Public Hearing: 2004 and 2008 Bond Program Contingency Funds
Community members had the opportunity to comment on the proposed use of the 2004 and 2008 surplus contingency funds prior to scheduled action at the regular board meeting Jan. 28.
Demographic Analysis and Enrollment Projections for the AISD 2012-13
Each year, the district commissions a demographic report that provides an analysis of the regional setting; geographical information system update; district enrollment projections; housing trends; small area enrollment projections; and build-out analysis.
Dennis Harner, primary author of the demographic report, presented a summary of projected population changes throughout the district during the next ten years, with detailed information on specific geographic areas of anticipated growth during the next five years. Beth Wilson, assistant director of planning services, highlighted the impact of these trends on the capacities of all elementary and secondary school facilities and attendance areas. Harner, Eldon Rude, an independent expert in the local, single- and multi-family home development industry, and Ryan Robinson, the City of Austin’s demographer, answered questions from trustees.
Roles and Responsibilities of Trustees and Administration in Regard to the Bond Proposal
In response to requests from the board for clarification regarding the boundaries within which the board and the administration may operate in advance of an AISD bond election, Chief of Staff Mel Waxler provided information regarding various legal requirements prescribing the conduct of district board members and employees while the election is being conducted.
Citizens' Bond Advisory Committee Presentation of Preliminary Scope of Work for a Proposed May 2013 Bond Program
The tri-chairs of the Citizens’ Bond Advisory Committee, Ramon De Jesus, Albert Hawkins and Carolyn Merritt, presented a preliminary scope of work for a proposed May 2013 AISD bond program. During the past six months, the committee has gathered input from a variety of sources to develop the proposed scope of work. The CBAC tri-chairs:
- Reviewed the need for the proposed 2013 bond program;
- Explained the committee’s process and practices; and
- Provided the CBAC’s preliminary scope of work recommendations.
The Board of Trustees will seek additional public input on a proposed scope of work for a potential bond program at public hearings Jan. 22 at Crockett High School and Jan. 29 at Reagan High School. At its Feb. 11 work session, the board is scheduled to finalize the 2013 bond program scope of work, size and projected tax rate in preparation for scheduled board action at the Feb. 25 regular board meeting.
State’s Current Financial Condition
Dan Casey and Lynn Moak from Moak, Casey & Associates discussed the state's financial condition and the possible impact of state funding on the development of the district's FY2013-14 budget.
Revised Fiscal Forecast for FY2013-16 Preliminary Budget, Tax Rate and Compensation
Chief Financial Officer Nicole Conley presented a revised fiscal forecast from both a shorter- and longer-term perspective. She discussed the development of the preliminary budget for next year, as well as compensation and tax rate issues. This budget discussion was part of the approved FY2014 budget development calendar, and was intended to generate early board guidance on budget development.