HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-06-2018 8-f - Resolution Regarding K-3 Class Size Reduction Implementation1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 6, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 8 -f
SUBJECT: Resolution Reaardina K -3 Class Size Reduction Implementation
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Resolution Donna Baker, 919 - 245 -2130
PURPOSE: To consider adopting a Resolution Regarding K -3 Class Size Reduction
Implementation.
BACKGROUND: Pursuant to State Law 2017 -9, local school districts in 2018 -19 are required
to set class size averages in grades K -3 that equal the State classroom teacher funding ratios
and will have to meet more restrictive individual class size maximums across those grade levels.
An immediate reduction in the K -3 class size maximum will worsen an already very difficult
environment for local school systems in finding licensed and qualified teachers to fill
classrooms, most likely leading to more classrooms taught by long -term substitutes or lateral -
entry teachers who do not have the pedagogy and classroom management training necessary.
The Durham County Board of Commissioners previously adopted a resolution on this issue, and
staff referenced that resolution to develop the attached draft resolution.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
resolution. Class size reduction, if implemented, will have yet to be determined impacts related
to school facilities and personnel needs.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with consideration of the resolution. Class size reduction, if implemented, may have yet to be
determined impacts related to social justice.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the resolution and direct the Clerk to the Board to send to the resolution to the
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), Orange County's legislative
delegation, and the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly.
RES- 2018 -006 DRAFT 2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION REGARDING K -3 CLASS SIZE REDUCTION
IMPLEMENTATION
WHEREAS, pursuant to State Law 2017 -9, local school districts in 2018 -19 are required to set class
size averages in grades K -3 that equal the State classroom teacher funding ratios and will have to meet
more restrictive individual class size maximums across those grade levels; and
WHEREAS, an immediate reduction in the K -3 class size maximum will worsen an already very
difficult environment for local school systems in finding licensed and qualified teachers to fill
classrooms, most likely leading to more classrooms taught by long -term substitutes or lateral -entry
teachers who do not have the pedagogy and classroom management training necessary; and
WHEREAS, equalizing the average and funded K -3 class size ratios will result in the loss of flexibility
to generate State funding for teaching positions in program enhancement courses like art, music,
physical education; and
WHEREAS, even when this funding is provided, there are still classroom space and staffing
challenges in implementing the new K -3 class size requirements which are outlined below; and
WHEREAS, the immediate reduction in individual class size maximums in grades K -3 would in turn
increase the number of physical classrooms required at these grade levels and both the Orange County
Schools and Chapel Hill - Carrboro City Schools would need to build new new classrooms and/or hire
additional teachers in future years; and
WHEREAS, Orange County does not have capital funding to build new classrooms or purchase
additional modular classrooms, with a new modular unit requiring approximately one year to bring
online; and
WHEREAS, Boards of County Commissioners and Local Boards of Education are already working
together to budget and plan for the 2018 -19 academic year and this issue requires immediate attention
by the North Carolina General Assembly;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners, respectfully request that the North Carolina General Assembly fully fund small
classes, and slow down the implementation of the K -3 class size reductions outlined in State Law 2017-
9 through a multi -year phase -in that allows time for the legislature and school districts to address the
challenges delineated above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the North Carolina General Assembly approve House Bill 866:
Public School Building Bond Act of 2017, so that districts across North Carolina are better able to meet
their school facility needs associated with class size reduction and growth.
This the 6th day of February, 2018.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners