Minutes - January 31, 2018
Classified Staff Advisory
January 31, 2018
The following individuals were in attendance: Lynn Reynolds (EMHS); Tasha Medley (MGES); Clara Armstrong (WMS); Shirley Harris (CO); Beth Hall (SES); Martha Lalor (PSES); Kristy Buchman (MCEC); Jackie Jackson (EMS); Tina Woody (TES); Teresa Greene (CES); Martha Garner (GRES); Robin Heath (WMHS). Absent: Maria Johnson (MLA)
Dr. Ellis welcomed all in attendance.
Celebrations
Testing is complete for high schools! Both high schools had increases in test scores.
Construction Update
Bids for the new central high school have come in, and were over budget. The bid process did take longer. Since the bids were over budget we began a process called value engineering. After this process we were able to decrease the amount by $3.5 million. The county also agreed to increase the amount they are contributing by $6 million. What hasn’t been published is that, while this was allocated in order to get the loan, it will not all be spent. Cuts have already been made. The cuts made are things that are not going to be noticeable to the general public. The bond sale will take place on February 26th. 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. The school will be complete by December of 2019. We do have a 6 month cushion on time for completion. Six months out from completion, a principal will be appointed.
Do you think the buses will go from the high to middle school? The middle schools will be the launch sites. Some students will end up with a longer ride, and some a shorter. Conversations about bus routes are being discussed right now.
K-3 Class Size/Budget
The state has reworked the Census, which is completed every 10 years. At this time they are running the census based on tax returns. Due to Obama Care working individuals had to have 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 $300,000 out of fund balance this year. For the last month, we have had 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. Next year, we are predicting starting out the year with a $300 to $400,000 deficit. $200,000 Dr. Ellis has worked to save to ensure that no jobs are affected. This will leave around $200,000 that we will need to find a strategic way to cover.
Another issue our budgets are facing are charters schools. Dr. Ellis distributed an article from the Stanly News & Press about Tillery Charter Academy opening in Montgomery County in the summer/fall 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.
Questions
Why are the certified the only ones that get the No Day’s? Why can’t they stay a few more minutes and get the No Day’s also?
No Days came up through the principals. If the principals would ask us to consider if for classified we would. Some issues it could create would be over-time issues. Historically, principals have always wanted to have it just for teachers, as a benefit for teachers. He encouraged the group to talk with their principals and have it brought to the principals meeting to re-evaluate.
Dr. Ellis reminded the group about low wealth money in 2013-2014 that was used to maintain classified employees. We have used every available funds to maintain classified staff because in Montgomery County you are valued!
How can we add in days to the calendar so that we do not have to make up days due to inclement weather? As long as you have the number of hours needed you can waive days, which is more than likely how other school districts are able to not make up the days. Our administration believes that, while we have the hours, our students need to be in school.