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