PTO ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES

WED Feb 1^st 2006

Attendees: Len Hamm, Sandi Carbonari Welsh, Liz Falconer Barbara Tzepos, Sue Isaacs, Janice Phillips-Robinson, Gale Morse, Karen Kirk, Fran Tepperman, Stefanie O’Connor, Nanette Dorsey, Teresa McLean, Carol Hubert, Frank Sippy. (apologies from Glen Shipway) 

I.                    Minutes of Jan Meeting approved, with correction to Treasurer report to $2009.80.

II.                 Treasurer’s Report. Current balance is $2009.80 

      III.       Dr. Frank Sippy 

1. Focus Groups for Budget

Focus Group meetings completed with good themes emerging across all schools relative to communication, website etc. Some overcrowding on High School buses. More information requested on budgeting process. May do more focus groups in the future with different topics.

2. Budget

Considering increase of 4.74%. No new staff but reallocation of staff. Examples:

2 PHS course changes. Cut 1.0 school to career and reallocate to 2 electives. Economics and Marketing.

Add to video program and discontinue virtual high school.

 Enrollment looks to dip at RMS and PES in next 2 years. Reallocate PES teacher to reading at MMS.

 Medical insurance increase is less than 2% this year.

No additional debt service. But increases in fuel and electricity.

 $195,000 allocated for facilities repair. Also an ad hoc committee ( including board members, building committee members and public) is being formed to look at facilities’ needs. Specifically look at Gainfield/ MES needs, parking issues, turf and drainage.

Waiting for the new Chung report.  

    IV.  Carol Hubert

 New Southbury Library should be opening by end March.

Southbury town budget process has started. Will include need to upgrade emergency services.

ADM calculated as ˝% higher for Middlebury. 741/2 % Southbury  251/2% Middlebury.

      V.   Additional Did You know for March will be absentee ballots.

              Next Meeting Weds March 1^st 9.30am