The Alamance-Burlington School System Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Dain Butler‘s recommendation Monday night to eliminate $2.8 million from local expenditures in an effort to consolidate services while focusing on our greatest asset: our people. Next year’s budget will include a 1% increase in the District’s teaching supplement, the addition of athletic trainers at each high school, and an increase in coaches' pay. The District is reducing or absorbing positions in Human Resources, Curriculum, and Operations at the Central Services level in order to fund these priorities.
This is the second significant cut made to the budget since Butler’s arrival. The first occurred in the fall of 2022 when more than $2.3 million was cut from Central Services.
“Those items that directly support classroom instruction are a priority,” Butler said.
The Board of Education has clearly expressed its priorities for teacher compensation, athletic trainers, and coaching supplement increases. Dr. Butler‘s recommendation will allow all of these to be included in the 2023-2024 budget. This budget consolidation will also allow for the local fund balance to be preserved and regenerated as the District moves forward.
“Proper funding for classroom instruction helps attract and retain talented educators who are passionate about the profession and dedicated to nurturing our students while helping them reach their full potential,” Butler added.
Teacher Supplement Increase Total: $1,300,000
Athletic Trainers at Each High School Total: $514,965
Coaching Supplement Stipend Increase Total: $180,000
TOTAL $1,995,965
The Board received an update on the District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for next year. ABSS is partnering with Alamance Community College to offer Welding at Graham High School next year and continuing its partnership with ACC to offer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) classes. The new Public Safety II class will also allow students to earn a basic 911 telecommunicator credential. More than 10,000 students participated in various CTE courses at ABSS middle and high schools this year.
Nearly 100 retirees were honored by the Board of Education. The majority of them served the District for more than 20 years. Board Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves told the retirees, “You each have touched countless lives and left your mark on our students, staff, and the entire community. We want to express our deepest appreciation for your service.”
Five bookkeepers who completed the North Carolina Association of School Business Professionals Treasures Academy were also honored. The program provides school treasurers with the tools to better understand the requirements, laws, and regulations governing the job of a North Carolina School Treasurer. Trevores Brincefield at Broadview Middle, Pamela Deleon at Highland Elementary, Tammy Henderson at Western High, Linda Rushin at Alexander Wilson Elementary, Sheila Scotten at Elon Elementary, and Candi Watlington, Accounts Manager in Child Nutrition earned the manager’s academy certification.
Longtime Board member Patsy Simpson, who announced her plans to retire earlier this year, was also recognized for her many years of service. She has served since 2008 including three years as vice-chair. Simpson expressed her initial motivation for running for the position, which was to advocate for individuals she believed were not adequately represented. Throughout her tenure, she considered this objective fulfilled and said she believed she was leaving ABSS having made a lasting impact. As a token of appreciation, Simpson was presented with a special commemorative plaque and a North Carolina flag from Governor Roy Cooper, recognizing her invaluable contributions.
