Members Present:

Richard Kowalski, President; Dawn Klida, Vice-President; Terrence O’Hare, Treasurer; Barbara Skowronski, Secretary; John Loop, Trustee; Patrick Shaffer, Trustee; Scott Sturm, Trustee

Members Absent:

None.

Mr. Kowalski asked if Board members had any additions to the agenda.  Mr. Kowalski requested that Item 3 be changed to “Discussion Regarding the Itinerant Staff.”

expressions/communi-

cations from the public

Lynne Moore, BTESP President, asked that the Board make final decisions fair across the board as much as possible.

discussion regarding itinerant staff decision

Mrs. Skowronski stated that she was still looking for the exact cost to retain anybody relative to the itinerants who may bump into the district.  The Board was told the savings would be about $30,000, but if the itinerants are considering bumping in with their seniority she thought that the district would be losing money.  She thought this should be looked at one more time.

Mr. O’Hare agreed.  Everything that he saw so far reflected a savings of $7,000. He said that if there were no savings to be realized, then the itinerant staff should be put back in as district staff people.

Mr. Loop said that there are some items that were not factored in on the sheet that was distributed.  If the transfers take place, the current contract says that these people would be eligible for retirement benefits and sick days.  That has to be considered even if three bump back in.

Mr. Kowalski stated that the Board already acknowledged and knew there was the possibility of bumping.  The Board had negotiated a $30,000 retirement benefit with the last BTEA contract.  Mr. Kowalski also said that there should have been discussion regarding the special education secretary which would be a $42,000 savings.  These people can bump if they so choose and the Board will welcome them back.  The special education secretary position should have been brought up at the last meeting and discussed, but it was not.  Mr. Kowalski said that he understood that a one-page sheet had been received, but there was some special interest going on around the district that disappointed him.

Mr. O’Hare stated that the Board needed to look at the cuts needed for next year.  The Board needed to focus on long-term items that will help the district.  He still had not seen black and white numbers.  Mr. Kowalski said that he had been asking for black and white numbers for two years and he still had not gotten the information.  He stated that decisions made by the Board should be supported by the Board.  Nothing shows that there would be a $42,000 savings if the secretary is gone.

Mr. O’Hare totally agreed, but he again asked to see the figures.  Mr. Kowalski said that the decision had been made with the best information presented to the Board.  If there is one person of the four people who made the decision that wanted to change it, this would be okay, but the decision has already been made.

Mr. O’Hare stated that this was only the second time this had been discussed.  The district would not be saving the $30,000 per individual.  He did not want to make this decision, and the papers could come back showing no savings.  Mr. Kowalski said that the paper showed potential figures.  The savings may be more if the people who are laid off get another position.  There is a potential $180,000 savings with the supplemental that was negotiated out of the contract last year.  Mr. O’Hare said that, as a Board member, he wanted to see the figures.

Mr. Andress said that only three people were eligible to bump.  The other people hired after 1994 are not eligible for the $30,000 retirement benefit.  Mr. Andress had heard at a Living Agreement meeting that there was a problem, and he was asked who could be bumped.  He did not know who would bump until the district received a letter.  He had no idea the night that the motion was made who would bump, and if they would bump.  Mr. Andress thought he had fulfilled what had been asked of him at the Living Agreement meeting.

Mr. Trzeciak said that he had asked the superintendent to provide the information and cost if the three people chose to bump.  He felt this had been done.

Mr. Loop asked what the status of the special education secretary position was and if this position had come over with the itinerants.  He asked if the transfer took place, what would that person’s duties be.  Mr. Heinrich said that the secretary and itinerants were not a package.  The secretary’s main job was the central registry secretary who managed over three hundred files.  She takes care of the files which are still the district’s.  Only about one quarter of her time was working with the itinerants.  When she came over, all of the files came over as well, and she took care of the registry portion. 

Mr. Kowalski asked who took care of the Medicaid billing and if the district did work for the itinerants.  Mr. Heinrich stated that there were other special education staff in the district who generated Medicaid funds also.  The secretary has never been a piece of this because the district does things completely different now.  Seventy-five percent of her job is still needed.

Mr. Sturm said that when the decision was made to send the itinerants back to the ISD he had wanted more time and information, as well as dollar figures.  He felt that the decision was made without getting that.  He again stated that he had wanted more time.  Mr. Kowalski asked if he had investigated this further since that time.  Mr. Sturm had not.  Mr. Kowalski said that he did not provide the information, but it had to come from the superintendent.

discussion and recommendations for budget reductions

Mr. Kowalski suggested a procedure to handle the recommendations for reduction.  He suggested starting with individual recommendations from the superintendent and administrative staff and approving them as they go through the list.  He asked what the pleasure of the Board would be.    Mr. O’Hare asked that this be done item-by-item with feedback regarding what would happen to the duties of that person.

.5 Bus Mechanic Reduction

Mr. Andress explained that .5 of a mechanic would have to be laid off which would then lead to a bump or restructuring of the position, i.e., one-half mechanic and one-half custodian or utility.

Mr. Kowalski said that what was approved this evening would be totaled up with the Board then proceed to Level 2 or 3 to make further reductions if necessary.  Over the next two meetings the Board will consider items provided by Mr. Andress and suggestions by other people for other cuts.  Mr. Andress will run a total so the Board knows where they stand with final approval taking place on March 21. 

Mrs. Klida asked if the reductions would be effective next school year.  Mr. Andress stated they would be effective July 1, 2005. 

A motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by John Loop, to approve the reduction of one-half of a mechanic’s position.

Sub-Caller Position Reduction

Mr. Andress explained the duties for this position.  He stated that he had received a quote of $5,000 from Bay-Arenac to do this work.  This would be a $9,700 savings.  He had also contacted Kelly Services to retain substitute teachers.  This would save the district retirement costs.  Building secretaries will not be asked to cover this.  Various questions were asked, including screening of substitutes. 

A motion was made by John Loop, supported by Patrick Shaffer, to approve this reduction.  Motion carried unanimously.

Co-op Students Reduction

Mr. Kowalski asked where these positions were currently located.  Positions were at the middle school and in the Technology Department at Edison, Mr. Andress reported. 

Mr. Shaffer asked how the positions would be filled.  Mr. Andress reported that staff members would pick up the slack.

A motion was made by Scott Sturm, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve this reduction.  Motion carried unanimously.

HRC Receptionist Reduction

Mr. Andress explained that a small percentage of the special education secretary’s time would be available.  He had thought about moving people around at the HRC to help cover to make this position. 

Debra Gubbins, HRC Receptionist, stated that the special education secretary did not work in the summer.  Mr. Andress said that he did not have an answer at this time for that, but will probably have to move other personnel around so they are flexible.  The workload is slower in the summer.  Mrs. Gubbins stated that elementary registration takes place all summer. 

Mrs. Klida asked to see follow-up in writing to the Board what the plan is going to be for positions they take action on tonight.  For every position that is eliminated she would like the superintendent to come back to the Board with a plan of what is going to happen so the Board can look at that as they go.  Not having a plan is not wise, but they need the information constant.

A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Patrick Shaffer, to approve this reduction.  Ayes:  Richard Kowalski, Terrence O’Hare, Barbara Skowronski, John Loop, Patrick Shaffer, Scott Sturm.  Nays:  Dawn Klida.  Motion carried.

Technical Reduction

Discussion took place regarding the total savings for this position.  Mr. Kowalski felt that the overtime should not be included in the total.  Mr. Lenar said that this position had been budgeted for at $35,800.  The additional $19,000 had been for additional hours.  It was the consensus of the Board to take the $19,000 away from the total to estimate the cost reduction for that position.

It was the unanimous consensus of the Board that this position be cut.  No motion was made.

High School Secretary

Mr. Andress stated that cutting this position had come from staff members.  Mrs. Smith and other staff members had been involved in this decision.  Discussion had also taken place to move the Athletic Secretary into the main office. 

Mr. Kowalski thought that attendance was an automated process.  Mrs. Schwerin, Attendance Secretary, explained that the teachers were supposed to enter graphical attendance, but this still had to be monitored by someone and that corrections sometimes needed to be made.  She also was responsible for setting up attendance/discipline records, as well as being the secretary for the assistant principal.  The job was not just attendance.  Students were also tracked to find out where they were, as well as fulfilling state reporting deadlines for count days.

Mr. Kowalski asked if Mrs. Smith and Mr. Wetters had discussed this with Mr. Andress.  Mrs. Smith stated that this was an administrative recommendation – a team recommendation.  This had not been proposed by administrators.  She also said that there were no under-worked people in the building.  This position was one that made the list.  There will be a serious increase in responsibilities in all secretaries in the building.  Athletics and attendance are very technical jobs, and it would be very difficult.

Mr. O’Hare had great concerns about moving the athletic secretary.  He felt that it was crucial to athletics to have that person located in that department.  He did not think it would be conducive and felt there was a quality issue as well.

Mrs. Skowronski suggested eliminating the athletic secretary position with the other secretaries backing up those duties.  This had been done in the past.  Mr. O’Hare said that at one time there had been 1.5 secretaries in that department. 

Mrs. Klida said that this was one of the first areas that may not be decided on without a plan.  She said she was not comfortable about making either one of these decisions (custodial).  She did think that the athletic secretary probably ran the athletic office.  If there was not a plan in place, this position and the custodial positions, she could not make a decision without a plan.

Mr. Loop said that it needed to be spelled out what the four secretaries do and how the duties would be divided between three people.  We have had that athletic office for two years.  They had survived for thirty some years with the athletic department in the front office using the secretary there.  Times are tough, and if achievements are to be made, the Board is going to have to find ways to cut $1 million.  Every person on the list contributes to the education of students in Bangor Township.  Mr. Andress talked briefly about outlining the plans.

Mr. Kowalski asked if Mr. Andress had the ability to cover the jobs when the decisions are made.  Mr. Andress said that there was not one employee who would come forward and say “take my job.”  Everybody is going to believe that their job is the most important.  Nobody is going to come forward and ask for more work.  Every position has various down times during the year, and all are different.

Mrs. Skowronski made a motion to table this particular line item until a plan was in place about what can be done with this position and how it is going to be effectively and efficiently worked out.  Mrs. Klida supported this motion.  Mr. Kowalski asked “until what date?”  Mrs. Skowronski said “by the work session.”  Motion carried unanimously.

Custodian Reduction

Mr. Andress reviewed the time frame, work schedules, and job duties.  He reviewed what could be cleaned every other day and what should be

done every day.

Mr. Balash had looked into reducing cleaning in particular rooms. The day shift will need to be reassigned to the evening shift.  He will see some change in buildings because of this, but it is an area that least affects the students.

Mr. Kowalski asked if Mr. Balash felt he could live without three custodians and what the impact would be if there was one cut versus three cuts.

Mr. Balash had previously reviewed all the positions stating that the middle school was maxed out on work levels.  He could possibly take a morning custodian  from the  high school and utilize a utility person at the buildings.  He could float one position between three buildings. 

Mr. Kowalski said that his concern was getting the job done.  Every other day cleaning he could live with.

Deb Scherzer asked if Mr. Balash could logically think that the buildings would get clean.  Mr. Kowalski said that administration was asked to present reductions to the Board.  He hoped they looked at a plan about how to cover the work between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  Mr. Balash said that he could use one high school floating custodian.

Mr. Loop could not see having six hundred students in a building without a custodian.  He thought there were times during the first shift at the high school that a custodian could not go into the rooms due to classes.

Various custodial staff members voiced their concerns.  Mr. Lenar said that he, Mr. Andress, Mr. Balash, and Mr. Heinrich had talked about this.  His district in Holly also does this.  He also discussed contracting out cleaning services stating that it is not the best thing.  There are other districts that do not have first shift custodians at all.

Mr. Kowalski felt that cutting three custodians at this point was a heavy hit.  Mrs. Klida thought that the Board should at least entertain the idea of maybe scheduling another meeting prior to the work session.  She did not think that the plan had to include every finite detail, but needed some plan.  She made a motion that this issue be tabled with the secretary issue until a plan is presented at the next meeting.  She said that they had an obligation to the community to monitor and maintain the buildings since the bond was been approved. The motion was supported by Barbara Skowronski.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Kowalski asked that the meeting be scheduled in two weeks since Mr. O’Hare would be gone next week.

Reading Recovery Teacher Reduction

Mr. Andress stated that the Reading Recovery program recommends that the district have enough teachers to work with twenty-five percent of the students.  He felt that four teachers was more than enough to cover the district.  We have two teachers in Bangor because other districts have already eliminated that program. 

Mr. Kowalski stated that he was an advocate for Reading Recovery and that every student in Bangor should get the best that the district could give them.  That is an area that attracts people to the district and provides services to the students. 

Mr. Loop felt this program was necessary to attract students as well.  He stated that there were items in Level 2 and Level 3 that he would vote for. Mr. Andress explained that the funding originally came from Title I. 

Mrs. Skowronski made a motion to delete this item from the reduction list.  Mrs. Klida stated that if the Board took no action, then it would not be considered one of the cuts.  It was not necessary to take any action.

Home Economics Teacher Reduction

Mr. Andress explained that the person in this position had already left.

High School Teacher

Mr. Andress stated that there were a couple of teachers having difficulties – one at the middle school and one at the high school.  Sections at the middle school have been cut due to declining enrollment. 

A motion was made by Patrick Shaffer, supported by John Loop, to approve this reduction.  Mr. Andress stated that the teacher currently on leave of absence was not factored into the savings.  Motion carried unanimously.

Middle School Teacher

A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to eliminate one middle school position.  Motion carried unanimously.

Special Education Aides

Mr. Heinrich said that he would be asking people that are using aides to share an aide.  The number of aides have not been increased since he came to the district.  In light of other issues being tabled, he was not in a position that he can live with these three.  Parents who have heard about the cuts will probably take the district to hearing when the aide for their child is eliminated.  The district could then incur legal fees, but the district would not be legally in trouble for cutting these positions.

Mr. Kowalski asked if this cut would create a hardship.  He asked if the number of reductions could be changed to two.  Maybe this would not be as great an impact.

Mr. Heinrich had a plan that would allow the district to cut three special education aides.  He said that you then stick your neck out when placing them.  One reduction would be very easy to do.  He said that “honestly, the district is overstaffed by one.”

Mr. Sturm made a motion to eliminate one special education aide and slide the other two into Level 2 for elimination.  Dawn Klida supported the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

At 6:55 p.m. Mr. Kowalski called a ten minutes recess.

At 7:06 p.m. the meeting reconvened.

Reduction in Athletic Budget

Mr. Andress explained that the Athletic Department budget would be reduced by $10,000 after the offset from additional revenues. 

Mr. Loop felt that it needed to be more than that.  Mr. Lenar explained that the general fund transfer to the Athletic Department was $406,000. The overall gate receipts were currently $40,000 with the total budget between $440,000 to $450,000.  Mr. Kowalski stated that this was only a $10,000 cut in reality. 

Mr. Sturm thought that the way it was written it looked like a $50,000 reduction.  He looked at it as a $50,000 reduction.

Matt Ruhlig, Athletic Director, said that he understood it as a $50,000 reduction.  It would still be a $50,000 cut from the general fund.  It is no more money contributed to the general fund.  This would be $50,000 coming from his contribution.  He would have to come up with $50,000 next year through increasing fees or he would have to cut people.

Mr. Kowalski felt that this would still only be a $10,000 cut due to the additional revenue that would be generated.  Mr. O’Hare said that he understood what Mr. Kowalski was saying, but agreed with Mr. Ruhlig.  Mr. Ruhlig is saying that $50,000 is not going to Athletics.  Should the district actually raise (take in) the $50,000 additional revenue, then it will go to the Athletic Department.  Mr. Kowalski said that the district is going to make more to raise fees and would subsidize the department.

Mr. O’Hare said that the revenue may not happen.  If students do not have the money, they won’t play.  Mrs. Klida said she would have a hard time charging an athletic fee until after going to Levels 2 and 3.

Mr. Kowalski suggested that the reduction be changed to $40,000 which would not include the revenue.

A motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by John Loop, to reduce the Athletic Department budget by $40,000.  Mr. O’Hare asked that the Athletic Department decide where the cuts would come from.  Mr. Loop agreed.  Motion carried unanimously.

Eliminate COPS Officer

Mr. Andress stated that the district originally paid $15,000 per year for this grant. The district currently pays the entire salary for this officer.  He said this had nothing to do with the services provided.  He made suggestions to cover this reduction that included use of retired officers.  Currently the district has no say over the hours and when the officer now works. 

Mrs. Skowronski inquired about the D.A.R.E. program and if a retired officer could cover it.  Mr. Andress said that he would look at other options.  Mr. Matuszewski informed Board  members that Bay City Schools had just received another grant for “Project Smart.”  Mr. Andress will investigate this.

A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by John Loop, to eliminate the COPS program.  Mrs. Klida asked if discussions had taken place with Sheriff Miller about this.  Mr. Andress said that he had not yet spoken with him, but that he would.  Motion carried unanimously.

The following items had already been approved for reduction by the Board at a previous meeting:

Reduce textbook purchases

Close South

Budget cuts

Reduction in retiree pay out

Mr. Andress briefly reviewed these items.

Cut One Bus Run

Mr. Andress stated that there were a number of students that lived in Bangor Downs and that this one run was very short.  He suggested making this a double run. 

Mr. Heinrich had met with Dorothy LeVasseur about what could easily be done.  He stated that the downside to this would be that the students would arrive at the building ten minutes sooner or ten minutes later.  There is the potential to eliminate two runs somewhere down the road.  He might have to do this if they go to a second bus run with more doubling up.  Ten to fifteen minutes may need to be added between the middle school/high school run and the elementary run.

Mr. O’Hare asked how big the transportation budget was.  Mr. Heinrich stated $1 million. 

Pam Jaskiewicz, bus driver, said that the numbers looked good on paper, but only a few Board members had come down to ride on the buses.  According to the manual a bus should hold three students to a seat.  Book bags and band instruments, as well as school projects did not allow this.  In the winter it was also not conducive due to large coats.  She wanted the Board to know that the bus drivers were the only group who, once they leave work and are off the clock, still stayed on the clock.  Everything they do on their personal time can reflect on their job due to the new “S” endorsement.

Mr. O’Hare stated that, with all due respect to other areas, other districts do not have bussing for high school.  Transportation has a $1 million budget and the Board is only asking to cut $26,188.  He said that other suggestions would be welcomed and to please let them know.

Bev Kaiser, bus driver, asked what the $1 million consisted of.  Mr. Lenar gave a breakdown of the budget.  Mr. Andress also gave other scenarios for cuts that included much more drastic measures, such as not transporting high school, running Bangor West with the middle school with Lincoln and Central on another schedule.

A motion was made by Scott Sturm, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to eliminate one bus run.  Motion carried unanimously.

NCA Accreditation

Mr. Andress recommended that the district remain NCA accredited at the high school, but not at the elementary or middle school levels. 

Mr. Kowalski felt that the certification attracted more students.  He asked how sloppy the district would get if it did not do certain things and spent the money on whatever.  Mr. Andress said that the state standards were so tough that the district may still not meet accreditation.

Mr.  Kowalski asked if Bay City and Essexville had eliminated NCA in their districts.  Mr. Andress did not believe that Bay City had NCA.  He was not sure about Essexville.  Mr. Lenar said that Essexville was still trying to hold onto NCA.  Mr. Kowalski still wanted to hold onto it here as well.

Mr. Andress suggested moving this to Level 2.  At that level if the librarians were cut, the district would not meet NCA anyway.

There was no objection from Board members to place this item on the Level 2 reduction list.

Limit Funding Bangor North

Mr. Andress said that the Michigan School Readiness Program and the preschool did not contribute any money toward the building usage or utilities.  He is asking that they contribute a portion of their current money to the district for utilities, etc.

Mrs. Skowronski asked if the district had lost any students from that program.  Mr. Matuszewski informed the Board that the district received $3,300 per student at that program.  As long as the students fill the slots and they attend one day the state will pay that amount.  He would realign the budget to contribute the suggested amount of $30,000.

Mr. Andress felt that it would be more realistic to make that $20,000.  Mrs. Skowronski asked what the possibility would be if the state were to cut back on the $6,700, would there be a cut here as well.  Mr. Lenar said there has been no talk about changein that area.

A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by Scott Sturm, to change the amount to $20,000 and accept the limited funding of Bangor North.  Motion carried unanimously.

At this point Mr. Andress reported that the Board had achieved $686,000 in cuts.

Additional Revenue

Mr. Kowalski asked the Board what their feelings were on this subject.  Mrs. Klida felt that this should be a last resort.  Mr. Kowalski said that, with the consensus of the Board, this would be one of the last ideas to discuss.

Mr. Loop asked if everything had been looked at in terms of rates.  He asked if there were other ways of raising revenue, i.e. facilities fees.

Mr. Balash said that he would revisit this.

Mr. Kowalski said that Mr. O’Hare would be out of town next week.  Mr. Sturm will be gone on March 14 and 15.  Mr. Kowalski asked that the work session be rescheduled for Thursday, March 17, with another special budget session being held on Wednesday, March 16.  There were no objections from other Board members.

The meeting on Wednesday would be scheduled for 6:00 p.m. with the work session on Thursday being held at 6:00 p.m. also.

other items for discussion

None.

adjournment

At 7:47 p.m. a motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by Patrick Shaffer, to adjourn the meeting.