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GDRSD |
High School Library
FY2005 Budget Public Hearing Minutes
April 14, 2004
PRESENT:
Ms Jane Allen
Ms Judy Converse, Secretary
Mr. Chuck McKinney
Ms Jeanne Niemoller
Mr. Frank O'Connell, Vice-Chair
Ms Karen Riggert, Chair
Mr. Alan Vervaeke
ADMINISTRATION:
Dr. Mary Athey Jennings, Superintendent
Dr. Susan Rubel, Director of Curriculum/Staff Development
STAFF, PRESS, OTHERS: M. Murphy, Lowell Sun; J. Kulesz, Groton Herald;
B. Raucci, K. Icenogle, J. Mitchell, K. Lofgren, C. Dulaney, T. Lapres,
See attached sign-in sheet
CALL TO ORDER
F. O'CONNELL MOVED TO OPEN THE FYO5 BUDGET HEARING AT 8:25 P.M..
SECONDED BY J. ALLEN
SO VOTED IN FAVOR UNANIMOUSLY
K. Icenogle commented that two-thirds of the audience has left and stated she is distressed that people who cared so passionately about where the classes are apparently have no interest or concern about what goes on in the classrooms. She stated she has heard a comment, which she hopes is a rumor, that those pushing for the 5/6 and 7/8 split are saying they will vote against the override if that configuration is not supported. She said this is "cutting off your nose to spite your face". She believes the budget has everything to do with the quality of education the students receive and the only choice is to support the override.
K. Icenogle said she will work as hard as she can to get the override passed in Dunstable and invited those who would like to help to contact her at kicenogle@charter.net.
She stated she has reviewed the $420,00 in cuts that will be made to the budget if the override does not pass and she does not know where they can be taken. The school operating budgets are stripped and she stated cutting educational hours and increasing class size are unacceptable. She might trade off the middle school sports for user fees if those fees would hurt the basketball program as this would be a disservice to the community. She also feels reducing bus service will create chaos with more traffic.
Ms Icenogle feels they need to get an override passed.K. Lofgren expressed concerns regarding increased class size and asked that this option not be chosen if the override fails. She opposes any increase in class size and does not feel it would be cost effective to increase class size by even two. More aides would be needed to help reduce the teacher/student ratios and if they are not hired, she feels there will be possible contractual issues with the teachers in the future. She noted that even with aides, teachers will not have enough time to provide small group instruction. SPED costs could also rise since children who are struggling will not be identified as early. She stated they also need to be aware of the legal protections under the No Child Left Behind Act. She asked the Committee to consider all the financial impacts an increase in class size will have on the district.
L. Lathrop stated Groton had a school override last year. Dunstable did not quite match the funding and she asked about the $270,000 sitting in Groton's town coffers waiting to be used. K. Riggert said along with a percentage of the new growth, they are also getting an additional $270,000 from Groton for FY05. L. Lathrop said the Groton FinCom is saying they have $1.22M in new revenues to divide between the district and the town and contends $270,000 was earmarked from the override to the district and asked if this should be considered in the general funds. K. Riggert said they are getting 55% of new growth plus the $270,000. Ms Lathrop feels the override money is being used incorrectly to support town services so the onus of another override is placed squarely on the district.
C. Dulaney said $950,000 was allocated between the town and the schools. The schools received $400,000 of the new revenues and this does not include the $276,000 they fought hard for last year. C. McKinney said people should not get the impression that the FinCom's action was illegal or improper in any way. He stated there is a mandated reason for passing an override and it must be stipulated on the ballot. After the first year, the levy is permanently raised and that money does not have to be earmarked for anything in particular. He stated the assessment they are providing for the operating budget is not the only money Groton is providing to the district. They have also come up with stabilization money for repairs to Prescott.
J. Niemoller underscored the cooperation between the FinComs, Boards of Selectmen and the district this budget year. She stated this is a community effort and a community issue.
T. Lapres requested the Committee reconsider the user fees. He stated about seven hundred kids participate in the youth basketball program and doubling the fees may drive people out. If there is any flexibility within the contracts, he said they would find ways to have parent volunteers take care of the gym and do custodial duties.
J. Sheffield stated she is very concerned about pulling band out of the academic day at the middle school. She said they are talking about doing this for five years and once the kids reach the high school, they will go to a full credit course of eighty-eight minutes. She stated band is a very difficult, strenuous activity and needs to stay in the curriculum. With respect to drama fees, Ms Sheffield feels the $150 fee is troubling and asked the Committee to look at charging for just covering the costs, especially for those getting small roles. She noted parents also drive the kids to practice, make costumes and baking and selling tickets.
A. VERVAEKE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:53 P.M.
AND RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION. SECONDED BY C. MCKINNEY
SO VOTED IN FAVOR UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted,
Susan H. Smith
Recording Secretary