Minutes 05-26-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 Commissioner Rich said this budget process never feels good, and she hopes all can be more innovative about their relationships and communication going forward. She acknowledged that the State holds a lot of blame, but the County and the Schools can communicate more regularly rather than waiting until the last minute. Commissioner Burroughs said a simple solution is for the legislature to give taxing power to the school districts. She said the BOCC may want to publicly advocate such a change. She acknowledged that the budget season can be heightened, but she believes the schools can be funded and should be for the sake of the students and the teachers. She said she will be advocating for both school districts to receive their full budget requests. Commissioner Pelissier said she would like to change the narrative of the Manager's recommended budget and to leave out the mention of no tax increase. She said a tax increase is the purview of the Board. She said the schools are a big driving force for tax increases, and she would be willing to raise taxes. She said the BOCC is charged with governing the whole County, and she is not sure of the best way to amend the budget process. Donna Coffey said OCS would be more than willing to work with the Board on this or any future budget process. Commissioner Price said budget process can be worked on, and she has never had a problem talking to anyone on either school board. She has always found both school boards to be receptive and hopes dialogue can increase. Chair McKee noted that holding two jobs is not unique to the teaching profession, but he would be interested to see how many teachers are working second jobs, and then compare that to the general population. Tom Forcella, CHCCS Superintendent, and James Barrett, CHCCS School Board Chair, reviewed information about the district's budget requests, and questions and responses from the Board of County Commissioners. Tom Forcella said from 2006-2014 the main reasons for teacher turnover rate was re- location and retirement. He said more recently teachers have been leaving in order to teach in another North Carolina public school. Tom Forcella referred to the questions about substitute teachers and said these teachers do not have to be certified. Tom Forcella referred to Commissioner Dorosin's comments about discipline and said all principles, vice-principles, and guidance counselors have been trained in restorative discipline, and the district is moving away from traditional disciplines such as out of school suspension. Tom Forcella reviewed the highlights and goals of Project Advance, noting it will be a systemic change to promote new cultures. Chair Barrett said CHCCS also feel that this budget process does not work for anyone. He referred to teachers who work second jobs and said his concern is when a teacher is working a second job, that teacher will not be at their best in the classroom, and this is of concern. Commissioner Rich shared her concerns about Project Advance, noting that there are senior teachers who are very concerned about this program. Tom Forcella said experienced teachers may be able to test out of the lower levels of the program. Commissioner Rich asked if other counties in the State are implementing similar programs. Tom Forcella said no, CHCCS is the only district implementing this program. He said outstanding instruction in the classroom is the best way to close the achievement gap. He said