BC 1998 12 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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118 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 ADM $ 810.00 per student $ 124.00 per student $ 586.38 per student $ 21.46 per student $ 124.77 per student $1,666.61 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. Schedulinq a Recessed Meetinq on January 20 for a Presentation by James W. Cogdell Concerninq Fundinq for Education - Commissioner Privette Commissioner Privette proposed that the Board meet with Mr. James W. Cogdell at 12:00 noon on January 20 concerning education financing. Mr. Cogdell served as Chairman of a Task Force that studied the financing of education in Mecklenburg County. It was suggested that the meeting with Mr. Cogdell be included as a part of the upcoming Board retreat and that the school boards be invited to participate in the meeting. Chairman Barnhart requested Commissioner Privette to try to set up the meeting with Mr. Cogdell for the retreat; however, the Board set a tentative meeting on January 20 if Mr. Cogdell is not available for the retreat. Commissioner Carpenter advised that she would be providing information to the Board members and the School Board members regarding the flex school system. Board Representation on Interview Panel for Selection of County Extension Director UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner Casper and unanimously carried, the Board named the County Manager as the Board's representative on the interview panel for the selection of the County Extension Director. Review of the Appointment Policy to Boards and Committees/Discussion of Appointments - Chairman Barnhart Chairman Barnhart questioned the Board's feelings about the existing Appointment Policy. If the Board is content with continuing the policy, he recommended the addition of the following statement to the Policy as Section B. (2). ~Any appointee whose term has expired may continue to serve until such time a new appointment is made by the County Commissioners."