Hartland Consolidated Schools

Motion by Horning that the proposed agenda for the December 12, 2005 regular meeting be altered, moving the Budget Presentation from the Superintendent Report to a Discussion Item, that policy be set aside allowing Item II.C. to be treated as an Action Item, and that public participation be allowed on all items. This motion died for lack of support.

12/12 AGENDA APPROVED

Motion by Moody, supported by Kessel that the agenda for the December 12, 2005 regular meeting be approved, that policy be set aside allowing Item II.C. to be treated as an Action Item, and that public participation be allowed on all items. Mr. Aberasturi stated his objection to taking action on items that have not previously come before the Board for discussion. Mr. Horning noted that it has been the ongoing practice of the Board to formulate personnel and contract issues in Personnel Committee and bring them to the Board for action. Motion carried 5-2 (nays – Aberasturi, Horning).

11/28 MINUTES APPROVED

Motion by Moody, supported by Kaszyca that the minutes of the November 28, 2005 special meeting be approved. Motion carried 7-0.

CALL TO PUBLIC

Dave Dunville commended Principal Pat Nottle and teacher Stephanie Way for their attention and concern following a recent accident involving his son.

SUPT. REPORT

PUBLIC HEARING: SUMMER TAX COLLECTION

Superintendent Sifferman turned this portion of the meeting over to Assistant Superintendent Scott Bacon to conduct the public hearing on summer tax collection. Mr. Bacon began by noting that this change in collection would involve only non-homestead, vacant, and vacation property. This change would not affect the debt retirement levy, which would remain in the winter. He went on to note that the collection of these funds, approximately $4 million with the likelihood of this increasing with the opening of Target and the Hartland Crossings Mall, in the summer would lessen the amount of cash-flow borrowing the district must do because of the schedule for state aid payments. Subsequently the district would save $50,000 - $60,000 each year after collection fees in interest payments. Matt Hunt, an area business owner, noted that for the first year, 2006, businesses would have to pay twice. He wondered if there was the possibility of an extension for this first year. Mr. Bacon said he would check into it and get back with him. The hearing ended.

BUDGET PRESENTATION

Mr. Bacon then began the budget presentation. He noted that the budget that was adopted in September for the 2005/06 school year was formulated using the prior year’s amended budget with broad changes, i.e., proposed budget reductions, upcoming or completed loan payments, etc. Now that all of the numbers are in for enrollment, state aid, etc., the budget must be amended to reflect the changes. Mr. Bacon showed several slides comparing the approved budget with the amended budget that the Board will vote on in January. He noted that, in actuality, the district is very close to its original budget. While the original budget was not ideal, it is a positive sign that, after the amendments, the district is in line with this original budget. Mr. Aberasturi asked what portion of the amended budget had been allocated for non-contracted employee raises. Mr. Bacon noted that, pursuant to the formula used by the district, 2.38% was allocated for these employees, the same as was received by the district’s union groups. Mr. Bacon also noted that this formula is used every year and in the two previous years has allocated raises of .9% and .4% respectively. An increase in the foundation grant, coupled with an increase in enrollment make up the 2.38%. Audience member Hunt asked if all non-contracted employees received this raise or if it was a merit increase. Mr. Bacon noted that employees are evaluated every year and if an employee received an unsatisfactory evaluation, they would not receive the increase.

BOARD REPORTS

Ms. Moody noted that she attended the State Lego League competition this past weekend in Novi and the Hartland “Pirates” won two trophies; one for runner-up for best creative presentation and runner-up for the Director’s Award for Best Overall Performance, the most prestigious award presented. Mr. Aberasturi wished everyone a happy holiday season and new year. Ms. McPherson-Brown wanted to give kudos to the high school yearbook staff and sponsor, noting they do terrific work. Ms. Kessel thanked Cindi Sinelli for her tireless efforts in putting together Challenge Day. She also noted that the recent holiday concerts, choir & band, at the high school were excellent. Mr. Horning wanted to congratulate the high school on their energy savings pilot program that they are attempting to introduce around the state.

PAYMENT OF INVOICES

Motion by Moody, supported by Kessel that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Assistant Superintendent for Business & Operations, approves the financial report as of November 30, 2005 and the payment of invoices totaling $1,944,577.37 and payroll obligations totaling $1,977,235.59. Motion carried 7-0.

SUMMER TAX COLLECTION APPROVED

Motion by Horning, supported by Moody that the Board of Education, pursuant to the Revised School Code, hereby imposes a summer tax levy beginning July 1, 2006, as presented. Mr. Bacon reiterated that he would follow up on Mr. Hunt’s question regarding an extension for the first year. Motion carried 7-0.

SUPT. CONTRACT APPROVED

Motion by Kessel, supported by Moody that the Board of Education approves the contract for Janet Sifferman as Superintendent of Hartland Consolidated Schools as presented. Mr. Aberasturi noted that he did not believe that appropriate consideration and time had been given to this issue. Motion carried 6-1 (nay – Aberasturi).

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Elsie McPherson-Brown Paula Waters

Secretary Recording Secretary