Monadnock Regional School District

School Board Finance Committee Meeting Minutes

December 18, 2007

Monadnock Regional HS/MS

Non-Approved

 

Committee members present: Jim Carnie, Doug Lyman, Jane Fortson, Gene White, and Sue Oerman.  Administrators Present: Katie Chambers, Business Manager and Dr. Kenneth Dassau, Superintendent.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.

 

1.  Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the December 4th minutes by S. Oerman, seconded by D. Lyman.   Motion passes.  Unanimous for those present.

 

2.  Public Comments:  None.

 

Dr. Dassau arrives at 6:10pm.

 

3. Old Business: a. Debt Financing:  Facilities Committee request:  Pending the special school board meeting.  C. Dreyfuss went over the items submitted by J. Carnie as chair of the finance committee regarding what should be discussed at the special meeting.  C. Dreyfuss stated that the entire board would be receiving a copy of the master plan.  The special meeting of the board is scheduled for February 12th at 7pm in the HS/MS library.

 

 

 b. Warrant Articles review –

 

i.                    Operating Budget changes Pending:  Reduction of busing costs for not busing the Surry students in the coming year of $52,515 and reduction of unemployment comp. insurance rate due to going with LGC instead of with Primex of $7463.  J. Fortson made the motion to recommend to the full board the reduction of $59,978 from the proposed budget. Seconded by S. Oerman.  Discussion:  None.  Motion passes-unanimous.

ii.                  Evaluation of Overall increase:  K. Chambers handed out possible changes to the warrant articles.  D. Lyman made the motion to have the full board look at proposed reductions in warrant articles.  Seconded by J. Fortson.  Motion passes:  All in favor.

iii.                 Funding of Capital Reserve Fund for Building Projects and Renovations- Due to the large percentage increase the other proposed warrant articles represent, S. Oerman made the motion to recommend to the full board that they forego funding the capital reserve fund as raise and appropriate for this year.  Seconded by D. Lyman.  Motion passes: 4 yes, 1 abstain (J. Carnie).

 

New business: 

4a.  SAU Withdrawals – Who pays for long-term liabilities of original district- should state legislations be proposed? (Handout)   K. Chambers stated that she and looked at the withdrawal rules and there is no provision for who pays for the long term liabilities.  The question is- can they walk away from these? Should we be recommending legislation regarding the disposition of long-term liabilities?  J. Carnie stated that we need to have something in place as other towns are looking to withdraw as well.  K. Dassau stated that we should begin the process of reconciling what needs to be done.  K.  Dassau stated that the request for kids to stay is bigger than just the 11th grade. D.  Lyman made the motion to direct the administration to start the development of a separation package for the town of Surry.  Second:  S. Oerman. Motion passes, unanimous for all present.

 

4b.  Financial reports – Reports handed out, no questions regarding the information presented.

 

4c.  Legal Bills – J. Carnie asked if there are still going to be charges regarding Surry.  K. Chambers answered “most likely” considering the discussions tonight.

 

4d.  Skills Tutor – K. Dassau presented the Skills Tutor package, noting that the deal being offered expires at year-end.  A conversation has not been had with all the principals to see if this program is something that would benefit them.  The total amount is $67,235 for 3 years. Motion made by J. Fortson to present the package to the full board for discussion and receive input from the principals.  Second:  S. Oerman.  Motion passes:  all in favor.

 

5. Public Comments:  None.

 

5. Next Meeting:  January 2nd, at the Monadnock Regional MS/HS in Swanzey at 6:00 pm.

 

6.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn by S. Oerman, at 7pm, seconded by D. Lyman.  Motion passes:  Unanimous for all present.