School Board Work Session Summary
February 8, 2010
 
Superintendent Alan Lonoconus presented an overview of major budget impact items, with further details available at www.gvsd.org or:
 
http://www.gvsd.org/18851055112633260/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=59556&18851055112633260Nav=|2756|&NodeID=2756&1885Nav=|&NodeID=2755
 
Of general note, as presented by Dr. Lonoconus:

• Overall decrease in GVSD revenue from: Property tax revenue (reassessments); new construction (slow-down); transfer taxes (slow-down in housing sales); interest revenue (economic slow-down)

• Major expenditures up: Salaries, benefits, tuition to other schools, Special Education transportation; Noteworthy that the state has cut back from 40% support of Special Ed to 15%

• Budget categories reduced: Substitute teachers ($200,000), repair and maintenance ($36,000), fuel oil ($125,000), bus fuel ($130,000), insurance ($27,000), electric consumption ($117,000)

• $1.2 million reduction in expenditures needed to stay within the Act I index

February 16 School Board meeting will include a draft budget showing more about the actual impact of the 2.9% Act I index--Noteworthy that it is too early to show lots of specifics as much about the budget can only be based on assumptions at this point in the process

Reaching out to our legislators on State Pension Obligations

School Board Director Andy Daga met with State Senator Andy Dinniman and SB President Bruce Chambers met with State Representative Duane Milne seeking assistance in meeting upcoming state pension obligations--Both legislators expressed surprise as to the actual economic impact of state pension obligations on GVSD:

Several bills are in front of the state legislature now to provide taxpayer relief, but will only address future entrants into the pension system, not obligations to those currently enrolled.

Both legislators are expected to hold local "field hearings" to engage the public and explore ideas as to methods to address the current problem.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact their state legislators to emphasize the need for taxpayer relief (see tab at www.greatvalleystakeholders.com "GV's Financial Tidal Wave").

Noteworthy Announcements

Assistant Superintendent Wilt presented information on a federal "Teaching American History" grant which could, if successful, net GVSD anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million. Further details will be presented at the Feb 16 School Board meeting.
 
Rich Krumrine presented information on an energy savings program which could net the District $126,000 in savings and requiring GVSD enrollment in a PECO program effecting energy usage between June 1 and Sept 30. Further details will be presented at the Feb 16 School Board meeting.
 
As always, please go to www.gvsd.org to view the entire meeting—the above is designed as a summary only and although we attempt to remain objective, your best source is the complete meeting viewed on the web.