While the parents and community were going through the process of closing schools, it was brought up that the principal of Fair Oaks was fully in support of the plan and was actually voting himself out of a job.
Mr. Thomas, the principal at Fair Oaks, was at the time applying and working his way through the selection process to become the principal at Osseo Junior High. First, he appears to be a very talented individual and we do not want to loose talent from the district. Second, it now becomes very evident that he was more than likely not losing his job. Hmmmmmmmm. Let the conspiracy theories begin! Or is it just a well orchestrated plan? Would you disagree with the plan if you were going for a promotion?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
SAGE and KKK
There is currently a lawsuit between SAGE (Straights And Gays for Equality) and the School District. SAGE claims that their rights were violated when they were not allowed to use bulletin boards, and other school communication devices to announce their activities.
The School District has lost the case several times and continues to appeal it.
In the latest article on the Kare 11 site, the School District actually makes reference to the this lawsuit being important to stop groups like the KKK thereby comparing SAGE to the KKK:
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=502035
Are they similar in that they are both radical groups -- one trying to increase rights and one trying to decrease rights? On the surface, the comparison appears completely ridiculous as does spending taxpayer money to continue to fight it.
The School District has lost the case several times and continues to appeal it.
In the latest article on the Kare 11 site, the School District actually makes reference to the this lawsuit being important to stop groups like the KKK thereby comparing SAGE to the KKK:
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=502035
Are they similar in that they are both radical groups -- one trying to increase rights and one trying to decrease rights? On the surface, the comparison appears completely ridiculous as does spending taxpayer money to continue to fight it.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Purpose Going Forward
There is discussion going on concerning the purpose of the Save District 279 group and web sites. Dan brought up a good point yesterday in trying to understand what we are trying to accomplish. I have struggled with that a lot since the decision. In some ways, I believe what we are trying to accomplish is actually a very personal decision surrounding what each of us supports and our values as individuals. One could argue that we need to develop common ground. I would agree that we could publish a statement with multiple values that as a group we support, but each individual will have a different take on those values and the overall purpose.
Here are some of the potential purposes and potential actions/ideas (THESE ARE IDEAS ONLY AND I DO NOT PERSONALLY SUPPORT ALL OF THESE):
* Purpose: Hold the School Board accountable for their actions.
* Ask lots of questions.
* Start a web page that asks a question and the solicits SB feedback and posts their response.
* Actively campaign for or against SB members that are or are not accountable for their actions.
* Purpose: Effectuate the changing of the strategic guidelines and values.
* Make a motion for the SB to evaluate the strategic guidelines by forming a committee that is well balanced with parental participation.
* Form a team within the SD279 group to present and monitor changes.
* Purpose: Change leadership
* Campaign against or for certain SB members.
* Start a campaign to change the administration leadership.
* Purpose: Create an open and rich learning environment for all students going forward.
* Organize and participate in PST and other organizations on a school-by-school basis.
* Organize events that bring students together during times of transition.
* Participate in the Transition Committee.
* Purpose/Idea: Hold the SD responsible if it has broken any laws. (This is very controversial, but something that a portion of the population believes is important and is perceived to be the only way to get the SB's attention.)
* Purpose: Infuse a larger degree of collaboration between the administration and parents. (Make sure parents' voices are heard.)
* Participate in committees going forward.
* Attend School Board meetings.
* Continue to contact SB members and Susan Hintz by writing emails, letters, phone calls and public speeches at SB meetings.
* If the SB still does not appear to take our thoughts into consideration, then more dramatic means may be necessary (these are only ideas and are certainly controversial and are along the lines of Peaceful Protest):
* Sit ins: Literally fill up public places and just sit.
* Drive/Park ins: The farmers in France once protested by simply parking all of their trucks on major interstates -- why not fill up a few parking lots with our vehicles and leave them (ESC anyone?)? Sure, they would be towed, but it is a form of protest (Again, controversial.)
* Silent Protest: Attend SB meetings, but do not say anything - do not even talk amongst ourselves. Silence is deafening.
* Ad: Purchase an advertisement in the local paper to point out issues/concerns.
Results: What do we hope to get out of this in the end?
* Ultimately the best education possible for our children.
* A more collaborative leadership (administration and SB).
Other purposes, ideas or results? Go. Brainstorm!
Here are some of the potential purposes and potential actions/ideas (THESE ARE IDEAS ONLY AND I DO NOT PERSONALLY SUPPORT ALL OF THESE):
* Purpose: Hold the School Board accountable for their actions.
* Ask lots of questions.
* Start a web page that asks a question and the solicits SB feedback and posts their response.
* Actively campaign for or against SB members that are or are not accountable for their actions.
* Purpose: Effectuate the changing of the strategic guidelines and values.
* Make a motion for the SB to evaluate the strategic guidelines by forming a committee that is well balanced with parental participation.
* Form a team within the SD279 group to present and monitor changes.
* Purpose: Change leadership
* Campaign against or for certain SB members.
* Start a campaign to change the administration leadership.
* Purpose: Create an open and rich learning environment for all students going forward.
* Organize and participate in PST and other organizations on a school-by-school basis.
* Organize events that bring students together during times of transition.
* Participate in the Transition Committee.
* Purpose/Idea: Hold the SD responsible if it has broken any laws. (This is very controversial, but something that a portion of the population believes is important and is perceived to be the only way to get the SB's attention.)
* Purpose: Infuse a larger degree of collaboration between the administration and parents. (Make sure parents' voices are heard.)
* Participate in committees going forward.
* Attend School Board meetings.
* Continue to contact SB members and Susan Hintz by writing emails, letters, phone calls and public speeches at SB meetings.
* If the SB still does not appear to take our thoughts into consideration, then more dramatic means may be necessary (these are only ideas and are certainly controversial and are along the lines of Peaceful Protest):
* Sit ins: Literally fill up public places and just sit.
* Drive/Park ins: The farmers in France once protested by simply parking all of their trucks on major interstates -- why not fill up a few parking lots with our vehicles and leave them (ESC anyone?)? Sure, they would be towed, but it is a form of protest (Again, controversial.)
* Silent Protest: Attend SB meetings, but do not say anything - do not even talk amongst ourselves. Silence is deafening.
* Ad: Purchase an advertisement in the local paper to point out issues/concerns.
Results: What do we hope to get out of this in the end?
* Ultimately the best education possible for our children.
* A more collaborative leadership (administration and SB).
Other purposes, ideas or results? Go. Brainstorm!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Savings does not equal Savings
Here is another observation from last night that I can not wrap my head around logically: They kept talking about how they saved money in regard to medical insurance. In fact, the following is in their handout:
"Saved $1.03 million, also Saved $1.27 million on teacher new plan"
The projected increase for 2008/09 was 18.68%. The actual increase was 10.2% in some cases and 0% increase in other cases. However, there was a net increase.
Wording is interesting here. Since we expected to pay 18.68% more, then there is a savings, when really we are paying more overall -- it appears to be that we beat our own expectation and therefore have a savings (but don't forget that we are paying more). (I'm confused.)
Bottom line: Benefits have gone up steadily over the last 5 years and are projected to continue to grow. I do think they have done a reasonable job keeping the cost of benefits in check. However, continuing to talk about savings when you pay more seems a bit odd to me.
Also, if we saved what appears to be around $2 million dollars, then are we buying more teachers or buildings for that? Or is the savings actually to the participants (teachers/staff/administration) because at the top of the same page outlining medical benefits, it indicates "Addl. District Cost Over Last Year: $10,000".
None of these questions were asked last night and potentially it is just known by those that have been attending longer than I. The handout simply made little sense to me at all.
By the way - do not construe this as being anti-health-insurance-for-teachers. I definitely believe in health insurance for teachers. I just have a hard time discussing it as saving when we are actually paying more and then understanding where that savings is going.
"Saved $1.03 million, also Saved $1.27 million on teacher new plan"
The projected increase for 2008/09 was 18.68%. The actual increase was 10.2% in some cases and 0% increase in other cases. However, there was a net increase.
Wording is interesting here. Since we expected to pay 18.68% more, then there is a savings, when really we are paying more overall -- it appears to be that we beat our own expectation and therefore have a savings (but don't forget that we are paying more). (I'm confused.)
Bottom line: Benefits have gone up steadily over the last 5 years and are projected to continue to grow. I do think they have done a reasonable job keeping the cost of benefits in check. However, continuing to talk about savings when you pay more seems a bit odd to me.
Also, if we saved what appears to be around $2 million dollars, then are we buying more teachers or buildings for that? Or is the savings actually to the participants (teachers/staff/administration) because at the top of the same page outlining medical benefits, it indicates "Addl. District Cost Over Last Year: $10,000".
None of these questions were asked last night and potentially it is just known by those that have been attending longer than I. The handout simply made little sense to me at all.
By the way - do not construe this as being anti-health-insurance-for-teachers. I definitely believe in health insurance for teachers. I just have a hard time discussing it as saving when we are actually paying more and then understanding where that savings is going.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Observation
The board approved $28 million dollars in benefits tonight in under 5 minutes of discussion with only a single question from Dean. (There was an overview from the person from the administration -- very helpful, but certainly not expected to be comprehensive.)
It took 6 weeks, hours and hours of speeches, meetings, organizing etc........ to cut $16 million.
They approved nearly double that in expenditures in under 5 minutes tonight!!!!!
There has to be discussions going on via email or something. This just blows me away. I must be missing something.
It took 6 weeks, hours and hours of speeches, meetings, organizing etc........ to cut $16 million.
They approved nearly double that in expenditures in under 5 minutes tonight!!!!!
There has to be discussions going on via email or something. This just blows me away. I must be missing something.
Gifts
We accpeted gifts to the district of over $150,000.
Motion and second
Everyone in favor.
Announcements
Move to ajorne.
Done in less than 30 minutes!!!!!!!! Wow!
Motion and second
Everyone in favor.
Announcements
Move to ajorne.
Done in less than 30 minutes!!!!!!!! Wow!
HR item on Agenda
Approval of new benefits
Speaker - Giving an overview of how we got here today in terms of benefits. We meet on a monthly basis to determine how to provide employee benefits at a reasonable cost. We saved the district around $9.2 million by going out to bid, assessment surveys with employees and so on to contain utilization rates. Limiting the employer contributions and developing plan design changes to increase participation in the plan. We spend $28.8 million - it would have gone up another $2 million if we had not made plan changes.
There is cost shifting to employees. How much will need to be in the future? It depends on which plan they choose in the future. The open enrollment plan now has an increase co-pay and deductibles. [He recapped the three plans.]
Dental - Minimal increases (projected large increases, but were able to negotiate them down). Benefits fair to be held to go over benefits and inform them of new plan design.
Dean - How many are enrolled at the single level?
Speaker - left that folder at my desk, but I believe 2/3rds.
Dean - about 2000?
speaker - that's a bit high -- proably 1800.
Linda - any questions?
Steve - moves to approve the benefits.
Linn - seconds.
Everyone approved benefits package - unanimous.
Speaker - Giving an overview of how we got here today in terms of benefits. We meet on a monthly basis to determine how to provide employee benefits at a reasonable cost. We saved the district around $9.2 million by going out to bid, assessment surveys with employees and so on to contain utilization rates. Limiting the employer contributions and developing plan design changes to increase participation in the plan. We spend $28.8 million - it would have gone up another $2 million if we had not made plan changes.
There is cost shifting to employees. How much will need to be in the future? It depends on which plan they choose in the future. The open enrollment plan now has an increase co-pay and deductibles. [He recapped the three plans.]
Dental - Minimal increases (projected large increases, but were able to negotiate them down). Benefits fair to be held to go over benefits and inform them of new plan design.
Dean - How many are enrolled at the single level?
Speaker - left that folder at my desk, but I believe 2/3rds.
Dean - about 2000?
speaker - that's a bit high -- proably 1800.
Linda - any questions?
Steve - moves to approve the benefits.
Linn - seconds.
Everyone approved benefits package - unanimous.
Consent agenda
Approval of consent agenda except for 9.17.
Steve - 9.17 - a conveyance of a real estate interest. Excel will not give it back easily.
Susan - I think that is a good idea. I am not prepared to responde to this. This should wait until the next meeting.
Steve - Table it until the next board meeting.
Linn - Seconded.
By the way Linda is NOT here tonight.
Steve - 9.17 - a conveyance of a real estate interest. Excel will not give it back easily.
Susan - I think that is a good idea. I am not prepared to responde to this. This should wait until the next meeting.
Steve - Table it until the next board meeting.
Linn - Seconded.
By the way Linda is NOT here tonight.
Next agenda item
Susan - [Reviewing previous minutes.] We have 56 community members speak. We tried to address those concerns at the subsequent work session on March 5 and on the web site and meetings.
Superintendent's Report - A new proposal was announced for No Child Left Behind at the national level. They want more flexibility for states with NCLB. I was impressed that they came to MN. We were first state to have charter students, open enrollment, [bunch of others], first state to have online curriculum program. US Secretary of education was here making the announcement for NCLB.
Highest ACT scores, one of the highest graduation rates, in 8th grade math we are highest in the nation.
We are going to do is form United Communities for learning - teachers, support staff, principals and parents. Joint work groups will come out of that steering committee and action teams. For example, in any transition there is logistics which is funded by a different area of the budget. Money for updating the two schools that are closing can be diverted to those that aren't. How are teams of teachers going to be moved, packing labeling etc.... How to create the climate for including and creating a culture of inclusiveness.
Logistics - transporation - how do we make it work so older children are home in time to watch younger children?
[Other teams discussed.]
We found that when we organized the core planning team had a wide variety of perspectives worked very well. {Ooops except for community *grins*]
Superintendent's Report - A new proposal was announced for No Child Left Behind at the national level. They want more flexibility for states with NCLB. I was impressed that they came to MN. We were first state to have charter students, open enrollment, [bunch of others], first state to have online curriculum program. US Secretary of education was here making the announcement for NCLB.
Highest ACT scores, one of the highest graduation rates, in 8th grade math we are highest in the nation.
We are going to do is form United Communities for learning - teachers, support staff, principals and parents. Joint work groups will come out of that steering committee and action teams. For example, in any transition there is logistics which is funded by a different area of the budget. Money for updating the two schools that are closing can be diverted to those that aren't. How are teams of teachers going to be moved, packing labeling etc.... How to create the climate for including and creating a culture of inclusiveness.
Logistics - transporation - how do we make it work so older children are home in time to watch younger children?
[Other teams discussed.]
We found that when we organized the core planning team had a wide variety of perspectives worked very well. {Ooops except for community *grins*]
Union Person
Congratulating the board. No one is happy about closing buildings or the new reality. We are charged with being good stewarts and doing nothing is not an option.
We have to do more with less.
I am thankful but disappointed but when we are challenged to run this as a business and we do we are.
We are in public service not indentured servants.
James (new person) - Chain of command - the voters elect the SB members. You are supposed to do what me the voters (the district voters) would like you to do.
I attended community cafes - results were posted. How many of you read the Community Cafe Results? (show of hands) [All raised hands.]
Short term negatives were greater by 2.3 than positive. 2.3 times as likely to have shortcomings. Long term negatives were 5.6 to 1 against positives. Nobody at community cafes saw this as positive. Over 190 ideas to keep the schools open.
Nothing in the levy indicated closing schools. If it was there, I believe voters would have approved it.
We have to do more with less.
I am thankful but disappointed but when we are challenged to run this as a business and we do we are.
We are in public service not indentured servants.
James (new person) - Chain of command - the voters elect the SB members. You are supposed to do what me the voters (the district voters) would like you to do.
I attended community cafes - results were posted. How many of you read the Community Cafe Results? (show of hands) [All raised hands.]
Short term negatives were greater by 2.3 than positive. 2.3 times as likely to have shortcomings. Long term negatives were 5.6 to 1 against positives. Nobody at community cafes saw this as positive. Over 190 ideas to keep the schools open.
Nothing in the levy indicated closing schools. If it was there, I believe voters would have approved it.
Teresa
Teresa Lunt - difficult time over the past 8 weeks.
* The SB is not in sync with the values I share.
* Closing WL had nothing to do with the budget reduction.
* More
Talk the talk, but they don't walk the talk.
* My voice has been heard, but not listened to.
* Accused of coming late -- unfortunately, I had bad faith.
* Accused of wearing a red T-shirt be called a racist, I will do everything I can make sure people
I and many others plan to be involved at the state level.
I will hold you accountable. Not just lip serivice but actionable results.
[I didn't capture all of that well -- you will have to catch the rerun.]
* The SB is not in sync with the values I share.
* Closing WL had nothing to do with the budget reduction.
* More
Talk the talk, but they don't walk the talk.
* My voice has been heard, but not listened to.
* Accused of coming late -- unfortunately, I had bad faith.
* Accused of wearing a red T-shirt be called a racist, I will do everything I can make sure people
I and many others plan to be involved at the state level.
I will hold you accountable. Not just lip serivice but actionable results.
[I didn't capture all of that well -- you will have to catch the rerun.]
Agenda
Community comment - if anyone would like to speak fill out the card and bring it up to Linda.
Same rules as usual -- three minutes is allowed since we do not have as many speakers. [We will be safely out of here by midnight. *grins*]
Collette - Thank you for closing buildings and repurposing. Consider options to save as many teachers of possible. What will a classroom look like when a WL classroom goes from 20 to 42+ students? How many students fit in a classroom without having to remove the teachers and tools of teaching?
There is still $600,000 more spent on extra curriculars than there was six years ago.
We used to have 7 hour class days. We went down to 6 hours. We didn't get any teachers and hours back the last time a referrendum passed.
I am afraid we will never go under 35 students.
Class sizes over 35 are detrimental.
How many kids can answer one question in a class? We need to make other choices. Reserve money, mid-year budget surplus, etc. we could cut the number of teachers lost in half.
Same rules as usual -- three minutes is allowed since we do not have as many speakers. [We will be safely out of here by midnight. *grins*]
Collette - Thank you for closing buildings and repurposing. Consider options to save as many teachers of possible. What will a classroom look like when a WL classroom goes from 20 to 42+ students? How many students fit in a classroom without having to remove the teachers and tools of teaching?
There is still $600,000 more spent on extra curriculars than there was six years ago.
We used to have 7 hour class days. We went down to 6 hours. We didn't get any teachers and hours back the last time a referrendum passed.
I am afraid we will never go under 35 students.
Class sizes over 35 are detrimental.
How many kids can answer one question in a class? We need to make other choices. Reserve money, mid-year budget surplus, etc. we could cut the number of teachers lost in half.
Susan
She greeted everyone in the audience -- I am her "little blogger". Ok, it is pretty obvious since I am the only one with a computer.
The room is about half full to me.
Thank goodness there are not as many people -- we have at least 20 pages in handouts!
Theunion people are sitting down the isle from me and making fun of the lack of attendance. "It's about 30 days and they start running out of gas." Sad.
Call to order.
[Correction: It was not "Union people" that made the comment. It was someone that I thought was in support of the parents.]
The room is about half full to me.
Thank goodness there are not as many people -- we have at least 20 pages in handouts!
The
Call to order.
[Correction: It was not "Union people" that made the comment. It was someone that I thought was in support of the parents.]
More people
Ok, a few more people, but they will not need the overflow room.
The school board members are obviously much, much, much more relaxed -- joking with each other as they come in the room.
There is a lot less tension in the air tonight.
The school board members are obviously much, much, much more relaxed -- joking with each other as they come in the room.
There is a lot less tension in the air tonight.
Rollin'
People are starting to roll in. There is hardly anyone here so far -- only 8 peopl in the audience so far.
Board Meeting Tonight
The board meeting is tonight. I hope to see others there as well. I know it will be difficult to return to a School Board that is not in support of the kids, parents, and community but I keep telling myself that I owe it to my kids.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Discussion
Linda - previously unsure of supporting FO/OV/CI - now is in support.
John - I to do not have any reservations about FO/OV/CI.
Steve - I think it is time to move forward and vote on the whole budget and a path for healing. I ask that we vote on the matter.
Final vote - Full proposal is voted in - Dean and Linda voted no -- all others yes.
That's it.
John - I to do not have any reservations about FO/OV/CI.
Steve - I think it is time to move forward and vote on the whole budget and a path for healing. I ask that we vote on the matter.
Final vote - Full proposal is voted in - Dean and Linda voted no -- all others yes.
That's it.
Discussion (more)
John - I want to get back to a discussion of the proposed amendement motion. I to am concerned about where the money would come from and the distinct possibility that expenses will increase.
Dean - I hate to belabor this, but the board has not had a problem spending down a $33 million fund balance. We have the opportunity to do the right thing for our neighborhood schools. We now have a problemw ith $1.5 million decision. The whole estended family are here to support the students. If that means that we have to do the right thing and spend the $1.5 million. I am asking to spend money to support the students or the educaiton system.
Linda - we have gone through with spending in the past. Now we are disrupting lives of students and not doing ANYTHING to minimize the disruption to the students. I am comfortable taking from the fund balance to minimize this disruption.
Steve - We are always critisized for doing the same thing. Nobody has had the courage to deal with these issues in the past. 75% of the school district does not have kids in school. Where is our money going? Into keeping classroom sizes down. That helps all students in the district. I can hire more teachers. It keeps the whole class size down. We can not control that expense. Unions have a lot of power. We have to bargain with them in good faith. We can control how many we employ. We can not change the compensation schedule. Talking about 5% additional is wrong. We balance the budget EVERY year. It is really disengenuous. We have built up their reserve funds and kept their class sizes down. I'm not going to go beyond 5%. We are supposed to be talking about doing something different and doing it with the things we control. I don't feel like we can go back to tax payers and indicate that we are not closing school with so much excess capacity.
Linda - I am hearing from the community that they misinterpretted the last levy and the parents are willing to revisit the levy. That is coming from the parents. If that is something the parents and community want then we should consider it.
Dean - 2005-2006 [he is going through how much the deficit was each year - refuting what Steve said about balancing the budget] We have been using a reserve balance and have not been running a balanced budget. The school district ran for a couple years without reducing class sizes at all. When we levied for $13 million we clearly communicated that we were not reducing class sizes. OUr pattern has not be to always help the students by reducing class sizes. I am willing to make that request now.
Kim - we have a motion on the table.
Dean - seconds the motion.
Vote for the motion to pull apart the proposal - 4 against; only Dean and Linda for.
Dean - I hate to belabor this, but the board has not had a problem spending down a $33 million fund balance. We have the opportunity to do the right thing for our neighborhood schools. We now have a problemw ith $1.5 million decision. The whole estended family are here to support the students. If that means that we have to do the right thing and spend the $1.5 million. I am asking to spend money to support the students or the educaiton system.
Linda - we have gone through with spending in the past. Now we are disrupting lives of students and not doing ANYTHING to minimize the disruption to the students. I am comfortable taking from the fund balance to minimize this disruption.
Steve - We are always critisized for doing the same thing. Nobody has had the courage to deal with these issues in the past. 75% of the school district does not have kids in school. Where is our money going? Into keeping classroom sizes down. That helps all students in the district. I can hire more teachers. It keeps the whole class size down. We can not control that expense. Unions have a lot of power. We have to bargain with them in good faith. We can control how many we employ. We can not change the compensation schedule. Talking about 5% additional is wrong. We balance the budget EVERY year. It is really disengenuous. We have built up their reserve funds and kept their class sizes down. I'm not going to go beyond 5%. We are supposed to be talking about doing something different and doing it with the things we control. I don't feel like we can go back to tax payers and indicate that we are not closing school with so much excess capacity.
Linda - I am hearing from the community that they misinterpretted the last levy and the parents are willing to revisit the levy. That is coming from the parents. If that is something the parents and community want then we should consider it.
Dean - 2005-2006 [he is going through how much the deficit was each year - refuting what Steve said about balancing the budget] We have been using a reserve balance and have not been running a balanced budget. The school district ran for a couple years without reducing class sizes at all. When we levied for $13 million we clearly communicated that we were not reducing class sizes. OUr pattern has not be to always help the students by reducing class sizes. I am willing to make that request now.
Kim - we have a motion on the table.
Dean - seconds the motion.
Vote for the motion to pull apart the proposal - 4 against; only Dean and Linda for.
Discussion
Steve - I just don't understand the motion. I really need to know.
Dean - I will give this one more try. My motion is that this board not close or repurpose any of our schools. Not close or repurpose schools.
[Debating about how to do this.]
Dean - Madam chair point of order.
John - I don't know all of the rules. The chair does have the ability to overrule the motion or you could get more advice from legal cousel.
Legal counsel - the motion must be seconded.
Kim - Out of respect for director Hinkey can we move on? This seems to be the reverse of the previous motion. It seems to me that this is just the reverse.
Dean - It is a modification of the main motion. This modification to the main motion. Either there are or are not four board members that are interested.
Steve - there was no second to the modification. Dean's motion should not pass and we move on.
John - I can pretty much guarantee that an amendment to a motion requires such. You would just get away from a second.
Kim - Legal counsel.
Legal counsel - He read the rules for motoins.
Steve - once it is stated then it requires a new motion and then a second is needed. Regardless we are to a point where nobody is willing to second the motion.
Kim - is there another consideration?
[More discussion about modifications.]
Linda - I have an interest to vote for or against FO/CI closing Ossee, closing edgewood and repurposing WL. I would like to begin with Edgewood Weaver Lake as a new motion. I do not want to vote on this proposal as one.
Kim - the motion is to vote separately to close Edgewood Elementary and repurposing. Three pieces.
John - I believe we need a motion and a second. Then we can discuss it.
Linda - take various components of the proposal and give the board the freedom to vote on what they believe on. I do not want to vote no on the entire proposal.
Kim - separate it into 3 different parts - FO/OF/CI is first component; closing of osseo and Edgewood as second part; the rest of the third.
Steve - I need to know where we are going to get the money for splitting this apart. Before I could vote on it separately, I would need to know where we could get the money. I am not in favor of taking money out of the reserve fund. I owuld be opposed to pulling them out for separate discussion unless we know where we would get the money.
Dean - I would offer that we have a fund balance - unrestricted general fund balance. We have over $2 million in mid-year adjustments to be used.
Kim - board memebers?
Lin - If we put secondary education back...[lots of numbers thrown around. Difficult to summarize.]
Dean - We've spent downa sizable fund balance. With these particular changes these are changes with very, very high impact to students and families. Since we have been willing to spend down fund balance for other sorts of things. These are a very direct impact on neighborhoods, students and parents. I would support using the fund balance. As we go forward we will have to do some belt tightening.
Lin - can I ask for some examples of belt tightening.
Dean - we have a half a dozen contracts coming up that could have belt tightening. I believe we should pursue our belt tightening there.
Lin - those are negotiated contract. What happens when they do not get what they want?
Dean - these people out here are not given the choices they want. I guess if going to our employees and saying this is what we can afford is something we could go for.
Linda - we are required to maintain a 3% fund balance and we are trying to maintain a 5%. Why are we trying to preserve and protect that fund balance? I would ask Ms. Hintz to provide what it would look like if we used additional fund balance.
Susan - at the last work session, I shared what was potentially available for the project fund balance. I do not have the figures available.
Dean - What is on the spreadsheet is 16.3 in budget reducations will result in 6.2% unrestricted fund balance.
Kim - I am comfortable with keeping the 5%+ fund balance. I am challenged. I feel like we can't even begin to negotiate the amount since the special education piece is so high.
[Sorry - no vote yet -- just on these side motions right now.]
Dean - I will give this one more try. My motion is that this board not close or repurpose any of our schools. Not close or repurpose schools.
[Debating about how to do this.]
Dean - Madam chair point of order.
John - I don't know all of the rules. The chair does have the ability to overrule the motion or you could get more advice from legal cousel.
Legal counsel - the motion must be seconded.
Kim - Out of respect for director Hinkey can we move on? This seems to be the reverse of the previous motion. It seems to me that this is just the reverse.
Dean - It is a modification of the main motion. This modification to the main motion. Either there are or are not four board members that are interested.
Steve - there was no second to the modification. Dean's motion should not pass and we move on.
John - I can pretty much guarantee that an amendment to a motion requires such. You would just get away from a second.
Kim - Legal counsel.
Legal counsel - He read the rules for motoins.
Steve - once it is stated then it requires a new motion and then a second is needed. Regardless we are to a point where nobody is willing to second the motion.
Kim - is there another consideration?
[More discussion about modifications.]
Linda - I have an interest to vote for or against FO/CI closing Ossee, closing edgewood and repurposing WL. I would like to begin with Edgewood Weaver Lake as a new motion. I do not want to vote on this proposal as one.
Kim - the motion is to vote separately to close Edgewood Elementary and repurposing. Three pieces.
John - I believe we need a motion and a second. Then we can discuss it.
Linda - take various components of the proposal and give the board the freedom to vote on what they believe on. I do not want to vote no on the entire proposal.
Kim - separate it into 3 different parts - FO/OF/CI is first component; closing of osseo and Edgewood as second part; the rest of the third.
Steve - I need to know where we are going to get the money for splitting this apart. Before I could vote on it separately, I would need to know where we could get the money. I am not in favor of taking money out of the reserve fund. I owuld be opposed to pulling them out for separate discussion unless we know where we would get the money.
Dean - I would offer that we have a fund balance - unrestricted general fund balance. We have over $2 million in mid-year adjustments to be used.
Kim - board memebers?
Lin - If we put secondary education back...[lots of numbers thrown around. Difficult to summarize.]
Dean - We've spent downa sizable fund balance. With these particular changes these are changes with very, very high impact to students and families. Since we have been willing to spend down fund balance for other sorts of things. These are a very direct impact on neighborhoods, students and parents. I would support using the fund balance. As we go forward we will have to do some belt tightening.
Lin - can I ask for some examples of belt tightening.
Dean - we have a half a dozen contracts coming up that could have belt tightening. I believe we should pursue our belt tightening there.
Lin - those are negotiated contract. What happens when they do not get what they want?
Dean - these people out here are not given the choices they want. I guess if going to our employees and saying this is what we can afford is something we could go for.
Linda - we are required to maintain a 3% fund balance and we are trying to maintain a 5%. Why are we trying to preserve and protect that fund balance? I would ask Ms. Hintz to provide what it would look like if we used additional fund balance.
Susan - at the last work session, I shared what was potentially available for the project fund balance. I do not have the figures available.
Dean - What is on the spreadsheet is 16.3 in budget reducations will result in 6.2% unrestricted fund balance.
Kim - I am comfortable with keeping the 5%+ fund balance. I am challenged. I feel like we can't even begin to negotiate the amount since the special education piece is so high.
[Sorry - no vote yet -- just on these side motions right now.]
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