Minutes 05-26-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 greatly in size. He said using Wake County as a comparable district may not be legitimate. He said it is close in proximity, but very different in size and scope. Chair McKee asked the Manager to develop another chart based on school population. Commissioner Pelissier said she would like to track recruitment issues, as well as determining the point in the year at which teachers are leaving: mid-year versus end-of-year. Commissioner Price said she would like to know why teachers are retiring: is it simply time for a larger number of people to retire, or are people retiring mid-career. Commissioner Jacobs said he would like to know if the districts track the substitutes that are being hired, and if they are qualified to be substitutes. He said he would also like to know the age level where substitutes are in greatest demand: elementary, middle and/or high school. Dr. Todd Wirt, OCS Superintendent said, since 2009, the number one reason teachers have left OCS is to teach elsewhere, and the second reason is retirement. Donna Coffey offered some observations of where the Manager's recommended budget has left OCS, and it does not reflect the same values or understanding held by OCS. She said the Board, teachers, and students have all expressed great concern to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). She said the proposed budget leaves OCS approximately $700,000 short of funding basic mandates. She said increasing the local supplement is the top priority for OCS after funding the basic mandates. Commissioner Jacobs asked if Donna Coffey could clarify the meaning of mandates. Donna Coffey said it refers to the salary increase and retirement and health insurance matches. Dr. Todd Wirt said it also refers to some additional programming for special education. Commissioner Jacobs asked if it also includes utilities. Donna Coffey said no. Commissioner Burroughs asked if data is kept regarding teachers having second jobs. Dr. Todd Wirt said there is loose data but nothing concrete. Commissioner Dorosin lamented that Donna Coffey felt the way she does, and that he thought the BOCC is being supportive of schools. Commissioner Dorosin asked if there are resource officers in elementary schools. Donna Coffey said yes. Commissioner Dorosin asked if elementary schools can receive out of school suspension or be expelled. Dr. Todd Wirt said yes. Donna Coffey said OCS is reviewing its policy manual, and trying to see places where substantive changes can be made that have no cost, but will still make changes in their student and teacher's lives. Commissioner Jacobs said work does need to be done on the budget process, and if more clarity is needed from the County, it can be provided. He said this has become a very stilted and contentious process, and he hopes that joint meetings could be used to discuss and change this process. Commissioner Jacobs suggested a social event to be held over the summer, for the BOCC and the school boards get to know each other better. Commissioner Jacobs said there have not been any in-range county employee salary increases in seven years, and there have been cost of living allowance increases totaling 7.5% over the last four years, and not the three previous years before that. Donna Coffey said she was referring more to the topic of pay for performance. Commissioner Jacobs said that is new to this year's proposed budget. Donna Coffey said she had seen it present in the budget for a few years.