BUDGET WORKSHOP, THE SCHOOL BOARD OF
June 29, 2006
The School Board of Brevard County, Florida met in
special session on Thursday, June 29, 2006, at 3:00 p.m., at the Educational
Services Facility,
Chairman
Robert Jordan called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
Members
Present: Robert Jordan, Bea Fowler,
Janice Kershaw, Larry Hughes, Amy Kneessy
Superintendent DiPatri
turned the workshop over to Judy Preston, Associate Superintendent for
Financial Services, who made a presentation to the Board on the proposed
2006-2007 budget and millage levy. A
copy of the slide presentation is filed in supplemental minute book #216, pages
216-146 through 216-155a, inc.
The proposed tax roll was
explained, along with the proposed millage for 2006-2007.
The operating budget revenue
was reviewed, along with FEFP funding issues, changes in the district cost
differential, student growth and categorical funding. She also noted that 21 new positions are
being requested.
In response to a question by
Bea Fowler, Ms. Preston explained the funding amount for class size reduction
is the appropriation that the district is receiving. This is now going into the fourth year and
has been growing each year. She noted
that the district has the flexibility to use all or part of this money for
class size reduction or for any other use deemed necessary. Staff has only reserved enough of the class
size reduction money to pay for 80 units and plans to use the remainder for employee
compensation.
Discussion was held on the
calculation for the Base Student Allocation.
Larry Hughes pointed out
that the largest area of growth is in debt service.
Judy Preston reviewed the
pink and blue sheets for additional personnel and operating fund requests, as
filed in supplemental minute book #216, pages 216-156 through 216-160, inc. Robert Jordan questioned if the vacant
technology positions were included. Judy
Preston responded that these are new positions only and the technology
positions are already budgeted.
In response to a question by
Amy Kneessy, Dr. DiPatri indicated that an IB program was being implemented at
Judy Preston responded that
none of the items listed on the blue and pink sheets were not built into the
budget at this point and some items would be deducted from the $23 million as
noted on Slide 17.
Robert Jordan requested that
the Superintendent provide the Board with what a list of items that are
required versus items that are wants.
A copy of the 2005-2006
preliminary budget, all funds and by cost center, may be viewed in the School
Board Office and in the Office of Financial Services.
Ed Curry gave a brief slide presentation on the trends in construction costs over the past several months. School construction costs have increased due to hurricanes, labor shortages, and material price increases. He also compared construction costs in Volusia and Orange Counties with Brevard’s and discussed the current projects and estimated increased construction costs. Dr. DiPatri suggested that the Board hold a work session to look at project scope, priority setting and options. A copy of the FY2005-06 Capital Projects Construction Cost Report is filed in supplemental minute book #216, pages 216-161 through 216-197, inc.
There being no further discussion,
the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
___________________________________
Chairman
ATTEST:
________________________________________
Secretary and Superintendent
of Schools