HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0295 (2)high quality teacher in every classroom, a strong principal in every school, and the resources
(supplies, material, equipment, etc.) to teach the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
"The problem in Iredell County and in every county in North Carolina is that county
budgets have to make up the difference between what the state is funding and what is required to
meet these mandates. At one time, counties had primary responsibility for construction and
maintenance costs for schools. Over time, the state has pushed costs for utilities, teacher pay,
and unfunded mandates to county governments. Nationally, over 25% of K-12 funding rests
with local governments. In North Carolina, most counties dedicate over 30% of their budget to
education. In counties with increased needs for school construction, the amount can be over
40%.
"Our challenge as a county and as a school system is to make wise decisions about how
to handle this situation. Certainly, we can complain about the state and national unfunded
mandates and how the Governor and legislators are passing the responsibility to local budgets,
however, this approach does not educate our children.
"Should you adopt the county manager's recommendation of a 2% increase rather than
the traditional 5% increase, make no doubt about impact. Programs for children in Iredell-
Statesville Schools will be severely impacted. While we have no choice with many of the
required increases, the Iredell-Statesville Schools administration will recommend to the Board of
Education that we continue our push to increase the local teacher's supplement to meet and
exceed the state average of $2700. We are currently below that average with a local supplement
average of $2300. The $700,000 proposed increase in the FY05 budget will help us close the
gap. We must close that gap. To recruit a high quality teacher for every classroom, we need that
tool. A high quality teacher in every classroom is our first priority.
"Couple our recommendation and $700,000 less than expected from the county, with a
$700,000 redirection from the state, and unfunded mandates from state and federal programs,
there will be a direct negative impact on children and the programs that support teaching and
learning. The administration will recommend that the Board of Education freeze all vacancies in
support positions such as nurses, social workers, counselors, psychologists, media, custodians,
maintenance, transportation, technology and secretaries. Hopefully, there will be enough
retirements and resignations to avoid a reduction in force. However, current numbers indicate a
reduction in force may be likely.
"As superintendent, I am uncertain if the Board of Education will accept this freeze on
hiring. Because the reduction in funding proposal from the County Manager was presented on
May 21 to my office, the Board of Education has not had an opportunity to meet and discuss the
issues. It is my hope that the Board of Commissioners will recognize the certain negative impact
of this approach on the students of Iredell-Statesville Schools and restore the funding levels to
the traditional 5%.
"Another concern is that the county manager's budget will have a long-term adverse
affect on the recruitment of quality industry to our county. While education is not always the top
concern of companies looking to invest in a county, it is certainly a major concern. In a time of
expansion of companies like Lowe's, the airport, and rapid residential growth in our county, now
is the wrong time to signal anything other than strong support for schools.
"Best wishes during your very difficult deliberation on the many issues you have to deal
with in county funding."
Dr. Cash said that pertaining to capital needs, the system was still standing by the task
force's recommendation. He suggested that a committee, composed of the chairman of the
commissioners, along with the board of education chairman, and others, be created for the
purpose of (1) reviewing creative funding approaches and (2) to prioritize the needs.
Chairman Johnson expressed his willingness to assist. He mentioned, however, that the
county was experiencing a downturn in revenues. Johnson said the county had been fortunate in
the past because the recessions had been "shallow," and that this area had been capable of