2012-02-08-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 8, 2012 Dr. Ash also recommended that music fees be eliminated. He noted that when the fee was reduced from $300 to $150 there was a 20% increase in participation in instrumental music by fourth graders. Instrumental music is the only thing that Lexington parents are charged for during the day. The cost of eliminating the instrumental music fees is estimated at $63,260. State law requires that all towns provide transportation without fee for students more than two miles from the school. Citizens Article 17 seeks to lower the fees charged for service to those students who live within two miles. Dr. Ash has recommended that for two years (fiscal 2013 and 2014) the bus fee for Estabrook be reduced by 50 %. The cost is estimated to be $150,000. There were numerous questions propounded to Mary Ellen Dunn about bus transportation. Right now we pay the highest rate in the State, $409.00 per bus per day. Ms. Dunn explained there are several reasons why the cost of bus transportation has increased. Eight years ago a new bus could be purchased for $50,000; now it costs $80,000 to $90,000 because of new regulations dealing with emissions and safety. Previously, buses got eight to twelve miles per gallon, now five to six miles per gallon is typical. There was extensive discussion about bus fees and whether these should be counted in the school budget or as shared expenses. Dr. Ash suggested that the cost of transportation is a shared expense. On behalf of the Capital Expenditures Committee, David Kanter said that he agreed with all of Dr. Ash's proposals except for the $150,000 Estabrook bus fee reduction, which he believes needs further discussion. 2. Minutes. Minutes for the meeting of October 19, 2011 were approved with minor edits to be provided by Alan Levine to John Bartenstein. Minutes for the December 19, 2011 meeting were approved. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. A list of documents and other exhibits used at the meeting is attached. Respectfully submitted, Richard Neumeier Approved February 23, 2012 -2-