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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-25-2017 1 APPROVED 6/6/2017 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION JOINT MEETING April 25, 2017 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a joint session with the Chapel Hill—Carrboro Board of Education, Orange County Board of Education and Durham Tech on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Dorosin and Commissioners Mia Burroughs, Barry Jacobs, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, Renee Price and Penny Rich COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy Clerk Travis Myren 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 Steve Halkiotis and Board Members Brenda Stephens, Donna Coffey, Matthew Roberts, Tom Carr, Tony McKnight and Superintendent Todd Wirt and Deputy Superintendent Pam Jones were also present. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Hood CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Dani Rasi and Members Annetta Streater, Joal Broun, Pat Heinrich, Andrew Davidson, Margaret Samuels and Superintendent Baldwin, and Assistant Superintendent Todd LoFrese were also present. CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair James Barrett DURHAM Tech: President, William G. Ingram, Executive Dean for Orange County Operations, Penny Glick Chair Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks Rani Dasi said that James Barrett was out of town, and not available to attend tonight. Rani Dasi thanked the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for its willingness to meet, and introduced the new Superintendent of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), Dr. Pamela Baldwin. Rani Dasi thanked Todd LoFrese and staff for their work on this year's budget. Rani Dasi listed CHCCS priorities for this year: equity, mental health, fiscal management, investment in teachers and staff, community partnerships, and facility improvements. She said as CHCCS focuses its efforts, it faces two issues: state education funding changes and structural changes in the district. She said the current state education funding levels, including inflation, are lower than the amount provided in 2008, although the number of students has increased. She said this decline in state support puts an increased burden on local governments. She said CHCCS is continually grateful for the support of the 2 BOCC and the CHCCS special district tax, both of which represent the majority of the districts' operational budget. Rani Dasi said the District continues to experience changes in student demographics, with an increase in the number of students with higher resource needs presenting significant challenges to an increasingly strained budget. She said that in 2008-09, the percentage of students in CHCCS facing economic insecurity was 23%; and in 2016-17 this percentage has increased to 29%. She said English as a second language (ESL) students have additional instructional and other support needs, and ESL students represent 11% of the student population. Rani Dasi said the Newcomers Program is a district level program, which supports students who have gaps in their formal education, and lack the most basic, fundamental English proficiency. She said 6% of the student population falls into this category. Rani Dasi said the District has the right administrative leadership, concerned and committed teachers, and the necessary community support and board commitment. She said the key goal of CHCCS is to reduce inequity, and this is a long-term goal that will require new ways of addressing many aspects of the District. She said this includes a longer-term view of how the District funds and manages. She said CHCCS is asking for a long-term partnership with the BOCC to achieve the goal of a profound reduction of inequity, and improved outcomes for all students. She said CHCCS commit to being honest partners, responsible managers of resources, and to collaboratively work with the stakeholders with transparent communication. Rani Dasi said CHCCS's budget submission includes additional information to inform the conversation, including detail on current spending, and primary funding sources for the District. She said the 2017-18 budget includes four key areas of requests, and nearly half of the budget request is driven by the local portion of state mandated increases; the second area is teacher and instructional support; the third area is living wage; and the fourth area is continuation requests. Rani Dasi said the CHCCS Board of Education (BOE) approved the District Equity Plan last week, which has been shared with the BOCC. She said this plan will support closing the opportunity gap. Rani Dasi said a significant number of CHCCS buildings are aging, and in disrepair. She said the asset base is $400 million, and industry standards put the annual investment into facility maintenance at 5-7% of the asset base. She said current annual appropriations do not provide this level of funding. She said CHCCS recognizes the funding challenges, and looks forward to creative partnerships to meet all education needs. Steve Halkiotis said there continues to be an unfolding destructive path affecting public schools from Washington, D.C. to Raleigh. He said this is a planned and deliberate attack on public schools, to bring them to their knees financially and ultimately cut off the knees. Steve Halkiotis said without the Board of County Commissioners, the Orange County Schools (OCS) would have folded a long time ago. He said all need to stand up and fight against this tide in Washington. He said the OCS Board of Education appreciates any and all help that the BOCC can offer to public schools. Chair Dorosin said reviewed the agenda for the evening. 1. Durham Technical Community College — Orange County Campus • FY 2017-18 Operating Budget Presentation and Discussion • Capital Investment Plan Discussion (New Health Technology Building) 3 Dr. William Ingram, Durham Tech President, thanked the BOCC for its ongoing support for Durham Tech. He said their budget reflects an increase of$12,823 in operating funds to increase the salaries of employees to make sure all are paid a living wage. He said an additional $150,000 is also being requested for the Orange County Connect Scholarship. Dr. Ingram said Durham Tech is requesting that the construction of a 40,000-50,000 square foot building be added to Orange County's CIP for next year. He said this will enable Durham Tech to offer additional programming and courses, and to move the middle college there. Commissioner Rich thanked Durham Tech for being committed to paying all of its employees a living wage. Commissioner Jacobs referred to the expansion of the facility, and asked if Durham Tech is going with the same plan of leveling the trees and putting in a parking lot. Dr. Ingram said last year Durham Tech presented a high level conceptual plan to the BOCC, and thus far, have not done any site planning. He said, with funding, the process will move forward at the appropriate time, and Durham Tech acknowledges the importance of "green space." He said there is also an historic Native American trading path, which cuts through campus, and will be taken into consideration during planning. Commissioner Jacobs asked if Durham Tech has initiated any discussions with the University of North Carolina (UNC) to help train students at UNC hospitals. Dr. Ingram said no, there have only been conversations regarding Emergency Management Services (EMS) workers thus far. He said there are some new administrators at the hospital, and the conversation is on hold during the transition. Commissioner Jacobs said he thought Durham Tech was going to try to serve some of the needs held by the hospital, in the second iteration of Durham Tech buildings. He said UNC desires to be the largest healthcare provider in the southeast, in which case, it will be making some large facilities investments, and the time is opportune for a partnership. Andrew Davidson arrived at 7:18 p.m. Dr. Ingram said they will be focusing on Allied Health, and will engage them in that conversation both programmatic and financially. Annetta Streater said the middle college concept coming to the Orange County campus is very important and exciting. She hopes more students will take advantage of this opportunity. Commissioner Price said as the representative on the Durham Tech Board of Trustees (BOT), she commends what staff has done in trying to make sure that the options available to students keep up with the economic trends. She is happy to be paying a living wage. She said the BOCC should support Durham Tech at a level that keeps it affordable for students to attend. Dr. Ingram said that over 50% of Durham Tech students are on Federal financial aid, which does not include Durham or Orange Connect scholarships. He said the students do face significant financial challenges, and there is always room to be creative in meeting their needs. Chair Dorosin asked if Orange County Connect Scholarship is available to students with their GED as well. Dr. Ingram said yes, any Orange County resident that gets their GED is eligible to get this scholarship. He said Durham Tech works with the Department of Social Services to better serve students and their families. Durham Tech staff left at 7:24 p.m. 4 2. Information Item —2017 Legislative Update: K-12 Education Bills • House Bills 406 and 436 Impact Fees • House Bill 13 Class Size Reductions o Others Attachment B includes an Informational item related to a Legislative Update on K-12 Education Bills. Dr. Todd Wirt said HB 13 was approved as a two-year phase in, and this is a positive movement. He said year one would have a district class size average of 20 students in grades K-3, and a class size maximum of 23. He said in year two, the class sizes would go to 16, 17, and 18. He said a funding stream is being considered for enhancement programs, such as world language, physical education, the arts, etc. Dr. Todd Wirt said there is some strong language for superintendents to insure that tax dollars are being used to keep sizes smaller, and calls for superintendents to submit regular reports on class sizes. He said the state superintendent of instruction is also permitted to perform audits. He said both school districts would have no problem in providing this information. Dr. Todd Wirt said additional funding is still needed for this school year, and hopefully there will be more of a funding stream next year. He said the HB 13 was the primary bill they have been focusing on. Dr. Pamela Baldwin said there are programs and systems in place locally to gather the type of data the State is requesting, however these existing systems may not provide an exact match for what is being requested. She said the schools are currently under a waiver due to being a part of the Project Advance pilot, but this could change at any point. She said all involved will be attentive. She said she is hopeful that the state will be helpful in phasing in HB 13, but that could change at any time. Chair Dorosin clarified that HB 13 is being pushed out a year, but the expected classroom numbers remain the same. He asked if the funding stream for specials is simply being considered, and not promised. Dr. Todd Wirt said the State's language was to provide a commitment to find a funding stream to the additional programming. He said in year one, a gradual two-year phase in would begin. He said the local school districts support and want smaller class sizes, but some of the flexibility in funding has allowed specials programming to be offered, and the Orange County community deems these important additions to the school environment. Dr. Pamela Baldwin said as this process moves forward, it will be critical to find enough teachers to allow for the small classrooms. She said teaching program enrollments are down in universities across the State. Commissioner Rich referred to HB 72, which pertains to video cameras on school buses. She asked if local school buses already have video cameras. Dr. Todd Wirt said OCS has them, but he would need to verify if they are on all of the buses. Commissioner Rich asked if this is another cost that will be passed on to the schools. Todd LoFrese said CHCCS have cameras on the inside of all of their buses. He said part of the State initiative proposed cameras on the outside of buses, to deter motorists from passing a school bus. He said he needs to check if this bill will fund those exterior cameras. Chair Dorosin asked if there was any update on the bill to repeal the ability to levy impact fees. John Roberts said HB 406 moved forward to Senate, as it was originally drafted. 5 John Roberts said Representative Meyers amended HB 436 last week in committee, but that has not gone to the House floor for a vote yet. Chair Dorosin asked if the implications be for Orange County could be identified, if HB 406 passes. Bonnie Hammersley said the impact would not affect the budget until the impact fees from the previous year are used. She said the impact fees are being used to the maximum level that they can be used. She said there were more impact fees on the OCS side, as OCS has less growth over time, but has less debt service. She said the impact of the loss of these fees would be 2019. Chair Dorosin asked if the dollar figure of the impact is known. Bonnie Hammersley said it averages about $2.8 million, and this year there will be $3.1 million in the recommended budget. She said all impact fees will be used to the maximum, and can be used for new schools and capacity expenses. Chair Dorosin said there are a lot of bills going forward about charter schools, and that could have potential impact on local school systems. 3. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools • FY 2017-18 Operating Budget Presentation and Discussion • Capital Investment Plan Discussion Based on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's projected Average Daily Membership (ADM) enrollment for FY2017-18, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools enrollment would increase by 222 students, while charter students of 217, less Out-of-County tuition paid students of 241 remain the same as in the previous year. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is requesting an increase in the local per pupil allocation of $377.50. This requested increase in the local per pupil allocation for current expenses would increase the per pupil allocation to $4,245.50. This funding level would represent an increase of$5,469,806 in the current expense for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. By State statute, the County Commissioners cannot raise the district tax by an amount more than what the Board of Education requested. At the April 6, 2017 meeting, the Board of Education voted to request the maximum increase in the district tax to fund its budget request. Assuming no increase in the ad valorem tax rate, the district tax would need to increase by 5.01 cents to a new rate of 25.85 cents to fund the 2017-18 budget. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Capital Investment Plan projects for FY 2017-18 totals $4,673,027, with a 5-Year total of$71,580,346. Dr. Pamela Baldwin said she has been here 25 days, and she is proud of their transparency and the use of data to determine the actual needs of the district through an equity lens. Dr. Pamela Baldwin said the CHCCS truly appreciate the BOCC's support of the schools. She said she is happy to be here and excited to work with all involved in education in Orange County. Todd LoFrese made the following PowerPoint presentation: 2017-2018 Board of Education's Budget Request April 25, 2017 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools 6 Tonight's Presentation • 2017-18 Operating Budget Request o Overview of continuation, expansion requests, revenue and student enrollment projections • Capital Investment Plan o Construction costs o Unfunded major projects o Funding to properly maintain schools 2017-18 Budget Priorities • Support district equity plan • Provide greater fiscal transparency • Employee salaries and wages • Support students' unique needs: EC, ESL/immigrant, mental health, and low income • Living wage policy CHCCS 2016-17 Operational Budgets - CHART Combined Estimated Expenditures = $144.4 Million- CHART Projected Local Costs of State Mandates and Continuation of Current Services State Mandates - 5% State pay raise for teachers $ 886,767 - 3% pay raise for other employees (incl. benefits, supplements) $1,102,110 - State retirement match increase (16.54% to 17.37% estimated) $ 322,102 - Employer health insurance match increase ($5754 to $5927 estimated) $ 155,446 Subtotal $2,466,425 Continuation of Current Services - Inflationary increase to non-personnel Local budgets $ 298,667 - Middle School After School (one-year Federal grant expires) $ 240,000 Subtotal $ 538,667 TOTAL OF CONTINUATION BUDGET REQUESTS $3,005,092 Expansion Budget Recommendations • Restore 4/5 Teacher Assistants $ 650,000 • Transportation/Safety Recommendations 215,000 • Program Review Funding 50,000 • Living Wage for Contracted Services 700,000 • Middle School Math Interventionists 280,000 • Restore Elementary Media Specialists 410,575 • Restore Middle School PE Positions 280,000 • Underfunded budget lines (legal fees, refuse removal, fees, HVAC, and security contracts) 150,000 Subtotal Expansion Recommendations $2,735,575 7 Total Continuation and Expansion Requests • Continuation Total $3,005,092 • Expansion Total $2,735,575 Grand Total $5,740,667 Projected Local Revenues • 1.5% Inflationary increase to district tax $336,386 • Pre-K Tuition 60,000 • Prior Year Special District Tax (125,000) • Miscellaneous Revenues ($ 525) Net Change in all other Local Revenues $270,861 Continuation and Expansion Requests $5,740,667 Less other local revenue increase 270,861 Total Funding Request to County $5,469,806 2017-18 Student Enrollment Projection State projection 12,239 Less out-of-county tuition paid (241) Plus estimated charter students 217 Total County Resident Students 12,215 Ad Valorem Tax Increase Required to Fund Budget Request Using Current Year Valuation: County Ad Valorem Tax Increase= $5,469,806/$999,327 = 5.5 cents ($1,638,241 X 61% = $999,327) Per Pupil Increase: Current Year Appropriation $46,388,977 + $5,469,806 = $51,878,753 $51,878,753/12,215 students = $4,245.50 per pupil rate $4,245.50 less current rate of$3,868 = $377.50 per pupil increase required Class Size Legislation • Project ADVANCE is part of a two year state pilot, and as such we have a waiver from this requirement • Unless changed, eventually we would need to hire 40+ teacher positions • Potential cost increase to the district is over $4 million • Legislative corrective action is underway Fund Balance Allocation • Assign $1,000,000 in fund balance for 2017-2018 • Estimated year-end unassigned fund balance for June 30, 2017 is $6.9 million • The projected 5.5% target is $4 million • Unassigned F/B above the target is $2.9 million • Reserve fund balance for capital projects 8 Current Major Capital Projects • Glenwood Elementary School has been completed • 2016 Bond Projects o Lincoln Center/Pre K/Phoenix o Reconstruction and Renovations to CHHS Construction Cost Escalation • 2013 Facilities Assessment construction cost estimate for 10 schools - $161 Million • 5% annual increase in construction costs = 15% cost escalation through 2016 • Additional cost escalation included in our Capital Investment Plan (4% annually) UNFUNDED PLAN 7 Remaining Schools from Facilities Assessment Initial 2013 Projected Revised Cost School Cost Estimate Bid Year Estimate Ephesus Elm 15.5M 2020 20.7M Phillips MS 9.4M 2021 13.3M Seawell Elm 15.8M 2021 21.7M Estes Hills Elm 16.7M 2021 23.9M Carrboro Elm 13.5M 2023 20.0M FP Graham Elm 5.5M 2024 9.0M Culbreth MS 5.8M 2025 9.6M 82.2M 118.2M 2017 SAPFO Projections • Need for a new elementary school is beyond 10 year window o capacity increase by centralizing Pre K o remaining older elementary schools renovations would delay the need for decades • Need for a new middle school is beyond the 10 year CIP window • High school addition is beyond 10 year window o Increased capacity at CHHS and Phoenix • Class size legislation Commissioner Price asked if there is a cost estimate to build a new elementary school. Todd LoFrese said $27-33 million to build a new elementary school; a middle school is $50 million; and a high school is $85-100 million. Long Term (Sept 2015 Joint Meeting) • A bond will help us begin to catch up. • Additional ongoing maintenance funding will be needed for older and newer facilities moving forward. • Continued community support National Institute of Building Sciences 2016 State of Our Schools: K-12 Facilities Funding to Properly Maintain School Facilities Recommended annual amount to "regularly upgrade existing facilities' systems, components, fixtures, equipment, and finishes as they reach the end of their anticipated life expectancy; 9 systematically reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance that has accumulated; and alter existing facilities to respond to changing educational requirements." Current Replacement Value x Gross Sq Ft x 4% Recommended annual amount to make sure buildings are "clean and in good working order", including grounds, cleaning, minor repairs, and utilities. Current Replacement Value x Gross Sq Ft x 3% National Institute of Building Sciences 2016 State of Our Schools: K-12 Facilities Funding to Properly Maintain School Facilities Recommended annual amount to "regularly upgrade existing facilities' systems, components, fixtures, equipment and finishes..." CRV ($192) x Gross Sq Ft (1.4M) x 4% = $10,718,408 for OCS CRV ($192) x Gross Sq Ft (2.1 M) x 4% = $16,379,112 for CHCCS Recommended annual amount to make sure buildings are "clean and in good working order.." CRV ($192) x Gross Sq Ft (1.4M) x 3% = $8,038,806 for OCS CRV ($192) x Gross Sq Ft (2.1M) x 3% = $12,284,334 for CHCCS Total Recommended Expenditure Amount: 7% - $47.2 million annually 6% - $40.3 million annually 5% - $33.6 million annually 2016-17 OCS & CHCCS Total Expenditures: 3.7% - $24.7 million annually Commissioner McKee referred to the unfunded plan on page 8, and asked if these projected cost estimates are outside of anything that the bond may cover. Todd LoFrese said yes. Commissioner McKee referred to page 9, and the SAPFO projections. He sais CHCCS are projecting such a low increase in the number of new students, that new schools will not be needed for 10 years, and this is opposite of what the BOCC was told in the transit plan. Todd LoFrese said CHCCS is operating at about 98% capacity, and the SAPFO numbers do not trigger until they hit certain levels. He said over the past few years there has been a flatness of student growth, but next year CHCCS is expected to grow by 222 students. Commissioner McKee said the schools' projections are probably more correct. Andrew Davidson said it is not just the slow enrollment growth, but the fact that there will be an increase in capacity through some of the construction done with bond funds. Commissioner McKee referred to the fund balance allocation on page 7, and asked if the schools are thinking about using excess fund balance on capital projects. Todd LoFrese said the existing joint policy states that the BOE shall develop a plan for the use of fund balance that is in excess of 5.5% target. He said as part of that policy, it recommends that fund balance should be used for one-time expenditures, not recurring budget needs. He said CHCCS has increasing constructions costs, and is concerned about the project budgets at Lincoln Center and Chapel Hill High School. He said there is a strong likelihood that some of the fund balance will need to be contributed to those projects. Commissioner McKee said these fund balances were accumulated through funding of operating expenses, and asked if this excess fund balance has been used before for capital expenses. Todd LoFrese said CHCCS have used fund balance before for capital expenses, including the entire Glenwood Elementary project, at $1.2 million. He said the fund balance increases in a variety of ways: a budget line is under-expended; close fiscal monitoring; and 10 occasionally there is unexpected revenue. He said there was a sizeable Medicaid reimbursement one year. Commissioner Rich referred to page 2.2 in the agenda, and said the ABC revenues seem to be decreasing. She said Chair Dorosin had worked hard to get more funds for the County from the ABC revenues, and asked if there is a reason the schools are not seeing that increase as well. Todd LoFrese said CHCCS got $45,000 this year. Commissioner McKee asked if the ABC Money is for special projects like alcohol education. Todd LoFrese said yes. Commissioner McKee said those funds would be very different than what the County receives, which is an allocation of ABC profits. Commissioner Rich asked if there is a reason for the decrease in the ABC funds to the schools. Commissioner McKee said the ABC board allocates funds for each organization that provides alcohol education. Todd LoFrese referred to page 2-2, and said CHCCS budgeted $45,300 in 2015-16, and only received $40,000. He said the budget was revised for 2016-17. He said if the amount increases, CHCCS will revise the budget. Commissioner Rich suggested that CHCCS request more funding from the ABC Board. Steve Halkiotis said historically it stayed around $35,000 for about 25 years. Commissioner Price said there was a slight difference between the superintendent's budget and the BOE's request, and asked if there was a reason for this discrepancy. Dr. Pamela Baldwin said there were initial requests, and the differences were with personnel. She said the conclusion was to try and fund what is needed and requested by the schools. Commissioner Price referred to point 8 in the Budget Assumptions, on page 2-2, and asked if this could be clarified. Todd LoFrese said as the County is in the middle of a revaluation, CHCCS made some budget assumptions in its calculations. Commissioner Price said the wording was confusing. Todd LoFrese said the assumption made by CHCCS was based on the current valuation. Commissioner Price asked if CHCCS is asking for an increase this year. Todd LoFrese said the BOE made the motion to authorize the BOCC to increase the special district tax in order to meet the budget request. He said the increase is based on the current valuations. Chair Dorosin asked if the Glenwood renovations increased capacity. Todd LoFrese said no, as this was a smaller school renovation that provided for handicap accessibility, a secure front entrance, and flooding and moisture infiltration. He said the location and condition of Glenwood does not necessarily make it the best candidate for major renovation. He said the renovations that were done will keep Glenwood running for the next 10 years, while CHCCS can focus on other schools. Chair Dorosin said CHCCS currently contracts out evening janitorial and food services to third parties. He asked if CHCCS plans to ask these companies to ensure their employees are paid a living wage. Todd LoFrese said yes. Chair Dorosin asked if CHCCS has analyzed the possibility of bringing these services in house. 11 Todd LoFrese said it is an expectation to conduct an analysis about bringing this in house. Chair Dorosin said he would like to see the results of this analysis. He asked if the contract employees receive health insurance. Todd LoFrese said that would be determined through the contract negotiation process. He said the child nutrition contract includes some of the benefits received by full time employees. He said he is unsure about the evening janitorial employees. Chair Dorosin said it is important to make sure everyone is treated fairly, and these details should be looked into. Andrew Davidson said when the BOE looked at this issue two years ago, there were two different sets of schools: those with in house services, and those who contracted out janitorial services. He said schools with in house services reported a lower level of satisfaction with the evening services, when their in-house staff was ill or unable to report for work. He said a higher wage may bridge the gap. Annetta Streater said one of the benefits of contracting with an outside contractor is that they have the large equipment, which the district cannot currently provide, unless it buys the heavy equipment. Steve Halkiotis said if the BOCC wants to return to in-house service providers for the schools, then he would lead the charge. Chair Dorosin said he would prefer to pay living wages and benefits to in-house service providers. 4. Orange County Schools • FY 2017-18 Operating Budget Presentation and Discussion • Capital Investment Plan Discussion Based on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's projected Average Daily Membership (ADM) enrollment for FY2017-18, Orange County Schools' enrollment would decrease by 7 students, while charter students would increase by 192 to a total of 711, less 89 Out-of-County tuition paid students, which remains the same as in the previous year. Orange County Schools is requesting an increase in the local per pupil allocation of$417. This requested increase in the local per pupil allocation for current expenses would increase the per pupil allocation to $4,285. This funding level would represent an increase in the current expense for Orange County Schools of$4,182,015. Orange County Schools Capital Investment Plan projects for FY2017-18 totals $3,103,689 with a 5-Year total of$47,541,561. Dr. Todd Wirt reviewed some of the OCS accomplishments: • The district achievement on state assessments improved in the overall state rankings from 36th to 27th, out of all the 115 public school districts; • The graduation rate of 90% reached its highest level ever; • 38% of our workforce has advanced degrees and 18% of our teachers are Nationally Board Certified • Overall ACT proficiency grew by 7%, with African American students realizing a 18% gain and Hispanic/Latino students realizing a 10% gain in ACT performance • Eleven of twelve schools (91%) met or exceeded growth, compared to 73% statewide. This is a marked increase over the past 3 years. In 2013-14 only 6 12 schools met this standard, and in 2014-15 only 10 schools met or exceeded growth. • Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary School raised its school performance score by 12 points, moving from a D in 2014-15 to a C in 2015-16. ECGES is no longer labeled as low performing by the state. Large gains were experienced at Efland-Cheeks Global in all areas: reading proficiency increased by 7%, math by 17%, and science by 24%. Dr. Todd Wirth said the singular focus of the OCS budget last year was to invest in the OCS workforce. Dr. Todd Wirt made the following PowerPoint presentation: Orange County Schools 2017-18 Budget Request Our Year in Review • Received from County in 2017: $30,812,435 ($3,868/pupil) Usage Highlights: • Mandated salary/benefit increases for staff • Mandated Merit Bonus—non-educators • 1:1 Initiative o Laptops: 3-12 o iPads: K-2 • Supplement increases OCS Supplement Proposed Bands • 14% -- 0-5 Years • 16% -- 6-13 Years • 18% -- 14-20 Years • 20% -- 20+ Years • 13% -- Directors • 9% -- Coordinators • 7% -- Classified Staff Revised Bands • 12% -- 0-5 Years • 14% -- 6-13 Years • 16% -- 14-20 Years • 18% -- 20+ Years • 13% -- Directors • 9% -- Coordinators • 7% -- Classified Staff • FY2017 Expansion Request of$1,900,000 to fund the proposed supplement bands • FY2017 Revised Bands budget totaled $1,200,000 o $705,208 funded through a Local Fund Balance Appropriation FY18 Student Enrollment Projection 13 • FY18 District Enrollment Projection: 8,166 - Includes DPI ADM projection of 7,544 - Includes 711 projected Charter Students - Out-of-district students reduction (currently 89) • Revenue at current p/p: $31,586,088 Funding History - chart Expenses: Continuation Only • MANDATED SALARY/BENEFIT INCREASES: $ 678,988 - Projected at 5% Certified; 3% Classified • Hold harmless Revised Supplement Bands $1,801,619 • Charter School student growth (192 students) $ 730,148 • FEDERALLY FUNDED POSITIONS $ 86,500 - Salary & Benefit increases • House Bill 13 impacts $ 780,000 Total: $4,077,255* * 405 increase in current per pupil would be required House Bill 13 • Modifies K-3 maximum individual class size and average class size • Funded teacher/student allotment ratio may not exceed more than three students per grade • Class sizes reduced from 24 to between 19 and 21 • Maximum average will drop from 21 to between 16 & 18 • Current law would require adding 12 teaching positions -$780,000 Expansion Request • $104,760*: Supplement employee dental premiums at $20 per participant. *Expansion request requires $14 per pupil increase in current per pupil FY2018 Continuation/Expansion • Continuation costs: $4,077,255 - $4,273 per pupil ($405 p/p increase) • Expansion (Supplement Dental Premium) $ 104,760 --$12 p/p increase • Total Additional Funds Requested: $4,182,015 • $4,285 per pupil ($417 p/p increase) Fund Balance Appropriation Fund Balance Appropriation approved for: • $120,000: Universal Breakfast Service at K-5 schools • $175,000: Elementary School Environmental Enhancement Program • $165,000: Read to achieve full day camp for grades K-3 • $107,000: Academic full day camp for grades 4-5 • Total Fund Balance Appropriation: $567,000 Fund Balance Projection 14 • Projected Unassigned Fund Balance as of 6/30/17: $1,000,000 to $1,300,000 • FY2018 Fund Balance Appropriation: $567,000 Funding Sources and Uses - Charts Pam Jones said OCS is in stewardship mode, and more of the capital expenses are for deferred maintenance. She said OCS will be looking at the geothermal project at Orange High School (OHS), and the Cedar Ridge High School (CRHS) classroom wing. She said last year, OCS did the ADA connector at OHS, and completed the auxiliary gym at CRHS. Pam Jones said OCS continues to put elementary school #8 on the radar, and it is in their CIP as a placeholder. She said the Town of Hillsborough is expected to have residential growth. Commissioner Marcoplos said one of the proposed house bills asks for information about utility efficiencies, and he asked if the school districts have this information. Pam Jones said OCS does annual updates on utilities, and practices green building any time there is a renovation completed. She said an example of this is the Geothermal system for OHS, which should be very successful at reducing energy consumption. Commissioner Marcoplos asked if this information could be shared with the BOCC. Todd LoFrese said CHCCS have a Sustainability Coordinate who works with the schools in a variety of ways, one of which is utility reduction. He said this employee works closely with facilities and maintenance staff in monitoring HVAC systems, electrical systems, etc. He said CHCCS reduced its utility budget by a few hundred thousand dollars last year. Todd LoFrese said CHCCS also have a high performance school building policy, and completes an annual report. Steve Halkiotis said the State projects that OCS will be a -7 in growth, and he disagrees with the State on this point. He said Hillsborough is growing by leaps and bounds. He said he sent out a letter to the Town of Hillsborough, with copies to the Board of County Commissioners, about OCS concerns about Collins Ridge. He said he expects OCS to have an additional 150 students next year. Commissioner Jacobs asked if OCS is interested in working with Orange County to put Wi-Fi on school buses to bring the internet to rural areas. Dr. Todd Wirt said he has discussed this with the OCS technology officer, and he said such a proposal could be helpful to OCS students on the ride home from school. He said this type of program has been successful when the bus resides at the home of the driver at night, but this is not the current practice for OCS buses. He said he lives in a rural area of Orange County, and it is difficult for him to secure Wi-Fi access, and he imagines a bus would be even more challenging. He said OCS is open to it, but it would require some dramatic changes to current practices. Chair Dorosin referred to the universal breakfasts and summer programs, and asked if these were well utilized. Dr. Todd Wirt said the universal breakfast fluctuates between 28 to 40% of a student body, given the school that is participating. He said the fluctuations are not consistent. He said OCS would like to be more aggressive in its marketing of this program. Dr. Todd Wirt said the Read to Achieve camp had 450 students, who had been identified as needing additional support in reading. He said this was a three-week, half-day camp, with transportation provided. He said a greater number of students are expected this year, and it will be offered at the 4th and 5th grade level for the first time. He said the target is 200 students. 15 Chair Dorosin referred to the increasing Free and Reduced Lunch program, noting some schools are above 50%. He said there is a program now that schools above a certain percentage can offer a free lunch to everyone, and asked if there is a school that has this practice in OCS. Dr. Todd Wirt said no, and the school with the highest percentage is 68-71% FRL. Rani Dasi referred to Commissioner Price's question about the discrepancy between the CHCCS BOE budget and the superintendent's budget, and said the superintendent line may be a previous edition of the budget. Chair Dorosin said he wanted to go around the circle and allow everyone to say something in the spirit of collaboration and community. Dr. Todd Wirt said it is always important to keep perspective. He said he has worked in four different schools systems, and many are less fortunate than those in Orange County. He said the schools here are allowed to express needs, and schools are very fortunate here. Pam Jones said she has the unique perspective of having sat on the County side, as well as the school side. She said she is proud of the BOCC and the schools, and said both are known statewide for their efforts. Tom Carr said the OCS BOE has done so much for their teachers. Donna Coffey echoed Pam Jones' comments, and said she appreciates the work of the BOCC in all areas, not just with the schools. Brenda Stephens said they are very fortunate to be in Orange County, and the Board of County Commissioners shows its commitment in the way it funds the schools. Matthew Roberts said OCS has the flexibility to expand their day camps to full days due to the funding provided by the BOCC. He said this provides a richer life for the children. Tony McKnight thanked the Board of County Commissioners for what it does for both school systems. Bonnie Hammersley said she serves the Board of County Commissioners, and the schools are the drivers that bring people to Orange County. She said she is honored to be the County Manager, and to work with the schools to do the very best for the students of Orange County. Commissioner Marcoplos said he is looking forward to learning the budget process, as a new Commissioner. He said he has witnessed these budget processes over the years, and many people look to the Board of County Commissioners to fix their needs. He said he hoped to be able to communicate to the public the importance of becoming politically involved, at the State and Federal level, to help fix these needs. Commissioner Jacobs said he hoped these comments can be replayed at the public budget hearings. He said there has always been a tradition to fund the schools to the best of the Board's ability. He said there is never enough money, and the BOCC is usually engaged in a defensive battle over education. Commissioner Rich said collaboration is critical, and she is thankful for the working relationships between all involved. Dr. Pamela Baldwin said there are two school systems serving every child to the best of their abilities. She said she is thankful to have been chosen to serve as superintendent, but she noted that she also chose CHCCS as a place that she wanted to serve. She said there is great support for public education in Orange County. Todd LoFrese said both schools systems are approaching graduation, which is an exciting time of year. He said Phoenix Academy graduation is on Monday, June 12th, at 6:00 p.m. He said this is a wonderful event and invited all to attend. Andrew Davidson said both districts had an increase in per pupil requests, and said the per pupil funding levels provided by the State between 2008-09 and 2015-16 have gone down by $262. He said the dialogue between the schools and the BOCC is ripe for conflict, and the 16 fact that meetings go smoothly is a testament to the leadership in the County, and the trust that has been established. He said the challenges are real and great, but all involved are working together towards a common goal. Annetta Streater said wow! She said she is a bit shocked by the dynamic tonight, but is appreciative of the request for everyone to share out tonight. She said this type of dynamic has not always existed. She said she is greatly encouraged by the commitment of all in the room to the children of Orange County, and reminded everyone that public education provides the opportunity for a thriving economy, civic engagement, and future resources. Pat Heinrich said those in the room are a reflection of the values of their community, and a healthy friction, in the current political and economic climate, reflects engagement and a commitment to excellence. He said healthy friction, combined with trust, will lead to the best outcome for the children. Margaret Samuels said she is lucky to serve on the CHCCS BOE, live in Chapel Hill, and work in Hillsborough. She said they are lucky to have the two school districts, and the Board of County Commissioners that supports them. Joal Broun said she is the product of public education, as were her parents. She said they are in a struggle for public education, and they need to take off their gloves. She asked them all to be the yeast in the bread of North Carolina to defend education, as it should be. Commissioner Burroughs said the BOCC will do its best. Commissioner McKee echoed Commissioner Burroughs, and said in less than 60 days the Board of County Commissioners will settle on a budget. He said the conversations leading up to that final budget will occur in rooms like this, and not in a court room; and will be conducted with a high level of civility, even amidst disagreement. Commissioner Price said there are a lot of challenges in the schools, and the BOEs and school staff know and recognize this in their budgets. She said the focus must always remain on the students. Rani Dasi said she grew up just outside Cleveland, Ohio, in a town that was highly dependent on the steel industry. She said education was able to change her future, and it enables people to achieve so much. She said this hope must to remain the focus, as education is an investment. She said the school leadership and the BOCC have the opportunity to build a strong foundation for every child to succeed. Steve Halkiotis said he came to visit UNC 50 years ago, and he has never left. He said he appreciated Commissioner Burroughs' comments, and said the Board of County Commissioners will do the best it can. He said this is a sanctuary county. Chair Dorosin said all of the leadership in the collaboration meetings has worked to change the dynamics around education, and creating a unified message. He said all are moving away from compartmentalized thinking of education, and students have many other variables in their lives. He said it is important to maximize the time that children are in school, in order to make the greatest impact in all areas of their lives. He said there are a lot of legislative challenges, not only to education. He said collaboration across the public, private and non-profit sector is important. He said Orange County is very fortunate. The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m. Mark Dorosin, Chair Donna Baker Clerk to the Board