5-23-22 BOC Budget Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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$9,000,000 was provided to staff for retention bonuses to certified and classified staff. The State also gave staff a 5% increase for State-paid teachers and the Schools are waiting on biennium information for salary adjustment information in the next budget. Local staff also received a pay raise of 5% as a result of modifications to the budget. County Manager John Crumpton noted that raises paid out of one-time ESRI funds will eventually become the County's responsibility to fund. Teachers are paid either by the State or local funds. ESRI funding will run out in September 2024, which is an issue when these funds are applied to reoccurring expenses. Dr. Crumpton provided information regarding the primary statutory responsibilities of County funding to Schools which mainly applies to facilities. If the State gives raises, the Board of Education typically comes to the County to ask for consideration to match the increase the state provided for the locally paid staff. The percent of COLAs is higher than it usually is as a result of inflation. The Schools' Capital Improvements Program (CIP) requests identified repairs needed at Southern Lee and Lee County High Schools, as well as East and West Lee Middle Schools. Lee County High School's auditorium is in need of repair and Southern Lee High School has never had an auditorium. The gyms at West and East Lee Middle Schools would provide additional space in renovations and upgrades to provide better facilities for learning for students at the school level and the community. Commissioner Reives said that the first obligation is to the children and to help the teachers when possible. Dr. Crumpton said in the CIP he recommends borrowing to cover the projects. East and West Lee Middle Schools were both constructed in 1978 and the purpose of the renovation is to maintain a safe environment. Schools Maintenance Director Chris McNeil said the basketball courts are not full-size courts and the bleachers are inadequate for games. The renovations would give another locker room and some classrooms to help with physical education classes. The number in the CIP would likely need to be updated to reflect current prices for construction and repair work. Adding two new gymnasiums with state of the art science classrooms would allow additional space for the band program in the old gym and would improve the overall picture for the two schools. Chairman Bowen asked the Commissioners to consider their people and places. She said if they can recruit teachers to stay longer by increasing supplement, the intent is to show that people are supported. Quality and capacity are also important. Per the Department of Public Instruction, Lee County currently ranks 17 out of 116 school districts in teacher supplement pay. The School Board and staff departed at 6:37 p.m. Central Carolina Community College Dr. Lisa Chapman and Dr. Phillip Price were present representing Central Carolina Community College. Dr. Chapman said it's important to be a first-class opportunity for residents and a major workforce supporter for current and future employers. There are two major ways needed to be effective and that is in governance and in engagement with the community. Customized training for business along with partnerships with the community through the Small Business Center are also important. The Community College is looking at strategic initiatives to reengage adult learners. Dr. Price said in past college budget requests, the college has been very conservative. The proposed budget is the reality of what is needed at this time. The request is $3.9 million for the next fiscal year, representing an increase of$500,000 with most of the 2