOND: R. Bauries. DISCUSSION: N. Moriarty commented that there has never been a decrease. He said that they would not change the way taxes are collected. The 4 % is more than the 4 ½ % last year. He said that none of the members would be coming up with the same cuts. K. Carter has 25 students. She could possibly help in another administrative position. He said that it is a matter of time until the jail needs to be funded He said that it is not the Budget Committees fault that the School Board did not pick a number. They elected to stay out of this budget process. He would suggest cutting the Northern Schools nurse. G. Bednarski called for a point of order. T. Parker told K. Dassau that he was not in favor of using the excess revenue but any amount for the health benefit overage. He would recommend the increase in the tuition revenue to $350,000.00. K. Dassau commented that T. Parker said okay to the overrun and G. Bednarski said no. He would like to know the consensus of the Budget Committee. He said that the insurance issue works for him. N. Moriarty commented that N. King has not attended prior meetings on the budget. J. Fortson commented that he is a voting member. G. Bednarski asked if he would like to deny the people of Surry a vote. VOTE on amended motion. 4.76/10.17/0/1.07. Motion fails. J. Fortson asked for discussion on the amended motion of an increase of 5.1%. N. Dion said that the budget Committee does not decide where the cuts come from. J. Tommila commented that he is sympathetic to the concerns of where the people would be getting their money to pay their taxes. He said that we need to take a look at what we are doing. There are a lot of inequities. He suggested that the individual jobs be looked at to see what they are really doing. T. Clark said that we could cut down to1%. R. Bauries said that he would second the motion. T. Clark explained that it was not a motion. He was saying that by even doing that it is not going to take care of the tax problem. He said that he would not vote to take away two teachers. We are not talking about anything that is real. Our charge is to maintain the school system. He said that we are blaming the wrong people for this situation. The state and federal government are to blame. K. Craig was asked if she would be able to supervise two elementary schools. K. Craig said that it would not be in the best interest of the students. She was asked if she would submit a resignation. K. Craig said that she would not comment. K. Dassau commented that there is a crisis now. G. Bednarski said that the 5.1% being a crisis are a myth. Vote on amendment of 5.1%: 9.38/5.55/0/1.07. Motion passes. VOTE on amended motion: 9.38/5.55/0/1.07. Motion passes.

MOTION N. Moriarty MOVED to accept Article Two as written. SECOND: N. Dion. DISCUSSION: K. Cota stepped out of the room. VOTE: 13.6/1.07/0/1.32.

MOTION: N. Moriarty MOVED to accept Article Three as written. SECOND: N. Dion. VOTE: 14.68/0/0/1.32. Motion passes.

MOTION: T. Clark MOVED to accept Article Four as written. SECOND: S. Russell. DISCUSSION: K. Cota returns. G. Bednarski asked S. Russell if his wife works for the district. S. Russell said that she did. G. Bednarski read the book of ethics. J. Fortson commented that she thought it would be a conflict of interest. S. Russell withdrew his second. K. Cota would now second the motion. G. Bednarski commented that this is being dropped in our laps. K. Cota said that the Negotiating Committee did the fairest and best job. They worked the best deal. They got an 88% -12%. It is a move. It is a one-year contract. She said that they need to trust these three people. G. Bednarski said that he does not leap that faith. He said that the numbers do not add up. K. Cota said that the overall percentage is 3.1%. K. Dassau said that the net effect of the budget is 1.43%. They receive $1,050.00 on step and $1,350.00 off step. The starting teachers move from 1 year to 2^nd year salary plus a step. G. Bednarski asked if they had a professional negotiator. He asked who voted and who voted no. G. Bednarski said that this is insulting. This is the best you could come up with. C. Dreyfuss commented that she heard what the Budget Committee said through K. Cota and they tried to get more. She commented that they went to mediation. J. Kenyon asked N. Moriarty how easy it is to get the Union to cut. N. Moriarty said that it is hard. VOTE: 5.48/8.21/1.24/1.07. Motion passes.

Ten minute break. N. King leaves. G. Bednarski not present.

T. Parker did not include the $970,000.00 in his motion on Article One. MOTION: T. Parker MOVED to reconsider Article One. SECOND: G. Bednarski. VOTE: 13.01/1.18/0/1.81. Motion passes. MOTION: T. Parker MOVED to move Article One in the amount of $30,021,742.00. SECOND: G. Bednarski. DISCUSSION: It was asked if the number was correct. L. Biron said the number was now correct. VOTE: 11.46/2.73/0/1.81. Motion passes.

MOTION: N. Moriarty MOVED to accept Article Five as written. SECOND: R. Smith. DISCUSSION: N. Dion said that this is very disruptive to the community. When they say no it is no. R. Mitchell asked the intent of the article. L. Biron explained that if the voters turndown this article the School Board has the opportunity to renegotiate for a better deal and to reconsider it on a further date. K. Cota commented that when the NEASC team come to do their review it would be nice to have a contract in place. G. Bednarski said that a contract would not make the difference. J. Tommila commented that to have a meeting would require a court approval. J. Tommila said that he could not support that article. J. Smith added that there is now a particular standard requiring support of the community. VOTE: 3.58/9.38/1.24/1.81. Motion passes.

MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept Article Six as written. SECOND: T. Clark DISCUSSION: N. Dion asked if it was the same insurance reasoning. K. Dassau said yes. R. Smith asked the figures for the NH Retirement. J. Fortson explained the difference that the staff would pay for the different insurance plans. VOTE: 2.34/10.61/1.24/1.81. Motion fails.

S. Russell leaves.

MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept Article Seven as written. SECOND: R. Bauries. VOTE: 3.51/8.21/1.24/3.05. Motion fails.

MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept Article Eight as written. SECOND: R. Mitchell. VOTE: 12.95/0/0/3.05. Motion passes.

MOTION: N. Moriarty MOVED to accept Article Nine as written. SECOND: R. Smith. DISCUSSION: It was commented that we have been doing this since 2000. K. Cota reminded the Budget Committee of the process the Facilities Committee went through. The must, should and could list. The Facilities Committee was very conservative. R. Bauries is concerned that H.L. Turner told the Hinsdale Board that their building project is over the budgeted amount. He commented that the $75,000.00 would bring in the Taujmahall. He said that this is a blank check. He said that he would give credit to the Facilities Committee, he would vote but he is not happy with the amount. K. Cota said that they had meetings with H.L. Turner and they do not want the Taujmahall. They want what they need. She said that they do not know what they need. The Facilities gave direction and he said this is what it would cost. VOTE: 12.95/0/0/3.05. Motion passes.

MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept Article Ten as written. SECOND: R. Mitchell. DISCUSSION: N. Dion commented that it should say salary and benefits. E. Stanley asked if it was for one year. It is. G. Bednarski asked why it is a warrant article. K. Cota explained that if the default is voted on then it would not be in there. R. Bauries said that he would not support this article because he felt that it is closer to $90,000.00. R. Bauries said that he would look at it for the following year if there were a building project. There would be nothing for the director to do. MOTION: J. Tommila MOVED to amend the amount in Article Ten to $75,000.00 for salary and benefits. SECOND: T. Clark. DISCUSSION: K. Cota said that it amazes her that there are people that feel we do not need a Facilities Director. We need someone to run the ship. The Facilities Committee has been doing more work than they need to. The amount of $70,000.00 came from the Finance Committee. G. Bednarski said that he had no objections to a Facilities Director. He commented that you already have 4 positions are you going to have all 5 or eliminate. K. Cota explained that the Facilities Director would evaluate his or her department. G. Bednarski commented that maintenance costs and the salary are extremely high. C. Dreyfuss commented that we have an electrician, a plumber and carpenter on staff. If there is a problem the Facilities Director could take care of these problems. Now we have no one. G. Bednarski commented that this person would be an office man. C. Dreyfuss commented that the person would be a field person. N. Moriarty commented on the great job done by the Facilities Committee. He commented that administration is going to be added and we need to make priorities. R. Bauries commented that additional costs would be added. R. Smith asked why Amer Elec. is always at the school when the district has an electrician on site. K. Cota commented if the Budget Committee would like the facilities run the way it does now than say no. R. Mitchell commented that he would have to believe that we would have saved this amount if not more if we had had this position. He said that he would support this. He is disappointed about the benefits part. J. Tommila commented that his preference is that it be in the budget. This is a no brainer. T. Parker commented that if you look at the history it is one screw up after another. Emerson gym floor, Gilsum gym floor and the over spending on the cafeteria. He said that he would support this and after one year place it in the budget. N. Dion said that some of those problems we had with the director in place. J. Tommila and T. Clark would withdraw their amendment to change the amount from $70,000.00 to $75,000.00. VOTE: 8.39/4.56/0/3.05. Motion passes.

MOTION: N. Moriarty MOVED to accept Article Eleven as written. SECOND: R. Mitchell. VOTE: 12.95/0/0/3.05. Motion passes.

MOTION: R. Mitchell MOVED to accept Article Twelve as written. SECOND: E. Stanley. DISCUSSION: R. Mitchell leaves. VOTE: 11.03/1.037/0/3.9. Motion passes.

MOTION: N. Moriarty MOVED to accept Article Thirteen as written. DISCUSSION: R. Mitchell returns. VOTE: 11.88/1.07/0/3.05. Motion passes.

4. OTHER BUSINESS: G. Bednarski gave J. Fortson his letter of resignation. N. Dion commented that he would miss G. Bednarski. MOTION: N. Dion MOVED to reluctantly accept G. Bednarski’s letter of resignation. SECOND: R. Smith. DISCUSSION: G. Bednarski gave J. Fortson information on the person the Troy Selectmen would nominate to the Budget Committee. T. Clark asked how many other people had the opportunity. G. Bednarski thanked the Budget Committee for their time. K. Cota asked why now before the elections and asked if it is a political move. N. Dion commented that the warrant article supports him 100%. VOTE: 6.81/5.07/0/4.12. Motion passes. K. Dassau commented that the Board contacted the selectmen about J. Morin’s vacancy. K. Cota said that it is more up front to notify the selectmen and then they talk to the town. J. Carnie commented that it has been discussed and they are nominated by the selectmen and the School Board would appoint. That is not what was on the warrant. He said that the School Board chose to do it differently.

K. Cota leaves.

MOTION: T. Clark MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 PM. SECOND: E. Stanley. VOTE: Lost quorum.

Respectfully submitted,

Laura L. Aivaliotis

MRSD Recording secretary