March 17, 2008
Board Self-Evaluation Process:
The meeting began with a review of the Board’s self-evaluation with a member of the New Jersey School Board Association.
Superintendent’s Comment:
Dr. Clark commented that the 3rd and 4th graders completed NJASK testing last week, and makeups are taking place this week.
Dr. Clark and several Board members visited other middle schools in the area to learn what’s working in other communities in an effort to make our middle school better.
Dr. Clark congratulated Valleyview on pi day, where they calculated pi to many digits. She also congratulated Riverview on their science fair this week.
Dr. Clark noted that parent teacher conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week, so the schools will have minimum days and all parents were notified via the global connect message system.
Budget:
Dr. Clark informed the public that she received the final determination from the State regarding our waiver requests, and most waivers were granted. (Waivers are available for costs that increased by more than 4% in the past year, such as energy, insurance, pensions, etc. Waivers do not guarantee any additional money; they just allow us to ask the voters to approve additional money for these costs beyond the 4% cap.)
One waiver (for medical insurance) was denied several weeks ago and additional waivers were denied last week, resulting in a total of approximately $260,000 to be cut from our budget. Seth Johnson noted that this amount was cut from the following line items in the budget: unused sick time, training, special education, benefits costs, and one teaching position. This teaching position is not an existing teacher, and the decision has not yet been finalized, but it will most likely be the proposed teacher for Lakeview’s 4th grade to increase the number of sections from 6 to 7 due to the increase in the number of 4th graders.
A copy of the budget was distributed to the public (please note that this is still a draft budget until the Board votes to approve it at the special budget meeting on Monday, March 24th at 7:30 pm at Riverview) and the Board explained how the numbers were calculated. They explained the formula for calculating the 4% cap, per state requirements, which requires certain categories of costs to be removed before calculating the 4%. Therefore, the actual tax increase will only be 2.65% more than last year for the average home assessed at $310,000. That tax increase breaks down to $86.87 per year, or $7.24 per month, or $0.24 per day.
Despite this minimal increase, the budget includes many new teachers and new programs. The budget includes the following: 3 regular teachers for Lakeview 1st grade, Riverview 2nd grade, and Lakeview 5th grade; 3 special ed teachers for LLD 3-5 at Riverview, pre-K at Lakeview, and resource room at Valleyview; new classroom furniture and books for the new class sections; bathroom tile repair at Valleyview; fire suppression upgrades at all schools; extending guided reading to 4th and 5th grades; 2 new math programs for K through 8th grades; new computers and laptops for the new class sections; additional smartboards for the new class sections; exterior wall repair (brick repointing) at Valleyview; and pneumatic upgrades (heating systems). A formal presentation on the budget is scheduled for Monday, March 24th at 7:30 pm at Riverview.
Mr. Bertram noted that he is concerned about some of the cuts that were made due to the denial of some waivers. As the budget stands now, we would have enough to cover only one new special ed student requiring out-of-district placement. If more than one new student requiring out-of-district placement moves into our town, we would have to cut money from other areas of the budget to cover the out-of-district tuition.
Public Comments:
Tina Smith asked what would happen if the budget does not pass. Mr. Bertram explained that the process is fixed by State law. The Board of Education will make a formal budget presentation to the Town Council on April 1st. If the budget fails on April 15th, then the Town Council would review the budget and make cuts. The Council would present their proposed cuts to the Board of Education, and the Board can either accept the cuts or appeal to the State. The last time the Town Council reviewed a failed budget, they cut $500,000. The Board considered filing an appeal to the State at that time, but they were told by the County that it would most likely be denied because Denville goes above and beyond a “thorough and efficient” education per State standards (please note that the State’s definition of “thorough and efficient” does not include kindergarten or courtesy busing).
Tina Smith also asked if we cut $260,000 from the budget this year, can we get it back next year, and the response was no. These cuts will reduce our base for next year, meaning our 4% increase will be based on a smaller number. The Board also noted that the waivers we did receive are only good for one year, so we must go back to the State next year and there is no guarantee that they will be approved again. Increasing our base budget would require a 2nd question and we would have to ask the State for permission, which might not be granted because we exceed the “thorough and efficient” standard.
Jim DeCesare (a Randolph resident) asked how the Board determined the capital projects cost for the budget. The Board responded that this information will be provided in more detail at the special budget meeting next week.
Krystn Cedzidlo asked for clarification on the number of new special ed teachers and aides included in the budget. The Board responded that 3 teachers and 2 aides are included in the budget for special ed classes. The Board noted that these new positions are required by the State due to the number of students we have requiring these services, and we are not permitted to make cuts in this area.
Mike Belen asked why a teaching position had been eliminated from the budget, instead of additional computers and smartboards, and the Board responded that the new equipment is needed for the new class sections that are being added to the schools so they will have the same equipment as the existing classes. The Board noted that there has been no definite decision yet on the teaching position. The Board will watch the enrollment numbers over the summer and determine where the additional teachers are needed most.
Melissa Blum asked about the process for approving the budget and 2nd question. The Board explained that they are independent votes. If the budget passes and the 2nd question fails, then anything included in the 2nd question goes away and we cannot include it, even if we subsequently find extra money in the budget. If the budget fails and the 2nd question passes, then everything included in the 2nd question is protected and must be provided, but the Town Council will make cuts from the budget. The Board explained that if we have a 2nd question this year for the 4th grade teacher at Lakeview and it fails, then the Board would be unable to hire an additional teacher, even if they subsequently find money in the budget.
Janice Anderson asked why other districts are spending so much more per student, and the Board responded that other towns passed growing budgets in successive years, whereas Denville’s past budgets included only minimal increases. We fell behind the other districts in spending (by more than $3,000 per student in some cases) and then the State implemented a 4% cap on increases, so the gap will continue to grow. Other districts that spend more per child have larger staffs, more remedial programs, and additional administrators. Denville will never be able to catch up because of the 4% cap (4% of their base will always be more than 4% of our base), unless we pass multiple 2nd questions, which require a supermajority of 60%. Despite this gap in spending, we are continuing to improve our progress, such as the expansion of guided reading and new math programs included in this budget within the 4% cap.
Lisa Boch asked what programs other districts are cutting in order to stay under the 4% cap. The Board responded that other districts are cutting administrators, but we don’t have any room for cuts. Morris is cutting 11 positions this year, but we don’t have extra staff. Every district is facing the same issue.
Michelle Menella said she was disappointed about the 4th grade teacher being cut at Lakeview and noted that the current 3rd grade teachers are saying this is the largest class they’ve ever taught. She asked if student teachers and retired teachers could be used for free to support the 4th grade teachers next year. The Board responded that county college students are not yet ready to aid students (they can only observe), but they would welcome any retired teachers who are interested in helping out. Dr. Clark said she would talk to the Superintendent of the Rockaway Township schools where they have a similar program.
Barb DaLuna asked which waivers were not granted, and the Board responded that medical benefits was denied several weeks ago in the amount of $236,000, and portions of other waivers were not granted, including $2,900 in capital outlay, $21,000 in insurance, and $8,800 in pensions. Barb also asked about the enrollment numbers, and the Board responded that as of February 29, 2008, we have 1,999 students in our K-8 district.
Scott Anderson asked how much the Town Council could cut from the budget if it fails on April 15th. The Board responded that they have to justify what they cut, but they can eliminate anything down to the “thorough and efficient” standard, so they could cut courtesy busing ($1.1 million), our science program ($65,000), kindergarten, art, music, extracurricular activities, etc. The last time the budget failed in 2004-2005, the Town Council cut $500,000. Dr. Clark noted that cutting the school budget is a difficult process for the Town Council members who are trying to do the right thing, so it’s important that everyone come out and vote for the budget on April 15th so we can avoid this process.
Sari Caruso thanked the Board for supporting our kids, and noted that we owe the children an education. They are the victims of our ignorant decisions in the past.
Franco Dichio asked if the Board was planning any communications to educate the public about Denville’s spending per student, which ranks on of the lowest in our area. The Board responded that they provide information to the newspapers, they publish the Pathfinder and send it to all residents prior to April 15th, and they’re willing to meet with anyone. The Board noted that Denville’s spending per pupil ranks 12 out of 13 in this area, and we nearly tied for last place, which is an outrage.
Laura Hoffman stated that her child is entering 4th grade at Lakeview in September, and she asked if the 4th grade classes at Riverview are as big as the classes at Lakeview. Dr. Clark responded that the average 4th grade class size at Lakeview will be 25 students, while the average 4th grade class size at Riverview will be 22 students. Laura asked if the science teacher was necessary, or if science could be taught by the class teachers. Dr. Clark responded that most parents take great pride in having science lab classes in Denville, which are above and beyond other towns. She also noted that science is now part of the State tests, and the science labs allow the children to really experience what they’re learning. But because the science program is above and beyond the thorough and efficient standard, they could consider cutting it.
Franco Dichio asked what the Lakeview 4th grade class size would be if a seventh section was added, and Dr. Clark responded that the class sizes would reduce from 25 to 21/22.
Chris Smith noted that the tax impact of this budget is only $0.24 per day (the equivalent of the tip jar at Starbucks) and he thanked the Board for their work on the budget. He noted that the line item for capital expenditures is dropping by $500,000 from last year, and the Board responded that there is always at trade-off between capital projects and instructional programs. The Board noted that there is a backlog of facility repairs and only the most critical projects are addressed in this budget. The Board will consider whether to add some capital projects to a 2nd question this year. The Board noted that the State considers the amount we’re spending on capital projects to be too much, but it’s the result of having neglected the facilities for so many years. Chris Smith also asked the Board to convey to the public what’s at risk and the long-term view if the budget fails, so the public will understand what’s at risk. He also asked the Board to attend key community events, such as parades, to speak with the public about the budget.
Bob Grant asked why the special ed budget decreased by $144,000 from last year, and the Board responded that they’re trying to keep kids in the district, thereby reducing out-of-district tuition, and some kids have aged out of our district and moved to the high school. Bob Grant encouraged the district to keep special ed kids in district, and Dr. Clark responded that the law requires the least restrictive environment. He also asked about how the budget percent increase was calculated, and the Board went through the numbers on the budget spreadsheet.
Krystn Cedzidlo asked where occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists were included in the budget, and the Board responded that they’re included under both support and special education, depending on how the costs are classified.
Agenda Items:
The Board noted that 8 new students enrolled at Lakeview and 3 new students enrolled at Valleyview in February 2008.
The Board accepted a donation of $7,500 from the Riverview PTA for a horizontal rock climbing wall for Riverview.
Board Comments:
Mr. Gellene thanked the finance committee and Dr. Clark and our Business Administrator for their work on the budget. He noted that our administration costs have gone down, which means that the money we are spending is going to the kids. He discussed the increasing costs to our district that we have no control over (such as $236,000 in increased medical expenses). The Board is faced with mandatory cost increases, but the amount of money we can add to the budget is limited by the 4% cap. Despite this, we’re adding staff where desperately needed. However, we’re not doing enough for the students who should be testing in the advanced proficient category.
Mr. Bertram stated that the County and State already told us that a 2nd question is not needed, which means they would most likely deny our request to include a 2nd question. He noted that we did not have a lot of extras in the original budget, so cutting $260,000 is extremely difficult.
Mr. Johnson stated that we’re required to add special ed teachers because we started these programs years ago and as the kids get older and move up in grade level, we need to add teachers to accommodate them. He noted that we’re not able to add as many regular teachers as we would like, and the 4th grade at Lakeview is the only class that would still remain under our class size policy without adding another section.
Mr. Paragian noted that we have to go back to the County and State for waivers next year, and Dr. Clark stated that the County Superintendent worked very hard on our behalf to get the waivers this year. Only 9 districts in the County applied for them, and we received a lot. Mr. Paragian noted that this is an indicator that our finances here in Denville are as good as it gets.
Mr. Casse stated that a 2.65% increase is fiscally responsible and there’s no reason why this budget should not pass.
Second Public Comment Session:
Melissa Blum asked why the State is not letting us spend more money on education in Denville. It’s like they’re telling us that we’re not smart enough to determine how to spend our own money.
Linda Atkinson asked what we would lose if we added the 4th grade teacher for Lakeview, and the Board responded that it’s basically teacher for teacher (we would lose a music teacher, art teacher, science teacher, librarian…). Linda also stated that it seems unfair between the two elementary schools -- Lakeview’s 4th grade would be about the same size as Riverview’s 4th grade if the additional teacher was added at Lakeview. The Board responded that they try to keep things as fair as possible between the two schools.
Jennifer Siino asked why Lakeview’s 3rd graders are always sacrificed. They’re going to have large class sizes every year if we don’t add another section.
Barb DaLuna noted that this is the 5th budget she’s witnessed and this is not bad compared to the others. She asked the Board to take one more look at the numbers to try and find money for the 4th grade teacher at Lakeview and the $7,500 needed to make Mrs. Sicatelli full-time at Riverview.
Lisa Boch asked at what point the class sizes become too big and every school becomes too overcrowded, and what do we do at that point. The Board responded that we need to pass the budget.
Tina Smith noted that all of the parents at the meeting were there for our children; it’s not a hobby for us, like it appears to be for some others.
Hope Ritchie asked about the existing 2nd grade at Riverview, and Dr. Clark responded that the plan is to keep 5 sections for that class as they move to 3rd grade.
Bob Grant asked the Board to look at the numbers again to make sure there isn’t enough money for the 4th grade teacher at Lakeview while still keeping below the 4% cap.
Franco Dichio asked if the Board was allowed to do fundraisers, accept contributions, etc. He urged the Board to think outside the box to find the money for the extra 4th grade Lakeview teacher.
Board Comments:
Mr. Johnson thanked the public for coming to the meeting and said they’re open to new ideas.
Mr. Bertram noted that the next Board meeting will be a special budget presentation on Monday, March 24th at 7:30 pm at Riverview.