Staff Recognition
November 2013 Distinguished Service Award
Gene Gaffney, Supervisory Assistant
Ladue Horton Watkins High School
Board President Remarks
- Board President Jeff Kopolow recognized the end of American Education Week, thanking all staff members for their dedication to the students of the Ladue School District.
Superintendent Remarks
- Superintendent Dr. Donna Jahnke noted how much we all have to be grateful for, and wished everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving, as well as a well-deserved break.
Acceptance of Auditor's Report. Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Jason Buckner recommended, and the Board approved, the Fiscal Year 2013 Audit. A representative of Daniel Jones & Associates presented the district’s annual Independent Auditor’s Report which states all financial statements reviewed, in all material respects, fairly represent the respective financial activities, and each major fund, of the district, as of June 30, 2013. The district received an “unqualified opinion,” the highest opinion a district can receive.
INFORMATION ITEMS
High School Course Changes. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Laura Brock introduced Ladue Horton Watkins High School Principal Brad Griffith who outlined recommendations for several course changes at the high school to be incorporated into the 2014-15 school year. Recommended course changes include three course deletions, three course additions (including an additional Project Lead the Way course) and one course name change. Click on paragraph header for details.
2014-15 LECC Tuition and BASK/TAS Rates. Dr. Brock introduced Ladue Early Childhood Center Interim Director Dr. Connie Brawley, Program Coordinator Jennifer Beaudean and Parent Educator Coordinator Debbie Cohen who presented their recommendations for tuition and rate changes for Ladue Early Childhood Center (LECC) and BASK (Before and After School Kare) programs.
- In order to make early childhood programming costs more consistent on an hourly basis, the recommendation was made for a flat hourly rate to be applied across all programs. Dr. Brawley also recommended future consideration be given to lower hourly rates for those families utilizing more hours.
- Similarly, for BASK (Before and After School Kare) programming, Dr. Brawley recommended a consistent hourly rate structure and recommended dropping the 9-hour/week option, but adding a drop-in option which would be scheduled in advance. Those who use both morning and afternoon services would be provided a discount.
The Board discussed the financial ramifications of these changes and requested additional information. The requested information will be provided prior to the Board making a decision on approving these recommendations at the December 9, 2013 Board of Education Business Meeting.
2013-14 Revised Budget. Dr. Buckner presented the 2013-14 revised budget, noting that since the Preliminary Budget was approved in June, 2013, expenditure projections for the year have increased by approximately $150,000. Specifically, five additional teacher assistants and three additional teachers were added, and adjustments were made to student transportation, increasing expenditures from $54.22 million to $54.37 million. The district is still on track to stay well within the Board of Education expenditure increase parameter of 2% per year.
The district will surplus approximately $3.1 million during the year, continuing the plan to build the fund balance for several years before spending down the balance in future years, thereby prolonging the need for a voter-approved increase in the operating tax levy.
Local revenue projections have been decreased since the Preliminary Budget was approved, with the latest reports indicating an even further decline in property assessments. The result is anticipated to be approximately $900,000 less in current tax revenue to the district this year than last year. The Board is anticipated to consider increasing the operating tax levy in September of 2014 closer to the allowable ceiling in order to attempt to keep the district "revenue neutral" going forward.
Board Policy Changes. Dr. Jahnke presented a number of policies recommended for revision as a result of the district's ongoing policy review process. For the most part, these changes are being recommended by the Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) to reflect changes in law. In some cases the district is recommending modification of the MSBA policy language and/or additional cross-referencing. These 25 policies will be brought back for approval to the next Board meeting for approval.
Tentative Agenda Items for the Board's Business Meeting on December 9, 2013:
ACTION
- Board Policy Changes
- High School Course/Program/Procedure Changes
- 2013-14 Revised Budget
- 2014-15 LECC Tuition
- 2014-15 BASK/TAS Rates
- Budget Update: Five-Year Financial Forecast
- 2014 District Summer Programs
- Second Semester Board Agenda Calendar (January-August)
- Draft of 2014 Legislative Positions
