AG 1999 04 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

December 21, 1998 Education Goal: ADM Allocation - Commissioner Privette Commissioner Privette proposed that the Board set a goal to raise the County's School Current Expense allocation based upon the Average Daily Membership (ADM) to the State average of $973.00 per student. According to Commissioner Privette, Cabarrus County is the third most economic progressive county in the State but ranks 56th in the ADM allocation. Commissioner Fennel made a motion to set a goal for the budget for FY 1999-2000 to meet the State average of $973.00 ADM allocation per student. There was discussion by Board members regarding such issues as the differing ADM figures for school funding; County funding for capital outlay, debt service, technology and grounds maintenance; the need for adequate books for students; the lack of information showing the direct correlation between amount of local funding and performance in the schools; the need to work more closely with the school boards concerning school funding issues; and capital needs and technology needs of the schools. Commissioner Fennel made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter, to set a goal to work toward the State average ADM allocation for Cabarrus County and to review the issue at the retreat. Commissioner Casper made a substitute motion that this Board collectively with the school boards work to ascertain the necessary funding figures to achieve the educational goal to which we aspire and to focus on need in the schools. The substitute motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Clifton commented on his responsibility as County Manager to develop a balanced budget for presentation to the Board. He explained the County provides funding to the Schools; however, he stated it is the School Board's responsibility for determining how the allocated funds are spent. Commissioner Casper read into the record the following figures for Cabarrus County provided by the County's Finance Officer. Current Expense $ Capital Outlay $ Debt Service $ School Start Up Costs $ Harrisburg School $ Total $1,666 ADM 810 00 per student 124 00 per student 586 38 per student 21 46 per student 124 77 Der student 61 per student UPON SUBSTITUTE MOTION of Chairman Barnhart, seconded by Commissioner Casper and unanimously carried, the Board agreed to take the school ADM funding issue up at the retreat and that the Board set a goal that it thinks is obtainable, realistic and achievable for school funding within a relatively reasonable amount of time.