Minutes - 20041214 - Laserfiche WebLink

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research team visiting every school in both districts. The meeting in November was a presentation of the preliminary findings. The initial responses were that they were welcomed by bath school systems, but that there are some obvious differences between the school systems in terms of resources and more adult participation in the CHCCS. The team will put together an Executive Summary that will identify the most striking examples of possibilities far resource sharing and the gaps in resources that affect equivalency between the two school systems. The report should be ready before the County Commissioners' planning retreat. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he talked with Dr. Grumet a few weeks ago. He made reference to the increased adult interactions in CHCCS, and said that it probably means paid employees. He said that based on his discussion with Dr. Grumet, one of the most significant findings was the fact that the number of specialists that are hired in the CHCCS is significantly higher than in OCS. He encouraged staff to talk with Dr. Grumet to see what she meant about this. One example is that Carrbora Elementary has over 20 specialists because of the large population of non-English speaking students. Commissioner Gordon asked what the Board was to make of the list because there are some observations and some questions. Rod Visser said that the list is a mixture of all of the questions, observations, and what the group plans to report on. Commissioner Gordon said that when they are struggling with how to identify the significant equity issues, she hopes they are looking at operating expenses, programs, buildings and other capital expenses. Rad Visser said that the finished report would be available the week of January 10tH c. Progress Report from Robert Segal, CPA, for School Efficiency Study The Board received an update from the firm of Robert S. Segal, CPA, PA regarding preliminary findings from an examination of opportunities for achieving budgetary efficiencies in the operations of the two school systems. John Link said that at the joint work session of the two school boards and the County Commissioners on September 27th, there was agreement that it was worthwhile to again engage Robert Segal and his firm to look at possibilities of greater efficiency for both school systems and County government. He was specifically to look at ways to enhance revenue and ways to reduce expenditures. There were three separate contracts with Mr. Segal for each of the three entities. The final report will be ready by mid-January, prior to the retreat. Robert Segal said that they have been working diligently on the revenue and expenses of the two school systems and have done a little bit of work on the County's. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools: They looked at the telecommunications expense and believe that they can save $67,000 a year on telecommunications. There were two meetings with staff, and there are some big plans for avoice-over IP system. This may affect the recommendation. They found some billing errors on a telephone bill and there is a potential for $28,000 savings a year. CHCCS is due $8,000 an another expense on the phone bills. Regarding North Carolina Sales and Use Tax, review has begun on 2002-2003. It is anticipated that there will be some revenue from this. Cash management review -They have issued a preliminary recommendation based upon assumptions from the school system. Since then, some of those have become not as accurate as hoped. There are some savings here. Finance Director Ken Chavious has a meeting with the banks in January to discuss the possibilities. Natural gas -Two of the schools are large enough and use enough natural gas that they can buy transmission gas, which saves about $7,000 a year. Orange County Schools: