Bids Sought For Middle School Auditorium Seats

By Laurie Borst

Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff reported March 6 to the Board of Education that the middle school auditorium seat replacement project has gone out to bid. These bids are due back by March 16, with the board possibly taking action on the purchase at its March 20 meeting.

The architects on the project came up with 400 seats and eight handicap stations for the middle school, more seats than originally anticipated.

Being mindful of the bottom line, Dr Pitkoff explained, “In preparing this bid, we put in deduct alternates, including making the carpeting a separate item, considering a lower-priced seat, and removing the demolition as we may be able to do this ourselves.”

In other business, the superintendent reported that three administrative searches are underway. Thirty-three applications were received for the assistant superintendent position. Five candidates have been offered interviews.

Business Director Ron Bienkowski is currently reviewing the 65 applications that have been received for the building and grounds supervisor position. The Sandy Hook School assistant principal position has a March 16 deadline for applications.

Dr Pitkoff stated he expected a lot of interest in the position as there are not many elementary schools that have assistant principals. This is an entry-level position for those wishing to move into administration. He stated a number of strong candidates have submitted resumes already.

Budget Issues

Board member Paul Mangiafico asked Mr Bienkowski if there were any foreseeable problems in the budget at this point in the fiscal year.

“The only area I’m concerned about is the electricity account,” Mr Bienkowski informed him.

Rates are adjusted quarterly and are billed retroactively. January 1 saw a dramatic spike in rates. The district was paying 15 cents per kilowatt hour. That has increased to 19 cents. State legislation allows for these pass-through rates.

“There is a possible $30K to $40K deficit in this account as I indicated to the Board of Finance last week,” Mr Bienkowski added.

The board discussed the Board of Finance’s recommended cuts to the schools’ 2007-2008 budget. The Board of Finance is recommending a $581,000 reduction. The budget goes to the Legislative Council on March 28 for review, with deliberations and possible voting at the council’s April 4 meeting.

The Board of Finance suggested a $100,000 reduction in the fuel account. Everyone is hoping for a reduction in oil prices. Mr Bienkowski is trying to lock in the lowest possible price, a target of $1.91 per gallon. The diesel fuel account is a joint account with the town. The town is part of a capital regional consortium. The bid is due March 21, with the anticipation of less than this current year’s $2.65 per gallon.

The Board of Finance felt the Board of Education should look for four or five percent reduction in health benefits cost. A two percent reduction seemed more realistic to the school administrators. They will be scheduling a meeting with the insurer to negotiate this reduction.

The Board of Finance also suggested two new buses were unnecessary, for a savings of $175,000. Mr Bienkowski indicated the cost for the two buses, including fuel and insurance, would be $148,767. He added that those buses are needed to deal with overcrowding issues.