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Health & Fitness

Shaker School Board Regular Meeting Report

School board heard about the Shaker Library, approved a 5-year forecast calling for a tax levy every 3 years and met in executive session to begin the search for a new superintendent.

School Board Regular Meeting Report
Tuesday, October 9th at Administration Building

The meeting commenced at 6:02pm with all of the school board members in attendance.  Also in attendance were Superintendent Mark Freeman, Treasurer Bryan Christman, 10 administrators, representatives of the Shaker Library, and a large number of HS students. 

Superintendent’s Report and Recommendations
The board approved all of the changes in assignment, supplemental contracts, special assignments, leaves of absence, resignations and appointments as detailed in the agenda and addendum.

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Acceptance of a Bid for Wireless System Improvements
The board accepted a bid for $693,833 from MCPc, Inc. of Cleveland, for Phase II of Wireless System Improvements.  This involves adding wireless capability to the rest of the schools and should complete the district-wide wireless project by the end of the school year.

Presentation - Shaker Heights Public Library Strategic Plan
Jeanne Shatten, president and Chad Anderson, vice-president of the Library Board were joined by Luren Dickinson, director and Amy Switzer, deputy director in a presentation "Meet the Shaker Heights Public Library." The library receives 3.4% of property tax revenue, has not asked for increased tax millage since 1997, has had a 26% decrease in state funding and has cut its spending by 16% compared to 2009. Main costs are in staffing. No plan to ask for any additional taxpayer support. The strategic plan focused on 4 perspectives: financial, organizational readiness, internal processes, and customers. Library would like to evaluate the costs of staying in current facility vs. closing both and having 1 new building with lower labor costs.

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Treasurer’s Monthly Financial Report
Total revenue was $1.80 million or 5.8% more than prior YTD and $5,195 above budget, primarily due to timing of receipt of real estate taxes. Total expenditures were $1.77 million or 8.3% greater than prior YTD and $32,221 above budget, also primarily due to timing.  Net favorable budget variance year to date is $3,620.

The Board Approved the 5-year Financial Forecast
In comparison to the 5-year forecast approved in May 2012, the new forecast shows $0.31 million lower revenue and $0.61 million greater expenditures, with expenditures forecast to exceed revenue by $3.06 million for FY 2013. The forecast calls for additional unidentified annual budget savings of $1.35 million beginning in FY 2014.  The forecast also assumes voter approval of a 9.9 mill property tax levy in 2014 and the return to a 3-year levy cycle thereafter.  A levy of 9.9 mill is estimated to yield $7.72 million per year.  Finance & Audit Committee has reviewed the forecast and was said to be comfortable with the math overall but had some discomfort about the likeliness that the district will receive a $1.8 million settlement from Office Max in FY14 and concern about the sustainability of the 3-year 9.9 mill levy cycle included in the forecast.  If the levy cycle is to change there would be adjustments in spending needed soon in anticipation.  Draft 5-year forecast is here  May 2012 forecast is here

Executive Session
Executive sessions are not open to the public and are permitted by law for a limited number of purposes.  The board recessed for Executive Session at 7:25pm for the stated purpose of discussing the search for a new superintendent.

New Business/Announcements
October 30th, 6:00pm - School Board Work Session Meeting
November 7th, 6:00pm - School Board Regular Meeting

The posted October 9th agenda is here and the addendum is here

Want more information?    Go to oneshaker.org for more information about ONE Shaker and the Shaker Schools.  Subscribe to ONE Shaker School News here

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