BOARD OF FINANCE
Special Meeting
April 7, 2008
Meeting Room A
Essex Town Hall

Present: James Francis, Keith Crehan, Campbell Hudson, Lee Rowley

James Francis called the meeting to order at 9:42 am.

Others present: Treasurer Robert Dixon, First Selectman Philip Miller, Superintendent Kim Caron, Assistant Superintendent Ruth Levy, Essex Elementary School Principal Joanne Beekley, Business Manager Garth Sawyer, Director of Technology Don Mason, Essex Elementary School Chairman Lon Seidman.

Chairman Lon Seidman and Superintendent Kim Caron provided a budget overview and a review of their mission statement (a copy of the overview is included as part of the minutes). Highlights of the overview:

• 4.17% of the increase is contractual and mandated
  
• 1.92% of the increase is the Supervision District increase
  
• (.78%) reduction from the construction account
  
• (.57%) reduction from adjustments across the budget
  
• 4.74% overall contractual and mandated increase
  Plus:
  
• 1.95% Superintendent recommended staffing recommendations-3.5 para-educators, homework club, .50 custodial position, 1.0 for a new classroom teacher, upgrade .20 of school counselor, .14 upgrade to a part-time secretary.
  
• .20% additional services---auto scrubber for new rubber flooring and new choral risers that are safer for the students
  
• 6.89% Total budget increase

There was discussion with regard to the need for additional para-educators for special education need student(s). There was discussion whether an additional half-time custodian was needed. Mrs. Beekley explained that Tom Fitzgerald is the only individual scheduled during the day and she is often required to bring in an evening custodian earlier to handle set-ups, repairs, mowing, etc. which then results in the evening shift being short at night. Mr. Francis shared information from a memo written by Joel Marzi (also a member of the Building Committee as well as the Board of Finance) stating that the Building Committee believes the building to now be in a better state to easily maintain. Mrs. Beekley indicated that she is presently funding additional custodial during the school year with summer custodial dollars that were not used last year because of the construction.

Campbell Hudson, referring to Mr. Marzi's memo, stated that this is a really difficult year and that the Board of Selectmen budget is cutting back and that every little bit helps and maybe the part-time custodian is one item they can do without.

There was discussion with regard to a necessary roof repair that they might request to use a current fund surplus to repair for approximately $17,500. There was discussion about the overall condition of the roof and the school sinking fund.

Motion was made by Campbell Hudson to adjourn at 11:11 am. Lee Rowley seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Varricchio
Board Clerk