boe adopted budget 2016 -2017

LITCHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS:2016 – 2017 Proposed Budget

TABLE OF CONTENTSTable of ContentsBoard of Education Members

3

Administrative Team 4

Our Mission 5

Letter of Transmittal 6

A Core Belief 8

Budget Process Information 9

Success Story: Math 10

Success Story: Pre-School Expansion 18

Success Story: New Middle School 19

Success Story: New Webpage 21

Success Story: NEASC Accreditation 23

Success Story: Technology 26

Additional Success Stories 28

Priority #1: Laptop Replacement LMS 30

Priority #2: Desktop Replacement District-wide 31

Priority #3: Curriculum Revision 32

Key Budget Drivers 33

Reductions from Initial Proposals 34

Budget Summary 35

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Frank Simone, ChairElizabeth Fabbri, Vice ChairDonald Falcetti, Secretary

John BongiornoGayle CarrDaniel ClockDavid PavelickWayne ShuhiGary Waugh

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Jamie Terry, Director of TechnologyMichael Pascento, Dean of Students David Fiorillo, Business AdministratorSherri Turner, Principal, Center School

Julie Haggard, Director of Special ServicesLynn McMullin, Superintendent of Schools

Kristen Della Volpe, Principal, Litchfield High SchoolStephanie Kubisek, Principal, Litchfield Middle School

Jennifer Murphy, Principal, Litchfield Intermediate School

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Litchfield Public Schools is to provide all students with appropriate academic and personal learning experiences within a safe and supportive educational environment. In partnership with our parents and community, we challenge every learner to acquire the knowledge, skills, and personal attributes needed to become productive and self-directed citizens.

Superintendent’s Letter of Transmittal

Dear Members of the Litchfield Community,

What follows is a commitment to continue to improve programs and provide opportunities for our students. And, what follows is the Board of Education’s request for the financial resources to fulfill that commitment in the 2016 – 2017 school year. It represents a $340,000 increase, or 2.00%. Education is a ‘people business;’ thus 77% of the budget represents salaries and benefits, which are increasing by only 0.4% despite a 3.42% overall increase in our contractual obligations. The remainder of the increase is in Special Education costs, based on actuals for next year, and technology, which requires a replacement of the 1-to-1 devices for our Middle School students.

This budget is built on what the Litchfield community values – opportunities for individualized programming and the advantages of small class sizes. There are a few decreases in staff while at the same time new programming has been developed. Next year we have expanded Spanish at the Intermediate School to three times (3 x’s) weekly beginning with Grade 4. We have also budgeted for a new Spanish textbook series beginning in Grade 4. At the High School, we are developing an alternative education program, called the Litchfield Legacy School, designed to meet some students’ needs within Litchfield, rather than sending them afield. This program is being accomplished with no new costs to the district.

One of the notable budget increases supports the replacement of the 1-to-1 computing devices at the Middle School at a cost of $90,000. The current devices are five (5) years old and will have exceeded their life expectancy at the end of this school year. There is also a planned $75,000 replacement of the oldest desktops throughout the district, beginning with those which are six (6) and seven (7) years old. We have also budgeted $110,000 for the 4th year of our technology lease with the Town.

Another increase comes with a planned restructuring of Food Services. For the past three (3) years, we have been under contract with Chartwells. Next year, we are entering into a shared services agreement; and with two other districts, we will hire a regional director who will supervise the cafeterias at our 11 schools. Based on the past year’s actuals, we have budgeted $29,000 to cover both the replacement equipment we’ll need when Chartwells vacates and any potential loss we may incur in our first year. We have three goals for this program restructure: 1.) to improve the quality of the food we serve our children; 2. to collaborate with neighboring districts; and 3.) to break even financially.

This budget is a responsible budget; it is respectful of the needs of our students and of the wider community. It is as clear and forthright as possible and includes easily recognizable line items and expenses. Every increase and decrease has a documented rationale. A reduction in Regular Instruction, for example, does not mean we are cutting our teachers’ classroom supplies; it means that the proposed Spanish textbook is less expensive than the K – 5 enVisionMath2.0 we budgeted in 2015 - 2016. An increase in Administrative Services, for example, reflects a plan for curriculum writing and publication through a new Internet-based platform called Rubicon Atlas, as well as an uptick in professional development costs and in legal fees, based on our actuals.

Our budget is understandably a collection of static numbers with a bottom line. But, more accurately it is the foundation on which we are building our future through the education of our children. Ours is a people business, and this budget continues Litchfield’s tradition of supporting the individual growth and development of every child. Simply put, it’s what’s best for kids.

Respectfully submitted,Lynn K. McMullinSuperintendent of Schools “Education is the most

important weapon with which

we can change the world.” Nelson Mandela

A CORE BELIEF IN PRESENTING THIS BUDGET

The Litchfield school system is a community jewel. It draws families to the community and makes them want to

stay. Students succeed here; and, in return, their success brings both pride to Litchfield and immeasurable

advancements to a world-wide community which will build its future on the contributions of its youngest citizens.

Litchfield’s Board, staff, and parents have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of all our children through

rich and diverse academic programming and a commitment to 21st Century knowledge and skills, world language,

athletic competition, music, and the visual arts. Children also benefit from small class sizes, volunteerism, and

community-rich programs in which they are provided the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and to give back to their

dedicated community through performances, Veteran’s Day programs, service projects, food drives, good news,

and celebrations.

BUDGET PROCESS INFORMATION

December 7 - 23 School and department budgets submitted

January 4 BOE Finance Sub-Committee budget work session #1

January 4 - 31 Superintendent/Business Manager review school and system-wide budget

January 19 BOE Facilities and Technology Sub-Committee budget work session

February 1 BOE Finance Sub-Committee budget work session #2

February 3 Superintendent to provide preliminary budget to the Board of Education

February 8 Superintendent to provide preliminary budget to the Board of Finance

February – March BOE and sub-committees continue to discuss budget

March 14 Superintendent to present the 2016-17 BOE Budget to the Board of Finance.

April 4 BOE Finance Sub-Committee budget work session #3 -- if necessary

April 6 Board of Education final review and approval of budget -- if necessary

April 11 Deadline for budget submission to newspapers

April 27 Town Budget Hearing

May 4 Board of Education re-adoption of budget – if necessary

May 11 Annual Town Meeting for budget adoption

SBACResults of First ImplementationMathematicsGrades 3 - 8 & 11

Higher degree of familiarity with Common Core Standards

2015 – 2016 NEED: MATH ALIGNMENT

% of students at “Exceeds Goal”-- higher for ELA than for Math

2015 – 2016 NEED:MATH DIFFERENTIATION

2015 – 2016 SUCCESS STORY: MATH ENVISIONMATH2.0

• Common Core aligned, including the Math Practices• Correct mathematical vocabulary (w/ cards)• Student-centered (vs. ‘stand-and-deliver’)• Math tools – fraction bars, graphs, number lines• Builds on prior understandings• Technology-rich• Connects to science and STEM • Resources for differentiation; daily lessons, centers• SmartBoard ready• Resources for parents – homework support

June 22 Introduction with Pearson repAugust 31 Full day with Pearson repsSeptember 1 Full Day grade-level teamsOctober 14 Webinar with Pearson repDecember 3 & 4 Lesson Study with Math ConsultantDecember 9 Grade-level ‘timelines’ planningJanuary 13 Grade-level ‘topics’ planning February 16 Full day with Pearson reps

33 Hours

Grade-level weekly meetings with Principals & Math Consultant


• iPads - LCS• Chromebooks – LCS and LIS• Parents’ PowerSchool Log-ins• Pearson “Learning Bridge”


• Parent’s Night• Webpage • Internet Resources• Video Presentation• “Bounce” Pages• PowerSchool log-in


Grade Level % meeting Benchmarks

K 94Grade 1 87Grade 2 83Grade 3 82Grade 4 92Grade 5 74


2015 – 2016 SUCCESS STORY: PRE-SCHOOL EXPANSION

• Additional section of 3’s• Additional section of 4’s• Accepted every student who applied• Alignment of curriculum with Kindergarten• Smoother transition to Kindergarten• Earlier identification of special needs• Alignment of interventions and services

2015 – 2016SUCCESS STORY: A NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Held August Grand Opening• Produced MS Play: Godspell• Held January Parent Conferences • Formed Booster Club• Hosted four MS Fun Nights• Specialized Advisory and Clubs• Spring 7th Grade Class Trip• Spring 8th Grade Class Trip

• Transition Planning 6th to 7th• Transition Planning 8th to 9th• 8th Grade Writing Project with

Education Connection• Google Viewers for 3-D virtual field

trips -- LEF grant• 9 students accepted -- Middle School

Northern Region Music Festivals

2015 – 2016SUCCESS STORY: A NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

2015 – 2016 SUCCESS STORY: NEW WEBPAGE

Commendations:

• “Sufficient staffing, instructional materials, technology, and supplies to support student and teacher needs.”

• “Manageable class sizes which allow teachers to meet the needs of individual students.”

• “The district’s investment in instructional technology.”

2015 – 2016 SUCCESS STORY: NEASC ACCREDITATION

Commendations:

• “The wide variety of course offerings and educational opportunities as a result of dependable funding.”

• “The Board of Education’s commitment to maintain programs and services in spite of declining enrollment.”


Recommendations:

• “Develop and implement a process to ensure the curriculum is written in a common format.”

• “Provide additional time and funding for technology support and professional development.”

• “Improve communications with parents.”


• Negotiated the return of 390 substandard Dell Venue Tablets for new devices at $0

• Increased wireless access at LCS and LIS

• Installed fixed projector and sound system in Center School auditorium

• Implemented Regulations for Acceptable Use (RAUT) for students and staff

2015 – 2016SUCCESS STORY: TECHNOLOGY

ADDITIONAL SUCCESS STORIES

• 12-Session Summer Reading Program at CS to reduce natural reading regression

• Sally-Port at Center School

• Safety improvements – action plans, bus protocols, window film

• Beautification of school entrances schools -- sidewalks, curbing, signs


• Expanded STEM initiatives and Makerspaces

• Expanded shared services agreements – oil bid, food services, transportation, swimming pool usage at CJR

• Brought substitute services in-house • Implemented AESOP• Hired building-level subs• Recruited interns


• PSAT for all students in Grades 10 and 11

• New digital Music Lab

• New tenor saxophone, trumpet and SmartMusic subscriptions

• Improved communications through Facebook, PowerSchool, and news

• RevTrak for on-line billing and payments

2016 – 2017PRIORITY #1: LAPTOP REPLACEMENT – 7TH AND 8TH GRADES

$89,650

Replace 163 student laptops• 1-to-1 Middle School program• Student laptops are 5 years old

and at end-of-life• These devises support daily

curriculum and instruction• All 7th and 8th graders

Model # of Devices Life Expectancy End of Life

MS Student X131e 163 4 years 2016

Failure of these devices:• Interrupts classroom instruction• Decreases student productivity• Makes it difficult to complete homework• Frustrates end-users, including parents • Over-taxes Tech Support

2016 – 2017PRIORITY #2: DESKTOP REPLACEMENT – DISTRICT-WIDE

$74,675Replace 103 desktops district-wide• 158 desktops are 6+ years old and at

end-of-life• Replace 103 of the oldest 158• Included in this replacement • LCS Computer Lab• Select desktops district-wide• Key desktops running Financial

and Student Information systems

Model LCS LIS LHS LMS TotalLife

Expectancy AgeEnd of Life

YearMfg Release

Date

Dell OptiPlex 745 6 4 5 7 22 4-6 9 2013 2007

Dell OptiPlex 755 6 3 10 19 4-6 8 2014 2008

Dell OptiPlex 760 2 11 6 19 4-6 7 2015 2009

Dell OptiPlex 760(CS Library 760) 24 24 4-6 7 2015 2009

Dell OptiPlex 960 9 8 2 19 4-6 7 2015 2009

103 DEVICES SCHEDULED FOR REPLACEMENT

Model LCS LIS LHS LMS TotalLife

Expectancy AgeEnd of Life

YearMfg Release

Date

Dell OptiPlex 380 36 9 10 55 4 - 6 6 2016 2010

55 DEVICES NOT SCHEDULED FOR REPLACEMENT

PRIORITY #3: CURRICULUM REVISION

$16,5001. Rubicon Atlas Online Curriculum Platform

$4,000• Develop a consistent template• Publish live to the web

2. Professional Development for Platform $3,500

3. Update selected curricula @ $40 per hour $9,000

(social studies, Spanish, math, science)

PRIORITY #3: CURRICULUM IMPROVEMENTS

$54,626

1. Spanish Textbooks $43,626• Technology-rich• Updated content

2. E-texts for 7th grade math $1,0003. Professional Development $10,000• Center School• Columbia Workshop model

2016-2017 KEY BUDGET DRIVERS2016 – 2017 Contractual Obligations and Fixed Costs -- 91% of Total Budget

1. $13,329,877 -- Employee Salaries, Wages, Benefits + 0.4%2. $857,819 -- Regular Education Transportation - 0.3%3. $702,858 – Special Education Tuition + 6.9% 4. $544,866 – Utilities - 8.4%5. $208,375 -- Special Education Transportation + 8.3% 6. $143,283 – VO-AG Tuition + 15%

REDUCTIONS FROM INITIAL BUDGET REQUESTSAdministrative Requests = 5.24% over current budget / Reduced by 2.4%

Central Office Reductions:• – 2.0 Certified FTE • – 2.0 Special Education Aides• Cut all NEW requested technology devices, except Special Education and

SmartBoards• Cut requested art tables at LIS• Reevaluated or renegotiated utilities, health care projections, copier

fees, computer hardware

- $410,682

REDUCTIONS MADE MARCH 18, 2016Line Items Reduced:

Student Activities Line: - $38,722 o Middle School coaches and club stipends

had been incorrectly duplicated when the two schools’ budgets were separated for 2016 – 2017

Superintendent’s Contract: - $19,587

Additional Cuts = - $83,581

- $58,309

- $83,581

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY

What’s included in …

Regular Education Instruction Supplies and programs: Art, Business Education, World Languages, Family Consumer Science, Tech Ed, Language Arts, Math, Music, PE, Science, Social Studies, Kindergarten, Title I, Health

Special Education Supplies and programs: Learning Centers (Special Ed classrooms), Speech & Language, Homebound, Pre-School; Out-of-District Tuition and Transportation

Pupil Services Supplies and programs: Psychological Services, Guidance, Nurses’ Offices, Career Education, OP/PT, Social Work

Library Media, Student Activities, Food Services Supplies and programs: Library Media Centers, Student Activities, Food Services subsidy; Free and Reduced lunch

EmployeeSalary, Wages, Benefits

District-wide employee salaries – teachers, specialists, secretaries, counselors, nurses; Benefits – health insurance, workman’s comp, disability, life insurance, mileage

Administration Board of Education, Principals, Central Office, Professional Development, Fiscal Services

Plant Operations Utilities and technology maintenance

Technology Hardware, software, infrastructure, including $110,000 payment for technology lease to Town

Transportation District-wide transportation and transportation for field trips, athletic events, magnet schools, OWT, and Vo-Ag

Tuition Out-of district tuitions to magnet schools, adult education, and Vo-Ag


2013 – 2014Actual

2014 – 2015Actual

2015 – 2016Adopted

2016 – 2017Proposed % Inc.

Regular Education Instruction $136,876 $210,283 $243,330 $226,423 - 6.9%

Special Education $931,434 $850,733 $883,860 $942,865 + 6.7%

Pupil Services $80,499 $110,134 $131,870 $136,655 + 3.6%

Library Media, Student Activities, Food

Services$134,296 $200,151 $187,825 $227,569 + 21.2%

EmployeeSalary, Wages, Benefits $12,357,908 $12,686,853 $13,282.447 $13,329,877 + 0.4%

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – REGULAR ED INSTRUCTION

SUBJECT 2016 - 2015 2015 – 2016 Inc. / Dec. Notes:

Art $17,829 * $16,897 + $932 Supplies

Business Education $583 $3,495 * - $2,912 * Workbook was purchased

World Language $49,453 * $4,144 + $45,309 New textbook series

Fam. Cons. Science $8,100 * $7,600 + $500 * Grocery prices

Technology Ed $19,745 $37,667 * - $17,922 * CADD computer lab last year

Language Arts $23,481 $39,101 * - $15,620 * Non-fiction texts, classrooms

Math $16,511 $40,190 * - $23,679 * Second year of math curriculum

Regular Education Instruction $136,876 $210,283 $243,330 $226,423 - 6.9%

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY -- REGULAR ED INSTRUCTION


Math $16,511 $40,190 * - $23,679 * Second year of math curriculum

Music $36,279 * $34,021 + $2,258 *Sheet music; Symphony classes

Physical Education $8,381 $10,125 * - $1,744 * Replacement supplies

Science $25,272 $28,831 * - $3,559 * Replacement equipment

Social Studies $4,704 $15,593 * - $10,889 * Textbooks

Kindergarten $ 1,093* $730 + $363 * Supplies

Title I $13,565* $ 3,604 + $9,961 * Universal screening program

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – SPECIAL ED INSTRUCTION


Learning Centers $6,067 $10,806 * - $4,739 * Instructional supplies, software

Preschool Services $3,531* $2,867 + $664 * Instructional Supplies

Speech and Lang. $20,535* $19,087 + $1,448 * Testing materials

Transportation $208,375* $192,300 + $16,075 * Transportation for out-placements

Tuition $702,858* $657,300 + $45,558 * Out-placement Tuitions

Special Education $931,434 $850,733 $883,860 $942,865 + 6.7%

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – PUPIL SERVICES


Psychologist $23,898 * $20,759 + $3,139 * Testing materials

Guidance $2,258 * $1,195 + $1063 *Additional proctoring AP Exams

Health / Nurses $16,156 $18,235 * - $2,079 * Technical services - SNAP

Career Education $10,863 $8,373 + $2,490 Naviance Middle School

Occupational Therapy $82,732 $82,558 + $174 Instructional Supplies

Pupil Services $80,499 $110,134 $131,870 $136,655 + 3.6%

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – LIBRARY, ACTIVITIES, FOOD


Library Media $41,712 * $36,251 + $5,461 * Non-fiction titles

Student Activities $133,857 $151,574* - $17,717 Trainer, officials, pool rental, coaches

Food Services $56,000* -- + $56,000 Self-op; 1/3 of food services manager; potential loss; free and reduced

Library Media, Student Activities, Food Services $134,296 $200,151 $187,825 $231,569 + 23.3%

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – SALARIES, WAGES, BENEFITS


Salaries and Wages $10,590,216 * $10,298,755 + $291,461* Includes 3.43% overall increase in

contractual increases and steps; - 2.0 Certified FTE;

- 2.0 Non-Certified FTE;

Benefits $2,854,628 * $2,983,693 - $129,065 * Based on this year’s actual claims in self-insurance

NOTE: Our Dean of Students position at the High School was created in this year’s 2015 – 2016 budget with a cut in 1.0 FTE, (SRBI Coordinator) and a cut in one Category A stipend; difference = $16,608.

In the 2016 – 2017 budget, the only difference in the Dean of Students is the contractual raise, $2,200.

EmployeeSalary, Wages, Benefits $12,357,908 $12,686,853 $13,282.447 $13,444,844 + 1.2%


2013 – 2014Actual

2014 – 2015Actual

2015 – 2016Adopted

2016 – 2017Proposed % Inc.

Administration, Board, Staff Development,

Fiscal Services$255,024 $282,658 $261,489 $297,554 + 13.8%

Plant Operations $666,348 $648,348 $613,103 $586,216 - 4.4%

Technology $213,272 $301,460 $296,750 $489,519 *

Transportation $880,655 $911,059 $942,924 $953,304 + 1.1 %

Tuition $144,015 $143,344 $156,400 $172,941 + 10.6%

TOTAL $15,800,361 $16,345,022 $17,000,000 $17,481,890 + 2.83%

* Includes substantial reorganization of budget lines; Program 44 was formerly school-based technology, now, all district hardware; Program 86 was formerly district-wide technology, now, all software.

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – ADMIN/PD/FISCAL SERVICES


Legal fees $55,000 * $49,000 + 6,000 * Based on past 3 years’ actuals.

Postage $13,270 $17,000* - $3,730 *Based on actual; increased email use

Course Reimbursements $20,000 * $15,000 + $5,000 * Contractual; based on actuals

Technology PD $4,600 * 0 + $4,600 *Power School University; Google Classroom Summit

Professional Development $20,900 * $860 + $20,100 *Center School R/W Workshop; Math;

CPR; Counseling


Fiscal Services$255,024 $282,658 $261,489 $297,554 + 13.8%

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – ADMIN/PD/FISCAL SERVICES, CONT.


Printing $3,400* $1,000 + $2,400 * State mandated ‘Classroom Emergency Guides’

Technical Services $9,250 $15,000* - $5,750 * Bi-annual review; off-year in 2017

Special Ed Administration $20,817 $14,242 + $6,575 IEP Direct software; dues and fees; CPI

booklets

Advertising $0 * $2,000 - $2,000 * Use only ctreap.com and jobspot.com


Fiscal Services$255,024 $282,658 $261,489 $297,554 + 13.8%

2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – PLANT OPERATIONS


BOE Expenses not covered in MOU $40,350* $0 + $40,350

Cabling; kitchen equipment, landscaping, Plumb Hill ADA ramp;

security upgrades

Property & Liability Insurance $82,588 * $70,000 + $ 12,588 Under budgeted by $7,500; CIRMA is

partnered with town

Electricity $260,500 * $256,791 + $3,709 * Based on actuals

Oil $133,538 * $200,679 - $67,141 * Consortium negotiated lower bid


2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – PLANT OPERATIONS


LP Gas $4,760 * $4,111 + $649 * Based on actuals

Telephone $19,710 * $17,600 + $2,110 * Based on actuals; change in service

Water $16,900 * $18,925 - $2,025 * Based on actuals

Sewer $21,250* $18,051 + $3,199 * Based on actuals

Alarm Monitoring $5,320 $6,200 - $880 * Renegotiated contract w/vendor


2016 – 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY – TRANSPORTATION


Athletics $72,860 $99,655 * - $26,795 * Budgeted tournament buses for all sports; reduced based on actuals

Staff Services $7,523 $57,064 - 49,541 * Outsourcing in-district van drivers

Diesel Fuel $56,529 * $97,920 - $41,391 * Reduction based on current prices

Regular Ed Transportation $651,600 * $659,424 - $7,824 * Contractual

Special Ed Transportation $149,250 * $72,400 + $76,850 * Based on current SE van needs for

in-district SE students, not outplaced

Transportation $880,655 $911,059 $942,924 $953,304 + 1.1 %

o 2016 – 2017 BOE Adopted Budget: 2.00% -- $17,340,000

o 2015–2016 Approved BOE Budget: 2.53% -- $17,000,000o 2014–2015 Expended Budget: 4.68% -- $16,580,641o 2013–2014 Expended Budget: 1.32% -- $15,639,827

% Year

.997 2011-12

.99 2012-13

1.32 2013-14

4.68 2014–15

2.53 2015-16

2.00 2016-2017

2.08 6-Year Average


Salary/Wages and Benefits 77%

Transporation 5%

Special Education 5%

Plant Operatios 3%

Technology 3%

Administration 2%

Library, Student Act., Food Serv. 1%

Regular Instruction 1%

Outside Tuition 1%Pupil Services 1%

2016 - 2017 Superintendent’s Proposed Budget