School Board Reviews Superintendent’s Proposed Budget

By Laurie Borst

The Board of Education met on the evenings of February 1 and 6 to ask questions and receive clarification on budgetary requests for the 2007-2008 school year. The meeting on February 1 focused on requests for the seven public schools in Newtown. The principals of each school were on hand to enlighten the board members on their needs.

Board member Tom Gissen was concerned about the physical education classes at the Reed Intermediate School having up to 35 students in some classes.

“I’m concerned because we’ve spent so much time on what the kids eat and getting everything tasty out of the schools, and treating it like it’s plutonium. Yet, we’ve got 34 kids per class. What sports are we able to play and make sure everyone’s involved and active?” Mr Gissen asked. “We talk about the food a lot, but we don’t talk about the other side.”

Dr Evan Pitkoff, Newtown schools’ superintendent, said, “Adding a 0.3 position will alleviate this problem.”

Discussion turned to the needs of the middle school. The administration wants all schools to have locked doors and entry buzzers. Principal Diane Sherlock felt the way the NMS entry is situated that buzzer is not necessary. This is a $5,000 item.

“This is a pared down list. I don’t have to tell you what the needs are at the middle school,” Ms Sherlock stated.

Board of Education Chair Elaine McClure asked, “Is there anything that was cut that you think is important? That you should have?”

“I would prefer if I could have that $5,000 in auditorium seats. That would be just great. That would be 20 seats. Two more seats have broken with students in them,” Ms Sherlock replied. (See story on the middle school auditorium in this issue.)

Dr Pitkoff announced that the decision was made Monday night to close auditorium due to concerns about safety and liability.

Dominick Posca, building and grounds director, gave an update on the portables. Three of the old units are still waiting to be shipped out, waiting for permits to go over the road.

The new portables are on schedule and should be ready for use after the February break.

Mr Gissen said, “I am concerned about [the removal from Mr Posca’s request] of $60,000 for additional parking at high school. Where was this parking going to be placed? How many parking spaces could be gained? Will there be fewer parking passes issued next year?”

“One place is where the front island stands with the flagpole. I proposed parking spaces there. At the end of the main parking lot at the top side, the grassy area. Also, on the right side of Blue and Gold Stadium. Some island removal could take place. I estimate 50 to 55 parking spaces could be added,” Mr Posca explained.

Questions were raised about the custodial coordinator position that has been requested. The seven public schools have 51 custodians and three maintenance personnel. The coordinator would train, supervise, and evaluate custodians. Mr Posca is often tied up with maintaining the buildings at all hours of the day and night.

Michael Regan, pupil personnel service director, answered questions regarding special education and pupil personnel. His budget request included teachers rather than aides for special ed. This saves on consulting time between teachers and aides.

Federal and state mandates lead to $7.2 million for special ed. This is about 11 percent of the total budget.

“Most people I talk to have no idea special ed costs are that high,” said board member Paul Mangiafico. “How do we rate compared to other districts?”

Mr Regan replied, “In the last reported year, we were 16.9 percent, the DRG [district reference group] was 19.2 percent, and the state was 20 percent.”

Under Pupil Personnel, requests were for the  same staffing levels as the current year.

The Board of Education was scheduled to meet Thursday, February 8, to ask questions regarding curriculum, technology, general services, benefits and transportation. Following that questioning, the board was scheduled to discuss the budget, make recommendations as to changes, and vote on adopting the budget.