Rochester School Board
Finance Committee Meeting
Central Office Boardroom
October 4, 2007
7:00 PM

 

Members Present:

Mrs. Nancy Warren, Chair

Mr. John Connelly
Mrs. Audrey Stevens

Mrs. Anne Grassie

Mrs. Peggy Parker

Mr. Robert Watson

Members Absent:

Mrs. Jae Duntley

 

Also Present:

Mr. Michael Hopkins

Ms. Linda Casey

Mr. Richard Kalisz


 

Mrs. Pam Hubbard

Mr. Charlie DeVito

 

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

 

Mrs. Casey reviewed the monthly financial statement.  The budget is consistent with last year’s budget.  Mrs. Casey’s analysis has shown a savings in the Health Insurance line of approximately $100,000.  This is from the new hires choosing less expensive insurance than the previous employees.  The administration is recommending using this balance to fund the changes required to the modular classrooms.  

 

Mrs. Grassie moved, second by Mr. Connelly, to recommend to the Board approval of the McKinney-Vento Grant for $43,999.  The motion passed unanimously. 

 

The Grant is to provide a consortium between Rochester, Somersworth and Farmington.  This will help Somersworth and Farmington reach out and support homeless students in a similar manner to what we have been doing for several years.  This grant pays stipends and salaries for staff in our District, and Somersworth and Farmington.

 

Mrs. Casey reviewed the student activity account and petty cash guidelines.  These guidelines clearly explain what is acceptable for spending from student activity accounts, soda/water funds, and also includes the requirement for approval from the Superintendent’s office of expenditures over $300.

 

Mrs. Warren moved, second by Mr. Watson, to recommend to the Board approval of the student activity account guidelines, and the petty cash guidelines.  The motion passed unanimously. 

 

The Committee discussed concerns about Booster organizations, and their finances.  Mr. Hopkins will gather a list of all Booster organizations, with the President and Treasurer.  He will contact all Booster organizations and coaches to ensure compliance with policy KBE.  Mrs. Casey and Mr. Hopkins will prepare guidelines for the Booster group’s financial management, including an annual audit.

 

Building Committee Financial Items

 

Mr. Kalisz updated the Board on the issues related to the modular classrooms.  The final issue is the frost protected foundation.  The purpose for this in a “temporary” structure is to reduce settling.  We were told about the requirement after the modulars were in place and connected to electricity.  So, instead of putting a concrete slab, our engineer designed a channel of concrete that jacks rest upon.  The jacks will hold up metal i-beams that support the building.  This will be installed by November 15, 2007, pending approval by the Board. 

 

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mr. Watson, to recommend to the Board approval of the modular classroom underpinnings for $88,900 from Empire Sheet Metal Inc.  This would come out of the operating portion of the budget.  The motion passed unanimously.  

 

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mr. Watson, to recommend to the Board approval of the bid from Granite State Glass of Rochester, NH  for $3,825 for a set of doors at the Vocational School. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Personnel Committee Financial Items

 

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

A 27.5 hour Aide at William Allen School funded by Nashua.

A 15 hour Aide for a student at Maple Street School funded out of the District budget.

An increase from 10 hours to 11 hours per week for a Behavior Consultant, paid out of IDEA funds.

 

The motion passed unanimously.

 

Other

 

Mr. Hopkins updated the Board on the bid that just went out for the Point of Sale system for school lunch.  This will be funded from the School Lunch account, and the bids should be presented at the next Finance Committee.

 

Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mrs. Parker, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.    

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Nancy Warren