Tabled to next meeting.

Mr. Yezukevich began the discussion on the FY24 budget. Ms. Calvert reported that hiring continues but salaries will not have a significant impact on the budget. Grant funding has been delayed by DESE due to rollout of new computer system, but full grant funding in the amount of $1.2M is eventually anticipated.

Mr. Martin began the discussion on the budget to actual numbers reflecting not only the actuals up to the present month, but how that affects the budget to actual numbers anticipated through the end of the year. Following discussion it was agreed that financial information be tracked so as to show its impact on the entire budget, i.e. an additional column would be added to display the anticipated actual numbers up through the next six months.

Mr. Yezukevich reported that the Committee needed to address the proposal for adding a new position into the FY25 budget.

Ms. Foley stated that during her time in the district she has been able to assess the needs of the high school better in two distinct areas: a) the assistant principal’s role in instructional support of teachers with coaching around instructional practices; and b) the behavioral interventionist’s role in support of behavioral issues in the classroom. Her proposal is to create a second assistant principal position by combining the present two interventionist positions into one. In this way the assistant principal model would offer the more effective ability to service students and teachers with the level of authority that an assistant principal has that the behavioral interventionist position does not. 

Discussion ensued. Notwithstanding the fact that a new principal comes into the learning community with a fresh set of eyes and may view things differently, working with the new assistant principal to put needed systems in place will ease the entrance of the new principal. Also that person will have the opportunity to interview with the new principal to ensure a “good fit.”

Ms. Berkowitz noted that a similar model is being considered for the middle school as well. From a budgetary standpoint, the combining of the two positions comes with a savings of $30K.

Mr. Yezukevich anticipated that by mid-February the Board would be in a position to have determined the impact of enrollment on the FY25 budget and direct Ms. Berkowitz the authority to revise pre-enrollment numbers to determine where the school is today and set the table for the budget process for FY25. In the meantime, the conversation remains on the table.

Ms. Berkowitz gave the following update on enrollment:

• Present enrollment is 1,515 with the registration of four new students.
• The general trend of losing 10-15 students after winter break did not occur this year.
• No wait lists for Kindergarten or grade 2 and grades with wait lists have no open positions.
• State requires backfilling under February 15th, but bringing in new students presents behavioral and academic challenges and necessitates reorganization  in the classroom.
• Enrollment as the driver leads to an unrealistic projection of the budget at 1,550 and possibly ending up with1,400 mid-year; intention reduction to 1,420 the better option.
• Intentional reduction in students over the years to avoid reduction in staff.

Ms. Berkowitz stated the need for a realistic, feasible and sustainable budget in the face of an unprecedented enrollment situation.

Mr. Yezukevich acknowledged the problem of enrollment in private and public schools across the state, some of which has been documented by declining demographics. The challenge to the Board is to determine what is realistic in addressing the problem. The primary perspective needs to be what is best for the students.

Discussion ensued on the urgency of the incoming Executive Director to address the problem. Ms. Berkowitz stated that the new person comes with a strategic plan to determine what is sustainable.  

Mr. Yezukevich noted that in order not to have a student learning impact in FY25, the immediate shortfall can be covered with cash reserves and of course with an eye on the compliance with the debt service ratio. Management of the overall situation in the best interests of students and staff is needed at the level that the Executive Director and provide.

Following discussion, it was agreed that the discussion will continue at the February 2d meeting on consideration of submission to the state for pre-enrollment numbers that take into account managing the reality of the present situation.

This agenda item was tabled to the next meeting.