Agenda - 03-23-2000 - 4 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SCHOOL FUNDING OPTIONS TASK FORCE MEETING SUMMARY February 28, 2000 Schools feel they have been providing heads -up of major new initiatives through the semi - annual joint BOCC /school board meetings and monthly County Manager /Superintendent meetings. Schools ask their staffs to itemize budget elements in priority order, but want administrators to tell the school boards exactly what's needed — wouldn't want to squelch administrators with some percentage figure. ■ OCS expressed concerns that there should not be any expectation that the BOCC must endorse their initiatives, e.g. teacher supplement funding or class size reduction. They feel they have to match what Wake, Durham, etc are doing - Chatham doesn't do that, so their teachers will come to Orange County. ■ CHCCS indicates they decided not to aggressively pursue class size reduction this year, as they wouldn't have money to do that. Like OCS, they are not necessarily seeking BOCC endorsement and feel they should be able to make decisions (e.g. Scroggs class structure) without BOCC consultation. ■ CHCCS sees value in last bullet on County list, giving County Manager direction on the formulation of school funding in the County budget, while allowing schools to make their cases for more funding during the budget review process. ■ CHCCS acknowledges that BOCC is not talking about a cap on funding, but notes that it feels like a cap because they wouldn't be able to do some things they want to do. ■ County acknowledges that it is not in their purview to dictate what schools spend money on and understands school boards' frustrations that they don't control the money. For the last 5 years, schools have averaged about 48.12% of County's General Fund - that's right about where we are and why 50% range is a possible target. We're in an enviable position, even if we're not doing all we might like to do. ■ Discussion about what kind of rigorous, non -staff review of budgets is done, both for County and schools? Mention of CHCCS 1995 Pannesi report, 80% of which has been implemented, with the balance waiting on State to upgrade SIMS. ■ In reviewing task force appointment resolution, it appears that we have done most things BOCC asked, except for a recommendation. Don't plan to meet again, but County representatives will draft something, and circulate it to other task force members for comment before taking a formal report to the BOCC.