Tomorrow (1/28) will see the second Business Services committee meeting this month. The agenda can be found here.
We should be hearing a more detailed and accurate budget forecast with a few scenarios for different state aid numbers. This will serve as the rough estimate for the budgeting reduction process.
The Guaranteed Performance Contracting plan will come back up to the committee, perhaps for the last time.
The committee will also review the 5-year capital budget plan.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Doyle on the budget...
The board and Superintendent Gerlach returned yesterday from the WASB convention in Milwaukee. The convention ended on a sobering note with Governor Doyle speaking at the closing session. The governor is facing the prospect of a 5.4 billion dollar deficit in the 2009-2011 bi-ennial budget as state revenues decline in the current recession.
Of course Doyle admitted that no increase is effectively a cut in the face of continually rising costs. Doyle went on to describe his parents educational experiences during the great depression, perhaps to communicate the idea that things aren't as bad as they could be. I didn't find it very reassuring!
Anyway, skipping the annual increase in the state aid to schools will put a big hole in the budget that we will have to fix. The precise details of how it will effect the district and the taxpayer depend on the final package in the state budget including the amount of funding, adjustments to the revenue cap, and any other tweaks to the aid formula that might be made. Given the recent history of the budget battles don't hold your breath for an early resolution to these questions. I think it is a given that we will see significant spending cuts along with tax increases of some kind. We will see the Gov's budget proposal in early February- this will give us some idea of the direction we are headed- but the original proposal can be a long way from the final deal.
Personally I will push for aggressive spending reductions early in our district. It is easier to plan cuts early and restore spending if the budget picture improves, if you wait too long our hands can be tied by contractual obligations.
We will have another look at next year's budget Wednesday at the January Business Services meeting. I don't expect this spring will be much fun.
"Not getting cut is the new increase in this budget," Doyle said in a speech at the State Education Convention in the Milwaukee Hilton Hotel.
Of course Doyle admitted that no increase is effectively a cut in the face of continually rising costs. Doyle went on to describe his parents educational experiences during the great depression, perhaps to communicate the idea that things aren't as bad as they could be. I didn't find it very reassuring!
Anyway, skipping the annual increase in the state aid to schools will put a big hole in the budget that we will have to fix. The precise details of how it will effect the district and the taxpayer depend on the final package in the state budget including the amount of funding, adjustments to the revenue cap, and any other tweaks to the aid formula that might be made. Given the recent history of the budget battles don't hold your breath for an early resolution to these questions. I think it is a given that we will see significant spending cuts along with tax increases of some kind. We will see the Gov's budget proposal in early February- this will give us some idea of the direction we are headed- but the original proposal can be a long way from the final deal.
Personally I will push for aggressive spending reductions early in our district. It is easier to plan cuts early and restore spending if the budget picture improves, if you wait too long our hands can be tied by contractual obligations.
We will have another look at next year's budget Wednesday at the January Business Services meeting. I don't expect this spring will be much fun.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Know the candidates
A commentor here brings up an interesting question: are the current avenues of communication for learning about the candidates for school board adequate? Should we have more than one candidate's forum? Is the coverage in the local paper sufficient to inform the public? Or do we just need more yard signs?
Please post your thoughts.
Please post your thoughts.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Other Ad hoc committee
The Ad Hoc field use committee will meet again Monday. (I'm a member of this committee which hasn't met since August) The agenda can be found here.
On Monday the committee will receive an update on field usage at the various sites and the costs associated. The basic problem is that we have too many events scheduled at the stadium for the grass turf to withstand. This often results in a less then ideal playing surface for many events, at times events have to be cancelled or moved because of the condition of the field.
The committee is investigating alternatives, including a proposal to install artificial turf at the stadium. Other alternatives include moving events to other sites around the district, such as Ahuska park where many soccer games are played on the facility provided by the City of Monona.
Although artificial turf would provide a reliable playing surface able to stand up to continual all weather use, funding such an installation would be a challenge.
On Monday the committee will receive an update on field usage at the various sites and the costs associated. The basic problem is that we have too many events scheduled at the stadium for the grass turf to withstand. This often results in a less then ideal playing surface for many events, at times events have to be cancelled or moved because of the condition of the field.
The committee is investigating alternatives, including a proposal to install artificial turf at the stadium. Other alternatives include moving events to other sites around the district, such as Ahuska park where many soccer games are played on the facility provided by the City of Monona.
Although artificial turf would provide a reliable playing surface able to stand up to continual all weather use, funding such an installation would be a challenge.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Entirely Uneventful
is how I would describe tonights board meeting. We start with a long closed session followed by a light agenda in the public portion. Craig will give updates on the upcoming election, the preliminary budget for 2008-9 and the Ad Hoc grade committee activities.
The only action items are under the Business Services agenda and relate to the Annual meeting date and the budget calendar.
The agenda can be found here.
The only action items are under the Business Services agenda and relate to the Annual meeting date and the budget calendar.
The agenda can be found here.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Annual budget flier
Last night the business services committee gave guidance to Mary Ellen to reduce the annual budget flier to a post card with notification of the annual meeting and a printed web address where the budget information can be found along with district contact information. The idea is to reduce the costs of the mailing while taking advantage of the internet to provide better information to the taxpayer. Last year the printed flier was out of date by the time it reached the public (even without the postal delay!) plus it is not really possible to give complete budget information on a single sheet.
My view is that when done right this will be an improvement in the quality of the information available to the public. Admittedly there would be a downside to some in the community who rely on the printed flier but I would like to make the entire budget presentation available on request to those people.
My view is that when done right this will be an improvement in the quality of the information available to the public. Admittedly there would be a downside to some in the community who rely on the printed flier but I would like to make the entire budget presentation available on request to those people.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Gluttons for punishment:
4 brave souls have submitted nomination papers to run for the 3 seats in this spring's election. They are:
Lionel Norton - currently a Citizen Member of Personel and Policy Committee
Jason McCutchin - long time Citizen Member of the Business Services Committee
Jessica Ace - current co-president of the Monona Elementary PTO
Mike Duplayee - current Board Member
Jason has forwarded a link to his campaign blog, it can be found here.
Lionel Norton - currently a Citizen Member of Personel and Policy Committee
Jason McCutchin - long time Citizen Member of the Business Services Committee
Jessica Ace - current co-president of the Monona Elementary PTO
Mike Duplayee - current Board Member
Jason has forwarded a link to his campaign blog, it can be found here.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Volunteers needed for Winnequah mural project!
Kristin writes:
We are putting together our volunteer schedule for the Winnequah Tile Mural project now. The residency officially starts on Monday, January 11 and will go for 2 weeks. There are 3 ways to volunteer for this part of the project.
1. Classroom Volunteer
The artists, Jeanne and David, are asking for 2 volunteers in the classroom at all times for those 2 weeks. The classroom volunteers will be helping the students get their wet tiles out and put away again at the end of the class time. Students may also need help working with the clay as they trace the drawings, and then outline them in coils, or build them up in slabs.
2.Glazing
Beginning on Wednesday, January 14th, adult volunteers will be painting the colored glazes on the tiles. This is a job that requires adults as it is best if the glazes don't overlap, and there needs to be 3-4 coats of glaze for each area of color.
3.Lunches
Finally, we are looking for volunteers who might like to bring a lunch in for Jeanne and David. The lunch volunteer can bring in anything - simple and easy is generally best. The Aurelius' are not picky eaters! Sandwiches and salads are great. We have found that it is fun for whoever is bringing in food to bring enough for themselves and then join the artists in the office conference room. Lunch is at about 11:30 each day.
Once you've decided what you'd like to do, take a look at the schedule below and decide what works for you. Then just let us know if you'd like to be in the classroom, glaze, or bring a lunch, and the for what days and times.
Schedule:
Monday, Jan. 12 Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 10:50am,
and 1:40-2:20pm.
Lunch Host
Tuesday, Jan. 13 Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 11:30am, and 2:30 - 3:10pm.
Lunch Host
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 11:30am, 2:30 - 3:10pm Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Thursday, Jan. 15
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 10:50 - 11:30, 2:30 - 3:10
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Friday, Jan. 16
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 10:50 - 11:30
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Saturday, Jan. 17. No classes.
Glazers (lots of people!): 9:00am - 4:00pm
Bring a snack or drink to share, and maybe a cd to listen to.
Monday, Jan. 19 No classes, as it's Martin Luther King day.
Glazers (lots of people!): 9:00am - 4:00pm
Bring a snack or drink to share, and maybe a cd to listen to.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Thursday, Jan. 22
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Friday, Jan. 23 (Glazing only - the kids' contribution should be complete by
then. )
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
If you would like to participate, please contact
Kristin Sobol, kristinsobol@charter.net, 661-9534 or
Peter Kuzma, PETER_KUZMA@mononagrove.org
We are putting together our volunteer schedule for the Winnequah Tile Mural project now. The residency officially starts on Monday, January 11 and will go for 2 weeks. There are 3 ways to volunteer for this part of the project.
1. Classroom Volunteer
The artists, Jeanne and David, are asking for 2 volunteers in the classroom at all times for those 2 weeks. The classroom volunteers will be helping the students get their wet tiles out and put away again at the end of the class time. Students may also need help working with the clay as they trace the drawings, and then outline them in coils, or build them up in slabs.
2.Glazing
Beginning on Wednesday, January 14th, adult volunteers will be painting the colored glazes on the tiles. This is a job that requires adults as it is best if the glazes don't overlap, and there needs to be 3-4 coats of glaze for each area of color.
3.Lunches
Finally, we are looking for volunteers who might like to bring a lunch in for Jeanne and David. The lunch volunteer can bring in anything - simple and easy is generally best. The Aurelius' are not picky eaters! Sandwiches and salads are great. We have found that it is fun for whoever is bringing in food to bring enough for themselves and then join the artists in the office conference room. Lunch is at about 11:30 each day.
Once you've decided what you'd like to do, take a look at the schedule below and decide what works for you. Then just let us know if you'd like to be in the classroom, glaze, or bring a lunch, and the for what days and times.
Schedule:
Monday, Jan. 12 Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 10:50am,
and 1:40-2:20pm.
Lunch Host
Tuesday, Jan. 13 Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 11:30am, and 2:30 - 3:10pm.
Lunch Host
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 11:30am, 2:30 - 3:10pm Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Thursday, Jan. 15
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 10:50 - 11:30, 2:30 - 3:10
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Friday, Jan. 16
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 10:50 - 11:30
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Saturday, Jan. 17. No classes.
Glazers (lots of people!): 9:00am - 4:00pm
Bring a snack or drink to share, and maybe a cd to listen to.
Monday, Jan. 19 No classes, as it's Martin Luther King day.
Glazers (lots of people!): 9:00am - 4:00pm
Bring a snack or drink to share, and maybe a cd to listen to.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Thursday, Jan. 22
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Friday, Jan. 23 (Glazing only - the kids' contribution should be complete by
then. )
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
If you would like to participate, please contact
Kristin Sobol, kristinsobol@charter.net, 661-9534 or
Peter Kuzma, PETER_KUZMA@mononagrove.org
This week in meetings...
December's Business Services meeting will be Thursday Jan. 8th at 5pm in the district offices. The agenda can be found here.
Items of note: "V. Update and Discussion on PMA’s 5-Year Budget Forecasting Model and Preliminary 2009-2010 Budget."
This will be our first look at estimates for next year's budget and will be a guide for the budgeting process this spring. It will tell us if we have to go through a budget cutting exercise this spring and how big that might be.
"VII. Discussion and Possible Approval of McKinstry’s Performance Contracting Agreement."
This item is to examine the facility energy upgrades proposed by McKinstry and winnowed down by the Energy and Sustainability committee. The current proposal calls for borrowing about $2.5 million for these improvements, which would be funded by energy savings with a payback of about 12 years.
The committee will also look at eliminating the budget flier mailing and move the annual meeting forward to October 5th.
The Ad Hoc Grade configuration committee will meet Tuesday Jan. 6th at Glacial Drumlin school. The agenda is here. It looks like they committee will spend some time defining its agenda.
Items of note: "V. Update and Discussion on PMA’s 5-Year Budget Forecasting Model and Preliminary 2009-2010 Budget."
This will be our first look at estimates for next year's budget and will be a guide for the budgeting process this spring. It will tell us if we have to go through a budget cutting exercise this spring and how big that might be.
"VII. Discussion and Possible Approval of McKinstry’s Performance Contracting Agreement."
This item is to examine the facility energy upgrades proposed by McKinstry and winnowed down by the Energy and Sustainability committee. The current proposal calls for borrowing about $2.5 million for these improvements, which would be funded by energy savings with a payback of about 12 years.
The committee will also look at eliminating the budget flier mailing and move the annual meeting forward to October 5th.
The Ad Hoc Grade configuration committee will meet Tuesday Jan. 6th at Glacial Drumlin school. The agenda is here. It looks like they committee will spend some time defining its agenda.
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