Thanks to Brad Moulton for sending his notes from tonight's meeting:
Meeting was started at approximately 7:40PM. There were probably 30-40 people in attendance. Dr. Marino was absent (8 members total)
During first community corner, a comment was made from a resident that he had spoken with Dr. Lesky and that Dr. Lesky had indicated to this person that his salary was pretty low compared to other supers. However given that, he was happy with his salary. This person wanted to recommend that the board vote it down. Mr. Keller said that in actuality, Dr. Lesky's salary increase was 4.2% ($122,400 to $127,541) which was less than they gave the teachers (editor's note - the current figure presented by the Express-Times this morning was $118,600, the same figure presented by a reader on Friday).
Second community corner comment was from a person (who I believe was the MS/HS librarian assistant) who wanted the board NOT to eliminate her position. She noted that she makes only $15K yet the budget savings were listed at $50K. The board heard her comments and were appreciative. All budget items/cuts to be considered in the next couple months. They hope to have a final budget by end of April.
Dr. Lesky addressed the many people who were at the meeting in support of the Clippers Field. Dr. Lesky wanted to make sure there was no "disinformation" regarding NASD "taking away" the Clippers Field. When Hercules sold the land to NASD, there was a 25 lease attached to the bill of sale for the Clippers use of the fields. That is valid through approximately 2019. Dr. Lesky wanted to assure the Clippers that NASD would not take the fields away, they were only looking at all options. One option is for the Clippers to use the new turf field (more on that in a bit) at no charge.
Curr. & Instr. report by Ms. Dautrich talked about the $45K we have for all day K-garten that we'll lose unless we implement/expand our all day K-garten. They stressed the base amount we receive would remain unchanged. Also, NASD was audited by the "PSSA police" at Shafer and the MS.
Finance discussion centered on the proposed cuts. Dr. Lesky went through all the proposed cuts (we've seen them before, so I won't re-type). There were a few notable items. NASD had anticipated 8 teachers retiring. Only 7 did/(or will) so the savings for that line item is reduced to 276K. Also the Bonus line item is reduced to 45K as well. There was a comment about they expected a retirement from CDC(central duplicating center) but that didn't happen either. Remember that there was a $100K cut in technology proposed. The proposed tech cuts were categorized as "gutting" by the Tech Committee. Budget and proposed cuts to be discussed at a later date.
Ms. Rischoff alerted the board to proposed changes by Gov. Rendell to move the PA primary from the current late-April date to either early Mar or early Feb. Either way, will seriously impact school boards and budgets.
There was an addendum to the agenda. Item VIII. C. A motion to award a contract to Grace Industries for the synthetic field project in the amount of $1,509,939 included in the contract will be bid alternates 3, 3B, 12, 13 and 19. Astute readers may remember that this project was originally listed at $1,200,000. After the meeting, Mr. Maher found me and showed me the total cost of the project which is inclusive of site fees, etc. The total cost will be approximately $1,724,000. This was voted and passed 7-1 with Mr. Maher voting no.
The ratification of the teachers contract and Dr. Lesky's salary will be voted on at the next meeting.
During the last community corner, I asked about transportation. Given the number of buses that Jennings has, and the number of runs we currently use, how do we think we are going to handle the "extra" level of classes. I was told they met today and they will meet again (with Jennings tomorrow) to discuss these matters. It's all a function of the bell schedule I was told by Dr. Lesky. Transportation Comm. meets next Monday at 5:30PM in the board room.
6 comments:
kelley joseph-
also of note during the two public comment forums:
I brought up two cost saving measures that I hoped the board would consider
1. charging parents for the early dismissal alert system-read that another district was implementing same system at a cost of $3.50 per which if NASD did would result in about 10K revenue-currently 3K being alerted via cell/computer of early dismissal---program would be paying for itself and maybe we could even keep the MS library asst--Lesky said they would look into that
2.cited friend who has K student in Saucon Valley and that district does not provide midday bus service-if a.m. K parent picks up child, p.m. K parent drops off--save for daycare bus to Y--
I wonder what the actual savings would be--with your background in trans maybe you know Ross--lesky said that they had considered that in the past but feared it too much of an inconvenience for parents
With an 07 Kindergartner who will get the bus I would be affected but when I see the board cutting field trips and activity busses seems we can at least consider some other alternatives even if it means parents having to make accomodation--
and I think it is crucial we consider other districts cost saving measures--we compare for salaries why not for revenue issues?
the other item that didn't make the report was from the Bushkill PTA rep during the final public comment forum, she voiced concern about the size of specials--stated that 35 per gym special is a safety issue--I know Shafer PTA had voiced the same concern about overcrowded specials at a sept 06 mtg--Lesky said they were looking into the size of specials for next year--I hope the 3 PTA's can stay on this one as it is a big concern from what I hear--if a grade has more than 4 classes (we do a 4 day specials rotation) it means gathering the classes in the halls breaking into groups and heading off to specials then reconvening and returning to classrooms--resulting in time lost and overcrowded art/music/gym/library time--hopefully this gets some more attention as curriculum for 07/8 is solidified
finally I did not hear lesky mention the 3 elem portable computer labs that were cut from the 07/8 budget on his budget cut recap and forgot to ask in final comment portion if they were still being cut--I am assuming they are--
kelley again-
hey Ross ET has the turf deal on front page today-
guess JD didn't get ear time with Maher for the real costs as it cited the 1.5M #
hey Brad should think about getting ET-delivery NEVER missed :)
Something is wrong here.....CHARGE THE PARENTS FOR THE EARLY DISMISSAL ALERT SYSTEM???? The district has a top heavy administrative staff and building plans which include non neccessities. I think it would be another excuse for the district to hire another employee to implement the charging and collection of the fee.....which would be for one program the district is doing right!
Here's an idea - - -
Last year, my son owed $.20 in a library fine, so they sent me a letter costing $.39 to mail. This year, I propose they swallow the fine and save $.19.
Seriously, I find it unfathomable that this district can get away with approving a 1.5 million dollar astroturf while proposing cuts in student services and faculty support. Where are the priorities? Classes don't have enough books, specials are overflowing, field trips will be gone, etc....but we'll have a brand spanking new stadium, not to mention a swimming pool and a new all-weather track. Sports is costing this district a fortune.
Shameful.......
"Dr. Lesky had indicated to this person that his salary was pretty low compared to other supers. However given that, he was happy with his salary. This person wanted to recommend that the board vote it down. "
I found this interesting, I believe that everyone that works for the district is contracted but yet Lesky is getting another raise (I believe the 3rd one in less then a two period) and an additional sum added into his 403b plan. I thought the district was cutting positions. How can the board justify these increases and then cut positions. I believe a board member stated that now that the teachers have their contract they can begin to teach, yet we are not supporting the things that they need to be effective. What a district, it invests more in its higher administration and buildings then what really matters..... the ones that spend the most time with our children.
so the PSSA police came to Shafer and the MS, too bad they weren't at the MS when the testing was going on, I dont think they would have liked what they saw or if they heard what the students were told, my son was told that "if you go to the bathroom, you must hand in your test and your testing session is over", I thought that he must have misunderstood, but I checked this out with some other classmates and they said that they were told the same thing. Isn't this a violation of the testing environment and if we put so much weigth on these tests then why do the MS teachers take them so lightly? Also with all the budget cuts, that must be why we had to supply the pencils and calculators for the test which they told us the night before.
Post a Comment