HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2161 (2)along with Finance Director William Barnard, Director of Personnel Lucy Martin, Construction
Manager Don Atkinson, and Maintenance Director Steve McDonald.
Long cited several needs. In particular, he mentioned school buses and sewer/septic system
needs.
Dr. Sinclair said the I -S system was one of the fastest growing in the state. A large portion
of the budget is for personnel. The system budgeted for a seven percent increase•, however, it was
recently discovered the General Assembly was budgeting seven and ane -half percent. He said
energy costs were a big expense along with mobile units. Twenty new units are projected for next
year. He said the system was budgeting for a half percent supplement since it was becoming more
difficult to recruit teachers. In order to comply with the Southern Accreditation criteria, more books
are needed for the libraries. Another increasing expense is hospitalization costs
Sinclair went on to say that 70°/a of the school budget was dependent upon General Assembly
legislation. He mentioned that 45 teachers were paid locally.
Barnard explained newer teachers were paid out of the local money. The system did this so
the state could reimburse for the instructors having the highest salaries.
Mrs. Martin said locally paid teachers were treated the same as others. A benefits package
is being worked on with the Chamber of Commerce to aid in teacher recruitment.
Mashburn asked for a clarification on the new teachers being paid out of local money. Dr.
Sinclair said the Southern Accreditation Association had a stipulation about this. He added that
not all school systems were accredited; but it was beneficial because colleges looked for this when
determining if a student would be admitted.
Dr. Sinclair said he was proud to say that all graduation ceremonies were held outside this
year and were orderly. Due to the recent incidences of school violence in the nation, Sinclair said
school officials were encouraging the "state level" to enact tougher measures. There is one proposal
wherein if a student threatens a school with violence there could be an immediate 365 -day
suspension.
Long said the school system was requesting ten, new buses (one would be an activity bus)
to accommodate growth. The cost would be $50,000 per bus. He said the I -S system was ranked
#1 in the state for school bus efficiency. School systems have to initially purchase the buses, but
after this, the state replaces them. Fleet replacements are based on mileage and service records.
Barnard said the system had 169 buses in the fleet.
Atkinson said a nitrogen removal system was needed for North High, West High, and West
Middle. The Environmental Protection Agency has been monitoring the grounds and found too
much ammonia. The State of North Carolina has agreed to work with the school system and not
fine as long as there is a plan in place to correct the problem.
Mr. Atkinson said the system was working with Service Master and looking at the costs of
purchasing the maintenance equipment.
Commissioner Bowles asked about personnel since the Service Master contract had not been
renewed. Barnard said the school system had this "covered." He acknowledged, however, the
school system had not purchased maintenance supplies in five years and things would be different.
Commissioner Fortner asked about teacher supplements.
Barnard gave the following information.