CCS BOARD CORNER:Negotiations Update and FY12 Budget Info
by Lynne Jaunich, CCS Board Chair,
February 18, 2011.....

The board team and representatives of the CSEA reached a tentative 3 year agreement on February 17. Details of the agreement will remain confidential until the contract is ratified by both the CSEA (Chittenden South Education Association) and member boards, which is expected in early March. However, the boards have previously made public that they included 2% for salaries and benefits in the FY12 budget, to be voted on Town Meeting Day. The FY12 budget will not increase as a result of this settlement.

The proposed FY12 CCS budget reflects a 3.74% decrease from the current year budget. After months of collecting input from the community and administration, the board made reductions throughout the budget that should result in a flat CSD (Charlotte School District)tax rate. Over $250,000 worth of reductions were made, mainly through the elimination of positions in enrichment, technology, bookkeeping, as well as reductions in supplies, technology and a noon time bus run. The proposed budget exceeds the Challenges for Change target recommended by the state.

We appreciate everyone’s involvement in the budget process this year, as well as your support throughout negotiations. We encourage voters to access the budget information provided on the school’s website, www.ccsvt.us. If you have questions about the budget, please contact us at schoolboard@ccsvt.us.

Finally, please remember the CCS budget hearing, Monday, February 28, at 7 p.m. in the school MPR (multipurpose room), the annual meeting on Tuesday, March 1, at 1 p.m. in the school MPR, and voting March 1st!