June 3, 2021 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Resource Management & Business Operations Committee Meeting

Rationale: 

Key Points:

Pursuant to Board of Education Policy, the following tuition rates for non-resident students attending Bethel Public Schools are recommended:

                         2019/2020           2020/2021      2021/2022        % Increase

Elem/Middle         $13,137               $13,595          $13,900               2.25%

High School          $15,156               $15,685          $16,038               2.25%

These tuition rates do not include transportation.  Additionally, Special Education rates will be calculated as needed based on the costs of a specific program with related services.  The Special Education Costs are not discounted.

Rationale: 

Summary of the Briefing:

1. Proposal is to not raise the school meal prices as during 2021/2022 it is anticipated that meals will be at no cost to students.
2. Meal prices will only be charged for second meals and if the USDA changes its plans of free meals for the 21-22 school year.
3. Bethel will submit for the waivers to continue on the Seamless Summer Option and provide meals at no cost to all students regardless of income status.

Rationale: 

Recommendation of FSMC for 21-22 for 1st of 4 one-year optional renewals

Key Points of the Briefing:

 

* It is important to the Bethel Board of Education that an excellent Food Service Management Company administer the food service operations for the district in accordance with all of the regulations of the National School Lunch Program under the direction of the USDA and the CSDE.

* The CSDE reviews all renewal documents between districts and FSMCs.

following motions
1)  Sodexo can charge an increase of up to 4.5% (the CPI) but they are charging an increase of 3% to cover rising costs but understand the challenges of the upcoming school year.
2)  Sodexo has brought to the district an alternate way of charging us for the current 20-21 school year that will result in at least $20K in savings.  This method has been approved by the CSDE.
3)  Sodexo has been a good partner and will work creatively with the district for full-in-person school meal service.
4)  The management fee will not exceed $34,774 and the administrative fee cannot exceed $69,369 for the contract year

Rationale: 

Key Points of the Briefing:

* We are nearing the end of the fiscal year.  Final payrolls are scheduled to be processed on June 22nd and then we will know what funds remain with which to close accounts and if possible, make a positive impact on our district during the final week of June.  We ask for your authorization to focus year end spending on areas that support our school reopening plan, our strategic plan or have been discussed by the BOE this fiscal year.

* 1) Unexpended Funds Account – Knowing that we continue in uncertain times and that next year’s BOE budget was reduced by $400K, we will plan to deposit any unspent funds to this account which is for opportunities and contingencies in the future.  We do not anticipate that there will be much at all remaining this year to deposit here.

* 2) Technology – One of the four Board of Education goals is to have technology as a catalyst for teaching and learning.  There is a long term chrome-book replacement plan for our 1:1 strategic plan initiative for Grade K through Grade 12.  If we are able to purchase the next planned replacements, we would like to go forward.  There is also specialized technology for certain educational programming that we may be able to transfer funds and make progress on.

*  4) Special Education – The SPED department is still closing their books especially for outplacement tuition and transportation and necessary student evaluations and outside services; this will all be reconciled. 

* 5) Safety & Security– This area continues to be paramount and we will add security measures in accordance with our approved plan.  Since we did not receive the Capital Funding, we are progressing with the plan to address the most critical pieces.  Milestone is being installed at Berry, BMS and BHS.  Remaining funds may be earmarked for some new security cameras.

* 6) Facilities – With the reduction to the 460 budget there are a few critical maintenance items that we had this year and may need to transfer funds to cover these expenses.