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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02-22-2022 Virtual Joint Meeting with the Schools 1 APPROVED 4/5/22 MINUTES JOINT MEETING WITH ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AND CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOLS February 22, 2022 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a virtual joint meeting with the Orange County Board of Education and Chapel-Hill Carrboro Board of Education on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price (arrived at 8:05 p.m.), Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford, and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Jean Hamilton, Earl McKee, and Anna Richards COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESENT: Chair Carrie Doyle, Vice Chair Brenda Stephens, and Board Members Will Atherton, Bonnie Hauser, Hillary MacKenzie, Jennifer Moore, and Sarah Smylie ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ABSENT: None ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS (OCS) STAFF PRESENT: Superintendent Dr. Monique Felder and Chief Finance Officer Rhonda Rath (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESENT: Chair Deon Temne, Vice Chair Rani Dasi, and Board Members George Griffin, Riza Jenkins, and Mike Sharp CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION ABSENT: Jillian La Serna and Ashton Powell. CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO SCHOOLS (CHCCS) STAFF PRESENT: Superintendent Dr. Nyah Hamlett and Chief Finance Officer Jonathon Scott (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) Vice Chair Bedford called the Board of County Commissioners meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners conducted a virtual joint meeting with the Orange County Board of Education and Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education on February 22, 2022 utilizing Zoom. Members of the Board of Commissioners will be participating in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public are able to view and listen to the meeting via live streaming video at orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting- Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable). A roll call of the County Commissioners was called; all members were present. Vice Chair Bedford greeted everyone and introduced members of the Board of County Commissioners and county staff. Deon Temne, Chair of the Chapel Hill Carrboro Board of Education, greeted everyone and introduced staff from the school system and members of the Chapel Hill Carrboro Board of Education. 2 Carrie Doyle, Chair of the Orange County Board of Education, greeted everyone and introduced staff from the school system and members of the Orange County Board of Education. The Board discussed the various School related issues that are of interest to the Board of County Commissioners, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) Board of Education and Orange County Schools (OCS) Board of Education. BACKGROUND: The County/Schools Collaboration Work Group established the agenda items for this Joint meeting. Both School systems provided attachments for the first agenda item. The appropriate page numbers and/or attachment numbers are referenced in that agenda item. 1. District Proposals for Behavioral Health and Achievement Gap Initiatives a. Orange County Schools — Sherita Cobb, Director of Student Support Services, made the following presentation on Mental Health Supports Updates: Slide #1 • Restorative Practices • Multi-Tiered System of Support(MTSS)for SEL Needs • Say Something Anonymous Report App Training • Trauma Informed training (Student,Staff and Families) • Community Partnerships • Gender Support Plan • Circles • Equity Policy • Backpack buddies • Gender Sup port Guidelines • Panorama • Preferred Name Process • PBIS • Within our Exceptional Children's Classrooms(EC SED • SEL Framework and AU settings),we utilize Zones of Regulation,Think • School Counselors Social and SuperFlex to assist with SEL. • Character Education • Student Health Advisory Council(SHAC) • MTSS • ECATS MTSS Early Warning Signs • SEL in MTSS • School based mental health(SBMH)collaboration with • School Social Workers Renaissance Wetness to provide therapy in all Orange • Student Equity Teams County schools • Culturally Relevant Leadership Training with IDRA • Adult SEL Support • Suicide Assessment Training • Adult Restorative Practices Training • Threat Assessment Training • Equity Committees . Orange County Staff trained on Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Prevention • GateKeeper Training • AVID programs,IB program, Sherita Cobb said the district was looking into culturally relevant mental health training for staff and students. She said they were also looking into gatekeeper training with all staff, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodians. She said all staff interact with students and make a difference in the lives of children. She said school counselors are supporting character education and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) work for students and staff, as well as adult SEL work. 3 Slide #2 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS UPDATES Core SEL and Mental Weilness Supports: Aligning with Academic Objective em4 Tier 3 Student Community Support Liaison(DJJ),Referral for School-based Mental Health Support,Referral to Outside Agency(DSS,DJJ,UNC Hospital,Freedom House etc) TIER 3 Individual and Small group session,School Level refers to the interventions that are provided toAL Counselor Guidance Support,Teacher,School level individual students. Student Support Services and Administrative support, TIER 2 Tier refers to the interventions that are provided e�[r>`, N,yr Referral for School based Mental Health Support, to small groups of students who need more Quo g� Individual and Small group session,School Level support than they are receiving in Tier I. rL Counselor Guidance Support,Teacher,School level a � -2 � Student Support Services and Administrative TIER 1 support,Restorative Practices refers to the high quality instruction �� that is provided to all students in = Tier 1 the general education classroom. ? ti Teacher,School Level Counselor Guidance Support, School level Student Support Services and ���tic , WNptoo 4 Administrative support along with SEL curriculum and support,Restorative Practices Sherita Cobb said that they tie all their work to the Core SEL and mental wellness supports. She said that this aligns with the academic objectives. Slide #3 Core SEL and Mental WeLLness Supports: Treatment, Referral, Re-entry o 00 ❑❑❑❑ Sherita Cobb said the goal is to provide treatment, referrals, and a re-entry plan to provide wrap around support for students. She said they are looking at a SEL curriculum that would best support students and staff and provide consistency across the district. 4 b. Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools— Dr. Nyah Hamlett, Superintendent, made the following presentation: Slide #1: SAP L HILL ZC ARMBOR fis17Y SCHOOLS a , Feblrua 22 202 Recommended Spending Plan for Orange County Mental Health and Achievement Grant Slide #2 Grant Overview ■ 5i nct COVID -19,setiool dlslrlcts across the country have been chalenged wllh provlding supports to address mental heahh needs and achievement gaps, • 4 The 2021-22 Chapel HYI Board of Education's Approved Budget Request presented to the Orange C E unty BCCC conta in an expansion budget requesl of $1 million for a¢ditionel resources Io address the Mental Health and SocYel Emodonal Learnin-g Supports. In October of 2921, BOCC provides additional funding for l}atFt School Dislricts to suppvrl Mental Health and StuHent Achlewernsnt Gap lnilNaNaes. Based on ADM provlded by NCDPI, CHCCS was awarded$-959,0W. Dr. Hamlett read quotes from principals regarding the increased mental health needs they see in their student populations. She said they are focused on wellness for employees and students. 5 Slide #3 Current Assessment / Needs and Support ■ 2021 - 2022 Budgetary Request from Elementwy and Middle School Principals • Required Social and Emotional Learning/Mental Health Improvement Elan • Fall 2021 Social Emotional Learning Student Universal Screener • CASEL Social and Emotional Learning Readiness Engagement Analysis FlR HIIJ- Dr. Charlos Banks, Chief of School Support and Wellness, continued the presentation: Slide #4 Required Social and Emotional Health Improvement Plan Component ■ Assessment of Mental Health(M H)and Social and Emotional Learning ( EL) Prevention Strengthand Needs • Description of existing Mental Health and SEL Initiatives * Preparation for new training requirements ■ Plan alignment with existing academic objectives ■ Mental Health and SEL program evaluation and policylpractice review • Student reentry,case management and safety planning Inform tLv7LpreaenledaalNjvly=1CHCC5FomdoflduratianMeedng SHILL Il " & I V& VLq III " Dr. Charlos Banks said in November 2020, the state board of education required that every school district in North Carolina have a mental health policy, and to create comprehensive social and emotional learning and a mental health improvement plan by 2025. She said the slide shows the components that must be in place for those plans. 6 Slide #5 MH/ EL Plan Implementation Progress Pa-Orama SEL LJ-- ad Saaal EmMmat LGamnp +V3erecbcn of SEL 3 cmd8leaSELCunwWm Grades Pmpam Ergcgem"Amtym- Wri4JLHr`Tr9rilg�pfk Ta seeomlarq -6 SPARC$<�radae�-V Fdi2021 s4#T0+71' Bchml6mrd Ca-Imchad Mmitl Hochh Tranno Gill oGAIntharaqurad SJK +PW akgnmem Yrb eaisiing Pzademc ar wcra ,Rerwal P awu Is]tags Q!SEUMnril Hachh- abpe bvs 2(IM 22 ectad Yarn Eusdryg nikr.r.gs-Yadh Mamd Megre m of EgiltyCerdered C4ca'wm Hk1kh Fist Aid.Cnsd Prarariim, Strale9iae-LamrhM 2037,21 Schad Progwn remew flT4Yrenl w-localed Cidiam dy Resdimcy MWI Yaer mwN1 hsaflh services M901W FIQW1h SWOU2 In oil high &jLt 4 n r#Pag�eaa 4U.Imrg and 43r 9chmm,Mdh-aorad a}vlanal5uppan ecedanj�pagara.rhlml asao-aamwrIMt +Golhlnued dowioprTwt of9%mve MMVI raarra,Mardd FWd1t.MEL -Fal 3(121 rrak hrca impl ynemalion or mrss ieam Cam*rnigrEriguemem oneMaihearh- SELpreclicea-Lar-shed M-2i Sand +E>gaaman of menial he h suppals al Year elem nlur errd middle sp h of Wd*g Lri oema6on pmantod at tho IuLy 21223 CFUCCS Board e?Edu.-Cstion I'MAidLS Slide #6 Social • IM Emotional Universal Comparison Results to Fall 2021 School safety favorable peroeptions declined 14 percentage points (83 r6 to 73%)In elementary schools and 12 per-centage points{76% to 64%)in secondary schools. * Teacher - Student relallonships favorable perceptlons declined(86% to 83%) in elementary soh-ools and 7 percentage points (70% to 63%) in secondary SChOO15. + Overall favorable pereeptlons regarding sr-heol climate declined 7 percentage points (76% to 69%6 for elementary schools and B percentage paints(60% -52%)In secondary schools_ {-H%ji I III I nr r djtp} III II lk"IJJA7�1 Dr. Charlos Banks said the screenings are issued in the fall and spring to all students and discussed the results as shown in the slide. Slide #7 + . Emotional Readiness Engagement + Critical Components of SystemicEiL Implementation Budd Foundations Support anii Plan • Btrengthen Adult S E L Promote SEL for-Students , S3 se MEL.mg + Reflect on Dale for Continuous Irnprovemer`t NXI Dr. Charlos Banks said they conducted a social and emotional engagement assessment. She said this will help continue to emphasize the importance of social and emotional learning. Slide #8 CASEL + Barriers and Recommendations There is no convnc�n definition of SEL Crmte + district SEL diistrictwWe- oversee department 1 + 1 Providethe cerrtral offl��to fully I. FfDr al mpkw*fvf SEE staff arkd + engagemen r r i ensure SEL needs to be lrftgrated Into high schools Gan offer effective instfuclion Lever" e data to monitor progress t3war-dsg qiDals BARRIERS JA ,RECOMMENDA71ONS IJUUIf 1Ht1 Dr. Charlos Banks said this slide highlights the barriers and recommendations to the districts approach to implementing SEL. She said that teachers identified that they were not sure if they were doing it right in their classrooms. She said that parents identified they were not sure if this was for all kids or just certain ones. 8 Slide #9 Recommendations AdvancingSEl and as a lever far Creating Equity and Excriirnce Mental Health SEL Speckallsis (3) Additional Supports Speclailcis ATM _. ! ► Dr. Charlos Banks said that they are focused on implementing SEL services and they are asking for seven mental health specialists to serve all grades. She said they are also asking for supports of professional learning, curriculum development, and program evaluation. Slide #10 PerformanceKey $Et Universal Screener Student Surveys Servioe Access and Delivery Measures by Student Groups Measure of student referrals for specific infractionsto be determined by Assessment and Research Department Strength and Dlfficultles Questionnaire ora similar instrument CRAPEL HILL Dr. Charlos Banks discussed the performance indicators they will be using to justify and measure the request for those positions. Dr. Monique Felder, Orange County Schools Superintendent, made the following presentation: 9 Slide #1 No significant learning occurs without a F , significant relationship. Dr.James Comer Dr. Felder said that improving outcomes for students takes people, including custodians, maintenance workers, administrators, transportation staff, child nutritionists, and all staff and workers involved in the provision of education services. Slide #2 L Focus on entire school community. Dr. Felder said that they need consistent staffing to maintain relationships, which have an impact on their achievement. She said they need to retain staff through fair compensation. Slide #3 Jill Keep students safe while supporting their academic,social,and emotional development. . l F n Dr. Felder said staff are the number one resource to care for students. Chief Financial Officer Rhonda Rath continued the presentation: 10 Slide #4: SURPLUS ONLINE SALES TAX REVENUE SPENDING PLAN • The stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many educators to consider leaving the profession.According to a recent survey,when asked about the likelihood that they'll leave teaching in the next two years,54%of teachers said they are "somewhat"or"very likely"to do so.(EdWeek TopSchoolJobs 2/8/2022) • Teacher Assistants are needed-now more than ever" reported in a recent article published on the Brown Center Chalkboard by Ladd,Hemelt and Clifton(2022) • "Great principals lead effective schools.Under the leadership of a great principal, teachers thrive,students engage with core content and school administrative functions run smoothly"(ASCD,2021). • Even more educators are leaving the field,and many are leaving mid-year.The worst case scenario is becoming reality. There is literally not enough staff to keep schools open.(NEA 2022) CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. Slide #5: • Loss of Funding since 2009 which has not been restored • Significant Increases in personnel and benefits costs since 2009 • Retirement ■ 2008-2009 Retirement Rate:8.14% ■ 2016-2017 Retirement Rate:16.54% ■ 2021-2022 Retirement Rate:24.1% ■ Increase of 196%in rate o Health Insurance ■ 2008-2009 Per Employee Cost:$4,157 ■ 2016-2017 Per Employee Cost:$5,754 ■ 2021-2022 Per Employee Cost:$7,017 ■ Increase of$2,680 or 69% • Declining enrollment • K-3 Class Size legislation CHALLENGE. 11 Slide #6: PROBLEM - WAGE/SALARY COMPRESSION* Legislation does not fund years of experience increases for non certified staff leaving PStJ's no alternative but Grade 56-Teacher Assistant BASE Pay Scale (does not incorporate any degree) compressed salary schedules. Here is an example of a current OCS scale for teacher assistants on a grade 56 Yrs Exp Hourly Semi Monthly Monthly Annual Does NOT include benefit costs of (Step) 7 fi5%FICA 24.1%Retirement *0-22 14.38 1,246.00 2,492 24,920 OR 7%local Supplement 23 14.39 1,247.00 Z494 24,940 24 14.52 1,258-00 2,516 25,160 25 14.64 1,268-00 Z536 25,360 26 14.75 1,278.50 Z557 25,570 27 14.87 1,288.50 Z577 25,770 43 19.27 1,670.00 3,340 33.400 'Compression-Occurs when the payW one or more employees is very Vase to the pay ormore experienced employees in rea sameab ENGAGE. CH�LLENGE. INSPIRE. Slide #7: HISTORY OF • UNTY GOVT Year Orange County Schools Orange County Government Employees Employees 2008-2009 None 225% 2009-2010 None none 2010-2011 None none 2011-2012 None none 2012-2013 1.2% 2.00% 2013-2014 None 2 00% 2014-2015 $500 1.50% 2015-2016 None` 2.00% 2016-2017 1.5%* 3.00% 2017-2018 $1000 annual salary increase, 2.00% 3 bonus AL days(no expiration,no cash value) 2018-2019 2.0% 2.00% 2019-2020 None 2.00% 12 Slide #8: WSrTATE TEACHER SALARY HISTORY 2009-2010 28 $4,913 1 $4,094.17 1 $49,130 L$5,662 503 $4,585.83 $55.030 29 $4,984 $4,15133 $49,840 582 $4,651-67 30 $5.055 $4,212.50 $56.620 31 $5.153 $4.294.17 1 1$51,530'X $4.809.17 $57,710 32+ $5,255 $4,379.17 $52,550 $5,886 $4.905.00 $58,860 -2020 21 $5,000 $4,166.67 $50,000 $5,600 $4,666.67 $56,000 22 $5,000 $4,166.67 $50,000 $5,600 $4,666.67 $56,000 23 $5,000 $4,166.67 $50,000 $5,600 $4,666.6 ,000 24 $5,000 $4,166.67 0,000 $5 666.67 $56,000 25+ $5,200 $4,333.33 $52,000 $5,824 $4,853.33 $58,240 NOTE The consumer price index increased by an average of 2%EACH YEAR over the ENGAGE CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. period from 2011 through 2020.In 2021 the CPI rose by 5%IN THAT SINGLE YEAR. Rhonda Rath said the consumer price index has gone up an average of 2% each year. Slide #9 MARKET f1l) Job Class* Percent Below I(12 Cohort Technology (Technicians,Network Admin.Support) (35.2}% District Support (Clerical Support;Administrative Assistants;Non-Certified (25.9)% Directors,Coordinators,Specialists,etc.) Maintenance (HVAC,Electricians,Plumbers,Carpenters,Trades,etc.) (14.$)90 School Office Support (10.2)% (School Secretaries,Bookkeepers&Data Managers etc.) Teacher Assistant (9.5)% Custodial (5.0)% Rhonda Rath said that stability in schools impacts social and emotional learning and achievements of students. Commissioner McKee said he has had concerns that classified staff salaries were considered last and he appreciated the focus on their salaries by Orange County Schools. He said the focus on that will increase the outcome for the students. He said that he heard a lot about mental health and social emotional learning, but he did not hear anything on student achievement. 13 Commissioner Richards asked Orange County Schools where they were in the implementation of the plan for behavioral health and the SEL. Dr. Felder said that the initiatives are underway now and some are scheduled for next year. She said those include identifying SEL curriculum for students. Commissioner Richards said she would like to know what is in place now and what is scheduled for next year, in detail and if that could be provided to the Commissioners later. Sherita Cobb said that the presentation included what they are doing now and that next semester they are looking to remain consistent in their social and emotional learning curriculum. She said they want to find something that works for Orange County schools. Commissioner Richards asked Dr. Charlos Banks of Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools for similar information on the timeframe for their proposal. Dr. Banks said that in 2020 the process was identified and included the SEL screener. She said they also had in place curriculum for social emotion learning. She said they have also had a collocated mental health service. She said that this includes youth first aid, crisis prevention, and a district-wide training on resiliency. She said they implemented the mental health specialist position in high school full time. She said they have been successfully able to conduct the SEL readiness analysis. She said there is a comprehensive next steps report. She said that all staff will complete mental health professional development. She said they are also working on implementing a community wide engagement. She said there needs to be high school learning curriculum identified to support students. She said it needs to be integrated in academic instruction. She said that they are looking to expand the mental health support specialist positions in the elementary and middle school levels. Commissioner Hamilton asked each school district if they have a definition of social emotional learning. She asked what the curriculum for social emotional learning looks like in the schools. She asked if it would be for all students and if it would be a separate class. She asked for an estimate of how many students fall into each tier. Dr. Felder said that social emotional learning or SEL, is a process where they help students gain and apply skills that help them manage their emotions, achieve goals, be able to show empathy and make caring decisions. She said that SEL and academic achievement go hand in hand. Dr. Hamlett said that social emotional learning is explicitly taught and is embedded in the instructional framework for the school district. She said that it is not a separate class but that it is imbedded in the curriculum. She said they include relationship and soft skills that are needed to interact with others. Commissioner Hamilton asked if every classroom was doing this. Dr. Felder said that every classroom is the goal. She said that she knows that it is a deliberate focus from both districts to have it in every classroom. Dr. Banks said an example is that morning classes start with morning gatherings and check-ins before the lesson is started. She said that it provides an opportunity to give students a voice so that teachers can attend to those needs. She said that social awareness is being aware of the world around them and expanding that understanding of themselves and others in their overall surroundings. She said that all learning is social and emotional. Commissioner Fowler asked if things have become too academic. She said that emphasizing social and emotional development is important before learning other things. She asked how many vacancies are in the positions that Orange County and Chapel Hill Carrboro have. Dr. Felder said they have fifty-three vacant positions. She said the school system has about 1,100 positions. She said that they started the school year with more vacancies than ever before. 14 Commissioner Greene said the county funds were to be used for mental health or achievement. She said she appreciated that Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools proposal to allocate 100% of the funds towards mental health. She said she was having trouble connecting the Orange County proposal for salary increases to mental health, especially for positions that are not in the classroom. She said increases for those positions should come through the budget process. Dr. Felder said it takes all staff to support student achievement. She said they cannot have student achievement without classified staff. She said since these are recurring funds, by addressing the salary needs they are shoring up their staff since they have a high number of vacancies. Vice Chair Bedford asked if there are steps in increases for Orange County classified staff in the supplement. Rhonda Rath said they do not have steps for classified staff, and it is a flat percentage. Vice Chair Bedford asked about certified staff. Rhonda Rath said that certified staff is based on years of service in Orange County Schools and goes from 12% to 18%. Chair Price arrived at the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Vice Chair Bedford said she was surprised by Orange County Schools' proposal being about salaries and compensation. She asked about the vacancies in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools. She said she is worried about setting up differences for students between the school systems. Dr. Hamlett said they have 205 vacancies. She said they also just finished a classified compensation study and that was shared with their board last week. She said that next steps will be embedded in the budget process and the commissioners will be seeing those then. Vice Chair Bedford asked if Dr. Hamlett would have changed the proposal if she knew there were no limits on the money. Dr. Hamlett said they wanted to focus on what they knew would have a direct impact on their students. She said there are vacancies and shortages in critical areas but that she wanted to address the need for the achievement gap and the mental health needs. She said that is why they included issues that were lifted up during the last budget cycle. She said that mental distress in children is linked to lower academic achievement and poor study progress. She said mental health impacts students' ability to graduate on-time. She said it impacts their physical health and everything about their progress. She said her district chose to focus on mental health and wellness first using the grant funds from Orange County. She listed several ways that Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools are focusing on academic achievement. She said they are doing an equity audit and an equity framework across the district. She said they are also addressing learning loss in the achievement gap. She said they are also working on a curriculum and instruction audit to address the achievement gap, as well. Chair Deon Temne said there are other issues that affect the achievement gap such as housing and it is a large complex problem. He said that it includes affordable housing, access to broadband, and many other functions. Commissioner McKee said he understands that mental health is a critical part of education. He said that he does not understand how creating a new department in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools improves educational outcomes. He said he is open to an explanation because he is having a very hard time understanding it. Board Member Dasi said her son is in the fifth grade and needs the social and emotional supports to succeed in school. She said kids are coming to school underprepared to learn. She 15 said that the pandemic has had impacts on children that need to be addressed. She said that it is important to create an environment where children can access information before academics are stressed. She said that having more conversations with students and teachers might bring awareness of how important this need is. She said teachers are quitting in the middle of the year and kids do not know how to deal with that on top of all other stresses. Commissioner McKee said that he appreciates what Board Member Dasi said and said that without tutors and teaching assistants, his son would not have succeeded in school. He said he is worried that the new department and positions would take funds away from other positions, like those that can tutor and be in the classroom. He said that he does not have an issue with the school systems deciding how to use their funds, but he is trying to understand both. Dr. Hamlett said that many gaps exist. She said that readiness to learn needs to be addressed first. She said many students come to school hungry or from abusive homes and those things must be addressed by professionals first. She said the expectation from Orange County was that the funds could be used solely for mental health. Commissioner McKee asked Rhonda Rath to put up the slide highlighting salary differences between Orange County Schools and Orange County Government employees. Rhonda Rath said the chart represents increases for classified staff because of state funding amounts. Commissioner McKee said he does not see the comparison as equivalent since Orange County Government does not control the salaries of Orange County Schools employees. Rhonda Rath said that if the school district chose to give a pay increase in years that the state did not provide the salary funding, it would have come out of the local funding for the district. Rhonda Rath showed the slide that reviews state teacher salary history. Commissioner McKee said that comparing the salaries for a 32+ year teacher vs. a 25+ year teacher is not a valid comparison. Commissioner Bedford said there were changes to the maximum salary at the state level. Rhonda Rath said that of the 1100 positions that Dr. Felder referred to, 260 positions are funded solely by the local budget. She said the state funds 600 positions and all of the other positions are funded through other sources. She said they cannot implement a salary increase unless there is state legislation allowing the use of those funds for that purpose. Chair Carrie Doyle said that they are in the process of stabilizing their school spaces as a priority. She said that staff members are drawn away to other jobs and the county government piece is about various places and markets where their employees are leaving for. She said that other districts do not have the same compression that they do. Board Member Sarah Smylie said that the salary supplement is for years of service in Orange County and not for years of service in teaching. She said Orange County Schools is addressing mental health with other resources and that this is not the entire picture. She said the role of a teacher assistant is important and that the district wants them to stay. She said principals also have a significant impact on the school. Commissioner McKee said he was pleased by the focus of Orange County Schools on the salaries of staff. Dr. Felder said Orange County Schools interpreted the rules of the funding to be used for support of the mental health and wellbeing of students or staff. She said by improving salaries for staff, they will improve the mental health of employees. Commissioner Hamilton said that by having two school districts, each one can focus on the needs of their individual communities. She said these funds were needed by the school 16 districts at the beginning of the fiscal year. She said educating students is complex and multi- faceted. She said she wanted to encourage school districts to use the funds as they see fit. Commissioner Fowler agreed with Commissioner Hamilton. She said she supported both plans and she wanted to trust the districts to know what was best for students. She said her only concern was finding the mental health professionals to fill the spots in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools' proposal. Bonnie Hauser said Dr. Felder is implementing multitiered system of supports (MTSS) in Orange County. She said that all students in tier 2 or 3 intervention got a plan. She said it is SEL and academics put together. She said the plan brings all the resources of Orange County Schools to that child. She said the classified compression study is $3 million and about half will go to teaching assistants. She said that teacher salary supplements will cost $650,000. She said the salary issues are contributing to instability in the schools, because Orange County Schools is not competitive. She said bringing this proposal to the BOCC has been a difficult conversation. Commissioner Greene expressed appreciation to Orange County Schools for their explanation. Vice Chair Bedford said that identification of children with autism has increased in the last few decades, and children with autism have long lasting social and emotional learning needs. 2. District Updates a. OCS — Superintendent, Dr. Monique Felder, CHCCS — Superintendent, Dr. Nyah Hamlett i. Masking Sylvia Compton, lead nurse at Orange County Schools, explained the masking updates that were approved the previous evening at the Orange County Schools Board of Education meeting. She said the district approved optional masking indoors for students within 72 hours of Orange County ending the county-wide indoor mask mandate. She said they would be watching the metrics and to see if the community was in high to substantial transmission rates, and if there are secondary cases of transmission in the schools that exceed 2% of the school population. She said masking would resume at that point. She said that currently, students are masking indoors, with optional masking outdoors. She said that on March 1, students will be able to have lunches indoors or outdoors., without masks, and they will allow children to talk. She said they are still monitoring for COVID-19 positive and presumptive positive cases and will have children mask for 10 days if they have been exposed. She presented information from the following slide: 17 Slide #1 LASK17 UPDATES At► 1. OCS follows all local Orange County mask mandates. 2. Decisions regarding masking plans are reviewed with the ABC Science Collaborative and the Orange County Health Department. 3. Plans are in place to lift mask requirements when mask mandate is lifted 4. High filtration masks (N95/KN95/3-Ply Surgical)are available to all staff members. 5. Parents/guardians can request high filtration masks for students. 6. Mask exemptions are authorized for individuals meeting waiver criteria. 7. Mask compliance checks continue to take place in schools and buildings. CHALLENGE. INSPIR. Jarwin Hester, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, said that change in the COVID-19 variant provided the opportunity to review masking and filtration. He said masks are readily available for staff members. He said there is a high compliance rate for masking in schools. Chair Carrie Doyle said that there was a presentation at the board meeting which informed the school district's decision to change the mask requirement. Dr. Felder said that the district also consulted with the Orange County Public Health department. She said both the ABC Collaborative and Public Health were in agreement. Commissioner McKee expressed his appreciation for the Orange County Schools for meeting in person and for allowing Orange County Government to have the opportunity to lift their mask mandate first. Chair Price asked for clarification of the time frame for mask relaxation. Sylvia Compton said lunch time rules are slowly being relaxed. Dr. Hamlett said that SB 173 is being discussed in the general assembly and that it will not allow districts to require masks if it becomes law. She said it would allow the parents to decide about masks for children. She said as of now, the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools district is still requiring masks. She said they are continuing to eat outdoors so they will continue to take advantage of that. She said they will discuss this topic again on March 3. ii. Mental Health Supports The districts did not have anything further to add. iii. Teacher retention & recruitment Board Member Rani Dasi said Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools is in a crisis for teacher recruitment and retention. She said in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, they had 228 and 246 resignations, respectively. She said in the current year, they have already had 198 resignations, an increase of seventy-seven from the same time frame last year. She said the district is working creatively to address teacher shortages. She said that other districts are beginning to outpace Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools ability to provide salary supplements. 18 Board Member Mike Sharp said a survey was done with other markets and they are looking into a classified compensation study. He said that only five positions were above average market pay and thirty-five were below average for the market. He said salaries are not competitive. He said to get all classified positions to the midpoint would be $3.4 million. Joyce Hatcher, Chief Human Resources Officer for Orange County Schools, presented the following slides: Slide #1 Recruiting & Hiring Challenges: • CTE Teachers • K-5 Core Teachers ti • 6-12-Science Teachers , • 6-12 Math Teachers V !! • K-12 EC Teacher ? IC 04 UU Ab 11i1 v • Substitute Teachers p • School Nurses • Bus Drivers Slide #2 097) Current Vacancies & Recruitment Strategies Summary of Vacancies(as of 2.22.22) Recruitment Strategies • Recruitment Retention Bonus Certified Positions: • Central Services staffing 30 certified (requires a state license) 8 support staff support 3 Central Office Administrative • Stipends paid to teachers for covering planning periods Classified Positions: • Paid overtime to non-exempt 5 classified positions(non-licensed) staff 6 District Support • District COVID-19 CAPTAINS 1 School Support • Utilize national job posting board Total Vacant Positions • Utilize salary studies 53 Total Positions • Utilize volunteers • Utilize retirees iv. School Safety Chair Deon Temne said some of the safety work will be completed in the next few weeks. 19 Dr. Hamlett said that the work of the task force focuses on school safety rather than school resource officers. She said that they are speaking with different groups, including students, to determine what it means to be safe in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools. She said the feedback has emphasized mental health and social emotional learning needs. She said they are doing safety walkthroughs of all buildings. Chair Deon Temne invited the Board of Commissioners to do a walkthrough of the buildings. Dr. Felder said that student and staff safety is a priority in Orange County Schools. Nick Mincey, Director of Construction and Facilities at Orange County Schools, resented the following slide: SCHOOL 1. Focus on interior and exterior door security to ensure all doors are able to be locked 2. Radio system upgrades 3. Air Purifiers and PPE 4. Traffic Review/Roadway Safety in School Zones a. Carpool congestion and accidents are concerns i. Orange High Sch Road & New Grady Brown Sch Rd b. Walk zones i. Designated walk zones will need Crossing Guards (funding?) 5. Intercom system improvements and renovations 6. Drills and plan awareness with fully occupied buildings CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. Dr. Felder said there are staffing shortages in the trades such as locksmiths and plumbers. Commissioner Richards asked when the safety audit results for Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools will be discussed. Chair Deon Temne said that specific safety weaknesses are not shared due to safety concerns. Dr. Hamlett said that information from the audit will be used in the budget development process. Commissioner Richards said she was looking forward to hearing more how they can improve the safety of campuses. Chair Deon Temne said that the community should understand that school campuses should not be accessed recreationally during school hours. Commissioner Fowler said she knows funds have been allocated for facility repairs and that those would address safety needs. She asked if safety needs are being addressed in the use of those funds. Chair Deon Temne said yes. He said that there will be other needs that will be presented as they improve the safety plans. He said there will also be needs that are shown that exceed the funds available. Commissioner Fowler asked if that will be part of the Capital Improvement Plan budget to use those funds. Dr. Hamlett said yes. She said that there will be over $7.9 million in safety measures over a ten-year period. 20 Commissioner Fowler asked if the district has a plan for the 18 million they had asked for a delay on. Dr. Hamlett said yes. V. Equity Audit/Strategic Plan Development Dr. Hamlett said the strategic plan expired in December of 2021, but they have been given permission to slow down and restart the process. She said they are working with a partner called Insight Education Group. She said they worked through an equity audit that consisted of focus groups and a deep dive into data review. She said they concluded that part of the work on February 11 and that the draft results will be available in early March 2022. She said those results will inform action steps. She said a steering committee plays a critical role in drafting the strategic plan and developing core values, mission, and vision. She said that they are meeting with community stakeholder groups. She said the Board has been doing work on the mission and vision. She said they will continue to work with the partners and the strategic steering committee. She said the Board will vote to approve strategic plan. Dr. Felder made the following presentation: Slide #1: I� T.a v Slide #2 � ^ • Highlights: T.a o Strong Infrastructure: ■ Equity Policy ■ Equity Resolution ■ Equity Plan&Framework ■ Chief Equity Officer position • Recommendations: o Systemic focus o Communication o Build capacity o Equitable resource allocation ENGAGE.CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. Dr. Felder said equity and education is at the core of everything they do in Orange County Schools. She said in Winter 2021, the district commissioned an equity assessment to evaluate the district's overall academic program, policies and practices. She said that was Phase 1. She said the next phase will focus on the district's budget and finances. She said the methodology included a staff and student survey, focus groups, and a review of artifacts. 21 Slide #3 OCS VISION Preparing every learner for lifelong service and success r' ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. Dr. Felder said the assessment revealed that Orange County Schools has a lot of good things in place, including strong infrastructure, such as an equity resolution, equity framework, and a chief equity officer. She said they have an equity policy that is aligned to their strategic plan. She said the recommendation was to improve the infrastructure, including making the equity focus more systemic and pervasive. She said they have islands of excellence. She said equity is everyone's responsibility. She said there will be more professional development for staff and a reallocation of resources. She said district's strategic plan expired in 2020. She said that a new plan is in the process of being launched. Slide #4 BELIEF STATEMENTS 1. Value Diversity � C Students2. Put 3. Excellence in • D. Provide4. Prioritize Equity 5. 6. Serve the Whole Child 7. Inclusive Culture&Climate Starts with Us 8. Accountability Collaborate9. To Do 22 Slide #5 r ',OCS Strategic Plan Goals 1. Teaching Tomorrow's Leaders 31' 2. Excellence&Efficiency 3. Exemplary Staff 4. Empowering Culture Dr. Felder said all students will benefit from having access to rigorous instruction. She said each strategic plan goal has an equity emphasis and is aligned to the equity plan. Dr. Felder said that Orange County Schools has a new logo to reflect their focus on teaching and learning and their goal to prepare students for the workforce. She said they also wanted to set their district apart from other Orange County school districts in other states. Dr. Rodney Trice, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer for Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, said there were three phases of their district's equity audit. He said the first was a review of achievement data. He said the audit did a deep dive of their artifacts, such as policies and what they speak to, curricula, and student work. He said the audit did a good job of pulling in different communities and asking specific questions about racial equity. He presented the draft equity framework that the district is sharing with the community and getting feedback on. 23 Dr. Trice said the outer ring represents the state of being the district must be in before they can work on actions. He said they have a commitment to social justice actions and righting wrongs that have taken place in the community. He said that race is permanent in society, and they have a job to be antiracism in their actions and outcomes. He said that they are continuing the work with One Orange. He said that every educator must wake up every morning and realize they need to focus on issues that affect student achievement. He said the inner triangle represents the actions of the district. He said that this is focused on strategies that affect schools and leadership. He said that students should not have to give up who they are to be successful in the schools. He said they will work on coaching teachers on how to affirm student's culture. He said they want to affirm students' culture as a tool to increase academic achievement. He said that critical consciousness is related to student and family engagement. He said they want to hear from the community about what hurdles they face in the district and what would be helpful. He said the inner ring is about how the equity and engagement office will operate. He said that equity work does not just exist in the department, and it must be aligned in practices to address the achievement gap. 3. County Updates — Deputy County Manager, Travis Myren a. Broadband Deputy County Manager Travis Myren made the following presentation: Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH TH ROLINA Update on Broadband and Affordable Housing Ra]ard u1 CAmro5 g1i>1*r# *rid UC tool @4Ap%d#301nt M#*tine Fpbru.iq 21,2020 i 24 Slide #2 Housing and Broadband Priorities Reflected in APA Allocations to Date ARMAlarations for Hl ua and9randbM Svm OvlTmh Nvm RSdurGon and aePLic�end QW Wfinr 5 Girtion84rersionP aL SleFrm 167 GrQct En•rugcrcy Housing Asslmxy:i{E HAI Eapandla.aros $ AdnnIFIQ afe4dl-EHAand+ko- .ngNQtA aTc pSLO $ fir# H4.pba Helplme{onrdlnated Ent vSper s&s $ Landlord+xentrm:'W-arn $ Raplanlsh funds In localfrdnndad urg�praoea Harrg Lccao --r aeship m Erd Wmalassnass Long Time naneomv-kwlanreProgram $ 256Aa6 Safi fwHoirwra,narAssisr a�rag•3m $ a,aas araadhandWfasrrt, Dasl n M lrmpkroAnr ian $ S,G%OW TOTAL 9 beer Allaa•tlam 1� oEd,iNccoded S J16.&W 41 aaJjoca[edrnNo4H�randV�r.[horrg�T+ersrorr 43-%aflurarcUla SroadGarniProjec7 ORANGE COUNTY MOR71 I CAROLINA Travis Myren said the county has been doing a lot of work on broadband over the last two years and that 90% of the ARPA funds have gone to housing and eviction diversion and broadband. Slide #3 The Problem F Estimated 5,200 households are unserved or u nderserved Lack eecow to 25mbps • s dormkredby3mbpsupklad Ora nge County Schools $120r000 CARES grant for hotsluots r l 4 r High"priority in Lang ' Term Recovery Plan 1denfrfyandAddress �,f Regulafcry6emersro �` F--r.»..."�"•' Y �COflarThlG Recovery ()RANCAE C(:)UNTY :=v...., :.•:[nnart[au.a><.+.p.ex.hnww[e.nrr[e[..[SEEe�[.Ee 15�[h[�[+�=r XOVI1I CARt AA NA iitlriahl Travis Myren said the yellow dots indicate addresses that have been self-reported. 25 Slide #4 The Problem 6'Obdb9nd InftwhVl UndersenwdNn Map GorrtcHun Fwm Map p not 8x lrm+n.h— uP—i—OlAlulvia .uW d—k.L Inrrwi..d Wo Y— h. pelfect +1vwoY1 Crowdsourcing +Inra snxa�x waw+�c,+u sr3xrt+nanrw,►�s�was aw rvn i'A[aw addhonal ■�..rcw.w nnrb o-wrL'nac.�ca ar M r�ry err�a�.w wadna.l.m w�. addre&ses +lir'w.�s_�•�irn i¢a uupa wrrcr�l*LLnBi�u W.1 WaJ4i.uK-rJEE[4�1GI.IIrb.i%GWLL�041 Represented by yellow dots on map rf.r.mr�Qd.b.rt fo+r'—•--w c.�,.r,.e r.mL..��•----•IFrt�Y.v.+...ry VNRVA4 P�y'hi art*++�lrort+r4dr 10hlYr4p$�$N42F}r ORANGE COUNTY mob m[.[ed..rx[nnax[arr.ra:+R.[K.h�nww[e.nr![[[a.[SEEC�[�El15�[h[�[+�=z KDRTII CARDLINA a..rmi Travis Myren said that they will be working to publicize this data collection so they can get as much information as possible on needs. Slide #5 Task Force * Charge-November 2020 — Discuss broadband solutions thal wit improve the quality of high speed internet serMlcestoOrange County resldenft-, Reconmend a plan to th&Board of Orange County Commissloners that wIl expand Tellable hbpl}speed Inttaw sen+laes to all county reslderrts and businesses, Membership Gaomy M"ger0warre4 Orange Gaunt'Resident-At Large ampal 14H owwro aq 8thwa s Orange Gaumy Rasidem-At supeoroerrdem pealgrleal Large (r&rge fioumy Soups Orange Courrty Residem.At supeoroerrdem @)ealw*el Large HC Depe rude or Yfonradan Orange Coumy Rasidem-fu Teetrlolp PCDrr) RepresaUI a Large ,Board of Oornrnsagrlen- 2 Orange Gaumy Residem-N Large ORANGE COUNTY NUFM I CARDLINA 26 Slide #6 Request for Proposal tiros 1,wW Cra np9[U intyn[C"+NfJs awe'7bij[l=3A Goals and Evaluation Criteria - Cost - Tm►eline StlmLdate GoWelltlon Consumer Affordablllly ORANGE COUNTY h OFM I CARDLEWL Slide #7 Next Step * Negotiations - Week of February 21E4 Contract Development Board Consideration ORANGE COUNTY NOWrl I CAROLIN 3 Travis Myren said a finalist has been selected and negotiations are ongoing. 27 b. Affordable Housing Deputy County Manager Travis Myren made the following presentation: Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH TH R LINA Update an Affordable Housing Efforts Slide #2 Emergency Housing Assistance EHA Direst Payrneno by'I r[,me Leve: arr seas 0n7a through Fchrunry 20,2C22 97,071,739 fatal grants ORANGE CITY 1710uniqua households MOM ICAWXINA 28 Slide #3 Emergency Housing Assistance ERA DirectPaymenl6 by Rece-end Et--:-y yak W 4 22% 2�4 0 ' V% Hah+a�P Ur+r� V,4 I LOW130 file YItl71e EaR m V% II 0aLalhraug14 Feb rumy 20,211 -. ORANGE COUNTY MOR71 L CARDLEWL Slide #4 Emergency Housing Assistance EHA dmctPaymenia by Jurisd4ctico SI SOO ro7 F3.09.4Z7 5IWIX a sxeoaaw s:Cpa 7w 52wlxw stououw s±aaa�± Faaawa so Impa Hi nrsumLOn Damn through Nevorhbor 2021 ORANGE COUNTY NOICT]L CAROLINA 29 Slide #5 Questions and ❑iscussion ORANGE COUNTY T,nFM[CRROLINA Bonnie Hauser asked what the time frame is for providing broadband service and what the target area will be. Travis Myren said the target areas are the areas that are unserved or underserved. He said service will be deployed within 2 years. He said that most of the proposals included fiber to the home within 2 years. Commissioner McKee said that the RFP focused on fiber to the home. He said that the broadband committee believes they are ahead of the rest in the process. He said finding contractors and materials will become a problem in the future, so the county should move forward quickly. Bonnie Hauser asked if it will be every home in the next two years. Commissioner McKee said he could not say there would be service to every home, but that to most homes within 2 years. Bonnie Hauser clarified that it includes last mile service. Commissioner McKee said yes. Commissioner Bedford said the final $2.5 million in the CIP from the 2016 bond has been awarded. She said it would provide true, permanent affordable housing. Commissioner Richards asked if staff was in touch with the Big Bold Ideas affordable housing plan that talks about employers like hospitals. Travis Myren said that the Housing Director, Corey Root, is on the Big Bold Ideas committee. Commissioner Richards said their report shows other employers being involved with building affordable housing on properties they own. She said Durham Tech is building housing for students. She said in terms of teacher retention, housing becomes an issue. She said that this is something that can be considered for open spaces on school property. Chair Deon Temne said it was important to define who is impacted by affordable housing and what is affordable. He asked if there was a definition of what it means to be affordable in this community. Commissioner Greene said that the rule of thumb is that an individual should not spend more than 30% of their income on housing. She said if the housing that is available exceeds that percentage, then the person needs help with affordable housing. She said it is needed at all levels, but the need is greatest at the lower income levels. Chair Price said there has been discussion in recent years on work force housing to differentiate between affordable and work force needs. 30 Commissioner Greene said there is a debate in the housing community over the term work force housing. She said that it might be easier to say subsidized vs. unsubsidized. Chair Price said the definition and use of terms varies depending on the circle its being discussed in. She said she imagines that all the terms will continue to be more narrowly defined. Bonnie Hauser said that she wanted to encourage teacher housing. She said some turnover is occurring due to teachers not being able to afford to live in Orange County. She suggested assistance for first time home buyers. Board Member Will Atherton said the Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO) is still important and needs to be updated. He expressed thanks to the county for making the Whitted Building available for board of education meetings and would like for this to be a long-term partnership. Board Member Hillary Mackenzie invited the commissioners to do a safety walkthrough of Orange County Schools. Board Member George Griffin said between the three organizations, they touch the lives of every single person in Orange County. He said regarding the strategic plan in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, they've begun using language about being innovative and creative and taking risks. He said the language must infuse what they do, so they do not let the past push them in the same direction. He said without clear focus they will just keep doing the same things. Board Member Riza Jenkins said that her district has been having intentional and challenging conversations. She said that the next time they come before the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the presentation will be a prelude to a bigger budget discussion. She said she loved hearing the presentations and looks forward to future meetings. Board Member Brenda Stephens said Orange County Schools has mentioned building teacher housing on school property. Chair Carrie Doyle thanked everyone for their comments. Dr. Felder thanked everyone for their support. Commissioner Bedford thanked the school district board chairs for their assistance. A motion was made by Chair Price, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to adjourn the meeting at 10:13 p.m. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANMIOUS Renee Price, Chair Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.