BC 2014 06 20 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

June 20, 2014 (Special Meeting) Page 2104 respective staff concerning the appropriate funding levels for the schools, both capital outlay and expense allocation. He further advised, collectively, the Board of Commissioners has demonstrated school funding is a priority for the county. As evidence of that, he said earlier in the year, the Board of Commissioners voted to move $29 million of unallocated reserves into a capital fund for the schools. He stated the County Commission has had questions in regards to the cost for new schools. The Commission's perspective on the amount of funding was that the allocated funds for school construction were appropriate until further need was demonstrated. He said it is his understanding, from staff, that there is a certain amount of funding that has been allocated for maintenance costs that have never been expended. He remarked this is an issue that needs to be discussed in this context. In addition, there is a considerable fund balance the schools presently have that should be used or earmarked for some of these costs and expenses. He concluded stating, the Board of Commissioners is here, pursuant to the statute, to sit down and discuss these issues and hopefully come to an agreement. Mr. Craven opened up the mediation for discussion. Ms. Stone requested an explanation of a revision for an additional allotment for the charter schools that was included in the County's adopted budget. There was discussion regarding the calculation to determine funding for charter schools. During discussion, Attorney Stone stated, according to CCS's records, the county is $600,000.U0 short for funding charter schools. Following discussion, Mr. Craven asked if there was an understanding, if not necessarily of the exact number, but of a structure of an agreement on funding from the county for the charter school component of the operating request. Ms. Stone responded in the affirmative. She stated CC5 is requesting funding for the true number of charter school students. Mr. Craven asked if there is an understanding such that it can be worked out in a written memorandum between the two finance professionals involved. Mr. Koch advised a discussion would need to be held by the Board of Commissioners to see if they would be willing to agree. There was further discussion. During discussion Ms. Dubois explained the formula and process that determines the number of charter school students. BOE Chairman Kiger reiterated the DOE will be satisfied with funding for the true number of charter school students. It was determined more time would be needed to calculate those numbers. Mr. Craven suggested the boards move into working groups to deal with the numbers. Chairman Poole inquired regarding other topics in need of discussion. DOE Chairman Kiger suggested addressing the other large issues before the boards move into working groups. Ms. Stone stated the DOE would like clarification on the changes made during Monday's meeting to the additional building maintenance allowance. She requested an explanation as to why CCS's $1.2 million request for an increase in their operating budget to cover continuation costs was not fully funded. It was clarified the amount needs to be adjusted due to the delay of a new school opening. She requested candid discussion regarding CCS's capital outlay request. Copies of CCS's budget request were distributed to the Board of Commissioners and staff. p.m. Commissioner Morris left the meeting at 2:32 p.m. He returned at 2:35 Chairman Kiger noted a gap in funding for the new schools per the amounts requested by CCS for the construction of those facilities. He also reminded of the need to address leaking roofs. Mr. Craven suggested breaking into working groups to discuss the issues.