HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-26-2012 APPROVED 8/21/2012
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
JOINT MEETING
April 26, 2012
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 26, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the DSS offices in Hillsborough, N.C.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Bernadette Pelissier and Commissioners Alice
M. Gordon, Barry Jacobs, Earl McKee, and Steve Yuhasz
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Valerie Foushee and Pam Hemminger
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Jenny Galassi
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Frank Clifton, Assistant County Managers
Gwen Harvey, Michael Talbert 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 Donna Coffey
and Board Members Eddie Eubanks, Steve Halkiotis, Anne Medenbleck, and Tony McKnight.
Superintendent Patrick Rhodes was also present.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS ABSENT: Brenda Stephens and
Debbie Piscitelli
CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
PRESENT: Chair Mia Burroughs, and Board Members James Barrett, Jamezetta Bedford,
Gregory McElveen, Michelle Brownstein, Mike Kelly, and Annetta Streater. Superintendent
Tom Forcella was also present.
CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS ABSENT:
1. Opening Comments
Chair Pelissier said that Commissioner Hemminger and Commissioner Foushee send
their regrets in being unable to attend tonight. There will be an added item by County staff on
budget drivers in the County budget.
Donna Coffey said that two of their board members were not able to attend.
Introductions were made.
Paul Laughton from Financial Services presented the County's budget drivers. He also
made reference to the fund balance information from both school systems.
Paul Laughton said that the staff went over these drivers with the Board of County
Commissioners on Tuesday night. Some of these drivers are requests only. The first driver is
health insurance. There is a scheduled 11.5% increase for FY 2012-13. This is an impact of
$750,000. Another driver is the OPEB, or Other Post Employment Benefits. There is an
annual requirement to contribute $5.1 million to this. At this point, there is an unfunded OPEB
2
and the liability is $62.8 million as of June 30, 2011. There is a plan to try and fund that liability
in 2012-13.
Another driver is the request from Emergency Services. The request now is a $1.8
million increase.
The school districts have a request up to $6.1 million because Orange County Schools
has put in a request for $220/per pupil.
All of these requests total about $13.85 million, which is about 9 cents on the tax rate.
Paul Laughton said that in the packet there are three scenarios of per-pupil funding.
Anne Medenblik arrived at 7:15 PM.
Allocation of Projected Revenue for FY 2012-2013
(Based on Preliminary Revenue Estimates of$177.4 million)
Schools County Total
%of Revenues 48.1% 51.9% 100.0%
Total Preliminary Al location $85,352,144 $92,095,141 $177,447,285
Schools- For FY 2012-13, assumes the same per pupil amount for Current Expense for appropriation
(does not include funding for Durham Technical College in calculation of the 48.1%target)
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 %
Actual Preliminary Difference Change
Current Expense (Mandated
Appropriation, Discretionary Dollars) $59,375,382 $61,109,400 $1,734,018 2.9%
Recurring Capital (Mandated
Appropriation, Discretionary Dollars) $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $0 0.0%
Long Range Capital (Mandated
Appropriation, Discretionary Dollars) $2,628,969 $2,628,969 $0 0.0%
School Related Debt Service (Mandated
Appropriation) $18,182,682 $18,182,682 $0 0.0%
Fair Funding (Non Mandated
Appropriation) $988,000 $988,000 $0 0.0%
Total School Funding $84,175,033 $85,909,051 $1,734,018 2.1%
% of County General Fund Revenues 47.2% 48.4% 0.0%
(')Does not include additional County funding for School Health Nurses, School Social Workers, School
Resource Officers.
Calculation of Current Expense/Per Pupil Appropriation
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 Difference Change
Projected#of Students 19,141 19,700 559 2.9%
Projected Per Pupil Allocation $3,102 $3,102 $0 0.0%
3
Allocation of Projected Revenue for FY 2012-2013
(Based on Preliminary Revenue Estimates of$177.4 million)
Schools County Total
%of Revenues 48.1% 51.9% 100.0%
Total Preliminary Al location $85,352,144 $92,095,141 $177,447,285
Schools- For FY 2012-13, assumes a$67 increase in per pupil amount for Current Expense (does
not include funding for Durham Technical College in calculation of the 48.1%target)
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 %
Actual Preliminary Difference Change
Current Expense (Mandated
Appropriation, Discretionary Dollars) $59,375,382 $62,429,300 $3,053,918 5.1%
Recurring Capital (Mandated
Appropriation, Discretionary Dollars) $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $0 0.0%
Long Range Capital (Mandated
Appropriation, Discretionary Dollars) $2,628,969 $2,628,969 $0 0.0%
School Related Debt Service (Mandated
Appropriation) $18,182,682 $18,182,682 $0 0.0%
Fair Funding (Non Mandated
Appropriation) $988,000 $988,000 $0 0.0%
Total School Funding $84,175,033 $87,228,951 $3,053,918 3.6%
% of County General Fund Revenues 47.2% 49.2% 0.0%
(')Does not include additional County funding for School Health Nurses, School Social Workers, School
Resource Officers.
Calculation of Current Expense/Per Pupil Appropriation
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 Difference Change
Projected#of Students 19,141 19,700 559 2.9%
Projected Per Pupil Allocation $3,102 $3,169 $67 2.2%
Allocation of Projected Revenue for FY 2012-2013
(Based on Preliminary Revenue Estimates of$177.4 million)
Schools- For FY 2012-13, assumes the same total dollar amount for Current Expense for
appropriation (does not include funding for Durham Technical College in calculation of the 48.1%target)
4
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13
Actual Preliminary Difference % Change
Current Expense (Mandated
Appropriation, Discretionary Dollars) $59,375,382 $59,375,382 $0 0.0%
Recurring Capital (Mandated
Appropriation, Discretionary Dollars) $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $0 0.0%
Long Range Capital (Mandated
Appropriation, Discretionary Dollars) $2,628,969 $2,628,969 $0 0.0%
School Related Debt Service (Mandated
Appropriation) $18,182,682 $18,182,682 $0 0.0%
Fair Funding (Non Mandated
Appropriation) $988,000 $988,000 $0 0.0%
Total School Funding�'� $84,175,033 $84,175,033 $0 0.0%
% of County General Fund Revenues 47.2% 47.4% 0.0%
(')Does not include additional County funding for School Health Nurses, School Social Workers, School
Resource Officers.
Calculation of Current Expense/Per Pupil Appropriation
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 Difference % Change
Projected#of Students 19,141 19,700 559 2.9%
Projected Per Pupil Allocation $3,102 $3,014 ($88) -2.8%
Paul Laughton gave an overview of the general fund budget.
Orange County General Fund Approved Budgets (Previous 5 Fiscal Years)
FY 2007-08 FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11 FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13
Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved Preliminary
173,624,351 183,005,580 177,589,039 175,313,920 178,177,522 178,000,000 approx.
Paul Laughton then reviewed the handout of each school's fund balance.
Chapel Hill -Carrboro City Schools
Fund Balance Calculation
CHCCS Fund Balance 6/30/2011 $ 10,328,358
5
Fund Balance percentage per Board policy
of Original Budgeted GF Local expenditures.(max) 5.50%
Original General Fund Budget (FY2012) $61,078,312
Calculated maximum amount of fund balance $ 3,359,307
Excess Fund
Balance C $ 6,969,051
FY2012-13 Increase in budget per pupil($67.00) $67.00 1
FY2012-13 Estimated Enrollment 12,115 1
Requested increase in funding 1 $ 2,086,627
Appropriated Fund Balance $ 3,652,913
Fund Balance remaining if CHCCS funded their requested
increase D $ 1,229,511
Amount over(under) the maximum (C-D) $ (2,129,796)
CHCCS would be under the maximum allow fund balance by$2,129,796.
Note 1-Formula for Funding the Increase in Per Pupil
Increase for
Total Pupils x increase = All Pupils
$ 12,115 x $ 67.00 A $ 811,705
Base Per Pupil Pupil
Pupil Increase x allocation Increase Base
$ 411 $ 3,102.00 B $ 1,274,922
Increase in funding(A+B) $ 2,086,627
6
Orange County Schools
Fund Balance Calculation-UPDATED
OCS Fund Balance 6/30/2011 $ 4,875,245
Fund Balance percentage per Board policy
of Original Budgeted G F Local expenditures(max) 3.00%
Original General Fund Budget (FY2012) $23,989,855
Calculated maximum amount of fund balance $ 719,696
Excess Fund Balance C $ 4,155,549
FY2012-13 Increase in budget per pupil($220.00) 1 $220.00
FY2012-13 Estimated Enrollment 1 7,585
Requested increase in funding 1 $ 2,127,796
Proposed FY2012-13 Budget Appropriated Fund Balance $ 1,431,698
Fund Balance remaining if OCS funded their requested
Increase D $ 596.055
Amount over(under)the maximum requirement (C-D) $ (123,641)
Orange County Schools would be under the maximum allowed fund balance by$123,641.
Note 1-Formula for Funding the Increase in Per Pupil
Increase
Total Pupils x increase = for All Pupils
7,585 x $ 220.00 A $ 1,668,700
Base Per Pupil Pupil
Pupil Increase x allocation Increase Base
148 $ 3,102.00 B $ 459,096
Increase in funding(A+B) $ 2,127,796.00
Donna Coffey said that this fund balance policy has been updated since 1986 and that
Orange County Schools' fund balance is 3%.
7
Chair Pelissier asked Paul Laughton to explain why the County's fund balance is what it
is.
Frank Clifton said that because the County is the agency that issues all the debt, the
state establishes a minimum fund balance, which is 8%. Orange County's currently is at 17%.
Superintendent Patrick Rhodes said that in 2008 OCS did change their fund balance to
3%, and he read this.
Steve Halkiotis said that their fund balance would cover one month of employee
salaries.
Annetta Streater arrived at 7:37 PM.
2. Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools - Presentation of FY 2012-13 Board of Education
Approved Budget
Mia Burroughs said that in this budget discussion of the fund balance, they set up a
three-year plan of bringing the fund balance up, knowing that the federal money was going
away. She said that they have repurposed things and are not just adding things onto the
budget. She believes that they are running a lean operation.
Various members of the Board of Education went through the PowerPoint presentation.
Board of Education's
2012-13 Budget Request
April 26, 2012
Budget Development Process
• Focus on Student Learning and Instruction
• Priorities
• Collaborative Process
• Building Level/SIT
• Central Office Review
• Future Direction
• Economic Reality
Mission/Vision/Goals
Priorities
Current
World Languages
Literacy
Common Core
Technology
2012-2013
World Languages
Literacy
Common Core
Instruction
Strategic Plan
Instructional Focus
• Building Relationships
• Review of Current Staffing and Programs
• Common Vision/Focus
• Training Development
Setting Priorities
8
Instruction and Common Core
• Professional Development—IFL
• Literacy Coach Training
• Leadership Development
• Common Language about Instruction
Support for Student Learning
• Focused on Specific Curricular Content
• Organized on Real Problems of Practice
• Connected to Teachers' Work with Children
• Linked to Analysis of Student Learning
IN Supported by Coaching, Modeling, Observation and Feedback
IN Integrated into School and Classroom Planning around Curriculum, Instruction and
Assessment
Future Budgets
IN Instruction as Focus
Strategic Plan
Hiring Practices and Procedures
Professional Development and Training
Re-Purpose Existing Staff Depending on Needs
Salary Scale Review—Use of Local Supplements
Change Process
• Driven by Mission/Vision/Beliefs in Long-Range Plans
• Building Internal Capacity
• Culture
• Practices and Procedures
• Staffing
Focus
Common Language of Instruction
High Quality Staff
Use of Resources
Challenge:
To Move Toward the Fulfillment of our Mission and Vision while at the Same Time
Being Cognizant of the Extraordinarily Difficult Economic Times
To Continue to Improve Student Learning and Positive Results
2012-13 State Student Enrollment Projection
2012-13 District Enrollment Projection 12,129
2011-12 State Enrollment Projection 11,718
District Projected Enrollment Increase 411
Projected Local Revenue Increase
County per pupil for enrollment growth $1,265,616
1% Inflationary increase to district tax $ 315,851
Changes in other Local Sources $ 117,000
Total Net Increase $1,698,467
9
Local Continuation Budget Requests
State Mandates
Employer health insurance match increase (5.3% incr. to $5192) $ 207,000
State retirement match increase (9% incr. to 14.31%) $ 340,000
Subtotal $ 547,000
Continuation of Current Services
Non-personnel school allotments for growth ($78/student) $ 25,740
Transportation operating budget $ 30,000
Subtotal $ 55,740
TOTAL OF CONTINUATION BUDGET REQUESTS $ 602,740
Local Expansion Budget Requests
Expansion Requests
Elementary #11 Planning Budget $ 339,460
Ephesus Elementary: .5 AIG Specialist $ 36,633
Phoenix Academy: stipends $4,500; field trips $1,000;
community and family events $1,000; extend sec. pos.
to 12 mos. $5,000; full-time SRO $25,000 $ 36,500
Exceptional Children: 1.0 elem. teacher $73,265;
2.0 system level TAs $68,904; classroom supplies $1,500;
computer equip. $7,500; and .5 prog. facilitator for CHS
and Phoenix $36,633 $ 187,802
BRMA Program: Parent Univ.: .5 sec. $22,940; operating
expenses $12,000 $ 34,940
Staff development funds $ 50,000
$500 one-time bonus for 2000 employees incl. benefits $1,219,600
TOTAL OF EXPANSION BUDGET REQUESTS $1,904,935
GRAND TOTAL $2,507,675
Projected Local Budget Balance
• Projected Local Revenue Increase $1,698,467
• Less: Continuation & Expansion Increase $2,507,675
Local Budget Shortfall ($ 809,208)
The $809,208 budget shortfall will require a $67 increase in the per pupil appropriation
($808,208/12,112 students).
Assigned fund balance in the amount of$3,652,913 will again be required to balance the
2012-13 budget.
Rationale for One-time Bonus
No wage increases for three consecutive years; the 2012-13 year will be the fourth year
10 hours of furloughed pay in 2008-09
3.5% inflation growth for the past three years
The 80/20 health insurance plan now costs employees $22.76 per month
Health insurance co-pays have increased
Monthly premiums have increased by $2,120.88 since 2008-09
Local Fund Balance
10
• Increased fund balance by reallocating, reducing, and savings efforts throughout the
district for the past two years - $1.5 million
• Spent all of the Education Jobs grant funds in 2010-11 and saved the Local dollars -
$2.4 million
• Balanced the 2011-12 budget by assigning $2.7 million in fund balance (mostly salaries
and benefits)
Must assign $2.7 million again to balance the 2012-13 budget
Projecting an unassigned Local fund balance at 6/30/12 of$6 million or 9.5%
Revenues Contributing to Fund Balance Increase
• Education Jobs Grant $2.4 million
• State/Local Position Trades $ .7 million
• ARRA Grants $ .5 million
• Savings initiatives $ .4 million
Total $4.0 million
Local Fund Balance (table)
Projected 2012-13
State Budget
Projected enrollment growth $1,940,520
Less Cost Increases:
13 Teacher positions (780,247)
4 TA positions (121,200)
Increase in Discretionary Reduction (586,109)
Total of Cost Increases ($1,487,556)
Projected Net Increase to State Budget $452,964
(These funds will be allotted across several program areas.)
Projected 2012-13 Formula Grant Allocations
Based on current year allotments:
Career Technical $ 90,000
IDEA VI-B Cap. Bldg & Improv. $ 50,000
IDEA VI-B Preschool Handicap. $ 36,000
Title 1 $1,000,000
IDEA VI-B Handicapped $2,709,578
IDEA Early Intervening Services $ 400,000
Improving Teacher Quality $ 380,000
IDEA VI-B Spec. Needs Targeted $ 17,000
Race to the Top $ 300,000
Projected Total $4,982,578
Recurring Capital Budget
11
2012-13 Recurring Budget Projected at the Current 2011-12 Amount
$1,861,467
Capital Investment Plan Revenue History
Pay-as-You-Go Lottery Funds 10 Yr Total Reduction
2008-18 39,451,994 12,304,854 51,756,848
2009-19 33,023,429 14,898,408 47,921,837 ( 3,835,011)
2010-20 29,418,298 12,397,617 41,815,915 ( 6,105,922)
2011-21 17,625,836 9,383,630 27,009,466 (14,806,449)
2012-22 17,463,944 8,150,000 25,613,944 ( 1,395,522)
Concerns about the long term impact of reduced CIP funding.
Capital Challenges
• Aging and aged facilities
• About half of our schools are over 40 years old with a few at 60 years
• Capital money has been cut in half. We have about $1.2 million a year to maintain 2
million sq. ft. and 500 Acres
• If we achieved a 2:1 computer ratio, current CIP funding only provides for a
replacement every 8 years.
Commissioner Jacobs asked how the revenue from the '/4-cent sales tax fits into this.
Todd Lofriese said that it is not included in the CIP.
Commissioner Jacobs asked how much would be realized in the next fiscal year and
Paul Laughton said $760,000 for CHCCS and $490,000 for OCS.
Commissioner Jacobs said that in the past when CHCCS opened a new school, they
have now learned to ask for a district tax increase. He asked if there are any
recommendations for this at this time.
Todd Lofriese said that the significant operating expenses will be next year when the
school is opened.
Jamezetta Bedford said that the cover letter indicated that CHCCS was asking for an
increase in the district tax this year; but stated that they were doing that so that the
commissioners would be allowed to increase the tax if they choose to do so. That is because
the school district must ask for the increase before the BOCC can raise the tax.
Commissioner Jacobs asked for a brief synopsis on where CHCCS stands on world
language issues.
Tom Forcella said that they are working under the assumption that these programs will
continue, so the budget requests those programs as they now exist.
Commissioner Gordon asked about the capital budget and where it is hurting the most
and Tom Forcella said that a lot of schools are very old. The biggest concern is keeping up
with the repairs.
Commissioner Gordon asked about the Qualified School Construction Bonds on page
3-3 at the bottom. She asked if this money was being requested.
Todd Lofriese said that they have been able to get a head start by taking advantage of
these programs.
Commissioner Gordon noted the need to fund the Culbreth Middle School science labs.
These labs are very substandard.
Chair Pelissier said that in the school collaboration meetings, they are looking at the
older schools and this is a work in progress.
12
3. Orange County Schools
Presentation of FY 2012-13 Board of Education Approved Budget
Superintendent Patrick Rhodes made a PowerPoint presentation.
Superintendent's Recommended Budget 2012-2013
YEAR IN REVIEW
Milestones:
- Student achievement and proficiency continue to rise
- Achievement gap continues to close
- Graduation rate continues among highest in NC — 82.8%
- Lowest dropout rate on record —2.37%
- SAT and ACT scores exceed state and national averages
- Record $5.7 million in scholarships awarded
Current Year Budget Overview
Total Revenue Per Pupil Equivalent % of Total
Revenues
Local $25,287,217 $3,449 36.4%
State $38,518,909 $5,254 55.4%`
Federal $5,724,772 $781 8.2%
Total $69,530,898 $9,484
2012-2013 OUTLOOK
2012-13 Budget Highlights
- Increase in number of students to serve
- Loss of federal revenue
- Fewer state dollars
- Additional unfunded mandates
Projected Enrollment Increase —202
County enrollment has outpaced state projections at least over the past six years.
This year 40.4% of students are eligible for free and reduced lunch
(various graphs of student projections)
2012-2013 FEDERAL FUNDING OUTLOOK
- Decrease from $5,724,772 to $4,244,772 in 2012-13
2012-2013 STATE FUNDING OUTLOOK
- North Carolina ranks 48th in the nation for combined per pupil funding
- Orange County Schools was required to return funding equal to 173.1 staff
positions to the state since 2009
13
2011-2012 State Funding Cuts
Instructional Support (-1.4%) $33,564
- Reduced funding for guidance counselors, social workers, technology staff, and
literacy coaches
School Technology (-14%) $14,488
- Contracted Services and day-to-day operations
Instructional Supplies (-49.7%) $239,020
- Classroom and instructional supplies
Assistant Principal Allotment (-17.8%) $13,004
- Reduced salaries for each AP by 2 months
Central Office Administration (-14.4%) $114,795
- Reduced 2 state funded district administration positions
To project the classroom, OCS has cut 16 Central Office staff positions since 2007
Central Office Staffing Reductions 2007-2012
District Nutritionist 2007
Director of Classified Employment 2008
District Lead Nurse 2008
Director of Health Living 2008
District Internal Auditor 2008
Foreign Language Coordinator 2009
Arts Coordinator 2009
Testing Coordinator 2009
CTE Coordinator 2009
District Secretary 2009
School Transportation Officer 2010
District Math and Science Coordinator 2011
District Math Specialist 2011
Reading Recovery Lead Teacher 2011
Director of Student Services 2011
School Improvement Specialist 2011
Lottery Funds
- Cannot be used for day-to-day operations
- Cannot be used for technology purchases
- Must be used for capital expenditures
■Emergency lighting
-Safety upgrades
■HVAC upgrade
■Phase II construction on partnership academy
■Restroom renovations
2012-13 SUPERINTENDENT'S RECOMMENDED BUDGET
Key Initiatives for 2012-2013
- Meet district's critical funding needs
14
- S.T.E.M initiatives and opportunities (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics)
- Strengthen academic rigor district-wide
- Continue support of at-risk programs
- Increase student access to technology
- Planning for Cedar ridge High addition & new elementary school
Critical Need - $1,406,850
Protect Classroom Positions and Prevent Job Loss as a Result of Loss of Federal
EduJobs Monies
- Affects 33 classroom teachers and assistants
- Affects 1,600 students
- Loss will result in increased class sizes
Critical Need - $251,508
Preserve Elementary and Middle School Foreign Language Programs
- 6 teaching positions funded with Federal grant
- Grant expires June 30, 2012
- Loss of teachers would result in elimination of elementary Spanish and middle
school French language instruction
- Affects 2,100 students
Critical Need - $280,000
Unfunded State Mandates
- Electricity cost increase $55,000
-Approved by state utilities commission
- Retirement contribution increase $170,000
- Hospitalization cost increase $55,000
-Increase of$261 per employee
Critical Need - $2,500,524
Offset Mandated State Funding Reversions
- The State requires districts to revert money it originally funded to help balance
the state's budget
- An increase of$394,077 from 2011-12
- Equivalent of 56.8 positions including 45 teaching positions
Superintendent's Funding Recommendation to Meet Critical Needs
Increase Per Pupil Allocation from Orange County to $3,322, an increase of$220 from Current
Year Appropriation of$3,102
- $2,307,184
Maximize State and Federal Personnel Funding Allocations as Identified in Recent Efficiency
Review
- $700,000
Appropriate Fund Balance $1,431,698
Total Funding Necessary to Cover Critical Needs $4,438,882
15
2012-13 Funding Scenarios
2012-13 County Appropriation Formulas
County 2012-13 Project Per Pupil Amount
Appropriations Enrollment
Same Dollar Amt as $23,069,574 7,639 $3,020
2011-12
Same Per Pupil Amt $23,696,178 7,639 $3,102
as 2011-12
Increase Per Pupil $24,460,078 7,639 $3,202
Amt by $100
Increase Per Pupil $25,223,978 7,639 $3,302
Amt by $200
Fully Fund $27,508,456 7,639 $3,601
$4,438,882 in
Funding Losses
Recommending $25,376,758 7,639 $3,322
$220 Per Pupil
Increase
(Superintendent's
Recommendation)
The Superintendent's Recommended Local Budget Request for 2012-13:
$25,376,758
Donna Coffey said that OCS thanked the Board of Commissioners for the high priority
put on children. She said that since 2008 they have reverted back to the state and to the
charter schools $10 million. She said that for the last three years OCS has not asked for any
increases in their budget, but they are at a point now that federal funding is going away and
the state continues to turn their back on the schools. They are letting the Board of County
Commissioners know what their needs are. They will trust the Board of County Commissioners
to do the right thing and if need be set aside the 48.1% funding limit.
Commissioner McKee said that he heard that under the funding scenarios and if the
Board of County Commissioners was to hold the current funding as $3,102 per pupil that OCS
would lose the 33 teachers and assistants.
Superintendent Rhodes said that if there is not additional funding from the County
Commissioners, there will be job losses in the classroom. He said that he does not know the
exact numbers.
Steve Halkotis said that the State is balancing the budget on the backs of children and
this is wrong. He said that the schools need the County Commissioners' help because they
are not getting it from the State.
Commissioner McKee asked about the impact of the charter schools reducing the
funding for schools and staff answered that for OCS it is $1 million this year.
Members from the CHCCS Board said that the impact is unknown at this time.
Frank Clifton said that a bond referendum could be done without having to fund on a
per-pupil basis.
16
Mia Burroughs thanked the Board of County Commissioners for its support and
courage to do the right thing throughout the years.
Chair Pelissier said that the County Commissioners have asked the County Manager to
come up with a variety of options for tax increases for this year. She said that this Board has
been supportive of education through the recession these past three years. She said that last
year the County made cuts everywhere except education. She said that the State should
provide for education and not the counties. Orange County provides almost half of the
schools' budgets and that is not right.
Chair Pelissier said that she would like to see the graduation rates from both school
systems. The public asks about these things.
Commissioner Gordon said that the County Commissioners did not decide definitively
in their work session on proposed tax scenarios. She said that she has been concerned about
the older schools for a long time. She suggested starting with the older middle schools and
upgrading these facilities.
Commissioner Jacobs said that in the last few years they have stopped reporting
Orange County's total effort toward funding education in their budget presentations. He would
like to see this in the budget presentations again. For years, Orange County was number one
in the state for funding education. He thinks that it is important for the public to know this.
Commissioner Yuhasz said that the impact of enhanced revenues for schools is that
the parents of the children eligible for free lunch will have to pay if property taxes are raised.
He suggested looking to the state to raise revenues for local schools.
Commissioner McKee said that the media needs to get the word out about the
reversion of funds from the state, etc.
Superintendent Rhodes said that Orange County currently ranks fourth in per pupil
funding in the state.
Greg McElveen said that there is a spirit of increased collaboration in the region and he
suggested seeking out opportunities to work with UNC to assist in education.
Eddie Eubanks said that there is a systematic attack against public education in this
state, and the public needs to be informed.
4. Closing Comments
With no further items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.
Bernadette Pelissier, Chair
Donna S. Baker, CIVIC
Clerk to the Board