BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:

Bonnie Castrey

Brian Garland

Susan Henry

Matthew Harper

Michael Simons

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:

None

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL PRESENT:

Van Riley, Superintendent

Debbie Coleman, Asst. Superintendent, Human Resources

Carol Osbrink, Asst. Superintendent, Educational Services

Carole Thomas, Executive Assistant

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL ABSENT:

None

PLACE AND DATE OF MEETING:

District Office

April 8, 2008

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 5:37 p.m. by the President, Dr. Simons.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:  (II)

The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATION TO THE BOARD:

Alison Sweetland, student, spoke on the importance of the AVID program.

BOARD STUDY SESSION:  (III-A)

Dr. Riley stated that there was no recommendation from the Superintendent or the Board to eliminate the AVID program.  There is a recommendation regarding class sizes where the district has been able to lower class size, but no recommendation to eliminate.

Dr. Riley referred to two documents provided to the Board this evening:  A report included with the Board agenda, and a one page white sheet responding to some questions from Board members.  Dr. Riley reviewed the two page spread sheet in detail.  He indicated that the recommendation is to approve the previous spread sheet of recommended reductions used in preparation of the budget for next year and certainly any changes which come from the May Revise which would be incorporated into the final budget.  At this point he needed direction based on the January proposal on what the district needs to reduce.

Board members asked questions.  Mr. Garland expressed concern about the dollar amount of cuts in special education.  Dr. Riley emphasized that although these recommendations are for 2008/09, he has to have a three-year forecast.

It was moved by Mrs. Henry, seconded by Mr. Garland, to accept the recommended reductions in order to prepare the budget.  Ms Castrey pulled the APA $70 allocation line item, Summer School and workers’ compensation.  Mrs. Henry also wished to pull Summer School.  Mr. Harper pulled the Westminster High School Farm item, and Mr. Garland had already discussed special education.

                                                Motion unanimously carried.

Ms Castrey expressed concern at an APA reduction, stating that this is not a one-year reduction but would decimate the program.  She proposed that staff work with the school principal and the director of the program to work out something that is reasonable.  Ms Castrey also discussed summer school and workers’ compensation.

Mr. Harper asked about the impact on the Westminster High School farm.  Dr. Riley responded.

It was moved by Ms Castrey, seconded by Mrs. Henry, to move forward on the workers’ compensation recommendation.

                                                Motion unanimously carried.

It was moved by Mrs. Henry, seconded by Ms Castrey, to move forward on the leasing of 2.6 acres of the Westminster High School Farm.

                                                Motion carried 4-1.

                                                Mr. Harper voted no.

Dr. Riley recommended not voting at this time on the APA $70 allocation and the summer school issue.

NEW BUSINESS:

None.

ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION TO THE BOARD:

None.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting was adjourned by the President, Dr. Simons, at

6:52 p.m.

______________________________

                           Clerk

______________________________

                        Secretary