Joint Board of Education/Board of Finance
Ad Hoc Standardization Committee
Meeting Minutes, August 16, 2016
Present:
Redding Board of Education: Gwen Denny, Sara Sobel
Redding Board of Finance: Ward Mazzucco, Peg O’Donnell
Administration: Dr. Tom McMorran, Peggy Sullivan
Town of Redding: Julia Pemberton, First Selectman
1 member of the public
1 member of the press
Sara Sobel called the meeting to order at 8:07am
Public Comment: None
Committee Member Comment: None
Discussion and Possible Action: Joint goals, objectives and parameters:
Informal discussion occurred to discuss collective identification of data sets that are of interest to both the Board of Education and the Board of Finance in order to further enhance and inform the budget process. The idea of data that can be replicated and updated annually was well received by all in attendance. Furthermore, it was noted that looking beyond per pupil spending and DRG A comparisons is important for achieving a thorough assessment of our schools and budget. A suggestion was made to have monthly conversations about the budget – at either BoE or BoF meetings – which would focus on a different theme within the budget, hopefully resulting in a less overwhelming approach to understanding the budget as a whole.
Questions to consider:
What data is important?
To what/whom should we be comparing ourselves?
What metrics are important from a BoE standpoint?
What metrics are important from a BoF standpoint?
What, if any, is a comparative metric to indicate that the money we’re spending on our schools is appropriate?
Can we have a better understanding of fixed vs. variable costs?
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00am
The next meeting will be held on Friday, August 26, 8:00am, ER9 Central Office
Respectfully submitted,
Sara Sobel, Board of Education Chairperson