Pittsfield School District Annual Town Meeting Minutes
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Pittsfield Town Hall
Article 1. To elect a moderator for the year ensuing: Meeting commenced at 10:06 a.m. and Sandy Begin moved to consider Article 1 and Arlene Drugonis seconds. Sandy Begin nomintates George Deblon, no other nomintations. Arlene Drugonis moves to close and cast one ballot to elect George as Moderator, approved unanimously.
Article 2. To hear and act upon the Auditors’ report: Sandy Begin moved to consider Article 2, seconded by Mark Begin. No questions, Auditor’s report accepted.
Article 3. To see if the Pittsfield School District will vote to pay taxes in the same manner as the Town: Sandy Begin moves to consider Article 3 and Mark Begin seconds. No discussion, Article approved unanimously.
Article 4. To hear reports from the School Directors: Judy Manley moves to consider Article 4 and Sandy Begin seconds.
Ray Colton asks why the budget is more than the simply the number of students times the tuition costs of the receiving schools? Kris Sperber responds that in addition to Pittsfield paying the tuition for each child attending an eligible school, the School Board also must pay additionally for the administrative costs of the Supervisory Union to implement Special Education, Essential Early Education (EEE) grants, and to oversee general operations of the entire Supervisory Union. Those costs, plus the actual tuitions for each student, and the stipend allowed for the three School Board Members and the Clerk, make up the total education budget request. Ray states his opinion that there is a lot of money being spent for just 80 students and asserts that the costs were more reasonable when Pittsfield had its own school. The School Board agreed that the costs of education are high, however Kris and Ray Rice pointed out that this year the budget is down from last year even though we have predict more students than last year. Kris explains this reduction is due in large part to our move to the Windsor Central Supervisory Union (WCSU) resulting in less administrative costs, and due to a different way of assessing SPED costs, less SPED costs, this year.
Terry Manley asked if there were costs associated with moving to the WCSU and Kris responds that there were no costs borne by Pittsfield for the move and that in fact, because Patty does our check writing and the School Directors review and authorize the bill payments, Pittsfield will save money on administrative costs with the move to WCSU. Kris notes that under the new SPED funding formula, any cost savings we’re seeing now could evaporate and turn into bigger costs if Pittsfield’s SPED expenses rise, and how this is a change from our past Supervisory Union that divided SPED costs more evenly across the School Districts in the Union.
Ray Colton asked if Pittsfield pays twice for a student who attends a vocational school in addition or instead of a high school. Kris reports that is not the case as Pittsfield would only pay one or the other school for each day the student is there. Nancy Blessing asks how payment works with private schools, especially ski academies. Kris states that under state law the School Board pays eligible private schools only the state wide average tuition, no more. In many cases students at the ski academies only attend them for part of the year so tuition is prorated between the academy and other eligible schools the students attend.
Arlene Drugonis asked about the number of students who attend schools outside of our Supervisory Union. Kris referred to the chart in the School report that shows most of our elementary school students and many of the secondary students attend schools in our new Supervisory Union, the WCSU. Erica Hurd asked when the shift to the WCSU officially occurs, Kris reported it is official as of July 1, 2015. Sandy Begin asked which towns are in the new SU and they were listed (Woodstock, Readsboro, Killington, Barnard, Pomfret, Bridgewater and now Pittsfield). Kris notes Pittsfield will be the only town in the new supervisory union that does not operate a school and is not part of the “Union” that requires high school students to attend Woodstock High School. Dana Decker asked if the move to the WCSU will impact school choice, Kris responded that there is no impact on school choice by the move to the WCSU.
Joyce Stevens suggests that we vote “No” on the education budget in order to send a message to the Legislature that we believe the costs borne by the towns for education are too high. Ray Colton also urged voters to vote “No” on the budget to send a message to the Legislature. The School Directors suggested that while in years past a “No” vote was strategically and facially appropriate, given our budget is much less than last year, we have moved to a new supervisory union and the Legislature appears to be very aware of the concerns over education costs, it would be more effective to pass this budget and then talk with our elected representatives individually. Sandy Begin asked if it would cost the Town more to vote “No” and Patty Haskins reported that there would be additional costs associated with another formal vote on the education budget.
Sandy Begin moves to accept the Directors’ Report, Jerry Drugonis seconds and approved unanimously.
Article 5. Shall the voters of the Pittsfield School District approve a total budget in the amount of $1,390,659 for the 2015-2016 school year? Sandy Begin moves to open consideration of Article 5 and Erica Hurd seconds. Robert Charlebois asks that we vote “No” on the budget, identifying that there are too many school districts and supervisory unions and a “No” vote would send a message to State Government that we want that to change. Kris points out that Pittsfield lead the way and was in large part responsible for the dissolution of the WNWSU, precisely what Robert noted was the right path to take forward, ie reducing the numbers of supervisory unions. A.J. Ruben notes that in past we were successful in getting the law changed in response to a “No” vote on our education budget, but that the current situation isn’t amenable to that kind of quick legislative remedy. A.J. reiterates the Directors’ request that more residents come to monthly school board meetings to discuss these concerns, and hopes if there is a “No” vote that residents will come to the next vote with baked goods to share! Erica Hurd asks why the Town was so quick to pass last year’s education budget without debate when that budget was substantially more money for fewer students? Ray Colton notes that he was out of town for that Meeting and had he been here, he would have asked for a “No” vote then too.
After the moderator determined there was no more discussion a request was made for a paper ballot. After the ballots were counted, the education budget passed 37 yes to 7 no.
Article 6. To elect a School Director for a three year term: Jerry Drugonis moves to consider this Article, Joyce Stevens seconds. Jerry Drugonis nominate Kris Sperber for the three year term, Joyce Stevens seconds. Judy Manely moves to close nominations and cast one ballot for Kris. Approved unanimously, Kris is re-elected.
Article 7. To do any other proper and necessary business: Sandy Begin moves to consider this Article, A.J. seconds. Sandy asks if there will be a change to the way Pittsfield students are bused to Woodstock or Killington schools, A.J. responds that there was discussion about busing with the new WCSU but that no change at this time.
Meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.
Minutes produced by A.J. Ruben
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Pittsfield Town Hall
Article 1. To elect a moderator for the year ensuing: Meeting commenced at 10:06 a.m. and Sandy Begin moved to consider Article 1 and Arlene Drugonis seconds. Sandy Begin nomintates George Deblon, no other nomintations. Arlene Drugonis moves to close and cast one ballot to elect George as Moderator, approved unanimously.
Article 2. To hear and act upon the Auditors’ report: Sandy Begin moved to consider Article 2, seconded by Mark Begin. No questions, Auditor’s report accepted.
Article 3. To see if the Pittsfield School District will vote to pay taxes in the same manner as the Town: Sandy Begin moves to consider Article 3 and Mark Begin seconds. No discussion, Article approved unanimously.
Article 4. To hear reports from the School Directors: Judy Manley moves to consider Article 4 and Sandy Begin seconds.
Ray Colton asks why the budget is more than the simply the number of students times the tuition costs of the receiving schools? Kris Sperber responds that in addition to Pittsfield paying the tuition for each child attending an eligible school, the School Board also must pay additionally for the administrative costs of the Supervisory Union to implement Special Education, Essential Early Education (EEE) grants, and to oversee general operations of the entire Supervisory Union. Those costs, plus the actual tuitions for each student, and the stipend allowed for the three School Board Members and the Clerk, make up the total education budget request. Ray states his opinion that there is a lot of money being spent for just 80 students and asserts that the costs were more reasonable when Pittsfield had its own school. The School Board agreed that the costs of education are high, however Kris and Ray Rice pointed out that this year the budget is down from last year even though we have predict more students than last year. Kris explains this reduction is due in large part to our move to the Windsor Central Supervisory Union (WCSU) resulting in less administrative costs, and due to a different way of assessing SPED costs, less SPED costs, this year.
Terry Manley asked if there were costs associated with moving to the WCSU and Kris responds that there were no costs borne by Pittsfield for the move and that in fact, because Patty does our check writing and the School Directors review and authorize the bill payments, Pittsfield will save money on administrative costs with the move to WCSU. Kris notes that under the new SPED funding formula, any cost savings we’re seeing now could evaporate and turn into bigger costs if Pittsfield’s SPED expenses rise, and how this is a change from our past Supervisory Union that divided SPED costs more evenly across the School Districts in the Union.
Ray Colton asked if Pittsfield pays twice for a student who attends a vocational school in addition or instead of a high school. Kris reports that is not the case as Pittsfield would only pay one or the other school for each day the student is there. Nancy Blessing asks how payment works with private schools, especially ski academies. Kris states that under state law the School Board pays eligible private schools only the state wide average tuition, no more. In many cases students at the ski academies only attend them for part of the year so tuition is prorated between the academy and other eligible schools the students attend.
Arlene Drugonis asked about the number of students who attend schools outside of our Supervisory Union. Kris referred to the chart in the School report that shows most of our elementary school students and many of the secondary students attend schools in our new Supervisory Union, the WCSU. Erica Hurd asked when the shift to the WCSU officially occurs, Kris reported it is official as of July 1, 2015. Sandy Begin asked which towns are in the new SU and they were listed (Woodstock, Readsboro, Killington, Barnard, Pomfret, Bridgewater and now Pittsfield). Kris notes Pittsfield will be the only town in the new supervisory union that does not operate a school and is not part of the “Union” that requires high school students to attend Woodstock High School. Dana Decker asked if the move to the WCSU will impact school choice, Kris responded that there is no impact on school choice by the move to the WCSU.
Joyce Stevens suggests that we vote “No” on the education budget in order to send a message to the Legislature that we believe the costs borne by the towns for education are too high. Ray Colton also urged voters to vote “No” on the budget to send a message to the Legislature. The School Directors suggested that while in years past a “No” vote was strategically and facially appropriate, given our budget is much less than last year, we have moved to a new supervisory union and the Legislature appears to be very aware of the concerns over education costs, it would be more effective to pass this budget and then talk with our elected representatives individually. Sandy Begin asked if it would cost the Town more to vote “No” and Patty Haskins reported that there would be additional costs associated with another formal vote on the education budget.
Sandy Begin moves to accept the Directors’ Report, Jerry Drugonis seconds and approved unanimously.
Article 5. Shall the voters of the Pittsfield School District approve a total budget in the amount of $1,390,659 for the 2015-2016 school year? Sandy Begin moves to open consideration of Article 5 and Erica Hurd seconds. Robert Charlebois asks that we vote “No” on the budget, identifying that there are too many school districts and supervisory unions and a “No” vote would send a message to State Government that we want that to change. Kris points out that Pittsfield lead the way and was in large part responsible for the dissolution of the WNWSU, precisely what Robert noted was the right path to take forward, ie reducing the numbers of supervisory unions. A.J. Ruben notes that in past we were successful in getting the law changed in response to a “No” vote on our education budget, but that the current situation isn’t amenable to that kind of quick legislative remedy. A.J. reiterates the Directors’ request that more residents come to monthly school board meetings to discuss these concerns, and hopes if there is a “No” vote that residents will come to the next vote with baked goods to share! Erica Hurd asks why the Town was so quick to pass last year’s education budget without debate when that budget was substantially more money for fewer students? Ray Colton notes that he was out of town for that Meeting and had he been here, he would have asked for a “No” vote then too.
After the moderator determined there was no more discussion a request was made for a paper ballot. After the ballots were counted, the education budget passed 37 yes to 7 no.
Article 6. To elect a School Director for a three year term: Jerry Drugonis moves to consider this Article, Joyce Stevens seconds. Jerry Drugonis nominate Kris Sperber for the three year term, Joyce Stevens seconds. Judy Manely moves to close nominations and cast one ballot for Kris. Approved unanimously, Kris is re-elected.
Article 7. To do any other proper and necessary business: Sandy Begin moves to consider this Article, A.J. seconds. Sandy asks if there will be a change to the way Pittsfield students are bused to Woodstock or Killington schools, A.J. responds that there was discussion about busing with the new WCSU but that no change at this time.
Meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.
Minutes produced by A.J. Ruben
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