BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES

APRIL 14, 2003

Members of the Board Finance Committee Rosie Amato, Charlene Koch and Dr. Haytmanek, together with board members Loretta Leeson, Margaret Williams, Julie Venanzi, William Heske and Joseph Craig, met with Superintendent Dr. Joseph Lewis, Director of Business Affairs Stanley J. Majewski, Jr., and Assistant Superintendent Michele Kostem in Superintendent’s Conference Room A. Also in attendance was Dr. Scott Garrigan, Genevieve Marshall from the Morning Call and Michael Buffer from the Express Times.

OPEN FORUM – Mrs. Williams asked if Mr. Majewski has checked with other districts to see what, if any, programs are available for senior citizens with regard to property taxes. Mr. Majewski reported that he has been in communication with other districts and most of the districts offer a rebate program similar to the state’s rebate program. The state determines the eligibility for the real estate tax rebate. The school districts then offer a school district provided rebate that is a percentage (50% or 100%) of the state rebate, not to exceed the total of tax paid.

Mr. Majewski advised the committee that the initiation of a rebate program could be quite costly to the district. He will put together cost and program information and prepare correspondence that includes this data.

UPDATE ON BOND REFINANCING – Mr. Majewski advised the committee that the approval process is going well and may preliminarily price the issue on or about April 15. He also reported that the market has turned around and at this time the amount to be saved is significantly less than previously reported. Mr. Majewski is hopeful that the market will turn in the district’s favor. More will be reported with new developments.

XEROX AGREEMENT – Mr. Majewski reported that the districts contract with Xerox is in the 4^th year of a six-year agreement. The equipment under this agreement is now five years old and will need to be replaced soon. Mr. Majewski has negotiated a three-year extension of the current contract, which will include replacing approximately 60-70% of the copiers within the district. Because of the costly upgrade for the Production Center unit the monthly payment will increase $3,024, however, Xerox will credit the district for $36,500 worth of copier paper to help offset the increase in cost. We have the right to end the contract at any time if not satisfied with the Xerox related performance.

Discussion followed with regard to the amount of copies the district makes and ways to cut costs. Suggestions included ordering materials, when economically practical, rather than reproducing them in house. Mr. Majewski will look into the cost of ordering vs. reproducing, as well as seek the cooperation of departments in determining ways to reduce document reproduction.

Board Finance Committee Minutes

April 14, 2003

Page -2-

ATHLETIC TICKET PRICES – Mr. Majewski advised the committee that the district has not increased ticket prices for athletic events since 1991. A list of proposed price increases was presented for review. Surveys conducted with other districts show that proposed increases are not out of line. The proposed increases will be brought be for the board for approval at the April 28 meeting.

DONEGAN GYM/CAFETERIA DOOR REPLACEMENT – Mr. Majewski advised the committee that the door in the gym/cafeteria at Donegan must be replaced. The cost to repair the door would cost as much as replacement. Discussion followed regarding the type of door and if the door is the same type that is designed for installation at the new Northeast school.

TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE – Dr. Lewis and Dr. Garrigan informed the committee that negotiations are continuing with Apple Computer to lease laptop computers for all sixth grade students within the district and replacing 1,250 outdated computers. Lease payments will be made over the next four years. It is the administration’s goal to provide all district students with laptops. Discussion followed regarding the educational benefit of such a proposal.

The use of laptops would reduce the need to buy textbooks by allowing access to online text services as well as reducing the cost of printing test materials by approximately 50 percent, lower electrical consumption and reduce the need for classrooms dedicated to “computer labs.”

The cost would be approximately $1 million the first year and may rise as high as $3.6-$4.0 million in the fourth year. Dr. Lewis indicated the hope that initial year funding for the laptops would be provided through grants and bond funds. Dr. Lewis will provide the board with informational packets reflecting the pros and cons of this technology initiative.

The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Minutes prepared by _____________________________________

Adele Embardino, Confidential Secretary to the Director of Business Affairs