Fairfax Board of School Directors
Monday, February 20, 2006
Regular School Board Meeting at 6:30pm
School Budget Information Forum at 7:00pm
BFA Elementary Gym
Present: Chairperson Peg Stewart, Greg Beeman, Jeff Loller, Rachelle Howard, Lauri Fisher, Kelsey Peterson, Dustin Howard, Phil Higgins, Scott Lang, Tom Walsh, Lisa Delorme, Chris Sumner
1. Call to Order – Peg Stewart called the meeting to order at 6:30PM following an executive session.
2. Bus Bid Approval - Jeff Loller motioned to accept the bid from School Lines, Inc. in the amount of $63,446 for the purchase of a new school bus providing this school budget article passes at town meeting. Lauri Fisher seconded. Passed unanimously.
3. Insurance – Chris Sumner explained an insurance situation to the Board. The life insurance policy for the staff only covers 70% for those over 65 years of age. BFA currently has a staff member over 65 years of age. The policy is in effect until contract negotiations and if a claim is filed before this time there is a risk of having to pay up to a maximum of $4500. The Board was presented the option of paying $1800 towards the policy to cover the months until the contracts are renegotiated. Discussion ensued. It was the Boards decision to not pay the extra money into the policy and to assume the maximum risk of $4500 if a claim is filed.
4. Roof –Chris Sumner passed out a current FY2006 budget status report. There is a $334,244 variance at this point including $80,000 in salary savings for the year. Referencing this report she noted possible areas from where the money could be taken to address the roof problems that were discussed at the previous meeting. It was noted that the roof repairs would need to bid out to be completed during the spring break vacation in order to use this money. Lauri Fisher motioned to begin the bid process for the roof repairs. Greg Beeman seconded. Passed unanimously.
5. School Budget Presentation – Peg Stewart gave an introduction into how the budget was built. Rachelle Howard reviewed the budget summary. Jeff Loller discussed the budget increases and decreases, the Education Tax estimates, and the budget surplus. Greg Beeman reviewed the articles ($68,000 toward a bus purchase, $60,000 towards a technology purchase, and $85,000 toward asbestos abatement). Lauri Fisher concluded explaining tax relief through rebates and prebates. Questions were taken from the public on technology spending, the bus purchase, impact fees, and the specifics on the asbestos abatement.
6. Upcoming Meetings
March 13, 2006
:: Regular Meeting at 6:30pm in the Fairfax Community Library
