Orange County NC Website
20 <br /> <br /> Clarify Elementary School Capacity to Ensure Pre-K Classroom Space is also Included <br />in the SAPFO Calculations <br /> Revise the 2007 School Construction Standards Establish Facility Standards for Pre-K <br />Classrooms <br />o Requires Action by the Schools Boards and Orange County Board of <br />Commissioners <br /> <br />Recommendation <br /> The Manager recommends the Board discuss next steps for addressing the treatment of <br />Pre-K student membership in light of the existing SAPFO regulations. <br />o Direct staff to prepare a formal amendment to SAPFO to include Pre-K students <br />in student membership calculations with direction on the treatment of capacity <br />determinations <br />o Direct staff to create an informal capacity tracking tool unrelated to SAPFO <br />o Defer action to a later date <br /> <br />Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the Pre-K numbers are firm and accurate, compared <br />to the SAPFO numbers. <br />Travis Myren said the numbers in the previous slides are solid, as they represent <br />existing students. He said the policy question arises as to how to accommodate numbers in the <br />existing regulations and framework. <br />Commissioner Marcoplos said the numbers are firm. <br />Travis Myren said these pre-K numbers are not projections at all, but rather existing <br />students. <br />Commissioner Dorosin read an excerpt from the agenda item abstract, and said he had <br />thought SAPFO did not contain specific language that the planning board has to deny a <br />development if there is not enough capacity. <br />Travis Myren said it is not discretionary. <br />John Roberts said the ordinance is in the agenda packet and he would look at it. <br />Commissioner Dorosin referred to page 12 of attachment A (page 4 in the book), which <br />said a CHCCS universal pre-K program will cost approximately $15 million and serve 750 <br />students. He asked if this estimate includes private pay students. He said the Orange County <br />Schools program does not include private pay students. <br />Travis Myren said that is correct. <br />Commissioner Dorosin said he views universal pre-K as being for anyone who cannot <br />afford it, and would not include private pay students. He asked if this is how everyone else <br />would define universal pre-K. He asked if any means testing will be done, and if the 750 <br />number includes the private pay people. <br />Commissioner Dorosin said he would like the universal pre-K slots to be used for those <br />that need it the most, and not for those who are able to pay. <br />Commissioner Dorosin said OCS does not have any private pay students included in its <br />numbers. <br />Chair Rich asked if there is a state definition of pre-K. <br />Commissioner Bedford said traditionally those who pay for pre-K are teachers and staff <br />members. <br />Commissioner Dorosin asked if that is true because of policy. <br />Commissioner Bedford said traditionally pre-K has been so expensive that other families <br />select other programs, and most families need year round coverage and not just 180 days.