Schools

Four People Wanting Jobs Will Not Be Returning to Branford Public Schools in 2011-12

News about staff reductions and lunch price raises discussed at this month's Board of Education Meeting.

With the last days of school getting underway (June 22 last day for all students (June 24 for WIS)) the BOE recognized retiring Principal by presenting him with a captain’s chair. Rabinowitz has been with Branford for 27 years. Board chair Frank Carrano said, as Rabinowitz was presented with his gift, “We are very, very grateful for your service.”

  • The BOE officially adopted the at the BOF recommended amount of $49,170,365 ­– a 3 percent increase over last year’s budget.

  • In discussing the staff reductions for next year – a total of 15.1 fulltime equivalent positions – Carrano and Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez said from the original proposed budget was no easy task. Carrano stated, “Looking at the reductions and adjustments that needed to be made, it may seem to some that it was an easy task and that it was money that was easily found. Some may suggest that it was money that we had tucked away somewhere – that’s as far from the truth as can be.”

    They noted that attrition (last night a first grade teacher resigned but was not named) as well as a savings in benefits and salary made it possible to reinstate one FTE position.

    While one FTE will be reinstated, it has not been said which teacher’s job is safe. Hernandez said that the naming of departing teachers as a result of the new budget is a “personnel” matter and will not be released at this time. As per contract, all teachers will know if they are keeping their jobs by the end of the school year. Hernandez and Carrano did note that four people “who would like to be returning next year” will not be. Hernandez said this is in addition to one definite FTE cut at the elementary level.
  • School lunch prices were increase a quarter in 2011-12. Middle and high school students will now be paying $3 per meal and elementary school students will pay $2.75. The contract food provider, Chartwells, noted that lunch prices did not rise in five years until 2010 when prices jumped 25 cents. (See a statistic sheet on lunches attached as well as a report from Chartwells).
  • There will be increases in tuition rates for non-resident students in 2011-21 from $11,480 to $11,824. Special education non-resident tuition will also increase from $14,903 to $15,350. (See attached PDF for more details).
  • Hernandez revealed in his Superintendent’s Report, that the summer reading program for students has been revitalized through the Branford Community Foundation. There will be an incentive for participants with a potential prize of an e-reader. Sumer reading lists will be available on the JBML website and the school website soon; check back for a full story.
  • After executive session, the BOE voted to pass a new performance-based contract for the five non-union administrators in the education department. Hernandez will set benchmarks for the employees to reach and if they meet the set goals or benchmarks, an monetary incentive will be offered; the total sum allowed is $20,000 to be dispersed between all employees but Hernandez said that does not mean the total $20,000 will be used. Employees eligible are Assistant Superintendent Mary Peraro, Chief Financial Officer Tashie Rosen, Director of Human Resources Paula Gladdys, Chief Technology Officer Clint Kennedy and Director of Facilities Mark Deming.


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