BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES

FEBRUARY 5, 2007

 

 

Members of the Board Finance Committee met on Monday, February 5, 2007, at 9:22 p.m. in the Dining Room at the Education Center. Present were School Board Members Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Diane Rowe, Loretta Leeson, Rosario Amato, Judith Dexter, and Charlene Koch. Also present were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools; Stanley J. Majewski, Jr., assistant to the superintendent for finance and administration; Dr. Charlene Brennan from Colonial Intermediate Unit #20, and members of the press.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR: Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, made two observations about the LERTA Proposal which was discussed at a previous meeting. It is his opinion that due to the fact gaming revenue will not be received until at least July, 2008, the district should approve the LERTA Program for two more years until casino revenue exists. It is his understanding with regard to the LERTA partnership that the district is basically giving up non-existent revenues in hopes of encouraging future development. If development does not occur the district would not have revenue either way.

 

COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT # 20 2007-2008 BUDGET PRESENTATION:

Dr. Charlene Brennan presented the 2007-2008 Intermediate Unit Budget. The General Operating Budget for the 2007-2008 school year is $2,746,420. The budget represents a 2.5 percent increase from 2006-2007. The increase to Bethlehem School District would be $2,408 for 2007-2008, bringing the total contribution from the district to $98,710.00.

 

SCHOOL LEASE RENEWALS: Mr. Majewski presented three leases that are up for renewal. The leases are with Holy Ghost, St. Ursula, and Sts. Cyril Methodius Churches. Mr. Majewski has been in contact with the Pastors and all three have indicated they are interested in renewing their lease. Sts. Cyril and Holy Ghost have no changes.

 

Mr. Majewski explained that there is currently a split for the cost of utilities with St. Ursula’s. Currently, the district pays 80 percent, and 20 percent is paid by St. Ursula’s. After monitoring the usage by St. Ursula’s Parish, it was found that they seldom use the building. The Pastor of St. Ursula’s has requested the district consider the percentage change from 80 percent-20 percent to 95 percent-5 percent. Dr. Haytmanek asked if they are in fact only using the building 5% of the time. Mr. Majewski stated that they are probably using it less than 5 percent. The committee agreed to the reduction in utility costs. The leases will be placed on the February Regular Board Agenda for formal action.

 

 

Board Finance Committee Meeting Minutes

February 5, 2007

Page 2

 

AUDITOR GENERAL’S REPORTS FOR 2003 AND 2004: The audit was reviewed by the board at a previous meeting. The written report will become part of the minutes and will be appearing as an agenda item on the February 26, 2007, Regular Board Agenda for approval.

 

OPEN FORUM: Mr. Amato stated that he received a newsletter from the Freedom High School Band indicating that the band is planning a 2008 trip to the St. Patrick’s Day Fest in Dublin Ireland. The cost per student is $1,800. He feels this is a lot of money for any student and inquired about the students who could not afford to go.

 

There was much discussion concerning the costs to the students and their families. It was questioned what happened if a student could not meet the financial guidelines, and what if a student could not afford to go on a trip.

 

Dr. Lewis explained that the band boosters as well as private benefactors help students with financial needs.

 

Mrs. Leeson and Mrs. Dexter expressed concern for under-privileged children.

 

Mrs. Koch stated that she too has concerns about the cost and ability for some families to afford these trips. She further indicated support for the opportunity to travel and the educational value to those who may never have this experience again in their lives.

 

Dr. Lewis will ask both band directors to attend a future Committee Meeting for further discussion regarding the concerns. They will be invited when we review the procedures for handling violations for athletes and participants in extra curricular activities.

 

Mrs. Leeson inquired about tutoring funds and asked if the funds allocated for the entire year? She was told that they are. She stated that some schools are over budget and some are under budget. What happens if the allocated funds are expended before the end of the year? Dr. Lewis explained that the bulk of the funds are expended on pre-test interventions, and that the funds are carefully monitored. If funds are not needed by one school and another school is over budget the funds are transferred to the school in need.

 

It was noted that Freedom and Liberty annually do not spend all of their allocations. Discussion followed regarding the lack of tutoring offered to high school students and what could be done to improve upon the situation.

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:03 p.m.

 

Minutes prepared by:

Confidential Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration