Minutes 04-28-2020 Virtual Joint Meeting w-Schools

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24 CHCCS is trying to move away from project advance, so it no longer makes sense to keep employees capped if they have the necessary years of experience to qualify for additional stipends. He said this is an expansion budget request, and the $166,000 would go into the expansion budget and be available for coming years. He said the BOE feels removing this cap is important for recruiting and retaining high quality employees. Commissioner Dorosin said then this would apply to anyone that is hired moving forward. Jonathan Scott said yes, but that supplemental cap does not move until teachers are at 20 years of experience, and most teachers will not qualify at hiring, but it could be something for them to look forward to, and aid in retention. Rani Dasi said this request would move all CHCCS employees on to the same salary scale. Commissioner Bedford referred to the $380,000 from the State to the BOE, and asked if this has been spent in a particular way. Jonathan Scott said CHCCS received $380,000 from DPI, and used half of these funds to provide a monthly $60 tele-work stipend to those staff that were eligible. He said CHCCS also purchased many hot spots, which has used a good amount of the funds, and is holding the rest for different requests in the future. Chair Rich said the hotspots are an expensive band-aid, and she encouraged the schools to contact North Carolina legislators to push for consistency on broadband access. Commissioner Bedford expressed appreciation for all the BOEs and staff for feeding kids, and keeping them educated during this pandemic. Ashton Powell said he would like to talk more about the mental health needs that will arise out of the Covid-19 pandemic, and is especially concerned for parents who are simultaneously trying to be parents, teachers, breadwinners, etc. He said the schools are a fabulous access point to get services to families, and he hopes the schools can work closely with the County on these needs. Joal Broun said she wished that the Orange County Board of Commissioners would also send a letter to the legislators about broadband. She said the schools have also been working with the Town of Carrboro, who is sharing broadband near the schools. Chair Rich said the BOCC has written many letters at the local, state and federal levels, and is working diligently on this issue. Commissioner Price asked if CHCCS could provide a breakdown of what is being allocated toward supplemental food. She agreed with Ashton Powell about the increased need for mental health services and support. Commissioner Price echoed Chair Rich’s comments about broadband. Commissioner McKee thanked the schools for this conversation, and said no one knows what lies ahead in the next year, or years. He said the potential worst case is another 1929. He said these school budgets are not doable for him at this time, especially if they involve tax increases. He asked if both districts could look at their budgets again to pare them down. Amy Fowler said the schools will do what has to be done. She said she and Brenda Stephens spoke to Senator Burr about broadband in February, and she said it looks like things are not going to improve any time soon. She said Senator Burr said he favored satellite service. Commissioner Greene thanked both school districts for their presentations, both of which were excellent, despite the different formats. She said she would like to know more about food, and how does CHCCS budget for food, because there is a tremendous issue with hunger and poverty in Orange County. She said TABLE suggested not having the distribution points at the schools since they are currently closed. She asked if the percentage of free and reduced lunch eligible children in CHCCS could be identified. Dr. Pam Baldwin said it is 25.83 % (15% at high schools, which is probably low). Rani Dasi asked if Commissioner McKee is asking for something specific.