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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-27-2023-Work Session 1 APPROVED 6/20/23 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JOINT MEETING WITH ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AND CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION AND WORK SESSION April 27, 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 and a work session on Thursday, April 27, 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, Sally Greene, Jean Hamilton, Phyllis Portie-Ascott, and Anna Richards COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Martha Bordogna, 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 and Jillian LaSerna CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION ABSENT: Board Members Ashton Powell, Michael Sharp, and Deon Temne CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO SCHOOLS (CHCCS) STAFF PRESENT: Superintendent Dr. Nyah Hamlett and Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Scott ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESENT: Chair Will Atherton, Vice-Chair Anne Purcell, and Board Members Carrie Doyle, Bonnie Hauser, and Andre Richmond ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ABSENT: Board Members Jennifer Moore and Sarah Smylie ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS (OCS) STAFF PRESENT: Superintendent Dr. Monique Felder, Chief Human Capital Officer Joyce Hatcher, Chief Finance Officer Rhonda Rath, and Interim Director of Operations Dwayne Foster Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present. Chair Bedford asked the Board to remove item 3 from the agenda and consider it at the May 9, 2023 work session. Commissioner Greene made a motion to remove Item 3 from the agenda, which was seconded by Commissioner Hamilton. VOTE: UNANIMOUS WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Chair Bedford welcomed the elected officials and staff from Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools. All of the elected officials and staff introduced themselves. Presentation1. of • • • - • 123-24 School Operating • • - • Capital Chair Rani Dasi of .1' •• • City Schoolsintroduced their district's presentation. Dr. Nyah Hamlett made the following presentation: Slide #1 THINK �A N D ACT} DIFFERENTLY = Board of Education's �Y 2023-24 ® Budget Request - ��nRl�Cl/l�i cT.� April 27, 2023 �s mJ l 57RATEGIC PLAN Slide #2 2022-2027 Key Priorities Creating a Culture of Safety Z and Wellness W iY W Instructional Excellence: Ll_ Our Vision Preparing Studa�for Life iL 0 Equipping students to navigate the Empowering,Equipping and world and make a positive impact Investing in Our People H throughout their life's journey. Q Equitable and Transparent 0 Fiscal Stewardship and Z Operations Q Y Strengthening Family and Z Community Engagement = Chopei HnbCORbore Cy Scnppl5�Uccs.wg budget Message This proposal is the result of a collective effort. Many representatives of our schools and the communities they serve were asked to get involved. For Slide #3 example: • Principals engaged their School Improvement Teams to identify and prioritize needs. • Principals then collaborated wi#h one another to develop needs-based presentations using the District's Racial Equity Decision-making Protocol (REDP). • With the REDP,the Principals demons#ra#ed in specific detail what will best support students as they progress from elementary to middle to higDr. Hamlett said staff from Orange County worked with CHCCS staff to develop the school. proposed budget. • CHCCS department-heads, leaders and cabinet members also communicated with one another to bring forward new ideas for district wide improvement. THINK (AND ACT) DIFFERENTLY Chapel Hill-Cairbao City Schools I chccs.org Slide '4 Strategic Plan Structure Key Priorities: • Creating a culture of safety and wellness • Instructional excellence: Preparing students far life • Empowering, equipping and investing in our people • Equitable and transparent fiscal stewardship and operations • Strengthening family and communi#y engagement _' Core Vplues: • Engagement �� ■ • Social Justice Action �, ■ , • Collective Efficacy �''�" ' • Wellness — - ,_�. Q ' • I ��f' THINK (AND ACT) ' DIFFERENTLY Chapel Hill-Conbaro Cdy Schoch I chccs org outline This presentation is divided into 4 sections: �cegves cost to continue operating at current levels ��+�� cost of new initiatives to expand the current level of services provided by the District Jonathan Scott, Chief Financial Officer, continued the presentation: Slide #5 Needs lifted up by the school level administrators during the budget development that were not included in the continuation or expansion items but remain unfunded needs • Strategic Plan N narratives for the major strategic plan pillars that outline the estimated cost of implementing the key strategic actions with fidelity in the upcoming fiscal year THINK (AND ACT) Slide #6 DIFFERENTLY Chapel Hill-Carrbwp City Schools chccs.org Continuation - Salaries and Wages In the absence of direction from NC, the District has included an estimate of mandated increases to salaries across the board: • �1,:53e,1,., increase to base salaries ��"�' ^` increase for the matching local supplement The total of these salary increases is The increases contained in the continuation request are estimated to be adequate to keep the District at pace with the annual Qrange County Living Wage increases. The current estimate uses 4% State mandated raises. Every difference in raises would require a 6fJ(r,tr��, adjustment to the estimates. Jonathan Scott said they are still waiting on the Senate budget, so they have to create an estimate from what the State has released so far with the House and Governor's budgets. THINK (AND ACT) hapellll-�a�aolty5hoos, hs.o,e DIFFERENTLY Continuation - Benefit Increases Federal pnd State legislation establishes employer-required matchingcI rates Slide #7 and annual employer health insurance premiums.Together, these c�ianges require adjustments to our local operational plan including: �0 for an estimated increase in FICA expense to account for estimated increases in salaries and corresponding supplements for an estimated increase to 25.8%from 24.5%in the matching TSERS rate ' for an estimated increase fo$7,679 from $7,397 for the Employer Health Insurance Cost of each employee These combined increase estimates in matching benefits total $1,626,000 THINK (AND ACT) Jonathan Scott said that the salary increases also trigger corresponding benefit increases include FICA, retirement, and health insurance rates. Slide #8 DIFFERENTLY Chapel FEill-Cae6oro City Schools�chccs.or® Continuation - Inflationary Adjustment • The preliminary continuation budget includes a 5% Inflationary Adjustment to Non-Salary Operating Costs for a total of$655,000. • The March release of inflationary data showed an overall CPI of 5.0% after peaking around 8.9%within the last year. • The District chose a conservative estimate of 5% across the board due to uncertainty in the different baskets of the CPI index. • The operational costs most pertinent to the District include items for utilities, maintenance, supplies, and others required for district facilities as well as supplies & materials for classrooms funded from local resources. THINK (AND ACT) DIFFERENTLY Chopel Hill-Carrboro City Schools�chccs.arg Continuation - Prior Year Unfunded Continuation Costs The FY 2022-23 Budget contained a $5 million appropriafion of local fund balance consisting of: of continuation needs generpted by State mandated salary increases; for the partial implementation of the classified employee compensation plan; to provide an additional 1%increase to all CHCCS` certified supplement percentages; • $17" " to provide an additional 2%increase to the supplement percentages to all certified staf#working in the Exceptional Children Division; to provide four weeks of local paid parental leave THINK (AND ACT) Chapel Hill-Cafrbao City Schools chccs.org QIFF�R_�NTLY Jonathan Scott said they have $250,000 allocated to provide an additional 1% increase to all CHCCS certified supplements and they were able to do this with money set aside from the General Assembly that was specifically designed to increase certified salaries. Slide Slide #9 Continuafiion items - Summary Base Salaries $1,336,000 Local Supplement 519,000 Matching Benefits 1,485,000 5% Inflationary Adjustment $655,000 + Prior Year Unfunded Items 4,965,000 � �":��e �' Subtotal 8,940,000 � , Estimated Changes in Revenue(increase) (500,000) Total Continuation Need $8,440,oil THINK (AND ACTT DIFFERENTLY Chapel H31FCartbaro Clly Schools�chccs.org Fund Balance Audited FYE June 30, 2022, local current expense fund unassigned fund balance is $5 million This is approximately $500,000 above the District's minimum target of 5.5�0 or $4.5 million If no increase in local funding is obtained, the current unassigned fund balance will be �$3.5 million short to maintain educational services provided at FY 2022-23 levels Simultaneously all of the District's unassigned fund balance would be eliminated THINK (AND ACT} Slide #11 hape ,-caRbaoaysnoo , =.0,9 DIFFERENTLY Slide #12 County Appropriated Operating Funds Unassigned Fund Balance History - Preceding 10 Years Unassigned Expenditures Expansion Budget a A � aE � Chapel HiIlLortt7ao City Schoo6 I chccs.org Continued Implementation of the Classified Slide #13 Slide #14 Compensation Study When the Board of Education approved the new design of the Classified pay schedules, the structure included a 1 .75`� increase between each level This request included an item to advance classified employees up to a .�o� of three steps on their respective based on experience levels. As a result, a classified employee with the appropriate years experience pay would increase up to an additional "ARLINA � - II - THINK (AND ACT) DIFFERENTLY Chapel Hill-Cofrbwo City Schools chccs.org i��L- {` Certified Supplement Structure �°' ► � -al Supplement Rate increase for the " '® = �ar band. This would move the lower band of the supplement structure from 18� to 20`�0. To move the 830 employees in the band to 20� and cover the additional cost of benefits, this option would cost the District approximafiely �1.1 million in total. DIFFERENTLY Chapel 3iill-Carrbaa City Schools chccs.prg Slide Slide #15 Relm�ursement up $100 for Professional License/Certification Fees $50,000 to cover the fees associated with obtaining and renewing teacher licenses or professional certifications every 4 years The District must continue to find creative ways to empower, equip, and invest in our people This additional benefit would satisfy the basic requirement that every certified teacher must maintain their teaching license to continue teaching and promote professional development through professional certifications in other areas THINK(AND ACT) haPel Hill-Cpflbpfp airy SChpp15 ChCCS.pfg DIFFERENTLY 1 Slide #17 Additional 2 Weeks Paid Parental Leave The FYE 2022-23 Board's Recommended Budget Request included a request for six weeks of providing parental leave Due to a lack of adequate funding, the Board was only able to provide $420,000 for four weeks of parental leave Parental leave supports parent-child bonding, improves children's outcomes, and may increase gender equity in the workplace An additional $210,000 is requested in the 2023-24 expansion budget request THINK (AND ACT) Chapel H;ll-Canbara Clty Schaals,�h��,_org DIFFERENTLX Slide Items - Summary Classified Compensation Study $1,350,000 Beginning Teacher Certified Supplement Increase 1,100,000 Payment of Teacher License Renewal and Acquisition Fees 50,000 2 Additional Weeks of Paid Parental Leave 210,000 Total Expansion Request Iten cease Beau - `- ^ � r, TH1NK (AND ACT1 DIFFERENTLY Chapel Hill-Carrbaro City Schools chccs.org Total Board of Education ' s Budget Request for the FY 2023-24 Total Continuation Need $8,940,000 3 Expansion Items 2,710,000 Revenue Adjustment (500,000) Total Superintendent's Recommended Request THINK (AND ACT) ChapelHIll-C—b—City 5.hod,[chc--g DIFFERENTLY Additional Items Not Included in Request Additional Needs Identified at the School Level (see appendix) Strategic Plan Narrative (see appendix) Strategic Plan Priority I: Creating a Culture of Safety and Wellness Strategic Plan Priority II: Instructional Excellence: Preparing Students for Life Strategic Plan Priority III: Empowering, Equipping and Investing in Our People Strategic Plan Priority IV: Equitable and Transparent Fiscal Stewardship and Operations Strategic Plan Priority V: Strengthening Family and Community Engagement THINK (AND ACT) DIFFERENTLY Chapel8M-C—b—cr �h....,g rys�hoo� 12 Slide #21 000 d Questions i Dialogue Est.19DS ,Q ', STRATEGIC PLAN • Chair Bedford asked if the expansion items were in priority order as presented. Dr. Hamlett said they were not prioritized. Vice-Chair McKee asked how many open positions CHCCS had and if the funding for those positions were held in abeyance. Dr. Hamlett said there are approximately 67 certified, 53 classified, and 4 administration positions open. She said positions that are hard to staff like EC, Math, Science, and dual language Mandarin, continue to see the most vacancies. Vice-Chair McKee asked how the funding for those positions were accounted for. Jonathan Scott said there was not a reserve of lapsed salaries because of the absorption of continuation costs. Vice-Chair McKee asked how they will fill the positions. Jonathan Scott said there are a few things they are working on. He said they are working with the Human Resources and leaders to allocate positions in full fidelity with the Board of Education's allotment formulas. He said that the number of children in the district was lower than the pre-pandemic but coming out of the pandemic, they did not feel it was appropriate to cut teachers to reflect student numbers due to the learning loss the children experienced during that time. He said that the plan going forward is to lock into the allotments and hold the schools to the number based on students. Vice-Chair McKee said that the staff vacancies are well over 100 and the number of students is down. He asked if the need for the number of staff has dropped as well. Dr. Hamlett said the need is still there, but they are looking to reallocate resources to make sure they are meeting the needs of children. She said they are working closely with school leaders to review not just the number of students, but their needs. She said there are areas in student performance where gaps exist and that is where they are trying to fill the need. She said they are looking at academic return on investment and looking at process, program, and people to meet the student needs. Vice-Chair McKee said he hopes that performance and proficiency are in there equally high. 13 Commissioner Richards asked if it is still the case that CHCCS is the only school district that offers paid parental leave. Rani Dasi said she believes that Wake may have something now and possibly other counties, but she is not certain. She said there is no state funding for this. Commissioner Richards asked how many students left the district in the past year. Jonathan Scott said there hasn't been a change in the number of children about 100 children, but he will get that information to the Board. Commissioner Richards asked what the arrangement is for out of district students. Jonathan Scott said the vast majority of out of district students are the children of CHCCS employees. He said they no longer require those families to pay tuition as a benefit to employees. Commissioner Richards asked how that is accounted for budget-wise. Jonathan Scott said they take their projected numbers from DPI, add charter schools, then take away the out of district students and that gives them an adjusted ADM. He said that Orange County does the same thing. Will Atherton of Orange County Schools introduced their district's presentation. Dr. Monique Felder made the following presentation: Slide #1 ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. iNSPIRE. � Orange FY County Schools NORTH CCROtIN1 2024 Local Operating Budget Request April27, 2023 uur■o� Dr. Monique Felder,Superintendent 14 Slide #2 ` OUR VISION Preparing every learner for lifelong service and success. Orange County Schools' mission is to educate students in a safe, inclusive environment where we engage, challenge and inspire them to reach their maximum potential. sy��AY ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. 1. Slide #3 Strategic Plan Outcome Goals 0.i 1. • 2. Excellence & 3. Exemplary 4. Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS 20DE.King8t—t Hillsbarough,Nonh Carolina 27278 919.732.8126 WWW ORAN G ECO LINT YFIRST.COM Dr. Monique Felder said that they believe that children that are given to them are destined to become tomorrow's leaders. She said that they believe that if you treat people the right way and give them adequate tools, they will do great things. 15 Slide #4 OCS at a Glance, 2022-2023 71 067 ` K-la students Race/Ethnicity 36%, JJ 1 0 O Mixed Asian,1.80° American The number of students qualifying ' t a >� + Race,7.707c ndian,0.13% for Free and Reduced-Price Meals dk employees Bla 13.40 increased during the pandemic. 91 National Board Certified teachers Different languages spoken 313 licensed staff with advanced degrees / at home other than English 13 1—�_ white,49.50 a. 40 schools -�` �� 33 6 traditional elementary schools 3027. j- I year-round elementary school Hispanic, � � 3 middle schools k - 3 high schools 2021-22 2022- 3 Dr. Monique Felder said that the number of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch is now 49.75%, an increase from the slide showing 49%. She noted that every school district in the county experienced a drop in student membership. She said Orange County's school membership has stabilized but the students have changed. She said that there are additional needs now with a different student population. Slide #5 Budget • Not only OCS, but every school district across the nation experienced a precipitous drop in Student Membership during the pandemic • Overall, OCS Student Membership has stabilized o Composite makeup of student membership has shifted significantly • As the needs of our students have changed,the supports and services required from OCS has also changed. We'll be highlighting: o PreK o Exceptional Children o Multilingual Learner o Free/Reduced Population ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. 16 Rhonda Rath continued the presentation: Slide #6 Projected State ADM Average Daily Membership(ADM):The total number of school days within a given term-usually a school month or school year-that a student's name is on the current roll of a class,regardless of his/her being present or absent,is the"number of days in membership"for that student. Initial allotments are based on the higher of the prior year's actual first two months of ADM or the projected higher of first two months of ADM.-2022-2023 School Attendance& Student Accounting Manual FY 2023 FY 2024 Change Projected ADM 7,182 7,122 (60) Charter School 951 999 48 (less) Out of District 110 118 8 Total Student Billing Base 8,023 8,003 (20) ADM represents DPI projected Charter School reflects actual,verified,students at January 31 E N G A G F CHALLENGE. INSPIRF. Rhonda Rath said the ADM is predicted to decrease 20 compared to the previous year. Slide #7 Total District Membership 8,000 4,500 7,252 7,360 71033 7,067 7,122 7,000 4,000 3,923 3,932 3,613 6,000 3,532 3,500 3,000 5,000 2,500 4,000 1,425 1,771 1,842 1,827 1,886 2,000 3,000 1,500 2,000 1,000 1,000 E,022 1,011 995 500 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Hispanic �Black -While American lnciian Asian -f i,awaiian Pacific -a-Multl-Racial Total Rhonda Rath said that the membership is not fluctuating drastically, the ethnicity and needs of the students have. She said the Hispanic student population has increased 8.7%, Black population has decreased 5.2%, and White population has decreased 10%. 17 Slide #8 ■ � jai December and April (PreK) December April On average,PreK is 125 placing 1-2 students per week for services. 100 �• 75 Students coming to 5o OCS at PK have more complex and multiple needs that require more 25 specialized and multiple services. 0 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. Rhonda Rath said there are 106 PreK students being served. She said those needs include students with complex medical needs, intellectual disabilities, and autism. She said to adequately serve this population, $600,000 is allocated from Federal and State funds. Slide #9 ■ reK Takeaways fal • Demand and eligibility for services increasing dramatically with 25-30 evaluations quarterly,1-2 per week, and needs are changing o Then Speech Language Impairment o Now Developmental Delay,Autism Spectrum Disorder o Growth in Infant-Toddler Program increases demand on OCS PreK • EC PreK supports students age 3-5 with special needs in various settings: • Community childcare programs across the district • PreK Program site • OCS district PreK classrooms • Data show OCS kindergarten students begin with larger deficits, need additional instruction and support(academic, social-emotional)to reach baseline and close gaps E'NGA07 CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. 18 Slide #10 Students w/ Special Needs Trend December and April ■ December ■AprA State Allotment Trend 1250 FY 2018-19 $4,464.16/child Capped @12.75%ofADM 1000 FY 2019-20 $4,509.251Child Capped 912.75%of ADM 750 — FY 2020-21 $4,549.88/Child 500 Capped @12.75%of ADM FY 2021 22 $4,800.621child 250 Capped @13.00%of ADM FY 2022-23 $5,275.721Child 0 Capped @13.00%of ADM 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. Slide #11 Students w/ Special Needs Takeaways • OCS exceeds the cap for state funding consistently every year o Requires more local resources to serve the unique needs • State resources reflect increasing costs of the services • Student who require separate settings to meet their unique needs has increased over the past 2 years from 85 students to 110 students. ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. 19 Slide #12 Multilingual Learner Data Mu!tilingual Learner Students This increase far 2022-23 924 outweighs our increase in Latino/ Hispanic students 2021-22 825 (40+languages) z0zo-zi 687 Majority,but not 100%Spanish- 2019-20 772 speaking students (33 languages) 1s 1) 718 7 TIKI 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Rhonda Rath said there has been a dramatic increase in the number of students that are multilingual. Slide #13 Multilingual Learner (ML) Student Takeaways 091) • Teacher-to-Student ratio continues to increase, making it difficult to properly serve all MLs and meet requirements of Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) o Our data indicates that this population is growing faster than our average student population • Classroom teachers require more support from English Language Development Specialists, as the number of MLs grows and English as a Second Language service time decreases • Teachers being split between multiple small schools in order to provide equitable services and/or multiple hard to fill part-time positions added EINGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. Rhonda Rath said that the need is increasing while the state funds are not keeping up. 20 Slide#14 Total Free & Reduced-Price Lunch Students 66^,0 For the years so% 49.75% 2012-201 S, approximately AO%districtwide 41.61% 40% 36.19% 32.74% 30% 22.15% Average does not reflect the 20% wide disparity among schools 10% 0% 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 Slide #15 Free & Reduced-Price Lunch Students Takeaways nfii-� • The number of OCS students qualifying for free and reduced meals has increased from 2,534 in 2018/19 to 3,715 in 2022/23 • OCS Title I designated elementary schools increasing from 4 to 5 in FY 2024 SCHOOLS Fiscal Year River Hills- Efland Grady New AL Orange Gravelly Cedar Orange Partner- Park borough Central Cheeks Brown Hope Pathways Stanback Middle Hill Ridge High ship Acad 2018- 2864% 11.35% 58.20% 56.30% 39.19% 46.00% 33.04% 36.91% 25.42% 35.48% 23.70% 24.55% 52.63% 20� 19 2622- 35.21% 16.78% 73.97% 86.98% 59.29% 71.70% 52.32% 58.78% 40.98% 53.86% 43.76% 41.98% 76.74% 2023 Change — 4% 5% 14% 37% 14% I 17% 9% 21$. 8% 15% 23% 19% 34% ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. Rhonda Rath said that they need additional funding to include the additional schools in their Title I plan. 21 Slide #16 StrategicOutcome Goals Teaching1. 2. Excellence & 3. Exemplary 4. Empowering Tomorrow's Efficiency Staff Culture Leaders Rhonda Rath said that they continually try to implement the strategic goals and they have made concerted efforts to make students and staff feel safe at school. She said they have made great strides, but they need the Board's help. Slide #17 FY2024 Revised Continuation Budget 091) Total Increase to Salaries and Benefits (Based on a 4%increase) $1,554,000 $194/pp Utility&Fuel Increases $355,000 $ 44/pp Charter Enrollment Increase $310,000 $ 39/pp Total Local Current Operations Continuation Budget $2,219,000 $277/pp 1/2% legislated salary increase Will increase OCS' local salary budge et $175,000 or $24/PP ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. 22 Slide #18 Summary FY 2024 Superintendent's Recommendation Per Pupil(pp) Continuation Budget $ 2,219,000 $ 277 Expansion Budget $7,835,600 $ 979 Total Recommended $10,054,600 $1,256 FY 2023* FY 2024* Increase $38,570,900 $48,625,500 $10,054,600 $4,808 pp $ 6,064 pp $ 1,256 pp *Represents per pupil funding ONLY.Does not incorporate fund balance appropriations nor fines&forfeitures revenues - Rhonda Rath said that when she prepared this slide, she was under the impression that the Board had received copies of a very detailed budget with line-item information. She said that she thinks that is not correct. Dr. Felder continued the presentation. Slide #19 These are our students 1 t 1 9 and their needs are changing rapidly. 23 Slide #20 We need the right people «m wage •• M91+ai 4A I 111 Inn :tTitl;, t in the right places, with all the right programs. Slide #21 Now is the right time I. �7 to keep our schools working for every student. 24 Slide #22 PM A a i y ;r Dr. Felder referred some of the statistics listed on a document that was passed out to the Board prior to the meeting called "Empowering Excellence and "OCS Points of Pride." She said that said that a recent survey of staff, with 80% responding, revealed that 79% agreed that the Culture in Orange County Schools is welcoming; 73% felt the culture is respectful; 70% felt the schools are safe; and 59%feel that the schools are `warm.' She said that when people value their work, teachers feel they are valued in the community. She said that teachers are starting to look more like the students. She said that they are empowering excellence in every field and just becoming the successful adults they see in every child they serve. She said that this growth takes resources. She said some students need extra help and thanked the Board for their wise investments. Slide #23 Feedback/Questions 25 Vice-Chair McKee said he spent some recent time with the Orange County Schools high school robotics team. He said it was impressive to see what they accomplished. He said that it is mind blowing to see what the students have built. He said they have competed in the world's competition. Will Atherton said one of the most impressive parts is the cooperation between competitive teams as they will share equipment to ensure that others can continue on in a competition. Vice-Chair McKee said there was a team out of Wake County there on Saturday. Commissioner Richards asked for more information on targeted students. Dr. Felder said they targeted students of color, students in low socioeconomic groups, students who were not taking more rigorous courses. She said that they have seen a 50% increase in the number of students taking more rigorous courses. Commissioner Richards asked if this increase was over one or two years because the numbers were impressive. Dr. Felder said this was over one year and they were in the second year now. Vice-Chair McKee asked if the combined allocation in the previous year was over $100,000,000. Bonnie Hammersley said that it was $93 million. Vice-Chair McKee said the total request for FY24 is over $21 million, which is a 20% increase over the total allocation from last year, and a .14 cent increase. Chair Bedford said that EdNC published a report card on children's mental health and that North Carolina got an F. She said it was a valid analysis. She said it is sad to know that just at the continuation budget the county is really going to have to stretch. She said it was difficult to realize that they are not going to be able to do the things they thought they could do a year and a half ago, as far as social and emotional learning. She asked what the districts were doing to address social and emotional learning needs. Will Atherton said teachers and staff are burdened as well, since they are on the front line every day. He said there was a referral program Joyce Hatcher said they are offering professional development, mindfulness session, reduced Sportsplex membership, group benefits, quarterly mental health newsletter. Dr. Hamlett said the funding received in the previous year helped tremendously. She said they were also able to have mental health specialists and social emotional learning specialists in the schools. She said they created a mental health position for elementary schools that are shared between schools. Will Atherton said they have Renaissance Wellness, in-person mindful social and emotional learning program, and one-on-one check ins for their students. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said during the height of the pandemic there were mental health days. She asked if there is anything prohibiting a wellness day each week. Commissioner Fowler said the state does. Will Atherton said it is a challenge to meet the hours required by the state at the same time as ensuring the students are getting everything they need. He said that when they are not in school, they still have to provide the services to the students that have the need. He said he thinks there would be challenges around it being a full day every week, but it could be discussed. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said it just seems like there is a lot going on. Will Atherton said she is right. Vice-Chair McKee said the number of children on free and reduced lunch was striking. He asked about the threshold for the determination. Will Atherton said it depends on the family size and Federal poverty levels. Vice-Chair McKee said there are major increases in students and the number of schools for Title I and that it is hard to take in that there are schools at 86% free and reduced lunch. He said that is eye opening. 26 Will Atherton said it is and that is why they wanted to share the information. He said it does not change when children go to middle school and high school, they just do not apply for it and there is an artificial feeling that the need is not there. He said that teachers will have snacks the children can take home for their families. He said there are community programs that help with the need. He said that a child won't learn if they are hungry. Vice-Chair McKee asked if Chapel Hill is comparable to that. Dr. Hamlett said they are at 24%. Vice-Chair McKee asked if it varied from school to school. Dr. Hamlett said yes. Chair Bedford asked if there is still universal breakfast at Orange County Schools. Will Atherton said yes. Chair Bedford said that means every child can get breakfast at no cost. Chair Bedford reviewed the meeting schedule for FY24 budget considerations. Commissioner Hamilton thanked the school boards and staff for their service to children. The Board transitioned to a work session as representatives from the school systems departed. 2. Board of Health —Appointments Discussion The Board considered appointments to the Board of Health. BACKGROUND: The Board of Health makes policy and is charged with protecting and promoting public health in Orange County. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all eleven (11) members with representation from specific health-related professions and the general public. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Dr. Rachel Citizen/BOCC First Full Term 06/30/2026 Royce Appointment (re-appointment) Dr. Lee Pickett Veterinarian Second Full Term 06/30/2026 Dr. Shielda Nurse Second Full Term 06/30/2026 Rodgers If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Dentist 06/30/2025 Vacant since 01/13/2023 Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, introduced the item. Chair Bedford said the Board of Health plans to appoint someone to the dentist position before the end of June. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicants. Tara May said the appointments will come back for approval on May 16, 2023. 27 3. Carrboro Board of Adjustment—Appointment Discussion This item was removed at the start of the meeting and will be considered at the May 9, 2023 work session. 4. Carrboro Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee —Appointment Discussion The Board considered an appointment to the Carrboro Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee. BACKGROUND: The Carrboro Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee will review zoning amendment requests, special/conditional use permit applications for developments within the Northern Transition Area of Carrboro; make recommendations to the Carrboro Board of Adjustment or Carrboro Town Council; inventory areas of cultural, archaeological, historical significance; areas of open space, rural character, scenic qualities, biological values; areas of agricultural uses; and make recommendations based on the above studies for additional policies, goals, etc. that will preserve and enhance the special character of this area, and relate to its g rowth. The Board of County Commissioners appoints three (3) members representing the Northern Transition Area. The following individual is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Edward Witkin Northern Transition Second Full Term 01/31/2026 Area BOCC Appointee If the position listed above is filled, no vacancies remain. Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicant. 5. Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission —Appointment Discussion The Board considered an appointment to the Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission. BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission promotes recreation for the residents of Chapel Hill. The Commission serves as the recreation policy advisory body for the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Town. It consults with and advises the Town Council on matters affecting the overall recreational policies of the Town, the acquisition and use of lands and properties related to the total community recreation program, and its long-range projected programs for recreation, parks, and playgrounds. The Board of County Commissioners appoints one (1) Orange County resident. The following individual is presented for reappointment: 28 NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Alice K. Orange County Second Full Term 06/30/2026 Armstrong Resident If the position listed above is filled, no vacancies remain. Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, introduced the item. Commissioner Richards asked if the commission made a recommendation. Tara May said they had not made a recommendation, but she had kept the Chapel Hill Council Clerk informed about the process for reappointment. Commissioner Richards said there were other applicants for the position. Commissioner Greene said it is customary to give people a second term. Tara May said the Board could appoint someone else, but that the current person in the position is eligible for a second term. Chair Bedford said that appointments are limited to two terms. Tara May said that the terms are for three years, so after the second term Ms. Armstrong would roll off the commission. Vice-Chair McKee said it is normally not done to not reappoint for a second term, except for cause. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Alice K. Armstrong. 6. Chapel Hill Planning Commission —Appointment Discussion The Board considered an appointment to the Chapel Hill Planning Commission. BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill Planning Commission develops a comprehensive plan for the orderly growth and development of Chapel Hill. It reviews all plans for buildings, projects and facilities to be located within the Town's jurisdiction. It also formulates and recommends the adoption and amendment of ordinances. The Board of County Commissioners appoints one (1) resident representing the Chapel Hill Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, as well as one resident representing the Chapel Hill Extraterritorial Jurisdiction or the Joint Planning Area. The following position is presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM BOCC Chapel Hill ETJ First Full Term 06/30/2025 Appointee If the position listed above is filled, no vacancies remain. Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, introduced the item. Commissioner Greene said she was concerned that there was only one applicant. Tara May said she was happy to re-advertise the position. Vice-Chair McKee asked if the Board would like to wait on the decision. The Board agreed by consensus to wait and see if they get more applications. 29 7. Historic Preservation Commission —Appointment Discussion The Board considered an appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. BACKGROUND: The Historic Preservation Commission is charged with undertaking an inventory of properties of historical, prehistorical, architectural, and/or cultural significance. It recommends areas to be designated or removed as "historic districts" and reviews and acts upon proposals for alterations, demolition, new construction, etc. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seven (7) At-Large members. The following individual is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Stephen Peck At-Large One Year Extension 03/31/2024 If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain. Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, introduced the item. She said the commission requested an extension because Mr. Peck is the lead planner for the events surrounding the 250`h anniversary of Orange County. Chair Bedford noted that the other application for consideration was incomplete. Commissioner Greene said the recommended individual has done a lot of work for the Historic Preservation Commission. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended individual. 8. Orange County Housing Authority Board —Appointments Discussion The Board considered appointments to the Orange County Housing Authority Board. BACKGROUND: The goal of the Orange County Housing Authority Board is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for the low- and moderate-income families in the County. Due to the nature of its work, the Housing Authority Board does not make recommendations for appointments. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seven (7) members. The following positions are presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM BOCC At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2024 Appointment BOCC At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2026 Appointment BOCC Resident Member Partial Term 06/30/2024 Appointment If the positions listed above are filled, no vacancies remain. 30 Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus on Eva Weatherly-Rosner for the Resident Member position. Tara May said there was interest from the Housing Authority Board to appoint a resident to an At-Large position. She said that the board was in touch with residents to see if there was any interest in joining the board. Chair Bedford asked if the board would have more applications in a few weeks. Tara May said the staff liaisons are in touch with the program participants, but she is not sure when they would have additional applications. Chair Bedford said they could wait a couple of weeks Tara May said the next appointment discussion would be on June 1, 2023. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for clarification on what the Board wanted to do. Chair Bedford said they will put Eva Weatherly-Rosner in the Resident Member position. She said they could pick someone for one At-Large position and hold back on the other. Chair Bedford suggested Matthew Arlyn for an At-Large position. She said he would bring gender diversity to the board. Commissioner Greene thought he was the most qualified. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for clarification for the reason he was being considered. Chair Bedford said he was qualified and expert in public housing. Chair Bedford said Victoria Hudson was an Environmental Health employee and was good to work with. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about Terri Buckner. Chair Bedford said she had served on the Broadband Task Force. Commissioner Fowler noted that Matthew Arlyn had not previously served on any boards. Commissioner Greene said Eva Weatherly-Rosner has also not previously served and that she put the Housing Authority Board as her first choice. The Board clarified that they were in agreement on Eva Weatherly-Rosner for the Resident Member position, but needed to fill one At-Large position. Commissioner Fowler said she thought Matthew Arlyn was qualified and liked that he had not previously served. Commissioner Richards said he would also provide age diversity to the board. The Board agreed by consensus on Matthew Arlyn for one of the At-Large positions. They also agreed to keep the second At-Large position open to allow the Housing Authority Board time to recommend a resident for the position. 9. Orange Unified Transportation Board —Appointments Discussion The Board considered appointments to the Orange Unified Transportation Board. BACKGROUND: The Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) advises the Orange County Board of County Commissioners on the overall planning and programming of transportation improvements in the County. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fourteen (14) members, with representation from each of the County's townships. The OUTBoard does not make recommendations. The following positions are presented for Board consideration: 31 NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM BOCC At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2025 Appointee BOCC At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2025 Appointee BOCC Hillsborough Partial Term 09/30/2023 Appointee Township If the positions listed above are filled, the following vacancies remain: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Cedar Grove 09/30/2023 Vacant since 11/15/2022 Township At-Large 09/30/2023 Vacant since 05/11/2022 At-Large 09/30/2025 Vacant since 10/01/2022 Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, introduced the item. Chair Bedford said that Natalie Ziemba was the applicant for the Hillsborough Township. She said that they previously appointed her to the Parks and Recreation Council, but she thought it was ok given the number of vacancies on the OUTBoard. Commissioner Richards said that Natalie Ziemba said she uses public transportation. Chair Bedford said that Erik Legg rides a bicycle and takes an electric vehicle to RTP. The Board agreed by consensus on Erik Legg and Gregory Woloszuczuk for two At-Large positions and Natalie Ziemba for the Hillsborough Township position. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton and seconded by Commissioner Richards to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Recorded by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.