[Winona Online Democracy] Following is Dr. Bartleson's summary of last night's school board meeting. Included at the bottom of the email is a list of the budget cuts approved by the board so far (with additional cuts to be made next week). Also included is a list of the budget cutting ideas that were rejected by the board.
-Steve Kranz, Board Member -Winona Area Public Schools ----------------------- Board Meeting Highlights Board Meeting 3.25.04 from my perspective.... Eric Bartleson HEADLINES BOARD REDUCES 2004-05 BUDGET BY APPROXIMATELY $ 1.9 MILLION-JOB NOT FINISHED In a marathon session that lasted until 12:15 a.m. the board moved through a lengthy list of budget reduction options. When the board finally adjourned they had trimmed $2.021,245 _from the budget leaving a minimum of 378,755 to balance the 2004-05 budget. A motion to deficit spend in the amount of approximately $370,000 failed on a 4-3 vote. A motion to take school closures off the list also failed on a 4-3 vote. The budget committee will meet in the very near future to review progress and delve into other potential budget reduction ideas. The next meeting of the board is scheduled for April 6th. It is anticipated that budget reduction action will continue at that meeting. A list of the board action on budget reductions is included at the bottom of this message. Presentation-Jeff Seeley made a presentation on the importance of maintaining a fund balance and the realities of Statutory Operating Debt (SOD). He also presented a model showing the effects on fund balance and SOD resulting from deficit spending and balancing the budget. The board is to be congratulated for their efforts to trim the budget and to do so with a great deal of deliberation and decorum. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. STUDENT/STAFF/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS . Two Destination Imagination Teams placed first in the Regional Competition in Rochester on March 6. They advance to the state tournament to be held in Blaine on April 17. Central Elementary Team competed in the Plot and Pendulum Challenge. Team members are: Randi Langowski, Dani Langowski, Daniel Wagner, Brianna Neitzke, Bjorn Deppa, and Megan Matthees. The team is coached by parent volunteer Michelle Langowski. WMS Sixth Grade Team competed in the middle level Cartoon Dimensions. They are coached by parents Brant and Kristi Deppa. Team members are: Emma Deppa, Kelly Conner, Naeh Klages-Mundt, Charley Langowski, Tim Van Cleave, Andrew Van Cleave, and Caitlin Reineke. . WSHS Girls' Gymnastics Team placed third in the MN State Gymnastics Meet. Team members are: Ahlex Hoffman, Kayla Lehnertz, Lindsey Boigenzahn, Amy Krumholz, Anna Rolbiecki, Danielle Jonsgaard, Ashley Philipps, Brianna Wunderlich, Shauna Fenske, and Bailey Young. Bailey also claimed a state fourth place finish in the uneven bars. The team is coached by Beckie Rolbiecki, Steve Gilson and Rob Murray. . WSHS Adapted Floor Hockey Team placed second in the MN State Adapted Floor Hockey tournament. The team is coached by Bob Urness, Chuck Schollmeier and Jim Yahnke. Student coaches Jill Ashbrenner, Katie Benson and Lindsay Hanson. Student managers are Angela Zierfus, Matt Leisen, and Kayla Benter. Team members are: Ana Cenfield, Lydia Lane, Jordan Blood, Carrie Sveen, Jenna Heaser, Chris Steffen, Jenny Wieczorek, Troy Stafford, Brandi Garfield, Jordan Wagner, Mike Ferden, Bennett Mendyk, Ben Warren, Brandon Eide, Eli Myers, Kyle Bronk, Hector Valenzuela, Jeff Miller and Tyler Herber. . Champions for Children Award given to the S.O.F.A. (Save Our Fine Arts) Committee. Committee members are: Dave Mertes, Treasurer; Rose Andersen; Diane Barge, VP; Carol Barr, President; Sue Cornwell, Dar Dammerman, Carole Forest, Jackie Mahlke, Ruth Marg, Ramona Metz, Jan Moeller, Patricia Neal, Recording Secretary; Linda Olson, Peggy Youngstrom, Corresponding Secretary; Natalie Schoen, Bruce Ramsdell, Director and Michael Culloton, Musical Director. The Save Our Fine Arts (S.O.F.A.) committee was formed in 1988 in response to district budget cuts that would have eliminated the All School Spring Musical at Winona Senior High School. With school board blessings, a large group of parents worked hard to raise funds to cover production costs. They achieved that goal and had monies remaining. And thus S.O.F.A. began. Though a smaller group today, this committee has done amazing things for our students and fine arts. The WSHS All School Musical continues to be a huge success. Anyone watching tonight that has been in the audience of a WSHS All-School Musical knows what I mean. Year after year, over 100 students perform like pros to sold out houses. What we could have missed these many years if not for the efforts of SOFA. The profits from patron and general ticket sales have afforded student scholarships since 1990. Four year scholarships of $4000 and now $5000 have enabled WSHS graduates the opportunity to pursue studies in vocal music beyond high school. SOFA funds the Dan Crum Memorial Award established to award students involved with technical aspects of stage productions. Memorials given in 2001 enabled SOFA to establish summer vocal camp scholarships. To date over $90,000 has been awarded and/or gifted by SOFA. These awards not only financially support a student's goals, but acknowledging students' dreams. Other Winona Area Public School groups have also benefited from SOFA's effort and generosity: Jefferson Follies, student trips to professional productions, orchestra and band fundraisers, WMS drama club, the senior high music department and National Honor Society. Our community has benefited as well from their contributions to organizations like the Hiawatha valley Education District, Student reading/Authors workshop, and the Winona Foundation. Now this tireless committee has committed to renovating the 36 year old WSHS Auditorium. What started as an idea to replace the seats has grown into a plan to also include new lighting and sound equipment. They currently have a fundraising campaign underway which all are welcome to contribute to by sending their donations to SOFA , PO Box 151, Winona, MN PUBLIC COMMENT Tom Brandt representing the District Athletic Advisory Committee(DAAC) addressed the board regarding proposed cuts to athletics. The DAAC recommended that the cuts in the athletic department be limited to 8% of their budget which is approximately $40,000 which includes reinstating a fee to Cotter HS of $6000 to share in cost of shared programs. DAAC does not recommend increasing participation fees, and also recommended that the AD position be kept at full-time. Joyce Jacobson addressed the board about making sustainable , long range decisions. She also presented some results from an ECFE parent survey that had recently been completed. Notable comment: Almost 100% of ECFE parents have computers in their homes! Maureen Gerson expressed concern for student safety if some of the cuts were implemented at the building level. She fears cuts in support staff would result in remaining staff being spread too thin to effectively supervise the buildings. STUDENT MEMBER REPORT Stephanie Fix reported on the following activities at the high school: -Honor Society Read Across America program where students read to middle school and elementary students in honor of Dr. Suess' birthday. -Students who participated in the "Polar Plunge" in LaCrosse raised $200 for special olympics -Regional Science fair -students did very well and many advancing to state competition -Spring sports are underway -End of 3rd Quarter and Spring Break beginning! MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL REPORT This month the update was provided by Shauna Fenske. She reported: -WMS Drama production was a big success with 60 students participating -Visitors from Japan in building last week -19 WMS students leave April 19 for Japan -Spring sports underway INFORMATION Child Abuse Prevention Month April is observed as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. The Winona County Commissioners, City Council, and Winona Area Public School Board will each be presented with a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. This is a kick-off of the blue ribbon campaign, which is coordinated by the Winona County Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council. Margaret Schild, Community Education director, is also the chair of the council presented blue ribbons to the board members. The board approved the proclamation. CONSENT AGENDA The following items were all approved with one motion: Personnel The following licensed person is recommended for employment in the Winona Area Public Schools: Carol Johnson is recommended for employment as a .4 Long-term Substitute Early Childhood Family Education Teacher for Community Education. This assignment began February 23, 2004. Her placement on the salary schedule will be II BA. The first 24 days are at $85.00 and $161.15 thereafter. Approval of this position is subject to Minnesota Statute 125.12, Subdivision 2, which requires a unanimous vote of the full board if the teacher is related by blood or marriage, within the fourth degree, computed by the civil law, to a Board member. The following non-licensed persons are recommended for employment in the Winona Area Public Schools: FOOD SERVICE: Jean Selke is recommended for employment as a Cook Helper II at Madison School. She will be employed 1-3/4 hours per school day. The beginning date for this assignment was March 1, 2004, and the hourly rate of pay is $9.57. This is an internal transfer. NON-GROUP: Diane Ebert is recommended for employment as a Chinese Interpreter at Jefferson School. She will be employed 6-1/4 hours per school day. The beginning date for this assignment was March 16, 2004, and the hourly rate of pay is $10.99. Steven Hanke is recommended for employment as a Hispanic Interpreter at Winona Senior High School. He will be employed as needed. The beginning date for this assignment was March 2, 2004, and the hourly rate of pay is $10.99. Marie Lockwald is recommended for employment as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Winona Senior High School. She will be employed 6-1/4 hours per school day. The beginning date for this assignment was February 23, 2004, and the hourly rate of pay is $13.00. COMMUNITY EDUCATION: Request approval of the Community Education Staff/Instructors for March 2004. See attached list. The following person is recommended for a coaching assignment by Mark Winter, Athletic Director: Yrs. Exp. Total Name Activity Units Exp. Units Increment Jim Miller WSHS Head Girls 80 28 10 90 $3,690.00 Golf Coach The following persons have completed additional training and are recommended for an April 1, 2004, lane change: Name From To Joyce Jacobson MA+15 MA+30 Monica Maroushek BA+15 BA+30 Kelly Sonsalla BA+15 BA+30 Kelly Sonsalla BA+30 BA+45 (MA) Margery Weichers BA+15 BA+30 The following persons have requested a leave of absence in the district: Peter Flick, Former Principal of Winona Senior High School on a three-year extension of his Medical Leave, has requested an additional one-year extension of his leave to include the 2004-2005 school year. Approval of this leave will not cause the district to expend additional funds, nor will it guarantee return to the same position at the conclusion of his leave. Bruce Reeck, Physical Education Teacher at Winona Senior High School, has requested a one-year unpaid medical leave beginning April 29, 2004, to extend to April 29, 2005. Theresa Reuter, Communications Teacher at Winona Middle School, has requested a child care leave beginning approximately May 3, 2004, to extend through the end of the 2003-2004 school year. Ted Stuckmayer, Social Studies Teacher at the Winona Area Learning Center, has requested an unpaid medical leave beginning March 25, 2004, to extend until approximately April 26, 2004. The following persons have resigned from their positions in the district: Christopher Bacehowski, Special Ed Educational Assistant at Goodview School, has resigned effective April 9, 2004. Kaye Crampton, Hispanic Interpreter at Winona Senior High School, has resigned effective February 26, 2004. Hong Ying Zhong, Chinese Interpreter at Winona Middle School, has resigned effective February 19, 2004. APPROVAL OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATE AGREEMENT: Winona Area Public Schools has been working with Winona Agency and the Southeast Service Cooperative to implement the requirements of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Implementation of the HIPAA provisions requires that WAPS enter into Business Associate Agreements with all business associates that may need to create or receive Protected Health Care Information on behalf of, or from Winona Area Public Schools. The attached agreement is with the Southeast Service Cooperative. Additionally WAPS will enter into an identical agreement with Region V, Winona Agency, and, upon completion of the RFP process, the firm chosen to conduct the audit. APPOINTMENT OF HIPAA PRIVACY OFFICER: Implementation of the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) provisions requires that WAPS appoint a HIPAA Privacy Officer. This individual will oversee adherence to the health plan's policies and procedures regarding the privacy and access to health information. Administration is recommending that Jolie Severson, the Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, be appointed as the Privacy Officer. CONTRACT SETTLEMENTS: Board approved contract settlements for the following personnel groups. The approval for the Office Professional and the Paraprofessional contracts are contingent on approval of an updated structural balance report. All contract settlements are within the approved budget for the 2003-2004 school year. Office Professionals Community Education 2003-2004 2.5% 2003-2004 2% 2004-2005 1.5% 2004-2005 2% Paraprofessionals 2003-2004 wage schedule freeze, but add one step at top 2004-2005 2.5% Non-Group 2003-2004 wage schedule freeze, but add one step at top 2004-2005 2.5% Donations Approved the following donations: $966 from H&R Block Education Fund to WAPS on behalf of their clients in the area who donated to the fund; $150 from Wincraft to Project COMPASS; $200 from Treasurers Galore to COMPASS; $25 from Herff Jones to COMPASS. THANK YOU DONORS!!1 Bills, Payroll February 15 Payroll (gross: 915,719.22) (net) $613,189.26 February 27 Payroll (gross: 959,425.85) (net) 645,557.85 February 15 Bills 687,693.06 February 27 Bills 442,243.28 February 15 MN State Withholding Tax 31,676.33 February 27 MN State Withholding Tax 33,551.44 February 15 WI State Withholding Tax 3,729.03 February 27 WI State Withholding Tax 3,994.09 February 15 Fed/FICA/Med Withholding Tax 214,710.12 February 27 Fed/FICA/Med Withholding Tax 227,050.20 Blue Cross Blue Shield Payment 282,315.00 Total $3,185,709.66 Luther College Field Experience Agreement Approved the Field Experience Agreement for 2004-2005 with Luther College. This agreement allows them to place their students in the Winona Area Public Schools in the following areas: student teaching, observation and practica. ESEA District Representative Board designated Susan Roehrich as the Winona Area Public Schools ESEA district representative. This allows Ms Roehrich to pursue the budget addendum process with Sarah Tiedemann and to work with Sue Smith-Title I, Kevin Flies- Title IId, Nancy Wondrasch Title III, and Jon Larson- Title IV to write the ESEA consolidated grant application for 2004-2005. The tentative ESEA allocations for 2004-05 as of 3-16-04 are: Title I $484,319 (524,961) Title II $210,619 (217,391) Title IId $ 11,373 ( 13,694) Title III $ 14,373 ( 10,034) Title IV $ 22,394 ( 22.608) Title V $ 22,710 ( 30,663) Total $765,788 (819,351) 6.54% reduction Curriculum Committee Appointments The board approved the membership of the Curriculum Committee as recommended by Sue Roehrich. Winona Area Public Schools Curriculum Committee Members 2003 - 2004 Name Representing Term ends Rhonda Aspenson high school teacher 2004 Sue Brown school board on-going Al Carlson community 2006 Keith Dauschmidt community 2007 Cheryl Davis community 2005 Jesse Pollack-Foote student 2005 Ron Helmers High School principal on-going Leslie Hittner community 2006 Bonnie Jaastad elementary teacher 2005 Eric Johnsrud community 2007 Jack Kaehler elementary principal on-going Larry Laber school board on-going Sue Roehrich curriculum director on-going Randy Schenkat community 2005 Steve Schild community 2006 Sharon Suchla WMS dean on-going Diane Wissman WMS teacher 2006 Gav Nue Xiong student 2004 BUSINESS RETIREMENT: Approved request from Sarah Goff, Special Education Teacher at Winona Senior High School, for retirement effective June 7, 2004. Sarah has served the district for 21 years. We extend our appreciation and best wishes for a happy retirement. Special Education Self-Review Committee The following were appointed to the Special Education Self-Review committee: Judi Vold-Chair Eric Bartleson Susan Roehrich Jane Habeck Bonnie Jaastad Joyce mcConville Kerri Ferstl Dennis Theide Todd Rasmussen Randy Schenkat Next Meetings: April 6, 2004 - Study Session April 15, 2004 - Regular Meeting The meeting adjourned at 12:15 a.m. --------------------------- MEASURABLE BUDGET REDUCTIONS APPROVED BY THE BOARD ON MARCH 25, 2004 Approved Budget Reductions FTE or Hours/Year Estimated Savings Notes DACS lease revenue 93,000 Dakota operational cost reductions 22,000 Elementary Building Secretary 419 Hours 7,450 Based on number of students and staff equity among buildings plus 2 day contract reduction Elementary Media Secretary 677 Hours 10,320 Based on number of students and staff equity among buildings plus 2 day contract reduction Elementary Nutrition Secretary 952 Hours 14,220 Elimination of non food service duties in these positions plus 2 day contract reduction Elementary Health Secretary 1,572 Hours 23,960 Based on number of students and staff equity among buildings plus 2 day contract reduction Elementary teacher reductions related to enrollment 2.00 FTE 94,000 WK = 1 teacher, Jefferson = 1 teacher Eliminate 1 on 1 para for medical reasons by closing Dakota 1.00 FTE 12,000 Para time reductions - Mid Year Budget Adjustment for Current Year 70,000 Schedule changes, reductions related to 2 tier bus system, etc. Employee compensation budgets - Mid Year Budget Adjustment for Current Year 100,000 Savings to carry over into 04-05 Audit responsibilities shifted from audit firm to business office staff 20,000 Business Office to perform preliminary audit work and compile audit workpapers; functions that the auditor performed in the past. Transportation routing efficiencies and snow day credits - Mid Year Budget Adj 100,000 Regular busing held to 39 routes (budgeted at 42 routes) Increase in special ed funding from state (03-04) - Mid Year Budget Adj 67,800 Increase in special ed funding from state (for 04-05) 50,000 Superintendent severance removed from budget 51,400 Not necessary for 04-05 Consulting fees for superintendent search removed from budget 10,000 Do not anticipate needing this budget for 04-05 GASB 34 Implementation removed from budget 35,000 GASB 34 has been implemented. Costs associated with implementing this mandate are no longer needed in budget. Ridgeway School: Increase in lease 8,000 Increase in lease charges. Custodial flex scheduling and Sunday use of buildings 40,360 Requires contractual changes with union; would eliminate internal use of buildings on Sunday. Reduction in maintenance 1.00 FTE 40,000 Carpenter (retiring this year - won't replace) Reduce cell phone use 4,000 District wide reduction Charge instrument rental fees to support music instrument repair account 4,000 Administrative travel reductions 2,000 Contract with Energy Education, Inc. 65,000 Human Resource general reductions 800 Information Systems - reduce general consulting 8,000 Information Systems - New vendor for CIMS support 1,000 Information Systems - Reduce printing 500 Information Systems - Reduce general supplies 5,000 Install a single telephone system (net savings) 34,200 "Requires initial capital investment of $132,000 Net of e-rate funds: $90,000 gross less $55,800 (62%) e-rate fund reduction" Switch local phone service providers from Quest to DTI 4,550 Net of e-rate funds: $12,000 gross less $7,450 (62%) e-rate fund reduction Two day shut down for all 12 month employees 28,000 Salary and operational savings Voluntary additional two day reduction for support services 2,400 Reduction of extra time and overtime for clerical staff 10,000 Reduce postage 10,000 Reduce supplies by 10% 36,140 Reduce supplies by additional 2% 7,230 Supply & material reductions related to enrollment and transition allocations 14,090 Teaching staff retirement savings 72,000 6 teachers @ 12,000 ea (replace senior teachers with new teachers) Code facility scheduler to Fund 4 12,000 Remove facility scheduler position from general fund to community ed fund Reduction of Business Office staff 1.50 hr/day 5,000 Eliminate mail processor Reduction of Transportation support 1.00 hr/day 4,800 Eliminate transportation support hours 5th grade teacher 1.00 FTE 47,000 Will happen due to enrollments - planned Increase cost of student parking permits 8,000 Reduce district share of background checks on volunteers 500 Reduce Special Education Instructional Staff 3.00 FTE 61,700 Increase case loads; savings reduced due to loss in aid (Net Savings) Reduce Athletic Department budget/costs 50,000 Athletic Dept. to decrease costs and/or generate revenue to reach a total budget savings of $50,000. Cut .5 FTE custodian at HS and .5 FTE custodian at MS 1.00 FTE 40,000 Establish minimum enrollments required to offer a class at the HS 2.00 FTE 94,000 HS administration will determine how this will be accomplished Accounting changes to move IS staff into Capital Funds 100,000 Use $100,000 of Capital Funds to pay for Information Systems staff Cut two 7th grade teachers (Communications and Spanish) 2.00 FTE 94,000 Enrollment driven - does affect programs 5th grade paras 2,390 Hours 26,380 2 positions Cut superintendent dues 2,600 Reduce sub teacher, sub para, and sub clerical pay by 10% 5,000 Eliminate 1 elementary teacher 47,000 Establish combination classes as necessary to reduce 1 teaching position Anticipated operational cost increases for 04-05 (not already accounted for in financial projection) -83,000 Loss of Wonderful Wed. revenue, board election costs, fuel cost increases for bussing, custodial supply increases Total budget reductions approved by the Board 1,693,400 APPROVED BUDGET REDUCTIONS - SAVINGS MAY BE PARTIALLY REALIZED FOR 2004-05 Possible Budget Reductions FTE or Hours/Year Estimated Savings Notes Close Lincoln Building 82,845 $113,120 Lincoln savings - 5,000 reduction in CE rent - 1,000 increase in phone cost - 5,000 fiber/internet service - 19,275 GF custodian Cash Flow Borrowing (larger fund balance) 10,000 Only if fund balance is preserved at or near current levels. Retain block schedule and teach 13 of 16 sessions annually 5.00 FTE 235,000 Currently teach 12 of 16, Requires voluntary agreement with teachers union Pursue methods of reducing the number of PSEO students and cost 0 District to work on methods of competing for PSEO students TOTAL OF POSSIBLE SAVINGS LIST THAT MAY BE PARTIALLY REALIZED FOR 2004-05 327,845 TOTAL MEASURABLE BUDGET REDUCTIONS PLUS POSSIBLE SAVINGS 2,021,245 BUDGET REDUCTIONS IDEAS REJECTED BY THE BOARD Rejected Budget Reduction Ideas FTE or Hours/Year Estimated Savings Notes School Board salaries 9,000 School Board supplies & travel 2,000 Sell maintenance building - eliminate operational costs 12,300 Maintenance to HS Reduce maintenance secretary position 1.00 FTE 25,000 Eliminate maintenance working supervisors at HS and MS 2.00 FTE 80,000 MS Health Secretary 90 Hours 1,900 Equalize with WHS Fifth grade dean 0.50 FTE 23,500 MS Media specialists - 0.4 FTE (retain 1.0 FTE) 0.40 FTE 18,800 Middle School HS Media specialists - 0.4 FTE (retain 1.0 FTE) 0.40 FTE 18,800 High School Drop district membership in MN Rural Ed Association 5,000 Reduce extended contract of Dean at HS 1,250 Reduce extended contract of Lead Special Ed Teachers 1,250 Gifted & Talented 0.50 FTE 23,500 Replace elem nutrition secretaries with office/media secretaries 10,000 Eliminate one principal position 1.00 FTE 70,000 In-school suspension para at MS 1.00 FTE 13,190 Eliminate one FTE assistant principal position 1.00 FTE 65,000 (.5 HS, .5 MS) Increase walking distance to 2 miles 33,000 Affects elementary students Reduce Curriculum Director to .5 FTE 35,000 HS Administrative Reductions 1.00 FTE 47,000 Athletic Director, Dean, or Assist. Principal - or combination Eliminate cleaning contract for Big-O 15,750 Rollingstone custodian to clean Big-O and Rollingstone (only if offices are located at the Big-O) _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
