Cypress School District Board highlights from meetings on June 14 and 15

The following information was released by the Cypress School District Board of Trustees.

June 14

Recognition of Retirees

Board members and staff recognized Board member Donna Erickson; teachers Diane Meadows, Donna Scott-Robertson, and Joanne Stoecker; Speech Therapists Denise Applbaum and Tyra Willis; and classified employees Mary Rasmussen, Polly Hernandez, Joelyn Mason, and Charlotte Hansen, who are retiring from the District. Each employee was recognized individually by administration and thanked for their contribution to the District.

Public Disclosure and Approval Tentative Agreement and MOU

The Board conducted a public hearing and approved the Disclosure of Collective Bargaining Agreement effective July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013; the Tentative Agreement with ACT; and the Memorandum of Understanding between Association of Cypress Teachers and Cypress School District.

July Board Meeting

The Board reached consensus to change the date of the July Board meeting. The Board will now meet on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.

Public Hearing and Adoption of 2012/13 Budget

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding the 2012/13 budget, including a presentation by Dr. Tim McLellan, Assistant Superintendent. Dr. McLellan noted that the projected $9.2 billion budget shortfall has grown to $15.7 billion. Even if the governor’s tax measure passes in November, there will be a significant budget problem. Passage will provide flat funding only to K-12 education.

There are two scenarios possible: flat funding if the tax initiative passes and a loss of $441 per ADA if it fails. This would equate to an ongoing loss of approximately $1.7 million a year for Cypress School District. The budget priorities for District administration and the Board continue to be vigilance in maintaining “best fiscal practices,” maintaining a positive certification status to aid in the sale of our bonds, closely monitoring cash flow, communication with all stakeholders, and development of a contingency plan in the event the governor’s tax measure fails. This contingency may include utilization of one time monies and unspent revenues, six furlough days for 2012/13, forming a Budget Advisory Committee, and the possible need for additional furlough days for 2013/14, which must be negotiated.

The Board voted unanimously to approve adoption of the 2012/13 budget and authorized its transmittal to the County Superintendent of Schools.

June 14

Public Interviews and Appointment for the Vacancy on the Board

The Board conducted interviews for the provisional appointment of a Board member to fill the vacant position resulting from the retirement/resignation of President Donna Erickson. Three qualified candidates applied, and the Board unanimously selected Mrs. Candice Kern. Mrs. Kern’s term will be effective July 1, 2012, and she will serve until the December meeting, unless she is elected during elections in November. She will be sworn in officially at the July 11, 2012 Board meeting.