Gaston County Schools Board of Education Monday, March 17, 2025 Meeting 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting MINUTES The Gaston County Board of Education met in a regular session on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room, 943 Osceola Street, Gastonia, NC. The meeting was live on Spectrum, Cable Channel 21 and the Gaston County Board of Education YouTube page. Those Board Members in attendance were: Chairman Josh Crisp, Vice Chairman Dot Cherry, Lee Dedmon, Tod Kinlaw, Robbie Lovelace, Brent Moore, Jeff Ramsey, Janna Smith and A.M. Stephens III. Additional attendees include: Superintendent Dr. Morgen A. Houchard, Attorney Sonya McGraw, Associate Superintendents Gary Hoskins and Tonya Kales, ChierCommunications Officer Todd Hagans, ChiefTechnology Officer Curtis Poplin and Board Clerk Dana Luoto. Chairman Crisp called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Invocation Pastor Chad Collins from Epic Church at Linwood led the invocation. Pledge of Allegiance Darluh Mattaldi, Stanley Middle School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Character Trait Caleb Lafon, Sadler Elementary School, reported on the Character Trait of Honesty. Agenda Adoption - Action The Board considered Agenda Adoption - Action Motion to adopt the Agenda as presented was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mr. Brent Moore; motion carried unanimously. (9-0) Good News - Information Mr. Todd Hagans recognized a group of our educational office protessionals who have completed the requirement for their Professional Standards Program Certificate. The state level certification is granted by the North Carolina Association of Educational Office Professionals. - Rhonda Ingram Tammy Wade Sandra Whitmire Jennifer Blanton Beverly McCombs Jamie Shepker .Pam Dellinger Vicki Welch Jennifer Kay Mr. Hagans also acknowledged the following who were unable to attend the meeting: Sharon Barnett Amy Cobb Crystal Laughrun Lavondra McClain -Darla Mellon Dana Phillips .Tina Seibeck Charlotte Wright Crystal Kiser Jacqueline Baucom Kathleen MacDonald Lori Hamm Mr. A.M. Stephens presented a Certificate of Recognition to each employee. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Bentley Sly of Stuart W. Cramer High School. Bentley won the individual 3A state championship in the 144-pound weight class and he is a three-time state champion in wrestling. Mr. Tod Kinlaw presented a Certificate of Recognition to Bentley. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized the Stuart W. Cramer High School girls' basketbal! team. The team is the 3A western regional champions and the 3A state runner-up in basketball for 2025. Mr. Jeff Ramsey presented a Certificate of Recognition plaque to the team. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized a group of high school students who will experience life in another country as they serve as youth ambassadors for the Gastonia Sister Cities student exchange program. Some of the students will visit Gotha, Germany this summer while others will travel to Santiago de Surco, Peru. The following students will be visiting Germany: Samurai Coleman, Ashbrook Hayden Moore, Stuart W. Cramer William Arnold, Forestview Oliver Weidert, Forestview Maddie Borromeo, Highland School ofTechnology Logan Hawkins, Forestview Elijah Ray Simpson, Stuart W. Cramer -Livie Forbes, Highland School of Technology The following students will be visiting Peru: Paolo Sexton, Hunter Huss -DJ Perry, Gaston Early College Parker Gordon, North Gaston Daniella Saddai Gonzalez Alejos, Highland School ofTechnology Miguel Osio, North Gaston Khadyjah McCaskill, North Gaston Kenya Myles, Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences Mrs. Janna Smith presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student. Mr. Todd Hagans announced that March is designated Arts in our Schools Month and it is time to celebrate the creativity, aesthetics, pertormances and beauty associated with the fine arts. To bring attention to Arts in Our Schools Month, Mr. Hagans recognized Brandon Taylor who is the band director at East Gaston High School and the current Gaston County Teacher of the Year. Mr. Hagans also recognized Cindy Owens, the band director at' W.C. Friday Middle School, Steven Austin, the chorus director at Forestview High School and Elizabeth Covington, the art teacher. at East Gaston High School. Ms. Dot Cherry presented a Certificate of Recognition plaque to Mr. Taylor on behalf of Arts in Our Schools Month. Classroom Moment - Information Chairman Crisp recognized Dr. Bryan Denton, Executive Director of Academic Services, who shared about the Teacher Cadet program at Hunter Huss High School. Teacher Cadet is a course study offered in high Schools that exposes students to the teaching profession as a potential career. (View PowerPoint) Public Expression = Information No one signed up for Public Expression. Approva/Correction of Minutes - Action Motion to adopt minutes of February 17, 2025 (Regular Meeting) and February 28, 2025 (Legislative Meeting) as presented was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded by Mrs. Janna Smith; motion carried unanimously. (9-0) Operations Committee Report - Information Brent Moore is chair of the committee and members are Dot Cherry, Lee Dedmon and Tod Kinlaw. Chairman Crisp recognized Ms. Dot Cherry who provided a summary oftopics considered and discussed at the most recent meeting. (View Report) Curriculum & Instruction Committee Report - Information Jeff Ramsey is chair of the committee and members are Robbie Lovelace, Janna Smith and A.M. Stephens III. Chairman Crisp recognized Mrs. Janna Smith who provided a summary of topics considered and discussed at the most recent meeting. (View Report) High School Exam Schedules Spring Semester 2024-2025 Traditional High Schools and Gaston Early Colleges = Action Chairman Crisp recognized Dr. Bryan Denton who presented a PowerPoint on High School Exam Schedules Spring Semester 2024-2025. (View PowerPoint) Motion Motion was made by Mr. Jeff Ramsey; seconded by Mr. Lee Dedmon that the Board Approve High School Exam Schedules Spring Semester 2024-2025 Traditional High Schools and Gaston Early Colleges A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0) Superintendents Budget Request 2025-2026 - Information Chairman Crisp recognized Mr. Gary Hoskins who presented a PowerPoint on the Superintendents Budget Request 2025-2026. (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. AIG Plan 2025-2028 E. Summer Program Plan 2025 F. Innovation Schools Strategy G. Board Policy Updates Policy 4170 - School Assignment H. Contracts District Chromebook Refresh Classrom/Instructional Technology - New Grier Middle Google Workspace Chiller Replacement - W.A. Bess Elementary School Chiller Replacement - Bessemer City Middle School UVA PLE (Partnership for Leaders in Education) Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded by Mrs. Janna Smith motion carried unanimously. (9-0) Chairman Crisp thanked former Board Member Dot Guthrie for attending the meeting. Superintendent's Comments Superintendent Houchard thanked everyone who participated in Parent-Teacher Conferences. Superintendent Houchard thanked Board Members and others that participated in Read Across America. Superintendent Houchard reminded everyone that our Academically Gifted Department is hosting the Math Masters and Battle ofthe Books competitions for elementary schools Tuesday, March 18 through Friday, March 21. Superintendent Houchard announced the Gaston Art Show and Reception will be held on Sunday, March 23 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Loray Mill in Gastonia. The exhibit will be on display until Saturday, May 10 Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Superintendent Houchard announced that Forestview High School is hosting a Prom Closet on Saturday, March 29 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for students who are in need of a dress for the prom to get one free-of-charge. Superintendent Houchard announced the following upcoming high school theater productions: Forestview High School - "Mean Girls: High School Edition" March 27-29 at 7:00 p.m. Highland School of Technology - "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" April 3-4a at 7:00 p.m. April 5 at 2:00 p.m. Ashbrook High School - "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical" April 11-12 at 7:00 p.m. Stuart W. Cramer High School - "Once Upon a Mattress" April 11-13 at 7:00 p.m. Superintendent Houchard announced that the all-county middle school band concert will be held on Saturday, April 12 beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Holbrook Middle School auditorium. Superintendent Houchard announced that there will be an Advanced Placement (AP) exam review session at the Gaston Early College High School on Saturday, April 12 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. These sessions are designed to prepare students for their upcoming AP exams. Superintendent Houchard announced that the Star Teacher-Student Awards for the Class of 2025 will be held on Thursday, April 10 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Gaston Early College High School. This programhonors one Star Student from each high school and the Star Teacher who had a great influence on their life. Superintendent Houchard announced that due to spring break, our April Board Meeting will be held on Monday, April 14 and the committee meetings will be held on Monday, March 31. Chairman Crisp wished Mrs. Robbie Lovelace, Mr. A.M. Stephens III and Superintendent Houchard a "Happy Birthday". Closed Session Chairman Crisp asked the Board to consider going into Closed Session under, N.C.G.S. $143- 318.11(a)(3) Consultation with Attorney, N.C.G.S. $143-318.11(a)(5) Real Property and N.C.G.S. $143- 318.11(a)(6) Personnel. Motion to go into Closed Session was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Ms. Janna Smith; motion carried unanimously. (9-0) The Board went into Closed Session at 6:43 p.m. The Board returned to Open Session at 7:26 p.m. Motion The Motion was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mrs. Janna Smith that the Board Award a three-month Principal contract for the following: Stephanie Gust A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0) Superintendent Houchard announced the following principals will be placed at Innovation Schools beginning in the 2025-2026 school year: Ashbrook - Matt Rikard -B.C. Central - Anna Miller -Grier - Jessica Mellon -H.H. Beam - Beth Crosby -Hunter Huss - Kelsey Elms Lingerfeldt - Jenny Cabe Pleasant Ridge - Shawn Hubers Sherwood - Justin Beam Southwest - TBD Woodhill - Jaime Wallace Adjournment All business having been conducted, Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Lee Dedmon; seconded by Mr. Tod Kinlaw motion carried unanimously. (9-0) The Board Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Appfoved: IV n Josh Crisp, Chairman Morgén A. Houchard, Secretary [Corporate Seal] Date Approved: 4425 4/4/2025 igor prous uuR 2 Classroom Moment er te nvironn ment lerible Teacher Cadet Program Hunter HUsS High School Teacher Cadet Program A The North Carolina leacher Cadet Program is anin-state teacher recruitment and leadership program designed to create a pipeline of students to be the next generation of teachers. Offered as an Honors course, the curriculum is geared toward high school juniors and seniors in North Carolina's public school system. Employing a "Grow Our Own" philosophy, the course develops future educators at the point in their lives when they are actively exploring career choices. 1 4/4/2025 Teacher Cadet Program A Using a curriculum iInvolving nands-on teaching methods and field experiences, the program is a structured course of study that gives students a positive and realistic view of the educational orofession. P Most importantly the program encourages high school students to attend college and to eventually teach in North Carolina public schools. A The curriculum contains content to span from one, and up to four semesters, though most schools establish a Teacher - and Il over a course of two semesters. Teacher Cadet Program in GCS A Teacher Cadet has existed in Gaston County Schools for about 20 years. Over time, the program has been a part of most GCS nigh schools. There are many current GCS teachers who participated in Teacher Cadet while they were high school students. > Our planis for Teacher Cadet and other teacher- development programs to be available in all high schools moving forward. 2 4/4/2025 Teacher Cadet Program at Hunter HUSS The current teacher is Ms. Bethany Huffman. Sheisa graduate of the leacher Cadet program at Cherryville High School. > Over 20 students have oarticipated in the course this year. Hands-on field experiences this year have taken place at Robinson Elementary School. This year's program has also led to a partnership with Belmont Abbey College to help students enter their elementary education program. e - Peytann Bradley Hunter HUSS Senior 3 4/4/2025 - Teacher Cadets in action at Robinson Elementary. Teacher Cadet Video Classroom Moment Teachey cadet Program 4 4/4/2025 Thank You! 5 Gaston County Schools Operations Committee Report - March 3, 2025 The Operations Committee met at the Central Office Board Room on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. The committee consists of Chairman Brent Moore, Dot Cherry, Lee Dedmon and Tod Kinlaw. Our agenda and discussions included the following: School Assignment Policy 4170 School Assignment was presented for revision. The changes come after being vetted through a committee of administrators, parents and a final review by the Board. This policy 1s on the Consent Agenda for approval. Superintendent's Local Budget Request Mr. Hoskins will present this item later in this meeting. Infinite Campus Transition We are continuing to transition from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus which is a State driven mandate. Human Resources Department Overview and Discussion School Bond Projects for Future $110 Million Issue and Potential Property Purchase in Gaston County In addition, the following contracts were discussed by the Committee and recommended for approval on the Consent Agenda: Chiller Replacement at - W.A. Bess Elementary and Bessemer City Middle District Chromebook Refresh Clasrom/nstructional Technology - for the New Grier Middle and Google Workspace Agreement The next Operations Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, March 31 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Central Office Board Room. Gaston County Schools Curriculum & Instruction Committee Report = March 3, 2025 The Curriculum & Instruction Committee met at the Central Office Board Room on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. The committee consists of Chairman Jeff Ramsey, Robbie Lovelace, Janna Smith and A.M. Stephens III. Our agenda discussions included the following: Student Support Services Report and Policy - -Policy 4170 School Assignment. This policy is on the Consent Agenda for approval. Academic Services Department Updates -Principal and Teacher Support: Unpacking Documents aligned to focus areas and pathways. Spring 2025 Exam Schedules -This item will be presented later in this meeting. -2025 Read to Achieve Summer Camp Potential Property Purchase in Gaston County The following items are on the Consent Agenda for approval: Innovation Schools Strategy -AIG Plan 2025-2028 -Summer Program Plan 2025 The next Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, March 31 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Central Office Board Room. 4/4/2025 High School Exam Schedules Spring Semester 2024-2025 Spring 2024-2025 Exam Schedule Tradifional High Schools Time Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday May 15, 2025 May 16, 2025 Mayl 19,2 2025 May 20, 2025 May2 21,2025 8:30 12:00 1-period EOC, 2", period EOC, CTE 3"periodE EOC, CTE 4", period EOC, CTE Make- up EOC, CTE CTE and andt teacher- made andt teacherr made andt teacher-n made andt teacher-r made teacher-madee exams exams exams exams exams 12:00 1:00 Continuation of Continuation of Continuation of Continuation of Bagl Lunch & Amplet time EOC Ample time EOC Ample time EOC Ample time EOC Dismiss sessions sessions sessions sessions Bagl Lunch & Dismiss Bag! Lunch & Dismiss Bag! Lunch & Dismiss Bag Lunch & Dismiss Make-up EOC, CTE andt teacher-r made exams 1:00 - Regular Make-up EOC, CTE Make-up EOC, CTE Make- up EOC, CTE Make- -upE EOC, CTE Make-upE EOC, Dismissall Time andt teacher-n made andt teacher made andt teacherr made andt teacher- made CTE and exams exams exams exams teacherr made *Allt times are exams approximations Teachersf finalize grades, close outs semester 1 4/4/2025 Spring 2024-2025 Exam Schedule Early Colleges Time Monday, Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday May1 12, 2025 Mayl 13,2 2025 May 14,2 2025 May 15, 2025 May1 16, 2025 9:00 12:00 1 period" EOC and 2" period" EOC and 3"period" EOC and 4"p period" EOC and Make-up EOC and teacher made exams teacher made exams teacher made exams teacher made exams teacher-made exams 12:00 1:00 Continuation of Continuation of Ample Continuation of Continuation of Make-up EOC and Ample cime EOC time EOC: sessions Ample time EOC Ample time EOC teacher-made exams sessions sessions sessions Bag Lunch & Dismiss Bag Lunch & Dismiss Bag! Lunch & Dismiss Bag Lunch & Dismiss 1:00 Regular Make- up EOC and Make- up EOC and Make- up EOC and Make- up EOC and Make- up EOC and Dismissal Time teacher made exams teacher made exams teacher- made exams teacher made exams teacherr made exams *Allt times are approximations "Subjectt toc changet basedo on Early Collegea and Gaston Collegee exams schedule 2 3/17/2025 Board of Education Meeting Superintendenf's Budget Request Central Office Board Room March 17, 2025 DUCAINT Budget Calendar January 30 = Board of Education (BOE) Retreat January and February = Gather Information from Directors and Department Supervisors March 17 - Present Superintendent's Budget Request to BOE April 1 = Joint Meeting with County 6 commissioners 0 to Discuss Budget Request > 1 3/17/2025 Budget Calendar April 14 - GCS Board to Approve Budget Request April = Deliver GCS Budget Request to County April/May = County Approves Local Budget June 16 = BOE Approves Balanced Interim Budget June to September = BOE approves Final Budget Resolution After State Budget is Approved County Funding Types of County Funding for GCS Operating Funds Capital Maintenance Funds School Bond Proceeds and Payments County School Resource Officers Commissioners School 2 3/17/2025 County Funding Types of County Funding for GCS Operating Funds Capital Maintenance Funds poory Superintendent's d Budget Request 2025-2026 BUDGET REQUEST Will be Presented for 2025-2026 Approval by the MorgenA. Superintendent Houchord, Ed.D. Board of Education 9430 Osceola Gostonio, 28053 PO.E Box 1397 on April 14th. ww.gostonkl2ncus 0000 3 3/17/2025 GASTON COUNTY AT A GLANCE SCHOOLS 1,950 31,011 ClassroomTeachers PEEECS High hool 7,720 CTE Credentials Students 56 earned bys students in 15,000 2022-2023 Schools Students Daily Transported Met torexceeded academic growthe expectations 10th Scholarship tograduates money tot offered the 86.7% 27 schools Largest: thes School State Dis strix Class of2024:Moret than Graduation $28.3 million Rate Number of Graduates int the Classof2024 59 Moreth 2,229 Different 3,800 17 uogesSpoker Students Employees Schgol gaCNegnt Choice 3,039 1.9 million Breakfasts 1:1 C 3.7 million Lunches Served Annually Student to 2nd Average YearsofExperienc for Teachers Mobile Device Largest 8.6 Ratio Employeri in Gaston County Child Nutrition Revenues by Source 6% Capital State 15% 58% State $220,909,905 County $56,401,704 Special Revenue Federal $5,653,326 5% Federal Special Revenue $20,475,555 1% Capital $56,136,406 County Child Nutrition $21,798,500 15% Total $381,375,396 4 3/17/2025 poor d Historical Data Student Count County Appropriation HISTORICAL Charter School Payments INFORMATION Teacher Supplements Local per PPE Ranking Peer Group Funding Student Count 5-Year History Gaston County Schools Charter Schools 2020-2021 30,975 3,433 34,408 2021-2022 31,028 3,707 34,735 2022-2023 30,431 3,944 34,375 2023-2024 30,341 4,233 34,574 2024-2025 29,928 4,149 34,077 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 Source: NCDPI Allotment System *These numbers do noti include Pre-Kindergarten Students 5 3/17/2025 County Appropriation 5-Year History Gaston County Schools Charter Schools 2020-2021 $44,736,842 $49,811,704 2021-2022 $45,908,948 $51,501,704 2022-2023 $46,506,442 $52,501,704 2023-2024 $46,392,411 $53,001,704 2024-2025 $48,951,704 $55,601,704 / / / / / Charter School Payments 5-Year History 2020-2021 $5,074,862 2021-2022 $5,592,756 2022-2023 $5,995,262 2023-2024 $6,609,293 2024-2025 $6,650,000 (EST) / / / / / / 6 3/17/2025 Local Supplements - Certified Employees 5- Year History 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 Local Supplements Paid to Employees $6,193,029 $6,216,047 $6,413,867 $7,185,213 $7,501,433 FICA - Employee Contribution $473,767 $475,528 $490,661 $549,669 $573,860 Retirement - Employer Contribution $1,220,027 $1,347,639 $1,468,134 $1,760,377 $1,876,859 Total Amount of Local $7,886,823 $8,039,214 $8,372,662 $9,495,259 $9,952,152 Supplement Local Per Pupil Expenditure Ranking* 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 Brunswick County Schools 19 13 20 16 20 Iredell- Statesville: Schools 70 54 55 41 29 Union County 30 37 32 36 37 Onslow County 42 34 68 67 39 Johnston County Schools 74 85 82 68 44 Cabarrus County Schools 39 30 33 46 48 Cleveland County Schools 68 46 53 52 76 Lincoln County Schools 83 80 92 87 79 Catawba County Schools 66 71 81 86 80 Gaston County Schools 71 70 84 85 85 Alamance County 57 55 62 55 89 Source: DPI Table 25 Per Pupil Expenditure Ranking (Child Nutrition Excluded) *Out of 115 School Districts in thes State of North Carolina 7 3/17/2025 Peer Group Local Funding Comparison County Per Capita K-12 Property K-12 Property Funding/ Tax Income Funding Tax Levy Levy Gaston $49,674 $53,000,000 $202,400,000 26.2% Peer Group Alamance-Burington $48,980 $48,800,000 $109,100,000 44.7% Brunswick County $58,281 $54,400,000 $172,100,000 31.6% Cabarrus County $54,754 $97,500,000 $239,700,000 40.7% Catawba County $55,223 $44,000,000 $121,600,000 36.2% Cleveland County $45,126 $28,397,362 $77,200,000 36.8% Iredel-Statesville $64,437 $72,000,000 $204,200,000 35.3% Johnston County $49,672 $88,500,000 $189,600,000 46.7% Lincoln County $58,227 $26,800,000 $94,700,000 28.3% Onslow County $51,585 $73,997,000 $137,239,000 53.9% Union County $67,641 $122,700,000 $235,600,000 52.1% Average Peer Group $55,393 $65,709,436 $158,103,900 41.6% GCL Less Average -$5,719 $12,709,436 $44,296,100 -15.4% Peer Group Source: NCACC County Map Book, 2024 Use of County Funds Salary supplements - Teachers, Principals and APs Maintenance and custodial personnel Supplies and materials S Student technology Utilities and insurance OPERATING School Resource Officers REQUEST Athletics and arts programs Charter school payments 8 3/17/2025 Use of County Funds Purpose Code and Description FY2024 25 Increase FY2025 26 Actual Budget Over FY 2024-25 Funding Request 51000 Regular Instructional Services $ 12,008,150 $ 4,090,185 $ 16,098,335 52000 Special Populations Services 1,646,217 1,646,217 53000 Alternative Programs and Services 291,538 291,538 54000 School Administration Services 4,806,218 93,348 4,899,566 55000 Co-Curricular: Services 1,432,546 38,078 1,470,624 58000 School Based Support Services 2,014,932 21,377 2,036,309 61000 System-wide Support Services 1,258,067 52,552 1,310,619 62000 Special Population Support Services 53,070 53,070 63000 Alternative Programs and Services 160,845 3,835 164,680 64000 Technology Support Services 2,872,044 2,173,437 5,045,481 65000 Operational: Support Services 15,365,390 186,791 15,552,181 66000 Financial & Human Resource Services 2,996,100 75,899 3,071,999 67000 Accountability Services 296,908 14,486 311,394 68000 System-wide Pupil Support Services 594,556 26,840 621,396 69000 Policy and Leadership 2,205,123 48,172 2,253,295 81000 Payments to Charter Schools 6,300,000 500,000 6,800,000 90000 Capital Outiay-Chromebooks 2,100,000 (2,100,000) Total Expenses $ 56,401,704 $ 5,225,000 $ 61,626,704 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 salarylsupplement increases, etc. that are supportive of the Gaston County Schools mission and vision orare requiredby aw. 9 3/17/2025 Gaston County Schools FY 2025-2026 Local Funding Expansion Request Gaston County Schools Funding Request Expenditures Recommendation Item Ongoing New Total Ongoing Expenditures Inflation Supplies and Contracted Services $ 315,000 $ 315,000 State Increase in Employee Compensation 540,000 540,000 State Increase in Employer Paid Benefits 770,000 770,000 New Expenditures Teacher Salary Supplement Increase 3,600,000 3,600,000 Total $1,625,000 $3,600,000 $5,225,000 Operating Request $315,000 Inflation Supplies and Contracted Services 2024 core inflation rate of2.5% 2025 projected core inflation rate of 2.0% 2025 projected supplies and contracted services of $15.7M 10 3/17/2025 Operating Request $540,000 State Increase in Employee Compensation There is no State budget for 2025-26 The State increased employee compensation by 3% for FY 2024-25 We are budgeting a 3% increase for 2025-26 Local payroll is projected to be $17.9M Operating Request $770,000 State Increase in Employer Paid Benefits There is no State budget for 2025-26 Historically the State increased employer health insurance premiums by 7% and retirement contributions by 5% We are budgeting comparable increases for 2025-26 11 3/17/2025 Operating Request $3,600,000 Teacher Salary Supplement Increase Increases have averaged $500,000 per year The average teacher supplement of $3,860 is well below similar school districts An increase of $3.6M will align GCS with similar school districts Peer Group Teacher Supplement Funding Comparison School District County Per Capita Average Teacher School District Income Salary Supplement Rank (out of 115) Gaston County $49,674 $3,860 68 Peer Group Alamance-Burlington $48,980 $6,568 20 Brunswick County $58,281 $6,839 18 Cabarrus County $54,754 $6,481 23 Catawba County $55,223 $4,668 62 Cleveland County $45,126 $6,017 31 Iredel-Statesville $64,437 $4,384 69 Johnston County $49,672 $6,507 22 Lincoln County $58,227 $5,909 35 Onslow County $51,585 $5,610 42 Union County $67,641 $5,242 50 Average Peer Group $55,393 $5,740 39 GCS Less Average Peer Group -$5,719 -$1,880 29 Additional Teacher Funding Needed $3,652,192 12 3/18/2025 Capital Maintenance Request Brstor 5.1M Sq feet of schoolloffice d space Current funding $0.44 per CAPITAL sq. foot ($2.2M) MAINTENANCE - Peer group median funding REQUEST $1.35 per Sq. foot ($6.9M) 75% 40+ years old Age of School Buildings 40.00% 30.00% Weighted Number of Average. Age Schools (Years) 20.00% 20.76% 0-9 2 10-19 2 10.00% 20-29 5 9.439% 7.55% 9.43% 7.55% 30-39 4 40-49 11 3.77% 3.77% 50-59 0.00% 20 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+ 60-69 5 Weighted. Average Age 70+ 4 (Years) Total 53 13 3/17/2025 Capital Maintenance Request $4,000,000 Capital Maintenance and Repairs Capital maintenance funding has been flat at $2.2M over the past four years Targeted funding of $6.9M Begin at $4.OM next year, then $5.5M in 2026- 27 and $6.9M in 2027-28 % Request Summary Boior d Operating Request of $60.8 million compared to $55.6 million FUNDING Capital Maintenance REQUEST Request of $4.0 million SUMMARY compared to $2.2 million Total increase of $7.0 million 14 3/17/2025 Request Summary Operating Funds Adopted Budget Funding Request 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026 Sources of Revenue: Gaston County Appropriation $ 49,811,704s 51,501,704 $ 52,501,704 $ 53,001.704 $ 53,501,704 $ 60,826,704 Student Chromebooks(I) 2,100,000 Finesa andF Forfeitures 700,000 700,000 700,000 700,000 700,000 700,000 Interest 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 Fund Balance Appropriated Revenue $50,561,704 $52,251,704 $53,251,704 $53,751,704 $56,401,704 $61,626,704 Expenses $50,561,704 $52,251,704 $53,251,704 $53,751,704 $56,401,704 $61,626,704 Capital Adopted Budget Funding Request Maintenance Funds 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026 Sources of Revenue: County Capital Outlay (1) s 1,227,000 s 2,227,000 $ 2,227,000 s 2,227,000 s 2,227,000 $ 4,000,000 Stater Funds Reveune $1,227,000 $2,227,000 $2,227,000 $2,227,000 $2,227,000 $4,000,000 Expenses $1,227,000 $2,227,000 $2,227,000 $2,227,000 $2,227,000 $4,000,000 (1) Student Chromebook purchases were provided to GCS as County Capital Outlay in FY2 2024-2025. Itist being reported herea as Gaston County Appropriation: since iti is not a capital asset. Discussien 15