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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 03/14/2018 (2) T CQ%ASSET O Cohasset School Committee Meeting School Committee Minutes Public Hearing Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Cohasset Middle-High School Community Use Room 143 Pond Street Cohasset, MA In Attendance: Jeanne Astino, Chairman Katie Dugan Ellen Maher Barbara Stefan Jennifer Madden Also in Attendance: Louise Demas, Superintendent Patrick Sullivan,Assistant Superintendent John Tuffy, Business Manager Chairman Astino called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. and asked for a Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Present, Katie Dugan-Present,Jeanne Astino-Present, Ellen Maher-Present,Jennifer Madden- Present. Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2019 School Budget-Superintendent Louise Demas stated the proposed FY19 budget is a balanced. She discussed the budget priorities that helped develop it. Mr.Tuffy stated the budget is an increase of 3.5%over this year's budget and meets the Town Manager's recommendation. Mrs. Maher reviewed the key assumptions of the level service budget. Mrs. Dugan spoke about the essential staffing that they need. They are requesting to add 2.5 employees. Mr.Tuffy discussed Special Education student caseloads. Mr.Tuffy also discussed the utility budget which has increased 3% and the transportation budget that is flat. Mrs. Maher spoke about the trend in grant funding. She noted the district has lost$50k in the last fiscal years while maintaining the services that the grants provided. Mrs. Dugan discussed the revolving accounts. Mrs. Demas discussed the enrollment trends over the past ten years. They continue to keep a close eye on enrollment. Mrs. Demas also discussed deferred requests totaling over$200,000 in staffing and other requests by the district leadership team. These requests are for consideration for the FY20 budget planning cycle. Mrs. Demas thanked the Town,School Committee, and leadership, Arts&Athletic Boosters, CEF, PSO, Cohasset Safe Harbor and SEPAC for all of their support. Michael Dick-Member of Advisory Committee asked if they considered the impact to OPEB with the added positions. Mrs. Dugan responded that they School Committee does not take OPEB into consideration. Mr. Dick asked how the loss of grants effects the Kindergarten budget. Mrs. Demas responded that Kindergarten tuition was increased to cover the difference. Chairman Astino asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion moved by Mrs. Maher, seconded by Mrs. Dugan. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye. The hearing concluded at 7:18 p.m.