By Deb Dawson, Special Writer
Many on the Board of Education were shocked by invoices totaling about $19,000 received from the board’s architect, SSP Architects of Somerville.
At its Monday, Sept. 24 meeting, members Judith Haas and Gregory Gillette complained about charges they felt were unreasonable.
Ms. Haas said she pulled the invoice from the list of bills to be paid because, “We need to clearly identify what can be charged for on an hourly basis and on a project basis. I thought some charges were inappropriate. I want the administrator to go back and review, on a line-by-line basis if necessary, so this is not repeated.”
Mr. Gillette said Ms. Haas was kind not to mention any specifics regarding the charges and added he felt a cap for hourly fees might be in order. He had no qualms about being specific.
”(We are being charged) $55 per hour for a secretary to open the envelope that contains the check we sent them,” he said. “We were charged for the amount of time (architects) waited in the hall before they could see Dr. Schiff,” the superintendent.
Ms. Haas added, “One of the most obnoxious things is they bill out an engineering firm, and we get billed, plus 15 percent. It smacks of them not wanting our business. I find it very insulting.”
Mr. Gillette agreed, “This is too much for me. I was shocked. When I see bills like this, (either) we’re not big enough for them or they’re too big for us.”
Business Administrator Aiman Mahmoud will do as the board requested.
Also at the meeting, the board approved motions to authorize changing providers for medical and dental benefits for the Hillsborough Education Association and the Hillsborough Supervisors’ and Principals’ Association.
Dental benefits will move from MetLife to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield for a reduction in fees of 9 percent. Health benefits also will move to Horizon from the State Health Benefits and Employee’s Health Benefits Program at a 15.2 percent reduction. Brown and Brown Benefit Advisors of Lambertville will be the brokers of record.
Board President Thomas Kinst said changing vendors will help to save money, and, both labor associations are in agreement with the switch. He said there will be no reduction in the benefits provided.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Board Member Thuy Anh Le reported the Curriculum Committee had reviewed and approved the curriculum for several courses, including woodworking.
”We were so impressed with the richness of the woodworking series of courses. Students can have a confidence in their level of skill, and they can apply that in their professions,” Ms. Le said.
She added that a proposal for a new course, “Research In Molecular Biology,” was reviewed, and she recommended the board approve it for next year.
The committee also reviewed the Random Drug Testing Survey, currently online at the district’s website. The committee recommended changes that were incorporated. Parents are encouraged to comment on potential opportunities for the school system to help with student drug and alcohol abuse. The survey will be online through Sunday.
”Three hundred thirty-six responses were received on the first day,” she said. “Please continue to respond. Also discuss whether to opt in, opt out or be a conscientious objector. We are trying to make sure we are representing our community.”
Ms. Le also asked for help with the district’s suicide prevention efforts, noting there were 23 suicides over the past six years.
”We’d like to get all of the public involved,” she said. “The Traumatic Loss Coalition has not yet described Hillsborough as a cluster, but we need to work together to prevent it.”
Board member Gregory Gillette reported on operations, including the use of school facilities by other organizations. He said including school groups such as soccer and basketball clubs, church groups, teams and bands, the district has 304 “clients,” 14 of which pay to use the schools. The before- and after-school programs at the elementary school programs are considered clients but do not pay rent.
”We’re going to continue discussion on the cost to the district in maintenance versus how we can better make our facilities more available to our community,” he said.
Changing the Board of Education election from April to November in 2013 also was discussed by the Operations Committee. A decision will have to be made by Feb. 11, 2013, to make the change next year, he said.
Decorative woodworks at the entryways at the middle school have been secured.
Mr. Gillette said the annual audit has been completed, and everything is in order.
Superintendent Jorden Schiff did not have a superintendent’s report.
