Meeting Minutes: Chippewa Sets 2011-12 Spending, Continues Reduced Meals

With 11 items of new business alone, the Chippewa Valley Board of Education had a lot to discuss at its Monday meeting, including spending for the 2011-12 school year.

Funding 2010-11, 2011-12

According to district estimates, $145,215,360 will be available to appropriate during the 2011-12 school year. However, only $133,709,839 of that total has been spoken for. If these estimates hold through the year, by June 30, 2012, the district will have $11,505,521 remaining in its General Fund budget.

In creating the 2011-12 budget, the district had to take into account a number of factors:

• Adoption of the State Aid Act, which reduces the per pupil foundation allowance from $7,316 to $6,846, a reduction of $470 per pupil
• Loss of federal ARRA and Edujobs funding
• Current property tax values
• Employee contracts are expected to net savings of more than $7 million
• Almost $2 million of cost reductions related to specific programs have been recently approved

The board also reviewed the district’s 2010-11 revenues and fund balance to find that General Fund revenues were actually $352,000 more than a previous budget amendment showed and the expenditures $2,066,000 less.

District estimates show a total of $134,358,343 appropriated in 2010-11, which would leave $15,728,005 in the General Fund as of June 30.

2011-12 Breakfast Program

To be in compliance with the USDA and state of Michigan regulations, the district will continue offering free and reduced meal programs in 11 of its elementary and middle schools. Two more schools will add the free/reduced program over last year.

Because more than 20 percent of enrolled students requested free/reduced applications at these schools, the district will provide this service.

Class of 2012 Graduation Location Undecided

The location of the class of 2012's commencement ceremony remains under discussion.

The at Ultimate Soccer in Pontiac amid positive and negative comments from parents. While the board still finds Freedom Hill the ideal location, uncertainty on the side of Freedom Hill could leave the class of 2012 graduating in the district's respective football stadiums should the amphitheater not open in time for next year's graduation.

For the time being, graduation plans are on hold, but Ed Skiba, executive director of Secondary Education for Chippewa, said he can only wait one week until Chippewa either loses its preferred date at Ultimate Soccer, or the price of renting the facility increases.

Longtime Faculty, Staff Retire

• Geri Marturano, principal, 21 years service to Chippewa Valley Schools
• Kathleen Deliso, second-grade teacher, 32 years service to Chippewa Valley Schools
• Laura Walsh, Food Service worker, 23 years service to Chippewa Valley Schools
• Gloria Renaud, Food Service worker, 11 years service to Chippewa Valley Schools

Tire Costs Increase

The board approved an annual contract in the amount of $38,913 to Leslie Tire to provide new tires, retread tires and related services for the Transportation Department. With oil prices going up, the cost of tires is also increasing, meaning a $4,000 hike over last year’s price.

The contract has five possible annual extensions and will be paid for by the General Fund.