Plummer-Motz School Class Sites

Falmouth School Board
Workshop Meeting
Monday, October 4, 2004

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:17 p.m. in the Falmouth High School library. Present were Chairman Beppie Cerf, Steve Brinn, Linda Cote, Susan Nevins, Kathy Hillman-Reed, Superintendent George Entwistle, Student Representatives David Sinnett and Chris Murry, and 16 others (Holden and Terison out).

2. New Business:
a. Consideration of the Superintendent’s nomination of Valerie Webster as Guidance Counselor at Falmouth High School for the 2004-2005 school year. Mr. Brinn with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved the Board accept the Superintendent’s nomination to appoint Valerie Webster as Guidance Counselor at Falmouth High School for the 2004-2005 school year. The Superintendent explained this is a pilot whereby Mrs. Webster will take over student assignments four days per week and Gary Cantor will work half time with students on college placement. He felt this experiment was an excellent opportunity for Falmouth students. The Board approved the motion 5-0.

The Board moved into the workshop meeting at 7:21 p.m.

3. Tax Cap Implications for Falmouth Public Schools:

a. Board Resolution: Mrs. Cerf informed the public that three weeks ago the School Board agreed to a resolution opposing the tax cap. Mr. Brinn then read the resolution. Recently in a joint effort on the part of the School Board and Town Council, the Council Finance Chairman presented information on possible implications on the Town and School if the tax cap initiative passes. This presentation will be broadcast on cable TV numerous times.

b. Analysis of Tax Cap Impact: Mrs. Hillman-Reed explained there are several unknown factors regarding the Palesky Tax Cap Proposal. If the tax cap is approved, there are three methods for interpreting how the 1% tax cap would be handled. The County budget and the amount the State will fund education are also still unknown. Passage of the tax cap would have a tremendous impact on the Town and School. Depending on which interpretation the State uses, passage of this initiative could result in a reduction of between $7.2 million and $12.8 million. After subtracting the known expenditures from the FY05 town and school budgeted expenditures, the required cuts could amount to between 25% and 45% depending on which interpretation was used.

c. Potential Impact to Schools: Mrs. Hillman-Reed listed the legally mandated functions of public education such as providing Federally mandated educational programs for students (Special Education, LEP, Section 504), providing instruction in core curriculum areas to meet State and Federal educational standards (Learning Results/No Child Left Behind), supporting teacher education/ training/ certification to the level of “Highly Qualified” (as per NCLB mandates), and ensuring building safety/security/ADA compliance in all educational facilities.

Mrs. Hillman-Reed then listed 15 areas in the school budget that may be considered for reduction or elimination including personnel, student support services, athletics and co-curricular activities, field trips, electives, technology, maintenance, supplies, bus transportation, facilities access, capital improvements, class sizes, and number of school days.

Mrs. Cerf pointed out that it would not be easy to reverse the tax cap in that it would require a two-thirds vote to override it at a later date. Further, the Town and School are committed to zero based funding in an effort to keep the budget down. Mr. Brinn added that this past year the Board worked with the Town to keep the budget down resulting in a decrease in taxes. It was also pointed out that the State Attorney General has stated that schools are prohibited from spending money to oppose passage of this initiative. It must be a citizens’ initiative. The Board and audience discussed the far reaching implications on services should the tax cap proposal pass. In addition, they talked about Citizens United setting up a booth at the Fall Classic Soccer Tournament and at the Middle School playground musical chairs fundraiser.

4. Adjournment: Mrs. Hillman-Reed with a second from Mr. Brinn moved the meeting be adjourned. The motion passed 7-0 and the meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

George H. Entwistle 3rd, Ed.D.
Secretary

Last Updated: 12/8/05