Portland School Committee

Finance Subcommittee

Wednesday, September 10,, 2008

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

PATHS, Room 340

MINUTES

In attendance:  Peter Eglinton, Jaimey Caron, Sarah Thompson, Joline Hart, Herb Hopkins,

Lori Gramlich, and John Coyne

Absent:            Jules Szanton

 

1.         Approval of notes from August 13, 2008 meeting

            ·          Minutes were approved, pending minor revisions.

·          Minutes will continue to be subject to approval at subsequent subcommittee meetings; clearly marked drafts may be posted prior to subcommittee approval, when feasible and appropriate.

 

2.         Proposed superintendent-search budget

·          Concern was raised that the estimated travel costs are too low. The subcommittee recommended that the personnel subcommittee develop a more conservative estimate based on three second-round candidates that involve site visits, interviews with flights, ground transportation, lodging, and meals.        

 

3.         New superintendent salary considerations

·          Draft superintendent advertisement refers to a bottom-line total-compensation figure, based on the existing compensation for the Interim Superintendent.

·          Advertisement from the last Superintendent search said that the salary would be “negotiable”.

·          Compensation ranges can be difficult, particularly if the upper and lower limits discourage candidates from applying, who would otherwise be seriously considered by the School Committee.

·          Advertisement for Education Week needs to go to out week of 9/15/2008.

·          The subcommittee recommended stating that compensation would be regionally competitive and based on experience, and providing more information on the benefits of working in Portland.

 

4.         Status of pending actions

                        a.         Plan for Sustainable Education Quality

·          Peter is preparing a draft progress report and action plan based on information from Jeanne, which was presented at the Joint Finance Committee meeting in August. The draft report will be distributed to the finance subcommittee by September 23, for comments and consideration at the finance subcommittee meeting on September 30. The report will then be sent to the City Council finance committee for consideration at a Joint Finance Committee meeting on October 7.

 

Finance Subcommittee Meeting                   Page Two                                September 10, 2008

 

 

                        b.         Finance policies

·          Peter spoke with Ann Chapman at DrummondWoodsum.  Compared to other school districts, Portland has more numerous and detailed finance policies. Ann understands and agrees with the finance subcommittee’s approach to focus on key steps and decision points as well as the roles and responsibilities of individuals and elected bodies. Ann will talk with other DrummondWoodsum staff regarding suggested language and provide model policies to Peter.

 

            5.         Other Items

                        ·          Maine Heritage Policy Center Event

September 26, 2008

9:15 - 3:00

                        ·          Next meetings:

                                    September 23, 2008

                                    September 30, 2008

                                    October 7, 2008 (Joint Finance Committee)

                                    October 20, 2008 (Joint School Committee-City Council workshop on the Plan for Sustainable Education Quality in Portland)

 

            6.         Adjournment

                        Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.