Administrative Matters
Sandy Ellington-Graves shared a reminder about a scheduled work session on July 22 at 12:30. The Board of Education is moving forward with the superintendent search and the board is well-positioned to adhere to the timeline previously announced.
Budget Discussion (Information Only)
Dr. Harrison expressed appreciation to the board of commissioners and respect for the work they do. He recapped the recommended deficit reductions shared previously and what ABSS included in the continuation budget. Commissioners appropriated $54.3 million, a difference of $4.8 million between what we asked for and what we received. With commissioners reallocating technology expenses to capital outlay, a reduction in some maintenance contracts, and cutting 3 vacant hvac positions, ABSS is just shy of $800,000 in filling the gap between county appropriations and the ABSS request.
Dr. Harrison presented ideas for consideration to the board to reduce the funding shortfall:
Student services personnel vacancies
Eleven unfilled vacancies in the Student Services division would save $825,000.
Currently there are 3 vacancies.
Central Services position cuts could save $200,000.
Reduction in SRO positions would require conversations with the jurisdictions but currently ABSS funds SROs at $75,000 per position.
ABSS has 1 officer in each elementary school, but could reduce officers in half to save $750,000 or a reduction to 10 months of employment would save $500,000.
The current House of Representatives budget proposal shows a potential 4.4% increase and there may be an increase larger than the 3% in the current biennial budget. If an increase is passed, then our estimated 3% budget increase won’t be enough. ABSS could “hold” the supplement on the 23-24 supplement scale which would save $755,000. Teachers would not lose any supplement; the increase in supplement could be delayed for this budget year. ABSS can’t finalize the budget until the General Assembly completes their state budget. Dr. Harrison closed by saying that these are several suggestions to bridge the shortfall with a budget that is 90% people-based.
Budget Amendment June 24, 2024
Revonda Johnson shared the second budget amendment for the school year and announced the district is working on closing out the year by the end of June. The budget amendment was approved.
Insurance Renewal
The board approved a recommendation presented by Revonda Johnson for renewal of district insurance policies for next year. ABSS has had 101 worker’s compensation claims this year; insurance rate for worker’s compensation will go up.
Amended Deficit Reduction Plan
The board approved an amended deficit reduction plan that included one addition as presented by Yolanda Anderson.
Curriculum
The board approved a field trip request for Southern Alamance FFA members to attend the annual FFA summer student leadership camp opportunity July 29-August 2. The program is funded by CTE funds at no cost to students.
Student Services Records Requests Fees
The board approved a recommendation from Dr. Kristy Davis, Chief Student Services Officer, to increase fees for online records requests to cover costs to complete student transcripts, etc. There has been no increase in these fees since 2013.
Gifts for the District (Over $29,000)
Pleasant Grove Elementary School received a donation in the amount of $1,000.00 to purchase items for students' end-of-the year ceremonies and to purchase teacher resources for summer planning.
Southern Alamance High School FFA Chapter received a donation in the amount of $2,000.00 from Alamance County Farm Bureau for FFA supplies, classroom horticulture, and natural resources.
The Elon Fire Department donated $5,452.72 to ABSS Exceptional Children classrooms to purchase classroom supplies for students.
EM Holt Elementary School received a donation in the amount of $1,485.00 to cover the outstanding balance for Child Nutrition.
Harvey R. Newlin Elementary and Southern Middle School each received a $10,000.00 dollar grant from the Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation, Sports Matter Program to be used to support youth sports.
Operations
Greg Hook, Chief Operations Officer, shared a proposal to dispose of two 1997 mobile classroom units at Eastern High School through the GovDeals sale platform. There is a cost to demolish the units onsite if not saleable. Ryan Bowden suggested that local fire departments may be interested in demolishing the units for training purposes.
Mr. Hook shared an update on the Graham Middle School roofing project. The roofing engineer determined that the existing roof decking is unsuitable for the new roofing system to be attached, so a redesign for complete demolition and replacement of roof decking in a portion of the project will be required.
The board approved a contract for $85,000 for REI Engineers to provide contract administration for the Western Middle School roofing project.
Board/Superintendent Comments
Board members remarked on the tough budget year and appreciation for the commissioners for their budget support and investment in children and the community’s future. Several board members commented on the pleasure of attending graduation events. Chairman Ellington-Graves shared remarks about contracts signed regarding emergency mold remediation in order to get students back in school as quickly as possible at the beginning of the 23-24 school year.