On Sunday, I started my week hosting a D9 Connection Meeting. On Thursday, I attended "Adolescent Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19," presented by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This event not only had professionals sharing information, but a dynamic student panel. Hearing directly from students about the impact of remote learning and current events was powerful. Later on Thursday, I had the honor of celebrating the artistic talent of WCPSS students at the 2021 Gifts of Gold held at Crabtree Valley Mall. It was a fun event with students, families, art teachers, and members of the public. On Friday, I had an eventful visit at Briarcliff Elementary. I was able to go room to room with members of the PTA and Principal Nelson. School staff were all provided a sweet treat (a bundt cake and drink). Thank you to all school staff as we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week.
This week as a Board, we had two meetings: Work Session and Board Meeting.
At the Tuesday, May 4th Work Session:
- David Neter, Chief Business Officer, and Terri Kimzey, Senior Director for Budget, presented additional budget questions submitted by the Board. I submitted the following second set of questions: I see the answer to my previous question in the Q and A. I understand there are other variables in motion, but it would be very helpful to know what type of impact for the noncertified employees the increased funding would have. Can any possibilities be provided? I also notice there is now even more money being proposed for their pay (up to 10 million). Additionally, isn't the 3% estimated state-legislative pay increase for noncertified staff, certified, and school-based administrators (pages 71-73) accounted for in a different area of the budget or are you saying that if the state legislates 3% then that would come from the 6.4 million (or higher amount of up to 10 million)? If the state does not legislate a 3% what happens to those funds (Would WCPSS still provide the 3% pay increase since money is being budgeted for it?) and alternatively, if they legislate a higher percentage pay increase, what funds might be used to cover that additional cost? Regarding budget reductions from fall of 2020 based primarily on delayed opening of on-site instruction (referenced on page 144 and any additional ones), is there a clear, concise presentation on the reduced amounts and how some of the savings/reductions were used or if they were not spent? I've seen a few references, but for transparency, it would be helpful to have this information available in a clear, concise presentation/slide. To view the second budget Q and A document, click here.
Staff also presented two adjustments to the proposed 2021-22 budget based on previous Board feedback: increase the amount of one-time Federal Funding being applied to Maintenance and Operations from $6.8 million up to a total of $10 million and increase the amount of Local Funding to apply against the Non-Certified Pay Schedule Multi-Year Deferred Operations Plan from $6.4 million up to a total of $10 million. To read more about the adjustments, visit this link. - Dr. AJ Muttillo, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, presented an update on compensation incentives for certified staff to support the School Extension Learning Recovery and Enrichment Programs. To view the presentation, click here. The non-certified recommended compensation will be presented on May 18th.
- Dr. Brad McMillian, Senior Director for Data, Research and Accountability, provided an overview of the End-of-Grade and End-of-Course testing procedures. Students enrolled in VA may submit a medical exemption. Additionally, the grades students receive on the tests will only be counted as part of their grade if it helps their class grade. To access the presentation, visit this link.
- Drew Cook, Assistant Superintendent for Academics, provided a presentation on district intervention programming and related supports to schools. There will be an increase to the months of employment allotted to schools for intervention supports. One goal is to address lost opportunities for learning from the pandemic in such a way that maintains and restores opportunities for acceleration and growth. To view the presentation, click here.
- Douglas Congdon, Program Executive, Facilities Design & Construction; presented the Seven-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). To access the presentation, visit this link.
At the Tuesday, May 4th Board Meeting:
- Superintendent Moore provided an overview of the topics covered in the Work Session. It was also noted that 14,000 students have signed up for the Virtual Academy for 2021-22.
- The Board approved a unified, planned 2021-22 Year-Round Calendar. To view the calendar, visit this link.
- The Board approved the following policies on second reading: Policy 2120- Code of Ethics and Responsibilities for Board Members, Policy 4270/6145- Concussion and Head Injury, Policy 6100- Student Health Services, Policy 6220- Operation of Child Nutrition Services, and Policy 6225- Free and Reduced Price Meal Services.
- The Board approved a resolution requesting funds for the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). To read the resolution, click here.
- The Board approved the name for the new elementary school in Southwest Holly Springs: Rex Road Elementary.
- Dr. Ashlie Thompson, Central Area Superintendent, and Dr. Elena Ashburn, Principal, Needham B. Broughton Magnet High School; presented the CAPS Club's request to name the Broughton stadium the Jack Spain Stadium. The Board approved the request. To read the CAPS Club President's letter, use this link.
- David Neter, Chief Business Officer, presented information about waiving Board Policy 8101. The 2021-22 Proposed Budget includes $20,135,556 in fund balance appropriation. Use of this amount of fund balance in the 2021-22 Proposed Budget requires waiver of Board Policy 8101. The Board approved waiver of this policy.
- David Neter presented the Proposed 2021-22 Budget and adjustments. The Board approved the Budget with the adjustments. I proudly support public schools and funding for public schools. Additionally, I support working to have a positive relationship with our state legislators as we advocate for our students and schools. As a Board, we have a State Legislative Agenda (See picture below.) which lists several asks for the State Legislators-not only related to funding but other areas of as well. To view the Proposed 2021-22 Budget, click here. To access the adjustments, use this link.
- Keith Sutton, Board Chair, presented a Resolution Requesting Legislation to Return to Odd-Year Elections for School Board Members With Staggered Four-Year Terms. The Board approved the resolution. You can access the resolution, which provides some of the historical context, by clicking here. The legislation is House Bill 353. The pending legislation specifies the five districts that would be up for election in 2022 and the four districts that would have their term extended by one year.
Next week as a Board, we have one meeting (The meeting will be streamed live on the WCPSS YouTube Channel.):
- Wednesday, May 12th at 3 pm-Facilities Committee. To view the agenda, click here.
If you are interested in attending the Facilities Committee in person, please use this link and scroll down to select the correct meeting. The signup form should go live by Monday afternoon and close at 5 pm on Tuesday.
The last District 9 Board Advisory Council Meeting for this school year will be on Thursday, May 13th at 5:30 pm. If you are interesting in attending, please complete the Google Form here.
I will be hosting another D9 Connection Virtual Meeting on Monday, May 17th at Noon. If you live in District 9, have a student in a District 9 school, or work in a District 9 school, please join us by using this Google Meet link.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at kcarter3@wcpss.net.
