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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-09-2023-Joint Meeting with School Boards 1 APPROVED 5/2/23 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JOINT MEETING WITH ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AND CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION March 9, 2023 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a joint meeting with the Orange County Board of Education and Chapel-Hill Carrboro Board of Education on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Earl McKee, and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Phyllis Portie-Ascott, and Anna Richards COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioners Sally Greene and Jean Hamilton COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Morgan Pierce, Staff Attorney 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) CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESENT: Chair Rani Dasi, Vice-Chair George Griffin, and Board Members Riza Jenkins, Jillian LaSerna, Ashton Powell, Michael Sharp, and Deon Temne (arrived at 8:18 PM) CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION ABSENT: CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO SCHOOLS (CHCCS) STAFF PRESENT: Superintendent Dr. Nyah Hamlett, Deputy Superintendent for Operations Al Ciarochi, and Deputy Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, Systemic Equity, & Engagement Dr. Rodney Trice ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESENT: Chair Will Atherton, Vice-Chair Anne Purcell, and Board Members Carrie Doyle, Bonnie Hauser, Andre Richmond and Sarah Smylie ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ABSENT: Jennifer Moore ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS (OCS) STAFF PRESENT: Superintendent Dr. Monique Felder, Deputy Superintendent of Operations Patrick Abele, Chief Human Capital Officer Joyce Hatcher, and Chief Finance Officer Rhonda Rath Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Chair Bedford welcomed the members of the Orange County Schools (OCS) Board of Education, Chapel-Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) Board of Education, and staff. She reviewed the agenda for the meeting, and members of the Board of County Commissioners, Orange County Board of Education, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education, and staff introduced themselves. Presentation by Orange County Schools on Topics of Interest Will Atherton, Chair of Orange County Schools Board of Education, said the first core value of OCS strategic plan is to value diversity, meaning they are welcoming, respectful, and appreciate and value what each student brings. He said the schools are the center of culturally diverse learning where all students are educated to their fullest potential. He said academic rigor is important to ensure each student is given what they need, as this can vary greatly by student. Chair Atherton referenced the below handout: 2 OCS at a Glance 7 s K-12 �r 4� students 1 Race/Ethnicity J� The number of students qualifying for Free and Reduced-Priced Meal Mixed rt American Asia,t.811° increased during the pandemic. a ��i+ Race,7,70% -- )1ldiag0.73% employees ,, Black,13.40% Diltexe¢t lang¢ages spoken 1 at home other than English 11`lanozral Beard Cextlfied teachers 8 _ �O 13lienae cd staff degrees . 13 _ 33, schools a2 /c �* 6 traditional elementary H[9panfe,27.30Y-sr sChpels - - r1 rlq �f school round elementary �21-22 2022_ J Chair Atherton referenced the below handout and said new developments in the Mebane area have caused OCS to explore redistricting to address some schools overcrowding: Student Enrollment 1=Y 2022 PY 2023 Change Projected ADM 7,299 7,182 (117) Average Daily Membership (plus)Charter School 9191 951 32 (less)Out of District 108 110 2 Total Student Billing Base 81110 8,023 (87) The Department of Public Instruction has projected that orange County Schools will have a decrease in stu- dent enrollment of 117 students in comparison to the 2021-72 school year. At this time,the Orange County School district Is passing through local per pupil funding to charter schools for 951 students domiciled In the Orange County School district and enrolled in a charter school, This is a 32 student increase in comparison to the 2071-22 school year. Out of district students have increase 2 in comparison to the 2021-22 school year.This represents those stu- dents not dour iciled to attend OCS,staff students. Overall,it is projected that the district will see a total decrease of 87 students in the 2022-23 school year. 9000 8,208 Me7.836 3,170 8,313 8.168 9,739 8,254 8,218 8,023 a,0A6 7mc 1,501 7'68 7,526 71551 7,544 7,395 7,388 7,331 7,299 Saco 50017 40c0 "a 200u 923 BS0 893 519 951 1000 33s 510 519 619 769 0 2013-14 2014-15 2015-15 70L6-17 2017-28 2018-19 2019-20 2020-Zl Z02A-Za 2022-23 Total —9CS +-Charter 9 3 Chair Atherton expressed the importance of kindergarten readiness because it is a strong indicator of future education success. He said based on the system's demographics, it is important that students are being taught by teachers that also reflect the diversity of the district. He said they are also looking at ways to incorporate cultural responsiveness and have healthy conversations on equity across the district. Sarah Smylie, Orange County Board of Education member, discussed the challenges of recruitment and retention of staff. She referenced the following handout: Outcome Goal 3: Exemplary Staff N�0—ge Ca..ty EQUITY EMPHASIS:Hire and retain staff that reflects the diversity of the district,mirrors the demographics of the OCS student Schools population and who are committed to becoming culturally proficient_ STRATEGIC WHAT DOES THIS OUTCOME GOAL MEAN? HOW WILL OCS EMPHASIZE EQUITY PLAN THROUGH THIS OUTCOME GOAL? 1 OCS will recruit,hire,support and retain culturally proficient OCS will hire and retain staff that reflects the diversity of the and high-quality staff committed to providing all students district,mirrors the demographics of the OCS student with an excellent education in a welcoming environment. population and who are committed to becoming culturally proficient. HOW DOES THIS OUTCOME GOAL ALIGN TO THE OCS EQUITY PLAN? This Outcome Goal is aligned to OCS Equity Plan Goal 3 and Goal 4. © _ GOAL 3:Build the equity leadership capacity of district leaders,administrators,teachers,staff and the OCS School Board by developing equity-oriented leadership skills,mindsets,and knowledge. ©% GOAL 4:Recruit,hire,support and retain teacher and staff that reflect the racial and language diversity of the student population. WHAT PROBLEM IS THIS OUTCOME GOAL TRYING TO SOLVE? Q • OCS teachers currently do not mirror the demographic and linguistic makeup of OCR student population. • Ensure students receive high-quality instruction from teachers who are culturally proficient and feel supported and valued in OCS. WHY IS THIS OUTCOME GOAL IMPORTANT? ■ a "A school staff that believes it can collectively accomplish great things is vital for the health of a school and if they believe they can make a positive difference then they very likely will"(Hattie,2018). • "Models of student achievement indicate that assignment to an own-race teacher significantly increased math and reading achievement of both 81ack and White students"(Dee,2002). Sarah Smylie said research shows that teachers of color help all students succeed. She said the recent Drive Task Force indicated that in North Carolina, teacher candidates of color are less likely to complete educator preparation programs and those that do are less likely to be teaching after two years of completion. She said aiming to match student application is very ambitious when the percentage of Latinx students in OCS (27%) is much higher than the percentage of Latinx teachers in North Carolina (3%). She noted that through the focused work of many staff members, OCS has increased its percentage of teachers of color from 13.3% in the fall of 2019 to 20.3% in the fall of 2022. This includes an increase of Black teachers from 8% to 12%, and an increase of Latinx teachers from 1.3% to 5.7%. She said there is a national teacher shortage, with 300,000 fewer teachers than in 2020 and fewer people studying education in college. She said that OCS is competing against other districts more than ever. She said the UNC study also showed that more teachers are leaving in the middle of the year and are often leaving the field entirely. She said the hard to fill positions are becoming even harder to fill, including math, science, exceptional children's teachers, and CTE programs. She said this issue is exacerbated by the fact that several local districts pay more than OCS. Sarah Smylie said that for retention, OCS was able to give teachers credit for all of their years of teaching and not just in OCS. She said that this helps with retention but also recruitment. She said that compression was bad for hourly staff and have been able to implement a 3/8% increase a year, which is a start, but they still have a huge gap. She said the strategy is listening to staff. She said each school's school improvement plan includes strategies that target areas of concern from staff surveys. She said that they have added a district mental health role to support the well-being of staff and students. 4 Sarah Smylie said OCS started a teacher mentoring program. She said that new teachers need attention and support. She said they have a stronger presence on social media, regularly attending HBCU recruitment events, have implemented referral bonuses, are offering support for relocation fees, and offering sign on bonuses for nurses CTE, Exceptional Children, and Science Teachers. She said that those are paid out over time. She said OCS is having a job fair on Saturday, April 15t" 9-12 at Cedar Ridge High School. Vice-Chair McKee asked if he heard Sarah Smylie say that teachers of color are leaving at a greater rate after 2 years. Sarah Smylie said that statistic was from a statewide study, but she's not sure about the specific number for OCS. Vice-Chair McKee said he is curious about the "why." He asked if exit interviews are being conducted in OCS. Joyce Hatcher said an email is sent after an employee leaves the organization with a link to an exit survey. She said that if it's not completed, they are called and invited to speak with her. She said the reasons people leave OCS vary. She said some people are leaving to relocate or due to commutes. She said some people are leaving due to health reasons or caring for an elderly parent. She said some people have left to see if the grass is greener, but some come back. She said they use the data from the surveys to look for areas of improvement. Vice-Chair McKee said the company he works for also has issues with people having to travel far distances to get to work. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked Sarah Smylie for the percentage of Black teachers compared to students. Sarah Smylie said 12% of teachers are Black compared to 13.4% of students. Commissioner Portie-Ascott praised OCS for the increase of diversity amongst their teachers. She asked what the racial and ethnic breakdown for teacher applicants was over the past year. Dr. Felder said OCS staff could look into that and provide the information. Chair Bedford asked about the district mental health position. Sarah Smylie said there is a new district Mental Health Coordinator position. Dr. Felder said this is a new position in the district and seeks to support student and staff social-emotional wellness. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for teacher vacancies by school level. Dr. Felder said OCS staff could send that information broken down, but there were 44 teacher vacancies at the beginning of the school year and there are now 39. Vice-Chair McKee asked if vacancies are concentrated in a subject or area. Sarah Smylie said many vacancies are in the Exceptional Children's program. She said there are also vacancies in math and sciences. Carrie Doyle said she has a recent spreadsheet of the vacancies and the 39 vacancies includes support staff. Chair Atherton said OCS staff will send the information to the Board. Vice-Chair McKee asked about vacancies for tutors and teaching assistants. Sarah Smylie said there are 30 tutors in elementary schools and a good number in other schools. Dr. Felder said some teachers are filling in as tutors during school and after school. She said they are very focused on strengthening the instructional core so that fewer students will need remediation. Chair Atherton said they also have a tutor that goes out to the Gateway Center. Commissioner Richards said she met with some people from Family Success Alliance today. She said that New Hope Elementary identified the students that live at the Gateway Center and they're doing a special program there. 5 Andre Richmond said they have a tutoring program there specifically for the New Hope Elementary School students that live in that community. He said there's an apartment that was converted to an office for this purpose. Commissioner Richards said it seems like a solid partnership with the school identifying students that live there. She said there's no way a community program would know each child's needs the same way as the school did. She asked if this could be done in other places. Sarah Smylie said she was not sure. She said that the school community is focused on building community relationships at Gateway. Chair Bedford said the rental of the space is through the Health Department and the Department of Social Services. She said they are trying to have better outcomes for children and their parents. Commissioner Richards said the Health Department and the DSS pay the rent and staff four days a week to provide wrap around services for the community. She said it seems like a great partnership model. Chair Bedford asked how many years the county has had the space at Gateway. Bonnie Hammersley said this is the second year the county has been in that space. Andre Richmond spoke on school safety. He said there is a great collaboration with the Sheriff's Office and community policing within the school district. He said they have an anonymous tip app to provide information and they have been using that for a few years now and it's been working well. He said they are looking at implementing metal detectors in schools for added security. He said he's glad to be a representative on the school safety task force. He said that for external security there could be additional sidewalks provided for students to walk to and from school. He said that Cedar Ridge has had this issue and hopes they can look at this in the near future. He said the Board of Education is looking at interventions to improve discipline and behavior at schools. Vice-Chair McKee said the metal detectors has brought up a lot of conversation. He said in a way, he hates to see it, but thinks it is important now. Commissioner Fowler said she serves on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, and they have a lot of diversion programs that are available for students. Andre Richmond said they have a great partnership with JCPC and those diversion programs. Commissioner Fowler said JCPC mentioned they have gotten referrals from OCS, but zero from CHCCS and she wanted to make them aware of the program and supports also. Commissioner Richards asked if there are statistics on discipline. She said she would like to see the racial breakdown. Will Atherton said OCS staff can provide that. He said the Board of Education will have a retreat on this topic. Commissioner Richards asked if truancy has been an issue. Patrick Abele said he does not have the numbers with him but they have not been seeing an alarming rate but they do have issues with attendance and arriving to school on time. He said there are programs with social workers and counselors that intervene if students have missed 3 days of school. He said OCS staff can provide the statistics. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for the information by school level. Sarah Smylie said OCS staff could provide that. Chair Bedford asked if they are still working with Boomerang. Andre Richmond said they are. Chair Bedford said there are some pedestrian plans that are included in SPOT 7 but said they should not get their hopes up about them receiving approval. Will Atherton said Cedar Ridge High School is by far the biggest area of concern and there was a pedestrian hit within the last few years. He said that this is not advertised as a walk to school location but some walk regardless. 6 Patrick Abele said crossing guards will be a need along with sidewalks. Vice-Chair McKee asked if the Sheriff's Office is helping with that. Patrick Abele said they will provide assistance with traffic but the crossing guards would be designated in areas that are not able to be stationed with deputies every day. He said that car crossing does not always align with pedestrian crossing. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they looked at other things besides sidewalks to address behaviors. Patrick Abele said they are in touch with DOT about signage. He said that every single student has access to bus transportation no matter how far away from the schools they are. Bonnie Hauser said the county and OCS records of short-term capital are not in sync. She referred to the below handout: ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS: CAPITAL ALLOCATION AND FUNDING SUMMARY (DATED MA Capital Fund Name PRC Beginning Balance Amount Spent as Amount Encumbered Current Balance Contracts/Expenditures Nod Code 7/1/2022 of 3/4/2023 as of 3/4/2023 as of 3/4/2023 Planned but Not in Accounting(in Process) Capital Fund Balance 920 $333,079.00 $0,00 $70,740.11 $496,743.24 Design A&E Sery Bond 993 $15,480,631.08 $796,106.74 $1,123,920.70 $13,560,603.64 $1,010,653.04 Orange High Plun $2,532,240.00 Efland Cheeks Me $160,000.00 Efland Cheeks Me $1,953,772.57 Central Mechanic Deferred Maintenance 99U $1,736,061.62 $9S,147.50 $145,018.07 $145,896.05 Supplemental Deferred Mainte 930 $12,796,250.40 $1,994,601.42 $2,612,718.65 $8,188,930.33 $3,000,000.00 Capital needs 202 $3,666,227.43 Central Mechanic $1,000,000.00 Efland Mobile Uri Capital Investment Plan(CIP)Pr 999 $13,080,763.65 $1,124,780.93 $122,43836 $11,934,143.96 $492,801.77 Orange High Pavb Additional CIP Projects 998 $3,460,936.76 $88,773.59 $161,478.46 $3,212,684.71 $1,281,114.82 Technology I Ph( $380,000.00 Safety Upgrades Total $46,887,721.51 $4,098,810.19 $4,236,314.75 $37,439,001.93 $15,476,809,63 Bonnie Hauser said the schools have different accounting systems for each of the capital fund types. She said that the Board of Education has committed projects for$15 million and there is about$22 Million left in the capital they have been given. She said they are prepared to commit more. She said the list of projects the county has does not always include all of the projects OCS is working on. She said some projects bring to light larger issues that are not on capital project lists. She said OCS needs flexibility to bring these projects quickly. She said that Patrick Abele has moved projects along quicker by hiring project managers. She said there are a lot of things to do and capital investments are going very far. She said that OCS staff would like to work with county staff to bring the accounting methods in sync and to keep the BOCC apprised of what's coming and changing. She said OCS is asking for flexibility to change the list of projects as they come up. She said that flexibility is key, timing and costs change and they want to keep the BOCC in the loop. She said they can come up with some standard accounting. She said that OCS thinks they've spent all the money but the county shows they have $22 million. Vice-Chair McKee said he knows the numbers aren't lining up but he did not understand why there was a float. He said they seem to be talking in two different languages and that he does not want to get into it in detail tonight. He said that they have to get it straightened out. He said that once they allocate the funds to the schools system it can be spent how the school needs. 7 Bonnie Hammersley said that is not correct for capital funds. She said that this is something that staff needs to work on. She said the county waits for the request from the schools, puts it in the borrowing package, and then borrows the money. She said the county passes an annual reimbursement resolution at the time of every budget that allows reimbursement for finances borrowed. She said this allows the county to spend money in advance of any borrowing, which can be used for emergency projects like those Bonnie Hauser mentioned. She said the BOCC has two meetings a month where a budget amendment can be done, so there is a tremendous amount of flexibility. She said the county is not getting information from the schools so that's why the numbers are different. She said the BOCC has already done its job by allocating the money to the school districts. She said OCS and county staff will work together to sort the numbers out. Bonnie Hauser asked if there is$22 million that they have not committed, can it be flexible. Vice-Chair McKee said he agrees staff need to get together. Bonnie Hammersley said to some extent there is some deferred maintenance that can be flexible, but they requested to have a list of what the deferred maintenance was going to be. She said if something needs to change OCS staff just has to call county budget staff for a budget amendment to come to one of the BOCC meetings. Will Atherton said he appreciates the conversation. He said that they were surprised the numbers were off and he agrees to let staff do the work and have a report back. Bonnie Hauser said that the long-term capital plan needs help from the facilities consultant to decide if they repair or replace the old buildings. She said that nowhere in the plan do they ask to replace an old building. She said that if they have to develop a new ten year plan then they have to hire a consultant. She asked if the old plan can be the ten year capital plan util the consultant study is done. Bonnie Hammersley said they would work with the budget staff and put projects in place. Chair Bedford said she thought the schools were in the middle of having architectural reviews. Bonnie Hauser said no. Chair Bedford said that in the interim they have to keep other schools functioning and running. She said they do a 10 year CIP look, but only commit one year at a time. She said that for the next year, the schools should submit the most important projects. She said staff needs to talk with each other about whether they will hire architects or engineers. Presentation by Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools on Topics of Interest Rani Dasi, Chair of the CHCCS Board of Education, held a moment of silence in honor of Roberto Deleto, a Carrboro High School Student that tragically passed away after a boating accident on Jordan Lake. Rani Dasi made the following presentation: Slide #1 THINK (AND ACT) DIFFERENTLY Slide #2 Who We BOCC � Boards of Education Joint Meeting �• March 9,2023 STRATEGIC ROAN • a lip THINK • DIFFERENTLY Slide #3 Schools: 21 r� ►% 4 middle schools �� � 4 high schools v � � UNC Hospital School � � � � Virtual Learning Academy THINK(AND ACT) I DIFFERENTLY 9 Slide #4 (Source:November 2022 Data) Students: 11 ,713 Total 4,955 2,821 3,937 Elementary Middle High THINK fAND ACT) Slide #5 Student Diversity African American: 11.7% Asian: 13.2% Latinx: 18.1% Multiracial: 7.4% THINK(AND ACT) Slide #6 Source:March 2023 Dola Student Diversity Multilingual Learners 1,366 _ Exceptional Children 1,346 .. Academically or Intellectually Gifted 3,161 THINK(AND ACT) 1 Slide #7 Top Languages Spoken at Home Arabic EnglishChinese Karen DIFFERENTLY Slide #8 V_ Slide #9 a � Q w Eligible for free t � � � price meals �'-, � ��� _ • - i 94.5% On-time graduation rate in 2022 Highest ever • 11 Slide #10 Staff: 1,951 Total Total certified employees(teachers,librarians, counselors,etc.):1,164 Classroom teachers:650 Instructional Services:60 4 Interventionists:162 Other teachers:138 Student Services:154 i Total School and District Administration:117 + Total classified(full-time hourly)employees:670 THINK(AND ACT) Slide #11 Staff Diversity African American: 16.2% 25 Asian: 2.5% White: 78.3% Lati nx: 8.1% THINK(AND ACT) Rani Dasi said they continue to try to recruit staff that represent the diversity of the students. Slide #12 CHCCS Points of Pride North Carolina T,A P �� 9 •,lllrr, Best School Districts in Districts with the Best Best Places to Teach in North Carolina Teachers in North Carolina North Carolina #1 of 116 a8 of 115 #20 of 115 THINK(AND ACT) 12 Slide #13 11„1, Gwg 250+Teachers with National h Nh Pp Board Certification i 100%of our schools met or exceeded growth • The number of schools identified as Technical Support & Improvement (TSI) schools for low performing /kD ACC student groups decreased to 5 schools in 2021-22 from 12 schools in 2018-19 Slide #14 Think (and Act) Differently - Student Success • Shifting from a focus on the"achievement gap" between student groups "growth to proficiency"within student groups. • Beginning to think and act differently about how we serve students in order to see growth targets met and gaps to proficiency close. Approximately 70%of Black and Latinx students are also impacted by other factors(EDS,MLL,SWD)* ■ 70.9%-Black ■ 68.1%-Latinx 'This is not about assumptions about traditionally and historically marginalized student groups(deficit mindset),this is about recognizing where and how to deploy the highest quality instructional supports, professional learning,and human resources to where(and to whom)they are needed most. ' -a THINK(AND ACT) Rani Dasi said all student groups outperfom the same group across the state but they know they can do better within the district. She said that there is a gap of 73% in the college readiness score for Black students. Slide #15 We Must Inspect What Our CHCCS Community Expects School Safety Audit Equity Audit Strategic Plan Development « --u - Curriculum Audit Program Evaluations Transportation Department Restructuring to Optimize Support to Schools Human Resources Business and Finance Technology Exceptional Children Rani Dasi said they are excited to get started on the projects. She said they have restructured some departments to focus on schools. 13 Slide #16 THINK (AND ACT) DIFFERENTLY Strategic Plan 2027 Slide #17 Creating a Culture of Safety z and Wellness LU LU Instructional Excellence: LL Key Priorities Equipping students to navigate the Empowering,Equipping and world and make a positive impact Investing In Our People P throughout their life's journey. U Equitable and Transparent 4 Fiscal Stewardship and z Operations < be Strengthening Family and z Community Engagement Riza Jenkins said the finance workgroup work with district leaders to review and recommend expenditures. She said that her committee then recomends those to the full board for discussion. She said that they meet monthly and they are open to the public. Jillian LaSerna said the policy committee also works with district leaders. She said they review and propose changes to the policies and afterward, that goes to the full board for discussion at a work session. George Griffin said the student success committee is a new committee for this year. He said they are reviewing student success and board policies. He said they keep the board informed with district-wide initiatives and strategic plan priorities. He said they are waiting for the results of a curriculum audit that they will hear more about later tonight. He said that this will provide a framework to the student success committee for years to come.. 14 Slide #18 We value enthusiastic and curious learners a We value the work of learners,leaders who take initiative and feel confident in and educators who create and sustain a themselves,and we value educators who fair and equitable school system in which continually seek opportunities to help every ® each person and all groups are valued and child reach their fullest potential.We believe affirmed.We believe in centering equity that a high quality learning experience We believe that a high performing through our actions.We believe critical school district is one that upholds the where students are inspired,intrigued, value of empathy,care and connection. COn5Ci0U5ne55 helps u5 to recognize the engaged and challenged to achieve and We believe students'academic history and tradition of past and present grow,built upon a foundation of strong outcomes and educators'personal and injustices.Furthermore,it promotes efforts relationships,is integral to our mission. professional growth are entwined with to empower individual and communal their social and emotional well-being. We value experiences that embody a action in support of restorative justice and positive,affirming environment,which is the full implementation of human and civil strengthened through healthy relationships rights in our school system. We believe all members of the CHCCS community CARFS(Creating Advocates We believe that educational excellence for Relationships and Emotional Safety) requires dedication,collaboration,hard contribute to a positive culture and climate work,patience and persistence.We value We believe in learning environments that a community where all members stick cultivate feelings of triumph,delight and the together and never give up on themselves audacity of hope.We value a lifetime love or each other.We believe in the power of for learning that leads to a joyful adulthood. the home/school/community partnership We believe there is great potential and where diverse perspectives are valued possibility for students and employees. and challenges are seen as opportunities. We believe simple acts of kindness and We believe that shared accountability, treating people with dignity and respect create endless possibilities that lead to a achievement and success coupled with joyous learning community that develops proper support strengthens our confidence our people, and student achievement will increase. Slide #19 Academic Return on Investment • The purpose of evaluatingA-ROI is N to determine the cost-effctiveness of academic/instructional programs r— and identify areas where - investments can be optimized to achieve greater resulfs • District Administration is focused _ building a culture that leverages :.•�` A-ROI into nearly every aspect of ---- budgeting, teaching and learning, and central office work. a Es,19o9 • Initial efforts will focus an A-ROI analysis on a recent tutoring program implementation Chapel Hill-GQrboro City Schools I chccs.org 15 Slide #20 THINK (AND ACT) DIFFERENTLY Barriers to Improving Outcomes Slide #21 Budget Impacts - Prior Year Unfunded Continuation Costs The FY 2022-23 Budget contained a$5 million appropriation of local fund balance consisting of: • $3.37 million of continuation needs generated by State mandated salary increases; • $1.25 million for the partial implementation of the classified employee compensation plan; • $247,000 to provide an additional 1%increase to all CHCCS' certified supplement percentages; • $175,000 to provide an additional 2%increase to the supplement percentages to all certified staff working in the Exceptional Children Division; • $420,000 to provide four weeks of local paid parental leave Chapel HilKartbuo City Schools I chccs.— Slide #22 Fund Balance • End of FY local unassigned fund balance is$5 million • Approximately$500,000 above the District's minimum target of 5.5%($4.5 million) • If no increase in local funding is obtained, the current unassigned fund balance will be-$4 million short to maintain educational services provided at FY23 levels • Simultaneously all of the District's unassigned fund balance would be eliminated Chapel HIIFCQMMO City SChOOt$I ChCC5. g . 16 Slide#23 � U e I LL School-Based l 7. in • • Challenges • 1 Slide #24 A,Iide Adide Staffing Shortages NCDPI Rao�rt Estimated 36,000 K-12 teacher vacancies across the country In North Carolina there were 5,091 vacancies on the 40th day of classes 58%increase over the some time in the 2020-21 school year 200%increase from the 2018-19 school year Largest number of vacancies in elementary schools(1223) Elementary EC vacancies(444) As of March 2, in CHCCS there were 47 certified school based vacancies, 30 classified school based vacancies, and 3 school administrator vacancies THINK(AND ACT) Rani Dasi said they are focusing on local supplements and salaries to recruit teachers and staff. Slide #25 . . . Bus Driver P Shortage �E 17 Slide #26 Priority 1: Mitigate (or eliminate the impact of the CHCCSnationwide driver shortage on 11111 „ Eliminate lost instructional time due to uncovered routes. . e - Increase student access to breakfast, high quality education and extracurricular '^ activities. Priority 2: Alleviate the burden on staff Drivers covering additional routes �*A Educators staying after school beyond typical work hours Slide #27 Transportation Optimization Update As of March 3, we currently cover 55 routes daily with 43 drivers Recent efforts to address this ongoing crisis Increased driver pay to$20/hour for new drivers and a three step increase (or the higher of the two wages) for existing drivers Market dual roles (TA/driver,custodian/driver) and/or require new or existing classified staff to acquire a CDL Amend our current policy/practice to allow 18 year olds to become bus drivers Implementing consolidated stops next school year Continuing the partnership with the towns and other entities on biking and walking options THINK(AND ACT)FORTUTM Slide #28 Transportation Optimization Update March 2 Public Hearing Bell Schedules Change(s) Magnet School Transportation March 16 further discussion and potential Board action on transportation optimization cnmd H�a Ci"a i� g THINK(AND ACT) 18 Riza Jenkins continued the presentation: Slide #29 0*01 • - • • • Slide #30 District Portfolio Facility Year Built Facility Year Built Lincoln Center 1950 McDougle ES 8 ECHHS 1996 Glenwood ES 1952 Scroggs ES 1999 Canboro ES 1957 Smith MS 2001 Estes Hills ES 1958 Rashkis ES 2003 Phillips MS 1962 Carrboro HS 2007 FPG Bilingue ES 1963 Moms Grove ES 2008 Seawell ES 8 Culbreth MS 1969 Phoenix Academy HS 2009 Ephesus ES 1972 Northside ES 2013 McDougle MS 1994 Chapel Hill HS 2021 cn, dNn,- a croswd:I a««o THINK(AND ACT) Slide #31 Completed, Ongoing, and Future CIP Projects Security Improvements • Replacements Fire Alarms Playground Equipment HVAC/Boiler/Controls Roofing Furniture/Fixture LED Lighting Asphalt • Technology Infrastructure Field Improvements THINK(AND ACT) 19 Riza Jenkins said they are waiting on the consultant from Capital Needs Work Group to see if there are changes needed to current plan. Slide #32 Capital Needs Spending Plan •FY 24 School Improvements $2,552,733 •FY 24-26 Supplemental Deferred Maintenance $22,067,600 •FY 24 Lottery Proceeds(Fire/Safety/Security) $824,304 •FY 24 Article 46 Sales Tax(Technology) $1,614,704 Total Funding $27,059,341 THINK(AND ACT) Rani Dasi continued the presentation: Slide #33 Strategic Plan :• Connections Est.1909 STRATEGIC 2022-2027 Slide #34 Creating a Culture of I _ Safety & Wellness ' I Goal 1:Prioritize the social,emotional F-jsF� and physical well-being of every student and staff member to ensure that everyone has the support be LU LL (�(1 needed to thrive in our learning l communities. Goal 2:Prioritize personalized support for every student with a focus on students'strengths,and their areas of need,to ensure that every student successfully realizes the best version of themselves. 20 Dr. Ashton Powell discussed the district-wide plan for prioritizing social emotional and physical wellness. He said that thanks to the Board, they have been able to place mental health staff in all levels of schools in the district. Slide #35 Current SEL/Mental Health Supports By School 1 1 .5 .5 1 1 3 .5 .5 1 2" 5" 1 .5 1 :nd PA16)have f-FIB ao THINK(AND ACT) Slide #36 Instructional Excellence: Preparing Students for Life Goal 1:CHCCS students will be provided access to challenging,diverse and culturally relevant, standards-aligned curriculum which is student-centered and will propel their educational growth and achievement. Goal 2:CHCCS will prioritize opportunities to elevate student voice and access to meaningful,authentic instruction while empowering students to advocate for their own learning. Goal 3:CHCCS will ensure flexibility in available learning opportunities and that choice programs are accessible for all students. Cticpal HiLmOao ON Sctgok I U,___. Rani Dasi said they have just conducted a curriculum audit and this will help them understand how to help students learn and grow. George Griffin discussed the currifculem audit and said that it consists for an outsdie group of educators and they have spent time in the schools for months and conducted observations and interviews. He said they will be presenting the results of the audit. He said as a professional, and having talked to the staff, he does not think anyone will be surprised but they will be affirmed. He said that it will be a roadmap for the next 5-10 years in teaching and learning and they are excited about that. 21 Slide #37 Instructional Excellence: Preparing Students for Life • Curriculum Audit Recommendations Forthcoming (Spring 2023) A Governance and Control • Direction and Clientele Expectations • Equity and Consistency • Assessment and Feedback • Productivity and Efficiency Michael Sharp said the teacher shortage is presenting many impacts. He said that there are varying degrees of experience and the cohort will look at individualizing professional development and job-embedded coaching. He said they will get a differentiated professional developmetn based on what the teachers most need. He said they end up getting the impact from their work that impacts the whole district and makes them feel like they're part of the community and more inclined to stay. Slide #38 Professional Learning (Teachers) Culturally Relevant Teaching and Learning (CRTL) Cohort Professional he U_. • Learning Student Academic Supports(Students) Focus on Attendance • Supports Elementary Academic Support Programs Secondary Tutoring -1 alk Dr. Rodney Trice discussed the cohort. He said that as teachers deliver content and instruction, students feel affirmed. He said as students feel more affirmed then learning goes up. He said there are 50 teachers involved and it will be a two year cohort. He said that next year they will focus on implementation. He said the projects have to improve learning in their school or the district. 22 Slide #39 Empowering, Equipping and Investing in Our People Goal 1:CHCCS will recruit and retain a diverse workforce representative of our broader community using proven local and national best practices. Goal 2:CHCCS will invest in a diverse and highly-qualified workforce to ensure CHCCS is the place where talented professionals choose to work and grow. Goal 3:CHCCS will equip a culturally responsive workforce to further develop mindsets and capabilities so our people �, will effectively support students and families to grow professionally. ...GN.ScnmE I cnccz.«2 Slide #40 Equitable and Transparent Fiscal Stewardship and Operations Goal 1:CHCCS will create and maintain safe spaces where instructional excellence can occur. . Goal 2:CHCCS will provide effective support services for students and staff through equitable allocation and distribution of resources using a tiered system of support model. Goal 3:CHCCS will provide timely, accurate, and transparent communication and reporting of Financial Information to the members of our community. .smmei nine«roo,o pN scneo5 I cnccc«p Slide #41 Strengthening Family and Community Engagement Goal I:CHCCS will design effective forms of school-to-home and home-to-school " communications about school programs and student progress. ' Goal 2:CHCCS will provide information and ideas to families about how to promote the continuation of learning at home and in the community through learning,service and enrichment activities. Goal 3:CHCCS will elevate diverse parents and caregivers as leaders and representatives, and include them in school and district-based decision-making. Umel na-C«imro aN xMok I chca.«q 23 Slide#42 THINI PreK Program Overview a R The CHCCS Pre-K/Headstart program provides services to children,three to five years of age, not yet eligible for )a A kindergarten and families living in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District. • All classrooms have blended funding (Prek and Head Start)sources • 250 students • 22 teachers(this includes 2 itinerant teachers that serve the community) 20 classrooms that include 3 EC separate settings Slide #43 THINK(AND ACT, PreK Program Highlights E LETRS Professional Learning (Early Literacy) for all PreK teachers /1 f"_►` PreK to Kindergarten transition PLC j to bridge the curriculum in both ELA and Math CHCCS Transition to Kindergarten • Plan to identify focus areas • PreK Learning Walks to review instructional practices that align with the district plan and Instructional Framework O cve Hd{rn o tv SCM1 I clx—a Slide #44 How Can the BOCC and CHCCS Community Help? • Help us shift the narrative from a deficit mindset growth mindset • Fully fund operational budget • Support teachers - advoca-te to General Assembly for better benefits and compensation • Partner on Investment for mental health support • Prioritize school capital bond and maintenance funding stream • Sub (or volunteer) in Schools • Encourage a friend, community member, family member to apply to be a bus driver THINK(AND ACT) 24 Slide #45 P. IPL Questions & Dialogue 1 Commissioner Fowler asked if CHCCS has similar statistics on capital allocations from funding provided by BOCC. Riza Jenkins said they receive a monthly update and have a list of projects they're working on. She said they can provide that information and there is a plan for the next ten years. Commissioner Richards said Orange County just got a new curriculum. She asked if the school districts talk to each other about what they learned from their processes and if they are taking advantage of the opportunity to leverage learning across the two districts. Dr. Rodney Trice said any curriculum changes they make come from the state's five-year curriculum adoption cycle. He said what the audit will show is the degree to which assignments given to students align with state standards. He said that as students text, they waant to make sure teachers are teaching the actual standards. He said the audit looks at materials provided to students. He said he's had a number of conversations with Dr. Green and they see opportunities to collaborate on implementing those standards. Commissioner Richards said her point is that curriculum is an issue across both districts and said she encourages that to happen across the county. She said they can learn from each other. She said they all have the same goals. She said it's one pot of money, so if the county is spending the funds, the schools could reach across the lines to see how the resources can be leveraged. Rani Dasi said there are certainly places where it is happening and there are places where they could do a better job. Vice-Chair McKee asked if CHCCS has the same difference of understanding as OCS regarding capital funds. Al Ciarochi said their staff met with county staff and they are on the same page. Chair Bedford said Article 46 had almost $2 million more for the current year. She said that staff could dicsuss this more. She said they set aside$2 million for other school capital needs. She said she doesn't know if that will repeat for the current year, but people are paying taxes at a high rate, so the budget is solid. She asked if school systems are still operating under the Common Core standards, or if those are changed. Dr. Rodney Trice said NC Department of Public Instruction has a standard and some of it comes from the Common Core. Rani Dasi said curriculum does continue to be impacted by changes in state policy. Sarah Smylie said that the science curriculum is open to public feedback. Rani Dasi thanked Chair Bedford for highlighting those two funding streams. She said one of the things they are interested in is having access to data that might be predictive data to help improve outcomes. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said about 28% of African American students are proficient. She asked if that number has stayed consistent over time. 25 Rani Dasi said the goal is to better individualize instruction. She said they have instituted universal screeners and the audit will also help. She said that the number is actaully 22%. Dr. Rodney Trice said the data has fluctuated, but not drastically. He said they are excited about the opportunties for student progress monitoring. He said they are also excited to deliver instruction and materials to where the students need benefit. Chair Bedford asked if there is hope that the current deficent data could be tracked, or does that not exist yet. Dr. Rodney Trice said they still work with SAS. He said there is emerging technology looking at where students are in real time. He said that elementary schools typically do a pretty good job of that. He said he can't say they've had it as a district before. Vice-Chair McKee said that his concern is if the student in third grade is a grade behind, then the growth has to exceed over a year at a time. He said then that person is then disadvantaged for the rest of their lives. He asked about the number of tutors in the district. Rani Dasi said the earlier they can close gaps the better. Dr. Hamlett said at the elementary level there are intervention enrichment blocks happening during the day. She said that at the secondary level they also have brought in tutors. She said they are making sure they get an academic return on their investment as a new approach and to show where resources need to be allocated. Vice-Chair McKee said he is very supportive of the preschool. He asked how the students were picked. He said he would like to hear how it is working. Riza Jenkins said most of the slots are need-based/NC Pre-K funded. Vice-Chair McKee said it would be need-based. Riza Jenkins said yes and that information is given out at the health department and other various ways. Commissioner Fowler said a few years back there was a waitlist for the Pre-K program and asked if that's still true. Dr. Rodney Trice said for the tuition-paying students there is a waitlist. Commissioner Richards said it is her understanding there are openings in Chapel Hill and a waitlist in Northern Orange. Sarah Smylie said that's what they heard at the Family Success Alliance meeting. Commissioner Richards said it is a transportation issue as well. Rani Dasi said she is surprised there are vacancies and will look into it. Bonnie Hammersley said that in PreK there are 96 current vacancies. Chair Bedford said that is because that includes school and community based facilites for that total number. Commissioner Richards said that about 1/3 of students in CHCCS are considered gifited and asked what that means as far as academic support. Rani Dasi said they are above the cap for funding from the state so they do programming for students at each school.. Commissioner Richards asked if there is proportional funding for those students vs. those who are at 22% proficiency. Jillian LaSerna said they are monitoring all students to make sure they're growing as well. She said that techniques teachers are trained on should also be good for every student. She said there should be practices that are happening across the board. Commissioner Richards said she said she understands but how will they measure growth and how will it be visible to the community. Dr. Hamlett said rather than looking at gaps between groups, they are looking at a different type of gap. She said they are looking at the gap deficeincy in the group themselves from proficiency. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for racial diversity of gifted students. 26 Vice-Chair McKee said he agrees that increasing growth is critical, but he doesn't know how to get around the fact that there is a group of students that are not performing the same as other groups and that it can't be ignored. Rani Dasi said they are in agreement. She said they will show all the numbers for each group. She said they will focus on growth and monitor it for each group. Vice-Chair McKee said if they could get 80% across the board that would be fantastic. He said he is not sure that 90% is realistic. Rani Dasi said she takes the point and there has to be focus on the fire. Ashton Powell said they both have issues with bus drivers. He said the impact that is having on students is that some are starting their day later, some are not getting breakfast, and it is adding onto the list that is holding students back. He said that they do not have the funds to make sure the routes are covered. He said they are consiering chaning bell schedules. He said these students are also the same students that might already need additional help. Vice-Chair McKee said that in his 12 years on the board, the deficiences really have not moved. He said they need to move for the kids that need it the worst. Chair Bedford thanked Rani Dasi for inviting the BOCC to the Black Knowledge Bowl. She thanked all the school board members and staff for coming tonight and their commitment to children. She said she will share a list of legislative priorities. She said they will all meet again on April 27th to discuss budgets and the County Manager will present her budget on May 2na Vice-Chair McKee said that fiber will hopefully start going in the ground by June. Chair Bedford said there are 3 years of lower rates and hopefully everyone can afford it. A motion was made by Vice-Chair McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to adjourn the meeting at 9:16 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board