hbcoopbudcom : Messages : 582-611 of 1492

Hi Forrest,

On Friday I was told by my attorney that the County Attorney told him that the Grand Jury, after hearing one side of the story, voted that there was no true bill against me and that they now regarded the misunderstanding as over. Accordingly, your graciously offered excused�absences for the duration of my uncertainties will no longer be needed as I intend to resume my usual dedication to the job that the people of Hollis have elected me to for the last three terms.��

I will again try to make all future meetings with at least the same effort as I have in the past and I look forward to being a part of a great and unique example of citizens dedicating themselves to difficult community service at the risk of the ire of a portion of that community.

Ray Valle

I thought some of you might be interested in this poem I wrote while watching the morning proceedings from the gallery.

Justice v. Truth

�

I watch as Justice, itself unfolds.

And wonders in each case reveals

Shades of Grey that younger eyes see not.

As law, and rights, and justice vie

With Truth to see the light of day.

The knowing and the hardened to the system be

Aware of processes that lurk beneath

That most may never even think to see.

Of offers made and taken and of others not so,

Either made not through fault of want

or rejected still by force of moral will.

To win or loose, but to stand tall

And not accept the easy way

Of saying on did thus and so

On promise of release �right now�

And removal of Damaclean sword

From oft one�s head forevermore;

And yet forevermore must wear

Like letters scarlet on one�s heart

The acceptance of guilt for acts not done.

Moral courage must will out

To save one�s very soul

For threat to body cannot match

The loss of the essence of one�s soul.

�

R. Valle

7 Sept 2005

#583

From: delv@...
Date: Wed Nov 2, 2005 9:52 pm
Subject: Thank you from Ray Valle

balmoral3

My attorney informs me that the County�prosecutor told him that the October Grand Jury returned no true bill after hearing only one side of the incident and that no further action will occur.� I wish, first of all, to thank the many people who contacted me to express their support and their sense that the�allegations ran contrary to anything they knew about me.� I also wish to thank the Brookline Yahoo group for not publicly commenting on press reports of the misunderstanding made by only one person.��

I wish also to thank Kent Barker, my attorney, for his moral support once the decision to reject the different offers to plea�bargain the case were rejected, as I could not honestly admit to actions I did not do, despite the promise of minimal sanctions and a clean record.� Kent's comment that in his many years of experience as a defense attorney and formerly as a prosecutor, he has rarely seen a first description of the incident conform to all but a small part of all the witnesses statements (with reasons behind actions unknowable by the witnesses) from discovery and not have the accused changing their story as more facts came in.� Further his respect for what he called the "refreshing moral courage" to stand and risk a year in prison rather than admit to something (or something lesser) that I didn't do was an important part of the support system I developed.� As my daughter and my lady friend both said independently, accepting a plea would have resulted in a guarantee of physical freedom and a clean record, but psychologically I would be unable to live with the dishonor and the lie, as they successfully urged me to reject the offers.

I have reflected long and hard on the process and how those with less knowledge of it than I might have reacted.� One thing is clear, there is a huge difference between the presumption of innocence and reserving judgement until both sides are heard.� Recent events in Washington make this a matter of public policy.� Half a century ago members of the White House staff who were�indicted�continued to serve until actually found guilty.� They were presumed innocent as a fundamental principal of law and justice.� Today an indictment by a Grand Jury is�tantamount to a presumption of guilt -- or at least a suspension of judgement pending more exculpatory information.� But it has gone further than that.� Today an arrest, even when the allegations later fail to pass the minimal Grand Jury test, is grounds for an assumption that a crime was in fact committed and/or the person arrested is presumed to be the likely culprit.

Yet, as recently as last year, I told a friend who was up for jury duty to be honest and tell the truth when they asked her about her thoughts.� She felt, as do most of us, that by the time the Police effect an arrest, the�prosecutors have reviewed the case, the Grand Jury has�indicted and a decision was made not to plead out the case and go to trial after reviewing all the evidence and procedural issues, the presumption has shifted and the accused is at minimum expected to demonstrate some exculpable argument.

We have come a long way down the slippery slope of failing to protect individual rights, our fundamental rights upon which our system of justice is based.� Today it can be suggested by a public official that someone place themselves on a leave of absence from their appointed positions or threaten to be "formally" asked to do so based only on press reports of an arrest, not even a Grand Jury indictment.� In the future, people deserve better, and I regret that, in the interest of downplaying the misunderstanding in the press, I lacked the moral courage to stand up for the fundamental principles of our judicial system on that issue.� I had other issues of greater personal import, or so I thought, at the time.� The most recent events in Washington have brought into focus the necessity of changing this new and somewhat frightening Orwellian mindset into which I must confess that I had slipped.

On a personal note again, one day while watching the procedures going on around me, I wrote this:

Justice v. Truth

�

I watch as Justice, itself unfolds.

And wonders in each case reveals

Shades of Grey that younger eyes see not.

As law, and rights, and justice vie

With Truth to see the light of day.

The knowing and the hardened to the system be

Aware of processes that lurk beneath

That most may never even think to see.

Of offers made and taken and of others not so,

Either made not through fault of want

or rejected still by force of moral will.

To win or loose, but to stand tall

And not accept the easy way

Of saying one did thus and so

On promise of release �right now�

And removal of Damaclean sword

From oft one�s head forevermore;

And yet forevermore must wear

Like letters scarlet on one�s heart

The acceptance of guilt for acts not done.

Moral courage must will out

To save one�s very soul

For threat to body cannot match

The loss of the essence of one�s soul.

�

R. Valle

7 Sept 2005

#584

From: delv@...
Date: Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:14 pm
Subject: Re: [brookline-nh] Re: HB Co-op Teacher's Contract

balmoral3

Ah, thanks for the clarification.  So for 55% of the staff it is a
4.75% increase while the CPI went up 3.5%, is that right?  I didn't
catch that last night at your public hearing.

Ray
On 26 Jan , 2006, at 3:38 PM, Jim Murphy wrote:

>> What exactly is a "salary adjustment", and how is it different
>>
> from a raise in pay?
>
> Ah, I see your point.  Let me take a crack at this...
>
> Staff pay is based on a table.  Each colum represents your education
> level (Bachelors degree, Master's degree, Master's + 15 additional
> college credit hours, etc).  Each row is representative of your
> experience in years.
>
> So, for example, I would be in the Master's Degree column
> (or "lane"), on say the 10th row in my tenth year.   Next year, I
> would move up automatically to the 11th row, seeing a raise of about
> 2% based on my added experience.  This is called a "step" or "step
> raise."  I would then be a "Master, Step 11" in the terminology.
>
> Staff members get a step raise until they reach the top salary in
> each column.
>
> The 2.75% salary adjustment (and yes, it didn't say "up" did it?!)
> moves all the salaries in the table up by 2.75%.
>
> So, for staff members that haven't max'd out their lanes, they will
> get a step (about 2%) plus the 2.75%.  For those that have max'd
> out, they'll just get the 2.75%.
>
> So, the adjustment is to the base salary schedule.  About 55% of our
> professional staff will actually get a step as well.  So, to call it
> a straight 2.75% raise would be a little misleading when most of the
> staff gets more than that.
>
> Does that help?
>
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

#585

From: "Michelle" <MICH_MOS@...>
Date: Tue Feb 14, 2006 11:54 am
Subject: coop docs.

afm42002

Hi there bud com guys,

I will address this to Forrest because I did speak with him about it
at the last meeting, however anyone who has what I am looking for can
send it to me at mich_mos@...

I am patiently awaiting the slides from the meeting as well as the
itemized list that was passed around at the meeting.  (Not the hand
outs I have them.)  I know that Greg and Atty. Dresher had it I was
able to see it through them.

Thanks,
Michelle

#586

From: delv@...
Date: Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:19 am
Subject: Fwd: NEWS UPDATE!

balmoral3

Begin forwarded message:

Reply-To: <news@...>

New Hampshire Center for School Reform
www.nhschoolreform.org

Home

School Listing

In the News

Legislation Watch

Radio Shows

Contact Us
�Telephone:� 603.224.0366�� Fax:� 603.224.8366
Concord, NH 03301 Email: info@...

Newsletter Update #34, March 26th, 2006

IN THIS EDITION:
DROPPING OUT
SCIENCE AND DESIGN CHARTER SCHOOL --APPROVED
SURRY VILLAGE CHARTER SCHOOL --APPROVED
STRONG FOUNDATIONS CHARTER SCHOOL --APPROVED
ASHUELOT VALLEY ACADEMY--FIRST VOTE DENIED
CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING IN NH
RADIO SHOW HOST--SPELLING BEE

DROPPING OUT
Every 9 seconds, another American student drops out of high school. In addition to reduced lifetime opportunities, drop-outs cost 260 billion�in lost wages, lost taxes, and lost opportunities. Staying in school is only purposeful, however, if it results in gaining a competitive education. Nationwide, charter schools are recognized as part of the drop-out solution. Read on: Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Youth� from the American Youth Policy Forum.
Senate Bill 268 proposes raising compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18. Currently, SB 268 does not mention charter schools as a viable option, although 5 of the state's 8 charter schools provide successful new models that engage and attract students. All these new charter schools have individual student plans and are mentoring each student to assure academic success.
SB 268 wording should be clear that charter public schools are in the fabric and financing of new initiatives. The bill has protections for exceptions, and so the heightened expectations for school completion in SB 268 should be supported.

�
SCIENCE CHARTER SCHOOL --APPROVED
New Hampshire�s first specialty middle/high school for science, math, and engineering was approved March 14th.
The Academy for Science & Design Charter School plans to open 9/2007 with 60-75 students and grow to 450 students grades 7-12. Daniel Webster College is the key sponsor. Nashua�s Community Technical College (3 miles from Daniel Webster College) has offered co-sponsorship and space on its campus. The school's location is currently undetermined but will be on or near the I-93 corridor from Concord and Nashua.
The Academy for Science and Design program will begin physics and algebra in grade 7, will require research for graduation, and will allow students to declare majors in grades 11 and 12, choosing from 7 specialties offered by New Hampshire colleges. Philanthropy will support a 2-year fundraising effort for a school building and endowment. For an Executive Summary, click here. Read news releases. Visit the website and read charter excerpts. Sign up to receive news and become involved. There are many ways to participate--come join the synergy.
�

�
SURRY VILLAGE CHARTER SCHOOL --APPROVED
Surry�s saga is captured on our weblog. A tiny New England town of 700 with no store�not even a post office�abruptly learns its treasured center-of-the-village, 3-room school has been closed. The regional school board, without the promised year�s notice, sent the town�s few children in 2 different directions to other rural schools. And what did Surry residents do? They all came together by knocking on doors and decided to take back control of the town children�s education.
While one group studied how to withdraw from the regional school district; another group studied charter school law. They met weekly for months discussing education values. The result? A true, old-fashioned New England village school, complete with maple sugaring training. Do read: HURRY TO SURRY. Surry could become a center for rural village education. Surry's village charter school now welcomes supporters and philanthropy. Our website has contact info.
�

�
STRONG FOUNDATIONS CHARTER SCHOOL --APPROVED
What is one of the greatest struggles of schools today�assuring students learn to read. Why? Because the cost to students and taxpayers is huge when students do not leave elementary school proficient readers. Two reading specialists decided: Why not create a school where everyone uses the research-based programs that teach struggling readers to read? There would be less special education needed. Et voila�Strong Foundations Learning Academy.
�

�
ASHUELOT VALLEY ACADEMY --FIRST VOTE DENIED
Few people try local authorization for NH charter schools. It�s too complicated, too time-consuming, too confusing, and very easily sabotaged at the last minute. In 1995, however, these complex procedures seemed necessary to win votes for New Hampshire�s charter school law. That was a decade ago when �charter schools� were unknown and unwanted. But now even districts that want charter schools are not using these 1995 local authorization provisions�districts are seeking state authorization instead. Local authorization provisions need revising so they are used for district-specific charter schools.
The vote lost by Ashuelot Valley Academy was not a vote to authorize a charter school. It was the first vote in local procedures to enable the district to access the enabling law that allows for the school board's non-binding review of charter school proposals. What? Wouldn't it just make sense to let school boards review proposals and THEN have local authorization votes? Read more. Congratulations to the Ashuelot Valley Academy founders for obtaining 45% voter support. We are all reminded why local authorization procedures are not used. Time for a revision.
�

�
CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING IN NH
The state�s first-year schools had fantastic learning results�all met their achievement goals. All gave the state new lower-cost models for mission-driven schools that met student needs. Our chartered high schools are helping students find meaning and purpose for rigorous academics and graduation.
But the funding policy for state-authorized charter schools changed 2 or 3 times since the pilot project passed in 2003--to the detriment of students and the new model schools. State-authorization funding was at first a weighted amount of state aid, plus grants from a line item appropriation for "charter school grants." The state's original law was based on 80% of average student funding (1995).
Then, the weighted amount of state aid morphed into a fixed amount of $3500 (1/3 funding of the lowest per pupil costs in the state!). Then the "charter school grant" funds were eliminated. Then, the schools were told to go borrow their own money. Then, the districts were told to borrow or send the money. Then, an Attorney General's ruling clarified that the Department of Education could send charter schools their funding.

We'd like to advance 6 principles to guide New Hampshire charter school funding policy:

1. energy focused on education--students and achievement, not fundraising,
2. reasonable financial efficiency--'lower cost' is part of the NH charter school model, but at
� least 60%,
3. legislative intent--the pilot program was for "state" charter schools,
4. augmentative and flexible provisions--keep "charter school grants" for establishment of
� charter schools, with eligibility and distribution guidelines; keep options and incentives for collaboration,
5. simplicity of concept and implementation,
6. respect and responsibility--charter school students should not be disrespected by adults
� refusing them the funding the legislature allows. Sanctions and oversight responsibility must protect student rights.
Most states work out an equitable solution for chartered public school funding. It's New Hampshire's turn.
�

�
RADIO SHOW HOST--SPELLING BEE
WKXL1450, Concord, wants to air a weekly Spelling Bee featuring grammar school students. If you�re enthusiastic about words and spelling and would enjoy working with elementary students, contact WKXL. This is a volunteer position requiring about two hours per week, summers excluded. No prior radio experience needed.
WKXL broadcasts SCHOOL TALK, the weekly program on education produced and hosted by Dr. Susan Hollins, Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. We've posted new shows: After School Grants; After School Programs by the YMCA at Your School; School Choice Laws, and much, much more. Learn about School Insurance, People, Grants, Laws, Schools�check it out.

For more information about chartered public schools, click here. To view the complete listing of new schools in New Hampshire, click here. Visit our web site. Check our new sections on jobs and grants. Read up on the basics of charter schools in New Hampshire. We welcome questions and suggestions. So contact us. Know someone who might like our newsletter? Let us know

�Telephone:� 603.224.0366��Fax:� 603.224.8366
Postal Address: �89 South Street, Concord, NH 03301 Email:� info@...

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What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

#587

From: "Michelle" <MICH_MOS@...>
Date: Wed May 17, 2006 11:20 am
Subject: Did the coop Bud comm get someone?

afm42002

For the open position from Tim Hale's seat?
If not, I understand that a previous Brookline School Board member
Clay Mathieson has moved back into Brookline, maybe he would be
willing to take that seat?

Just brainstorming,
Michelle

#588

From: delv@...
Date: Wed Nov 8, 2006 9:04 pm
Subject: Fwd: 11/15 School Safety Web Cast

balmoral3

Begin forwarded message:

----- Original Message -----

Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 12:43 PM
Subject: 11/15 School Safety Web Cast

SCHOOL SAFETY WEB CAST
In the wake of recent school shootings and President Bush's Conference on School Safety, the U.S. Department of Education will present a one-hour web cast to provide parents, educators, school administrators, and local safety personnel with an opportunity to review key considerations related to school emergency management planning.
The Department's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools will share successful strategies so that all who share the responsibility of protecting our children can learn more about what schools can do to help mitigate, prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from a crisis.�
WHAT�
School Safety Web Cast
WHEN�� 
Wednesday, November 15, 2006; 1 - 2 p.m. EST
TO REGISTER�
To register for the web cast, please send an email to mailto:SchoolSafety@....� In the subject line, please enter November 15 web cast registration.� In the body of the message, please enter your name, organization and a telephone number.�
The web portal�for both the live and archived web cast is http://www.ConnectLive.com/events/edschoolsafety.� Software to enable you to participate in the web cast is available free at that site.�
TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS�
Participants with questions can send them by email prior to the event and via instant message during the web cast at mailto:edschoolsafety@....� The Department will address as many questions as possible during the hour.
JOIN US!�
Learn how to take positive steps to prevent and prepare for school violence and respond and recover effectively if an incident does occur.� The web cast will offer many opportunities for viewers to ask questions via email and get answers from the presenters.� For more information on the web cast and the many other resources available from the U.S. Department of Education on the topic of emergency management for schools, visit http://www.ed.gov/emergencyplan/.

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

#589

From: delv@...
Date: Wed Jan 24, 2007 12:28 am
Subject: Re: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop

balmoral3

Greg,

That is why in the past we used a yahoo group, so the public could follow.� Technically as secretary you are supposed to make our collective e-mail a part of the record as I understand it.� But there is difference between discussion what is the right number and what should we do with that number.� What is the right number is not BudCom policy but what to do with it is.� But the obscurity of the law really does require the legislature to clarify.� For sure, if we went back to using the budcom yahoo site, we would be clearly within the law.-- at least that is the position the Board of Selectmen of Hollis took after appointing a committee to study the issue a few years ago.� But ask three lawyers and you will get six opinions on this unsettled area.��

I, again suggest that we all use the yahoo group a previous BudCom set up for that purpose that allows the public the right to read, but not post, to the group.� hbcoopbudcom was the name of the group and it's address is on the to line of this e-mail.

Ray

On 23 Jan , 2007, at 4:51 PM, gdarbo6844@... wrote:

Which brings me to a question I have had for several weeks now as I watch many discussions of the Budget Committee amongst the members: if we express oppinions and discuss Budget Committee business when we are face to face and that is not allowed unless it is a posted meeting (sort of like "where three or more are gathered in the Budget's name") then how is e-mail different? I have not answered or responded to anyone's comments on the many e-mails where opinions flew back and forth electrioniucalkly for that reason.
�
In my personal opinion (and it may not be a legal opinion or hold much water in court) if we discuss issues and express opinions via e-mail beteween all the members and there is an exchange of opinions, we are wrong. If we are asking for a clarification of something sent for our review, that seems fine. I would rather we express our opinions publicly rather than via e-mail as a group. What is expressed between two members seems OK but we have really had a quasi meeting discussion via these e-mails. �
�
Again, I may be wroing but this is the way I feel. I think the Public has a right to know what we discuss.
�
Greg d'
�
�
-----Original Message-----
From: delv@...
To: kent.caldwell@...
Cc: ForrestMilkowski@...; jim_murphy@...; CapassoM@...; richard_billman@...; William.Drescher@...; danjpeterson@...; rangerfund@...; Gdarbo6844@...; Lorin.rydstrom@...; cfreed@...
Sent: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 1:30 PM
Subject: Re: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop

LOL -- hate to be in the meeting and then find out that we have to guess at these as it cannot be deduced from the spreadsheet.�
�
But maybe we can have a quicker meeting!!!�
�
Ray�
On 23 Jan , 2007, at 1:00 PM, Caldwell, Kent ((US SSA)) wrote:�
�
> If we do this all by email, does it mean we don't need the meeting???�
>�
> Kent Caldwell�
> BAE Systems Electronics & Integrated Solutions�
> Electronic Warfare - Infrared Countermeasures�
> Readiness and Sustainment�
>�
> work: (603) 885-1261�
> cell: (603) 689-3011�
> BB (603) 318-1351�
> fax : (603) 885-7235�
> email: kent.caldwell@...�
>�
> BAE SYSTEMS�
> "We Protect Those Who Protect Us"�
>�
>�
>�
> -----Original Message-----�
> From: delv@... [mailto:delv@...]�
> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 12:54 PM�
> To: ForrestMilkowski@...�
> Cc: jim_murphy@...; 'Mellinee Capasso'; > richard_billman@...; Bill Drescher; Caldwell, Kent (US > SSA); 'Dan Peterson'; 'Doug Davidson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Lorin > Rydstrom'; 'Morton Goulder'�
> Subject: Re: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop�
>�
> Thanks.�
>�
> 1 - So the heading on the spreadsheet re. FY 07 was wrong.�
>�
> 2 - But we still need the % increases for the 131K and the 364K.�
>�
> 3 - We knew the 233K was 3.3 -- but is the step and grade increase�
> calculation based on the new base number? In other words if the 3.3%�
> is rejected is the step increase just 131K or is it less. If it is�
> approved is the step increase just 131K or is it more? Both cases�
> cannot wind up with the same number. The spreadsheet gives no�
> indication and we need that for Thursday. I am assuming, but NEED to�
> KNOW if the 233K includes the appropriate additional step and grade�
> increases based on the raise in the base level.�
>�
> Thanks�
>�
> Ray�
> On 23 Jan , 2007, at 12:05 PM, Forrest Milkowski wrote:�
>�
>�
>> Ray,�
>>�
>> Ah... ALL good questions and thoughts. Here are my quick unofficial�
>> responses:�
>>�
>> $364,921.73 <- This was originally told to us would be in the�
>> warrant. This total amount is currently in the operational budget.�
>>�
>> $131,432.96 <- This is the amount that is for Step increases. This�
>> is BY CONTRACT due the teachers. This amount is not�
>> discretionary (So says Drescher). I would like to talk with him�
>> about this before I accept this explanation. However, This is the�
>> amount that will be deducted from the previous salary warrant�
>> increase number listed.�
>>�
>> $233,488.77 <- This is the amount of just the 3.3% teacher salary�
>> increases. This is what is being proposed as the new warrant�
>> number.�
>>�
>> Now to your question regarding the $233,488.77 warrant being added�
>> back into the budget if we do not support it. This is something I�
>> am certainly planning for this week's agenda. The simple answer to�
>> your question is "Yes". In the past we broke out warrants and�
>> reduced our budget number by the warrants. If a warrant was voted�
>> down by the voters at the district meeting we revised our budget�
>> UP by the amount of the defeated warrant. Ergo, if the voters agree�
>> to NOT give the teachers their increase, the School Board will�
>> get a windfall of $233,488.77 if we follow last year's protocol and�
>> revise our budget on the floor of the meeting to increase the�
>> budget by the defeated warrant amount.�
>>�
>> The question I still have is the Step Increases and if what Bill�
>> Drescher is now saying is actually fact or an interpretation.�
>>�
>> Looks like we have a lot to discuss on Thursday!�
>>�
>> Regards,�
>>�
>> Forrest�
>>�
>> -----Original Message-----�
>> From: delv@... [mailto:delv@...]�
>> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:47 AM�
>> To: <jim_murphy@...>�
>> Cc: Forrest Milkowski; Caldwell, Kent (US SSA); Dan Peterson; Doug�
>> Davidson; Greg d'Arbonne; Lorin Rydstrom; Morton Goulder�
>> Subject: Re: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop�
>>�
>> Jim, Forrest,�
>>�
>> Your headings are FY 07 and FY 08 -- Did you mean for them all to�
>> be FY 07-08? If not, I am a bit confused by the spreadsheet.�
>>�
>> If they all are for the new FY 07-08 the am I correct in saying�
>> that the 131,432.96 (listed as FY 07) increase is a mandatory part�
>> of the operational budget?�
>>�
>> Thus if the BudCom recommends against the Warrant and the Meeting�
>> agrees there would be $233,488.77 that we could put back into the�
>> operational budget to make the budget number the BudCom recommends,�
>> right?�
>>�
>> Better to resolve this now than use meeting time.�
>>�
>> But the total salary increase, if the warrant passes is $364,921.73�
>> -- so what percentage increase is that over last year and what % >> increase is just the $131,432.96? We will be asked for and asking�
>> for these numbers and we all ought be working from the same set of�
>> numbers. So it would be good to have authoritative numbers�
>> before Thursday's meeting.�
>>�
>> Thanks much,�
>>�
>> Ray�
>> On 23 Jan , 2007, at 10:39 AM, <jim_murphy@...>�
>> <jim_murphy@...> wrote:�
>>�
>>�
>>�
>>> I've explained to Forrest the reasons for the change (turns out >>> we've�
>>> been doing it incorrect all these years).�
>>>�
>>> In a nutshell, the step raises are actually contractually and >>> legally�
>>> binding, regardless of the Cost Item vote. The negotiated raise, >>> and�
>>> the increases in Health Care benefits are dependant on the voters'�
>>> decision. It's a function of certain language in the contract.�
>>>�
>>> This simply splits them out accordingly and properly.�
>>>�
>>> Thanks for passing that along Forrest.�
>>>�
>>> Jim�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>> From: Forrest Milkowski <ForrestMilkowski@...>�
>>>> Date: 2007/01/23 Tue AM 09:21:22 CST�
>>>> To: "Caldwell, Kent (US SSA)" <kent.caldwell@...>,�
>>>>�
>>>>�
>>>>�
>>> Dan Peterson <danjpeterson@...>,�
>>> Doug Davidson <rangerfund@...>, Greg d'Arbonne�
>>> <Gdarbo6844@...>, 'Jim Murphy' <jim_murphy@...>, Lorin�
>>> Rydstrom <Lorin.rydstrom@...>, Morton Goulder�
>>> <cfreed@...>, Ray Valle <delv@...>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>> Subject: FW: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop�
>>>>�
>>>>�
>>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>> FYI all... Here is the update to the teacher warrant. We will be�
>>>> discussing this in Thursday's meeting. Regards, Forrest�
>>>> From: capasso, mellinee [mailto:capassom@...]�
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:34 AM�
>>>> To: Jim Murphy; lorin.rydstrom@...;�
>>>> Forrestmilkowski@...�
>>>> Cc: pike, richard�
>>>> Subject:RE: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop�
>>>>�
>>>>�
>>>> Hello all,�
>>>>�
>>>> The attached file is a summary of the breakdown of the teachers'�
>>>> increase. Jim has asked that questions regarding this treatment be�
>>>> deferred to him.�
>>>>�
>>>> Regards,�
>>>> Mell�
>>>>�
>>>> -----Original Message-----�
>>>> From: Jim Murphy [mailto:jim_murphy@...]�
>>>> Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 6:37 PM�
>>>> To: capasso, mellinee�
>>>> Subject: RE: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop�
>>>>�
>>>> I'm familiar with the tables in the CBA - I actually created�
>>>> them ;-)�
>>>>�
>>>> However, the issue is (according to a conversation with Bill�
>>>> Drescher�
>>>> today), due to the way the teacher contract is worded, the teachers�
>>>> will receive steps even if the voters turn down the Cost Items�
>>>> Warrant Article.�
>>>>�
>>>> If that's true, we have to understand just how much it will affect�
>>>> the budget to have just the steps, with no negotiated raise.�
>>>> (Moving everyone up based on the FY2007 table).�
>>>>�
>>>> Moreover, and I'm going to check with Bill tomorrow, if this is�
>>>> indeed true, then the steps would not be a cost item in the warrant�
>>>> article, but would be a part of the base budget going�
>>>> forward, since they are not subject to voter approval. If we�
>>>> present the Cost Item warrant article as being both steps and�
>>>> raises,�
>>>> and the voters turn it down, the voters have specifically declined�
>>>> funds for that "purpose" --- RSA 32:10 1(e) "or does not >>>> approve an�
>>>> appropriation contained in a separate article, that purpose or�
>>>> article shall be deemed one for which no appropriation is made, and�
>>>> no amount shall be transferred to or expended for such purpose."�
>>>>�
>>>> So, we need to make sure we don't put ourselves in a really bad�
>>>> place�
>>>> by having a contractual requirement to pay step raises, but have no�
>>>> legal authority (and have raised no money) to do same.�
>>>>�
>>>> If you could forward to me what you sent to Forrest anyhow, but my�
>>>> question is actually more detailed. It also will affect how we�
>>>> create the warrant article and the budget.�
>>>>�
>>>> This is a finer point of the contract that both the Co-op and, I�
>>>> understand, the Hollis District are actually having to consider >>>> this�
>>>> year as a possibility.�
>>>>�
>>>> Hence why I'm asking for this level of detail.�
>>>>�
>>>> Jim�
>>>>�
>>>>�
>>>> From: capasso, mellinee [mailto:capassom@...]�
>>>> Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 5:53 PM�
>>>> To: Jim Murphy�
>>>> Subject: FW: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop�
>>>>�
>>>> Hi Jim,�
>>>>�
>>>> I just read your email. I had provided this information to Lorin�
>>>> and�
>>>> Forrest last week regarding the salary warrant article. The step�
>>>> and�
>>>> increase are calculated simultaneously. The table is set up in a�
>>>> way�
>>>> that the salary includes both the increase and incremental step for�
>>>> experience. I use the table in the teachers'�
>>>> CBA and calculate the increase based on moving the staff up one >>>> step�
>>>> on the appropriate salary table (in this case-the FY 2008 table).�
>>>>�
>>>> If you have questions, please feel free to email or call me.�
>>>>�
>>>> Thanks,�
>>>> Mell�
>>>>�
>>>> -----Original Message-----�
>>>> From:Rydstrom_Lorin [mailto:Lorin.Rydstrom@...]�
>>>> Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 7:44 AM�
>>>> To: capasso, mellinee�
>>>> Subject: RE: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop�
>>>>�
>>>> Thank you for the information. lsr�
>>>> -----Original Message-----�
>>>> From: capasso, mellinee [mailto:capassom@...]�
>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2007 10:04 AM�
>>>> To: Forrestmilkowski@...; Rydstrom_Lorin�
>>>> Cc: pike, richard�
>>>> Subject: Salary Increase Warrant Article-HBCoop�
>>>> Good morning Lorin and Forrest,�
>>>>�
>>>> The professional staff warrant article is $364921 which is�
>>>> comprised of:�
>>>>�
>>>> Base Salaries of $6085590, upon which step and salary increases�
>>>> total $298972 for a 4.91% increase overall-�
>>>>�
>>>> Step/Salary increase $298972�
>>>> FICA @�
>>>> $22871�
>>>> Retirement $17340�
>>>> Benefits >>>> $25738�
>>>>�
>>>> Total Salary/Benefits Warrant Article $364921�
>>>>�
>>>> I will be out of the office from 1pm to 2:30pm (Hollis�
>>>> Budget Meeting with admin.)-otherwise please call/email me if you�
>>>> have questions.�
>>>>�
>>>> Thank you,�
>>>>�
>>>> Mell�
>>>>�
>>>> Mellinee Capasso�
>>>> Business Administrator�
>>>> SAU #41�
>>>> Brookline, Hollis, and Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School�
>>>> Districts�
>>>> PO Box 1588, 4 Lund Lane�
>>>> Hollis, NH 03049�
>>>>�
>>>> 603 465-7118�
>>>> 603 465-3933 fax�
>>>>�
>>>>�
>>>>�
>>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>>�
>>�
>> What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?�
>>�
>>�
>>�
>>�
>�
> What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?�
>�
>�
�
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?�
�
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

#590

From: delv@...
Date: Fri Jun 8, 2007 1:27 pm
Subject: Todays NY Times online article on State variations

balmoral3

Hi,

Does anyone know how NH did on this?� If not, can we find out?� It would be good to know in our efforts to measure results more objectively.

Ray

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

June 8, 2007

States Found to Vary Widely on Education

By TAMAR LEWIN

Academic standards vary so drastically from state to state that a fourth grader judged proficient in reading in Mississippi or Tennessee would fall far short of that mark in Massachusetts and South Carolina, the United States Department of Education said yesterday in a report that, for the first time, measured the extent of the differences.

The wide variation raises questions about whether the federal No Child Left Behind law, President Bush�s signature education initiative, which is up for renewal this year, has allowed a patchwork of educational inequities around the country, with no common yardstick to determine whether schoolchildren are learning enough.

The law requires that all students be brought to proficiency by 2014 in reading and math and creates sanctions for failure. But in a bow to states� rights it lets each state set its own standards and choose its own tests.

The report provides ammunition for critics who say that one national standard is needed. �Parents and communities in too many states are being told not to worry, all is well, when their students are far behind,� said Michael J. Petrilli, a vice president of the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation who served in the Education Department during Mr. Bush�s first term.

Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said in a statement, �This report offers sobering news that serious work remains to ensure that our schools are teaching students to the highest possible standards.� Still, in a conference call with reporters, she said it was up to the states, not the federal government, to raise standards.

The report for the first time creates a common yardstick to measure the results on state tests against the National Assessment of Educational Progress, considered the gold standard of testing.

The report examines the minimum score a student would have to get on each state�s reading and math tests to be deemed proficient � or at grade level � and then determines what the equivalent score for that level of competency would be on the national test. Results on the national test are not used to judge schools under No Child Left Behind.

The national test divides students� scores into three achievement levels, basic, proficient and advanced. Grover J. Whitehurst, director of the Institute of Education Sciences at the Education Department, said the achievement level that many states called proficient was closer to what the national test rated as just basic. And the report shows that not a single state sets its reading proficiency levels as high as the national test.

Although results were not available for all states, the Education Department report based on tests given in the 2004-5 school year illustrated starkly the variations in standards.

For example, an eighth grader in Missouri would need the equivalent of a 311 on the national math test to be judged proficient. That is actually more rigorous than the national test. In Tennessee, however, a student can meet the state�s proficiency standard with a 230, a score well below even the basic level on the national exam.

And while a Massachusetts fourth grader would need the equivalent of a 234, or just below the proficiency mark on the national test, to be judged as proficient by the state, a Mississippi fourth grader can meet the state�s standard with a state score that corresponds to a 161 on the national test.

Such score differences represent a gap of several grade levels. New York ranked 9th in grade 4 reading, in terms of the rigor of its standards. Its proficiency standards corresponded to 207 on the national test. It ranked third in grade 8 reading. But it was toward the bottom, 29th among 33 states in grade 4 math. And it was 13th in grade 8 math.

New York has since approved new math standards. �The results in reading are positive for New York relative to other states, but math is mixed,� State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said. �The comparison reminds us of the need over time to keep raising standards and providing extra help to students.�

The report found that eighth graders in North Carolina had to show the least skill to be considered proficient readers while those in Wyoming had to show the most skill. Tennessee set the lowest bar on grade 4 math while Massachusetts set the highest one.

The differences between state proficiency standards were sometimes more than double the national gap between minority and white students� reading levels, which averages about 30 points on the national test, Mr. Whitehurst said.

Many education experts criticize No Child Left Behind, saying it gives states an incentive to set low standards to avoid sanctions on schools that do not increase the percentage of students demonstrating proficiency each year. Those experts argue that uniform national standards are needed.

But Congress is unlikely to go that far. Ms. Spellings said, �It�s way too early to conclude we need to adopt national standards� and added that it is also too early to conclude that state standards are too low.

On Tuesday, a survey of state scores in reading and math, released by the Center on Education Policy, an independent Washington group, found that since the passage of No Child Left Behind in 2002, student achievement had increased and the racial achievement gap narrowed in many states.

Ms. Spellings said the results showed the law has �struck a chord of success.� Her department�s report, though, raises doubts about just how much progress has been made.

Mr. Petrilli said, �Even if students are making progress on state tests, if tests are incredibly easy, that doesn�t mean much.�

#591

From: delv@...
Date: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:30 pm
Subject: Brookline opening on the School Board

balmoral3

June 20, 2007

Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board
PO Box 1588
4 Lund Lane
Hollis, NH  03049

Dear Gentlemen:

It is with great personal disappointment that I must tender my
resignation from the Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board,
effective the close of business, June 29, 2007.

Greatly increased responsibilities at work combined with an increased
workload here on the board have conspired to place me squarely between
the irresistible force and the immovable object.  Both my job and my
position here on the board are no longer receiving the attention they
deserve.  Given the unfortunate need to make a choice, I clearly must
side with my professional obligations.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve not only the citizens of
Brookline, but my neighbors in Hollis as well.   My fellow board
members have been a true pleasure to work alongside.  The past 2-1/2
years on the board, especially the past 16 months as your chair, have
been a tremendous personal growth experience for me.  I thank you all
for your support and heartfelt efforts.

I also want to express my thanks to Hollis School Board chair Bill
Beauregard and Brookline School Board chair Dave Partridge.  I have
found my numerous discussions with them on topics of mutual interest
to be rewarding and valuable ��" especially on those topics where we did
not easily agree.  I hope this sense of shared responsibility for our
SAU will continue.

I look forward to serving my community in the future in a manner
consistent with my other obligations, and I encourage the board to
contact me for ad-hoc committee work as the need arises.

I would like to leave you with some thoughts on where we stand as
district.  I hope my thoughts will be useful as you chart a course for
the future of the Cooperative School District.

Both Hollis and Brookline are growing towns, and our school district
will continue to experience an increase in student enrollment.
However, the need for additional facilities does not imply the need to
dissolve the cooperative school district.  Even if the decision is to
build additional facilities in Brookline, separate school buildings
does not require separate school districts.

In fact, I would highly recommend that careful consideration be given
that any additional high school facility be built not as a duplicate
facility, but as a complimentary facility.   While nearly 80% of our
students go on to post-secondary education, I believe we are
underserving the 20% that seek vocational training so they can move
directly to the workforce ��" most of them right here in our tow towns.
    An additional facility designed to offer complimentary programs in
vocational education, special education and technology would allow
students in each town to matriculate to the campus offering the
programs that best fit their needs.

I also believe that due consideration should be given to increasing
the cooperative school district to encompass all grades, K-12.  A K-12
cooperative would continue to allow each town to school elementary
students locally, while consolidating administration of the district
under a single board, with a coherent direction for our administration
and with a more closely coordinated curriculum.

The technology needs of our district, and in fact of the entire SAU,
will only increase.  The improvements in our network infrastructure
being implemented at this time are a very important first step.  We
need to continue that effort forward to address the growing needs of
supporting electronic portfolios and the ongoing needs of a $31
million SAU.  Storage consolidation, replication, and server
virtualization are important steps as we look forward.  The SAU should
reinstate a technology advisory committee to augment the efforts of
our I.T. Coordinator and to tap significant technological resources of
our community.   I look forward to personally participating in that
effort.

As we head into renewed negotiations with our labor unions, the
district can no longer afford to provide the level of medical
benefits.  Instead of negotiating how much of an increase we can
afford, we must take a firm stance that a reduction in benefits is
necessary.

With regard to salaries, we should continue to strive to provide
competitive and attractive salaries to our staff.  However, the
current salary structure is not sustainable.  Negotiated salary
increases on top of automatic step raise is a outdated and
inappropriate paradigm.  Contract language that compels voters to
provide a step raise, even in the absence of a contract extension,
should be removed.

Any efforts to Sanbornize contracts should also be resisted and I
strongly recommend that a member of the Budget Committee be part of
the negotiating team for the district for all future contracts.

Finally, the current retirement incentive bonus needs to be
re-examined.  It current provides a fixed 25% bonus to eligible
employees during their final year.  It provides no incentive for our
highest-cost employees to retire, and in fact, is often the reason why
some of our more senior staff extend their careers longer than they
would otherwise.   A true incentive should provide a significant bonus
when initially eligible for retirement, but it should decrease over a
period of time so that it provides a larger reward to those selecting
retirement earlier than later.

I do not believe that SB2 will serve the district well, however, I
also am of the opinion that we should take a hard look at our current
Town Meeting form of government to examine all options for change that
may address legitimate concerns, up to and including formation of a
Charter Study commission.

Some common-sense, low-impact changes could demonstrate a willingness
on the part of the district and the board to be responsive to public
concerns.   Specifically, careful discussion and consideration of
moving the District Meeting to a Saturday might prove beneficial.  A
meeting, in conjunction with a community luncheon, might improve
turnout and participation.

Also, the Board and the Budget Committee could collaboratively decide
to accelerate the budget development timeline in advance of the
state-mandated deadlines.   Moving the budget process forward by a
month could provide an opportunity to finalize and publish the
district budget well in advance of the District Meeting.   Publication
of a ���Voters Guide���, similar to that done in SB2 towns, could not
only
do much to address concerns of some inclined to vote for SB2, but it
could also increase the likelihood of obtaining needed public support
for capital and financial initiative of the board.

Finally, with respect to the Budget Committee, I have little to offer
aside from my absence.  The Budget Committee in recent years has
become fundamentally dysfunctional and this past year was a source of
public embarrassment.  I can only hope that the animosity and contempt
they hold towards the Board will be sufficiently focused on me that my
departure will provide them an opportunity to step forward into the
upcoming year in a more positive manner.

In closing, I must address the citizens of Brookline whom I took an
oath to serve.  I appreciate the chance to have served you, and I hope
that you will understand the difficult decision I���ve had to make.

Respectfully,



James S. Murphy
Chair, Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board

#592

From: delv@...
Date: Thu Jun 21, 2007 4:14 pm
Subject: Re: Brookline opening on the School Board

balmoral3

Jim, Forrest,

As the longest serving member of the Coop Budget Committee, I have
never seen more unanimity within the committee than when Jim chaired
the School Board.  If the Committee is seen as dysfunctional then
that would truly be a representation of the will of both towns.
Despite your public post of this letter on the Brookline Yahoo Group,
I wish you well and hope that your time out of office gives you the
opportunity to reflect on the nature of civil governance in New
Hampshire and to discover new and useful insights that may come in
handy in the future.

I truly wish you peace in your soul and harmony in your life.

Ray Valle


On 21 Jun , 2007, at 11:51 AM, FWM wrote:

> Jim,
>
> Thank you for your compliment to the Budget Committee. I accept
> your resignation and look forward to more leadership and a better
> working relationship with the School Board.
>
> Regards,
>
> Forrest Milkowski
> Chairman of the Dysfunctional Budget Committee
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: delv@... [mailto:delv@...]
> Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 10:30 AM
> To: GDarbo6844@...
> Cc: Forrest Milkowski - work; Mort Goulder; Forrest Milkowski; Dan
> Peterson; Kent Caldwell - work; coop budcom; Lorin Rydstrom; Doug
> Davidson; Fred Hubert; Fred Hubert - Work
> Subject: Brookline opening on the School Board
>
> June 20, 2007
>
> Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board PO Box 1588
> 4 Lund Lane
> Hollis, NH  03049
>
> Dear Gentlemen:
>
> It is with great personal disappointment that I must tender my
> resignation from the Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board,
> effective the close of business, June 29, 2007.
>
> Greatly increased responsibilities at work combined with an
> increased workload here on the board have conspired to place me
> squarely
> between the irresistible force and the immovable object.  Both my
> job and my position here on the board are no longer receiving the
> attention they deserve.  Given the unfortunate need to make a
> choice, I clearly must side with my professional obligations.
>
> It has been an honor and a privilege to serve not only the citizens of
> Brookline, but my neighbors in Hollis as well.   My fellow board
> members have been a true pleasure to work alongside.  The past
> 2-1/2 years on the board, especially the past 16 months as your
> chair, have been a tremendous personal growth experience for me.  I
> thank you all for your support and heartfelt efforts.
>
> I also want to express my thanks to Hollis School Board chair Bill
> Beauregard and Brookline School Board chair Dave Partridge.  I
> have found my numerous discussions with them on topics of mutual
> interest to be rewarding and valuable �." especially on those
> topics where we did not easily agree.  I hope this sense of shared
> responsibility for our SAU will continue.
>
> I look forward to serving my community in the future in a manner
> consistent with my other obligations, and I encourage the board to
> contact me for ad-hoc committee work as the need arises.
>
> I would like to leave you with some thoughts on where we stand as
> district.  I hope my thoughts will be useful as you chart a course
> for the future of the Cooperative School District.
>
> Both Hollis and Brookline are growing towns, and our school
> district will continue to experience an increase in student
> enrollment.
> However, the need for additional facilities does not imply the need
> to dissolve the cooperative school district.  Even if the
> decision is to build additional facilities in Brookline, separate
> school buildings does not require separate school districts.
>
> In fact, I would highly recommend that careful consideration be
> given that any additional high school facility be built not as a
> duplicate
> facility, but as a complimentary facility.   While nearly 80% of our
> students go on to post-secondary education, I believe we are
> underserving the 20% that seek vocational training so they can move
> directly to the workforce �." most of them right here in our tow
> towns.
>    An additional facility designed to offer complimentary programs
> in vocational education, special education and technology would
> allow students in each town to matriculate to the campus offering
> the programs that best fit their needs.
>
> I also believe that due consideration should be given to increasing
> the cooperative school district to encompass all grades, K-12.
> A K-12 cooperative would continue to allow each town to school
> elementary students locally, while consolidating administration of
> the district under a single board, with a coherent direction for
> our administration and with a more closely coordinated curriculum.
>
> The technology needs of our district, and in fact of the entire
> SAU, will only increase.  The improvements in our network
> infrastructure being implemented at this time are a very important
> first step.  We need to continue that effort forward to address
> the growing needs of supporting electronic portfolios and the
> ongoing needs of a $31 million SAU.  Storage consolidation,
> replication, and server virtualization are important steps as we
> look forward.  The SAU should reinstate a technology advisory
> committee to augment the efforts of our I.T. Coordinator and to tap
> significant technological resources of
> our community.   I look forward to personally participating in that
> effort.
>
> As we head into renewed negotiations with our labor unions, the
> district can no longer afford to provide the level of medical
> benefits.  Instead of negotiating how much of an increase we can
> afford, we must take a firm stance that a reduction in benefits is
> necessary.
>
> With regard to salaries, we should continue to strive to provide
> competitive and attractive salaries to our staff.  However, the
> current salary structure is not sustainable.  Negotiated salary
> increases on top of automatic step raise is a outdated and
> inappropriate paradigm.  Contract language that compels voters to
> provide a step raise, even in the absence of a contract extension,
> should be removed.
>
> Any efforts to Sanbornize contracts should also be resisted and I
> strongly recommend that a member of the Budget Committee be part
> of the negotiating team for the district for all future contracts.
>
> Finally, the current retirement incentive bonus needs to be re-
> examined.  It current provides a fixed 25% bonus to eligible
> employees during their final year.  It provides no incentive for
> our highest-cost employees to retire, and in fact, is often the
> reason why some of our more senior staff extend their careers
> longer than they
> would otherwise.   A true incentive should provide a significant bonus
> when initially eligible for retirement, but it should decrease over
> a period of time so that it provides a larger reward to those
> selecting retirement earlier than later.
>
> I do not believe that SB2 will serve the district well, however, I
> also am of the opinion that we should take a hard look at our
> current Town Meeting form of government to examine all options for
> change that may address legitimate concerns, up to and including
> formation of a Charter Study commission.
>
> Some common-sense, low-impact changes could demonstrate a
> willingness on the part of the district and the board to be
> responsive to
> public
> concerns.   Specifically, careful discussion and consideration of
> moving the District Meeting to a Saturday might prove beneficial.
> A meeting, in conjunction with a community luncheon, might
> improve turnout and participation.
>
> Also, the Board and the Budget Committee could collaboratively
> decide to accelerate the budget development timeline in advance of
> the
> state-mandated deadlines.   Moving the budget process forward by a
> month could provide an opportunity to finalize and publish the
> district budget well in advance of the District Meeting.   Publication
> of a �.�Voters Guide�.�, similar to that done in SB2 towns, could
> not only do much to address concerns of some inclined to vote for
> SB2, but it could also increase the likelihood of obtaining needed
> public support for capital and financial initiative of the board.
>
> Finally, with respect to the Budget Committee, I have little to
> offer aside from my absence.  The Budget Committee in recent years
> has become fundamentally dysfunctional and this past year was a
> source of public embarrassment.  I can only hope that the animosity
> and contempt they hold towards the Board will be sufficiently
> focused on me that my departure will provide them an opportunity to
> step forward into the upcoming year in a more positive manner.
>
> In closing, I must address the citizens of Brookline whom I took an
> oath to serve.  I appreciate the chance to have served you, and
> I hope that you will understand the difficult decision I�.�ve had
> to make.
>
> Respectfully,
>
>
>
> James S. Murphy
> Chair, Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board
>
>
>
>
>

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

#593

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Sat Mar 15, 2008 2:28 pm
Subject: HB HS $ in the news

balmoral3

BTW -- I do not have e-mail addresses for the two new members, so please forward.

Ray

Published: Saturday, March 15, 2008

High school faces costly water issue before fall term

By JOSEPH G. COTE Telegraph Staff

HOLLIS � Hollis/Brookline High School has a $24,000 water problem bubbling under the surface and it has to be fixed before school starts this fall.

The school is served by three wells designed to serve the building when student population hovered around 600.

Now enrollment is closing in on 1,000 students and the wells, and the pumps that move the water from the ground to faucets and drinking fountains, are working harder than they should.

"Now the capacity of those wells is an issue," said Tom Enright, chairman of the Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board. "We're tight."

The building is getting enough water for now, and the wells have enough time overnight and over weekends to recover. But if the building is busy with lots of sports contests or other activities, the wells are drawn down faster than they can fill the building's 10,000-gallon tank, Enright said.

The pumps and other machinery are working so close to their capacity to keep up with the building's daily demands they are "stressed" and could break down sooner than expected, according to an analysis by water systems specialists Skillings and Sons Inc.

Instead of drilling a new well the analysis recommended deepening one of the three wells and hydrofracking it.

Hydrofracking is pumping highly pressurized water into the wells in the hope of opening the veins that fill the wells, expanding their capacity, according to the Skillings and Sons Web site.

It's possible one of the pumps will need to be replaced, Enright said. He didn't know how much that would cost.

"The pumps are an expensive deal," he said.

"On a day-to-day basis we're fine," Enright said. "We need to take this corrective action. In the short term we need to try to improve the capacity of our wells."

Where the money will come from isn't certain. There's no money for the fix in the current budget and the board didn't include the cost in next year's budget, Enright said.

The hope is to use the end-of-year fund balance to pay for the project. That surplus reaching $24,000 happens more years than not, he said. If not, other items in the budget would have to be cut.

"We agreed that it's the number one priority we have to fix. We have to fix this over the summer," Enright said.

#594

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:55 pm
Subject: Fwd: [brookline-nh] Math, Science, and AP Curriculum and Instruction - There are options

balmoral3

The following was posted to the Brookline Yahoo group and is of general interest to the BudCom. I also do not have an e-mail for the newest member from Brookline, so please forward. �

Since this was posted to the Brookline Yahoo group, and given what the author says at the end, I have redacted his name. �

Also given the way the legislature is currently moving, using, or copying the Yahoo Group the BudCom set up years ago for official e-mail exchange allows the public to see all electronic exchanges as it appears this soon no longer even be debatable. The group is now set up so the only BudCom members may post. �If it is so decided at a future meeting, the membership list can be hidden too, thus eliminating all automated spamming concerns.

Ray

Begin forwarded message:

From:�
Date: 18 March , 2008 2:42:19 PM EDT
To: brookline-nh@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [brookline-nh] Math, Science, and AP Curriculum and Instruction - There are options
Reply-To: brookline-nh@yahoogroups.com

Hi,

There are options, and they can be cost effective, if our new�
superindentdent (and state) can be a bit more forward thinking.� Two�
data points.

First, the Virtual High School, based out of Maynard, MA. �
<http://www.govhs.org/>� In a nutshell, here is a summary what can be�
made available to our high school students.� Full details on their�
site.

For about $6500 or less (total, not per student) a school can have up�
to 25 students enroll in fully accredited HS courses (many AP level)�
online.� The local school must supply one teacher to teach one course�
online (an excellent opportunity for the teacher!) and some site�
administrator resources.� See their web site for details.

Since math was the recent topic on this board, here are the math�
courses available:
Algebra 1
Algebra 2 Honors
Algebra 2 Section BF
Algebra 2 Section MB
Algebra I Summer Offering
AP� Calculus AB Section DM
AP� Calculus AB Section KC
AP� Calculus AB Section KM
AP� Calculus BC Section JT
AP� Calculus BC Section MW
AP� Statistics Section BS
AP� Statistics Section DF
AP� Statistics Section FS
AP� Statistics Section KT
Calculus for Business
Introduction to Calculus AB Section CU
Introduction to Calculus AB Section SG
Introduction to Statistics Section DW
Introduction to Statistics Section JM
Introduction to Statistics Section SB
Math You Can Use In College Section LL
Math You Can Use In College Section TR
Mathematical Reasoning and Logic Section JL
Mathematics of Electricity: Careers in Electric Power

We could also have local HS students taking Chinese or Portuguese�
based out of HBHS if we took advantage of VHS.� There are also gifted�
and talented courses and Pre-AP courses.� See their web site for full�
details.

<Gary's editorial on>� There are LOW COST ways to provide LOCAL�
students AP, GIFTED AND TALENTED, and FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSE in�
their HOME BUILDING with EXCELLENT REMOTE TEACHERS and supervision by�
LOCAL TEACHERS. <Editorial Off>

Secondly, if our state were to go full speed ahead on a virtual�
charter school (I think we are starting!�
<http://www.vlacs.org/about.html>,� we could do what so many other�
states are doing to supplement student instruction and professional�
development.� (I believe we recently started a virtual school effort�
in NH Here is a press release of ONE example of a recent online�
virtual school development in South Carolina:

QUOTE:

South Carolina Virtual Charter School Announces Approval to Enroll�
Students Across the State for 2008-09 School Year

New K-12 online public school expected to be largest in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC, March 17, 2008 � The South Carolina Virtual Charter�
School (SCVCS) Charter Committee announced that its new online public�
school will open in August 2008. It is expected to be the largest K-
12 online public school in South Carolina serving up to 1,000�
students across the state. The school intends to use the nationally�
acclaimed curriculum, technology and academic services provided by�
K12 Inc., a technology-based education company and leading national�
provider of high-quality curriculum and online learning programs.

On March 6, the South Carolina Public Charter School District�
approved the application presented by the SCVCS Charter Committee � a�
nine-member school board made up of South Carolina parents and�
community leaders who will oversee and govern the school.

"We're grateful to the South Carolina Public Charter School District�
for approving our charter and we're confident our public school will�
make them proud," said Dr. Kathleen Brady, resident of Greenville and�
Chair of the SCVCS Board of Directors. "We believe the South Carolina�
Virtual Charter School will be an outstanding public school option�
for a diverse population of children with a variety of needs. By�
using the best practices in individualized learning and online�
education developed by K12, along with its excellent professional�
development and teacher training programs, we believe SCVCS will be�
the gold standard for online public schools in the state and will�
help advance South Carolina as a recognized national leader in 21st�
Century education."

SCVCS will provide students across the state with the opportunity to�
receive an excellent public education regardless of their geographic,�
financial, or demographic circumstances. SCVCS students will learn�
outside the classroom and receive instruction, direction and�
oversight from state-certified teachers. Younger students will work�
alongside a learning coach � a parent or responsible adult � who will�
provide guidance and assistance. Students will be required to meet�
accountability standards, including academic and attendance�
requirements, and must participate in state assessments in a�
proctored setting.

SCVCS teachers will assign lessons, provide instruction, and�
regularly interact with students and parents via email, web-based�
classrooms, online discussions, phone, and face-to-face meetings.�
Teachers will also organize a variety of school outings for students�
and their families.

Every student enrolled in SCVCS will receive an individualized�
learning program using K12 courses in math, English/language arts,�
science, history, art, music, along with a complete menu of high�
school courses, including AP� and honors-level courses, electives,�
and foreign language offerings. Students will access the web-based�
lessons through the innovative K12 Online School (OLS) and use other�
K12 education materials (textbooks, workbooks, math and science�
supplies, hands-on projects, and much more) that will be shipped�
directly to each student. Because SCVCS is a public school, it is�
tuition free and open to all students who reside within South�
Carolina.

"K12 is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the South�
Carolina Virtual Charter School to serve families and children across�
the state," said Ron Packard, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of�
K12 Inc. "We are passionately devoted to our mission of helping�
children maximize their potential and achieve academic success. We do�
this by focusing intensely on the unique abilities and needs of every�
child, and by delivering personalized education programs that make�
learning engaging, fun, and exciting."

K12 Inc. is a leading national provider of proprietary curriculum and�
educational services created for online delivery to students in�
grades K-12. K12 provides individualized, one-to-one learning�
solutions for students in online schools, distance education�
programs, and classrooms.

More than 40,000 students are using the K12 academic program in 18�
statewide online public schools and other e-learning programs across�
the country.

Families interested in registering for SCVCS can find information at�
www.k12.com/sc. Free information sessions and other exciting events�
are scheduled across the state for families to learn more about SCVCS�
and the K12 curriculum.

UNQUOTE

Disclaimer:� My current company has components of these efforts�
embedded within them.� With that said, I was a proponent of these�
kinds of efforts before I joined this company and I will be after I�
leave it.� Also, there are many other online and virtual charter�
school efforts that do not involve my company's products.

Finally, no I will NOT be the person to suggest this to the school�
board.� There is a slight conflict of interest.� Also, when I have�
casually broached it with certain decision makers, I was highly�
discouraged by them.� However, I would be happy to discuss these�
kinds of efforts offline with anyone who needs more information.

Best regards,

#595

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:24 pm
Subject: Hollis departments manage to zero!

balmoral3

This is a printer friendly version of an article from www.nashuatelegraph.com

Article published Oct 27, 2008

Zeroing in on a budget that's flat

By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer�

hbernstein@...�

HOLLIS � Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's chairman to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.

Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets, across the board.

Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting of the board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency management, communications and animal control presented level-funded budgets for 2009.

Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.�

That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and rising fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.

Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and the most expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The lion's share of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway administration.

Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and savings on other police equipment.

Ux said department police officers will share the police prosecutor's role, saving the department about $29,000.

Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did last year, $862,351, to run the fire service.

"Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it down," Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle maintenance.

When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology, recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also receive the finance officer's revenue estimates.�

Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov. 17, and they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.

Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or hbernstein@....

#596

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:48 pm
Subject: Re: Hollis departments manage to zero!

balmoral3

Last year Hollis had a 3% increase. � That was less than the coop. �Get your facts straight. I just confirmed this number with the finance department of the town of Hollis.

Ray

On 27 Oct , 2008, at 2:36 PM, FWM wrote:

Sure helps to have a 12% increase last year!
�
From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:24 PM
To:�Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Doug Davidson; Dan Peterson; Greg d'Arbonne; Forrest; Forrest Milkowski
Cc:�coop budcom
Subject:�Hollis departments manage to zero!
�
<image001.gif>
This is a printer friendly version of an article from�www.nashuatelegraph.com
Article published Oct 27, 2008
Zeroing in on a budget that's flat
By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer
hbernstein@...
�
HOLLIS Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's chairman to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.
�
Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets, across the board.
�
Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting of the board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency management, communications and animal control presented level-funded budgets for 2009.
�
Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.
�
That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and rising fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.
�
Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and the most expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The lion's share of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway administration.
�
Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and savings on other police equipment.
�
Ux said department police officers will share the police prosecutor's role, saving the department about $29,000.
�
Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did last year, $862,351, to run the fire service.
�
"Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it down," Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle maintenance.
�
When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology, recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also receive the finance officer's revenue estimates.
�
Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov. 17, and they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.
�
Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or�hbernstein@....

#597

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 2:37 pm
Subject: Re: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

balmoral3

Doug,

Not just a significant amount but less than the coop increase with a rising population for the town and a decreasing one for the coop. Now I have just been providing data-points without advancing any argument,which would be discussing committee business and in violation of the RSAs. �Discussion objective data is not.

One other point, however. �and it is a technical, not policy point. �The Coop did not buy the fuel the SAU did and the Coop SB does not have direct authority over the SAU. �Without a Coop each town's SB would have that authority, but in a Coop there appears to be a hole in the legislation. �So the net result is the Coop SB can't do anything but recommend and cast it's minority votes on the SAU. �

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 9:15 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Noting Ray Valle's good homework,� Please Replace "12%" with "3%", in regards to the increase in last years Hollis Town Budget.� A most significant amount difference,�More the reason for what I am suggesting --�reasoned fiduciary oversight and collaboration between the SB and BC.
�
�
Doug Davidson
�
Off: 603.465.3077
Cel: 603.689.5805
Business & Technology

�

�
-----Original Message-----
From:�Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]�
Sent:�Tuesday, October 28, 2008 9:07 AM
To:�'FWM@...'; 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Just Consider, what an amazing discussion�though.� Having the audacity to discuss holding the line on budget expansion, especially in these most robust and promising of economic times.� Sarcasm for sure� -- but Seriously, if not now, When?� WHEN?
�
You have to admire the�Hollis Selectmen's�leadership, with the Department heads towing the line�and the fact that the Selectmen�haven't�increased their budget over the recommendations of the Town Budcom in YEARS.� Not just this year.��In common memory this latter point (heeding the recommendations of the Coop BudCom) is unprecedented in regards to the continued largess and outright excuses and lack of involved�oversight of the Coop School Board.�
�
The Most recent case in point - the Coop's�recent fuel purchase at $3.45 a gallon - for several hundred thousand gallons, with no downside protection�- with the Town of Hollis getting it for $3.04, at nearly the same time for ~ 7,000 gallons.� I might be of a penny here or a gallon there but most of you know this is the TRUTH.� A net loss to the town of� ~ $60K.� It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process.� The Town (and any company Board of Director) would have a vote on such�large expenses.� Not our�Coop�School Board, they rely�on the judgment of one person at an office administrator level to initiate such a purchase.� Both unfair to the individual and�plain irresponsible on the part of the SB.� The results�delivered should�have been expected.� When the BudCom asked in a public forum about these events, we received no answer.� But, I digress.
�
Back to the topic of "0% Increase"
�
Just for arguments sake,�let's use your logic noticing the 12% increase the previous year in Hollis (including�several capital improvements- Fire/Police, etc) and the reasons that we go to a zero budget plan.
�
In the COOP District:� Valid Reasons, For Starters:
�
1.� In 3 yrs.:� Pay increase of 21.4% for Prof Staff.� Possibly more in the works for "year 4", given the current�negotiations.�
2.� For�2 yrs.� 34 % increase in retirement contributions, on top of FICA -� with both items�compounded with 62+ teachers at the top of the pay scale.
3.��Consider the case�from a different angle�-- We've been so far ahead of COLA for so long that it's time we made proper adjustments in the growth area to get "our lines back in line".
�
Sounds to me we have a good case for 0% increase !��Who wants to follow the leadership and consideration of the taxpayers by�the Selectmen and have us�make a convincing and reasonable case, show solidarity and�stick to it ?�
�
As noted in our last meeting,� the School Boards proposed >= $1. 8 MM high school expansion plans will probably fail for the 3rd time - with the well documented declining enrollment and these toughening economic times.� So it stands to reason, this is the time when voters in general�and those in fixed or marginal incomes will be most supportive of a well documented and reasoned approach.
�
Doug Davidson
�
Off: 603.465.3077
Cel: 603.689.5805
Business & Technology

�

�
-----Original Message-----
From:�FWM [mailto:FWM@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:36 PM
To:�'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Doug Davidson'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Sure helps to have a 12% increase last year!
�
From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:24 PM
To:�Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Doug Davidson; Dan Peterson; Greg d'Arbonne; Forrest; Forrest Milkowski
Cc:�coop budcom
Subject:�Hollis departments manage to zero!
�
<509541013>
This is a printer friendly version of an article from�www.nashuatelegraph.com
Article published Oct 27, 2008
Zeroing in on a budget that's flat
By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer
hbernstein@...
�
HOLLIS Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's chairman to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.
�
Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets, across the board.
�
Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting of the board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency management, communications and animal control presented level-funded budgets for 2009.
�
Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.
�
That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and rising fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.
�
Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and the most expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The lion's share of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway administration.
�
Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and savings on other police equipment.
�
Ux said department police officers will share the police prosecutor's role, saving the department about $29,000.
�
Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did last year, $862,351, to run the fire service.
�
"Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it down," Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle maintenance.
�
When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology, recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also receive the finance officer's revenue estimates.
�
Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov. 17, and they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.
�
Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or�hbernstein@....

#598

From: "Doug Davidson" <rangerfund@...>
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 5:05 pm
Subject: FW: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

rangerfund

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077
Cel: 603.689.5805
Business & Technology
   <file://C:\Documents and Settings\default\Application
Data\Microsoft\Signatures\./1RF_files/image002.jpg>



-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 11:58 AM
To: 'delv'
Cc: 'FWM@...'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom';
'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'; 'coop
budcom'
Subject: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement --
RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!


Ray,

A sincere thanks for the important clarification of the technical point you
noted along with the benefit of your experience.  Mea culpa on not
understanding the details of the Coop and SAU spending approach here.  I
think it is most important that we critically look into a flawed process
that spends hundreds of thousands of our taxpayer $$ with no return on
value.

That's why this transparent dialog is good and I'm glad to have it with the
benefit of the yahoo groups visibility.  Just to be clear -- Doesn't that
make it "RSA legal"?

However, Back to my points, 3 things need to be made absolutely clear so as
not to be lost:

1.  The Net results are still the same -- big $$ wasted with neither proper
oversight or public benefit.  I submit this point is irrefutable and a bold
example of what we need to consider as we upgrade and fix items/processes
needing obvious attention.
2.  You'll please note that I specifically stated that the problem we have
is a lack of process without due oversight; my statement (below) reads:
             "It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me
the most - it's the lack of process."
3.  The founding father's thought taxation (or spending other's $$) without
representation (the SAU and the Coop interaction in this case, as you just
described) was tyranny.  I agree, further, taking people's $$ with the
promise of proper oversight and not delivering is, at least, tyranny.  This
is want needs honest/open discussion and a 'fix' before more unintended $$
go up the chimney, as it were.


Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077
Cel: 603.689.5805
Business & Technology
   <file://C:\Documents and Settings\default\Application
Data\Microsoft\Signatures\./1RF_files/image002.jpg>




-----Original Message-----
From: delv [mailto:delv@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:37 AM
To: Doug Davidson
Cc: FWM@...; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg
McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'; 'coop
budcom'
Subject: Re: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis
departments manage to zero!


Doug,

Not just a significant amount but less than the coop increase with a rising
population for the town and a decreasing one for the coop. Now I have just
been providing data-points without advancing any argument,which would be
discussing committee business and in violation of the RSAs.  Discussion
objective data is not.

One other point, however.  and it is a technical, not policy point.  The
Coop did not buy the fuel the SAU did and the Coop SB does not have direct
authority over the SAU.  Without a Coop each town's SB would have that
authority, but in a Coop there appears to be a hole in the legislation.  So
the net result is the Coop SB can't do anything but recommend and cast it's
minority votes on the SAU.

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 9:15 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:



Noting Ray Valle's good homework,  Please Replace "12%" with "3%", in
regards to the increase in last years Hollis Town Budget.  A most
significant amount difference, More the reason for what I am suggesting --
reasoned fiduciary oversight and collaboration between the SB and BC.


Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077
Cel: 603.689.5805
Business & Technology
   <file://C:\Documents and Settings\default\Application
Data\Microsoft\Signatures\./1RF_files/image002.jpg>




-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 9:07 AM
To: 'FWM@...'; 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin
Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest
Milkowski'
Cc: 'coop budcom'
Subject: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!


Just Consider, what an amazing discussion though.  Having the audacity to
discuss holding the line on budget expansion, especially in these most
robust and promising of economic times.  Sarcasm for sure  -- but Seriously,
if not now, When?  WHEN?

You have to admire the Hollis Selectmen's leadership, with the Department
heads towing the line and the fact that the Selectmen haven't increased
their budget over the recommendations of the Town Budcom in YEARS.  Not just
this year.   In common memory this latter point (heeding the recommendations
of the Coop BudCom) is unprecedented in regards to the continued largess and
outright excuses and lack of involved oversight of the Coop School Board.

The Most recent case in point - the Coop's recent fuel purchase at $3.45 a
gallon - for several hundred thousand gallons, with no downside protection -
with the Town of Hollis getting it for $3.04, at nearly the same time for ~
7,000 gallons.  I might be of a penny here or a gallon there but most of you
know this is the TRUTH.  A net loss to the town of  ~ $60K.  It's not the
bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of
process.  The Town (and any company Board of Director) would have a vote on
such large expenses.  Not our Coop School Board, they rely on the judgment
of one person at an office administrator level to initiate such a purchase.
Both unfair to the individual and plain irresponsible on the part of the SB.
The results delivered should have been expected.  When the BudCom asked in a
public forum about these events, we received no answer.  But, I digress.

Back to the topic of "0% Increase"

Just for arguments sake, let's use your logic noticing the 12% increase the
previous year in Hollis (including several capital improvements-
Fire/Police, etc) and the reasons that we go to a zero budget plan.

In the COOP District:  Valid Reasons, For Starters:

1.  In 3 yrs.:  Pay increase of 21.4% for Prof Staff.  Possibly more in the
works for "year 4", given the current negotiations.
2.  For 2 yrs.  34 % increase in retirement contributions, on top of FICA -
with both items compounded with 62+ teachers at the top of the pay scale.
3.  Consider the case from a different angle -- We've been so far ahead of
COLA for so long that it's time we made proper adjustments in the growth
area to get "our lines back in line".

Sounds to me we have a good case for 0% increase !  Who wants to follow the
leadership and consideration of the taxpayers by the Selectmen and have us
make a convincing and reasonable case, show solidarity and stick to it ?

As noted in our last meeting,  the School Boards proposed >= $1. 8 MM high
school expansion plans will probably fail for the 3rd time - with the well
documented declining enrollment and these toughening economic times.  So it
stands to reason, this is the time when voters in general and those in fixed
or marginal incomes will be most supportive of a well documented and
reasoned approach.

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077
Cel: 603.689.5805
Business & Technology
   <file://C:\Documents and Settings\default\Application
Data\Microsoft\Signatures\./1RF_files/image002.jpg>




-----Original Message-----
From: FWM [mailto:FWM@...]
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 2:36 PM
To: 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale';
'Doug Davidson'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc: 'coop budcom'
Subject: RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!


Sure helps to have a 12% increase last year!

From: delv [mailto:delv@...]
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 2:24 PM
To: Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Doug Davidson;
Dan Peterson; Greg d'Arbonne; Forrest; Forrest Milkowski
Cc: coop budcom
Subject: Hollis departments manage to zero!
<509541013>
This is a printer friendly version of an article from
www.nashuatelegraph.com
Article published Oct 27, 2008

Zeroing in on a budget that's flat

By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer
hbernstein@...

HOLLIS Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's chairman
to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town
departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.

Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets,
across the board.

Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting of the
board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency
management, communications and animal control presented level-funded budgets
for 2009.

Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.

That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to
contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and rising
fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.

Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and the most
expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is
level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The lion's share
of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway administration.

Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no
increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are
offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and savings on
other police equipment.

Ux said department police officers will share the police prosecutor's role,
saving the department about $29,000.

Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did last
year, $862,351, to run the fire service.

"Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it down,"
Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep
spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle maintenance.

When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear
requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology,
recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also receive the
finance officer's revenue estimates.

Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov. 17, and
they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.

Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or
hbernstein@....

#599

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 7:11 pm
Subject: Re: FW: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

balmoral3

Doug,

RSAs require all committee e-mails to be public but still limit the
subject matter by prohibiting a discussion of official committee
business without a noticed meeting open to the public.  Getting
procedural clarification and discussing administrative issues are not
official committee business as the law is written as I understand
it.  Your mileage may vary.

As to the founding fathers, here is where your argument gets me to
violently disagree despite sharing the goals.  The founders' (Second
Continental Congress in this specific case) instructions to the
delegates to the Court of Saint James before the Declaration of
Independence were to "avoid the Scottish solution" of 1707 which was
representation in Parliament -- Representation was never the issue
for the knowledgeable founders, James Otis' infamous appeal to the
mob not withstanding.  (Yes taxation without representation is
tyranny but do not give us representation in the taxing body is the
actual fact of the position he held.) The Declaration of Independence
was directed to the King and not Parliament and many of the issues in
it deal with the King, whom we were subjects of, allowing Parliament
to pass rules over us.  The Founders held that  while Parliament may
have been the victor of the Glorious Revolution of 1677 in England,
it was not in North America and we were still subjects of His Royal
Majesty rather than Parliament, with or without representation.  Thus
belying the entire lack of representation issue IMHO.  Besides the
colonies were taxed at a much lower rate than people and businesses
in England at that time.  And most of those taxes were to try to pay
for the cost for the just fought French and Indian War, which was a
direct benefit to the colonists.

Anyway NH is the clear sovereign per the state Constitution and we
are very much not a home rule state; so much as we may like to, we
cannot change the oversight laws locally.

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 1:05 PM, Doug Davidson wrote:

>
>
>
> Doug Davidson
>
> Off: 603.465.3077
> Cel: 603.689.5805
> Business & Technology
>   <file://C:\Documents and Settings\default\Application
> Data\Microsoft\Signatures\./1RF_files/image002.jpg>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]
> Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 11:58 AM
> To: 'delv'
> Cc: 'FWM@...'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin
> Rydstrom';
> 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest
> Milkowski'; 'coop
> budcom'
> Subject: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your
> Arguement --
> RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!
>
>
> Ray,
>
> A sincere thanks for the important clarification of the technical
> point you
> noted along with the benefit of your experience.  Mea culpa on not
> understanding the details of the Coop and SAU spending approach
> here.  I
> think it is most important that we critically look into a flawed
> process
> that spends hundreds of thousands of our taxpayer $$ with no return on
> value.
>
> That's why this transparent dialog is good and I'm glad to have it
> with the
> benefit of the yahoo groups visibility.  Just to be clear --
> Doesn't that
> make it "RSA legal"?
>
> However, Back to my points, 3 things need to be made absolutely
> clear so as
> not to be lost:
>
> 1.  The Net results are still the same -- big $$ wasted with
> neither proper
> oversight or public benefit.  I submit this point is irrefutable
> and a bold
> example of what we need to consider as we upgrade and fix items/
> processes
> needing obvious attention.
> 2.  You'll please note that I specifically stated that the problem
> we have
> is a lack of process without due oversight; my statement (below)
> reads:
>             "It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that
> gets me
> the most - it's the lack of process."
> 3.  The founding father's thought taxation (or spending other's $$)
> without
> representation (the SAU and the Coop interaction in this case, as
> you just
> described) was tyranny.  I agree, further, taking people's $$ with the
> promise of proper oversight and not delivering is, at least,
> tyranny.  This
> is want needs honest/open discussion and a 'fix' before more
> unintended $$
> go up the chimney, as it were.
>
>
> Doug Davidson
>
> Off: 603.465.3077
> Cel: 603.689.5805
> Business & Technology
>   <file://C:\Documents and Settings\default\Application
> Data\Microsoft\Signatures\./1RF_files/image002.jpg>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: delv [mailto:delv@...]
> Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:37 AM
> To: Doug Davidson
> Cc: FWM@...; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin
> Rydstrom'; 'Greg
> McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'; 'coop
> budcom'
> Subject: Re: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis
> departments manage to zero!
>
>
> Doug,
>
> Not just a significant amount but less than the coop increase with
> a rising
> population for the town and a decreasing one for the coop. Now I
> have just
> been providing data-points without advancing any argument,which
> would be
> discussing committee business and in violation of the RSAs.
> Discussion
> objective data is not.
>
> One other point, however.  and it is a technical, not policy
> point.  The
> Coop did not buy the fuel the SAU did and the Coop SB does not have
> direct
> authority over the SAU.  Without a Coop each town's SB would have that
> authority, but in a Coop there appears to be a hole in the
> legislation.  So
> the net result is the Coop SB can't do anything but recommend and
> cast it's
> minority votes on the SAU.
>
> Ray
>
> On 28 Oct , 2008, at 9:15 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:
>
>
>
> Noting Ray Valle's good homework,  Please Replace "12%" with "3%", in
> regards to the increase in last years Hollis Town Budget.  A most
> significant amount difference, More the reason for what I am
> suggesting --
> reasoned fiduciary oversight and collaboration between the SB and BC.
>
>
> Doug Davidson
>
> Off: 603.465.3077
> Cel: 603.689.5805
> Business & Technology
>   <file://C:\Documents and Settings\default\Application
> Data\Microsoft\Signatures\./1RF_files/image002.jpg>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]
> Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 9:07 AM
> To: 'FWM@...'; 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin
> Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest
> Milkowski'
> Cc: 'coop budcom'
> Subject: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage
> to zero!
>
>
> Just Consider, what an amazing discussion though.  Having the
> audacity to
> discuss holding the line on budget expansion, especially in these most
> robust and promising of economic times.  Sarcasm for sure  -- but
> Seriously,
> if not now, When?  WHEN?
>
> You have to admire the Hollis Selectmen's leadership, with the
> Department
> heads towing the line and the fact that the Selectmen haven't
> increased
> their budget over the recommendations of the Town Budcom in YEARS.
> Not just
> this year.   In common memory this latter point (heeding the
> recommendations
> of the Coop BudCom) is unprecedented in regards to the continued
> largess and
> outright excuses and lack of involved oversight of the Coop School
> Board.
>
> The Most recent case in point - the Coop's recent fuel purchase at
> $3.45 a
> gallon - for several hundred thousand gallons, with no downside
> protection -
> with the Town of Hollis getting it for $3.04, at nearly the same
> time for ~
> 7,000 gallons.  I might be of a penny here or a gallon there but
> most of you
> know this is the TRUTH.  A net loss to the town of  ~ $60K.  It's
> not the
> bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the
> lack of
> process.  The Town (and any company Board of Director) would have a
> vote on
> such large expenses.  Not our Coop School Board, they rely on the
> judgment
> of one person at an office administrator level to initiate such a
> purchase.
> Both unfair to the individual and plain irresponsible on the part
> of the SB.
> The results delivered should have been expected.  When the BudCom
> asked in a
> public forum about these events, we received no answer.  But, I
> digress.
>
> Back to the topic of "0% Increase"
>
> Just for arguments sake, let's use your logic noticing the 12%
> increase the
> previous year in Hollis (including several capital improvements-
> Fire/Police, etc) and the reasons that we go to a zero budget plan.
>
> In the COOP District:  Valid Reasons, For Starters:
>
> 1.  In 3 yrs.:  Pay increase of 21.4% for Prof Staff.  Possibly
> more in the
> works for "year 4", given the current negotiations.
> 2.  For 2 yrs.  34 % increase in retirement contributions, on top
> of FICA -
> with both items compounded with 62+ teachers at the top of the pay
> scale.
> 3.  Consider the case from a different angle -- We've been so far
> ahead of
> COLA for so long that it's time we made proper adjustments in the
> growth
> area to get "our lines back in line".
>
> Sounds to me we have a good case for 0% increase !  Who wants to
> follow the
> leadership and consideration of the taxpayers by the Selectmen and
> have us
> make a convincing and reasonable case, show solidarity and stick to
> it ?
>
> As noted in our last meeting,  the School Boards proposed >= $1. 8
> MM high
> school expansion plans will probably fail for the 3rd time - with
> the well
> documented declining enrollment and these toughening economic
> times.  So it
> stands to reason, this is the time when voters in general and those
> in fixed
> or marginal incomes will be most supportive of a well documented and
> reasoned approach.
>
> Doug Davidson
>
> Off: 603.465.3077
> Cel: 603.689.5805
> Business & Technology
>   <file://C:\Documents and Settings\default\Application
> Data\Microsoft\Signatures\./1RF_files/image002.jpg>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: FWM [mailto:FWM@...]
> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 2:36 PM
> To: 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg
> McHale';
> 'Doug Davidson'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
> Cc: 'coop budcom'
> Subject: RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!
>
>
> Sure helps to have a 12% increase last year!
>
> From: delv [mailto:delv@...]
> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 2:24 PM
> To: Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Doug
> Davidson;
> Dan Peterson; Greg d'Arbonne; Forrest; Forrest Milkowski
> Cc: coop budcom
> Subject: Hollis departments manage to zero!
> <509541013>
> This is a printer friendly version of an article from
> www.nashuatelegraph.com
> Article published Oct 27, 2008
>
> Zeroing in on a budget that's flat
>
> By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer
> hbernstein@...
>
> HOLLIS Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's
> chairman
> to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town
> departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.
>
> Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets,
> across the board.
>
> Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting
> of the
> board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency
> management, communications and animal control presented level-
> funded budgets
> for 2009.
>
> Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.
>
> That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to
> contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and
> rising
> fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.
>
> Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and
> the most
> expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is
> level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The
> lion's share
> of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway
> administration.
>
> Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no
> increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are
> offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and
> savings on
> other police equipment.
>
> Ux said department police officers will share the police
> prosecutor's role,
> saving the department about $29,000.
>
> Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did
> last
> year, $862,351, to run the fire service.
>
> "Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it
> down,"
> Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep
> spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle
> maintenance.
>
> When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear
> requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology,
> recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also
> receive the
> finance officer's revenue estimates.
>
> Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov.
> 17, and
> they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.
>
> Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or
> hbernstein@....
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
> <winmail.dat>

#600

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 7:13 pm
Subject: Re: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

balmoral3

Doug,

RSAs require all committee e-mails to be public but still limit the subject matter by prohibiting a discussion of official committee business without a noticed meeting open to the public.� Getting procedural clarification and discussing administrative issues are not official committee business as the law is written as I understand it.� Your mileage may vary.

As to the founding fathers, here is where your argument gets me to violently disagree despite sharing the goals.� The founders' (Second Continental Congress in this specific case) instructions to the delegates to the Court of Saint James before the Declaration of Independence were to "avoid the Scottish solution" of 1707 which was representation in Parliament -- Representation was never the issue for the knowledgeable founders, James Otis' infamous appeal to the mob not withstanding.� (Yes taxation without representation is tyranny but do not give us representation in the taxing body is the actual fact of the position he held.) The Declaration of Independence was directed to the King and not Parliament and many of the issues in it deal with the King, whom we were subjects of, allowing Parliament to pass rules over us.� The Founders held that� while Parliament may have been the victor of the Glorious Revolution of 1677 in England, it was not in North America and we were still subjects of His Royal Majesty rather than Parliament, with or without representation.� Thus belying the entire lack of representation issue IMHO.� Besides the colonies were taxed at a much lower rate than people and businesses in England at that time.� And most of those taxes were to try to pay for the cost for the just fought French and Indian War, which was a direct benefit to the colonists.

Anyway NH is the clear sovereign per the state Constitution and we are very much not a home rule state; so much as we may like to, we cannot change the oversight laws locally.

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 11:57 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Ray,

�

A sincere thanks for the important clarification of the technical point you noted along with�the benefit of your experience.��Mea�culpa on not understanding the details of the Coop and SAU spending approach here.� I think it�is most�important that we�critically look into�a�flawed process that�spends hundreds of thousands of our taxpayer $$ with no return on value.

�

That's why this transparent dialog is good and I'm glad to have it with the benefit of the yahoo groups visibility.� Just to be clear -- Doesn't that make it "RSA legal"?

�

However, Back to my points, 3�things�need to be made absolutely clear so as not to be lost:

�

1.� The Net results are still the same -- big $$ wasted with neither proper oversight or public benefit.� I submit this point is irrefutable and a bold example of what we need to consider as we upgrade and fix items/processes needing obvious attention.

2.� You'll please note�that I specifically stated�that the problem we have is a lack of process without due oversight; my statement (below) reads:��

�� "It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process."

3.� The founding father's thought�taxation (or spending other's $$) without representation (the SAU and the Coop interaction in this case, as you just described) was�tyranny.� I�agree, further, taking people's $$ with the promise of proper oversight and not delivering is, at least, tyranny.� This is want�needs�honest/open discussion and a 'fix' before more unintended $$ go up the chimney, as it were.

�

�

Doug Davidson

�

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

�

�

-----Original Message-----
From: delv [mailto:delv@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:37 AM
To: Doug Davidson
Cc: FWM@...; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'; 'coop budcom'
Subject: Re: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Doug,

Not just a significant amount but less than the coop increase with a rising population for the town and a decreasing one for the coop. Now I have just been providing data-points without advancing any argument,which would be discussing committee business and in violation of the RSAs. �Discussion objective data is not.

One other point, however. �and it is a technical, not policy point. �The Coop did not buy the fuel the SAU did and the Coop SB does not have direct authority over the SAU. �Without a Coop each town's SB would have that authority, but in a Coop there appears to be a hole in the legislation. �So the net result is the Coop SB can't do anything but recommend and cast it's minority votes on the SAU. �

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 9:15 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Noting Ray Valle's good homework,� Please Replace "12%" with "3%", in regards to the increase in last years Hollis Town Budget.� A most significant amount difference,�More the reason for what I am suggesting --�reasoned fiduciary oversight and collaboration between the SB and BC.

�

�

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

�

�

-----Original Message-----
From:�Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]�
Sent:�Tuesday, October 28, 2008 9:07 AM
To:�'FWM@...'; 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Just Consider, what an amazing discussion�though.� Having the audacity to discuss holding the line on budget expansion, especially in these most robust and promising of economic times.� Sarcasm for sure� -- but Seriously, if not now, When?� WHEN?

�

You have to admire the�Hollis Selectmen's�leadership, with the Department heads towing the line�and the fact that the Selectmen�haven't�increased their budget over the recommendations of the Town Budcom in YEARS.� Not just this year.��In common memory this latter point (heeding the recommendations of the Coop BudCom) is unprecedented in regards to the continued largess and outright excuses and lack of involved�oversight of the Coop School Board.�

�

The Most recent case in point - the Coop's�recent fuel purchase at $3.45 a gallon - for several hundred thousand gallons, with no downside protection�- with the Town of Hollis getting it for $3.04, at nearly the same time for ~ 7,000 gallons.� I might be of a penny here or a gallon there but most of you know this is the TRUTH.� A net loss to the town of� ~ $60K.� It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process.� The Town (and any company Board of Director) would have a vote on such�large expenses.� Not our�Coop�School Board, they rely�on the judgment of one person at an office administrator level to initiate such a purchase.� Both unfair to the individual and�plain irresponsible on the part of the SB.� The results�delivered should�have been expected.� When the BudCom asked in a public forum about these events, we received no answer.� But, I digress.

�

Back to the topic of "0% Increase"

�

Just for arguments sake,�let's use your logic noticing the 12% increase the previous year in Hollis (including�several capital improvements- Fire/Police, etc) and the reasons that we go to a zero budget plan.

�

In the COOP District:� Valid Reasons, For Starters:

�

1.� In 3 yrs.:� Pay increase of 21.4% for Prof Staff.� Possibly more in the works for "year 4", given the current�negotiations.�

2.� For�2 yrs.� 34 % increase in retirement contributions, on top of FICA -� with both items�compounded with 62+ teachers at the top of the pay scale.

3.��Consider the case�from a different angle�-- We've been so far ahead of COLA for so long that it's time we made proper adjustments in the growth area to get "our lines back in line".

�

Sounds to me we have a good case for 0% increase !��Who wants to follow the leadership and consideration of the taxpayers by�the Selectmen and have us�make a convincing and reasonable case, show solidarity and�stick to it ?�

�

As noted in our last meeting,� the School Boards proposed >= $1. 8 MM high school expansion plans will probably fail for the 3rd time - with the well documented declining enrollment and these toughening economic times.� So it stands to reason, this is the time when voters in general�and those in fixed or marginal incomes will be most supportive of a well documented and reasoned approach.

�

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

�

�

-----Original Message-----
From:�FWM [mailto:FWM@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:36 PM
To:�'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Doug Davidson'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Sure helps to have a 12% increase last year!

From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:24 PM
To:�Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Doug Davidson; Dan Peterson; Greg d'Arbonne; Forrest; Forrest Milkowski
Cc:�coop budcom
Subject:�Hollis departments manage to zero!

<509541013>

This is a printer friendly version of an article from�www.nashuatelegraph.com

Article published Oct 27, 2008
Zeroing in on a budget that's flat

By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer

hbernstein@...

HOLLIS Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's chairman to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.

Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets, across the board.

Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting of the board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency management, communications and animal control presented level-funded budgets for 2009.

Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.

That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and rising fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.

Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and the most expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The lion's share of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway administration.

Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and savings on other police equipment.

Ux said department police officers will share the police prosecutor's role, saving the department about $29,000.

Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did last year, $862,351, to run the fire service.

"Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it down," Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle maintenance.

When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology, recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also receive the finance officer's revenue estimates.

Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov. 17, and they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.

Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or�hbernstein@....

#601

From: "Doug Davidson" <rangerfund@...>
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:44 pm
Subject: RE: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

rangerfund

Well,

I got everything up to the "Your mileage may vary." and the "goals" part. I guess the rest will have to speak for itself.

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

-----Original Message-----
From: delv [mailto:delv@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 3:13 PM
To: Doug Davidson
Cc: FWM@...; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'; 'coop budcom'
Subject: Re: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Doug,

RSAs require all committee e-mails to be public but still limit the subject matter by prohibiting a discussion of official committee business without a noticed meeting open to the public. Getting procedural clarification and discussing administrative issues are not official committee business as the law is written as I understand it. Your mileage may vary.

As to the founding fathers, here is where your argument gets me to violently disagree despite sharing the goals. The founders' (Second Continental Congress in this specific case) instructions to the delegates to the Court of Saint James before the Declaration of Independence were to "avoid the Scottish solution" of 1707 which was representation in Parliament -- Representation was never the issue for the knowledgeable founders, James Otis' infamous appeal to the mob not withstanding. (Yes taxation without representation is tyranny but do not give us representation in the taxing body is the actual fact of the position he held.) The Declaration of Independence was directed to the King and not Parliament and many of the issues in it deal with the King, whom we were subjects of, allowing Parliament to pass rules over us. The Founders held that while Parliament may have been the victor of the Glorious Revolution of 1677 in England, it was not in North America and we were still subjects of His Royal Majesty rather than Parliament, with or without representation. Thus belying the entire lack of representation issue IMHO. Besides the colonies were taxed at a much lower rate than people and businesses in England at that time. And most of those taxes were to try to pay for the cost for the just fought French and Indian War, which was a direct benefit to the colonists.

Anyway NH is the clear sovereign per the state Constitution and we are very much not a home rule state; so much as we may like to, we cannot change the oversight laws locally.

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 11:57 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Ray,

A sincere thanks for the important clarification of the technical point you noted along with the benefit of your experience.  Mea culpa on not understanding the details of the Coop and SAU spending approach here. I think it is most important that we critically look into a flawed process that spends hundreds of thousands of our taxpayer $$ with no return on value.

That's why this transparent dialog is good and I'm glad to have it with the benefit of the yahoo groups visibility. Just to be clear -- Doesn't that make it "RSA legal"?

However, Back to my points, 3 things need to be made absolutely clear so as not to be lost:

1. The Net results are still the same -- big $$ wasted with neither proper oversight or public benefit. I submit this point is irrefutable and a bold example of what we need to consider as we upgrade and fix items/processes needing obvious attention.

2. You'll please note that I specifically stated that the problem we have is a lack of process without due oversight; my statement (below) reads:

            "It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process."

3. The founding father's thought taxation (or spending other's $$) without representation (the SAU and the Coop interaction in this case, as you just described) was tyranny. I agree, further, taking people's $$ with the promise of proper oversight and not delivering is, at least, tyranny. This is want needs honest/open discussion and a 'fix' before more unintended $$ go up the chimney, as it were.

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

-----Original Message-----
From: delv [mailto:delv@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:37 AM
To: Doug Davidson
Cc: FWM@...; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'; 'coop budcom'
Subject: Re: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Doug,

Not just a significant amount but less than the coop increase with a rising population for the town and a decreasing one for the coop. Now I have just been providing data-points without advancing any argument,which would be discussing committee business and in violation of the RSAs. Discussion objective data is not.

One other point, however. and it is a technical, not policy point. The Coop did not buy the fuel the SAU did and the Coop SB does not have direct authority over the SAU. Without a Coop each town's SB would have that authority, but in a Coop there appears to be a hole in the legislation. So the net result is the Coop SB can't do anything but recommend and cast it's minority votes on the SAU.

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 9:15 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Noting Ray Valle's good homework, Please Replace "12%" with "3%", in regards to the increase in last years Hollis Town Budget. A most significant amount difference, More the reason for what I am suggesting -- reasoned fiduciary oversight and collaboration between the SB and BC.

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 9:07 AM
To: 'FWM@...'; 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc: 'coop budcom'
Subject: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Just Consider, what an amazing discussion though. Having the audacity to discuss holding the line on budget expansion, especially in these most robust and promising of economic times. Sarcasm for sure -- but Seriously, if not now, When? WHEN?

You have to admire the Hollis Selectmen's leadership, with the Department heads towing the line and the fact that the Selectmen haven't increased their budget over the recommendations of the Town Budcom in YEARS. Not just this year.   In common memory this latter point (heeding the recommendations of the Coop BudCom) is unprecedented in regards to the continued largess and outright excuses and lack of involved oversight of the Coop School Board.

The Most recent case in point - the Coop's recent fuel purchase at $3.45 a gallon - for several hundred thousand gallons, with no downside protection - with the Town of Hollis getting it for $3.04, at nearly the same time for ~ 7,000 gallons. I might be of a penny here or a gallon there but most of you know this is the TRUTH. A net loss to the town of ~ $60K. It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process. The Town (and any company Board of Director) would have a vote on such large expenses. Not our Coop School Board, they rely on the judgment of one person at an office administrator level to initiate such a purchase. Both unfair to the individual and plain irresponsible on the part of the SB. The results delivered should have been expected. When the BudCom asked in a public forum about these events, we received no answer. But, I digress.

Back to the topic of "0% Increase"

Just for arguments sake, let's use your logic noticing the 12% increase the previous year in Hollis (including several capital improvements- Fire/Police, etc) and the reasons that we go to a zero budget plan.

In the COOP District: Valid Reasons, For Starters:

1. In 3 yrs.: Pay increase of 21.4% for Prof Staff. Possibly more in the works for "year 4", given the current negotiations.

2. For 2 yrs. 34 % increase in retirement contributions, on top of FICA - with both items compounded with 62+ teachers at the top of the pay scale.

3.  Consider the case from a different angle -- We've been so far ahead of COLA for so long that it's time we made proper adjustments in the growth area to get "our lines back in line".

Sounds to me we have a good case for 0% increase !  Who wants to follow the leadership and consideration of the taxpayers by the Selectmen and have us make a convincing and reasonable case, show solidarity and stick to it ?

As noted in our last meeting, the School Boards proposed >= $1. 8 MM high school expansion plans will probably fail for the 3rd time - with the well documented declining enrollment and these toughening economic times. So it stands to reason, this is the time when voters in general and those in fixed or marginal incomes will be most supportive of a well documented and reasoned approach.

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

-----Original Message-----
From: FWM [mailto:FWM@...]
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 2:36 PM
To: 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Doug Davidson'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc: 'coop budcom'
Subject: RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Sure helps to have a 12% increase last year!

From: delv [mailto:delv@...]
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 2:24 PM
To: Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Doug Davidson; Dan Peterson; Greg d'Arbonne; Forrest; Forrest Milkowski
Cc: coop budcom
Subject: Hollis departments manage to zero!

<509541013>

This is a printer friendly version of an article from www.nashuatelegraph.com

Article published Oct 27, 2008

Zeroing in on a budget that's flat

By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer

hbernstein@...

HOLLIS Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's chairman to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.

Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets, across the board.

Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting of the board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency management, communications and animal control presented level-funded budgets for 2009.

Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.

That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and rising fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.

Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and the most expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The lion's share of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway administration.

Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and savings on other police equipment.

Ux said department police officers will share the police prosecutor's role, saving the department about $29,000.

Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did last year, $862,351, to run the fire service.

"Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it down," Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle maintenance.

When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology, recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also receive the finance officer's revenue estimates.

Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov. 17, and they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.

Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or hbernstein@....

#602

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Wed Oct 29, 2008 4:34 am
Subject: Re: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: ...

balmoral3

Greg,

It's mandated by state law as I understand it.

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 10:25 PM, GDarbo6844@... wrote:

Ray, excellent dissertation on the history. Thanks.

�

A possible solution to SAU with no oversight by a school board is to take all 3 School Boards (Hollis, Brookline and Coop) and make one. Now that taxes are based on student population contributed by each Town for the Coop, why do we need 3 School Boards in one SAU?

�

Just food for thought.

�

Greg

�

In a message dated 10/28/2008 3:15:05 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, delv@... writes:

Doug,

RSAs require all committee e-mails to be public but still limit the subject matter by prohibiting a discussion of official committee business without a noticed meeting open to the public.� Getting procedural clarification and discussing administrative issues are not official committee business as the law is written as I understand it.� Your mileage may vary.

As to the founding fathers, here is where your argument gets me to violently disagree despite sharing the goals.� The founders' (Second Continental Congress in this specific case) instructions to the delegates to the Court of Saint James before the Declaration of Independence were to "avoid the Scottish solution" of 1707 which was representation in Parliament -- Representation was never the issue for the knowledgeable founders, James Otis' infamous appeal to the mob not withstanding.� (Yes taxation without representation is tyranny but do not give us representation in the taxing body is the actual fact of the position he held.) The Declaration of Independence was directed to the King and not Parliament and many of the issues in it deal with the King, whom we were subjects of, allowing Parliament to pass rules over us.� The Founders held that� while Parliament may have been the victor of the Glorious Revolution of 1677 in England, it was not in North America and we were still subjects of His Royal Majesty rather than Parliament, with or without representation.� Thus belying the entire lack of representation issue IMHO.� Besides the colonies were taxed at a much lower rate than people and businesses in England at that time.� And most of those taxes were to try to pay for the cost for the just fought French and Indian War, which was a direct benefit to the colonists.

Anyway NH is the clear sovereign per the state Constitution and we are very much not a home rule state; so much as we may like to, we cannot change the oversight laws locally.

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 11:57 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Ray,

�

A sincere thanks for the important clarification of the technical point you noted along with�the benefit of your experience.��Mea�culpa on not understanding the details of the Coop and SAU spending approach here.� I think it�is most�important that we�critically look into�a�flawed process that�spends hundreds of thousands of our taxpayer $$ with no return on value.

�

That's why this transparent dialog is good and I'm glad to have it with the benefit of the yahoo groups visibility.� Just to be clear -- Doesn't that make it "RSA legal"?

�

However, Back to my points, 3�things�need to be made absolutely clear so as not to be lost:

�

1.� The Net results are still the same -- big $$ wasted with neither proper oversight or public benefit.� I submit this point is irrefutable and a bold example of what we need to consider as we upgrade and fix items/processes needing obvious attention.

2.� You'll please note�that I specifically stated�that the problem we have is a lack of process without due oversight; my statement (below) reads:��

�� "It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process."

3.� The founding father's thought�taxation (or spending other's $$) without representation (the SAU and the Coop interaction in this case, as you just described) was�tyranny.� I�agree, further, taking people's $$ with the promise of proper oversight and not delivering is, at least, tyranny.� This is want�needs�honest/open discussion and a 'fix' before more unintended $$ go up the chimney, as it were.

�

�

Doug Davidson

�

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

�

�

-----Original Message-----
From: delv [mailto:delv@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:37 AM
To: Doug Davidson
Cc: FWM@...; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'; 'coop budcom'
Subject: Re: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Doug,

Not just a significant amount but less than the coop increase with a rising population for the town and a decreasing one for the coop. Now I have just been providing data-points without advancing any argument,which would be discussing committee business and in violation of the RSAs. �Discussion objective data is not.

One other point, however. �and it is a technical, not policy point. �The Coop did not buy the fuel the SAU did and the Coop SB does not have direct authority over the SAU. �Without a Coop each town's SB would have that authority, but in a Coop there appears to be a hole in the legislation. �So the net result is the Coop SB can't do anything but recommend and cast it's minority votes on the SAU. �

Ray

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 9:15 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Noting Ray Valle's good homework,� Please Replace "12%" with "3%", in regards to the increase in last years Hollis Town Budget.� A most significant amount difference,�More the reason for what I am suggesting --�reasoned fiduciary oversight and collaboration between the SB and BC.

�

�

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

�

�

-----Original Message-----
From:�Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]�
Sent:�Tuesday, October 28, 2008 9:07 AM
To:�'FWM@...'; 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Just Consider, what an amazing discussion�though.� Having the audacity to discuss holding the line on budget expansion, especially in these most robust and promising of economic times.� Sarcasm for sure� -- but Seriously, if not now, When?� WHEN?

�

You have to admire the�Hollis Selectmen's�leadership, with the Department heads towing the line�and the fact that the Selectmen�haven't�increased their budget over the recommendations of the Town Budcom in YEARS.� Not just this year.��In common memory this latter point (heeding the recommendations of the Coop BudCom) is unprecedented in regards to the continued largess and outright excuses and lack of involved�oversight of the Coop School Board.�

�

The Most recent case in point - the Coop's�recent fuel purchase at $3.45 a gallon - for several hundred thousand gallons, with no downside protection�- with the Town of Hollis getting it for $3.04, at nearly the same time for ~ 7,000 gallons.� I might be of a penny here or a gallon there but most of you know this is the TRUTH.� A net loss to the town of� ~ $60K.� It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process.� The Town (and any company Board of Director) would have a vote on such�large expenses.� Not our�Coop�School Board, they rely�on the judgment of one person at an office administrator level to initiate such a purchase.� Both unfair to the individual and�plain irresponsible on the part of the SB.� The results�delivered should�have been expected.� When the BudCom asked in a public forum about these events, we received no answer.� But, I digress.

�

Back to the topic of "0% Increase"

�

Just for arguments sake,�let's use your logic noticing the 12% increase the previous year in Hollis (including�several capital improvements- Fire/Police, etc) and the reasons that we go to a zero budget plan.

�

In the COOP District:� Valid Reasons, For Starters:

�

1.� In 3 yrs.:� Pay increase of 21.4% for Prof Staff.� Possibly more in the works for "year 4", given the current�negotiations.�

2.� For�2 yrs.� 34 % increase in retirement contributions, on top of FICA -� with both items�compounded with 62+ teachers at the top of the pay scale.

3.��Consider the case�from a different angle�-- We've been so far ahead of COLA for so long that it's time we made proper adjustments in the growth area to get "our lines back in line".

�

Sounds to me we have a good case for 0% increase !��Who wants to follow the leadership and consideration of the taxpayers by�the Selectmen and have us�make a convincing and reasonable case, show solidarity and�stick to it ?�

�

As noted in our last meeting,� the School Boards proposed >= $1. 8 MM high school expansion plans will probably fail for the 3rd time - with the well documented declining enrollment and these toughening economic times.� So it stands to reason, this is the time when voters in general�and those in fixed or marginal incomes will be most supportive of a well documented and reasoned approach.

�

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

�

�

-----Original Message-----
From:�FWM [mailto:FWM@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:36 PM
To:�'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Doug Davidson'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Sure helps to have a 12% increase last year!

From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:24 PM
To:�Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Doug Davidson; Dan Peterson; Greg d'Arbonne; Forrest; Forrest Milkowski
Cc:�coop budcom
Subject:�Hollis departments manage to zero!

<509541013>

This is a printer friendly version of an article from�www.nashuatelegraph.com

Article published Oct 27, 2008
Zeroing in on a budget that's flat

By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer

hbernstein@...

HOLLIS Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's chairman to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.

Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets, across the board.

Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting of the board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency management, communications and animal control presented level-funded budgets for 2009.

Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.

That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and rising fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.

Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and the most expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The lion's share of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway administration.

Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and savings on other police equipment.

Ux said department police officers will share the police prosecutor's role, saving the department about $29,000.

Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did last year, $862,351, to run the fire service.

"Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it down," Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle maintenance.

When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology, recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also receive the finance officer's revenue estimates.

Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov. 17, and they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.

Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or�hbernstein@....

=

Play online games for FREE at Games.com! All of your favorites, no registration required and great graphics � check it out!

#603

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Wed Oct 29, 2008 3:21 pm
Subject: Re: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Argument -- RE: ...

balmoral3

I believe Greg was proposing combining the three elected School Boards into one elected SAU Board. �Of course the issue would still be�budgetary�oversight.

Ray

On 29 Oct , 2008, at 7:04 AM, FWM wrote:

Greg, Ray,
�
Actually� the number is 4 boards� don�t forget the SAU Board�
�
Forrest
�
From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Wednesday, October 29, 2008 12:34 AM
To:�GDarbo6844@...
Cc:�Doug Davidson; Forrest; Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Dan Peterson; coop budcom; Forrest Milkowski; coop budcom
Subject:�Re: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: ...
�
Greg,
�
It's mandated by state law as I understand it.
�
Ray
�
On 28 Oct , 2008, at 10:25 PM,�GDarbo6844@...�wrote:

Ray, excellent dissertation on the history. Thanks.
�
A possible solution to SAU with no oversight by a school board is to take all 3 School Boards (Hollis, Brookline and Coop) and make one. Now that taxes are based on student population contributed by each Town for the Coop, why do we need 3 School Boards in one SAU?
�
Just food for thought.
�
Greg
�
In a message dated 10/28/2008 3:15:05 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,�delv@...�writes:
Doug,
�
RSAs require all committee e-mails to be public but still limit the subject matter by prohibiting a discussion of official committee business without a noticed meeting open to the public.� Getting procedural clarification and discussing administrative issues are not official committee business as the law is written as I understand it.� Your mileage may vary.
�
As to the founding fathers, here is where your argument gets me to violently disagree despite sharing the goals.� The founders' (Second Continental Congress in this specific case) instructions to the delegates to the Court of Saint James before the Declaration of Independence were to "avoid the Scottish solution" of 1707 which was representation in Parliament -- Representation was never the issue for the knowledgeable founders, James Otis' infamous appeal to the mob not withstanding.� (Yes taxation without representation is tyranny but do not give us representation in the taxing body is the actual fact of the position he held.) The Declaration of Independence was directed to the King and not Parliament and many of the issues in it deal with the King, whom we were subjects of, allowing Parliament to pass rules over us.� The Founders held that� while Parliament may have been the victor of the Glorious Revolution of 1677 in England, it was not in North America and we were still subjects of His Royal Majesty rather than Parliament, with or without representation.� Thus belying the entire lack of representation issue IMHO.� Besides the colonies were taxed at a much lower rate than people and businesses in England at that time.� And most of those taxes were to try to pay for the cost for the just fought French and Indian War, which was a direct benefit to the colonists.
�
Anyway NH is the clear sovereign per the state Constitution and we are very much not a home rule state; so much as we may like to, we cannot change the oversight laws locally.
�
Ray
�
On 28 Oct , 2008, at 11:57 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Ray,
�
A sincere thanks for the important clarification of the technical point you noted along with�the benefit of your experience.��Mea�culpa on not understanding the details of the Coop and SAU spending approach here.� I think it�is most�important that we�critically look into�a�flawed process that�spends hundreds of thousands of our taxpayer $$ with no return on value.
�
That's why this transparent dialog is good and I'm glad to have it with the benefit of the yahoo groups visibility.� Just to be clear -- Doesn't that make it "RSA legal"?
�
However, Back to my points, 3�things�need to be made absolutely clear so as not to be lost:
�
1.� The Net results are still the same -- big $$ wasted with neither proper oversight or public benefit.� I submit this point is irrefutable and a bold example of what we need to consider as we upgrade and fix items/processes needing obvious attention.
2.� You'll please note�that I specifically stated�that the problem we have is a lack of process without due oversight; my statement (below) reads:��
�� "It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process."
3.� The founding father's thought�taxation (or spending other's $$) without representation (the SAU and the Coop interaction in this case, as you just described) was�tyranny.� I�agree, further, taking people's $$ with the promise of proper oversight and not delivering is, at least, tyranny.� This is want�needs�honest/open discussion and a 'fix' before more unintended $$ go up the chimney, as it were.
�
�
Doug Davidson
�
Off: 603.465.3077
Cel: 603.689.5805
Business & Technology
�
�
-----Original Message-----
From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:37 AM
To:�Doug Davidson
Cc:�FWM@...; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'; 'coop budcom'
Subject:�Re: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!
Doug,
�
Not just a significant amount but less than the coop increase with a rising population for the town and a decreasing one for the coop. Now I have just been providing data-points without advancing any argument,which would be discussing committee business and in violation of the RSAs. �Discussion objective data is not.
�
One other point, however. �and it is a technical, not policy point. �The Coop did not buy the fuel the SAU did and the Coop SB does not have direct authority over the SAU. �Without a Coop each town's SB would have that authority, but in a Coop there appears to be a hole in the legislation. �So the net result is the Coop SB can't do anything but recommend and cast it's minority votes on the SAU. �
�
Ray
�
On 28 Oct , 2008, at 9:15 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Noting Ray Valle's good homework,� Please Replace "12%" with "3%", in regards to the increase in last years Hollis Town Budget.� A most significant amount difference,�More the reason for what I am suggesting --�reasoned fiduciary oversight and collaboration between the SB and BC.
�
�
Doug Davidson
Off: 603.465.3077
Cel: 603.689.5805
Business & Technology

�

�
-----Original Message-----
From:�Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]�
Sent:�Tuesday, October 28, 2008 9:07 AM
To:�'FWM@...'; 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!
Just Consider, what an amazing discussion�though.� Having the audacity to discuss holding the line on budget expansion, especially in these most robust and promising of economic times.� Sarcasm for sure� -- but Seriously, if not now, When?� WHEN?
�
You have to admire the�Hollis Selectmen's�leadership, with the Department heads towing the line�and the fact that the Selectmen�haven't�increased their budget over the recommendations of the Town Budcom in YEARS.� Not just this year.��In common memory this latter point (heeding the recommendations of the Coop BudCom) is unprecedented in regards to the continued largess and outright excuses and lack of involved�oversight of the Coop School Board.�
�
The Most recent case in point - the Coop's�recent fuel purchase at $3.45 a gallon - for several hundred thousand gallons, with no downside protection�- with the Town of Hollis getting it for $3.04, at nearly the same time for ~ 7,000 gallons.� I might be of a penny here or a gallon there but most of you know this is the TRUTH.� A net loss to the town of� ~ $60K.� It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process.� The Town (and any company Board of Director) would have a vote on such�large expenses.� Not our�Coop�School Board, they rely�on the judgment of one person at an office administrator level to initiate such a purchase.� Both unfair to the individual and�plain irresponsible on the part of the SB.� The results�delivered should�have been expected.� When the BudCom asked in a public forum about these events, we received no answer.� But, I digress.
�
Back to the topic of "0% Increase"
�
Just for arguments sake,�let's use your logic noticing the 12% increase the previous year in Hollis (including�several capital improvements- Fire/Police, etc) and the reasons that we go to a zero budget plan.
�
In the COOP District:� Valid Reasons, For Starters:
�
1.� In 3 yrs.:� Pay increase of 21.4% for Prof Staff.� Possibly more in the works for "year 4", given the current�negotiations.�
2.� For�2 yrs.� 34 % increase in retirement contributions, on top of FICA -� with both items�compounded with 62+ teachers at the top of the pay scale.
3.��Consider the case�from a different angle�-- We've been so far ahead of COLA for so long that it's time we made proper adjustments in the growth area to get "our lines back in line".
�
Sounds to me we have a good case for 0% increase !��Who wants to follow the leadership and consideration of the taxpayers by�the Selectmen and have us�make a convincing and reasonable case, show solidarity and�stick to it ?�
�
As noted in our last meeting,� the School Boards proposed >= $1. 8 MM high school expansion plans will probably fail for the 3rd time - with the well documented declining enrollment and these toughening economic times.� So it stands to reason, this is the time when voters in general�and those in fixed or marginal incomes will be most supportive of a well documented and reasoned approach.
�
Doug Davidson
Off: 603.465.3077
Cel: 603.689.5805
Business & Technology

�

�
-----Original Message-----
From:�FWM [mailto:FWM@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:36 PM
To:�'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Doug Davidson'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!
Sure helps to have a 12% increase last year!
From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:24 PM
To:�Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Doug Davidson; Dan Peterson; Greg d'Arbonne; Forrest; Forrest Milkowski
Cc:�coop budcom
Subject:�Hollis departments manage to zero!
<509541013>
This is a printer friendly version of an article from�www.nashuatelegraph.com
Article published Oct 27, 2008
Zeroing in on a budget that's flat
By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer
hbernstein@...
HOLLIS Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's chairman to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.
Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets, across the board.
Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting of the board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency management, communications and animal control presented level-funded budgets for 2009.
Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.
That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and rising fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.
Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and the most expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The lion's share of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway administration.
Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and savings on other police equipment.
Ux said department police officers will share the police prosecutor's role, saving the department about $29,000.
Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did last year, $862,351, to run the fire service.
"Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it down," Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle maintenance.
When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology, recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also receive the finance officer's revenue estimates.
Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov. 17, and they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.
Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or�hbernstein@....
�

=

Play online games for FREE at Games.com! All of your favorites, no registration required and great graphics ��check it out!
�

#604

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:13 pm
Subject: Re: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Argument -- RE: ...

balmoral3

Actually Greg,that is in violation of state law unless the coop were for all grades. �Doug's committee could not have proposed what you suggest.

Ray

On 29 Oct , 2008, at 12:51 PM, gdarbo6844@... wrote:

RAy is stating it correctly; one School Board and one Budget Committee with oversight for all schools in the SAU. I noticed that was not a proposed option with teh commitee that Doug Cleveland chaired (I forget the name of it right now).

Greg

-----Original Message-----
From: delv <delv@...>
To: FWM@...
Cc: GDarbo6844@...; 'Doug Davidson' <rangerfund@...>; 'Steve Pucci' <sdpucci@...>; 'steve. pucci' <Steve.Pucci@...>; 'Lorin Rydstrom' <Lorin.Rydstrom@...>; 'Greg McHale' <greg.mchale@...>; 'Dan Peterson' <danjpeterson@...>; 'coop budcom' <hbcoopbudcom@yahoogroups.com>; 'Forrest Milkowski' <Forrest@...>
Sent: Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:21 am
Subject: Re: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Argument -- RE: ...

I believe Greg was proposing combining the three elected School Boards into one elected SAU Board. �Of course the issue would still be�budgetary�oversight.

Ray

On 29 Oct , 2008, at 7:04 AM, FWM wrote:

Greg, Ray,

�

Actually� the number is 4 boards� don�t forget the SAU Board�

�

Forrest

�

From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Wednesday, October 29, 2008 12:34 AM
To:�GDarbo6844@...
Cc:�Doug Davidson; Forrest; Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Dan Peterson; coop budcom; Forrest Milkowski; coop budcom
Subject:�Re: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: ...

�

Greg,

�

It's mandated by state law as I understand it.

�

Ray

�

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 10:25 PM,�GDarbo6844@...�wrote:

Ray, excellent dissertation on the history. Thanks.

�

A possible solution to SAU with no oversight by a school board is to take all 3 School Boards (Hollis, Brookline and Coop) and make one. Now that taxes are based on student population contributed by each Town for the Coop, why do we need 3 School Boards in one SAU?

�

Just food for thought.

�

Greg

�

In a message dated 10/28/2008 3:15:05 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,�delv@...�writes:

Doug,

�

RSAs require all committee e-mails to be public but still limit the subject matter by prohibiting a discussion of official committee business without a noticed meeting open to the public.� Getting procedural clarification and discussing administrative issues are not official committee business as the law is written as I understand it.� Your mileage may vary.

�

As to the founding fathers, here is where your argument gets me to violently disagree despite sharing the goals.� The founders' (Second Continental Congress in this specific case) instructions to the delegates to the Court of Saint James before the Declaration of Independence were to "avoid the Scottish solution" of 1707 which was representation in Parliament -- Representation was never the issue for the knowledgeable founders, James Otis' infamous appeal to the mob not withstanding.� (Yes taxation without representation is tyranny but do not give us representation in the taxing body is the actual fact of the position he held.) The Declaration of Independence was directed to the King and not Parliament and many of the issues in it deal with the King, whom we were subjects of, allowing Parliament to pass rules over us.� The Founders held that� while Parliament may have been the victor of the Glorious Revolution of 1677 in England, it was not in North America and we were still subjects of His Royal Majesty rather than Parliament, with or without representation.� Thus belying the entire lack of representation issue IMHO.� Besides the colonies were taxed at a much lower rate than people and businesses in England at that time.� And most of those taxes were to try to pay for the cost for the just fought French and Indian War, which was a direct benefit to the colonists.

�

Anyway NH is the clear sovereign per the state Constitution and we are very much not a home rule state; so much as we may like to, we cannot change the oversight laws locally.

�

Ray

�

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 11:57 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Ray,

�

A sincere thanks for the important clarification of the technical point you noted along with�the benefit of your experience.��Mea�culpa on not understanding the details of the Coop and SAU spending approach here.� I think it�is most�important that we�critically look into�a�flawed process that�spends hundreds of thousands of our taxpayer $$ with no return on value.

�

That's why this transparent dialog is good and I'm glad to have it with the benefit of the yahoo groups visibility.� Just to be clear -- Doesn't that make it "RSA legal"?

�

However, Back to my points, 3�things�need to be made absolutely clear so as not to be lost:

�

1.� The Net results are still the same -- big $$ wasted with neither proper oversight or public benefit.� I submit this point is irrefutable and a bold example of what we need to consider as we upgrade and fix items/processes needing obvious attention.

2.� You'll please note�that I specifically stated�that the problem we have is a lack of process without due oversight; my statement (below) reads:��

�� "It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process."

3.� The founding father's thought�taxation (or spending other's $$) without representation (the SAU and the Coop interaction in this case, as you just described) was�tyranny.� I�agree, further, taking people's $$ with the promise of proper oversight and not delivering is, at least, tyranny.� This is want�needs�honest/open discussion and a 'fix' before more unintended $$ go up the chimney, as it were.

�

�

Doug Davidson

�

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

�

�

-----Original Message-----
From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:37 AM
To:�Doug Davidson
Cc:�FWM@...; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'; 'coop budcom'
Subject:�Re: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Doug,

�

Not just a significant amount but less than the coop increase with a rising population for the town and a decreasing one for the coop. Now I have just been providing data-points without advancing any argument,which would be discussing committee business and in violation of the RSAs. �Discussion objective data is not.

�

One other point, however. �and it is a technical, not policy point. �The Coop did not buy the fuel the SAU did and the Coop SB does not have direct authority over the SAU. �Without a Coop each town's SB would have that authority, but in a Coop there appears to be a hole in the legislation. �So the net result is the Coop SB can't do anything but recommend and cast it's minority votes on the SAU. �

�

Ray

�

On 28 Oct , 2008, at 9:15 AM, Doug Davidson wrote:

Noting Ray Valle's good homework,� Please Replace "12%" with "3%", in regards to the increase in last years Hollis Town Budget.� A most significant amount difference,�More the reason for what I am suggesting --�reasoned fiduciary oversight and collaboration between the SB and BC.

�

�

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

�

�

-----Original Message-----
From:�Doug Davidson [mailto:rangerfund@...]�
Sent:�Tuesday, October 28, 2008 9:07 AM
To:�'FWM@...'; 'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�Let's Use your Arguement -- RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Just Consider, what an amazing discussion�though.� Having the audacity to discuss holding the line on budget expansion, especially in these most robust and promising of economic times.� Sarcasm for sure� -- but Seriously, if not now, When?� WHEN?

�

You have to admire the�Hollis Selectmen's�leadership, with the Department heads towing the line�and the fact that the Selectmen�haven't�increased their budget over the recommendations of the Town Budcom in YEARS.� Not just this year.��In common memory this latter point (heeding the recommendations of the Coop BudCom) is unprecedented in regards to the continued largess and outright excuses and lack of involved�oversight of the Coop School Board.�

�

The Most recent case in point - the Coop's�recent fuel purchase at $3.45 a gallon - for several hundred thousand gallons, with no downside protection�- with the Town of Hollis getting it for $3.04, at nearly the same time for ~ 7,000 gallons.� I might be of a penny here or a gallon there but most of you know this is the TRUTH.� A net loss to the town of� ~ $60K.� It's not the bad timing or the speculation part that gets me the most - it's the lack of process.� The Town (and any company Board of Director) would have a vote on such�large expenses.� Not our�Coop�School Board, they rely�on the judgment of one person at an office administrator level to initiate such a purchase.� Both unfair to the individual and�plain irresponsible on the part of the SB.� The results�delivered should�have been expected.� When the BudCom asked in a public forum about these events, we received no answer.� But, I digress.

�

Back to the topic of "0% Increase"

�

Just for arguments sake,�let's use your logic noticing the 12% increase the previous year in Hollis (including�several capital improvements- Fire/Police, etc) and the reasons that we go to a zero budget plan.

�

In the COOP District:� Valid Reasons, For Starters:

�

1.� In 3 yrs.:� Pay increase of 21.4% for Prof Staff.� Possibly more in the works for "year 4", given the current�negotiations.�

2.� For�2 yrs.� 34 % increase in retirement contributions, on top of FICA -� with both items�compounded with 62+ teachers at the top of the pay scale.

3.��Consider the case�from a different angle�-- We've been so far ahead of COLA for so long that it's time we made proper adjustments in the growth area to get "our lines back in line".

�

Sounds to me we have a good case for 0% increase !��Who wants to follow the leadership and consideration of the taxpayers by�the Selectmen and have us�make a convincing and reasonable case, show solidarity and�stick to it ?�

�

As noted in our last meeting,� the School Boards proposed >= $1. 8 MM high school expansion plans will probably fail for the 3rd time - with the well documented declining enrollment and these toughening economic times.� So it stands to reason, this is the time when voters in general�and those in fixed or marginal incomes will be most supportive of a well documented and reasoned approach.

�

Doug Davidson

Off: 603.465.3077

Cel: 603.689.5805

Business & Technology

�

�

-----Original Message-----
From:�FWM [mailto:FWM@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:36 PM
To:�'delv'; 'Steve Pucci'; 'steve. pucci'; 'Lorin Rydstrom'; 'Greg McHale'; 'Doug Davidson'; 'Dan Peterson'; 'Greg d'Arbonne'; 'Forrest Milkowski'
Cc:�'coop budcom'
Subject:�RE: Hollis departments manage to zero!

Sure helps to have a 12% increase last year!

From:�delv [mailto:delv@...]�
Sent:�Monday, October 27, 2008 2:24 PM
To:�Steve Pucci; steve. pucci; Lorin Rydstrom; Greg McHale; Doug Davidson; Dan Peterson; Greg d'Arbonne; Forrest; Forrest Milkowski
Cc:�coop budcom
Subject:�Hollis departments manage to zero!

<509541013>

This is a printer friendly version of an article from�www.nashuatelegraph.com

Article published Oct 27, 2008

Zeroing in on a budget that's flat

By HATTIE BERNSTEIN Staff Writer

hbernstein@...

HOLLIS Responding to what amounts to a decree from the selectmen's chairman to maintain last year's spending levels, heads of the largest town departments aren't requesting additional funds to operate next year.

Board Chairman Vahrij Manoukian has requested "zero increase" budgets, across the board.

Last Monday, at a budget workshop held during the regular meeting of the board of selectmen, the heads of public works, police, fire, emergency management, communications and animal control presented level-funded budgets for 2009.

Last year, voters approved a $9.08 million budget.

That amount isn't likely to remain the same next year, however, due to contracted increases in salaries, increases in insurance costs, and rising fuel costs, according to Finance Officer Paul Calabria.

Jeff Babel, director of public works, the largest department and the most expensive to run, offered selectmen three budget options: one that is level-funded and two others that include modest increases. The lion's share of any increases would go toward road rebuilding and highway administration.

Police Chief Russell Ux provided a spending breakdown that reflects no increases. There are some new items in the budget, but those costs are offset by the elimination of a contract attorney's position and savings on other police equipment.

Ux said department police officers will share the police prosecutor's role, saving the department about $29,000.

Fire Chief Rick Towne is asking the town for the same amount he did last year, $862,351, to run the fire service.

"Last year, we were level-funded, and we're trying hard to hold it down," Towne told the board last week, adding that he won't be able to keep spending flat in 2010, mostly due to increased costs in vehicle maintenance.

When selectmen meet Nov. 3 for a final budget workshop, they will hear requests for spending for charitable funds, information technology, recreation, welfare and capital improvements. They will also receive the finance officer's revenue estimates.

Selectmen plan to adopt a preliminary budget when they meet Nov. 17, and they will vote on a final budget proposal Nov. 24.

Hattie Bernstein can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 24, or�hbernstein@....

�

=

Play online games for FREE at Games.com! All of your favorites, no registration required and great graphics ��check it out!

�

=

#605

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:11 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Thanks Ray, More -- RE: CORRECTION: RE: Let's Use your...

balmoral3

I don't know who Jim addressed his response to but I never got it. �The Yahoo Group currently �only allows BudCom members to post to it.

I did not understand Greg as suggesting that all K-12 schools be in one Coop -- I read oversight as something less then the governing body that School Boards are.�

Ray

On 29 Oct , 2008, at 10:49 PM, GDarbo6844@... wrote:

Since I saw Ray's response after I read Jim's e-mail response to him, I will comment here: please reexamine what I wrote. I did say the Coop would be for all grades if we had one SAU. I said "one School Board and one Budget Committee with oversight for all schools in the SAU." That means all grades (unless we have a grade that does meet in any of our schools).

�

Jim, thank you for clarifying that the option I inquired on�is in the report (I only skimmed the report and will read it in detail when I get a chance) but I am personally curious why the option was not proposed since some people�try to equate running a school district like a business and economies of scale is a basic fundamental of business, therefore, one School District would eliminate several redundancies between the 3 school districts and the SAU (I would think and hope). I do not need a response from anyone on that; I figure the proper response should be made at a public forum where the report is discussed. Additionally, I do not have the time to read lengthy e-mails on the topic at this time.

�

Thanks all!

�

Greg

#606

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:53 pm
Subject: source of quote

balmoral3

Can�anyone�verify�the�source�of�this�quote.��I�thought�I�knew�Twain�but�newer�saw�this�one�till�it�was�in�an�e-mail�this�morning.

Ray

"In the beginning, God created monkeys....this was for practice..then he created school boards!" Mark Twain

#607

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Mon Dec 29, 2008 3:12 am
Subject: Re: Impact if no Professional Staff Contract agreement

balmoral3

Sorry for the long delay in replying.

1- Yes, that is my understanding, but our understandings have been
wrong often enough in the past.

2 - I understood that Greg was somehow involved in the process of
keeping us, and our e-mail exchanges, in compliance with the RTK.  If
that is so, why additionally copy Doris?  It must make it confusing.
Of course using the Yahoo Group could avoid that problem altogether.

Ray


On 13 Dec , 2008, at 9:35 AM, Dan Peterson wrote:

> Here is my understanding based on decisions of this topic in past
> years -
> which may NOT be correct.
>
> 1) contract gets frozen in time
> 2) everyone stays at their current step - no increase in step level
> means no
> step raises
> 3) no COLA increase
> 4) all benefits remain intact as defined in the contract - so any
> increases in
> the costs of these benefits must be taken into account.  For
> example, the
> medical benefits stay the same but since the costs are up 10% or
> so, the
> district has to pick up those additional costs.
> 5) the district can not unilaterally change the medical plans offer
> except to
> add options.  so we could not unilaterally change the plans to ones
> with
> higher deductibles - that has to be part of a negotiated
> settlement.  we think
> we could add options.
> 6) I don't have that number - I think the medical plan premium
> increase is
> estimated at something like $20K
>
> Be aware that under this condition we'd expect some or all of the
> staff to
> "work to rule" meaning a significant reduction in after hours work
> - extra
> help for students, extracurricular including sports, theater, etc
> might just
> disappear as the staff work to the strict letter of the contract.
>
> That's my understanding....
>
> Steve, I think the RSA dictate that these email trails need to get
> entered in
> the public record so make sure that they get to Doris.
>
> ------ Original Message ------
> Received: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:07:56 PM EST
> From: Steve.Pucci@...
> To: "Dan Peterson" <danjpeterson@...>, THenright@...:
> "'delv'"
> <delv@...>, ForrestMilkowski@..., "'Greg d'Arbonne'"
> <GDarbo6844@...>, "'Greg McHale'" <greg.mchale@...>,
> "'Rydstrom_Lorin Rydstrom'" <Lorin.rydstrom@...>, "'Doug
> Davidson'"
> <rangerfund@...>, sdpucci@...
> Subject: Re: Impact if no Professional Staff Contract agreement
>
>
>> Hello Dan and Tom,
>>
>> We believe the SB already asked and received answers from our
>> district
>> legal council.   Can you please provide to BudCom?
>> The BudCom wants to fully understand very clearly what would take
>> place if
>> no agreement is reached due to the clause in the contract related
>> to the
>> "evergreen clause".  Plus, the total $ impact it has on the budget.
>>
>> If a new contract is not reached:
>> 1) What happens?
>> 2) Do step pay increases still occur according to existing contract
>> matrices?
>> 3) Do COLA pay increases still occur according to existing contract
>> matrices?
>> 4) What happens with Medical, Dental, LTD, Life, etc?
>> 5) Plus, for example: Does the EXACT Medical plan have to be
>> provided (at
>> a higher cost), or can a plan that has different deductibles or
>> copays be
>> provided?
>> According to the contract, this seems to be to the "discretion of the
>> school board to provide Blue Cross, MT, or other similar plan".?
>>
>> 6) Based on this understanding of (5) points above, what would be the
>> TOTAL $ Impact on the budget for FY10.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Steve
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>

#608

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Tue Sep 22, 2009 2:24 am
Subject: BudCom Yahoo Group

balmoral3

Folks, you all should be a member of, or have received invites to join
the above Yahoo Group which is now the official e-mommunications tool
of the committee.  If not go to <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hbcoopbudcom/
  > and join and forward that link to anyone you think ought know about
it.  I ask that members of the Administration and School Board
identify themselves so that they are given write permission.

I have set it up so that only members of the BudCom, School Board, or
Administration will be able to post but the public can read all
communications.

The Files and Links sections will allow the moderators (Chair, Vice-
Chair, Secretary, and me because I am running and maintaining the
group site) to upload relevant info including minutes and word
documents.  If you need to upload something and can't, send it to the
"owners" address on the home page and one of us will upload it for
you.  If that doesn't work, over time, we can change it.  The Calendar
section will allow us to post meetings and key dates and again
moderators can do that.  There is also a Poll section where the Chair
might ask things like availability for meetings.

Since the posters are limited, there is no (well 0.0001%) possibility
of spam unless someone's e-mail account is compromised, in which case
we would have gotten the spam anyway.

Ray

#609

From: hbcoopbudcom@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue Sep 22, 2009 2:27 am
Subject: New file uploaded to hbcoopbudcom

hbcoopbudcom@yahoogroups.com

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the hbcoopbudcom
group.

   File        : /Welcome!
   Uploaded by : balmoral3 <delv@...>
   Description : Basic Group Information

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hbcoopbudcom/files/Welcome%21

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/general.htmlfiles

Regards,

balmoral3 <delv@...>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (29)

#610

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:22 pm
Subject: Re: BudCom minutes Aug 17 - DRAFT 2

balmoral3

Well we will need to discuss these in public as I have some issues with both revisions. If I find time, I will suggest yet another series of revisions. As of now I would vote against approval of any of the three sets of draft minutes.

On 28 Sep , 2009, at 6:37 PM, Forrest Milkowski wrote:

Hi all,

My changes to the changes� :-O

Forrest

From: Steve.Pucci@... [mailto:Steve.Pucci@...]
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 5:39 PM
To: sdpucci@...
Cc: Dan Peterson; delv; Forrest Milkowski; Greg d'Arbonne; Greg McHale; Lorin Rydstrom; Doug Davidson
Subject: Re: BudCom minutes Aug 17 - DRAFT 2

Here are DRAFT 2 of the minutes.
Please review, and send back any changes.

Thanks
Steve

<BudCom MeetingMinutes-17Aug09-Draft2 SJP.doc>

#611

From: delv <delv@...>
Date: Sat Oct 3, 2009 2:52 pm
Subject: Budcom official Yahoo Group

balmoral3