At the. Joint Meeting oft the Greensville County Board of Supervisors, Emporia City Council and the Greensville County School Board, held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., was conducted inj person and via live stream, at the Golden Leafc Commons, located at 1300  Greensville County Circle, Suite B, Emporia, Virginia 23847.  County of Greensville Present:  Board of Supervisors: James R. Brown, Chair Belinda D. Astrop (virtual) James R. Brown Tony M. Conwell, Vice Chair  Absent:  County Staff: Dr. Charlette T. Woolridge, County Administrator (virtual)  Gary Cifers, Assistant County Administrator Dr. Terrence Wood, Director of Human Resources Tameka Green, Director of Finance Alice Whitby, Finance Manager Angela Jackson, Recorder ofMinutes  City of] Emporia: Present  City Council: Dr. Carolyn S. Carey, Mayor Mark S. Lilly Carol Mercer James C. Saunders L. Dale Temple Clifton Threat Doris White Yolanda Hines  Absent:  City Staff: William E. Johnson, III, City Manager  Tessie W. Wilkins, City Clerk Alicia Hargrove, Director of Finance  Greensville County Public Schools (GCPS):  Present:  School Board: Janet Roberts, Chair Rustin R. Jessee, Vice Chair Rondell Pearson Bessie Reed-Moore  School Staff: Dr. Kelvin Edwards, Superintendent  Karen T. Riddick, Clerk oft the Board    In Re: Call Meeting To Order  Mr. James R. Brown, Chair, called the meeting to order for the Greensville County Board of Supervisors at 6:00 p.m. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Supervisor Astrop, aye;  Supervisor Cain, aye; Supervisor Conwell, absent; and Chair Brown, aye.  Dr. Carolyn S. Carey, Mayor, called the meeting to order for the Emporia City Council. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Council Member Hines, absent; Council Member Lilly, aye; Council Member Mercer, aye; Council Member Saunders, aye; Council Member Temple, aye; Council Member' Threat, aye; Council Member White, aye; and Mayor Carey, aye.  Mrs. Janet Roberts, Chair, called the meeting to order for the Greensville County School Board. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Mr. Jessee, aye; Mr. Pearson, aye; Mrs. Reed-Moore,  aye; and Chair Roberts, aye.  In Re: Approval of the Agenda  Chair Brown recommended approval of the agenda. Supervisor Astrop moved, seconded by Chair Brown, to approve the agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken as follows:  Supervisor Astrop, aye; Supervisor Cain, aye; and Chair Astrop, aye.  Mayor Carey, Mayor, recommended approval of the agenda. Council Member Lilly moved, seconded Council Member White, to approve the agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken as: follows: Council Memberl Lilly, aye; Council Member. Mercer, aye; Council Member Saunders, aye; Council Member Temple, aye; Council Member Threat, aye; Council Member  White, aye; and Mayor Carey, aye.  Chair Roberts, Greensville County School Board, recommended approval of the agenda. School Board Member Jessee. moved, seconded by School Board Member Pearson, to approve the agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Rustin R. Jessee, aye; Rondell Pearson,  aye; Bessie Reed-Moore, aye; and Janet Roberts, aye.  In Re: Greensville County Public Schools FY2025 Budget Presentation  Chair Brown invited Dr. Kelvin Edwards, Superintendent, to present the Greensville Dr. Edwards, Superintendent gave the Greensville County Public Schools (GCPS)FY2025  County Public Schools (GCPS)FY2025 Budget.  budget presentation as follows:  2    GCPS RECOGNIZED ASTHE "MOST IMPROVED SCHOOL DIVISION"  Dr. Edwards stated that GCPS has been recognized as the "Most improved School Division" in  2023.  COMMUNITY SURVEY  As survey was sent out the community and the following were identified as top priorities:  Educator Excellence Premier Student Services and Programs School Safety and Security  FISCAL YEAR 2025 PROPOSED BUDGET  GCPS Successes in 2023-2024  Increased safety for all schools  Greensville Elementary recognized for academic  improvements Increased graduation rate All schools accredited with conditions Fiscally Responsible    3    2024 Increased SOL Pass Rates  GCHS Semester SOLI Results State Proficiency Rate 75% 70% 70% 70% 70% 75% 75%  Subject Reading Biology Algebral Algebra II Math English Writing Workkeys  Student Pass Rate 78.7% 51% 94% 85.7% 93.3% 86.6% 94.6%  Strategic Goals  Goal 1-1 Empowered Learners Goal 2 - Exemplary Workforce Goal 3 - Effective Operations Goal 4 - Engaged Community  )  4    Our Vision Cultivating Excellence. Transforming Lives. Impacting Futures.  Our Mission Together with families and thec community, GCPS is committed to providingas safe, rigorous, tudent-centered environment that empowers learners.  ()  Motto 212 Degrees "The Extra Effort"  (  5    Priorities Identified by our Community  Educator Excellence  Premier Student Services & Programs  School Safety & Security  D  Our WHY  Staff & Teachers - Compensation  Our "Why" Our Students  (    Finance Cohort  Responsible fiscal and financial management is a cornerstone of an effective educational program. Today's economic climate requires accountability for school boards, school administrators, teachers, and the community at large. School finance policies and practices should be developed and implemented to promote transparency and public trust." Source: MichaelTbomion, EdD. (Marchl 12,2 2024, Virghnns SehulBaurdAisaiatoo)  (4  Facing the Fiscal Cliff  Underfunding by the State (JI Larc Study) ESSER funds end, September 2024  Growing instructional need to address learning loss  Rising costs  (  7    Public School Enrollment  OPERCENTER  Decliner more than6 percent Decline 3to6P Percent Decline Oto3 3Percent Grow Oto3 3Percent Growr moret than 3 Percent  Many students returned to public schools once theyt transitioned back toi in-person learning, bute eveni int thet fifths schooly year since the pandemic began, moret than 40,000 students are still missing from Virginia publics schools. Ont the other hand, the pandemic appears to have permanently boosted private K-12 education in Virginia.  D)  Enrollment Projections  These projections are based on birth trends and past school enrollment. The pandemic, however, significantly impacted many school divisions and certain The sudden drop of more than 45,000 students in Virginia's 's public schools in 2020 considerably changed the trajectory of pre -covid trends and posed a challenge to These projections (released 1/16/24) are provisional and subject to minor adjustments. Afinal version of school enrollment projections will be released  grades (particularly kindergarten and lower grades).  projecting school enrollment for the next five years.  April 15, 2024.  8    Changes Over Time  Declining Enrollment Trends  School Year Greensville 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024  Emporia 1,011 910 899 877 861 804 892  Total 2,231 2,116 2,091 2,026 1,954 1,919 1,859  1,220 1,206 1,192 1,149 1,093 1,115 967  (4)  *First Year GCPS developed al budget under  2000 students (K-12)  2024 General Assembly Budget  The 2024 General Assembly completed the state budget The next step is to go to the Legislative Committee General. Assembly Budget includes  A3% salary increase for teachers in each year oft the biennium. Changes in how ELL students are counted and funded. Changes in how At-Risk Add-On is determined and funded. This is also Restore General Fund Payment in Lieu of Sales Tax  placed in the SOQ.  (4)  9    Literacy Focus   Fulfillment of statutory requirements articulated in the new Virginia el Foundational literacy (and numeracy) are now considered civil rights e All students deserve the opportunity to learn to read and write effectively, sO that they can become engaged learners who are able to independently read  Literacy. Act (VLA). imperatives.  to learn.  (40)  Literacy Focus  eThe Virginia Literacy Act requires Reading "Specialists" toj providei intensive intervention (direct services) fors students at risk for reading difficulties. They develop, oversee thei implementation of, and monitorstudent progress on newly required student reading plans in collaboration with teachers and families. Interventions are delivered in small group (lierDorindividualird for more e The Virginia Literacy Act strongly recommends a Reading "Coach" (i.e., "literacy leader") tol lead and coordinate a division's comprehensive literacy programs, support thei implementation ofe evidence -based literacyinstruction, assessment development/ administration and data review/reporting, and ongoing  intensive needs (TierI II).  teacherlspecialist training and support.  ()  10    FY 2025 - Projected Revenue  Projected Revenue  Fund Statel Funding Federal Funding Schooll Nutrition GCPS General Funding Current County Contribution Current City Contribution Total  FF24A Approved FY25Projected Revenue $20,951,893 $8,837,420 $1,695,218 $242,500 $6,129,850 $4,308,931 $42,165,812  Revenue $19,997,995 $7,935,718 $1,758,565 $78,000 $6,129,850 $4,308,931 $40,209,059  FY 2025 - Projected Revenue  Projected Revenue Food Services 5.0% Local 0.7%  City 11,6% County 16.6%  State 54.3%  Federal 11.9%  (4)  11    FY 2025 - Projected Expenditures  Projected Operating Expenditures  Fund Instruction Administmation Operations (lhams.lainSchoolNu), Technology Debt Services Facilities Total  FY241 Proposed FY251 Projected Expenditures $31,599,287 1,770,769 $8,690,462 $1,321,672 $1,049,550 $500,000 $44,931,740  Expenditures $31,234,634 $1,821,500 $6,751,110 $1,421,119 $1,049,550 $500,000 $42,777,913    FY 2025 - Projected Expenditures  Points scored Additional Program(s) 7.4% Capital Improvement 3.7% Debt Services 22.2%  School Food 66.7%    12    Cost Cutting Initiatives 1.1 Invested in energy-eficient infrastructure 2. Renegotiated contracts & refinanced debt 3. Closed Belfield Blementary (Proposed New Central  Office)  4. Received competitive grants 5. Transportation Fleet Lease  )  More Money is Being Spent On  MENTALHEALTH SCHOOLSAFETY TRANSPORTATION  TECHNOLOGY  INSTRUCTION TEACHER SALARIES  13    Funding Request  Increases required for the FY25  Budget will cover the expense for the 3% increase, and 1%  step.  and the 8.8% increase for health insurance.  Health Insurance Renewal  8.8% Renewal Insurance ($571,008) on Healthcare  I6E CHOICE    Governor Youngkin's Budget  3% salary increase for state employees, state supported local employees and SOQ recognized instructional and support  positions effective - July 1, 2024  ***Governor's Proposed Budget provides only for "SOQ" positions. Nearly all school divisions must employ additional  staff to operate schools.  (D  14    What We're Asking  Increases required for the FY25  Funding to cover the expense for the 3% increase, and 1% The 8.8% increase for health insurance increase. Funding for Safety and Security Officers (FullTime)  step.  Funding for Reading Specialist Capital Improvement Projects  4  What We're Asking  Category Healthl Insurance Salary) Increase + Stepl Increase NewI Instructional Programs + Reading Specialist Buses (3) Fleeto operating with 155 buses over 255Kr miles 3Full Time School Safety Oflicers Capital Improvement) Projects Total  ExpectedCost $571,008 $860,231 $165,000 $330,000 $170,000 $500,000 $2,106,239  ()  15    Premier Student Academic Programs & Services  Reading Specialist - $65,000 AVID & Freshman Academy S $45,000 Communities In Schools - $150,094 3 CIS Coordinators Transportation Services Approx. $350,000  3New Buses (Old Fleet) 15 buses over 250K miles  e  School Safety & Security  Approx. $160,000 All Schools  Currently 3 Part-Time Security O @6hours per day  Officers  Hire 3 Full-Time Security Officers @ - 7.5 hours per day  4  16    Capital Improvements  Greensville County High School Football Stadium Bleachers/Press: Box NotA ADA Compliant Bleachers in Gym Windows House Interior Doors  Hot Water Heaters in Gym, CTE & Field  (  Capital Improvements  E.W. Wyatt Middle School 10Rooftop Units (AC) Greensville Elementary School Generator Modernize Elevator Additional Improvements Relocate School Board Office Replace Electrical/Plumbing for Replace Interior Lighting with LED  Warehouse Division Wide  (  17    Summary  N Maintaining a safe, secure, healthy, and supportive environment for all students and employees. Improving academic performance oF Remaining highly attractive and competitive in a challenging employment market. A Accomplishing the common goals of the School Board, Board of Supervisors, City Council, superintendent, staff, and  community.  (4)  Funding Request 2025  Increases requested for the FY25  Funding to cover the expense for the 3% increase, and 1% The 8.8% increase for health insurance increase. Funding for Reading Specialist and Academic Programs Funding for Safety and Security Officers (Full Time)  step.  Capital Improvement Projects  ()  18    Funding Request 2025  Category Health) Insurance Salary Increase + Stepl Increase New Instructional Programs + Reading Specialist Buses (3) Fleet operating with 151 buses over 255Kr miles 3Full7 Time School Safety Oflicers Capital) Improvement. Projects Total  Expected Cost $571,008 $860,231 $165,000 $330,000 $170,000 $500,000 $2,106,239  ()  Funding Request 2025  Current County Contribution - $ 6,129,850 Current City Contribution - $4,308.931  $10,438,781 $2,106,239 $12,545,020  Requested amount - Total Requested Funding -  (  19    FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET COMMENTS Council Member Saunders made the following comments:  Provide the elected bodies with the projected numbers of declining enrollment for the  next 2 to 3 years.  Isti there debt owed on the elementary school? What is the status of replacing or renovating the high school?  Dr. Edwards responded that he would provide the projections to the Boards and Council as requested. He further stated that there is no debt owed on the elementary school and discussions  have resumed in reference to the high school replacement or renovation.  In Re: Adjournment  With there being no further business, Supervisor Brown moved, seconded by Supervisor Astrop, to adjourn to the Budget Work Session meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.  with all Board of Supervisor Members voting aye.  With there being no further business, Mayor Carey moved, seconded by Mr. Lilly, to With there being no further business, Mr. Pearson moved, seconded by Mrs. Reed-  adjourn the meeting with all City Council Members voting aye.  Moore, to adjourn the meeting with all School Board Members voting aye.  James R. Brown, Chair  Greensville County Board of Supervisors  ATTEST:  Dr. Charlette T. Woolridge, Clerk Greensville County Board of Supervisors  20