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13 <br /> 1 OCS Chair Atherton said OCS had a short discussion about this, and an increased <br /> 2 number of hotspots, purchasing internet devices for buses, and if these buses can be driven into <br /> 3 some of the more rural areas. <br /> 4 OCS Chair Atherton said OCS has talked about the K-2 students, who do not have the <br /> 5 one to one technology, and are looking at devices and a gamut of how remote learning could <br /> 6 work more effectively. He said figuring out student learning losses and the needs of EC children <br /> 7 are other issues to consider. <br /> 8 Superintendent Felder said OCS has started these conversations, and if schools cannot <br /> 9 open typically, then remote learning will have to continue, which is evolving over time. She said <br /> 10 access to Wi-Fi for students and staff is a huge issue, as well as insuring that everyone has <br /> 11 devices. She said an additional challenge is students' social-emotional needs. She said <br /> 12 academics cannot be the only focus. She said if a child is hungry or enduring trauma, they will <br /> 13 not be available to learn, regardless of the setting. She said OCS is also concerned about <br /> 14 closing gaps that will grow over the summer, as well as a result of Covid-19. She said staff is <br /> 15 looking into all these areas. <br /> 16 Commissioner Marcoplos said no one knows what is going to happen, and the State <br /> 17 Superintendent has created a state task force to look at what to do if there is a Covid-19 spike <br /> 18 during the summer. He asked if there could be a local County task force to discuss some of <br /> 19 these issues, and have a system in place to best respond to the educational and financial <br /> 20 component of this pandemic. <br /> 21 <br /> 22 BACKGROUND: <br /> 23 Budget uncertainties that we face every year are anticipated to pale in comparison to the fiscal <br /> 24 year ahead. We realize that the State and County may very well experience shortfalls as a <br /> 25 result of the Stay at Home Order. However, as ambassadors of Orange County students, we <br /> 26 remain committed to the well-being and future of every student that we serve. Therefore, after <br /> 27 thoughtful and careful deliberations among our staff and Board, we bring the following budget <br /> 28 request to you for consideration: <br /> 29 <br /> 30 $36,701,002 Continuation budget that incorporates the following: <br /> 31 • Universal breakfast in every elementary school <br /> 32 • Anticipated State mandated salary increases: <br /> 33 o Five percent certified staff <br /> 34 o Two percent all other staff continued <br /> 35 <br /> 36 • Employer retirement contribution increased to 21.44% per eligible employee <br /> 37 • Employer hospitalization contribution increased to $6,647 annually per participating <br /> 38 employee <br /> 39 • Continued focus on identifying and eliminating inequities in access to opportunity and <br /> 40 academic barriers for our students. <br /> 41 <br /> 42 $1,414,100 Expansion budget that incorporates the following: <br /> 43 • COVID-19 student education support <br /> 44 • Two inclement weather days for classified staff <br /> 45 • Reinstatement of remaining teacher assistant workdays <br /> 46 • Two additional school counselors <br /> 47 • Two Academically/Intellectually Gifted teachers ensuring every elementary school has <br /> 48 access <br /> 49 • Pre-K dual Language program <br /> 50 0 One district translator to support our Spanish speaking students and families <br />