Minutes-09-26-2023 Joint Meeting with School Boards

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41 Jonathan Scott said that because the fund balance has been drawn down, there is not sufficient cash in the bank. He said comparing revenues to expenditures, they are about $6.5 million in the hole. He said in previous years they had cash investments that were reflected in their fund balance, which allowed them to float the negative fund balance. He said that the numbers assume that the fund balance is zero. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the higher expense vs. revenue is due to payroll. Jonathan Scott said that the majority of their expenses are annualized and 85% of their expenses are related to personnel. He said their expenses are relatively flat over the course of the year. He said the district tax accounts for$26 million, and collection does not start in earnest until November, December, and January. Vice-Chair McKee acknowledged and complimented the academic gains made by CHCCS. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how the student achievement numbers compare to state averages. Nyah Hamlett said that increases and growth are some of the highest in the Triangle region. She said one of the things they look for is growth and proficiency within student groups. She said previously, they compared academic achievement of racial and ethnic groups to each other. She said now, they look at achievement within student groups. Chair Bedford asked what the vacancy rate is for teachers and staff. Nyah Hamlett said it was in the letter. Commissioner Fowler said she would like for students with disabilities to be included, given that teacher vacancy rates in that area are often one of the highest. Nyah Hamlett said they have 5 student groups they focus on: students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged, Black, Latinx, and multi-lingual learners. She said when they have more data disaggregated, they will share that publicly. Chair Bedford asked what the plans are for recruitment and retention. She said the state recently came to an agreement on the budget, but the salary increases for teachers are dismal. Jonathan Scott said the state budget includes 4% salary increases, which is what CHCCS and the county also budgeted. He said there was a reduction in fringe benefits, vs. what they projected. He said that he felt the budget will be sustainable with a minimal fund balance appropriation. Commissioner Fowler asked about paternity leave, which the state will now cover. She asked if that was factored into their budget projections. Jonathan Scott said that was already factored in and will help the district.