Minutes - January 31, 2018
Certified Staff Advisory
January 31, 2018
The following individuals were in attendance: Jennifer Pieczyski (EMHS); Melissa Shields (MGES); Amanda Henley (SES); Ashley Jones (PSES); Deborah Robins (MCEC); Kelley Hensley (EMS); Melissa Harris (TES); Katie Trogdon (CES); Patience Whitehead (WMHS); and Sara Ceneski (WMS). Absent: Katie Morris (MLA); Lisa Bunting (GRES)
Dr. Ellis welcomed all in attendance.
Celebrations
Haven’t missed any days this week!
Construction Update
Dr. Ellis referenced an article that was in the paper that alluded to the bids coming in for the new Central HS that were over budget. The county commissioners had to vote to put in an additional $6 million into the project up front. What hasn’t been published is that, while this was allocated in order to get the loan, it will not all be spent. We went through a process called value engineering. After this process we were able to decrease the amount by $3.5 million. The cuts made are things that are not going to be noticeable to the general public. February 16th/19ththe county has to go before the LGC. Bond sale will happen on February 26th. This date is important because of the fluctuation of interest rates. We have prepared for the highest rate, but are hoping for the best. The site work will be completed by March 1. The hope is that by the second week in March construction will begin.
K-3 Class Size/Budget
The state has reworked the Census, which is completed every 10 years. The last one was in 2010. At this time they are running a mid-year census based on tax returns. Due to Obama Care working individuals had to have health insurance, and if they didn’t there was a penalty. Thus, there was a decrease in individuals who completed their income taxes. This has resulted in the state cutting our budgets. Over the course of the last couple of years we have lost a half million dollars. We have tried to overcome these cuts through attrition. We hope to only spend about $250,000 out of fund balance this year. For the last month, we have been on a hiring freeze. The only positions we have filled are teachers. This past year we only spent $34,000 out of fund balance. The K-3 class size is another issue the district dealt with this past year. We added 4 teachers this year, which cost us $200,000. The county provided us with an extra $100,000 to help offset this cost. Next year we think we will have to add 6 teachers. We are predicting starting out the year with a $300 to $400,000 deficit with the possibility of Title I funds being cut as well. Dr. Ellis has devised a plan to cover $200,000 of the upcoming deficit. This will leave around $250,000 to $300,000 that we will need to be covered. In covering the deficit, the goal is for there to be minimal effects on the schools.
Another issue our budgets are facing are charters schools. Statistically, our schools are out preforming schools like Uwharrie Charter and Grey Stone. Dr. Ellis distributed an article from the Stanly News & Press about Tillery Charter Academy opening in Montgomery County in the summer of 2019. This will cost MCS $1.5 million dollars if we were to lose 144 students to this school. This would cause a budget crisis. One that the district would not be able to cover. There would have to be a reduction in force.
What points are there of measure between us and the charter schools, and are we publicizing this to parents? School letter grades are the point of measure along with test scores. Yes, we released a press release that highlighted our strengths over these schools. The article will be shared with the group. We are in the process of developing a marketing plan. We will extend an invitation to the group to share with others who might be interested in being a part of the marketing plan committee.
Teacher Contracts
As you know there use to be a thing called tenure. The state took that away, and anyone that was not tenured was put on a year to year contract. We are in the process of developing a plan for teacher contracts to share with the board. It has gone for first reading, and will be presented to the board at the February meeting. This plan will allow teachers to have a 2 or 4 year contract. From a recruiting stand point, MCS would be at a disadvantage if we did not have a 4 year contract option for teachers. Therefore, we have developed a policy that says you have to serve at least 3 years on a 1 year contract. If you have worked here previously and then return you only have to do a 1 year contract before you are eligible for a 2 or 4 year contract. If in your last year you are proficient in all standards and accomplished in the number four standard than you can receive a 2 year contract. If you are proficient in all and accomplished/distinguished in the one and four standards then you could get a 4 year contract. If you finish your 3rdyear and you are not proficient in one standard, the principal can give you an additional one year contract. After that year, if you meet the standards then you could be eligible for the 2 or 4 year contract. If you are not proficient in two of the standards an additional contract will not be extended.
Can an employee request a one year contract? Yes.
Are there any updates on the calendar? No. There will be a plan presented to the board of education at Monday’s meeting. The plan includes waving a day, and extended February 14thto a full day. We will now have to use Good Friday and Memorial Day as make-ups. There has been some discussion about extending the school day in order to not have to take these days away. It will be further discussed at the board meeting. A final plan will be communicated to staff next Tuesday.
When will you know for sure if there will be relief from the state about the K-3 class size issue? We hope to know in March or April but it could be later.
What types of cuts would be made in order to cover the deficit? Reducing contracting services, for example, Dream Builders. Our goal is to minimize the effects in schools with cuts.