Penn Yan school board 01/14/09

Meeting: Penn Yan Central School District Board of Education met for approximately one hour, Jan. 14. The meeting was preceded by an executive session to discuss personnel matters which lasted 30 minutes.

Attendance: Board member Nancy Scher was excused.

Action: A resolution regarding potential changes in the senior citizen tax exemption policy was voted down by a four to two vote. Board members Anita Maroscher and Deb Warren voted no. Five yes votes were needed to pass the resolution.

• The Professional Development Plan was approved following its presentation by Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Staff Development Howard Dennis.

Discussion without action: Heard a capital project update from Jim Higgins of Le Chase Construction. The new kitchen in the high school opened on January 5. The new roof is going on now. Higgins said progress is being made despite the fact they are still behind in receiving delivery of steel to the site.

• Assistant Superintendent for Business Carolyn Benedict presented the first review of the revenue budget, providing information on revenues expected as compared to this year. A reduction of $1.2 million is possible as compared to what the district expects to receive this year. Borrowing for the project at Penn Yan Academy is expected to add $2 million to next year’s budget. Following the meeting, Benedict said there could be an increase of 5.1 percent in the tax levy. Cuts would have to be made from the operating budget to get taxes down.

• The board discussed what direction to go in regarding future bus purchases and selection or diesel or propane for fuel. Several board members supported transitioning into propane. Board member Kathy Guenther expressed concern regarding availability of propane on road trips and reliability of propane-fueled vehicles. The district was offered the use of a propane-fueled test vehicle, however it has not been received yet.

• Director of Food Service Dana Burton presented the health and wellness report.

Bids/Purchases over $1,000: None

Appointments/Resignations: Assistant Superintendent for Business Carolyn Benedict will retire, effective Jan. 31.

Upcoming meetings: The next regular meeting will be Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the elementary school cafeteria.