Minutes 06-04-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Price said Durham County was very proactive in facilitating public transportation for students. She asked if there are plans to do something similar in Orange County, and how the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) can help. Dr. Ingram said any student can purchase a Go Pass, which gives free bus service from any of the Triangle Transit systems. He said it is a five day pass, and will cost the school about $90,000 this year. He said public transit is important in the area and the region, and the school is working with Triangle Transit to expand their services in reference to Durham Tech. Commissioner Rich asked if Dr. Ingram or Penny Glock could elaborate on how the high schools are taking advantage of Durham Tech. Penny Glock said the Orange County Campus has the Career and College Promise Program, which has the College Transfer Pathway. She said this offers students the opportunity to take tuition free classes, while they are in high school, towards an Associates Degree in Art or Science. She said the scheduling is designed to coincide with high school needs, wherever possible. She said the program is growing, and it is hoped that more high school students will participate. Commissioner Rich clarified if the students are on a degree path, then the tuition is free while they are in high school. Penny Glock said yes. Commissioner Rich asked how this cost is offset. Dr. Ingram said the State provides tuition exemption. He said the cost is simply written off by the State. Commissioner Rich said this is a fantastic opportunity for high school students, and hopes many will take advantage of it. Dr. Ingram said that is where the college liaison position would prove most helpful. Commissioner Price asked if$90,000 for the Go Pass comes from a particular funding source. Dr. Ingram said it is paid for by student fees. Commissioner Dorosin referenced page 148, regarding the request for funds to provide a 2% wage increase to staff whose salaries are paid with Orange County funds. He said Orange County has a living wage ordinance. He asked if the employees paid by Orange County funds earn the County's living wage, which is $12.76 per hour. Dr. Ingram said Durham Tech's salary schedules are pegged to exceed the minimum living wage for both Durham County and Orange County. b.) Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), Pg. 143 & 152 Superintendant Tom Forcella said the BOCC has most of the District's information but he wanted to take the opportunity to stress the importance of the ability to fund the mandates from the State for salary increases but also the desired changes within the system to benefit students, such as working with Durham Tech. He said there are also funds in the budget for support in Advanced Classes for minority students as well as economically disadvantaged students. Todd LoFriese, Assistant Superintendant, said the highlights of the Legislature's proposed budget are salary increases for teachers and all school employees. He said to make the local match is about $1.2 million. He said this budget also establishes medical and State retirement matches. He said the proposed County budget will leave an $800,000 deficit. He said there has been a steady reduction in positions in the past several years, including gifted specialists and custodians. He said there was $1.5 million in reductions last year. He said the next positions to be reduced would be Media Assistants who would be very unfortunate to lose.