Minutes 04-27-2021 Virtual BOCC-Schools Joint Meeting

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35 how the money will be spent in order to maintain positions. She said if there is that much extra fund balance the district can consider using it to maintain positions. She said she would like CHCCS to explain that better because there is a crisis and the fund balance does need to be spent down. Dr. Hamlett said she would send the follow up email to the Commissioners. Commissioner Dorosin referred to page 41 of the abstract, and asked if the 6-cent tax increase is being requested in order to fully fund the request. He said the entire 6-cent increase would be dedicated to education between the two school districts. Jonathan Scott said the number seems correct. Commissioner Dorosin said that is a large number. He said this is a tough year, and if there is any way to use any CARES or fund balance more effectively spread out the costs for non-recurring issues, he would encourage doing so. He said a tax increase of that amount is not realistic for residents coming out of the pandemic. He clarified that a 4-cent increase is needed for the continuation budget, and 6 cents for everything. He said if there is a way to use any of the other funds to bridge through this tight period, it should be pursued. He said he believes next year there will be a more positive economic situation, but this does not seem practicable right now. Commissioner Greene said she was interested in the Dean of Student position, and any data showing its effectiveness in other areas. She asked if CHCCS would provide info on this in a follow-up email. Chair La Serna said Dr. Hamlett would send information in a follow up email. Commissioner Hamilton asked if the follow up email could also include information about current staffing that supports students in schools, such as social workers, assistant principals, etc. Rani Dasi asked if Commissioner Hamilton is looking for an organization chart or numbers. Commissioner Hamilton said she would like to see the staffing numbers at each level. Joal Broun asked if Commissioner Hamilton would like to see the number of staff per student. Commissioner Hamilton asked the district to provide numbers that it thinks will be helpful to make the case for the newly requested positions. Commissioner Fowler asked if an old organizational chart versus the new one could be provided. She said she wants to understand how there is a continually rising fund balance. Chair La Serna said it would also be helpful to include national recommendations for caseloads for counselors and school psychologists in the follow-up email to Commissioners versus the reality at the schools currently. Commissioner Greene said Commissioner Hamilton's question was a good add on. She said for the Dean of Student position, she would like to understand the functionality and the value it will bring to the staff and students, rather than the numbers. Commissioner McKee said most of the positions added seem to be administrative, and he is curious why more administrative positions are needed versus having tutors to help students who are having difficulties. He said he hired a tutor to help his son when he was in high school. He said the answer could be provided in the follow up email. Dr. Hamlett said CHCCS can add clarification on the organization chart to show which positions are administrative versus direct service to students. Chair La Serna said the recommended Dean of Students should have high direct service to student load, and staff can provide these details. Dr. Hamlett said Dean of Students is at the high school level and would provide direct service to students. She said the SRO taskforce is still working, and the Dean of Students position would provide additional support if SROs are not continued in secondary schools.