MinutesBudgetComm02062020

COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
                                Colchester, CT


                            BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

                           Thursday, February 6, 2020 ~ 9:00AM
                           Board of Education Conference Room

                                         MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, CFO Maggie Cosgrove,
Director of Pupil Service and Special Education Kathleen Perry, Director of Educational
Operations Mario Hurtado
OTHERS PRESENT: BOE Chair Mary Tomasi, Board of Finance liaison Andrea Migliaccio,
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Amy Trinnaman
MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Mitchell Koziol

1. CALL TO ORDER
J. Morozowich called the meeting to order at 9:03AM.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
None.

3. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR
Motion by: J. Rose
To elect Jessica Morozowich as Chair of the Budget Committee.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous

4. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 9, 2020 MEETING MINUTES
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the minutes of the January 9, 2020 Budget Committee meeting
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous

5. FINANCIAL REPORTS
       5.1 Monthly Budget Reports
           CFO Maggie Cosgrove presented monthly budget reports from January 2020. She
           explained the deficit in the certified salary line as being impacted by the district’s
           recent hiring of exceptionally experienced candidates, the addition of a Kindergarten
           teacher due to enrollment, and hiring of an HR Director (split position with the
           town). Ms. Cosgrove explained special education tuition transactions and special
           education excess cost grants that once reimbursed will bring that line item out of the
           negative. There is potential for savings (~$49,000) in diesel and gas expenses,
           dependent on February temperatures and weather. The district locked in to a very
           favorable fuel rate this year. The line item pertaining to legal fees is tight but union
           negotiations are complete. Superintendent Burt shared that the district budget will be
           closely monitored during February with a decision for a possible hard freeze
           effective March 1st.
       5.2 Health Insurance Reserve
           CFO Maggie Cosgrove presented the December 2019 health insurance reserve
           report, indicating that the health insurance reserve is stable. The report does have a
           lag time due to the reconciliation timeframe.
       5.3 Special Education Excess Cost Report
           Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Kathleen Perry reported on the
           Special Education Excess Cost Report. The number of students remains unchanged.
           Savings are anticipated from a placement change from a private to a public
           placement, and its associated decrease in transportation costs. There are no pending
           placements at this time. For the benefit of new BOE, Ms. Perry explained
           transportation budgets, reimbursements, the number of students who have IEPs and
           504 plans, the difference between IEPs and 504s, review of identification practices,
           intervention processes, and decisions made through the PPT process.
       5.4 Cafeteria Report
           CFO Maggie Cosgrove explained that the deficit as of 12/31/19 has increased as
           revenues from sales are lower during December (school break.) There is a long-term
           goal being discussed to establish funding for a reserve for equipment
           maintenance/replacement within the Food Services program.
       5.5 Capital Reserve
           CFO Cosgrove presented the report as of 12/31/2019. The CFO noted which line
           items are ongoing, completed, or represent funding being set aside over multiple
           years to complete specific projects (e.g., Bacon Academy track, Bacon Academy
           bleachers).
       5.6 Use of Schools
           Revenue collected is first expended to pay overtime for custodians, and then used for
           improvements to those venues. Superintendent Burt noted that Parks and Recreation
           is requesting we reconsider building use fees for their purposes since the cost is
           becoming prohibitive to their programs. The Policy Committee will review the
           Facilities Use policy and regulation.

6. OLD BUSINESS (NONE)
      6.1 Budget Freeze Update
          Superintendent Burt advised that a hard budget freeze may be put into place effective
          March 1st. Purchases are being closely examined and reviewed by Superintendent
          Burt for approval.
      6.2 Budget 2020-2021 Update
          Superintendent Burt shared that the 2020-2021 budget is being finalized, and that all
          building-level requests are currently included in the proposed budget. There are no
          reductions by the Superintendent. There is the possibility that we may have tuition
          students from neighboring towns at Bacon Academy. The Superintendent is
          exploring setting a flat rate for tuition to be the same as neighboring towns, to avoid
          competition and open opportunities for tuition students. Another possibility is
          expanding the 18-21 program in conjunction with another town’s program and
          developing a regional program. There is need identified, and efforts to collaborate
          are underway.

7. NEW BUSINESS
      7.1 Budget Transfers Over $5,000
          None.

8. ADJOURNMENT

Chair J. Morozowich adjourned the meeting at 10:20AM.