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Minutes - April 19, 2016

Certified Staff Advisory Meeting

April 19, 2016

 

Members present include: Anita DeBerry (WMHS); Sarah Talbert (EMHS); Sharon Harkins (TES); Colin Peters (EMS); Christy McIntyre (MGES); Danielle Hurley (SES); Tim Addis (MLA); Autumn McNeill (CES); and Teresa Furr (GRES). Absent: Ashley Williamson (WMS) and Janet Reavis (PSES) 

Dr. Ellis welcomed all in attendance.

Budget Update

Dr. Ellis provided the following budget update. Superintendents have been meeting across the state to lay out a legislative platform for more pay for teachers and principals. The rate increase is unknown at this time. However, MCS is preparing for a 2% increase for everyone, but will accommodate whatever is passed through legislation. 

MCS is losing $942,000 this year to charter schools, which is creating a deficit of $300,000 in our budget. As individuals retire, positions will be evaluated to determine if the position is needed in order to make cuts to accommodate for this deficit. 

Facilities Update

The financial and architectural feasibility study is expected to be completed May 31st. It will help determine what can be done with facilities for the future. A 4th wing will be added to East Middle in order to handle the growth that continues on the East side. An early college and advanced CTE center will be built. The question is what will be done with the high schools. The USDA makes available to NC $70 million each year. There is the potential that Montgomery County could receive all $70 million worth of funding. This would allow Montgomery County to construct a central high school. This would be the answer to the issue we are facing to combat charter schools. The study will help determine if we can borrow more money in order to renovate current high schools or build a central high school. If Montgomery County does not receive the full amount, at the very least the wing would be added at East Middle and we would begin construction on the early college/CTE center. 

The county has established a restricted fund with $5 million that can only be spent on capital projects for education. The commissioners and county manager continue to do a great job to support our schools. 

½ million dollars is spent every year for maintenance on the high schools. A central high school would help greatly reduce these expenses. 

Dr. Ellis asked for any concerns that have been heard.

Questions

Will the county supplements increase anytime? We would love to be able to increase the supplement, but at this time, due to the amounts of funds being lost to charter schools it is not feasible. The issue is on Dr. Ellis’ radar and when something can be done it will be.