BC 2006 03 13 WORK SESSION - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

March 13, 2006 - Agenda Work Session Page 525 Ms. Poole and Sam Masters, Cabarrus County Schools Construction, responded to a variety of questions such as contingency funds, construction costs per square foot, core construction schedules, etc. Director of the use of capacities, Jim presented costs for Amendum, Cabarrus County Schools Assistant Superintendent, the following information on the critical land needs and estimated 2008 - 2011 based on the Schools' IS-year Facility Plan. 2010 - 2011 140 $7 Million NO. of Schools 2 Elementary Schools 1 Middle School 1 Alternative Program 1 High School 3 Elementary Schools 1 Middle School Funding Cycle 2008 - 2009 Acreage 200 Cost $11 Million There was a brief discussion on land banking and the need to secure property for future schools. The Board also addressed the following issues: the increasing number of housing units; continuing population growth; school financing options; percentage of "English as a Second Language" (ESL) students compared to non-ESL students; and the large increase in the Hispanic population. Commissioner Privette commented on the number of Hispanics living in one house and the increasing number of housing units being approved in Cabarrus County. He stated the Board should start looking at the school adequacy amount if the current $4,034.00 was insufficient rather than putting the burden on senior citizens and working families. He reported Union County officials were looking at $20,000.00 for that county's school adequacy amount. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Carpenter, seconded by Commissioner Privette and unanimously carried, the Board voted to place the request for additional funding for General Obligation School Bond Projects on the March 20, 2006 Agenda. Mr. Day reported the Kannapolis City Schools had requested additional capital funding of $750,000.00 ($300,000.00 for completion of the A. L. Brown Auditorium renovations and $450,000.00 for Shady Brook Elementary School project). This request will be included on the March 20th Agenda. Recess of Meeting At 5:11 p.m., Chairman Carruth recessed the work session for a short break. He reconvened the meeting at 5:28 p.m. Tischler Study Mr. Day reported that Jonathan Marshall, Commerce Director, will be meeting with consultants from Tischler & Associates (now Tischler-Bise) later this week concerning an update to the 1996 study on Capital Costs Due to Growth. He estimated the cost of the study to be approximately $50,000.00 and stated additional information would be included in the March 20th Agenda. In regards to the advancement of school adequacy, Mr. Day stated the current contribution was 50 percent of the incurred capital costs identified in the 1996 Tischler study. He said the Board could increase the advancement of school adequacy to the full amount at any time it chose to do so. There was further discussion concerning the growth in the ESL student population, new home construction and per student cost. Board members generally agreed additional information was needed prior to considering a change in the advancement of school adequacy amount. Non-Tobacco Use Discount for Health Insurance Johanna Ray, Benefits and Wellness Coordinator, and Mark Browder, Insurance Broker with Mark III Brokerage, lnc., reviewed the proposal to reduce health insurance costs and encourage employees to be non-tobacco users by offering a 10 percent insurance premium discount ($46. OO/month) for non- tobacco users effective July 1, 2006. This discount will be offered during open enrollment (April 28, 2006 - May 12, 2006), and employees will be asked to sign an affidavit certifying whether or not they use tobacco products. Smoking cessation programs and resources will be offered to employees and retirees.