Tuesday, May 21, 2013

 

Dear Community Member,

As you may know, the loss in revenue we are experiencing due to decreased funding at the federal, state and local levels is having a negative impact on our ability to meet expenditures. In light of these circumstances, we are developing a plan to address this financial shortfall.  This plan includes an audit of our programs, services and personnel in an effort to define cost savings and potential reductions.  Community Forums, for the purpose of explaining reduction options and gathering input were held on December 6th and January 11th.  During the Community Forums, participants were able to provide feedback regarding the various cost savings and potential reduction options that are being considered.  Additionally, participants were able to provide additional ideas for consideration as part of the process.  Questions that were posed during the Community Forums along with answers are listed below.  Additional questions may be posed via our website by clicking on District Departments/Central Office/Contact Form.

Click on the links below to view the detailed information on the operational changes being made for the 2012-2013 school year and to view the results of the Telephone and Online Surveys conducted during the Spring.


Questions
1)  1/16/12 When will you be able to charge tuition for all-day kindergarten?
2)  1/16/12 Why do the people in the Admin. Office get their healthcare fully paid for while the rest of the employees have to pay a substantial amount for theirs? If everyone contributes, the burden is less on everyone.
3)  1/16/12 I am concerned about taking the last three librarians out of the schools: Wilcox, Bissell and Chamberlin.
4)  1/16/12 How many students are there per class?
5)  1/16/12 Because the enrollment is down across the district, why is it necessary to have four assistant principals at the high school? Have one principal and one assistant principal per school.
6)  1/16/12 There is a chart on the weblink that shows the district’s “unrestricted fund” growing to be over $26 million since 2002. How are we going to be $30 million in the hole when the data shows the district operating at a positive year in and year out?
7)  1/16/12 With regard to the previous question, why are the citizens being threatened with cuts when you have so much money in reserve?
8)  1/16/12 Why was the BOE not in compliance for the general audit when they tried to hide a $2 million deduction from the general fund to pay off a bond issue early?
9)  1/16/12 What is being done to identify students who do not live in our district but are using a grandparent’s address or daycare address to gain entrance into our schools?
10)  1/16/12 Have you asked the staff what cuts they would recommend?
11)  1/09/12 Why does there have to be a specials rotation schedule at the elementary schools?
12)  1/09/12 How do you intend on maintaining the level of education at the kindergarten level if kids are going to attend class 50% of the time as currently being examined as a proposed option?
13)  1/09/12 What happens to the juniors in the AP Art class if this program is cut? How will the students finish their portfolios?
14)  1/09/12 What is the difference between a traditional high school schedule and a block high school schedule?
15)  1/09/12 How would the high school restructuring affect student preparation and admission to college? Does this keep THS competitive with schools like Solon High School?
16)  1/09/12 If the THS electives are reduced and the student interest in them rises again, how does the hiring process work for teachers?
17)  1/09/12 Have you researched the impact to education achievement when you reduce or eliminate library/educational technology programs?
18)  1/09/12 Have you thought about acquiring the Army ROTC program at Twinsburg Schools?
19)  1/04/12 Has a study been done on the effects on Ravenna Road traffic, especially in the morning if HS busing is eliminated?
20)  1/04/12 Would it make any sense to streamline the “start - stop times” of Wilcox-Bissell-Dodge so that those students could share the same buses as do the RBC and the HS students? Many buses visit our street four times in the morning and four times in the afternoon for four different pickups – Wilcox, Bissell, Dodge, RBC/THS. Would save on gas costs – would it require more buses?
21)  1/04/12 If busing is eliminated for the high school, what options will be available for kids who live more than a reasonable walking distance away?
22)  1/04/12 In privatizing busing, are we as concerned about safety as we are about cost-savings?
23)  1/04/12 How do you reduce the cost of busing for private schools? Can there be pick-ups from central locations to reduce routes, costs, and times?
24)  1/04/12 Can you further explain the difference between busing done now vs. privatizing busing in amount of approximate savings and the number of bus stops?
25)  1/04/12 Do we recycle milk cartons?
26)  1/04/12 What about solar panels?
27)  12/21/11 Why does the administration and BOE refer to the Five-Year Forecast? Is it the best indicator of future expenses?
28)  12/21/11 Why do administrators get all of their retirement paid for?
29)  12/21/11 Why did the Board of Education take $2 million out of the General Fund in 2009 or 2010 to pay off a bond issue years early, knowing the District would need the General Fund money in the near future?
30)  12/21/11 Why does the Board of Education hold so many special meetings? They have held at least 7 this calendar year alone. Why don't they just meet once a month?
31)  12/21/11 When will we have a levy?
32)  12/21/11 What is the status of Tangible Personal Property Tax (TPP)?
33)  12/21/11 Can we have a levy instead of reducing options that make us less competitive?
34)  12/21/11 Who do we need to lobby to change the funding?
35)  12/21/11 Can we renegotiate the union contracts?
36)  12/21/11 Are there any plans to cut any principals, especially at RBC and THS?
37)  12/21/11 Are position reductions performance based?
38)  12/21/11 Where can I locate Minutes from the Board of Education Meetings?
39)  12/21/11 For Study Island, if you do not use it at home, will you get charged?
40)  12/21/11 Since there was a freeze in administrator and supervisor pay, is there a consideration in freezing teacher pay or re-evaluating teacher pay?
41)  12/14/11 What is the beginning teacher pay and benefits for a new Twinsburg teacher?
42)  12/14/11 What is the average pay and benefits for a Twinsburg teacher?
43)  12/14/11 Can you tell me what the highest paid teacher in Twinsburg earns?
44)  12/14/11 According to the teachers’ contract, how much of a pay increase are they supposed to receive next year and the year after that?
45)  12/14/11 How much does the district spend each year on teachers’ salaries?
46)  12/14/11 What is the main reason for increased expenses?
47)  12/14/11 What percentage of health care coverage do teachers pay?
48)  12/14/11 How much money do school board members make annually for their service on the Board of Education?
49)  12/14/11 Are you looking into a “Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)” program for the middle and high schools?
50)  12/14/11 With the changes in technology, do we need textbooks?
 
Answers
1)  Q 1/16/12 When will you be able to charge tuition for all-day kindergarten?
A
According to the Ohio Department of Education, “Amended Sub. HB 30 specifies that beginning in fiscal year 2012, 1.) school districts may operate all-day kindergarten or extended kindergarten, but school districts are no longer required to provide all-day kindergarten to all students and 2.) school districts that did not receive poverty-based assistance for all-day kindergarten in fiscal year 2009 may charge tuition or fees for students enrolled in all-day kindergarten.”

The Twinsburg City School District received poverty-based assistance in 2009 therefore, we are not able to charge tuition for all-day kindergarten.

According to the Ohio Department of Education, this exclusion from charging tuition will remain in effect at least through this biennial budget which means through FY 2013.
2)  Q 1/16/12 Why do the people in the Admin. Office get their healthcare fully paid for while the rest of the employees have to pay a substantial amount for theirs? If everyone contributes, the burden is less on everyone.
A
The employees who work in the Central Office do not get their healthcare fully paid for by the District. They receive the same healthcare benefits as all other employees. Currently, they pay 6% of their healthcare benefits, as do other employees in the District.
3)  Q 1/16/12 I am concerned about taking the last three librarians out of the schools: Wilcox, Bissell and Chamberlin.
A
All of the ideas being presented are currently options. The District is researching the feasibility of each of the options generated this past fall. The District's interest will be to minimize the impact to classroom instruction.
4)  Q 1/16/12 How many students are there per class?
A
Since class size fluctuates, we answer this question using averages. The average class size in our K-6 elementary classrooms is 25 students. The average class size at the middle school is 26 students. The average class size at the high school is 26 students. These numbers are based on the most recent enrollment data, January 2012.
5)  Q 1/16/12 Because the enrollment is down across the district, why is it necessary to have four assistant principals at the high school? Have one principal and one assistant principal per school.
A
Student enrollment has actually increased by thirty-four (34) students as compared to this point last school year. Currently the student enrollment is 4,350 students. In January 2011, the student enrollment was 4,316. The current enrollment at Twinsburg High School is 1,394 students, just as it was one year ago. The reduction of 1.5 administrators is an option that is currently being considered. The location of the reduction to the administrative staff is yet to be determined.
6)  Q 1/16/12 There is a chart on the weblink that shows the district’s “unrestricted fund” growing to be over $26 million since 2002. How are we going to be $30 million in the hole when the data shows the district operating at a positive year in and year out?
A
The State legislators have eliminated a local tax businesses paid on Tangible Personal Property (TPP). This tax generated $9.8 million for the Twinsburg Schools. This represents about 25% of Twinsburg Schools' budget that is being eliminated in approximate increments of $1.2 million until it is all gone.
7)  Q 1/16/12 With regard to the previous question, why are the citizens being threatened with cuts when you have so much money in reserve?
A
The Twinsburg Board of Education is required by our community and by State law to be fiscally responsible. As such, the BOE cannot wait until the cash reserves are depleted to develop a plan that addresses the financial realities that the District is encountering due to diminishing federal, state and local revenue streams. A plan must be developed now that addresses these financial realities and maintains an excellent educational program for our students for the present and for years to come.
8)  Q 1/16/12 Why was the BOE not in compliance for the general audit when they tried to hide a $2 million deduction from the general fund to pay off a bond issue early?
A
The District received approximately $5 million in delinquent Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Taxes from the Chrysler property when the Twinsburg plant closed. The decision to pay off the debt early resulted in the savings of $118,928 in interest payments over the next six (6) years and taxes for debt service were reduced by 0.7 mills. The use of the money received to pay off the debt was a prudent thing to do and should not be considered hiding money. In fact, the BOE placed a resolution on the agenda so that there was a public record which indicated that these funds were used for the purpose noted above.
9)  Q 1/16/12 What is being done to identify students who do not live in our district but are using a grandparent’s address or daycare address to gain entrance into our schools?
A
The school district proactively responds to any information provided regarding non-resident students. In fact, the District subcontracts with the Summit County Educational Service Center for the services of a Residency Officer. The Residency Officer investigates all claims regarding non-resident students. Students who are not eligible to attend the Twinsburg City School District due to non-residency are withdrawn.
10)  Q 1/16/12 Have you asked the staff what cuts they would recommend?
A
Yes, staff members have been invited to attend several meetings to offer cost savings and reduction options since August 2011. In fact, the options presented at the Community Forums were generated by members of the Twinsburg Schools staff.
11)  Q 1/09/12 Why does there have to be a specials rotation schedule at the elementary schools?
A
Elementary students participate in the following “specials” classes: music, art, physical education, computers and library. Students participate in these classes in varying amounts of time. The rotation schedule allows all students to receive these
services. The current manner in which “specials” classes are scheduled may change in the future when reductions occur.
12)  Q 1/09/12 How do you intend on maintaining the level of education at the kindergarten level if kids are going to attend class 50% of the time as currently being examined as a proposed option?
A
As with all of the proposed options, reducing services is not ideal. The students will still be focused on the same curriculum during a compacted time. Parents will need to provide additional home support and review.
13)  Q 1/09/12 What happens to the juniors in the AP Art class if this program is cut? How will the students finish their portfolios?
A
Special arrangements will be made to allow students who have started this program to be able to complete it.
14)  Q 1/09/12 What is the difference between a traditional high school schedule and a block high school schedule?
A
A traditional high school schedule allows for 7 or 8 class periods per day that last for approximately 45 minutes. These classes may run for one grading period, one semester or one year. A block scheduling format allows for four class periods per day that last for approximately 90 minutes. The content for the entire year is covered during one semester (18 weeks). The actual clock hours in the class are basically the same regardless if a traditional high school schedule or a block high school schedule is used.
15)  Q 1/09/12 How would the high school restructuring affect student preparation and admission to college? Does this keep THS competitive with schools like Solon High School?
A
Even with restructuring the high school day, students will surpass the minimum Ohio Department of Education requirements for graduation (Currently, the ODE requires 20 credits to graduate. The TCSD requires 24 credits to graduate). At this time, students will still be offered honors classes, AP classes, flexible credit, and post-secondary options.
16)  Q 1/09/12 If the THS electives are reduced and the student interest in them rises again, how does the hiring process work for teachers?
A
Per the Negotiated Agreement between the Twinsburg Board of Education and the Twinsburg Education Association, there is a recall process for bargaining unit members (teachers). Additionally, teachers on staff can usually teach multiple courses, depending on their licensure areas. For example, an English 9 teacher can also teach an elective class such as Novels, if there is demand and sufficient time in the schedule.
17)  Q 1/09/12 Have you researched the impact to education achievement when you reduce or eliminate library/educational technology programs?
A
We have not researched the impact. Reducing library/educational technology programs would not be ideal, however, these positions are support positions and would not have quite the same impact as reducing additional classroom teachers.
18)  Q 1/09/12 Have you thought about acquiring the Army ROTC program at Twinsburg Schools?
A
At this time, the Army ROTC program has not been discussed for the Twinsburg City School District.
19)  Q 1/04/12 Has a study been done on the effects on Ravenna Road traffic, especially in the morning if HS busing is eliminated?
A
There has not been a formal study done. The District has had to contend with the traffic along Ravenna Road in the past and has worked in conjunction with the city to help minimize congestion. We recognize that the number of students that will need to be dropped off at school may increase by approximately 550 if we eliminate busing. If there is no busing provided for high school students, then the curb space along the bus lot could be potentially converted to a parent drop off zone. This zone would be established at over 300 feet long. If a vehicle is 20 feet long, then 15 cars could pull up in to the zone at one time. The number of waves of drop off would be greatly affected carpooling. An example would be if there were 2 students per car and 275 cars, then 18 waves of drop offs would be required.
20)  Q 1/04/12 Would it make any sense to streamline the “start - stop times” of Wilcox-Bissell-Dodge so that those students could share the same buses as do the RBC and the HS students? Many buses visit our street four times in the morning and four times in the afternoon for four different pickups – Wilcox, Bissell, Dodge, RBC/THS. Would save on gas costs – would it require more buses?
A
We are currently exploring the different options for combining routes for the upcoming school year. In 2008, through the strategic planning process, we investigated combining the Wilcox and Bissell bus routes. At that time, we discovered that with our current fleet of buses, we could combine those two routes. The challenge was that because the buildings were separated by over 3 miles and 7 to 10 minutes of travel time by each bus, we would have very long routes for our youngest students. It is important to note that because of this exercise, we have been moving toward establishing more centralized stops and requiring our students to walk greater distances to get to their bus stops.
21)  Q 1/04/12 If busing is eliminated for the high school, what options will be available for kids who live more than a reasonable walking distance away?
A
All high school students’ families would be responsible for transporting their child(ren) to and from school.
22)  Q 1/04/12 In privatizing busing, are we as concerned about safety as we are about cost-savings?
A
Very much so. To secure a private transportation service, the District would put together a bid package that would specify the conditions of the contract. This vendor bid would stipulate language pertaining to routing, driver/staff training, maintenance service of the fleet, inspections, and all of the similar operations that our Transportation Department utilizes currently. Privatized service providers must follow the same laws and rules stipulated by the Ohio Department of Education.
23)  Q 1/04/12 How do you reduce the cost of busing for private schools? Can there be pick-ups from central locations to reduce routes, costs, and times?
A
Students enrolled in non-public schools may be entitled to pupil transportation services from their public school district of residence. If the student is a high school student, and the public school does not transport high school students, then the student would not be eligible for services. In general, transportation is provided on a “same basis” principle.

The non-public school must be reachable within 30 minutes by direct travel. This is done in a school bus, on a school day, and during the regular attendance times that a bus would be traveling to the school. The origin of the timing run is the public school building that the child would be assigned to if attending public school.

Because of the logistics involved, it is frequently more difficult and expensive for a public school district to arrange for transportation for a non-public or community school student. In some cases, the public school may find that it is not practical to provide that transportation. Ohio Law allows for public schools to determine impracticality of transportation after consideration of a number of factors. Upon that determination, the local public school is then permitted to provide payment-in-lieu of transportation at a cost of approximately $199 per school year.
There are instances where centralized locations are utilized, i.e. high school runs for private schools. The most practical approach to reducing costs is to establish fewer stops that are located longer distances from all of our students’ homes.
24)  Q 1/04/12 Can you further explain the difference between busing done now vs. privatizing busing in amount of approximate savings and the number of bus stops?
A
These are two separate but related items. Reducing the number of bus stops will enable the District to control costs because our bus route times will be shorter. The shorter the bus route, the less the District will have to expend funding for drivers’ wages, fuel costs and maintenance. How this is related (please see question #4 above), is that once we define the level of service (i.e. Transportation of high school students) we will place this in the vendor’s bid package and this will dictate the cost of the contract. The shorter the routes and the less students we transport, the lower the cost of operation and the lower the cost of the vendor contract.
25)  Q 1/04/12 Do we recycle milk cartons?
A
No, but we have a plan to do this. The District has purchased the recycling containers and will implement a recycling program in January at Twinsburg High School. It is our hope to replicate the program at our other schools.
26)  Q 1/04/12 What about solar panels?
A
These are an option, but our latest review for energy conservation projects (HB 264) indicated that there were other options that would reduce energy that were more cost beneficial to the District (e.g., lighting upgrades, new HVAC control systems, and boiler replacement). As the cost of the equipment decreases and the efficiencies increase, there may come a time where the harvesting of solar energy may become a viable option. We will still have to contend with the weather patterns in NE Ohio and the limited number of sunny days as compared to a location such as Phoenix, Arizona.

Solar is a good way to produce alternative energy. However, we feel the best way to save money is to reduce energy consumption. It is much better to reduce consumption as the first step in a plan that can include future solar power.

Traditionally, with alternative energy, you typically get a 10% discount on any energy that is produced. If the solar capture is sized for 10% of your load, in essence, you are getting a 1% discount. So far, through 9 months on the current HB project, we have reduced energy consumption by 46%. Once the energy reduction portion of our plan is complete, we should look at alternative energy such as solar panels.
27)  Q 12/21/11 Why does the administration and BOE refer to the Five-Year Forecast? Is it the best indicator of future expenses?
A
Our Board of Education and the District’s Treasurer, Mr. Aho, is required by Ohio Revised Code §5705.391 and Ohio Administrative Code 3301-92-04 to submit a five-year projection of operational revenues and expenditures along with assumptions to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) prior to October 31st of each fiscal year and to update this forecast between April 1st and May 31st of each fiscal year. The ODE encourages school districts to update their forecast whenever events take place that will significantly change the forecast. The Ohio Department of Education offers the following explanation regarding the Five-Year Forecast:

A forecast is somewhat like a painting of the future based upon a snapshot of today. That snapshot, however, will be adjusted and the further into the future the forecast extends, the more likely it is that the projections will deviate from actual experience. A variety of events will ultimately impact the latter years of the forecast, such as state budgets (adopted every two years), tax levies (new/renewal/ replacement), salary increases, or businesses moving in or out of the district. The five-year forecast is viewed as a key management tool and must be updated periodically. In Ohio, most school districts understand how they will manage their finances in the current year. The five-year forecast encourages district management teams to examine future years’ projections and identify when challenges will arise. This then helps district management to be proactive in meeting those challenges. School districts are encouraged to update their forecasts with ODE when events take place that will significantly change their forecast or, at a minimum, when required under statute.

In a financial forecast, the numbers only tell a small part of the story. For the numbers to be meaningful, the reader must review and consider the Assumptions to the Financial Forecast before drawing conclusions or using the data as a basis for other calculations. The assumptions are very important to understanding the rationale of the numbers, particularly when a significant increase or decrease is reflected. Individual district forecasts are posted on the ODE Web site at: http://www.ode.state.oh.us >finance and grants >school district financial status >five year forecasts. The Assumptions can either be included in the forecast itself or in a PDF file posted separately.

Since the preparation of a meaningful five-year forecast is as much an art as it is a science and entails many intricacies, it is recommended that you contact the Treasurer/Chief Fiscal Officer or Board of Education (BOE) of the individual school district with any questions you may have. The Treasurer or CFO submits the forecast, but the BOE is recognized as ultimately responsible for the development of the forecast and the official owner.

PURPOSES/OBJECTIVES OF THE FIVE-YEAR FORECAST
Here are at least three purposes or objectives of the five-year forecast:
(1) To engage the local board of education and the community in long range planning and discussions of financial issues facing the school district
(2) To serve as a basis for determining the school district’s ability to sign the certificate required by O.R.C. §5705.412, commonly known as the “412 certificate”
(3) To provide a method for the Department of Education and Auditor of State to identify schools districts with potential financial problems
28)  Q 12/21/11 Why do administrators get all of their retirement paid for?
A
The Board of Education pays 14% toward retirement for all employees. The Board of Education also pays an additional 10% toward retirement for administrators. This additional compensation is the benefit provided to members of the administrative team for work-related responsibilities. The retirement benefit provided for the Twinsburg administrators is aligned with the retirement benefit provided to administrators in other public school districts in Ohio.
29)  Q 12/21/11 Why did the Board of Education take $2 million out of the General Fund in 2009 or 2010 to pay off a bond issue years early, knowing the District would need the General Fund money in the near future?
A
The District received approximately $5 million in delinquent Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Taxes from the Chrysler property when the Twinsburg plant closed. The decision to pay off the debt early resulted in the savings of $118,928. in interest payments over the next six (6) years.
30)  Q 12/21/11 Why does the Board of Education hold so many special meetings? They have held at least 7 this calendar year alone. Why don't they just meet once a month?
A
It was necessary for the Board of Education to hold several special meetings this calendar year due to the fact that a new Superintendent needed to be hired and interviews needed to be conducted during work sessions of the BOE. Additionally, a special meeting was held to meet with a representative from the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) for the purpose of revising the Superintendent’s job description and developing a new format for the Superintendent’s evaluation. Finally, the Community Forum held in December was considered a special meeting of the Board of Education due to the fact that the BOE members attended that meeting in their official roles. The Twinsburg Board of Education determines the regular meeting schedule during the Organizational Meeting held each January. The BOE has determined that the business conducted at the regular meetings is frequently time-sensitive and has therefore scheduled meetings twice a month unless otherwise decided.
31)  Q 12/21/11 When will we have a levy?
A
The Superintendent, Treasurer and members of the administrative team are currently auditing current procedures, staffing levels and financial information in order to be able to recommend a Reduction Plan to the Board of Education in February 2012. This plan may include recommendations for reductions to personnel, the implementation of student fees and changes to District operations. Additionally, a recommendation may be made for a new money levy to be placed on the ballot in 2012.
32)  Q 12/21/11 What is the status of Tangible Personal Property Tax (TPP)?
A
Due to the passage of HB 66 (126th General Assembly), the Twinsburg City School District is faced with the loss of $9.8 million in annual revenue due to the elimination of the Tangible Personal Property Tax (TPP). The Tangible Personal Property Tax provided our school district with 25% of its General Fund budget. The loss of this revenue stream is having a significantly negative financial impact on the Twinsburg City Schools.
33)  Q 12/21/11 Can we have a levy instead of reducing options that make us less competitive?
A

The Board of Education has set a financial goal for the District for the 2011-2012 school year, namely to, "…maintain fiscal stability resulting in a balanced budget by FY 2016." With this goal in mind, the District is currently auditing current procedures, staffing levels and financial information in order to reach this goal. Unfortunately, initial information indicates that the District will be operating with a negative cash balance of $30 million in FY 2016 unless $6-7 million in reductions are implemented beginning in FY 2013. (School Year 2012-2013, beginning July 1, 2012.) Failure to make any significant reductions would result in the District requesting a double-digit tax levy. We are very aware that our community cannot support this type of request, so we are moving forward in developing a Reduction Plan that will combine reductions with additional revenue. It is expected that a preliminary Reduction Plan will be presented to the BOE in February 2012.
34)  Q 12/21/11 Who do we need to lobby to change the funding?
A
The contact information for our elected legislators is as follows:

Senator Frank Larose
Senate Building, 1 Capitol Square, 2nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-4823

Representative Lynn Slaby
77 South High Street, 11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
614-644-5085
Fax: 614-719-6941
35)  Q 12/21/11 Can we renegotiate the union contracts?
A
The Negotiated Agreement with the Twinsburg Support Staff Association (TSSA, classified employees) expires on December 31, 2011. Negotiations are scheduled to begin in January 2012. The Negotiated Agreement with the Twinsburg Education Association (TEA, teachers) expires on August 31, 2013. At this point, negotiations are not scheduled with the TEA.
36)  Q 12/21/11 Are there any plans to cut any principals, especially at RBC and THS?
A
The current list of reduction options suggests a reduction to the administrative staff by 1.5 FTE’s (full-time equivalents). At this point, an audit is underway to determine specific administrative positions which may be considered. A specific recommendation will be made to the Board of Education in April 2012.
37)  Q 12/21/11 Are position reductions performance based?
A
No, according to the Negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and the Twinsburg Education Association, “Except as otherwise required to comply with State (O.R.C. 3319.17) and Federal laws relating to employment decisions, limited and/or continuing contract bargaining unit members will be selected for retention or suspension (of contracts) on the basis of seniority within a field of certification/licensure.” With regard to classified employees covered in the Negotiated Agreement between the Twinsburg Support Staff Association and the Board of Education, “Employees will be reduced by classification according to their classification seniority, such that the least senior employee in a given classification will be the first to be reduced.” Therefore, both certificated and classified employees will be reduced based upon their seniority and not based upon performance.
38)  Q 12/21/11 Where can I locate Minutes from the Board of Education Meetings?
A
Approved Minutes from Board of Education Meetings can be found on the District’s website, www.twinsburg.k12.oh.us by clicking on the “Board of Education” link and then clicking on "Agendas-Minutes."
39)  Q 12/21/11 For Study Island, if you do not use it at home, will you get charged?
A
The District is currently considering the implementation of Student Fees beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. The Student Fees would possibly include a Technology Fee. The Technology Fee would encompass a variety of technology tools used in the Twinsburg City School District. Some of the resources have a home access component as well as availability at school. The fee would not vary depending on a student’s use at home.
40)  Q 12/21/11 Since there was a freeze in administrator and supervisor pay, is there a consideration in freezing teacher pay or re-evaluating teacher pay?
A
Since the Negotiated Agreement with the Twinsburg Education Association (teachers’ union) does not expire until August 31, 2013, the teachers would need to agree to return to the bargaining table to discuss pay freezes. The Board of Education would welcome continued conversation with the teachers regarding this matter.
41)  Q 12/14/11 What is the beginning teacher pay and benefits for a new Twinsburg teacher?
A
The base salary for a new Twinsburg teacher is $39,539 and a new teacher’s retirement benefit is $5,536.46. The cost of single health care coverage is $6,749.38 for a total compensation of $51,825. If a teacher has family health care coverage, at a cost of $16,434, the total compensation for this new teacher would be $61,509.
42)  Q 12/14/11 What is the average pay and benefits for a Twinsburg teacher?
A
According to the Cupp Report, the average base salary for a Twinsburg teacher is $64,170 and the average retirement benefit is $8,983.80. The cost of single health care coverage is $6,749.38 for a total compensation of $79,903. With family health care coverage at a cost of $16,434, the total average compensation for teachers with this type of health care coverage would be $89,588.
43)  Q 12/14/11 Can you tell me what the highest paid teacher in Twinsburg earns?
A
The highest paid Twinsburg teacher receives a base salary of $86,214 with a retirement benefit of $12,070. With family health care coverage at a cost of $16,434, the highest paid teacher‘s compensation is $114,718.
44)  Q 12/14/11 According to the teachers’ contract, how much of a pay increase are they supposed to receive next year and the year after that?
A
According to the Negotiated Agreement, teachers will receive an increase of 1.95% on the base salary for the 2012-2013 school year. No determination can be made for the 2013-2014 school year as the Negotiated Agreement expires on August 31, 2013.
45)  Q 12/14/11 How much does the district spend each year on teachers’ salaries?
A
FY2007 = $14,034,121.
FY2008 = $15,039,393.
FY2009 = $15,808,354.
FY2010 = $16,480,867.
FY2011 = $17,100,565.
46)  Q 12/14/11 What is the main reason for increased expenses?
A
As in any home or business, the District’s costs continue to rise. Examples of increased expenditures include salaries, health care benefits, utilities, bus fuel and liability insurance.
47)  Q 12/14/11 What percentage of health care coverage do teachers pay?
A
Teachers who work 25 hours or more per week are entitled to health care benefits. Teachers who request coverage pay 6% of the premium cost, with the District paying 94%.
48)  Q 12/14/11 How much money do school board members make annually for their service on the Board of Education?
A
Board of Education members are compensated $125 per regular or special Board of Education meeting. They are not compensated for attendance at committee meetings or at other school district events. The rate of compensation will likely change beginning in January 2012 as the Board is expected to reduce the amount to $100 per meeting for Board members beginning new terms of office. The annual average compensation for a Board of Education member in 2010 was $2,900 (based on $125 per meeting).
49)  Q 12/14/11 Are you looking into a “Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)” program for the middle and high schools?
A
At this time, we are not investigating a BYOT program. Currently, we do not have the staffing or infrastructure in place to support this initiative.
50)  Q 12/14/11 With the changes in technology, do we need textbooks?
A
Textbook companies are on the cusp of breaking into the digital market. We are a few years away from solely having digital textbooks. Interestingly, there is little, if any, cost savings in purchasing the online version of a textbook. The online version is typically the same cost as a hardbound textbook.