PTO ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES

WED Dec. 7th 2005

Attendees: Len Hamm, Sue Isaacs, Jackie Mulhall,  Amy Von Culin, Nancy Paul, Frank Sippy, Carol Hubert, Nancy Dorsey, Karen Kirk, Juan Rodrigues-Torrent.

I.                    Minutes of November meeting were approved.

II.                 Treasurer’s Report. Janice was unavailable and asked Len to report.  Current balance is $2009.80

III.               Dr. Frank Sippy

1.      Would like to hold focus group sessions for each school to acquire input for the budget.  A sample of parents from each school would be invited.  Would like BOE rep to be moderator.  90 minute session with ground rules for the discussion.

2.      MMS moisture.  7^th grade wing is opened.  Carpet and asbestos tiles removed over Thanksgiving break.  Sunday a.m. air quality was approved.  Kids back in their lockers Monday a.m.  Air circulation is better and the unit ventilators are operating properly.  Cement floor will be bare for 6 months to make sure there is no moisture. Looking at recommendations and plans for additional work to the HVAC system.  Need to remove moisture from band, chorus, media center, computer center. Targeting to get approvals and work done over December break.  Propose to put in 1 large central air system for the 7^th grade wing.  Targeted for April break.  Other plans are to replace the mulch in front of the school with stone and replace a 6 foot wide section of grass along the school with stone.

3.      Funding for the mold abatement will be covered through the current operating budget.  All school budgets have been frozen to help with this cost.  The mold abatement issue is not covered by insurance.  Clean air grant applications are being prepared and should get 50% to 70% of the cost reimbursed.

IV.              Keith McLiverty joined us to report on PTO insurance coverage and Wellness committee.                                  

Insurance – PTO’s do NOT have liability coverage under Region 15’s insurance policy.  PTO officers are also not covered.  In the interim all PTO events held at the schools will be hosted by both the school and the PTO and therefore will have liability coverage.  PTO’s will need to look into coverage.  Approximate cost $750 per year.  PTO cannot use the Region 15 tax exempt ID number.  Each PTO should complete form 501C for a tax exempt ID number.  One time cost about $500.  The high school has one.  Fundraisers with gross receipts of $25,000 plus must complete a report for the state.  All fundraisers must submit a report with Gene Gavin.  A letter from Keith to all school principals and PTO presidents will be sent in January with information and recommendations of holding a meeting to look into the resolution of these issues.

Wellness Committee -  School personnel, food  services and parents comprise the committee.  They are looking at overall heath.  PE staff, health staff and food services are working together.  In July 2006 all schools will be required to have a school wellness committee.  Region 15 is starting now.  The state is offering workshops for the committees.  Hope to have recommendations by March.  Meeting dates will be set and put on the region calendar.  FYI.  Food services is self supporting.  No money from the operating budget.

V.                 Carol Hubert - New Southbury Library is looking at opening in early 2006.

VI.              New Business

             1.      Heating oil was locked in at $2.03 per gallon.  About $170,000 short of prediction based on cost of $1.80 per gallon.

2.      Continued concerns about healthy food in the cafeterias.  This was discussed with Keith and the Wellness committee.  Also concern regarding the portion sizes.

3.      Questions regarding classroom space due to the building projects in both town.

4.      Dr. Sippy is hoping to set aside $175,000 -$195,000 dollars in the upcoming budget for capital improvements.  This would be used for oil tank removal, window replacements, carpet replacement and security systems.

Next Meeting Wed. January 4^th 9.30am