The Board of Education Brief

Volume 4 December 23, 2013

This Board Brief is being provided to you as a means to keep you informed about the recent activities of the Board of Education. Each month, the Communications Subcommittee of the Board of Education will publish a brief and distribute it using the email communications systems of both the school district and that which connects to all town residents. Additionally, this brief will be posted under the Board of Education link at www.avon.k12.ct.us and will also be provided to local press contacts.

Meeting of December 17, 2013

Board Chair Peggy Roell called the meeting to order at 6:07 pm in the Community Room of Avon High School. The agenda was revised due to inclement weather. I. New Business A. 13-14/60 - 2014-2015 Food Services Budget John Spang, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, explained lunch price will increase $0.25. The suggested satellite work is no longer in the proposed plan. The current cafeteria fund balance, which has a dollar limit, is $160,000 and is used to cover the expenses of cafeteria purchases. B. 13-14/61 - 2014-2015 Board of Education Proposed Budget There was discussion on the projected numbers of the proposed 2014-2015 budget. John Spang, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, explained the proposed staffing for the next school year. 4.1 positions are proposed to be added and 10.8 positions are proposed to be eliminated due to declining enrollment. A total number of 467.7 positions is proposed for 2014-2015 bringing an anticipated savings in salaries. A budget resolution was provided showing a gross budget of $51,903,086 and a net increase of 2.77%.

Motion by Wendy Howard, seconded by William Stokesbury, to approve the Avon Board of Education 2014-2015 Budget Resolution. RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopt a 2014-2015 General Fund budget in the amount of $51,903,086 having a net increase of 2.77% more than the previous year and, that the Board of Education adopt 2014-2015 School Cafeteria Fund budget in the amount of $1,297,474 from which revenues will be derived from food service activities and, that the Board of Education adopt 2014-2015 State and Federal Educational Grants Fund budget in the amount of $975,994 for state and federal grants that are expected to be received and, that the Board of Education adopt 2014-2015 Use of School Facilities Fund budget in the amount of $54,000 from which revenues will be derived from the rental of its school buildings and grounds. Favor to approve the motion: Bernetich, Glenn, Howard, Roell, Shea, Spivak, Stokesbury, and Zirolli

Abstentions: None Motion Carried: 8:0:0 C. 13-14/63 - Course Proposal Recommendations Donna Nestler-Rusack, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, explained the recommendations and findings of the Curriculum Professional Development Committee (CPDC). A correction to the Course Proposal Recommendations was made in the World Language American Sign Language III with a vote of 24 yeses, and 3 nos. If a course is approved but the enrollment is too low, the course will be dropped that year. Donna Rusack explained the method courses are weighted and leveled. Chris Tranberg, AHS Principal, has been meeting with Department Coordinators since September to discuss leveling and weighting in order to create consistency. In January, a larger committee consisting of teachers, parents, students as well as Board representation will convene to address this issue and include a written recommendation, which will be a priority. Board member, Ames Shea commented teachers should not be paid extra for curriculum work if it is part of their job to do so. Motion by Peggy Roell, seconded by Katharine Zirolli, to approve the course proposals with the caveat that the leveling and weighting of courses be addressed and resolved before September 2014.

FOR COMPLETE MINUTES REGARDING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS, please visit our website at: http://www.avon.k12.ct.us/info/backpack/default.asp?catid=99&BID=7