MinutesBudgetComm08132020_(1)

COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
                                   Colchester, CT



                                    BUDGET COMMITTEE

                                Thursday, August 13, 2020
                           BOE Budget Committee Meeting 9:00AM
                                 Virtual Meeting via Zoom

                                            MINUTES

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: ​Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: ​Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, CFO Maggie Cosgrove (joined
at 9:35AM), Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Kathleen Perry, Director of
Educational Operations Mario Hurtado
OTHERS PRESENT: ​BOE Chair Mary Tomasi, BOE Vice Chair Chris McGlynn (joined at
9:13AM) Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Amy Trinnaman

1. CALL TO ORDER
   1.1 Call to Order
       Chair Morozowich called the meeting to order at 9:05AM

2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
   None.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT
   3.1 Public Comment
       None.

4. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES
   4.1 Approval of July 13, 2020 Minutes
       Motion by:​ J. Rose
       To approve the minutes of the July 13, 2020 Budget Committee meeting.
       Second by: ​J. Morozowich
       Vote: ​Unanimous
       Roll call: ​J. Rose, J. Morozowich

5. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
   5.1 Preschool Tuition
       The Committee discussed a recommended reduction of 50% in preschool tuition.
       Currently, the cost of full-year tuition is $2500 per student. This would bring the cost for
       parents/caregivers down to $1250 per year ($125 per month) for tuition. Tuition will not
      be adjusted if the school learning model changes to fully in-person or fully at-home over
      the course of the year.
      Motion by​: J. Rose
      To move forward the possible 50% reduction in tuition to the full BOE for approval.
      Second by​: J. Morozowich
      Vote: Unanimous
      Roll call vote: J. Rose, J. Morozowich

  5.2 Security Funding
      Director of Educational Operations Mario Hurtado presented an update on the security
      improvements project. In order to ensure that the access control systems at CES and
      BA, and the BA Fire Alarm System (specifically the message/communications
      functionality within the system) work as intended in the original project design,
      additional funding totaling $31,331 is necessary to complete the project. Superintendent
      Burt also discussed a need to upgrade/replace the security cameras throughout BA.
      Discussion ensued as to whether the funding request should include the BA security
      cameras. The Committee agreed to recommend the funding request to complete the
      access controls and fire alarm system improvements to the full Board of Education, and
      to have the full Board of Education discuss the BA security camera request before
      making a final decision on the amount. The request for funding would be submitted to
      the Board of Finance to appropriate funds from prior years unexpended BOE budgets.

      Motion by​: J. Rose
      To move forward the discussion regarding security funding, with a minimum request of
      $31,331 from the Board of Finance with additional consideration for funds to
      upgrade/replace security cameras at Bacon Academy.
      Second by​: J. Morozowich
      Vote: Unanimous
      Roll call vote​: J. Rose, J. Morozowich

6. BUDGET REPORTS
   6.1 Monthly Budget Reports
       Superintendent Burt updated the Committee on end-of-year expenditures, including
       filling all fuel tanks. The loss of revenue in the food services program will continue in
       the hybrid model, and the Superintendent is working with that program to continue the
       provision of meals on days that students are at-home learning.

BOE member Chris McGlynn joined the meeting at 9:13AM.

  6.2 Cafeteria Fund
      Cafeteria revenues were significantly reduced due to school closure. The District did
      continue to provide meals. Federal reimbursement rate is slightly less than expected.
      Fund balance will be at $0, and we expect to continue subsidizing this program. The
      District will explore options for provision of meals.
  CFO Cosgrove joined the meeting at 9:35AM.

      ESSER grant is being prepared for submission to reimburse the District for
      COVID-related expenses.

  6.3 Health Insurance Reserve (Not at this time)
  6.4 Use of Schools (Not at this time)
  6.5 Capital Reserve (Not at this time)
  6.6 Special Education Excess Cost Report (Not at this time)
  6.7 Budget Transfers Under $5,000 (None at this Time)

7. OLD BUSINESS
   7.1 *2020-21 Budget Update Discussion
       Superintendent Burt and CFO Cosgrove shared that the budgets are ready for staff to
       begin moving forward with purchases for the coming school year. PPE expenses and
       possible state/federal funding for such supplies are not fully known at this time.

8. *NEW BUSINESS
   8.1​ *Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Food Service Program
        Motion by:​ J. Rose
        To move the budget transfer in the amount of 13,761 for the Food Service Program to
        the full BOE for approval.
        Second by: ​J. Morozowich
        Roll call vote:​ J. Rose, J. Morozowich

  8.2 Budget Impact of Hybrid or Closing Model
      There may be some savings associated with daily substitutes as they won’t be needed for
      Wednesdays. Fuel savings are also possible, both in continuing a hybrid model or in a
      full closing model.

9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ISSUES RAISED OR SUBJECTS DEVELOPED
    9.1 Public Comment
        None.

10. ADJOURN
    The meeting adjourned at 10:30AM.