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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - 20080422 APPROVED 8/19/2008 MINUTES WORK SESSION Orange County Commissioners Orange County Board Of Education Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education April 22, 2008 7:30 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a joint session with the Chapel Hill—Carrboro Board of Education and the Orange County Board of Education on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 07 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Barry Jacobs and Commissioners Valerie P. Foushee, Alice M. Gordon, and Mike Nelson COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Moses Carey, Jr., COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Laura Blackmon, Assistant County Managers Willie Best and Gwen Harvey, and Clerk to the Board Donna S. Baker(All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Ted Triebel, Vice-Chair Debbie Piscitelli, and Board members Anne Medenbleck, Susan Hallman, and Al Hartkopf. Superintendent Patrick Rhodes was also present. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS ABSENT: Elizabeth Brown CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Pam Hemminger, Vice-Chair Lisa Stuckey, and Board Members Mia Day Burroughs, Jean Hamilton, Annetta Streater, Jamezetta Bedford, and Mike Kelley. Superintendent Neil Pedersen was also present. CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS ABSENT: 1. Opening Comments Chair Jacobs said that Commissioner Foushee and Commissioner Carey would be a few minutes late, and he assumes Commissioner Gordon will be here shortly. Commissioner Gordon arrived at 7:41 pm. Chair Jacobs said that Andy Sachs from the Dispute Settlement Center used to run these meetings because there used to be an opinion that the Board of County Commissioners was lording over the two school boards. He said that it is nice to say that this was discussed at the last school collaboration meeting, and everyone said that the County Commissioners could run the meeting. He thinks that this is a good sign of how well the three boards have been able to work together the last few years. This is a testimony to the members of both school boards and the superintendents. 2. Presentation of 2008-09 Boards of Education Approved Budgets a. Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Presentation CHCCS Chair Pam Hemminger thanked the County Commissioners for starting the budget process early and for the increased communication. She said that the board submitted a continuation budget that took into account keeping current services, projected State salary increases, increased populations, inflation of utilities, and adding enough ESL teachers to cover the growing English language learner student population. Starting the process earlier will hopefully avoid the stress and panic of each year. She said that they tried to keep the expansion budget to a minimum, knowing the tight budget concerns. Elementary School#10, Morris Grove Elementary, is slated to open in August, and the school system will already need another elementary school in two to three years. Carrboro High School will be adding a senior class this year, and the middle school growth is starting to show the impact of adding all of the elementary schools. This growth has caused a change in the diversity of children and their needs. There has been a significant increase in Latino students, exceptional needs students, and a new group of Korean students. More resources are needed to serve these students. The school board also spent time reorganizing and aligning the district with the professional learning communities. This has helped the district achieve increased achievement, a lower dropout rate, and a decrease in the teacher turnover rate. CHCCS is behind the curve when it comes to technology in the classrooms. Students will have to be proficient in computer tools to be successful. At least 10% of students do not have computer technology at home. They do not want any students to be casualties of the digital divide. She said that she truly believes that collaboration makes for a better government. Superintendent Pedersen made the Power Point presentation. Presentation of 2008-09 Budget Request Orange County Board of Commissioners April 22, 2008 High achievement and challenge N 1249 students enrolled in AP course(s)—East=#105; CHHS =#231 on Newsweek list m 40 National Merit Scholarship Finalists ▪ The highest SAT score of any district in NC at 1185. (93%participation rate) m 91.7% attending 2- or 4-year colleges after graduation ▪ 31% of student population identified as gifted students Graduating with a sound education mi 87.3% Graduation rate ▪ 97.4% completing college/university or college/tech prep courses of study • 93.2%proficient on reading EOGs and 83.3%proficient on math EOGs la 87%proficient on EOC tests Disaggregated Data—EOG percent proficient African Americans–43.9% Latinos– 53.5% Whites–93% Disaggregated Data—EOC percent proficient African Americans–50.9% Latinos–62.9% Whites–95% Disaggregated Data—Plans to attend college African Americans–80% Latinos–69% Whites–93% Disaggregated Data—Graduation rate African American –70% Latinos–55% Whites–94% Disaggregated Data—SAT scores African American–901 Latinos– 1081 Whites - 1202 Disaggregated data– number of graduates YEAR African American Latino 2001-2002 86 11 . 2002-2003 99 19 2003-2004 120 24 2004-2005 126 19 2005-2006 133 11 Safety and security– Long-Term/Short-Term Suspensions 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 Number of 599 498 366 363 Suspensions Number of 376 338 266 209 Students Suspended What are we doing to improve students' experience? • Academic success, challenge, and engagement ■ Professional Learning Communities(PLCs) ■ Classroom walkthroughs ■ Culturally proficient practices ■ Technology What are we doing to improve students' experience? ■ Sound education ■ First School and pre-school ▪ After-school programs ■ Summer school opportunities ■ Scheduling support within regular day ■ Dual Language ■ Proposed Welcome and Newcomer Centers ■ Support for exceptional education students What are we doing to improve students' experience? • Students excited about learning ▪ Starts in the classroom • Use of technology in classwork • On-line learning opportunities • Academies ▪ Middle College • Phoenix Academy • Career and Technical Education What are we doing to improve students' experience? • Safety and security ▪ Relationships - Equity ▪ Positive Behavior Support ▪ Boomerang ▪ Phoenix Academy . ▪ Security resources (guards, cameras, fobs) Retaining our best teachers Staff members feel valued 95.3% report that they enjoy their work (Harris) 91.6% report that their supervisor feels their job is valuable (Harris) 87.4%feel that they are an important part of their school (Harris) Teacher Qualifications O 42% of CHCCS teachers hold advanced degrees versus the state average of 25% E 193 CHCCS teachers have now received National Board Certification Turnover rate • The turnover rate for 2006-2007 was 8.5%, down from a high of 16.43% in 2002-2003. • The state average is 17%. Supplements and the Competition District 0 years 10 years 25 years Guilford County 14.73% 10.75% 10.75% Wake County 13.25% 14.25% 16.25% Durham County 12.5% 13.5% 14.5% CHCCS 12% 12% 25% What are we doing to retain high quality staff? • PLCs, planning time • Local supplement • Working conditions • Access to technology • PAR El Increasing pressures and time commitment are concerns Schools are well supported financially Per-Pupil Expenditures Top 15 Districts in the State (2005-2006) ▪ Hyde--$14,798.60 ▪ Tyrrell--$13,168.16 ▪ Weldon--$11,191.00 ▪ Asheville--$10,855.60 ▪ Jones--$10,514.89 E Washington--$10,354.13 ▪ Pamlico--$9,713.21 ▪ Afleghany--$9,665.59 ▪ Graham--$9,590.13 ▪ Avery--$9,555.45 ▪ Dare--$9,526.73 E Perquimans--$9,470.36 ▪ Northampton--$9,44.87 ▪ Swain--$9,392.21 ▪ Chapel Hill-Carrboro--$9,190.85 Per-pupil Expenditures in Triangle School Districts 15. CHCCS--$9,190.85 25. Orange County--$8,795.46 32. Durham County--$8,570.16 84. Wake County--$7,385.09 CHCCS Per-Pupil Expenditures Year Per Pupil Expenditure 2000-2001 $8,486 2001-2002 $8,922 2002-2003 $8,984 2003-2004 $9,106 2004-2005 $9,170 2005-2006 $9,470 2006-2007 $9,779 Impact of inflation So what does that nickel mean? CHCCS serves 6,000 cartons of milk each day Follow the nickel 6,000 X 5 cents = $300 PER DAY Follow the nickel $300 X 180 school days = $54,000 PER YEAR 2008-2009 Budget Drivers O Salary increases for certified(5%) and classified(4%) staff O Fringe benefit increases: state retirement(.4%) and health insurance (6%) O Expenses related to student enrollment growth: new teacher and support positions O Start-up costs for Morris Grove Elementary O Senior class at Carrboro High School 2008-2009 Budget Drivers O Utility cost increases E Inflationary increases O Class size requirements for Exceptional Children's program Child Nutrition Services • Student Growth for 10 Years (bar graph) 2008-09 Student Enrollment Growth Projection 2008-2009 State Projection 11,666 Less: Out-of-County Students (78) Plus: Charter School Students 140 Total County Resident Students 11,728 Student Growth 2008-09 Projected Enrollment 11,728 2007-08 Budgeted Enrollment 11,405 Projected Enrollment Charge 323 Dollar value of the enrollment change at the current County per student rate of$3,069- $991,287 Continuation Budget State Mandates m 5% certified staff pay increase $ 859,130 el 4% classified staff pay increase 591,885 1. Supplement for State-paid teachers. 295,488 m 6% health insurance increase 209,014 E. .4% increase in state retirement 114,677 m Graduation Project 143,000 m Exceptional Children's Program 205,504 IN District Policy: 5% lncr. in Board Stipends 990 Total State Mandates $2,419,688 Continuation Budget Student Enrollment Growth m Supplement for 9 new teacher FTEs $ 64,358 ▪ 5 new locally funded TAs 162,395 • 2 half-time office assistants for elem. schools 37,783 • .3 Occupational Therapist 21,082 ▪ Completion of CHS 312,860 ▪ Morris Grove Elem. Start-up costs 1,780,834 ▪ Per pupil/teacher expenses 20,437 ▪ 6 new ESL teacher FTEs 421,638 ▪ Dual language textbooks and materials 22,500 Student Enrollment Growth Total $2,843,887 Continuation Budget Current Services E Utility Increases $464,051 • Addt'I Child Nutrition Subsidy 87,650 • Other Employee Benefits 153,340 m Middle School After School 105,000 u Inflationary increase—3% 72,000 Current Services Total $882,041 Continuation Budget School Board Commitments Exp.of Dual Lang. to Middle Sch. $129,273 • First School Program 114,891 School Board Commitments Total $244,164 Continuation Budget Subtotal $6,389,779 CONTINUATION BUDGET SUMMARY Continuation Budget Subtotal $6,389,779 Less Budget Reallocations: Reduction in Summer School (105,000) Non-recurring Staff Dev. — CHS ( 25,000) TOTAL CONTINUATION BUDGET $6,259,779 Expansion Budget ▪ Hospital School tutors $ 5,000 E Increase K-2 Literacy position to 1.0 7,045 E Employee Wellness Services 14,400 ▪ ESL Welcome and Newcomer Centers 100,245 ▪ Dual Language instructional materials 10,800 ▪ Elem. Math lead teacher(11 mos.) 77,300 • Exceptional Children's Curriculum Coord. 70,890 m Boomerang Program (expired grant) 30,000 Serving a growing and increasingly diverse student population Increasing special populations n The number of autistic students in the district has nearly tripled in 10 years, from 51 in 1997- 1998 to 149 in 2007-2008. ▪ ESL population has doubled in four years, from 9.9% in 2004-2005 to 22.2% in 2007-2008. ▪ 98 additional Karen students this year with more expected next year Expansion Budget a Principals'Peer Assistance position 128,920 a Technology— 2.0 Support positions 76,743 a Technology— Online Learning Resources 35,000 Expansion Budget Total $ 556,343 Total Operating Budget a Continuation Budget $ 6,259,779 a Expansion Budget $ 556,343 a Total $ 6,816,122 Anticipated Revenue from Growth, Inflationary Increase in District Tax, and Other Revenue Sources a 323 students @ $3,069 $ 991,287W a .8% inflationary increase in District Tax base $ 132,112 a Net change in other revenues $ (12,943) Total $1,110,456 (Appropriated fund balance reduced from $1,021,421 to an even $1,020,000) Full Funding Scenario Using the District Tax a Budget Request $6,816,122 a Less: Identified Rev. (1,110,456) Revenue Increase Needed $5,705,666 District Tax Increase Required $5,705,666/$808,738 = $.0706 Full Funding Scenario Using Per Pupil Appropriation and the District Tax ▪ Use district tax to fund CHS and Morris Grove: $2,093,694 • Less: 132,112— inflation increase $1,961,582 - from tax increase $1,961,582/$808,738 = $.0243 increase • Use per pupil appropriation to complete funding: $61,193,360- $18,423,052 — 3,106,212 = $39,664,096 (total budget) (district tax) (other revenues) $39,664,096/11,728 = $3,382 per pupil rate $3,382- $3,069 = $313 increase Commissioner Gordon made reference to Pre-K and First School and said that this needs to be taken into account for the operating and capital budget and how this will affect SAPFO enrollments. She said that it would seem that if a room were used for pre-K it could not be used for anything above pre-K. Assistant Superintendent Steve Scroggs said that when there are Pre-K classes in a building, and then a classroom is pushed into a mobile, the mobile does not count as capacity. The school system has never asked for an increase in the school building's capacity based on pre-K. In the past, when an elementary school starts to get overcrowded, pre-K classes have been moved to another school that is less crowded. Commissioner Gordon asked if pre-K classes always go to a mobile and Steve Scroggs said no. Superintendent Pedersen said that in the newer schools, they also build a Pre-K classroom. Lisa Stuckey made reference to Pre-K's and said that later, the school board will be asking for suggestions that the collaboration group should take on. One of the suggestions of the collaboration group is to talk about the relationship between Pre-K's, SAPFO, and the districts. b. Orange County Schools Presentation OCS Chair Ted Triebel said that the Superintendent will present a different budget tonight—one that recognizes and accepts the fiscal realities of the day. It is a very lean budget. He said that the school board has high expectations and confidence that the Board of County Commissioners will provide the students of rural Orange County with the resources they deserve to meet their needs. He said that this new fiscal approach -this minimal budget- comes with high expectations and confidence that the County Commissioners will favorably respond to the citizens of the district and look at this responsible budget that provides the necessary opportunities of the community's youth. Superintendent Patrick Rhodes said that he asked each of the schools to come up with a comprehensive needs assessment, and these were submitted. Once these assessments were collected, senior staff went to each school and met with principals and reviewed the requests. Commissioner Foushee arrived at 8:19 pm. Superintendent Rhodes made the PowerPoint presentation. Orange County Schools Superintendent's Recommended Budget 2008-2009 Investing in the Future Average Daily Membership (ADM) FY 2002-2009 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 Kindergarten 483 485 517 499 500 552 532 Elementary 2458 2454 2494 2512 2579 2596 2679 Middle 1670 1673 1594 1583 1569 1628 1603 High 1895 1891 2059 2128 2194 2197 2216 TOTAL 6506 6503 6664 6722 6842 6973 7030 Revenue Sources 2006-07 Federal Sources—5% State Appropriations—58% Local Current Expense—37% OCS Funds are in Our People Instructional Equipment- .4% Others Goods and Services - .6% Supplies and Materials—6% Purchased Services—9% Salaries and Benefits—84% Most OCS Funds are Used to Support Instruction Community Programs - .5% Charter Schools— 1% Central Support—2% District Instructional Support—7.5% Business Support— 14% School-Based Instructional Support—75% How Local Funds Are Used in Schools Charter Schools—3% Community Programs— 1% Transportation —3% Central Support— 3% District Instructional Support Staff—5% Business Support Services—27% School-Based Instructional Programs—56% Summary of County Appropriations—chart Orange County Schools Per Pupil County Appropriation — bar graph Orange County Schools Per Pupil Expenditure: $8,796 Federal Funds - $508—5% Local Funds - $3,264—37% • State Funds - $5,024—58% Budget Drivers Salary and Benefit Issues (estimates; actual changes will be determined by the General Assembly Salary increases (average increases; actual 5% certified staff, principals, assistant raises could be higher or lower based on principals grade/step) 4% non-certified staff and central office administrators Employer matching retirement rate increases 4% increase 7.83%to 8.23% rate Employer matching insurance rate increases 6% increase from $4,097 to $4,343 Superintendent's Recommended Budget for 2008-2009 History of County Appropriations YEAR Requested Requested Received % Received Percent of ok Amount Amount Request Received 2004-05 13.26% $2,280,849 4.16% $715,306 31.4% 2005-06 18.26% $3,272,180 9.42% $1,687,993 51.6% 2006-07 19.38% $3,779,379 5.43% $1,064,058 28.0% 2007-08 17.99% $3,720,806 6.13% $1,26,352 34.1% 2008-09 8.35% $1,832,173 2008-09 Budget Request Totals Personnel $3,238,584 Instructional $ 677,210 Technology $ 738,166 Building & Grounds $1,838,400 Furniture & Equipment $ 465,952 Athletics $2,820,500 TOTAL $9,778,812 Mandated Expenditures Salary Increase 5% Certified, 4% Other $808,561 Personnel Matching Social Security $61,855 Matching Retirement 7.83% to 8.23% $133,596 Increase Matching Insurance from $4,097 to $61,037 $4,343 Exceptional Children's Program (2 teachers, 1 $160,952 teacher assistant) TOTAL MANDATES $1,226,001 Continuation of Current Services Utilities Increases: Water- $33,000 Natural Gas - $48,000 $81,000 Fuel $50,000 Inflationary Increases (Supplies & Materials) $63,443 TOTAL CONTINUATION OF CURRENT SERVICES $194,443 New Student Enrollment Costs Local Supplement for State-Paid.Teachers $23,177 Per Pupil allocations for new students $15,000 Charter Schools Growth $75,000 Cost for Increased Enrollment $113,177 New Initiatives Budget Requests AVID Support (High School) $25,000 Dropout Prevention/Reduction Initiative $25,000 Raising Achievement/Closing the Gap $25,000 AIG Program Enhancement $25,000 1 AIG Teacher $66,184 2 ESL Teachers $132,368 TOTAL EXPANSION BUDGET $298,552 Proposed Expenditure Increase 2007-2008 County Appropriation $21,939,739 County Appropriation Increase Requested $1,832,173 2008-2009 Proposed Budget $23,771,912 Total Proposed County Appropriation 8.35% Increase Chair Jacobs asked if this was $260 more per pupil and Superintendent Rhodes said that it is $334 more per pupil. Commissioner Nelson said that he appreciated the leanness of the budget. However, OCS has a lot of older schools and he questions whether this budget helps move the County towards renovating these schools. Superintendent Rhodes said that this budget is for operations, personnel, supplies, instruction programs, etc., and no capital requests are in the budget. Commissioner Nelson asked about the $1.8 million in the building and grounds and then the $2.8 million for athletics. Superintendent Rhodes said that the athletics are not driving the budget, but an auxiliary gym is needed at Cedar Ridge, the tennis courts are in need of repair, and the track at Orange High is in dilapidated shape. George McFarley said that the staff visited each site in the district and their buildings are older, but they approach the capital needs by asking the principals what actually needs to be done in the facilities. He said that the pay-as-you-go money this year will not get everything done and they will need to stagger out those projects that do not have the funding this year. The safety and health needs were identified. He said that the issue of the HVAC systems in the older buildings is the Achilles heel. Al Hartkopf said that their budget request does not address the capital needs and that a lot of the school board's requests have not been met over the years. Commissioner Nelson said that his one concern is that the leanness of the budget does not address these capital issues. He commended the school board on its efficiency study. Superintendent Rhodes made reference to the Pre-K program and said that next year they will use federal funds to open three Pre-K classes, located at Central Elementary, Pathways Elementary, and Efland-Cheeks in existing rooms. Each class will accept 18 students. Orange County Schools will use its Title I funding allocation for Pre-K, and it will not ask anything of the County Commissioners. Al Hartkopf said that this is a prime example of the facilities limiting their ability to respond to the goals for their students. Commissioner Gordon commended the school board on the presentation and the efficiency study. She asked if any of the classrooms for Pre-K affect the SAPFO and Superintendent Rhodes said no, not for at least four years. Commissioner Gordon said that she would like a list of schools and the sites that have some Pre-K classes. Commissioner Gordon said to both school systems, that the Board at one point got a list of all of the schools, how many square feet, and when they were built, etc. She requested this information from both school systems. Chair Jacobs said that he appreciated the acknowledgement that the County is moving this budget process up to everyone's advantage. He said that both school boards and staffs have been responsive to the County's budget drivers. Chair Jacobs said that there has been talk about a bond issue in the future. He said that if the transfer tax is available to the County, then they can discuss using some of that to address the capital needs of the school districts. He made reference to the "mandates" and the utility increases. He said that the CHCCS increases for utilities are triple the projected increases in OCS. He asked for an explanation of this. Steve Scroggs said that CHCCS is opening a new school, so there is an exponential increase in the square footage. Superintendent Pedersen said that CHCCS projected a 7% increase in natural gas and electricity, and a 25% increase in water rates. Ted Triebel made reference to parental concerns and emotional concerns, and said that one of the things that the Central Office did was that their senior staff went to each school and briefed each school improvement team as to the constraints facing the Board of County Commissioners and the OCS. Because of that, OCS only had two public hearings for the budget and very little attendance at each. He said that Cedar Ridge is going to need a new wing and an auxiliary gym. He said that if it were up to him, he would build it now because when it is needed in four years, it will cost a lot more. Commissioner Gordon said that at some point the County Commissioners need to talk with both systems about the CIPs. She wants to underscore the capital needs for both systems for existing schools. She would like to see a concerted program to go through assessments and improvements to all of the older schools. 3. Discussion of Possible Topics for Collaboration Work Group Chair Jacobs said that Pre-K and capacity was one suggestion for a possible topic, as well as ESL programs. Jamezetta Bedford said that she also had ESL on her list, as well as technology. Lisa Stuckey said that both districts are seeing explosive growth in different cultures and ESL would be a choice topic to discuss. Chair Jacobs suggested discussing lawns and xeriscaping to reduce the amount of water usage, mowing, etc. Al Hartkopf said that it is hard to use xeriscaping for ball fields, but there is some Astroturf out there now. He would like to revisit this. Chair Jacobs said that the Parks and Recreation Board will be bringing up the topic of sharing facilities between the schools and Parks and Recreation. Discussion ensued about Astroturf. Ted Triebel said that the Durham Technical Community College campus is getting ready to open and this may be an area to explore for future use and resources. Chair Jacobs said that there are two representatives from the County Commissioners on the Durham Technical Community College Board. 4. Closing Comments Additional Reports Provided for Informational Purposes a. Draft School Districts Local Current Expense Fund Balance Policy b. Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Site Selection Report c. Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Memorandum Re: Elementary Number 11 and SAPFO d. Update: Land Transfer Tax Education Initiative Commissioner Gordon asked someone to share information on the land transfer tax. Laura Blackmon said that there is an information item that talks about the website that is up and is being updated regularly. There is a direct mailing going out and public forums coming up on April 23rd at Chapel Hill Town Hall and April 30th at F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough. These are educational presentations with presentations from opposing groups. Commissioner Nelson said that if this passes, it will radically change how the County addresses the capital needs of both school districts. He asked everyone to use their own personal networks to educate people. Pam Hemminger said that they are sending out information sheets to all of their students and there are citizen groups that are trying to get information to people with positive information. Al Hartkopf made reference to item C and the SAPFO and said that the major drive for the population increase in the whole district is in Mebane and the ETJ. Chair Jacobs said that he had lunch with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern of Mebane recently and this issue was brought up again. He said the Mayor was "understanding." Commissioner Gordon said that the SAPFO ordinance does not take into account the Town of Mebane's jurisdiction. Commissioner Gordon made reference to Steve Scroggs' memo about Elementary School #11 and that it will open one year later than expected. She asked if there would be a cessation in the issuance of CAPS. Steve Scroggs said that at the present time, there is available capacity with the opening of Morris Grove Elementary. There is no projection of any denial of CAPS. In November 15, 2009, the cut off birth date for admission in Kindergarten changes from October 16th to August 31st, so there will be a reduction in the number of kindergarten students. All of this is based on projections. Mike Kelly said that eventually Orange County will have to address the issue of controlled growth, because it is just not working. Chair Jacobs said that Orange County is also asking for a reexamination of how Mebane's growth may be affecting projections for new school needs. Ted Triebel said that Mebane is not in the SAPFO formula, but the southern part of Hillsborough is also having an increase in development. Chair Jacobs said that SAPFO really operates to propel the construction of new schools at the fastest rate that it can. Chair Jacobs asked about the yellow sheet about school sites at Carolina North. He read, "if required from UNC, land costs will be minimal." He said that he thought that UNC was going to give Orange County the site. The school board agreed and indicated that UNC has been very clear that it would be a nominal cost, such as $1. Ted Triebel asked about the next step in the budget process. Laura Blackmon said that the next budget work session is May 8th. The Manager will present her budget on May 20th. Commissioner Gordon said that the County Commissioners were trying to adopt a CIP program for a ten-year period, and it looks as if they will not be able to do that but will be adopting a capital budget for pay-as-you-go projects for each school system and the County. The County Commissioners recognized Steve Scroggs, who is retiring. The meeting adjourned at 9:23 pm. Barry Jacobs, Chair Donna S. Baker, CMC Clerk to the Board •