Minutes 05-26-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Gordon said that CHCCS has done a good job explaining what the $298,000 and why it is important. She asked why they needed the extra funding next year. Neil Pedersen said that they have plenty of new expenses such as retirements, phasing out of federal funds, etc. and these were covered through the continuation budget. Their expenses are greater next year than the funds they received this year so they would like to have the same funding as last year. He said that they have suggested eliminating one secretarial position per school, an average of two teacher assistants per school, and reducing seven or eight core classroom teacher positions. This would include a reduction in the offerings of world language in the elementary school. Commissioner Gordon asked what the Board would plan to do with the funding from the '/4-cent sales tax if it passes and Neil Pedersen said that the priority would be on retrofitting the older schools and funding technology. Jamezetta Bedford said that the 10-year CIP has some older bathrooms that will be renovated. Frank Clifton said that this is Neil Pedersen's last budget session since he will be retiring and expressed thanks to him for his service in Orange County. Chair Pelissier said that the Board of County Commissioners appreciated all he has done for education in Orange County. Oranqe County Schools Superintendent Patrick Rhodes and Vice Chair ponna Coffey made this presentation. Superintendent Rhodes said that the OCS Board approved budget was $23,043,528 or $3,096 per student. This is the same request they have provided for the last three years. He said that as presented, the House and Senate budgets will put them at 20% less than the 2007-08 levels for operating funds. In terms of position loss from the State level, it could mean as many as 50 teaching positions. They have appropriated 41% of the fund balance ($1.4 million) and have made another$1.2 million in operational reductions, mainly at the district level. He pointed out that for the past three years, they have reduced local recurring costs by just at $3 million and have improved the achievement rates at nearly every level. He said that, to maintain this progress, he will likely come to the Board of County Commissioners next year for an increase in per pupil allocations. He said that they appreciated the leadership of the Board of County Commissioners and the commitment to education. Commissioner Gordon asked when the OCS Board would consider what it would do with the '/4-cent sales tax and Superintendent Rhodes said that this will be addressed during the June meeting. Superintendent Rhodes said that it will be a challenge for everyone moving forward, and he sent a letter to the Board of County Commissioners requesting consideration of some funding options. Chair Pelissier said that they will probably start reviewing this letter in the school collaboration work group. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the letter and said that he does sympathize with some of the concerns that were raised about funding equity in regard to capital. He hopes that this is part of the discussion with the collaboration group. He said that there used to be a lot of discussion about equitable funding. Chair Pelissier appreciated the comment about making strides in student achievement despite the budget cuts. Frank Clifton said that education is the largest portion of the County's budget and the County cannot sustain the levels they are at now without an increase in revenues. He said that next year will be an even more difficult year.