RIVER FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT: 4/10/12 Budget Hearing Minutes

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RIVER FALLS

Public Budget Hearing Minutes

April 10, 2012

The River Falls Board of Education Public Budget Hearing was called to order on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. by President Stacy Johnson Myers in the Meyer Middle School Media Center, 230 North 9th Street. It was ascertained that notice of the meeting had been properly posted at the appointed locations, published in The River Falls Journal and announcements sent to WEVR Radio Station, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and the Eau Claire Leader Telegram.

PRESENT

President Stacy Johnson Myers, Vice President Dennis Behnke, Treasurer Manville Kenney, Clerk Barbara Kolpin, and member Mike Miller were present. Also present were Superintendent Tom Westerhaus, Finance Director Chad Smurawa, Director of Personnel Donna Hill, Director of Academic Services Mike Johnson, Director of Student Services Jackie Steinhoff, Montessori Teacher Nathan Wells, Community Education Coordinator Monique Squire, and principals Elaine Baumann, Kit Luedtke, Mark Chapin, Rick Cleary, Chuck Eaton, Nate Schurman, and Rita Humbert. Board member Alan Tuchtenhagen was absent. Board member Rich Gerczak arrived at 6:06 p.m.

PROPOSED BUDGET REDUCTIONS FOR 2012-2013

Administration and the school board provided information about Administration’s recommendations for budget reductions for the 2012-2013 school year. The public asked questions and provided feedback to the Board. Smurawa reviewed the budget shortfall for 2012-13 of $900,000 due to reduction of state revenues allocated to the School District of River Falls for next year. Smurawa also reviewed the savings generated by rebidding our district’s health insurance for employees for 2012-13, which reduced the budget shortfall by $300,000 to a shortfall of $600,000. Smurawa reviewed the attached budget reductions as recommended by administration.

Johnson Myers called for comments and questions from residents present for the hearing. Two citizens asked questions and shared concerns on reductions or changes to long-term care insurance, health insurance, and future reductions necessary for 2013-14. There were no further questions or comments.

ADJOURNMENT

President Johnson Myers declared the meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

Barbara E Kolpin, Clerk (Pub. 04/26/12) WNAXLP

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Tags: public notices, meetings