On January 5th, the school board met at Park School. We held elections, and Mona Dyke was elected as board president. I was elected to be vice president.
A presentation on Park School was given by its principal, Jane Myers, and we then trooped over to Crestwood for a presentation by principal Angie Lutz. Time was allotted for questions, etc. and both sessions were very informative.
From there, we headed over to the Middle School where principal Ben Ohlemacher held a presentation in the old library. We learned a lot!
Next we went to the high school, and Steve Gfell met with us, first in the Media Center and then finished his presentation in the science lab. Again, we were given a lot of good information on the plans in place for our students.
All of that was good stuff, and the three new board members were active participants.
While still at Park School, Paulette shared with us news about a federal grant called the "Race to the Top", or "RttT". States need to apply to be considered for this grant, and each school district within each state interested in participating needed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") by four o'clock on Friday the 8th.
There is a formula already outlined, which shows that if Ohio were to be awarded grant money under RttT, the Swanton School District could potentially receive $68,000 over a four year period. Wow!
Of course, there are parameters to be met, as with any grant - but the first step was to get our MOU signed and submitted by the deadline. The school board unanimously passed a motion to instruct Paulette sign this MOU on behalf of our district.
Every school district in the state had the opportunity to participate and therefore receive a portion of the “Race to the Top” grant for the 2010-2011 school year if it is awarded to Ohio. Districts that do not sign the MOU will not be eligible to receive any of the grant money, should Ohio be selected.
Each local teachers’ union must also sign the MOU before it is submitted, and unfortunately the Swanton Education Association (SEA) would not agree to sign without additional demands in a separate MOU between the SEA and the Swanton School Board. Paulette agreed to sign the SEA’s proposed MOU with a minor change in wording, but SEA President Judy Teague, refused on the advice of their Ohio Education Association’s representative. Mrs. Baz then asked to meet with SEA officers to discuss it and was informed there was nothing to talk about.
The Swanton School Board and administration had looked forward to establishing a committee consisting of equal numbers of teachers and administrators to work on the proposal if this grant was awarded, in a continuing effort to become an “Excellent” school district. Some teachers’ unions from neighboring school districts (such as Evergreen) did not require an additional MOU and willingly signed the ODE Memorandum of Understanding as written. Other local districts agreed to a compromise on the additional MOU language and signed together. Those districts will thus be able to receive funds from this Federal grant if it is awarded to Ohio, while Swanton will not.
It is especially disheartening when you realize that many of the components of the “Race to the Top” grant are already being done with full SEA participation at our High School and Middle School as part of the “High Schools that Work” program. It would have been extremely helpful to have had that extra $17,000 in each of four years of the “Race to the Top” grant timeframe.
Friday, January 8, 2010
December 2009
I had my parents up from Florida over the holidays, and I got behind on several things as a result. To keep you up to date, below is a summary of our December school board meeting that was prepared by Paulette Baz, Superintendent.
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In an effort to inform the staff of board of education meetings, I am sending you this update from the December BOE meeting that took place Tuesday, December 17th at 7 PM at the board office.
During the public participation portion of the meeting, a community member spoke about Earth Day and the Citizens Action Network and another community member thanked the 3 board members who will complete their service on 12/31.
The board approved the minutes from the November 17 and 24, 2009 meetings, the financial reports and investments, transfers/advances, and the revised Budget and Objectives from the HS NHS. The BOE approved the appropriation resolution and amended certificate and the 5/3 depository agreement.
During the reports/recommendations of the Superintendent, the board approved the personnel recommendations of the superintendent.
Under new business, the board set the date for the organizational meeting and appointed Mona Dyke President Pro-tem for the organizational meeting. The board also approved the OSBA annual membership dues, and subscriptions. The board also set the pay for the new board members (1/2 of the state rate which is currently $125).
During the comments/statements from the board members section, Mona and Cindy thanked Dennis, Jeff and Mike for their service. Mona and Jeff also had additional comments.
Executive session was held for Employee Employment and Negotiations. No action was taken after executive session.
On 1/5/2010, a special board meeting will be held for the organizational meeting followed by a special meeting---tour/presentation at each building. The January regular board meeting will be on 1/12/10.
*******************
In an effort to inform the staff of board of education meetings, I am sending you this update from the December BOE meeting that took place Tuesday, December 17th at 7 PM at the board office.
During the public participation portion of the meeting, a community member spoke about Earth Day and the Citizens Action Network and another community member thanked the 3 board members who will complete their service on 12/31.
The board approved the minutes from the November 17 and 24, 2009 meetings, the financial reports and investments, transfers/advances, and the revised Budget and Objectives from the HS NHS. The BOE approved the appropriation resolution and amended certificate and the 5/3 depository agreement.
During the reports/recommendations of the Superintendent, the board approved the personnel recommendations of the superintendent.
Under new business, the board set the date for the organizational meeting and appointed Mona Dyke President Pro-tem for the organizational meeting. The board also approved the OSBA annual membership dues, and subscriptions. The board also set the pay for the new board members (1/2 of the state rate which is currently $125).
During the comments/statements from the board members section, Mona and Cindy thanked Dennis, Jeff and Mike for their service. Mona and Jeff also had additional comments.
Executive session was held for Employee Employment and Negotiations. No action was taken after executive session.
On 1/5/2010, a special board meeting will be held for the organizational meeting followed by a special meeting---tour/presentation at each building. The January regular board meeting will be on 1/12/10.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Basic School Finance
A training session on the basics of school finance was held for our newly elected school board members on Tuesday evening, November 24th. Treasurer Cheryl Swisher had prepared handouts for each person and we spent a little over two hours going over her materials.
We did not directly address the Five Year Forecast that evening, although it was mentioned in passing a few times. The main focus that night was to familiarize the new board members with the financial packet that is part of each monthly meeting. General topics were:
We did not directly address the Five Year Forecast that evening, although it was mentioned in passing a few times. The main focus that night was to familiarize the new board members with the financial packet that is part of each monthly meeting. General topics were:
- What are the accounts?
- Where does the money go?
- Where does the money come from?
- The Board's role in the financial process
- Review of board reports
- Questions
Of course, out of a school district's expenses, fully 85% is on salaries and benefits. Board President Jeff Michael reminded everyone that the difference between the salary we had originally offered to the SEA and the final contract is $1 million annually - which goes on forever, each and every year. He made the point that salaries and benefits are the largest expense over which a school district has any control, and that decisions made on contracts have an everlasting effect - good or bad - on a district.
Cheryl spoke about the differences between the various types of funds and how certain funds can only be used for specific purposes. For example, the Permanent Improvement fund holds money that cannot be used for operating the district, by law. It can't even be used for repairs of our buildings! She used the example of a broken pane of glass in a school building window. PI money cannot legally be used to repair that broken pane of glass - but it COULD be used to replace the window completely!
There was a short side discussion on the prospect of a new Middle School. Our "turn" for receiving state funds is coming up soon, but in order to qualify for a new building the enrollment must be at a minimum of 350 students - we are currently at 312 in the Middle School.
Cheryl explained the Board's role, and suggested we ask the right questions:
- What is our district's current millage rates?
- Are any levies expiring and when?
- When is our property going to be reappraised and how will that affect us?
- What are the assumptions in the Five Year Forecast?
- How is our health insurance funded and how does it compare to other Districts?
She was very thorough in her presentation, and shared a lot of valuable information. In her summary, she cautioned that the school board must keep the overall financial picture in mind when approving contracts and staffing, and must make certain that what is approved is allotted for in projections shown in the Five Year Forecast.
This first training session was very well done, and a subsequent session on the Five Year Forecast should also be enlightening for the new board members.
November Meeting
Our November 17th school board meeting began with many board commendations to particular students to recognize their successes in athletics and music. Congratulations to them all, for their hard work and perseverance!
The Treasurer's section of the meeting was pretty straightforward, with action taken to accept the Appropriation and Amended Certificate as presented, a depository agreement with National City, and Transfers. There were no "Now & Then" POs this month.
For the Superintendent's portion, Mr. Griggs presided for the last time in his capacity of interim superintendent while Paulette Baz was on maternity leave. The recommendations on various personnel matters were unanimously accepted, including a retirement, several volunteers, certificated and supplemental contracts.
We were asked to approve the process to begin taking bids on mold remediation in the closed off section of the Middle School. We have had both state level and county Board of Health representatives inspect this building and give recommendations. There are about 5 rooms that will receive mold remediation and the other cleanup can be done by our custodial staff.
Bids for a new ADA compliant bus had been received, and we were asked to approve the Blue Bird bid of $80,030 which included a $1500 trade-in allowance for our 1991 Blue Bird bus plus an early payment discount of $200. There was a short discussion of whether a better price for the old bus might be obtained by attempting to sell it on our own. We unanimously approved accepting the bid from Cardinal Bus Sales & Service for the Blue Bird bus, and we may expect delivery in March 2010.
There were reports by Mr. Griggs and Mona Dyke on the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) conference recently held in Columbus. We had a short Executive Session, and then our official business was finished.
A report from Mr. Griggs showed that our absence rates have been running from 5-9%, which is in the "normal" range.
Mona and I thought it would be helpful for our newly elected board members to receive some training prior to them taking office. With schedules being so crowded this time of year, we were able to set one date for a financial training session with Treasurer Cheryl Swisher. Other training will be provided as time permits, in addition to that provided by the OSBA.
The Treasurer's section of the meeting was pretty straightforward, with action taken to accept the Appropriation and Amended Certificate as presented, a depository agreement with National City, and Transfers. There were no "Now & Then" POs this month.
For the Superintendent's portion, Mr. Griggs presided for the last time in his capacity of interim superintendent while Paulette Baz was on maternity leave. The recommendations on various personnel matters were unanimously accepted, including a retirement, several volunteers, certificated and supplemental contracts.
We were asked to approve the process to begin taking bids on mold remediation in the closed off section of the Middle School. We have had both state level and county Board of Health representatives inspect this building and give recommendations. There are about 5 rooms that will receive mold remediation and the other cleanup can be done by our custodial staff.
Bids for a new ADA compliant bus had been received, and we were asked to approve the Blue Bird bid of $80,030 which included a $1500 trade-in allowance for our 1991 Blue Bird bus plus an early payment discount of $200. There was a short discussion of whether a better price for the old bus might be obtained by attempting to sell it on our own. We unanimously approved accepting the bid from Cardinal Bus Sales & Service for the Blue Bird bus, and we may expect delivery in March 2010.
There were reports by Mr. Griggs and Mona Dyke on the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) conference recently held in Columbus. We had a short Executive Session, and then our official business was finished.
A report from Mr. Griggs showed that our absence rates have been running from 5-9%, which is in the "normal" range.
Mona and I thought it would be helpful for our newly elected board members to receive some training prior to them taking office. With schedules being so crowded this time of year, we were able to set one date for a financial training session with Treasurer Cheryl Swisher. Other training will be provided as time permits, in addition to that provided by the OSBA.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October Meeting - Spooky 5 yr Forecast
Our regular October board meeting was held last night, Oct. 20th, and we had quite a few people in attendance. President Jeff Michael was not able to be there, so Vice President Dennis Heban presided.
At the beginning of the evening, a Board Commendation was presented to Dave Smith, recognizing his great achievement in winning the national title of America's best bus mechanic. He shared a bit of what he had done to win the award - it was impressive! Great job, Dave!
We always address the reports of the Treasurer as our first order of regular business. After approving the Transfers/Advances, Now & Then PO for Great Lakes Biomedical (related to our cooperative venture in a drug grant with Evergreen), and the rates for various substitute positions for the 09-10 school year, we then turned our attention to the 5 yr. Forecast.
Sorry for the "Spooky" title - with it being October and all, I couldn't resist.
Anyway, Treasurer Cheryl Swisher walked us through each aspect of the 5 yr. Forecast which is required by the state to be filed by the end of this month.
A significant part of school financing comes from the State of Ohio through various avenues. As many of you know, the state has been having a lot of problems trying to finalize its budget - which has a direct effect on school budgets. Many items are still unresolved, which led Cheryl to ask (at a recent conference) why the October forecast is required to be filed when so many of the numbers aren't known yet. She is of the opinion that her forecast for our district is pretty good for this school year, but from that point forward there are too many state related variables for this forecast to give a true picture.
However - based on what she does know at this point, we will begin deficit spending in 2011 to the tune of $770,932. Because we have a healthy cash carryover, we can get by. From that point forward - as best as she can calculate - our deficit spending will be $2,336,064 in 2012; $3,392,859 in 2013; and $4,909,897 of deficit spending by 2014. That is not a typo.
Again, because of our healthy cash carryover, we might not go back into Fiscal Caution until 2013, but by 2014 we will be truly, honestly and completely in the hole to the tune of $2,989,466. Cheryl also mentioned that IF our current "Emergency Levy" is put back onto the ballot at some point as a renewal, we will still be broke by $2.5 million dollars in 2014.
None of this takes into consideration the fact that our turn for a new middle school should be coming up in a few years . . .
Cheryl reminded us that, since 2004, our district has 'lost' a total of 216 students. So even without all of the current gyrations by our state government, we lost the revenues tied into enrollment numbers.
Mike Wiederman asked how State Issue 3 might impact our district finances if it was passed this November? Cheryl was quick to point out that every time something related to gambling was touted as being "good for schools", it wasn't good at all !! For example, remember when the Ohio Lottery was going to infuse all that money into our state public schools? Well every time we got a dollar from the Lottery - the state found a way to take back two (or thereabouts). Cheryl assured everyone that it was a consistent pattern, and she was quite sure that it will be no different with the gambling money associated with State Issue 3 that will be on the ballot. All state public schools would experience a net loss of funding, just as they had with the Ohio Lottery. So - for those of you hearing the TV ads that mention how great this will be for Ohio schools . . . don't be fooled!
So - on that cheery note, we moved on to the reports and recommendations of the Superintendent.
Russ Griggs is our acting Superintendent right now, as Paulette is still officially "off" on maternity leave. She was in attendance that night, with little Paul David (already 4 weeks old!).
The Board approved all of the Personnel recommendations, including student teachers and volunteers. We also approved the adoption of the Ohio Department of Education model of Special Education Evaluation Procedures.
There was some discussion with Middle School Principal, Ben Ohlemacher, about the proposed 8th grade trip to Philadelphia next May. Dennis Heban expressed concern that deposits made in November were non-refundable, and we didn't want anyone to lose money on the deal. But we were assured that great care would be taken to ensure that no deposits would be made unless it was certain that the trip would occur. The Board then gave its unanimous approval for the trip.
We also approved a one year subscription to the OSBA Communication Plus publication, the ODE School Food Authority Permanent Agreement, and the BGSU Field Placement Agreement for 2009-12.
At the end of the business portion of our meeting, Dennis asked if we had any school board candidates in the audience? As it turned out, we did! Chris Oberheim and John Schaller were both there that evening, and introduced themselves. It was nice to be able to put a face with the names.
We were then adjourned - and it was only 8:15 !!
Obviously, the tenuous fiscal picture will make for interesting negotiations next year with the SEA.
At the beginning of the evening, a Board Commendation was presented to Dave Smith, recognizing his great achievement in winning the national title of America's best bus mechanic. He shared a bit of what he had done to win the award - it was impressive! Great job, Dave!
We always address the reports of the Treasurer as our first order of regular business. After approving the Transfers/Advances, Now & Then PO for Great Lakes Biomedical (related to our cooperative venture in a drug grant with Evergreen), and the rates for various substitute positions for the 09-10 school year, we then turned our attention to the 5 yr. Forecast.
Sorry for the "Spooky" title - with it being October and all, I couldn't resist.
Anyway, Treasurer Cheryl Swisher walked us through each aspect of the 5 yr. Forecast which is required by the state to be filed by the end of this month.
A significant part of school financing comes from the State of Ohio through various avenues. As many of you know, the state has been having a lot of problems trying to finalize its budget - which has a direct effect on school budgets. Many items are still unresolved, which led Cheryl to ask (at a recent conference) why the October forecast is required to be filed when so many of the numbers aren't known yet. She is of the opinion that her forecast for our district is pretty good for this school year, but from that point forward there are too many state related variables for this forecast to give a true picture.
However - based on what she does know at this point, we will begin deficit spending in 2011 to the tune of $770,932. Because we have a healthy cash carryover, we can get by. From that point forward - as best as she can calculate - our deficit spending will be $2,336,064 in 2012; $3,392,859 in 2013; and $4,909,897 of deficit spending by 2014. That is not a typo.
Again, because of our healthy cash carryover, we might not go back into Fiscal Caution until 2013, but by 2014 we will be truly, honestly and completely in the hole to the tune of $2,989,466. Cheryl also mentioned that IF our current "Emergency Levy" is put back onto the ballot at some point as a renewal, we will still be broke by $2.5 million dollars in 2014.
None of this takes into consideration the fact that our turn for a new middle school should be coming up in a few years . . .
Cheryl reminded us that, since 2004, our district has 'lost' a total of 216 students. So even without all of the current gyrations by our state government, we lost the revenues tied into enrollment numbers.
Mike Wiederman asked how State Issue 3 might impact our district finances if it was passed this November? Cheryl was quick to point out that every time something related to gambling was touted as being "good for schools", it wasn't good at all !! For example, remember when the Ohio Lottery was going to infuse all that money into our state public schools? Well every time we got a dollar from the Lottery - the state found a way to take back two (or thereabouts). Cheryl assured everyone that it was a consistent pattern, and she was quite sure that it will be no different with the gambling money associated with State Issue 3 that will be on the ballot. All state public schools would experience a net loss of funding, just as they had with the Ohio Lottery. So - for those of you hearing the TV ads that mention how great this will be for Ohio schools . . . don't be fooled!
So - on that cheery note, we moved on to the reports and recommendations of the Superintendent.
Russ Griggs is our acting Superintendent right now, as Paulette is still officially "off" on maternity leave. She was in attendance that night, with little Paul David (already 4 weeks old!).
The Board approved all of the Personnel recommendations, including student teachers and volunteers. We also approved the adoption of the Ohio Department of Education model of Special Education Evaluation Procedures.
There was some discussion with Middle School Principal, Ben Ohlemacher, about the proposed 8th grade trip to Philadelphia next May. Dennis Heban expressed concern that deposits made in November were non-refundable, and we didn't want anyone to lose money on the deal. But we were assured that great care would be taken to ensure that no deposits would be made unless it was certain that the trip would occur. The Board then gave its unanimous approval for the trip.
We also approved a one year subscription to the OSBA Communication Plus publication, the ODE School Food Authority Permanent Agreement, and the BGSU Field Placement Agreement for 2009-12.
At the end of the business portion of our meeting, Dennis asked if we had any school board candidates in the audience? As it turned out, we did! Chris Oberheim and John Schaller were both there that evening, and introduced themselves. It was nice to be able to put a face with the names.
We were then adjourned - and it was only 8:15 !!
Obviously, the tenuous fiscal picture will make for interesting negotiations next year with the SEA.
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