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12 <br /> SAPFO student projections for this year are not showing a need for new school construction or <br /> expansion in the 10-year projection period for both school districts due to slowing student <br /> growth rates. However,planned residential development in the near future may increase student <br /> membership and accelerate school construction and expansion needs into the 10-year projection <br /> period. Although capacity and construction needs are not identified this year, both school <br /> districts face a large backlog of school capital projects that need to be addressed. Given that <br /> student projections are not showing an immediate need for school construction in the 10-year <br /> period, this may provide the time for both school districts to commence and/or complete these <br /> projects in order to address ongoing needs. <br /> The State of North Carolina passed legislation in 2015 resulting in a decrease in class size <br /> averages for kindergarten to third grade for the 2017-18 school year. Based on legislation, the <br /> class size averages may be reduced from 1:21 to 1:17. Due to significant statewide ramifications <br /> as a result of the reduced class size averages, the North Carolina General Assembly is reviewing <br /> a second bill to modify and increase the 1:17 class size averages in time for the 2017-18 school <br /> year. If legislative action is not taken, the 1:17 class size averages will remain and result in a <br /> decrease in capacity of approximately 444 students for OCS and 660 students for CHCCS. This <br /> will have significant impacts for both school districts, resulting in over capacity situations and <br /> requiring additional mobile units at the elementary school level. The SAPFO Technical Advisory <br /> Committee will continue monitoring this issue. <br /> iv <br />