MINUTES

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

December 12, 2005

The Finance and Operations Committee of the Board of Education of the School District of Jefferson met on Monday, December 12, 2005 in the High School Library. Chairperson Stoner called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m. with committee members Koch, and Salmon present. Mr. Stafford was absent and Ms. Neils joined as alternate.

Approval of the 11/14/05 and 12/5/05 Finance and Operations Committee Minutes: Motion by Mr. Koch, seconded by Mr. Salmon to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2005 and December 5, 2005 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

FINANCE TOPICS:

Review of District Audit Report: The district’s auditor, Ed Virnig, distributed the district’s 2004-05 Audit report and reviewed it with the Board. He stated that he has given a clean, unqualified opinion for the year ended June 30, 2005. He explained the difference between the cash and accrual methods of accounting and the effect on the General Fund. Mr. Virnig also explained the ramifications of transitioning into the changing accounting rules over the next several years. Looking at the financial statements, he pointed to the reduction in net expenses from 2004 to 2005 and also indicated that the balance sheet was strong as well.

A motion to accept the School District of Jefferson audit for the year ended June 30, 2005 as presented and forward to the full board for approval was made by Mr. Salmon, seconded by Mr. Koch. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Update on Transportation Survey: The results of the fall parent and administrator transportation surveys were provided and reviewed. The final component of the survey will take place with the random telephone call survey in the spring.

Update on Natural Gas Purchasing: Mrs. Peachey noted that the district has locked in the purchase of 50% of its January and February natural gas at a fixed price, thus saving the some dollars for heating expenses. She added that the current year expenditures are high compared to last year. The thermostats in the buildings have been set down to 69 degrees in an effort to reduce costs.

Insurance Committee Update: Mrs. Peachey stated that the District Insurance Committee has met several times to discuss issues such as:

* The network opportunities if Fort Care is added as a provider.

* Any changes to the plan need to be approved through the bargaining process.

* Employee-paid options such as long term care, short term disability, and a voluntary life plan.

* Health Reimbursement Account & Health Savings Account information gathering.

* Term life insurance for employees.

2005-06 Budget Adjustments: Three adjustments to the revenue and expenditure sides of the budget were requested to accommodate the receipt of awards. The particulars of each were outlined as follows:

Ø The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities (WCDD) grant in the amount of $380 for the Project Teen proposal. Students involved in this project provided a brief overview for committee members.

Ø Two student mini-grant proposals recently approved by the Department of Public Instruction in the amounts of $900 for the STAR program and $575 for the Teens Teaching Teens program.

Ø $345 additional funding for Carl Perkins Vocational Education for 2005-06.

A motion to approve the budget adjustments as presented and forward for full Board approval was made by Ms. Neils, seconded by Mr. Koch. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

2006-07 Budget Discussion: Discussion of the 2006-07 Budget continued.

Proposed Fees for 2006-07

A motion to approve the Fees for 2006-2007 School Year as presented and forward for full Board approval was made by Mr. Koch, seconded by Ms. Neils. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Proposed Building Allocation Amounts for 2006-07

A motion to approve the 2006-2007 Building Allocations with no increase per pupil as presented and forward for full Board approval was made by Ms. Neils, seconded by Mr. Salmon. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Mrs. Peachey will recalculate using a two-year rolling average for the middle school in an effort to even out the ups and downs.

Proposed District Projects for 2006-07

Committee members discussed the urgency of the tennis court renovation as well as the truck replacement.

Preliminary Review of 2006-07 Revenues

Athletic Program Expenditure and Revenue Analysis

Administrative Budget Recommendations

Committee discussion on the “renovate vs. build new” options was extensive. Each member provided his or her opinion, and the consensus of the committee is that renovation of the current high school would be the best choice at this time. Many members agreed that the district should seek community input on this issue.

A motion to accept the administrative budget recommendation to go to the public for a vote for long-term facilities need including the renovation of the existing high school with a target date of April, 2007 and forward same for full Board discussion and approval was made by Ms. Neils, seconded by Mr. Koch. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Other administrative budget recommendations as listed were discussed. Three options presented included

ü Keep six of the ten items in the 2006-07 district budget

ü Use Fund Balance dollars to relocate the tennis courts

ü Move three items related to the high school to the long-term facilities referendum

FACILITY TOPICS:

Walk-Through Schedule for January 7, 2006: The schedule for the district facilities walk-through on Saturday, January 7, 2006 was reviewed.

Facilities Study: A Facilities Study was completed in 2004 in order to provide future direction for the district. All Board members were asked to review this document in preparation for the facilities walk-through. The building administrators have prioritized the listing of needs/wants/wishes for their building.

Resignation(s): none

Employment(s): none

Speech and Language Services 66.30 Agreement with Deerfield: The Deerfield School District has requested that the School District of Jefferson provide Speech and Language services for one of their students for 2.25 hours per week. The 66.30 Agreement outlining the particulars of this arrangement was presented for Committee approval.

A motion to approve the Agreement between the School District of Jefferson and the School District of Deerfield for Speech and Language Services for the 2005-2006 School Year as presented and forward for full Board approval was made by Mr. Salmon, seconded by Ms. Neils. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Neils, seconded by Mr. Salmon. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

ADJOURNMENT: 6:32 p.m.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Pati Fitzgerald, Board Secretary