When all the figures were "punched" in, using some figures from last year for the federal and state revenues, the budget showed a negative balance of $1.5 million dollars.
Ms. Gilliland noted, "remember it is only the preliminary budget". The figures will change, but she is not sure which way or by how much.
It was noted that the board will try to make the deficit smaller by adding no new teachers or programs.
The board has not made a decision about the tax millage for the next budget. If taxes were increased at the maximum level of the Act 1 index, it would result in about $162,000 in additional revenue.
After the presentation, a brief discussion was held concerning the numbers. Further discussion will be held during the next couple of months.
Not all the financial news was bad. The E-rate which the school district is reimbursed now included. "These are items we would normally have to purchase anyway and now the government will help," noted Mr. Schrader.
Other items voted on included accepting the retirement of Jan Benton, Science Teacher. Mr. Curren and the rest of the board thanked her for her service.
The also accepted the resignations from Tammy Welch as a casual custodian at TIS; Joshua Alkire, Custodian and Anthony Carter, assistant baseball coach.
Sherry Levindoski was hired as a personal care aide pending Act 168 requirements.
The board also accepted the revised 2014-2015 calendar. Snow makeup dates will include January 19th and others. It was noted that if they have two more snow days, graduation will be moved.
Mr. Young did talk briefly about policy 204, attendance. It now includes family vacations; 302-309, 317, 317.1, 806 and 8181 for background check and child abuse; and policy 004, if a person is a member of the school board and National Guard, and they are called up, they will not lose their seat.
The meeting held on January 20 started out with a presentation by Brianna Rathbun who presented her Living History Project about board member Ursula Fox.
This was met with great reviews and it was noted that Living History night is a yearly event.
Dan Martin conducted the meeting in the absence of Board President, Todd Curren.
James Lewis from Big Pond questioned the spending habits of the district, noting the one item on rental of cylinders for welding. He suggested two companies from Elmira who would provide this service more reasonably.
Business Manager Tracey Gilliland noted that all items such as this are put out for bid and the lowest bid is accepted. All members assured Mr. Lewis that they look for the more reasonable business to provide any and all services in the district.
Next to speak was Larry Grace, former member of the board. He noted that the Administration building should not be purchased for anything under $100,000. He said if that price is not met, the district should just tear it down, abandon plans to purchase the adjoining lot for parking, which is around $89,000; and make a parking lot of what they have and place an electric sign, which they already have approval for in that lot so residents will know what is going on in the district. He cited the fact that as the board was having their meeting, a basketball game was going on and "no one knew it, because there is no sign to tell them."
The following items were approved and reports given.
Primary School Report - Principal Steve Brion noted that a lot of activity was held during the month of December with funds being raised for the Animal Care Sanctuary and the collection of food items. Students also decorated the trees surrounding the school with items the wildlife could eat.
A staff talent show was presented and he said "it was great. We had teachers singing, playing instruments, and reading poems and stories. The children enjoyed it a lot."
Mid year assessments are also "looking good."
Intermediate School Principal Rebecca Stanfield said the ski trips were successful; bench marking testing was completed; and the school has the opportunity to take an additional test; the Brain Show which was snowed out and sponsored by the PtSO will be rescheduled in the spring.
Junior/Senior High School Principal Sue Shipman's report included that scheduling is being started with all the students; the school is done with the Keystone Testing; the competition cheerleaders are to attend state competition; several FFA members earned their Keystone Awards and jackets; and Nick Stephani, a football player at the school was interviewed by Channel 16 and the interview will be broadcast on January 27 at 8 p.m. She urged everyone to watch. Two students Madeline Morgan and Tricia Hojnowski qualified for Regional Band; and Wyatt Hansell was named Student of the Month at Northern Tier Career Center.
Superintendent Charles Young, noted that the state budget does not have to be passed until March due to a new governor being elected; he also wanted to tell board members and members of the community that Governor Wolf has named a gentleman known to Mr. Young as Secretary of Education. "He is a good guy. Let's see what he can do in Harrisburg;" District Band was held in Troy and Mr. Young said "anyone who missed it, missed a great concert."
After a long discussion and explanation of the terms used to approve placing the 2015/2016 proposed preliminary budget on display and state intent to adopt the 2015/2016 proposed preliminary budget at the February 17,2015 meeting, it was passed.
The updated list of Bus Contractors and Drivers was also approved.
Substitutes -
Professional Staff:
Madeline Morse - Grades PK-4; Spec Ed PreK-8. This is a provisional hire pending completion of Act 168 requirements.
Substitutes- support Staff: Crystal Walker, PCA; TA; Sec; Cafeteria;
Sandra Harkness, PCA; TA; Sec; Cafeteria;
Ashleigh Selfridge, PCA; TA; Sec; Nurse;
Pamela Alkire, Cafeteria;
These coaches were hired: Ronald Bellinger, Head Track Coach
Jill Cole, Head Volleyball Coach
The Board approved a sale by auction of the Administration Building at 30 Taylor Street, Troy and appointed Roan, Inc. as auctioneers. Mrs. Nauta abstained due to a confliction of interest.
Under Curriculum/Instruction and Assessment, the following new courses were approved for 2015-2016: AP United States Government and Politics; Fitness/Health and Wellness; Keystone Biology (Academic & General); Keystone Project e. Psychology; SAT Preparation
A motion was made and approved the Chemistry 9th ed. books for AP chemistry in 11th and 12th grades.
Under Student Affairs, the Board approved the Dugout Booster Club; as was a donation of $9,000 from the PTSo to be used towards the purchase and installation of new rubber mulch for the playground at W.R. Croman Elementary School.
Under Community Relations the board approved a motion to accept a $761.52 donation from an anonymous donor to be used to purchase pencil grips for the W.R. Croman Elementary School; approved the 2015-2016 school calendar; accepted a $750.00 donation from STRAD Oilfield Services to be used to purchase 4th grade science text books; approve donating excess library books to the Miles Township Elementary School. Since the closing of two elementary schools, the district has several copies of books and the Miles Township School was recently flooded and their library lost all their books.
Under Policy matters these policies were reviewed:
204 Attendance - Revised; 302 Employment of Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent - Revised; 304 Employment of District Staff- Revised;
305 Employment of Substitutes - Revised; 306 Employment of summer School Staff - Revised;
307 Student Teachers/Interns - Revised;
309 Assignment and Transfer - Revised;
317 Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures - Revised; 317.1 Educator Misconduct - New;
806 Child Abuse - Revised;
818 Contracted Services- Revised;
004 Membership - Revised;
Under General Board Discussion, the Revisions in respect to audit were considered.
Use of School Facilities Revised; and Facility Use Form Revised, were approved.
Bill Brasington finished the meeting with a report on the Imagination Library. He noted all books are free and he is happy with the response families of pres-school children have taken part in the program.