SCHOOL BOARD OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH

MINUTES OF SCHOOL BOARD

BUDGET WORKSHOP #1

FY 2008/09 & 2009/10

FEBRUARY 12, 2008

The School Board of the City of Virginia Beach held a regular meeting Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the School Administration Building.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mr. Daniel D. “Dan” Edwards, Chairman
Ms. Rita Sweet Bellitto, Vice Chairman	Mr. Dan R. Lowe
Mr. Todd C. Davidson	Mr. Lyndon S. Remias
Ms. Emma L. “Em” Davis	Ms. Sandra Smith-Jones
Ms. Patricia G. Edmonson	Mr. Michael W. Stewart
Mr. Edward F. Fissinger, Sr.	Ms. Carolyn D. Weems

Dr. James G. Merrill, Superintendent

Members ABSENT: None

Chairman Edwards convened the Board in Room 113 at 6:06 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Ms. Weems who arrived at 6:36 p.m.

1. Workshop Overview/Comments: Chairman Edwards reported the Governor’s budget had just been released and contained significant adjustments over the next three years including a reduction in teacher pay raises. Additionally, noting although no major impact to the school division in the 2008/09 fiscal year, lottery proceeds were being scrutinized.

2. Review of Budget Document and Highlights: Mr. Farrell E. Hanzaker, Chief Financial Officer, briefly summarized adjustments contained in the Governor’s budget impacting the school division, and then presented a cursory review of the Superintendent’s Estimate of Needs. Highlights mentioned included a proposed 3.5 percent salary increase for all employees and additional positions provided for in special education and the Advanced Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. He reported no new programs or expansion of programs had been included, stating the division is in a holding pattern, but making progress. Also presented was a prioritized list of additional needs of the school division not funded but itemized in the biennial budget document on page 60.

3. Review of Salary Schedules/Update on MAG Study & Supplements/Allowances Study: Mr. Hanzaker reported a 3.5 percent salary increase for all employees was included with the beginning salary for teachers increased by 1.5 percent and top of scale provided a 2 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Mr. John A. Mirra, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, reported recommendations made by MAG (the company contracted to conduct a comprehensive salary study in 2005-2006) to address market adjustments and internal equity adjustments in the Unified Salary Scales could not financially be implemented at this time and it was Administration’s recommendation that adjustments be held until there are sufficient funds to implement recommendations to the highest degree. In response to a desire by the Board to develop a strategy that would provide funds to implement recommendations a little at a time, Superintendent Merrill suggested the Board consider expanding their workshop schedule over the next fiscal year with the intent to develop a plan for the future.

4. Handout of School Board Member Input: Mr. Hanzaker presented an overview of budget suggestions submitted by Board members.

5. Information Regarding Expansion of Extended Day Kindergarten (EDK) Program: Ms. Elizabeth E. Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, presented information on the cost to add one additional extended day Kindergarten class. It was recommended that the cost be added as a footnote to the prioritized list of additional needs which included expansion of the program.

6. Address Board Member Questions, Other Issues/Items: Administration responded to Board questions regarding transportation services for Open Campus students, Student Support Specialists, and teacher assistants’. Chairman Edwards noted the joint School Board / City Council combined Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Revenue Sharing Formula (RSF) committee agreed to meet again to discuss means of financing Phase I of the CIP plan.

Prior to adjournment, Chairman Edwards affirmed the second budget workshop would begin at 4:00 p.m. on February 19. There being no further business before the Board, the workshop adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Approved: Dianne P. Alexander, Clerk of the Board

Prior to adjournment, Chairman Edwards affirmed the second budget workshop would begin at 4:00 p.m. on February 19. There being no further business before the Board, the workshop adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

Daniel D. Edwards, Chairman