Portland School Committee

Finance Subcommittee

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

PATHS, Room 321

MINUTES

In attendance:  Herb Hopkins, Jeanne Whynot-Vickers, Jaimey Caron, Justin Costa,

Simon Thompson, Robert O’Brien, Peter Eglinton, and Kate Snyder

 

  1. Approve minutes of January 27, 2009 meeting
    1. Minutes were approved as written.

 

2.   Bus lease update – Herb Hopkins and Kevin Mallory

            a.            Bussing purchase schedule staggered so all busses will not need to be

                        repaired/replaced at same time.

            b.            Committee unanimously approved bussing plan.

 

  1. Technology Multiple Year Plan – Joseph Mackley
    1. Today’s presentation is short-term plan.  Long-term plans for the district technology will be presented at a later time.
    2. Wiring projects:  Why RCH, WEST, EECS in first round? 

                                                               i.      These three schools already receive grants.  The thought is to use grant money to assist.  E-rate is based on low income, these schools have high poverty rates.  These schools are the only ones who qualify for 90% discount.  Next year plan is to include Portland High and the island schools.

    1. Agrees that the relationship between school’s IT staff and city’s IT staff is essential and would like more emphasis put toward establishing this more.
    2. Would like to see website redone.

                                                               i.      Joe had steering committee that included city person.  Cost was estimated to be about $30,000 to $40,000.  Due to funding constraints, RFP is not expected to go out until May.

                                                             ii.      Suggested to have costs come from School Committee budget as needed.

                                                            iii.      Would like to have a workshop to learn about website development.

    1. Are sufficient supports being provided to building-based technology coordinators, who are generally teachers, in order to maintain efficiency? 

                                                               i.      Is difficult due to staffing.  It is best to use a technology educator as this is the most efficient way to provide this support with the resources we have. 

                                                             ii.      Joe’s plan includes providing this support in a full time capacity over time.  Buildings are being resourceful with current staffing in order to provide as much technology services as possible.

    1. Explain travel line?

                                                               i.      Current travel is being drawn from other accounts, so the large difference is due to an adjustment that was made to be sure monies are coming from proper accounts. 

    1. Why did the general supplies line go down?

                                                               i.      It is felt we IT can operate with a lower budget.  Departments can be frugal with use of supplies.

 

3.      Adjournment

            Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.