Minutes 09-30-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Michelle Brownstein arrived at 7:22:47 p.m. Tom Forcella said their entire instructional plan is based on instructional excellence. He said this is rooted in the principle of a growth mindset, which believes that all students have the ability to achieve at much higher levels, given proper instruction; classrooms that focus on thinking and problem solving; teachers who plan effectively; a coordinated curriculum; and best instructional practices. He said this is the charge of the long range plan. Tom Forcella said there is a requirement that every school district in N.C. must create a merit based pay plan for submission to the legislature by January 15th. He said this has been altered so that districts can sign off and not submit a plan. He said there have been conversations with staff about what can be done to make a difference, and why the current plan is based on years of experience versus professional growth, collaboration and what is going on in the classrooms. He said they are looking at a system that does not use merit based pay that pits one teacher against another, but instead provides opportunities for staff for leadership and career advancement. He said the goal is to create a system to sustain the good work that they do. Tom Forcella said the state's effort to create a merit based program is actually providing an opportunity for the district to create a system that looks a lot better. He said the state has said they will accept 7-10 pilot programs, and the district hopes to submit and be one of those professional growth plans. Todd Lofrese expressed appreciation for the additional local support from the Commissioners and the Orange County tax payers. He presented the following PowerPoint budget slides: Budget Highlights • Strong local support helped buffer continued state reductions • We no longer have positions on fund balance • Most teachers received a sizable raise (average �5.5%) • All employees were provided the equivalent of a 3% increase • Funded signing bonuses for critical needs Budget Lowlights • Continued state reductions in the areas of central office, transportation, at-risk, and teacher assistants • Signing bonuses: State raise announced too late • Teacher turnover at 15.8%, highest since 1998 • Reductions needed to balance: — Central Office (salaries, 1 PT position, contracted services) — Delayed Guidance Program Review — Part-Time Gifted Specialists (11 PT positions) — Teacher Assistants (22 FT positions) — Part-Time Custodians (15 PT positions) State Funding Changes Since 2008-09 • Total appropriations up $60 Million • Salary and benefit costs up $1.3 Billion • Net impact: Classrooms reduced by over $1 Billion