APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51
PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board
Budget Work Session
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson
Michael Wolfe
Gary Colby
Leslie Vogt
Scott Brown

Others Present: Dr. John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Richard Gremlitz, Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

II. WORK SESSION

• According to Ms. Vogt, there is concern from the public about the purchase of computers. She suggested that when presenting information to the Budget Committee, we include a history of the technology plan and how the district has had to neglect the district’s Technology Plan in terms of equipment replacement and program enhancement.
• Dr. Freeman explained that from last summer, Ms. Vogt and he discussed ways in which the budget could be held at a zero percent increase. The focus of the discussion was in relationship to positions.
• The draft being distributed tonight is not final and will require more work by the SAU office and the administration.
• Dr. Freeman explained that there are several items open for discussion:
o Support staff increases;
o Fuel costs;
o Positions;
o Enrollment;

Pittsfield School District 1 October 23, 2008

o Health insurance;
o Professional salaries (non-teacher);
o SAU office costs.

• Dr. Freeman distributed the Pittsfield Revenue Summary 2009-2010, which contained revenue estimates for FY10.
• Dr. Freeman distributed a 10-Year History of Student Enrollment. The Pittsfield School District has experienced a decrease totaling 203 students over the past
ten year period. Dr. Freeman suggested that the Board might want to consider purchasing projection data from the NH School Boards Association to support long term planning.
• Dr. Freeman distributed Pittsfield School District – PROPOSED 2009-2010 SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET. This format was borrowed from another community and used to communicate budget information to the general public. The document includes an explanation of the functions, a review of the budget allocations over time, and additional information that might assist in helping people understand the proposal.
• The Board would like Dr. Freeman to prepare a list of extreme increases for which the district does not have control.
• Ms. Vogt suggested that if we use the format to communicate budget information, we provide numbers for elementary, middle, and high school.
• Mr. Brown warned that people may not appreciate a new format being used to explain the proposed budget to the public.
• Mr. Brown suggested that further cuts should be considered from this draft to get the budget to at least a zero percent increase. He further suggested that we begin now to create the possibility of a fund balance to return to the Town.
• The revenues are still in question, specifically the Building Aid and Catastrophic Aid, which will impact the bottom line.
• The budget process forces the questions relative to curriculum and course selection.
• Ms. Paradise asked for the number of students in college preparation courses and technical preparation courses.
• The Board directed Dr. Freeman and the administrative team to reduce the budget to reflect the current level of expenditure with explanations of the ramifications of further reduction to a no tax impact budget.
• Discussion ensued regarding the relocation of the SAU. Ms. Paradise suggested the members of the Board visit the three areas being considered; this will occur before the meeting next week.
• Mr. Colby asked if the enrollment figures relative to cost should be analyzed. Dr. Freeman suggested and agreed to prepare a history of the cost per pupil comparison between Pittsfield and the state.
• Discussion ensued regarding the items that have had an impact on the increase in expenditures, such as inclusion, health costs, and fuel.

Pittsfield School District 2 October 23, 2008

III. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary