Rochester School Board
Finance Committee Meeting
Central Office Boardroom
February 7, 2008
7:00 PM

Members Present: Mr. Robert Watson, Chair Mr. John Connelly Mrs. Anne Grassie Ms. Caroline McCarley Mrs. Peggy Parker Dr. Anthony Pastelis Mrs. Audrey Stevens

Members Absent: Mrs. Pamela Hubbard Mr. Frank Callaghan

Also Present: Mr. Michael Hopkins Ms. Linda Casey Mr. Richard Kalisz Guests press

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

Mrs. Casey reviewed the monthly financial statement for January. Mrs. Casey explained that the salary lines are in very good shape for this time of year. We anticipate a surplus in funds of $200,000 because the city is just now bonding the CIP items. We have budgeted to make a payment on the bond during this budget. The special education line is currently in good shape, and is reviewed on a monthly basis. The number of retirements will require $75,000 more than was budgeted to pay out the severance for these employees. The school lunch account is showing a deficit because we used a fund balance to purchase the new POS system. The remainder of the school lunch account is on track to break even. We may need to consider a price increase for next year. The cost of meals has not gone up in five years, and cost of food has risen considerably.

Financial Items from Building Committee

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mrs. Parker, to recommend the Board approve the low bid from J. Sallese & Sons, Inc. of Wakefield, MA for locker replacement in the amount of $36,000; plus approval of an additional $31,000 to replace the lockers on the second floor of A-wing at the Rochester Middle School. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mrs. Stevens, to recommend the Board approve the bid from Barker Architects of Concord, NH for engineering services for roof replacement at the East Rochester Annex and new wing at Spaulding High School in the amount of $11,900. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mrs. Stevens, to recommend the Board approve the bid from Cocheco Equipment, Inc. of Rochester NH for a Zero Turn mower Toro Model 7429 in the amount of $5,879. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mrs. Stevens, to recommend to the Board approval of the Chamberlain Street walking track, as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

Financial Items from Personnel

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mrs. Stevens, to recommend to the Board approval of the following items from the Personnel Committee.

· 35 hour per week Sign Language Interpreter (included in the budget)

· Full-time Special Education Teacher (to replace a 35 hour Aide and keep a student in-district)

· Special Education Aide (funded by SAU #64)

· Special Education Personal Aide, 12 hours per week, a total of $3,000 for the remainder of the year

The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mrs. Parker, to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Robert Watson, Chair