1. Thriving in Tough Times

3. Crown Pruning

4.  Objective The objective of pruning is to produce strong, healthy, attractive plants. By understanding how, when and why to prune, and by following a few simple principles, this objective can be achieved  Reasons For Pruning The main reasons for pruning ornamental and shade trees include safety, health, and aesthetics. In addition, pruning can be used to stimulate fruit production and increase the value of timber How to Prune a Tree

5. Producing strong structure should be the emphasis when pruning young trees. As trees mature, the aim of pruning will shift to maintaining tree structure, form, health and appearance. Pruning Approaches

6. How to Prune a Tree  Crown thinning, primarily for hardwoods, is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement throughout the crown of a tree. The intent is to maintain or develop a tree's structure and form. Crown thinning  Pruning Cuts Pruning cuts should be made so that only branch tissue is removed and stem tissue is not damaged

7. Pruning Practices that Harm Trees  Topping and tipping are pruning practices that harm trees and should not be used. Crown reduction pruning is the preferred method to reduce the size or height of the crown of a tree, but is rarely needed and should be used infrequently.Toppingtipping

8. When to Prune  Conifers may be pruned any time of year, but pruning during the dormant season may minimize sap and resin flow from cut branches.  Generally speaking, the smaller a branch is when pruned, the sooner the wound created will seal

9. Pruning Guidelines  To encourage the development of a strong, healthy tree, consider the following guidelines when pruning.  Prune first for safety, next for health, and finally for aesthetics. Never prune trees that are touching or near utility lines; instead consult your local utility company

10. Guidelines for Pruning  Assess how a tree will be pruned from the top down  Removing too many lower branches will hinder the development of a strong stem.  "How to Prune Trees" was written to help people properly prune the trees they care about. If you doubt your ability to safely prune large trees, please hire a professional arborist. Information in this publication can be used to interview and hire a competent arborist.  Adapted from USDA Forest Service Guidelines

11. Experience  “Experience teaches nothing. But evaluated experience teaches everything. ~ Ask yourself, "What did I learn today?"” – John Maxwell

12. First things First  Plan  Strategic Plan – Board adopted  Include Stake Holders  Set District Goals – Outline Purpose  Prioritize  Determine Highest & Best Use  Prune furthest from classroom first  Prune or Work the Plan

13. CHANGE Change is the only Constant, today and in the future

14. Current Financial System  ADA Based System  Demographic Study  Student Growth Projections  Review student counts- example sibling search for low SES students  Class Size Efficiency  Policy to set minimum class size  Attendance Zones for Elementary  Multiple campuses look to overflow and or share staff  Personnel Study  Examine Staff Efficiency  Personnel allotments

15. Current Financial System  Leverage Technology  On Line Training, PDAS  Review Benefits  Rebid all Personnel Benefits  Eliminate Unnecessary  Bid Insurance  Change dates of insurance if they are not aligned to fiscal year, one time savings

16. Audit  Revenue  Maximize current system  PEIMS  Accurate coding for special programs  Course Description numbers  Vocational  Transportation  Maximize Routes – reduce  Route funding

17. Audit  Maintenance  HVAC Replacement  Roof Warranty vs replacement  I&S  Refinance  Check for possible current M&O charges to I&S

18. Other Options  Change fiscal years, one time savings of two months no salary operations  Charge indirect cost to federal programs  Early retirement incentives, only work if you don’t replace  Charge participation fees  Ticket prices at gates and meals  Parking at events  Construction, charge applicable hours to bond fund  Construction Management Agent

19. Still More Options  Change uniforms for employees  Suspend incentives (like masters reimbursement plans)  Eliminate catering and snacks for meetings  Coop Services & Purchasing  Review & Rebid telephone service  Decrease printing and mailing  Leverage Technology  Reduce testing outside of TAKS  Deplete inventories of supplies  Sell surplus property

20. Audit  Programs for alignment with Plan  PEIMS  Pupil Transportation & Staff Transportation

21. Wrap Up  Energy Management  $50 per hour 650 student Elementary  PEIMS audit – students average value is $32 per day, 1000 students  1% attendance= $3200  Vocational programs  same course different number

22. Highest Percentage of Budget  Personnel  Utilities  Maintenance  Transportation

23. PURPOSE PRIORITIES PLAN PREPARE

24. Crown Pruning