Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
34 <br /> inspire <br /> CHCCS is unwavering in our commitment to ensuring success For EVERY child. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if the -$1 million fund balance appropriation was needed in <br /> addition to the CARES money for COVID-related issues. <br /> Jonathan Scott said CHCCS allocated $1 million last year for COVID response. He said <br /> that money was utilized primarily for additional responsibility stipends to get people to return to <br /> work prior to reopening. He said the additional money the Board allocated beyond the $1 <br /> million was necessary because CHCCS has not received the remainder of CARES Act money. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked about reorganization, and if previous positions were taken <br /> into account. <br /> Dr. Hamlett said that was taken into account prior to her arrival, and changes were <br /> based on the strong recommendation from the financial audit. <br /> Jonathan Scott said it is important to remember that when the external audit was done, <br /> the staffing levels were the same level as they are now. He said it was recommended to have <br /> an administrator level position, as opposed to classified level position. <br /> Commissioner McKee clarified that CHCCS is anticipating $11.7 million in unassigned <br /> fund balance going into July 1, 2021, plus half a million in ESSR phase III money. He asked if <br /> the request of$8 million assumes that none of the unassigned fund balance will be used. <br /> Jonathan Scott said that is correct. He said he is actually anticipating around $15 million <br /> in fund balance by year-end. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if there was a minimum required fund balance amount. <br /> Jonathan Scott's connection cut out. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said the County policy for the schools in undesignated fund <br /> balance is 5.5%. <br /> Jonathan Scott said he believes there is no minimum requirement by law, but best <br /> practice indicates 3 months of local expenditures with operating cash. <br /> CHCCS Board Member Rani Dasi said the reason CHCCS is not using the CARES <br /> funding is because there are asking for items that are recurring, which cannot be paid for with <br /> one time crisis funding. <br /> Commissioner Bedford asked for a list of information to be emailed including: current <br /> position allotments (other than classroom teachers) for elementary, middle, and high schools; <br /> information on second step; the qualifications for the mental health specialist and Dean of <br /> Students positions; the dates of any presentations about SEL to watch; and the estimate of any <br /> budget changes with the USDA covering school lunches through December. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said she was on the school board when Athletic Directors were <br /> cut from 12 to 10 months. She said between 2009-2011 CHCCS cut over $10 million out of <br /> budget, in addition to losing a lot of teaching assistants. She said it is nice to see some of the <br /> proposals, but she would personally advise looking at the fund balance policy in order to plan <br />