Advisory Budget Committee Report FY20 Budget Recommendations - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Mascenic Regional School District Advisory Budget Committee Report FY20 Budget Recommendations DECEMBER 17, 2018 1

Advisory Budget Committee Charter Introduction of Members Excerpts from Charter:  “To act in an advisory capacity to the School Board and the voters of Mascenic Regional School District.”  “To review the School Board’s prepared budget and make recommendations the committee determines are in the best interest of the School District.”  “Meet with the Mascenic School Board to present the recommendations of the Advisory Budget Committee.” 2

Advisory Budget Committee Process  Convened in November.  Committee worked with SAU Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent.  Discussed the charter, budget timeline, committee’s role/procedure/each member’s input.  Reviewed budgetary ideas.  Reviewed each draft of the budget documents and related materials provided by the School Board.  Met seven times, contributed personal time to reviewing documents, attending School Board meetings and working session to improve our understanding of the budget process.  Present recommendations. 3

Overview Acknowledgement of FY20 budget includes :  Second year of participation in budget review process.  We acknowledge the board’s endorsement of level funding.  Ongoing reductions in state and federal aid (unfunded mandates).  Review of teaching positions district-wide.  Includes a modest raise for non-union employees and will review the negotiated teachers’ contract. “The ABC will consider the final recommendation of the budget once it is completed” 4

GENERAL BUDGET Current Status: Proposed FY 20 Budget of $19,032,773. Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation Rationale:  The FY 20 budget presented is below the FY 19 budget.  Each line of the budget offered rationale for the amount.  The School Board and the ABC have reviewed each line of the budget.  Community support enables success of our students. 5

PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT Proposal:  Elementary Unified Arts classes from .8 to 1.0 FTE.  Expand half-day Kindergarten program.  Engage student interests and CTE-style applied learning opportunities (MRHS).  Provide Summer Math Camp (HHES), Saturday school make-up sessions and other enrichment activities (BMS).  Lease van to support CTE, extended learning opportunities, sports, music, etc. Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation Rationale:  Meet the needs of our youngest students.  Maximize available staff to meet student needs.  Providing full time UA classes will provide more opportunities for student success.  Survey identified high school student interest areas. 6

STAFFING Proposal:  Staff reductions at high school.  Addition of one Kindergarten teacher and paraprofessional.  Increase .8 to 1.0 for Elementary Unified Arts teachers.  Increase Middle School Guidance from .5 to 1.0 FTE. Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation Rationale:  Declining enrollment in high school.  Support efforts to expand current half-day programs and reduce class size.  Existing staff will be utilized to fill elementary UA positions.  Increasing support to meet the needs of middle school students. 7

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE Proposal: Scheduled floor replacement (MRHS), LED lighting upgrades (BMS), Replace wireless access points (MRSD), Apply tinted safety window film (MRSD). Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation Rationale : Continue to maintain school buildings, grounds and equipment. 8

CAPITAL RESERVE WARRANT ARTICLES Proposal:  Funding not requested for SPED Capital Reserve.  $50,000 added to Health Insurance Contingency fund.  $1,000 to establish Kitchen Replacement Equipment fund.  $50,000 to Maintenance Capital Reserve study of HVAC and system upgrades. Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation  All dollars added will come from year-end fund balance.  Sped Capital Reserve presently at an adequate level for unforeseen emergencies.  Health Insurance costs are varied and uncertain.  Kitchen Equipment will need to be updated.  Need for ongoing funding for facilities’ maintenance. 9

ADVISORY BUDGET COMMITTEE Summary Observations: Acknowledged 2 nd year.   Committee has enjoyed the thoughtful analysis, transparency, and administrative support.  Communication with School Board.  Balance: Independence and cooperation. Next steps:  Continue to promote community support for budget.  Offer minutes of meetings to community.  Continuation of advisory role.  Support the budget at the Public Hearing and Deliberative Session. 10