Kathy Dzewaltowski, Observer
Regular meeting:
The board discussed the "request for qualifications" document for the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMR) approach that is being considered for the high school construction project, with the focus being whether the CMR will be allowed to self-perform any work. Board members were in agreement to remove self-performance language from the request for qualifications document and will include it in the "request for proposals" document for the CMR. Board members were also in agreement that a decision about self-performance needs to be made by August.
Due to the number of students who have qualified for free and reduced school meals, Ogden Elementary has been able to provide free school meals to all students for the past 10 years through a federal program that reimburses the school district for the costs. This coming school year, the food service director estimated that the number of students who will qualify for free and reduced meals will have decreased, resulting in a decrease of reimbursement dollars and an increase in costs to the district to continue the program. Administration recommended discontinuing the program. Board members were concerned about discontinuing the program so close to the start of the new school year and concerned about notifying families of the change. The board decided to discuss the item further at its next meeting.
The board discussed the 2009-10 budget. The district's general fund will decrease $1.8 million due to decreases in state aid and special education funding. The district will be receiving stimulus funds and some additional Title I funding that will help balance the decrease. The board also discussed the capital outlay mill levy and looked at two options: one would put the mill levy at 3.27 mills and the other would set the mill levy at 4.5 mills. Board members expressed that during the bond campaign, the public said it wants to see the district's facilities maintained. Pete Paukstelis said he would like to consider a 5.5 mill levy for capital outlay, and Curt Herrman was interested in increasing the Local Option Budget. The board directed administration to develop options for the Local Option Budget, the capital outlay mill levy, and a list of priorities.
The board approved a change to the Open Door Handbook which would require the home district of out-of-district students who are 16 or 17 years old and who enroll in USD 383's program after the official count date to pay $200 per half credit.
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