MISSION: TO SERVE EVERY STUDENT WITH EXCELLENCE AS THE STANDARD

1. Opening Exercises

Minutes: 

Chairman Kershaw called the meeting of the Final Budget Hearing to order at 5:30 p.m.

Members Present: Larry Hughes, Robert Jordan, Janice Kershaw, Amy Kneessy, Dr. Barbara Murray

Ms. Kershaw led the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Superintendent's Presentation

Attachment: 2008-09 1st Public Hearing 7-31-08 c.pdf
Attachment: All Funds 9-4-08.pdf
Attachment: Cost Center 9-4-08.pdf
Minutes: 

Superintendent Richard A. DiPatri introduced Judy Preston, Associate Superintendent for Financial Services, who gave a slide presentation to review the adopted tentative budget and proposed millage rates that were presented to the Board at the first public hearing.

Mr. Jordan asked Ms. Preston to reemphasize to the public about the required local effort and that the district would lose state funding if the Board did not raise the millage levy. Ms. Preston stated she spoke to the Deputy Commissioner about this topic and was provided a copy of legal opinion. She stated if the Board chose not to levy the exact amount of the set millage, the Board also forfeits to levy any of the other millages, plus the Board would forfeit the Federal flow through state money, and any other state dollars. The amount would be about 800 million dollars that the Board would be sacrificing.

 Ms. Kneessy requested clarification from Ms. Preston in regard to the All Funds budget book pages 14 and 15.

3. Public Hearing: 2008-2009 Proposed Millage Levy

Minutes: 

Ms. Kershaw declared the public hearing open to the public.

A. 2008-09 Proposed Millage Levy

The following individuals addressed the Board in regard to the proposed millage levy:

1. Donald Gilleland, Suntree
2. Roger Jubert, Merritt Island
3. Carroll Eddie, Indian Harbour Beach

 Dr. DiPatri suggested the Board try to answer the questions of the public since the Board will be voting on the items. Chairman Kershaw agreed and Dr. DiPatri answered the questions of the speakers.

4. Public Hearing: 2008-2009 Adopted Tentative Budget

Minutes: 

B. 2008-09 adopted Tentative Budget

No individuals requested to address the Board on the 2008-09 adopted tentative budget.

Ms. Kershaw declared the public hearing closed.

5. Publicly State the Name of the Taxing Authority and Millage Rates

Minutes: 

The Chairman recognized Superintendent DiPatri who proceeded to read into the record the following information as required by Florida Statute 200.065:

Taxing Authority:			The School Board of Brevard County, Florida
2008-09 Roll-back Rates:			Required Local Effort				4.9137
			Local Discretionary				0.7097
			Capital Outlay				2.0334
			Total Roll-back Rate				7.6568
Percent More Than the Roll-back Rate:							0.06%
Proposed 2008-09 Millage Rates:			Required Local Effort				5.227
			Local Discretionary				0.498
			Supplementary Discretionary				0.186
			Capital Outlay				1.750
			Total				7.661

6. Adopt the Resolution Setting the 2008-09 Millage Rate

Attachment: 08-09 ESE524 for DOE.pdf
Minutes: 

Motions:
Adopt the attached resolution setting the total 2008-09 millage rate of 7.661 mills. The written resolution is incorporated into this motion by refererence.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Robert Jordan
Second: Barbara Murray
Larry Hughes	- Nay
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Nay
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

Motion Minutes: 

Mr. Hughes began a lengthy discussion which ensued amongst the Board in regard to raising the 2008-09 millage rate to 7.661 mills and why he is voting against the recommendation.

Mr. Jordan questioned Ms. Preston on what would it do to the budget if the Board held the line on the millage levy.

Mr. Hughes stated his specific recommendations would be to reduce the capital outlay from 1.75 mills to 1.62 mills which would leave the district at the break even on the total millage.

Ms. Kershaw agreed with Mr. Hughes and stated it was a symbolic move when the public is screaming for tax relief.

Ms. Kneessy stated her opinion on why she supported the Superintendent's recommendation.

Dr. Murray reminded the Board to expect the state to decrease the capital again and exercise caution.

Mr. Hughes called for the question. The motion carried three to two with Hughes and Kershaw dissenting.

7. Adopt the 2008-09 Budget

Motions:
Adopt the 2008-09 Budget in the following amounts: Operating $573,390,678 Special Revenue $71,082,931 Debt Service $45,349,691 Capital Outlay $366,531,412 Subtotal $1,056,354,712 Less Transfers $38,689,559 Total $1,017,665,153 Internal Service Fund $86,397,627 Enterprise Fund $9,134,070	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Robert Jordan
Second: Amy Kneessy
Larry Hughes	- Nay
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Nay
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

Motion Minutes: 

Ms. Kneessy stated that she wanted to hear what Dr. DiPatri had to say on the last item but was unable to since Mr. Hughes had called the question.

Dr. DiPatri stated in all fairness to the public, we have cut 51 million dollars and to cut more of the millage will only make the challenge that much more difficult. He went on to give examples to the Board and stated that the State will be cutting more from the budget next year.

Discussion ensued between Dr. DiPatri and Mr. Hughes on their opposite views of this issues.

Ms. Kershaw stated that the debate was not relevant to the particular motion and for the Board to register their votes.

The vote carried three to two with Hughes and Kershaw dissenting. Ms. Kershaw let it be known she voted against it to be consistent with the previous motion.

8. Adjust the Adopted Millage Levy

Motions:
Authorize the Superintendent to adjust the adopted millage levy and budget due to changes in the certified tax roll.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Amy Kneessy
Second: Barbara Murray
Larry Hughes	- Nay
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

9. Forward the Adopted Millage Levy Resolution

Motions:
Authorize the Superintendent to forward the adopted millage levy resolution to the Brevard County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector no later than thirty days following the adjournment of the Value Adjustment Board.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Barbara Murray
Second: Amy Kneessy
Larry Hughes	- Nay
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

10. Forward Budget Documentation

Motions:
Authorize the Superintendent to forward the following to the designated State Agencies: 1. The adopted budget, millage levy resolution, certified tax roll, roll-back rate, proposed millage, and certified copies of advertisements for proposed budget and millage rate to the State Department of Education. 2. The millage levy resolution, certified tax roll, roll-back rate, proposed millage, and certified copies of the advertisement for the budget and millage rate to the Department of Revenue.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Robert Jordan
Second: Amy Kneessy
Larry Hughes	- Nay
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

11. Adjournment

Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri read a letter from Commissioner of Education, Eric Smith, in regard to the instructional school days missed due to Tropical Storm Fay. Dr. DiPatri stated Ms. Kneessy requested that he read this letter. He continued to let the Board know his interpretation of the letter and was followed up by a conference call with the Commissioner.

Dr. DiPatri reminded the Board that when they adopted the School Year calendar on May 13, 2008. The Board added make-up days to the calendar so parents would know what days would be made up. He read the paragraph that is stated on the bottom of the adopted calendar in regard to the make-up days.

There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m.

INSTITUTION: ARTICLE IX – SECTION 1. Public education. - The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. It is, therefore, a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of all children residing within its borders. Adequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a high quality education and for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of institutions of higher learning and other public education programs that the needs of the people may require.

ADDRESSING THE BOARD: Individuals or groups may address comments to the School Board at any regular meeting by following established procedures. The maximum allotted time for a presentation is three (3) minutes. A speaker’s time may not be allocated to others. Individuals must complete a form located on a table near the east wall of the boardroom. Thirty minutes will be set aside at the beginning of the meeting for public discussion on non-agenda items. Up to thirty minutes of public discussion will be allowed for each agenda action item.

NOTE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with regard to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purposes, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made and that the record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

NOTE: Sensory and mobility impaired persons seeking assistance for participation in any meeting, conference, or seminar should contact Patti Buchanan, Employment Supervisor, Employee Services, five days prior to the meeting date. Ms. Buchanan may be reached at 631-1911, ext. 220 (voice) or 632-7603 (TDD).

NOTE: This publication can be made available to persons with disabilities in a variety of formats, including large print, cassette tape, and Braille. Telephone or written requests should include your name, address, and telephone number. Requests should be made to School Board Office, 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940-6699, (321) 633-1000, ext. 412 at least two (2) weeks prior to the time you need the publication.

NOTE: We respectfully request that ALL ELECTRONIC ITEMS AND CELL PHONES REMAIN OFF while the School Board is in session.

NOTE: Brevard Public Schools Television (BPS-TV) will broadcast this meeting live on Bright House Networks cable channel 198. BPS-TV will replay the meeting on Saturday at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday at 8:00 p.m., and the following Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m. (and all Tuesday’s before the next scheduled meeting). Board meetings are also available as streaming video on the district web page at www.brevardschools.org. The City of Titusville also broadcast the meetings on Thursday’s at 8:00 a.m. and Saturday’s at 7:00 p.m. on Bright House cable channel 1 or 99.