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The Plainfield School Board has good news to report as we close the books on 2006/07 budget and about the sprinkler system installed over the summer.
Budget Surplus
We ended the year with a higher than anticipated budget surplus of $191,663! Revenues were higher on several line items, including interest income, food service and Medicaid funding. Expenses were also lower than projected, particularly for tuition payments and transportation.
The School Board, as usual, will return this$191,633 surplus to taxpayers, creating a substantial offset for the total budget increase of $306,407 (including the main operating budget, teacher and support staff contracts, building reserve fund and initial bond payment) approved by voters for 2007-08.
Sprinkler Installation and Safety Improvements
The new sprinkler system plus related safety improvements are being finished on time and below the $300,000 bond amount. The state will reimburse us for 30% of these capital expenditures (paid over five years), reducing the net project cost to Plainfield taxpayers below $200,000. All in all, it was a busy summer at the school. In addition to installing the sprinkler system, fire retardant paint was applied in the classrooms and on dark wood paneling, giving the school a brighter look. Other safety improvements were made, including adding additional means of egress from certain classrooms bringing the school into compliance with safety codes and the State Fire Marshal’s recommendations. New doors were placed in the 7th & 8th grade pod, providing more soundproofing. Asbestos has been removed from some ceiling areas. New insulation was laid in the back wing of the school. New carpet has been laid in the front. Thanks to all who kept these projects on time and on (or under) budget!
School Board Goals
The School Board held its annual retreat in August and set five goals for the coming school year:
1. To continue the curriculum review, and accelerate and refine the review process.
2. To work with the Facility Committee on a new parking lot and other maintenance projects.
3. To review administrative staffing, including hiring a new superintendent at the end of the year.
4. To continue outreach to parents and community members about school activities and issues.
5. To review the process by which tenure decisions are made for teachers.
We also plan to hold three public forums in the coming year: (a) to discuss plans for the new school parking lot, (b) to “Focus on Learning” and explore the balance between classroom and out-of-classroom learning experiences, and (c) discuss budget proposals for the next School District meeting. As always, the Plainfield School Board welcomes your input, suggestions and participation to help us achieve academic excellence in our school and maintain fiscal discipline for our town.
— Doug Cogan, on behalf of the Plainfield School Board