As we continue to have discussions about the future enrollment of our district for the purposes of budgeting for future years, we also need to begin looking at specific points in time where we will need to look at additional facilities to house our student population.  Nearly 10 years ago, the district commissioned a demographic study to aid in the decisions that were before the district at the time.  I would propose that we contract for such a demographic study once again with the purpose of gaining a clearer picture of what our future holds for the district in terms of enrollment.
I have asked for a proposal from SchoolFinances.com (the firm that developed the Financial Planning Model that we use each year during our budgeting process) to provide a proposal to the district to do a demographic study.  I have attached the proposal for your review.
There are two options within the proposal for our consideration.

Currently we contract through Carver-Scott Cooperative for Occupational Therapy and we are currently evaluating the possibility of hiring our own staff to perform this duty.  Based on the number of hours needed, this position could be shared with Jordan as well.  I will have more information available at the meeting on Monday night.

Nelson Ladd will be present to discuss his recommendations for additional staffing to assist with School Age Child Care and Summer Recreation programs.

At our last board meeting, I presented proposals for additional staffing for the 2013-14 school year.  I would like to have additional conversation about these recommendations in hopes that approval for at least some of the positions could be granted at our February meeting.  The attached list is the same that was presented at our January board meeting.

I sent a letter to Chair Lenz in late November regarding my contract for the FY14 - FY16 school years and I understand that he has shared my requests with you.  I would like to discuss my proposal with the full board in hopes that action may be taken on my contract at the February board meeting.  Here are my requests as submitted and an accompanying costing analysis.

1 :  Change duration of contract to July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2016.  
2 :  In Section VI. Insurance; 1.  Health and Hospitalization and Dental – Change the last sentence from “Single coverage for health insurance shall be at the School District’s expense.” To Single coverage and Employee plus 1 coverage for health insurance shall be at the School District’s expense.   (I withdraw this request.)
3 :  In Section VII. Other Benefits: 1.  Tax Sheltered Annuities – Change district contribution level from $2,000 per year to $2,400 per year toward an approved 403(b) plan.            
4 :  In Section VII. Other Benefits: 2.  Automobile – Leave monthly mileage amount to $400 but adjust years to reflect 2013-14 through 2015-16.  
5 :  In Section VIII. Salary:  Adjust the salary for the next three years to the following:      
       2013-14:            $139,050       2014-15:            $143,225       2015-16:            $147,520  
6 :  In Section IX. Other Provisions: 2.  Dues – Change the annual dues contribution for local civic organizations to “The School District will pay for the annual dues for one local civic organization.”  
7.  In Section IX. Other Provisions: Following 5. Severance, and 6. Retirement – Add sub-section 7 as follows.  Beginning in 2013-14, the School District will pay $6,000 per year (paid in on a monthly basis) to the approved 403(b) plan for the Superintendent.  This payment will be subtracted from Severance/Retirement compensation that is currently obligated for the superintendent based on current contract language.

We are continuing our review of required school district policies with five previously approved policies - 532, 533, 601, 603 and 612.1 – to be reviewed against current revisions provided by MSBA.  If acceptable, these five policies will be placed on the regular board meeting agenda for approval as revised.

Monday, Feb. 25 –   5:30  Finance Committee Mtg.
                                 6:00  Regular Board Mtg.
Monday, Mar. 11  -    6:00 School Board Work Session
Monday, Mar. 25  -    5:30 Finance Committee Mtg.
                                  6:00 Regular Board Mtg.