PTO ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES   

WED February 6, 2008

Attendees: Michelle Alvord, Liz Falconer, Sharon Guck, Len Hamm, Catherine Hirschauer, Carol Hubert, Sue Isaacs, Karen Kirk, Jackie Mulhall, Frank Sippy, Sandi Carbonari Welsh

 I.         Secretary’s report for November 07 approved. Secretary’s report for January 08 approved with change to delete Town of Southbury section since Carol Hubert was not in attendance and a spelling change in Sharon Guck’s name.

II.         Treasurer’s Report. Reported by Len Hamm. No change. Current balance is $2070.56.

     III.        Dr. Frank Sippy

                  Budget:

There will be an increase in the foundation budget which is the amount needed to run the base program.  A large increase is due to the increase cost of medical benefits, fuel and electricity.

Add 2 buses. Facility improvements at all schools.  Intervention continuum grades K-12  for students struggling with studies.  Address preschool growth issues.  Mandates for budget:  Eliminate out of school suspensions by 7/2008.  NCLB, address 2 subgroup to improve their Yearly Adequate Progress.

About 65% of district schools spend more than Region 15 in net pupil expenses.

We will save about $20,000-$30,000 in cost savings for “going green” by recycling, trash compacting, etc.

State BOE is considering changing graduation requirements.  Looking at adding 2 credits of a  foreign language, exit exams for Algebra I & II, U.S. History, English and Biology.  This would impact our curriculum and budget.

Status of school incorporations.  RMS, GES, PHS are complete, other schools still have open items.

Recommend GES interim principal stay on for 1 more year.  PHS, principal applications are due 2/22.  Hope to have a new principal to recommend to BOE by April vacation.  Started advertising for PHS Assistant Principal, applications due in April.

       IV.         Board of Education Representative -  Welcome Sharon Guck!  2/27 will be the BOE work shop on the budget.

V.         Carol Hubert, Town of Southbury  Representative -  Southbury budget process started.  Input due to  BOF by March 1^st.   Kelley Gurvis will replace Glen Shipway.

       VI.         Old Business -

                     January & February DYK’s were distributed.  March DYK is on the budget.

        V.          New Business –

                     Karen Kirk – There is a new Inside the District airing with an RMS student as the host.

                     Looking into online courses for students.  Major improvement from previous online courses.

                    Contact Gretchen to schedule Dr. Sippy to speak at PTO meeting regarding the budget.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5^th .