School Board Work Session 3/09/2009

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

WORK SESSION

March 9, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.

Middle School Multi-Purpose Room



DISCUSSION GUIDE


l. Lord’s Prayer

2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3. Roll Call

7 present; 2 absent


4. Presentations: Budget Update and Discussion

Dan Carsley present information on the current year's budget vs. actual and how it affects the 09-10 budget.

They are planning now for future increases (even though there are no firm numbers) in categories such as debt service, fuel, health care, PSERS, and utilities. They have spoken with PP&L. The anticipated increase in electricity costs due to deregulated pricing could be as high as 46%.

They are also starting to see students leaving private schools and transferring to charter schools or back to Octorara. The cost to the district for charter schools is significantly more expensive than the students coming to Octorara.


2008-09 Budget Outlook - Expenditures - Large Ticket Items:

Favorable Items:

Salaries $ 87,000 (Facilities Director position not filled).

Benefits $852,000 (based on invoices to date)

Retirement $445,000 (excess to be designated in anticipation of future PSERS increases)

Debt Service $803,480 (Restructured debt)


Unfavorable Items:

Charter School $555,000

Diesel Fuel $130,000


Net Estimate Svgs $1,502,480


2008-09 Budget Outlook - Revenues - Large Ticket Items:

Favorable Items:

Delinquent Property Tax Revenue: $75,000

Earned Income Tax: $150,000



Unfavorable Items:

Transfer Tax $ 100,000

Interest Income $ 150,000

Rent/Sinking Fund $ 85,000


Net Shortfall $ 110,000



The district also needs to look forward to the 10-11 budget year. The projected base index is between 3.48% and 4.35%. The increase in salaries for the budget year exceed the index.

Teachers' contract average increase in 2010-11 = 4.75%

Support Staff contract increase in 2010-11 = 4.8%

Act 93 contract increases in 2010-11 = 4.5%




2009-10 Budget shortfall currently sits at $534,863.



Items Reduced or Eliminated:

Facilities Director position eliminated

Literacy Coordinator position eliminated or reduced pending grant

Building Budgets reduced 10%

Hold Harmless Fund reduced

Technology Budget reduced 10%

Athletic Budget reduced 10% Note: Mr. Weagley will attend next week's meeting to present athletic budget & how to fund it

Summer Custodial help reduced 50%

Some supplemental contracts eliminated (team leaders, grade chairs, coordinators at MS, IS, ES, PLC)

Transportation costs reduction for special transportation

Teaching positions not being filled upon retirement or resignation

Teaching positions to be cut



Tax rates currently at 1.41 additional mills for Chester County (4.6% increase) and .99 additional mills for Lancaster County (3.62% increase)

From this point on there needs to be drastic changes. The administration is looking to the Board for direction.



Mr. Mango asked if there will be an increase in state funding

There is the possibility of an increase in Title 1 funding


Mrs. Bowman asked about increases in gambling revenue.

The district will not get notification until at least April.

There was a question about the federal stimulus money. The district will not receive any since the building project is already underway.

Dr. Newcome testified before the state legislature concerning the district's financial situation.


The administration would like to get preliminary approval in May, with final approval in June.


Mr. Hershey would like to see what the budget would look like with additional cuts, as would Mrs. Bowman.



5. Visitors’ Comments – Agenda Items Only

None


6. Information Item:

Several students have been honored. Mr. Rohrer will be giving a report at a future meeting.


7. Recommended Action Items:

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the use of the High
School Gymnasium for a Sunday basketball league. The league will run
from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. starting April 5, 2009 through June 7, 2009.


This is run by Gene Lambert for high school players.


Resignations:
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Rita Boryszak’s
resignation as a Reading Specialist at the Octorara Elementary School
effective April 3, 2009. (Hired August 2005)


C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. Scott Forman’s
resignation as a J.V. Baseball Coach effective February 23, 2009.


D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. Mark Pederson’s
resignation as a Girls Tennis Coach effective immediately.


E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. John Coombe’s
resignation as a Girls Tennis Coach effective immediately.

Mr. Hume would like to see the hiring date on coaching resignations

Hiring Approvals:



F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute
teachers for the 2008-2009 school year:

Terry Kauffman (Emergency)



G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of
Kristine Woodall as a Lunchroom/Playground Supervisor at the Octorara
Intermediate School, pending completion of employee related documents
required by the law and the district. Ms. Woodall’s rate will be $8.00/hour
effective February 18, 2009. (New Position)



H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of
Michael Bennett on a Substitute Employee Contract, pending completion of
employee related documents as required by law and the district. Mr.
Bennett’s assignment is Physical Education in the Octorara Intermediate
School for a period of approximately 20 days at a rate of $140.00 per day.
(Replacing Deb Feather who is on medical leave)


I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms.
Doris Klein as a One-on-One Assistant, pending completion of employee
related documents required by law and the district, at the Octorara Middle
School. Ms. Klein’s rate will be $10.90/hour effective February 24, 2009.
(New position)


J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following
supplemental contracts for the 2008-2009 school year:

Jed King Assistant Outdoor Track Coach 6 points @ $520 = $3120

Kyle Whary Part-time Outdoor Track Coach 3 points @ $520 = $1560

Joe Lynch OES Talent Show/Musical Director 2 points @ $520 = $1040

Beth Hrincevich OES Talent Show/Musical Director 2 points @ $520 = $1040

They are charging an activity fee to participate since this was not in the budget. The amount of the fee was questioned. It is $8.00. There was discussion about charging this & what happens if someone cannot afford it.



K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following
supplemental contract for the 2009-2010 school year:

Mary Wallett Girl’s Varsity Tennis Coach 7 points @ $545 = $3815



8. Other Items/Concerns
None



9. Visitors’ Comments – General
None



10. Board Comments

Mr. Hume wanted everyone to be aware of the PTO Book Fair coming up



11. Adjournment


Facilities Committee Meeting – Monday, March 16, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. District Office
Conference Room


Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, March 16, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Octorara Middle School MPR


Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, April 13, 2009– 7:30 p.m.
Octorara Middle School MPR


Executive Session for Personnel will be held following this meeting in the District