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Agenda Item #1 <br /> Attachment C <br /> ~rra� ®mange County Schools <br /> 200]East King Street,Hillsborough,NC 27278 <br /> Phone:919-732-81261 ]Fax:919-732-8120 <br /> Imoniquue.felder(a�orange.h 12.ne.uus <br /> www.orangecountyfirst.com <br /> Dr. Monique Felder, Superintendent <br /> April 22, 2020 <br /> As planning and preparation begins for the 2020/2021 academic year, Orange County Schools finds <br /> itself facing an unprecedented health crisis in our nation and in our State. As a result, schools districts <br /> closed Monday, March 16 and will remain closed until at least May 15, 2020 unless further instruction <br /> is issued from Governor Cooper. <br /> The typical instructional day that so many students found comfort and safety in, no longer exists in this <br /> pandemic environment. Families are experiencing uncertainty and fear as they can no longer provide <br /> for their families without risking their own health. Students and staff have been forced into a remote <br /> learning environment with little to no time to transition and prepare. <br /> As a result, every school district in the state had to pivot and rapidly develop means to support student <br /> learning in a different environment. Orange County Schools is committed to providing remote learning <br /> for students through various means. In Phases I and 2 of our remote learning plan we established a <br /> Remote Learning Team consisting of teachers from every school, support staff, principals and central <br /> office staff. They developed Choice Boards, Pre-K—Grade 12, that offer activities that enrich and <br /> extend learning. Choice Boards also focus on reviewing and practicing skills and concepts taught <br /> previously and are available electronically or in hard copy form through a variety of means including <br /> through a number of pick up sites and US mail, which the first mail out cost the district over three <br /> thousand dollars. Teachers established"office hours"to remain connected to students and families to <br /> further support student learning and meet their social-emotional needs. The district also rolled out a <br /> Remote Learning Website for accessing Choice Boards and many other online learning resources. Phase <br /> 3 of our remote learning plan will continue to include all of the learning options available in Phases I <br /> and 2 as well as new asynchronous learning opportunities reflecting the end of 3rd quarter and 4d'quarter <br /> critical standards students will need to be successful in their next grade level or course. While the final <br /> cost for addressing the learning, social-emotional, and operational needs in the district as a result of <br /> COVID-19 is still unknown, we anticipate that it will be very costly. <br /> Budget uncertainties that we face every year are anticipated to pale in comparison to the fiscal year <br /> ahead. We realize that the State and County may very well experience shortfalls as a result of the Stay <br /> at Home Order. However, as ambassadors of Orange County students, we remain committed to the <br /> well-being and future of every student that we serve. Therefore, after thoughtful and careful <br /> deliberations among our staff and Board, we bring the following budget request to you for <br /> consideration: <br /> $36,701,002 Continuation budget that incorporates the following: <br /> • Universal breakfast in every elementary school <br /> • Anticipated State mandated salary increases: <br /> o Five percent certified staff <br /> o Two percent all other staff continued <br /> 3 <br />