BUDGET WORKSHOP, THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BREVARD COUNTY
June 30, 2005
The School Board of Brevard County, Florida met in special session on Thursday, June 30, 2005, at 3:00 p.m., at the Educational Services Facility, 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Notice of the meeting was advertised in The Eagle newspaper, Thursday, June 23, 2005, and the affidavit of publication with a copy of the notice attached is filed in supplemental minute book #207, page 207-481.
Chairman Larry Hughes called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m.
Members Present: Larry Hughes, Robert Jordan, Bea Fowler, Janice Kershaw, Amy Kneessy
The Chairman recognized Superintendent DiPatri who stated that a brief presentation on the budget would be given today. The first public hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2005, at 5:30 p.m. with the final public hearing to be held September 8, 2005, at 5:30 p.m. at the Educational Services Facility for approval of the adopted tentative budget and to set and approve the tax rates. A copy of the agenda is filed in supplemental minute book #207, page 207-487.
Dr. DiPatri turned the workshop over to Judy Preston, Associate Superintendent for Financial Services, who presented an overview of the budget development process and the latest information available from the Department of Education on expenditures for 2003-04. A copy of the slide presentation is filed in supplemental minute book #207, pages 207-488 through 207-489, inc. Brevard is placed 1st of the 67 counties in direct classroom spending and 51st in school-level indirect spending. Brevard is ranked 2nd in total school-level spending and 66th in district-level indirect spending.
Judy Preston then reviewed the 2004-05 preliminary budget and the 2005-06 proposed millage levy. Also reviewed were the tax roll history for the past six years, the projected Facilities Plan tax roll for the coming seven years, revenue considerations, use of new resources, the proposed 2005-06 budget, and hurricane update information.
Janice Kershaw requested a statement on ESE funding be prepared that the board could present to the Central Florida Coalition and the Florida School Boards Association.
Judy Preston reviewed the pink and blue sheets for additional personnel and operating fund requests, as filed in supplemental minute book #207, pages 207-490 through 207-493, inc.
Discussion was held on the pre-kindergarten programs. Janice Kershaw asked how this program would affect the budget. Judy Preston responded that it is not in the budget and stated that she did not know how much money the district would get, how many students there will be, etc., Janice Kershaw asked if Pre-K handicap positions were moving around in departments. Judy Preston responded that they were in the process of moving but plans are to consolidate and have all in one place. She stated she would have more definitive answers by July 30th.
Bea Fowler requested a letter by Audit Committee member Mike Raphael be entered into the record. One item of concern listed in the letter was that there was no quorum at the last meeting. Bea Fowler suggested that an alternative would be to have the auditors report directly to the Board if the committee is not meeting as scheduled. Another item of concern is the present internal audit budget amount not being adequate. Mr. Raphael also noted the lack of liability insurance for their actions. Although Harold Bistline, School Board Attorney, is of the opinion that the audit committee is not at risk in this regard, Mr. Raphael disagrees. Larry Hughes requested that a copy of Mr. Raphael’s letter was made available to the Board. He noted that Mr. Raphael made some good points and requested that staff look into the insurance issue. Amy Kneessy stated that her appointee was not an auditor, and was not required to be. She also stated that her appointee stated that the agenda provided was not being followed and she felt the audit committee was not operating the way it should be and suggested that the board discuss what the audit committee’s purpose is. A copy of the letter is filed in supplemental minute book #207, pages 207-494 through 207-495.
Discussion was held on additional budget available. Bea Fowler suggested that since there is more money in the capital budget than anticipated the increase be used to fund Items 38, 39 and 40 on the blue sheet (items dealing with Transportation expenses). Judy Preston responded that these items would be analyzed over the next several weeks.
Larry Hughes voiced his concern with hiring technologists for the schools. He would not support paying these as teachers. Steve Muzzy, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Technology, stated if they were a grandfathered teacher, they would be on an eleven month contract. Larry Hughes stated that certified teachers should be in the classroom and the district could not afford to pay these positions as teachers. Janice Kershaw asked if the Board could be provided with data on the turnover for the ET people. Mr. Muzzy stated he plans to meet with each individual board member to discuss this issue in more detail and will provide this data at that time.
(Judy Preston noted corrections to slide #3 on the 2003-04 Expenditures and the ranking of the district. These corrections are noted in the above minutes.)
Amy Kneessy requested more discussion on the audit committee at the next board meeting before she could support an increase in budget.
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.
There being no further questions, the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
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Chairman
ATTEST:
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Secretary and Superintendent of Schools