Gaston County Schools Board of Education Monday, March 18, 2024 Meeting 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting MINUTES  The Gaston County Board ofEducation metinar regulars session on Monday, March 18, 2024at5 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room, 943 Osceola Street, Gastonia, NC. Themeeting was live on Spectrum Cable Channel 21 and The Gaston County Board of Education YouTube page. Those Board Members in attendance were: Chairman Jeff Ramsey, Vice Chairman Dot Cherry, Josh Crisp, Lee Dedmon, Dot Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw, Robbie Lovelace, Brent Moore, and A.M. Stephens III (arrived at 6:15 p.m.). Additional attendees include: Superintendent Dr. Morgen Houchard, Attorney Sonya McGraw, Associate Superintendent Gary Hoskins, CherCommunications Officer' Todd Hagans, ChierTechnology  Officer Aaron Slutsky and Board Clerk Dana Luoto.  Chairman Ramsey called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed everyone.  Invocation  Dickie Spargo, Pastor of City Church, led the invocation.  Pledge of Allegiance Agenda Adoption - Action  Bram Comer, Cramerton Middle student led the Pledge of Allegiance.  The Board considered Agenda Adoption - Action  Motion to adopt the Agenda as presented was made by Mr. Brent Moore; seconded by Mr. Josh Crisp;  motion carried unanimously. (8-0) Good News - Information  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized School Nutrition Director Angela Calamia and School Nutrition Coordinator Margaret Cameron along with Marcus Cypian from the Cooperative Extension Service. Gaston County Schools is the recipient of the "Farm to Summer" Award from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Gaston County is one of only seven agencies in the state to earn recognition for havingasuccesstu: summernutrition program. In Gaston County Schools, our Good Agricultural Practices (GAP-certified) school garden has quickly grown in size to become a small farm of more than a half-acre. Because of our summertime gardening efforts, children involved in our nutrition program last summer were able to enjoy farm-fresh produce, which included 750 poundsofcucumbers: and 40 pounds of cherry tomatoes that were. harvested from our garden. We are pleased to share that our garden is expanding, and we are able to serve the vegetables in our  school lunch program  Ms. Dot Cherry presented a Recognition Plaque to the School Nutrition Department.    Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Landon Weaver of North Gaston High School and Bentley Sly of Stuart W. Cramer High School our two state champions in wrestling. Landon, who is a junior at North Gaston, won an individual 3A. state championship in the 150-pound weight class. He finished this year with a 56-7 record. Bentley, who is a sophomore at Stuart W. Cramer, won an individual 3A state championship in the 132-pound weight class. This is Bentley's second consecutive year for winning a  state wrestling championship, and he finished this season with a 51-1record. Mr.) Josh Crisp presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized. Akela Taylor from Highland School ofTechnology and. Abram Cromerand Annabelle Radford, both from Cramerton Middle School. These three students successfully auditioned earlier this month and earned invitations to the North Carolina All-State Honors Band Clinic, which is scheduled for April 26-28 at UNC-Greensboro. Already this year, Akela on percussion, Abram on trombone, and Annabelle on bassoon demonstrated their musical talents as part of the South Central  All-District Band Clinic, which was hosted at Stuart W. Cramer High School. Ms. Dot Cherry presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized LB Leuschel ofF Robinson Elementary andl Henry Markwith of Hawks Nest STEAM Academy. LB won first place in the biological science category for her project titled "Soda Seeds." She wanted tol know if seeds could grow with soda and which soda helped them grow the best. LB discovered that the soda with no sugar or caffeine made the seeds grow the best. Henry won first place in the engineering and technology category for his project titled' "AS Sticky Situation: Investigating the Strength of Glue Bonds." His project found out which bonding agent held wood together when  tested under the pressure of weight.  Ms. Dot Cherry presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Afiyah Raja, Alyssa Carpenter, Sadie Morton, Marissa LeMoine, and Autumn Queen from the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences. These students collaborated with therapists Rose Planer and Molly Weakland from Hope United to establish a Gaston County dating violence awareness club called "YOU-th." The 30-member club, which is spearheaded by students at the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences, is dedicated to advocating for healthy relationships. During Dating Violence Awareness Month in February, they initiated an awareness campaign at their school and on the campus at Gaston College. The club is organizing: a summit on Thursday, April 18th at Gaston College from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. The sessions are designed to give participants the  encouragement and knowledge to start similar advocacy groups at their schools. Mr. Josh Crisp presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Ms. Meghan LeFevers, our Director for Exceptional Children. Ms. LeFevers has been chosen to serve as an Epic Educator for the 2024 Model Schools Conference this June in Orlando, Florida. She is one of only 11 educators from across the country to be selected for the  Epic Educator recognition this year by the Center for Model Schools. Mrs. Robbie Lovelace presented a Recognition plaque to Ms. LeFevers.    Mr. Todd Hagans announced that Gaston County Schools has received the Spirit of North Carolina Award from the United Way. Gaston County Schools raised almost $115,000 this year for the United  Way.  Classroom Moment - Information  Chairman Ramsey recognized Dr. Aaron Slutsky who introduced Instructional Technology Facilitator, Krystal Strader. Ms. Strader recognized East Gaston Science Teacher, Jessica Price and students who  shared how they used stop motion animation to create videos on cell division.  Public Expression - Information Mandy Roberts 2317 Scottwood Drive Gastonia, NC2 28054 RE: Athletic Waiver Lynette Christensen 326 Pine Avenue Cherryville, NC28021 RE: Pay  Approva/Correction of Minutes Action  Motion to adopt minutes of February 19, 2024 (Regular Meeting) and February 28, 2024 (Legislative Breakfast Meeting) as presented was made by Mr. Tod Kinlaw; seconded by Mr. Lee Dedmon; motion  carried unanimously. (9-0)  Operations Committee Report- -Information  Brent Moorei is chair of the committee and members are Dot Cherry,Lee Dedmon and A.M. Stephens II. Chairman Ramsey recognized Ms. Dot Cherry of the Operations Committee who provided a summary  of topics considered and discussed at the most recent meeting.  (View report)  Curriculum & Instruction Committee Report-I Information  Josh Crisp is chair of the committee and members are Dot Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw and Robbie Lovelace. Chairman Ramsey recognized Mr. Josh Crisp ofthe Curriculum & Instruction Committee who provided  asummary of topics considered and discussed at the most recent: meeting.  (View report)  High School Exam Schedules - Spring 2023-2024 Traditional High Schools and Gaston Early Chairman Ramsey recognized Mr. Michael Foust who presented a PowerPoint on High School Spring  Colleges - Action Exam Schedule. Motion  The Motion was made by Mr. Brent Moore; seconded by Ms. Dot Cherry that the Board  Approve High School Exam Schedules - Spring 2023-2024 Traditional High Schools and  Gaston Early Colleges    Avote was taken and motion to approve thei item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0)  (View PowerPoint)  Annual Engagement Letter with Independent Auditors - Action  Chairman Ramsey recognized Mr. Gary Hoskins who reported that Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC (ASW) has provided audit services to Gaston County Schools for many years. Our primary audit partnerv with ASW has retired and was notr replaced. As a result, ASW does not have sufficient resources to conduct our audit for 2023-2024. We have been able to receive a quote from Forvis to conduct our financial statement audit for 2023-2024. The quote from Forvis to conduct the financial statement audit for 2023-2024 is $49,000. Forvis will also charge $2,000 for a one-time ESSER audit and $4,000 in travel  costs for a total cost of $55,000.  Motion  Motion was made by Ms. Dot Cherry seconded by Mrs. Dot Guthrie that the Board  Approve Contract: and Annual Engagement Letter with Forvis to perform auditservices  for the fiscal year 2023-2024  Av vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0)  Superintendent's Budget Request 2024-2025-1 Information  Chairman Ramsey recognized Mr. Gary Hoskins who presented a PowerPoint on Superintendent's Budget  Request FY: 2024-2025. (View PowerPoint) Consent Agenda - Action The Board considered the Consent Agenda: A. Recommended Personnel B. Budget Amendments & Budget' Transfers C. Construction/Repair Change Orders D. EOG/EOC Remediation E. Reduction in Force - Strategic Planning F. Contracts -Microsoft Software Agreement -Student Chromebook Purchase -Google Workspace Agreement --Stuart W. Cramer High School - Wall Design -Belmont Middle School - Intercom Upfit -Stanley Middle School - Intercom Upfit  -Hawks Nest STEAM Academy - HVAC Replacement Units -Holbrook Middle School - Athletic Field Renovation  Freezer/Cooler ReplacementArhtectural & Engineering Design Services for Hunter Huss High, Mount Holly Middle, W.C. Friday Middle and Catawba Heights Elementary Schools  --Agency Contracts    Motion toadoptt the Consent Agenda with removal of Construction/Repair Change Orders (Item C) due tor no change orders listed was made by Mr. Josh Crisp; seconded by Mr. Lee Dedmon motion carried  unanimously. (9-0) superintendent's Comments School beginning at 2:00 p.m.  Superintendent: Houchard announced the following upcoming events:  Saturday, March 23 - All-County Middle School Band Concert in the auditorium at Holbrook Middle Saturday, March 23 Forestview High School is hosting a Prom Closet from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for students who are in need ofa dress for the prom to get one free-of-charge. Sunday, March 24 - the Gaston County Art Show and Reception will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. atLoray Millin Gastonia. Ifyou cannot attend the openingreception: nand awards ceremony this Sunday, the artwork will be on display until May 4 SO you can drop by Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to see the outstanding student March 25-28 - our Academically Gifted Department is hosting the Math Masters and Battle of the Highland School of Technology will present "Mamma Mia!" on April 12 and 13 at 7:00 p.m. and on April 14 at 2:00 p.m., and North Gaston High School will present "Little Shop of! Horrors" on April 18,19, Superintendent Houchard announced thats spring break is almost here. Friday, March 29 is a holiday for all students and employees, and our schools and the central office will be closed. April 1 - 4are teacher annual leave days, and Friday, April 5 is an optional teacher workday, which means no school for students the week of April 1. Our school offices will be closed to the public during spring break, We will hostourspringtime Job Fair for both teaching and non-teaching positions on Tuesday, April 16 att the Gastonia Conference Center. Thej job fairi is from 9:00a.m. until 12:00 p.m., and anyone interested in attending the job fair may visit our website and complete the online registration form under the  artwork.  Books competitions for elementary schools.  and 20 at 7:00 p.m.  and students return to school on Monday, April 8.  "Jobs"t tab.  Superintendent Houchard thanked everyone for a great first month as superintendent.  Chairman Ramsey wished a Happy Birthday to Mr. A.M. Stephens, Mrs. Lovelace and Superintendent  Houchard. Closed Session  Chairman Ramsey asked the Board to consider going into Closed Session under, N.C.G.S.$143- Motion to go into Closed Session was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mr. A.M. Stephens H;  318.11(a)(6) Personnel and N.CGSS1453181100) Consultation with Attorney.  motion carried unanimously. (9-0)    The Board went into Closed Session at 7:06 p.m. and after a brief break Closed Session began at  7:15 p.m.  The Board returned to Open Session at 7:46 p.m.  Motion  The Motion was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mrs. Robbie Lovelace that the Board  Award a contract for Assistant Superintendent of Operations through June 30, 2027 to  the following: Bessie Harvey  A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0) The Motion was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mrs. Robbie Lovelace that the Board  Motion  Award a contract for Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services through  June 30, 2027 to the following:  Rebekka Powers, Ed.D.  Av vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0)  Adjournment  All business having been conducted, Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Josh Crisp; seconded by  Mr. Lee Dedmon motion carried unanimously. (9-0) The Board Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.  Approved:  M ye A ee Morgeh. A. Houchard, Secretary  Date Approved:  R    Gaston County Schools  Operations Committee Report - March 18, 2024  The Operations Committee met on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 8:30am. Our committee consists  of Chairman Brent Moore, Lee Dedmon, Dot Cherry, and A. M. Stephens III.  Our agenda and discussions included the following:  1. Director of Facilities, Chip Irby, updated us on current projects including the roof at Stanley Middle School, the athletic fields at Stuart Cramer High School, and the progression made at the New Grier Middle School construction site. The current design is to have a natural turf field. However, the City of Gastonia has offered $750,000t to 2. Gary Hoskins, Associate Superintendent for Finance, shared that $60 million of the 2018 school bond has been fully encumbered. From the $80 million 2023 school bond, $57 million is being used for the New Grier Middle School, $18 million is being used for existing capital projects, and $5 million is unencumbered. $110 million is remaining in 3. The Superintendent's Budget Request was discussed and will be presented for  install an artificial turf field.  the school bonds that is unissued.  discussion by the full board later in the meeting.  4. Ouri independent auditor has retired and we are currently searching for a new audit firm. This matter will be presented for discussion and approval later in the meeting. 5. Each year the Board approves the Authorization for Reduction in Force, ifr needed. This 6. Aaron Slutsky, our Chief1 Technology Officer, informed us that TSS has been in contact with Hudl in reference to installing cameras for high school athletics. TSS is working to vet their software and hardware before making any recommendations. 7. The Committee reviewed and is recommending approval oft the following contracts on  item is on the consent agenda for approval.  the consent agenda:  a. Microsoft Software Agreement b. Student Chromebook Purchase Google Workspace Agreement d. Belmont Middle Schoo! - Intercom Upfit e. Stanley Middle School - Intercom Upfit . Hawks Nest STEAM Academy - HVAC Replacement g. Various Schools-F Freezer/Cooler Design Services  h. Holbrook Middle School - Football Field Renovation and Irrigation  Ournext meeting is Monday, April 8, 2024, at 8:30am in the Board Room.    Gaston County Schools BOE Report for March 4, 2024  Curriculum and Instruction Committee Meeting  The Curriculum and Instruction Committee met on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 11:30. Our Committee consists of: Tyler West, Executive Director of Elementary Instruction presented on Read to Achieve (RTA) Summer Reading Camp Update. Read to Achieve Summer Camp will be offered to rising third and fourth-grade students who were not proficient readers at the middle of the year universal screener. Seven sites will host students from all elementary schools int these grade levels. The camp's purpose is to afford positive reading outcomes for students, according to general statute Dr, Cynthia Reynolds, Director of Federal Programs and Afterschool Programs presented information on the ASPIRE Plus Afterschool parent-paid program, which was piloted in August 2023. After analyzing the parent survey and enrollment numbers for this school year, running an ASPIRE Plus Afterschool program at Pinewood EMS during the 24/25 school Dr. Rebekka Powers, Chief Accountability Offiçer, discussed the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's (NCDPI) requirements for high schools to administer final exams, including state End of Course tests, Career and Technical Education exams, and teacher-made exams. The spring exam schedule for Early College is May 13-17, 2024. The exam schedule for traditional high schools is May 16-22,2024. Dr Powers will share this information with the full Dr. Stacy Huffman, Executive Director of Exceptional Children's Programs askedi the Board of Education to consider increasing the potential amount to be expended from $4,500,000 to $6,000,000 for this year and the remaining two years of our three-year contract for contracts with outside agencies to provide various services to support our students. Thisi is in response to increased student needs and increased employee vacancies. This item is on the Consent Agenda for approval. Brett Buchanan; CTE Director, provided updates regarding 22-23 CTE accountability, career awareness, the Business The Committee discussed Career and College Pathways and asked for additional information at its next meeting. Superintendent Morgen Houchard Introduced Tonya Kales, our new Associate Superintendent of Academic Services. Her  Josh Crisp Chair, Dot Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw, and Robbie Lovelace.  115C-83.7A.  year is not financially feasible.  Board lateri in this meeting.  Advisory Council, and progress on the CTE Career Awareness Center.  first official day will be April 1, 2024. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 pm.  Our Next Meeting willl bel Monday, April 8, 2024 at 11:30am.    4/19/2024  High School  Spring Exam Schedule  Board of Education Committee Meeting  March 4th, 2024  Spring 2023-24 Spring Exam Schedule Traditional High Schools  Time  Thursday May16,2024 exams sessions Baglunch& Dismiss exams  Friday May17,2024  Monday May2 20,2 2024  Tuesday May21,2024  Wednesday May22,2024 exams Make- uPEOC,CTE exams exams Teachersf finalize grades, closeout semester  8:30-12:00 1"periodE EOCa and 2"periodE EOCa and 3"periodE EOCa and 4"periodEOCand Make-upEOC,CTE  teacher made teacherr madee exams teacher madee exams teacher madee exams andteachermade Continuationof ContinuationofA Ample Continuationof Continuationof Baglunch&D Dismiss Ample time EOC time EOCS sessions Amplet timel EOC Amplet time EOC  12:00-1:00  sessions  sessions  Baglunch& Dismiss  Baglunch8 &0 Dismiss Baglunch&o Dismiss andteacher made  1:00-F Regular Make-upE EOCa and Make- uPE EOC and Make-upE EOCa and Make-upE EOCand Make-upE EOC,CTE Dismissal Time teacherr made teacherr madee exams teacherr madee exams teacher madee exams andteacherr made  *Allt times are approximations  1    4/19/2024  Spring 2023-24 Spring Exam Schedule  Early Colleges  Time  Monday Mayi 13,2024 exams sessions  Tuesday May14,2024  Wednesday May15,2024  Thursday May16,2024 May1 17,2024  Friday exams Make- upE EOC, and exams madee exams Teachersf finalize grades, closed out semester  9:00-12:00 1"period" EOC, 2"period" EOC, and 3"period"E EOC, and 4"period"E EOC,a and Make-upE EOC, and  andteachermade teacherr madee exams teacherr madee exams teacher madee exams teachern made Continuationof Continuation of Continuationof Continuationof Baglunch&D Dismiss Ample timel EOC Ample timeE EOC Amplet timel EOC Amplet time EOC Baglunch8 &0 Dismiss Baglunch8 &0 Dismiss Baglunch8 & Dismiss Baglunch& Dismiss teacherr made  12:00-1:00  sessions  sessions  sessions  1:00- Regular Make-u upE EOC,CTE Make- upE EOC,CTE Make-up EOC,CTE Make-upEOC, and Make-up EOC, Dismissal Time andt teacher made andt teacher made andteacherr made teacher made exams andteacher  exams  exams  exams  *Allt times are approximations  *Periods subjectt toc change! basedo on Early Colleges schedule  High School  Spring Exam Schedule  Board ofl Education Committee Meeting  March 4th, 2024  2    Board of Education Meeting  Superintendents Budget Request  FY,2024-2025 March 18, 2024  Superintendents Budget Request  1. Budget Calendar 2. Budget Overview  3. Local Operating Request  4. Capital Outlay  5.  Discussion  Budget    Budget Calendar.  1  Ba  Budget Calendar  January 26 - Board of Education (BOE) Retreat January and February - Gather information from Directors and Department Supervisors March 18 - Present Superintendents  Budget Request to BOE April 15 - Discuss and adopt GCS Budget Request April - Joint Budget Meeting with County Commissioners  Budget Calendar  3    Budget Calendar  April - Deliver GCS Budget Request to County April/May - County approves local budget June 17 - BOE approves balanced interim budget  June to September = BOE approves final budget resolution after State  Budget is approved  Budget Calendar  4  Budget Overview.  BUDGET In L  FINANCE BL CASH FUND  SAVING COUNTING  2  EXPENSE     BudgetAttributes  Our budget should support the vision, mission and priorities and goals of Gaston County Schools  College and Career Ready Healthy, Safe and Responsible  Schools Innovation  VISION  MISSION  Qualified Workforce  6  Operating Budget E Revenues  State Public 57% Fund  Capitalo Outlay Child Nutrition  Others Special Revenue Fund. FederalG Fund 215,620,031 53,751,704 52,839,591 14,136,623 21,433,596 LocaIGeneral 21,224,700 $379,006,245  Revenue by Source  State Public School Fund Local General Fund Federal Grants Fund Regular Grants $25,719,376 COVID-19F Funds $27,120,215 Other Special Revenue Fund Capital Outlay Fund Chid Nutrition Fund TOTAL  Fund 14%  Represents the FY 2023-24 beginning operating budget as of July 1, 2023  7    Operating Budget - Expenses  Ancilliarys 5%. Senvicalone Programmed Charges  System-v Wide Supports 15%  3% CapitalOutlay 6%  Expenditure by! Purpose Instructional Services System-Wide Support Service 58,151,011 Ancillary Services Non-Programmed Charges Capital Outlay TOTAL  $ 269,003,524 20,731,865 10,097,046 21,022,799 $379,006,245  Services  Represents the FY 2023-24 beginning operating budget as of. July 1, 2023  8  State Allotments  Methods for Distributing State Allotments  Dollars  Months of Employment  Positions  North Carolina Department of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION  9    State Allotments  Dollars  Teacher Assistants  Clerical and Custodial personnel Transportation services Central office administration  Special programs - AIG, CTE, ML, EC, etc. School safety - School Resource Officers At-risk and disadvantaged students  Classroom supplies, textbooks and technology  10  State Allotments  Months of Employment  Principals Assistant Principals CTE Teachers Positions  Classroom Teachers School Psychologists  K-5 Program Enhancement Teachers  Instructional Support (Counselors, Social Workers)  11    State Allotments  Funding Impacted by Student Enrollment  32,000 31,000 30,000 29,000 28,000  ADM 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 31,555 31,499 31,581 31,116 30,834 29,489 29,704 29,936 30,341 29,895  (Projoctod)  12  Federal Funding  Primary Federal Funding Sources:  Title I( (27 Schools) Title II, III and IV  Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Career and Technical Education (CTE)  Child Nutrition  No Remaining COVID-19 Funding  13    Federal Funding  COVID-19 funds have been used for: COVID retention bonuses  Chromebooks and Wi-Fi access devices for students Books, supplies and online learning materials Summer learning program and after school tutors ECs student support, health support personnel, etc.  School nutrition financial support Additional teaching allotments Dedicated substitute teachers Air purifiers for all classrooms  14  Local Operating Request  3    Use of County Funds  Salary supplements - Teachers, Principals and  Assistant Principals Instructional supplies  Maintenance and custodial supplies  Technology  Utilities and insurance School Resource Officers Athletics and arts programs Charter school allotments  16  Local Operating Request  FY 2020-21 Actual Teacher supplements Employer paid benefits Inflation Classified compensation increase Certified employee increase Total Change in Funding FY2021-22 Actual Teacher supplements Employer paid benefits Total Change in Funding FY 2022-23 Actual Teacher supplements Total Change in Funding FY 2023-24 Actual  $49,811,704  $500,000 $528,000 $212,000 $261,000 $189,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000  $1,690,000 $51,501,704 $1,000,000 $52,501,704 $500,000 $53,001,704  17    Survey Stakeholders  District Leadership School Administrators  Teachers Parents Public  18  Budget Survey Options  Please check the box next to the initiatives listed belowt that you believe best supports the educational goals oft the District. Please only select your top five  choices (all are important):  D Increase Teacher Supplement Incr. incpa/APsupplement Increase Classified Salaries a Expand CTE Program Offerings Expand AIG Program Offer More ESL Classes Increase Funding for the Arts Provide More Choice Options  D More Teacher Assistants D Increase Student Support D Increase Instructional Support a More School Office Support Staff D Increase Number of Library Books D Upgrade School Safety Systems 0 Increase' Training for Teachers D Improve Exterior Appearance  Offer More Instructional Programs a Provide More Technology Increase the Number of AP Classes a Expand Classroom Libraries  Increase Funding for EC Students D Upgrade Interior of Schools  19    Budget Survey  %inTop Five Priorities 75% 79% 78% 51% 65% 67% 25% 41% 34%  Change 18% 13% 6% -18% 2% 84  Funding Priorities Increase Teacher Supplement Increase Classified Salaries More Teacher Assistants Increase Student Support Upgrade School Safety Systems 26%  2020 2021 2022 2023  2024 2020-24 85% 60% 40% 33% 28% 281  67% 47% 34% 51% 197  51% 24% 179  40% 26% 268  43% 33% 178  Respondents  20  Budget Survey Results  Top Funding Priorities Increase Teacher Supplement Increase Classified Salaries More Teacher Assistants Increase Student Support Upgrade School Safety Systems  2024-25 85% 60% 40% 33% 28%  Funding Source County Expansion Request County Expansion Request State Funded State Funded School Bond Funds  21    Local Operating Request  Ongoing Expenditures  Expenses related to the ongoing operations that are impacted by changes in the law, inflation, end of life for technology, state mandated salary and benefit increases, etc.  New Expenditures  Expenses related to new programs, projects, initiatives, additional salary/supplement increases, etc. that are supportive of the GCS mission and vision or are required by  law.  22  Local Operating Request  Expenditures New  Recommendation Item Ongoing Expenditures Replace End-of-Life Student Mobile Devices Inflation Operating Expenses and Utities State Increase in Employee Compensation State Increase in Employer Paid Benefits New Expenditures Teacher Salary Supplement Increase  Ongoing  Total  $ 2,125,000 $ 785,000 668,000 606,000  $ 2,125,000 785,000 668,000 606,000 3,000,000  3,000,000  Total  $4,184,000 $3,000,000 $7,184,000  23    Ongoing Expenditures  Replace End-of-Life Student Chromebooks New Chromebooks will be issued to all 7,200 incoming 2nd, 6th and 9th grade students next year The projected cost to replace these devices amounts This cost was covered by COVID-related funding for  to$2,125,000 next year the past several years  24  Ongoing Expenditures  Expected Inflationary Impact  Inflation is budgeted to be 2.4% next year for purchases of goods  and services  The estimated impact on our $14.5 million of purchases of goods and services is $350,000  INFLATION)  25    Operating Expenditures  Expected Inflationary Impact  Inflation is budgeted to be 8.3% next year for  projected utility expenses expenses is $435,000  The estimated impact on our $5.3 million in utility  Total inflationary costs are budgeted to be $785,000 next year  Inflation  26  New nitiatives  State Increase in Employee Compensation  Last year, the State biennial budget included an increase of 4.0% for all State paid employees. A similar 4.0% increase for our locally paid employees would cost about $668,000. This includes both classified employees and certified employees.  27    Ongoing Expenditures  State Increase in Employer Paid Benefits  Next year employer provided employee benefits are projected to increase by $606,000 as follows:  Health insurance premium is projected to increase Retirement contribution is budgeted to increase  by 7.1% from $7,557 to$8,095 by 5.0% from 25.0% to 26.3%  28  New Expenditures  Teacher Salary Supplements  Over the past nine years, the County has increased This year the State paid an annual salary supplement of $1,001 per teacher, net of $486 in employer  teacher supplements by $4.68 million  matching retirement costs  We are requesting a $3.0 million increase in local  teacher supplements for next year  29    Local Teacher supplements  Average Supplement $ 9,015 8,414 8,292 6,653 6,039 5,984 5,581 5,286 3,860  Similar Size Districts (ADM) New Hanover County (25,082) Durham County (31,124) Buncombe County (22,041) Johnston County (36,838) Cabarrus County (34,674) State Average Onslow County (27,768) Union County (41,196) Gaston County (29,936)  Source: DPI FY/2022-2023 Table 20 for Average Supplement and  DPIFY2022-2023Table 101 for ADM  30  Local Teacher Supplements  Average Supplement $  Neighboring Districts (ADM) Charloite-Mecklenburg (141,217) Cabarrus County (34,674) State Average Union County (41,196) Lincoln County (11,406) Catawba County (15,448) Iredel-Statesville (20,516) Gaston County (29,936) Cleveland County (14,011) Rowan-Salisbury (18,000)  9,545 6,039 5,984 5,286 5,050 4,372 3,871 3,860 3,591 3,012  Source: DPI FY2022-2023 Table 20 for Average Supplement and  DPIFY 2022-2023Table 10f for ADM  31    Local Teacher Supplements  Average Supplement 2013-14 2,509 3,553 3,065 2,928 2,913 2,477 2,177 1,635 2,297  Neighboring Districts(ADM) Cabarrus County(34,674) State Average Union County (41,196) Lincoln County(11,406) Catawba County (15,448) Iredell-Statesville (20,516) Gaston County (29,936) Cleveland County (14,011) Rowan-Salisbury (18,000)  2022-23 6,039 5,984 5,286 5,050 4,372 3,871 3,860 3,591 3,012  Change 3,530 2,431 2,221 2,122 1,459 1,394 1,683 1,956 715  Chrfate-eciahugutan $ 9,545 $ 6,083 $ 3,462  Source: DPI FY 2022-2023 and FY2013-20141 Table 201 for AverageSupplement  and DPI FY2022-2023 Table 10 for ADM  32  Operating Request Summary  Amount  County Request Prior Year County Appropriation Ongoing Expenditures New Initiatives Total County Request  2023-24 $52,501,704 $1,585,000 $1,300,000 $55,386,704  2024-25 $53,001,704 $4,184,000 $3,000,000 $60,185,704  The County request for 2024-25 is $4.8 million  more than last year's request  33    Capital Outlay  4  Capital Outlay  School Bonds  New construction Classroom additions Capital replacements  AIINS % AT MAINTENANCE  Capital Outlay  Preventative maintenance Contracted facility services  Minor repairs  35    Capital Outlay  Capital outlay is money used to maintain, upgrade or repair capital assets such as the following:  Roofing HVAC Vehicles Plumbing  Electrical systems Technology Furniture  Life safety equipment Other capital assets  Site improvements  36  Capital Outlay  Maintenance Costs Are Affected By:  Age of the Buildings Quality and Experience of Custodial Staff  AGE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS  40.0 20.0 10.0 0.0  37.74  Training of Custodial Staff 30.0 Deferred Maintenance  Backlog    75% of our school buildings have a weighted  average age of 40 years or older  37    Maintenance Cost per Square Foot  $2.00 $1.50 $1.00 $0.50 $0.00  2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 ---Upper Quarble -Median Lower Quartile --GCS Funded Upper Quartile $ 1.57 $ 1.52 $ 1.64 $ 1.66  2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22  Median Lower Quartile GCS Funded  1.27 1.02 0.24  1.20 0.91 0.43  1.27 0.95 0.43  1.31 1.09 0.43  Source: Managing for Results in America's Great City Schools-  2023 (results from fiscal year 2021-2022)  38  Capital Outlay  All schools and administrative buildings total  about 5.1 million square feet  This year we received $2.2 million in capital outlay, or about $0.43 per square foot  We are requesting $6.7 million in capital outlay for 2024-25. This request amounts to $1.31 per  square foot  39    Capital Request  Adopted Budget  Proposed $ 100,000 150,000 150,000  Expenditures Technology Vehicles General Renovations Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment  2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25  $ 100,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 150,000 100,000 100,000 225,000  1,882,000 1,027,000 1,027,000 2,002,000 2,219,000 6,300,000  95,000  50,000  50,000  8,000  TOTAL COUNTY CAPITAL $2,227,000 $1,227,000 $1,227,000 $2,227,000 $2,227,000 $6,700,000  40  Conclusion  This Budget Request supports the Gaston County Schools' Vision to "inspire success and a lifetime of learning" for all of our students.  41    Discussion  -  5  f