Orange County NC Website
21 <br /> 1 o Direct staff to prepare a formal amendment to SAPFO to include Pre-K students <br /> 2 in student membership calculations with direction on the treatment of capacity <br /> 3 determinations <br /> 4 o Direct staff to create an informal capacity tracking tool unrelated to SAPFO <br /> 5 o Defer action to a later date <br /> 6 <br /> 7 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the Pre-K numbers are firm and accurate, compared to <br /> 8 the SAPFO numbers. <br /> 9 Travis Myren said the numbers in the previous slides are solid, as they represent existing <br /> 10 students. He said the policy question arises as to how to accommodate numbers in the existing <br /> 11 regulations and framework. <br /> 12 Commissioner Marcoplos said the numbers are firm. <br /> 13 Travis Myren said these pre-K numbers are not projections at all, but rather existing <br /> 14 students. <br /> 15 Commissioner Dorosin read an excerpt from the agenda item abstract, and said he had <br /> 16 thought SAPFO did not contain specific language that the planning board has to deny a <br /> 17 development if there is not enough capacity. <br /> 18 Travis Myren said it is not discretionary. <br /> 19 John Roberts said the ordinance is in the agenda packet and he would look at it. <br /> 20 Commissioner Dorosin referred to page 12 of attachment A (page 4 in the book), which <br /> 21 said a CHCCS universal pre-K program will cost approximately$15 million and serve 750 <br /> 22 students. He asked if this estimate includes private pay students. He said the Orange County <br /> 23 Schools program does not include private pay students. <br /> 24 Travis Myren said that is correct. <br /> 25 Commissioner Dorosin said he views universal pre-K as being for anyone who cannot <br /> 26 afford it, and would not include private pay students. He asked if this is how everyone else <br /> 27 would define universal pre-K. He asked if any means testing will be done, and if the 750 <br /> 28 number includes the private pay people. <br /> 29 Commissioner Dorosin said he would like the universal pre-K slots to be used for those <br /> 30 that need it the most, and not for those who are able to pay. <br /> 31 Commissioner Dorosin said OCS does not have any private pay students included in its <br /> 32 numbers. <br /> 33 Chair Rich asked if there is a state definition of pre-K. <br /> 34 Commissioner Bedford said traditionally those who pay for pre-K are teachers and staff <br /> 35 members. <br /> 36 Commissioner Dorosin asked if that is true because of policy. <br /> 37 Commissioner Bedford said traditionally pre-K has been so expensive that other families <br /> 38 select other programs, and most families need year round coverage and not just 180 days. <br /> 39 Commissioner Greene said it had been her understanding that SAPFO was mandatory, <br /> 40 but has never pulled the gun on developers. She said it is her understanding that CHCCS wants <br /> 41 to have a broader range of incomes represented in the pre-K. <br /> 42 Commissioner Bedford said Headstart requires slots for the kids with the greater needs. <br /> 43 John Roberts said the State does not define universal pre-K. He said the ordinance is in <br /> 44 line with what he has previously advised the Board to do, and that is if the Board does include <br />