Minutes 05-23-19 Budget Work Session

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Matt Williams, Durham Tech CFO, said Durham Tech was named as a living wage employer last year, and the raise took place at that time. He said only a few people will get a 2.5% raise, he said most will get $500, or 1%, per the State’s prediction. He said these funds will cover less than 8 people. Commissioner Bedford referred to the proposed additional recruiter and counselor who would work with both school districts, and clarified that the County funded one of these positions 4 years ago, who works with 4 of the high schools. She asked if there is another person working at Cedar Ridge High School, or if this role is covered under that same first position. She asked what this role entails. Penny Gluck, Executive Dean of the Orange County campus of Durham Tech, said this four years ago the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) funded a public school liaison position that covered both school systems: 5 high schools and 2 alternative high schools. She said this was a lot for one person to do, while attempting to make significant connections with the students and staff. She said Orange County partnered with them on a grant to receive funding for a career coach, and this funding comes partly from Orange County Schools (OCS) and Durham Tech – 25% each, with the grant paying for the rest. She said this grant required a designated school, and in OCS this is Cedar Ridge High School (CRHS). She said this career coach helps 9-12 graders make career decisions. She said this person discussed programming at all of the community colleges, the military, and other career options beyond the scope of Durham Tech. She said this position has been applied for and funded again, and Durham Tech has requested that this position be able to serve Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), and allow the original position to serve both OCS high schools. Commissioner Bedford asked if this position would serve 9th -12th graders. Penny Gluck said yes, but works mostly with the juniors and seniors. She said the liaisons will do whatever is needed to help students think about long term planning. She said they explain options for attending Durham Tech, as well as the Career and College Promise Program, which is tuition free for juniors and seniors that are college ready. She said the financial gain for these students is huge. Commissioner Bedford asked if undocumented students pay out of state tuition. Penny Gluck said yes, but Durham Tech is asking the Board to consider some of the short-term, non-credit, training options that are available, as these fees are not based on in- state/out-of-state. Commissioner Dorosin asked if this proposal has been approved. Penny Gluck said not yet. She said Durham Tech is asking for a reallocation, within the $200,000 provided for scholarships; as thus far these funds have been for curriculum programming only, but this proposal would include certificate short-term training options that have a track record of good employment outcomes. She said most of these are less than $1000 to complete. Commissioner Dorosin asked if this proposal will be voted on soon. Penny Gluck said the BOCC has to vote on this potential reallocation. Bonnie Hammersley said this will be voted on as part of the budget. Chair Rich asked if the entire $200,000 is being spent. Matt Williams said the $200,000 request is based on projections. He said this year $151,000 was spent for fall and spring. He said it is growing every year, but not as quickly as was expected. Commissioner Bedford asked the school superintendents if, funding this additional person at Durham Tech, would allow the districts to use counselors, etc. for expanded capacity. Dr. Pam Baldwin said that is a hard question to answer, since CHCCS does not have a plan yet; but would work with its counseling department and Durham Tech if this position were funded.